As we begin the new year, we would like to challenge our Drivers, Tank Washers and Mechanics to think about ways to help improve our safety performance and record.  We are asking each one of you to do a safety assessment of what you do every day and send me your suggestions on how we can improve to make this our best safety year.

For example:

•  Work area….is it a safe area to work in? Drivers, assess the routes you are taking, or a customer location…..is it safe to unload?  Is there fall protection? 

•  Near Misses…..This is where there is potential for an accident/injury that may occur or one that your actions prevented – how can this potential be eliminated?

•  PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)…..we have had a couple of eye injuries because of not wearing proper eye protection. When there is a potential to get splashed, the only suitable eye protection equipment are goggles and a face shield. The proper PPE is your protection against injury. When an injury occurs without the use of PPE, we always hear “I should have had it on.” So, before you load or unload, do a Safety Assessment on a worst case scenario:

• What would happen if a loading arm loosened and splashed product on me

• What if a hose came loose while I was pumping, Where would I be….in the line of fire to be splashed?

• Did you locate the Safety Shower before you start Loading/Unloading and what is your escape route?

• DO NOT TAKE CHANCES WITH YOUR SAFETY…..this is a new year.  Let’s take an inventory of our PPE to ensure if it is    worn, contaminated with product, or is just plain dirty. If so, see your manager and get it replaced.

Reminder – the TSC/DOT cell phone use policy is located in the Driver Operations Manual, Section 4, Communications and states:  “Driver may not use the phone/text when the vehicle is moving, or where it is prohibited by shipper or consignee.”

Thank You to all our Drivers, Tank Washers, Mechanics, Dispatchers, Terminal Managers and to all the people behind the scenes for your hard work and dedication to SAFETY.