Meetings were conducted at the away
from home terminals in Kamloops by W. Hayman[B.L.E.],
and R.
Mellish[U.T.U.] and in Field byP. Bede[B.L.E.] and R. Gardali[U.T.U.]
The topics of the meetings were as listed
on the attached survey which the committee compiled as stated.Once again the
membership displayed favorable opinion as to preference of format for safety
meetings,that being by a wide margin,the AFHT meetings.Most likely this is due
to the atmosphere of the meetings which for the most part is casual and relaxed
and at least in Field much discussion takes place with only two members
declining to participate[in Field].
“
Stretch and Flex “ continues to be a topic which the committee feels can
go a long way to promoting health and reducing the amount of strain and soft
tissue injuries along with lower back ailments.We feel these types of injuries
occur too frequently and are to a great degree reducible in number if not
absolutely avoidable.It was noted by many members that the condition of
switches and handbrakes is considerably less than satisfactory in many
instances.It is felt that maintenance has suffered greatly in the recent past
and this is seen to be a large contributing factor in the recorded number of
these injuries.The committee continues to remind the brothers and sisters of
the need to get up and stretch often.
There was also considerable discussion
again in regard to Hi-Vis policy and it’s application at
C.P.R. The members
continue to show strong agreement to the principle,but there remain many
serious concerns about the vests. Many reports of vests snagging were brought
to our attention at these meetings.Many were pleased to see that the company
has started to into alternatives to the vests but it is also felt that it is
the duty of the company to ensure the availability of alternatives which comply
with Hi-Vis standards and also suit the needs and requirements of the employees
with regard to fit,comfort and ease of use at minimal expense to the
employee.The general consensus seemed to be that this is an item which needs to
be fast tracked as many have serious concerns about the potential for serious
injuries as a direct result of wearing the vest.The representatives concur in
this opinion.
In the course of discussions several iems
were brought up repeatedly and emphatically. Perhaps the most vehement topic
was the continuing lack of quality information as per line ups. There seems to
be no up date of operating plan on any kind of regular basis.Indeed, in Field
for three days ,the union reps witnessed first hand several disturbing
instances of trains disappearing at the last minute.There also seemed to be
difficulty getting the O.M.s to answer the phone.Planners seem content to leave
crews at away from home terminals to the point of being held away with much
more frequency.Dead heads continue to be called later rather than sooner.In
general the N.M.C. seems to have no desire to provide quality information or
even display a willingness to communicate with the RTEs. Many feel that the
attitude of the managers is becoming confrontational.It is felt that management
needs to see this as an issue of health and consequently as an issue of safety.
Many comments were made about scanner
readouts interrupting with. Several locations were noted on the Mountain sub
where scanners override radios[I.E. K.C.Jct.] in addition long pulls in the
canyon east of Hill often make radio communication sketchy.Similar situations
are becoming more frequent on the Shuswap as well with the substantial increase
of switching at Chase.
In conclusion the S & H reps feel that A.F.HT. meetings continue to be a valid method of increasing safety awareness in the employees and it is hoped that these meetings can also make the company recognize the concerns that the RTEs have brought to our attention.