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Patsy Jackson helps safety spread in OBO, and results are positive
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Patsy Jackson helps spread the safety message in OBO, and it’s getting results
In this month’s “Safety From the Sidelines” feature, HR Safety Advisor Val Creswell spoke with his main contact with the Office of Business Opportunity, Patsy Jackson, about some of the many hats she wears in support of the department.
Val Creswell: How did you get interested in safety?
Patsy Jackson: My introduction to safety was as a representative from our department for the monthly Safety Committee meetings.
VC: What is your background in safety?
PJ: Generally, I really don’t have a safety background. I have applied the things learned from our monthly Safety Committee meetings.
VC: How do you observe safety issues at work? Is it just a general awareness, or do you have a checklist of things to watch for?
PJ: I use a general awareness. But I think that a safety checklist would be a great tool.
VC: You have a reputation for being proactive. How did you develop your sense of watchfulness?
PJ: I am always on the move in the department and concerned about our employees’ safety. So, when something comes up that would benefit one employee safety wise, I evaluate if it would help others and apply it to the entire team.
VC: Are you able to involve colleagues in your department?
PJ: Yes, our department is proactive when it comes to safety. We had a few people complain about workplace strain, so you came out to do the ergonomic assessments. Once other staff members heard of the positive results of the assessments, they began to schedule them. Our director is interested in all of the employees working in a safe environment. She has given a 100% buy in for employees getting ergonomic assessments and OBO providing the resources needed.
VC: Do you have a safety committee? If yes, what is your involvement in it?
PJ: Yes, we have a safety committee. I currently serve as the secretary on OBO’s safety committee.
VC: Can you track your safety accomplishments and progress?
PJ: Yes. I have a spreadsheet that tracks the employees requesting ergonomic assessments, the results of the assessments, recommended equipment, and the date the equipment was issued. Also, TRISTAR actually tracks the claims that have been filed by our department.
VC: Are you able to employ the strategy behind the ZIP program to help your workplace safety?
PJ: Yes. Driving on City of Houston Business is a core responsibility of our employees’ job duties, so the ZIP Driving Safety Training was a must. Currently, due to COVID-19, our employees are not driving as frequently as before, but once things return to normal, they will be out there daily. Also, with the change in driving habits of City of Houston residents, City employees need to know how to stay safe when behind the wheel of the City vehicle as well as their personal vehicles.
ZIP Back Safety Training helped to refresh our employees on how to lift items correctly. We deal with huge files and boxes of materials. It is extremely important to know how to protect your body and your back when lifting or moving something.
ZIP Slips, Trips and Falls Training is equally as important. Slips, trips, and falls are the most frequent accidents that can happen. By knowing the ways people slip, trip and fall can help employees to know what to look for, how to react, and how to prevent a slip, trip, or fall at work, at home, or out and about.
ZIP Emergency Preparedness Training can be used at work and at home. Just being equipped with the knowledge to know what to do in case of an emergency can save lives.
ZIP Violence in the Workplace brings back all of the horrible stories in the news about active shooter incidents. Just preparing us better to deal with an act of violence if it occurs in our office, away from the office, or at home.
ZIP Bloodborne Pathogen is probably something that we all would like to avoid. However, that may not be possible. Everyday accidents are occurring at home, on the freeways, and sometimes on the job. This class prepares to us to be ready and able to assist with first aid emergencies and prevent and address exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
VC: Can you list specific examples of improvements in workplace safety?
PJ: I can list the Ergonomic Assessments. One of our employees was experiencing pain in her hand due to her keyboard and mouse. We ordered her a keyboard that worked better with her setup and a mouse that would relieve the pain and discomfort. The employee is now not experiencing pain and able to work comfortably in her workspace.
VC: Are you optimistic that you and your colleagues’ efforts are working?
PJ: Yes. We haven’t seen a claim from TRISTAR in months. Judging from the smiles on peoples’ faces and the positive comments they make to their co-workers about the ergonomic assessments, our efforts are making a positive difference in the workplace. Sometimes, it is the little things that makes an employee want to come to work.
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