CWA District 3 Occupational Safety and Health Conference Call

Wednesday, December 8, 2021

Announcements:

Due to a schedule conflict, the order of business was changed to move the District 3 CWA/AT&T Joint Occupational Safety and Health Committee to the top of the agenda.

D3 OSH Committee:

Isa Shabazz reported the last meeting of the OSH Committee was July 29, 2021 and the Committee still plans to meet in the 4th quarter of 2021.

The Committee discussed the F span clamp and it was noted the manufacturer was no longer in business. There may be some of the products in storage but a new manufacturer has been found and the Committee will follow up with this issue until it has been permanently resolved.

The Committee reports that the Little Giant extension ladder replacement project is well underway. CFO is getting priority because they use the ladders more than other departments, but ACE and BFO will also be replacing theirs once CFO is finished.

The Committee discussed some comments regarding back pain caused by wearing the new safety harness for working aloft in Versalift/36 type bucket trucks for extended periods of time. The Company said they have not heard many complaints and noted the harness is adjustable and may not be adjusted for proper fit.

The Committee also discussed managers making face-to-face observations in unmarked vehicles and how that could lead to issues where techs may have personal safety concerns. The Committee is still waiting for an answer from the Company.

Participant Reports:

Local 3112 reported that some techs are having problems with the span clamps and also issues with the new ladders with regards to difficulty practicing the 75 degree, or quarter-length rule.

Local 3111 reported that only certain Wire Techs got the new ladders in their Local and others did not. [The Company has stated their plan is to replace all extension ladders in CFO with the Little Giant ladders but acknowledged they will not all be replaced at the same time. Once all CFO employees have the new ladders the other departments will begin replacing their ladders.]

Local 3108 reported that only 1 work location they visited had a paper copy of the SDS (MSDS). [OSHA has stated in a parenthetical note to paragraph 1910.1200(g)(8) of the HCS that: “(Electronic access, microfiche, and other alternatives to maintaining paper copies of the material safety data sheets are permitted as long as no barriers to immediate employee access in each workplace are created by such options.)”]

Several Locals had questions about training, record keeping and other employer requirements regarding SDS. [More information can be found here: OSHA3696.pdf]

Local 3108 reported that the GEO Scorecard, which is used to track driving habits, is potentially causing unsafe issues such as not braking hard to avoid manager confrontations. There have also been complaints about the distraction of the audible alerts. [This item will be provided to the BST Joint OS&H Committee for discussion at their next meeting]

Local 3108 also reported that the EZ Glide T-handles of the new ladder racks protrude 8” – 12” off both sides of the trucks and catch trees, poles, etc. and are not visible in the mirrors. Local 3102 reported the large Transit trucks have a similar design but the bar is removed and stowed inside while the vehicle is moving. [This item will be provided to the BST Joint OS&H Committee for discussion at their next meeting]

Local 3102 reported that the training center in Orlando has a vehicle with a backup camera that is continuously on while driving forward and suggested that all bucket truck cameras be retrofitted to do the same. Local 3607 reported that all 2015 and newer models are compatible for retrofitting the cameras. [This item will be provided to the BST Joint OS&H Committee for discussion at their next meeting.] 

Local 3102 reported that Wi-Fi mapping has become a hot topic for some managers and noted there are still guidelines that apply to working inside customer premises that address COVID-19 exposure issues and that technician discretion remains for safety. Technicians should always ask the customer the COVID-19 exposure questions on the pre-dispatch call or upon arrival at the premises and must contact their manager for guidance if a customer confirms they are either ill or have been in close contact with someone who is. Similar to any other job function, employees must notify their manager in situations where they do not feel safe.

CWA/USW TMC Union Approach to OS&H Training:

Due to COVID-19, no training classes have been conducted in District 3 recently. We have looked at establishing an online course but currently do not have an update on when that may become available. Locals 3102, 3104, 3108, 3112, 3205, 3310, 3607, 3611, 3704, 3806, 3902 and 3911 expressed interest in participating in a training session once they have resumed. [This item will be provided to the District 3 OS&H Trainer to contact the Locals with an update. She was unable to participate on the Q4 2021 call]

Next Call:

The next District 3 Occupational Safety and Health conference call will be Wednesday, March 16, 2022 from 1 PM EDT - 3 PM EDT.