PROGRESS IN MOTION
Do
you like a challenge? Do you like feeling the power of sitting
in the seat of a large expensive piece of equipment and
being in control? The adrenalin rush is now, how will you
react?
With equipment
as massive and expensive as it is today, it is critical
that you receive the proper training you need to understand
the results of your every move while operating harvesting
equipment and its associated vehicles.
Owners and managers
of good harvesting operations today, understand that time
and training is vital to the success of their business.An
attitude of "For The Highest Good of All Concerned"
is essential.
A high priority
includes safety training in conjunction with each operational
function that you will be expected to perform. It is vital
that you not only know what to do in all situations but
how to do it safely and efficiently.
Members of the
U.S. Custom Harvesters have long recognized the need for
practicing safe (non-destructive) operations.
Early members
have long recognized the need for effective training materials
as they worked with potential employees. Early efforts included
the production of a videotape illustrating various tasks
to be performed by employees. Discussion of the correct
way as well as the results of incorrect procedures was discussed.
The name of this
first videotape became "Safety is an attitude."
The organizations members realized that safety wasn’t
something that should be taught to employees but was something
that everyone associated with the harvesting business must
be conscious of each and every day.
It simply had
to be constantly on our mind during everything we did, and
simply had to become everyone’s attitude at all times.
In addition, it becomes everyone’s job to police the
rest of the crew as all phases of the harvesting business
is being conducted.
Furthermore,
the organization developed a second, more complete video
taping with associated written test questions. Many harvesters
use the training tape and questions to share with their
employees their particular company policy regarding various
tasks of the overall process.
CDL (Commercial
Drivers License) requirements have necessitated time allotted
to train truck drivers and to explain safety as well as
company expectations.
State and regional
safety meetings conducted in the Spring of the year for
employees and their employers, as well as many combine manufacturers
allow even more opportunities to discuss safety at the beginning
of wheat harvest held along the Texas Oklahoma border.
Recently, members
were ask to identify their training resources needed and
as result, a new safety committee began work on a safety
handbook available to all members and sold to non-members
through the organizational office in Hutchinson, KS. The
committee was aggressive and committed, and finalized the
task during the spring of 2001.
The handbook
is divided into Employer/Employee Responsibilities, Pre-Harvest
Preparation, Transportation, Lodging and Non-Work Procedures,
Field Operations, and association information designed to
help both the employee and the employer.
The handbook
is a written documentation for employers and employees to
access as we all accept the fact that "Safety is an
attitude" that is a high priority for everyone associated
with the harvesting industry.
USCHI members
remain committed to providing a safe working environment
for everyone (employees, employers, customers, and local
residents, etc.) to conduct business. Safety is an attitude
that we all must posses as we harvest the grain that feeds
the world.
Tony Rattei
Safety Committee Chairman
Lee
Lancaster
Past Safety Committee Chairman |
