Workplace Safety Is Not a Spectator Sport
Hello everyone.
The health and safety of ATO employees is a high priority. When injuries happen in our
workplace, they are often a result of slips, trips and falls, or while working with or near
aircraft, or with solvents, chemicals , or other hazardous materials. In 2010 we started the
Technical Operations Safety Stand Down initiative in support of workplace safety. It is a
two - week period held for our technical operations employees twice a year, in the spring
and the fall. During the Stand Down, all non - essential maintenance is deferred so that
technical operations managers, employees, and union representatives can openly
discuss issues that affect employee health and safety on the job.
Beginning this spring we are kicking off a new series of Safety Stand Down events with
the theme "Workplace Safety Is Not a Spectator Sport." The first in this series,
"Recognize the Hazar d," will take place April 23 - May 6 and is aimed at strengthening
the Technical Operation safety culture by recognizing workplace hazards.
Whether we work in a control room, an office, or a remote location, just being a spectator
is not an option. It is important that we follow all workplace safety policies and
procedures including wearing all necessary personal protective equipment, handling
equipment under proper safety procedures, and being familiar with evacuation
procedures and pre - determined meetin g spots.
The good news is that our efforts are making a difference, as evidenced by this recent
success story from the technicians at the Manchester Systems Support Center:
In Gilford, New Hampshire, where water makes up more than 27 percent of the sma ll
town, an approach lighting system for the Laconia Municipal Airport is situated across a
12 - foot - deep pond, and there is only one way for the specialists to access the light
towers — by boat.
In the past, technicians had used small watercraft to access the towers' 15 - foot ladders
to repair and align the bulbs that pilots rely on during approach. The boats were small
and unstable for workers to stand on, as noted during a safety assessment two years
ago; only two technicians out of a unit of six could go out in the boat at one time.
Noting the need for improvement, the Technical Operations crew at Manchester SSC
devised a safer and mo re economical way to access the towers using a stable, small
barge - type pontoon boat . The new boat has a flat, 10 - by - 8 - foot deck and 6 mooring
points to enhance stability, with a weight capacity of 1,500 pounds, which far exceeds
the capacity of the forme rly used boats.
Designated boat operators took a U.S. Coast Guard - approved boating course and then
took test runs on the barge during last spring's Safet y Stand Down at Manchester SSC.
In addition, several Manchester SSC members drew upon prior Navy/Coas t Guard
experience to design a platform similar to watercraft used by U.S. Navy dive teams when
working alongside ships, allowing the techs to perform tasks from the boat itself.
Due to environmental restrictions, the State of New Hampshire does not perm it gas
motors on the 12 - foot - deep Lily Pond, but the electric motor on the barge provides plenty
