1Q2022 D3 OS&H Conference Call Minutes

CWA District 3 Occupational Safety and Health Conference Call

Wednesday, March 16, 2022

Isa Shabazz, Staff Representative and Co-Chair of this committee reported that they were attempting to set a date for the 1st quarter 2022 within the next week. Items on the agenda for discussion with the Company include:

-Unmarked cars being used by managers for safety observations

-Cell tower at Key Largo Sound CO has falling concrete hazard

-GEO equipment creating a distracted driving hazard

-Ladder rack handles protrude beyond the side of the vehicle creating a snag hazard for trees

-The Committee meeting minutes will be posted on the District 3 website after each meeting

Isa also relayed a request that future quarterly D3 OS&H call notifications be sent as a calendar invitation. [The minutes of each call are posted on the District 3 website (https://cwad3.org/health-and-safety) after each quarterly call and the last paragraph always lists the date and time of the next call. Additionally, we always distribute a reminder to all Local Presidents the week of the call. Beginning with the 2nd quarter 2022 call we will email a calendar invitation to all Local Presidents as well as distributing a reminder email the week of the call.] 

Participant Reports:

Local 3102 reported that AT&T ACE has implemented a “High Visibility Initiative” that requires techs to place multiple pieces of work area protection including 10 cones and work zone signs. This was discussed on the Florida State Safety quarterly call but apparently has not been rolled out in other areas. 

Local 3608 asked if the back-up camera always-on mode that was mentioned on the 1Q22 call was something that could be made optional. [This will be added to the agenda for the CWA/AT&T Joint OS&H Committee.]

Local 3102 reported that pole transfers are being performed by contractors in Florida creating a safety hazard in some cases and in violation of Article 14 Jurisdiction of Work language in the BST agreement. Local 3908 reported they had worked on the issue and had it stopped in Alabama. They also advised they would add impacted Florida Locals to the distribution list on emails that had Company contact information and other details to help facilitate a solution.

Local 3102 reported concerns with ladder training and ladder strap usage. They report that a training policy was updated for Little Giant extension ladders but that the training was incorrect for that equipment. [CWA Staff will investigate and assist with having this issue addressed.]

Local 3907 reported that strand testing had been removed from mid-span ladder training but Local 3611 and 3608 reported that it was included in the training they had observed. Local 3608 reported that techs watched a video and each tech tested the strand and placed a ladder on the strand. They noted it could be different from one State to another and in some instances from one department to another. [It was agreed that we need to hold the Company accountable for all safety training, ensuring they are teaching the appropriate methods and procedures.] Local 3608 also noted that if the Little Giant ladder clamps don’t operate properly when placed on the strand, there is a dry lubricant that can be used that may help. [It was generally agreed that if there are any doubts about the proper use of an extension ladder DON’T USE IT. A supervisor should be notified and either demonstrate the proper procedure or a bucket truck should be requested.]

Local 3907 reported that they are working on issues with prescription safety glasses at the Alabama LGP. They are also researching the possibility of using ice dispenser machines to reduce or eliminate community contact with the ice.     

Local 3908 reported that a safety manager recently stopped techs from pulling fiber trailers because they had not been trained to do so. Local 3611 reported that a new-hire in Utility Operations had a minor incident backing a trailer and it was discovered the tech had no training in pulling a trailer and had not even been asked if he could. [When in doubt about any safety procedures or training, a supervisor should be notified.]

Local 3102 reported that the Utility Operations cone policy now states that cones must be placed immediately upon stopping the vehicle.

Local 3908 reported that a CFO safety manager said several new policies have been put in place. Nothing will be allowed in the cab, regardless of whether it is secured or not. Items can be behind the seat, but nowhere else in the cab. If the vehicle is stopped, the driver must be in the passenger seat, not the driver’s seat. Local 3908 reported they were told that no equipment can be charged in the cab as well. Local 3102 asked about having a drink in the cab and Local 3908 said they were told that 1 cup or 1 bottle of water could be stored in the cab cup holder.

Local 3102 asked if the employers perform a root cause analysis as part of accident/incident investigations. Some employers will say they have, but don’t provide the Union copies and asked if that is consistent across District 3. [“OSHA strongly encourages employers to investigate all incidents in which a worker was hurt, as well as close calls (sometimes called “near misses”), in which a worker might have been hurt if the circumstances had been slightly different. Incident investigations that focus on identifying and correcting root causes, not on finding fault or blame, also improve workplace morale and increase productivity, by demonstrating an employer’s commitment to a safe and healthful workplace. During an incident investigation, an employer must determine which factors contributed to the incident, and both OSHA and the EPA encourage employers to go beyond the minimum investigation required and conduct a root cause analysis”.]

There was some discussion regarding the accident prevention trial of a learning algorithm that purportedly predicts whether someone may be at higher than normal risk of being involved in a motor vehicle accident. One participant on the call was receiving these emails even though they did not have a truck. [As described to CWA by the Company, this trial began in February, 2022 and the expected duration is 8 months. While the trial is company-wide, the SE CFO trial groups are in NC/SC and KY/TN. The Predictive Safety Analysis (PSA) uses over 250 variables (such as route taken, time of day, GEO scores, etc.) to predict the likelihood of a motor vehicle incident. While the Company reports that early feedback shows the PSA to have a high degree of accuracy, both Labor Relations and Departmental Leadership have stated on the record that this will not be used to harass or discipline employees. Departmental Leadership has asked that in the event a Local President feels that the system is being used inappropriately, they should report the incident immediately to their Director.]

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

Due to COVID-19, no training classes have been conducted in District 3 recently. CWA HQ OS&H staff has explored establishing an online course but currently they do not have an update on when that may become available. Locals 3102, 3104, 3108, 3112, 3205, 3310, 3607, 3608, 3611, 3704, 3806, 3902 and 3911 expressed interest in participating in this training once it has resumed.

Next Call:

The next District 3 Occupational Safety and Health conference call will be Wednesday, June 22, 2022 from 1 PM EDT - 3 PM EDT.