SAFETY TRAINING
POLICY
Proficient Auto Transport will not perform a service, transport, or use a product, unless it can be done in a safe manner. Proficient Auto Transport requires all employees to perform their duties safely and with concern for the safety of their fellow employees, customers’ employees, and the public. Management is committed to providing a safe workplace, using the proper protective equipment, and a work environment conducive to safe practices and policies. It is a Proficient Auto Transport policy that no hand-held cellular telephone be in use while operating any vehicle. Management strongly believes that working safely promotes quality, productivity, and profitability. The avoidance of accidents and injuries is of critical importance to the individual and his/her family. The Company is committed to an on-going safety program to help employees avoid injuries.
PRINCIPLES
All injuries and occupational illnesses can be prevented.
ALL Proficient employees are directly responsible for preventing injuries and illnesses, with each level accountable to the level above and responsible for the level below.
- Training is essential for safe workplaces. We continuously train to improve performance and enhance knowledge.
- Safety audits must be conducted continuously.
- All employees are encouraged to report unsafe acts and conditions.
- All deficiencies must be properly addressed, either through modifying facilities, changing procedures, or improving employee training and knowledge.
- It is essential to investigate all unsafe practices and incidents with injury potential, as well as all injuries. Safety off the job is just as important as safety on the job.
- Our people are the most critical element to PROFICIENT’S success in maintaining a healthy and safe working environment.
PURPOSE
At the completion of this class, all employees will know the fundamentals of performing their job safely.
PERSONAL SAFETY
ALL INJURIES CAN BE PREVENTED!
DON'T BE CARELESS!
THINK SAFELY!
WORK MODULE 1: PROPER CAB ENTRANCE AND EXIT
1. Begin as you approach the truck.
- Observe the conditions on the ground and truck (snow, ice, gravel, potholes, oil, etc.)
- Decide in advance where you aregoing to put your papework, briefcase, tie-down bar, etc.)
2. Always enter and exit your cab facing the driver’s seat.
3. You must have full contact with both of your hands to the tractor before moving your feed to enter or exit the cab. No exceptions!
- Secure points for your hands include:
- Grabbing handle on rear door post of cab
- Steering wheel
4. Always maintain your three Points of Contact when exiting and entering the cab.
- Two hands and one foot must be secure, before the other foot moves.
- Two feet and one hand must be secure before the other hand moves.
- Do not move your hands and feet at the same time.
- Secure points for your hands include:
- Grabbing handle on rear door post of cab.
- Steering wheel
5. When exiting your cab, perform a left-foot pivot at the top step, facing the front of your tractor to unseat yourself.
- Secure your hands with the steering wheel.
6. When exiting your cab, never jump off any step, especially the bottom step. Treat the bottom step as carefully as the first step.
- Secure your hands
- Observe the conditions on the ground and truck (snow, ice, gravel, potholes, oil, etc.) before you step
- Ensure you have a stable place to put your foot.
- Lead with a light foot ensure proper transfer of your weight.
- Do not release hand holds (both hands) until both feet are firmly supporting all your weight.
7. Supervisors demonstrate each point, including a proper entrance and exit from the cab.
8. Observe the Driver demonstrating each point, including a proper entrance and exit from the cab. Include getting in and out of the cab with a need to transfer two or more items into and out of the cab.
WORK MODULE 2: PREVENTING SLIPS AND FALLS ON EQUIPMENT
1. Prepare for work.
- Decide in advance which footwear is appropriate for the weather conditions.
- Footwear made of non-skid material. Leather-soled shoes are NEVER appropriate.
2. Inspect your trailer.
- Inspect the treadways to ensure they are in good condition. Is there an adequate amount of non- skid material on the stepping surfaces?
- Are treadways free of spills, bent metal, chains, hooks, and worn areas, that could cause you to slip or trip?
- Are the decks even, properly aligned, and resting on safety pins on both sides?
- Report defects on your VCR to allow maintenance to repair.
3. Maintain three (3) points of contact:
- When climbing, always maintain three points of contact.
- Ensure you have a stable place to plant your foot before you transfer your weight.
- Use handholds whenever possible.
4. Maintain stability.
- Primary stability is maintained through secure handholds, proper foot placement, and proper weight transfer.
5. Look to see where you are going.
- When walking inside the trailer, decide where to place your lead foot before stepping. Maintain three points of contact, whenever possible.
- Plant your foot in a stable place before you transfer your weight.
- To check for head clearance and overhead obstacles, stop and look above.
6. Use ladders for climbing.
- Avoid walking down the treadways.
- Use ladders and maintain three points of contact.
- Both hands must be secure before moving your feet
- Never use ladders or steps for storing loose chains or hooks.
- Do not use ladders with objects in your hand. Transfer tie-down bar or chains to next deck, then climb ladder.
7. Supervisors demonstrate each point of the Proper Procedures to Prevent Slips and Falls.
8. Observe the employee demonstrating each point outlined above.
9. Remind each employee of weather conditions that should delay or halt loading and unloading.
WORK MODULE 3: PROPER USE OF THE TIE-DOWN BAR
1. Inspect your tie-down bar for knurling and worn areas.
- Check the elbow for stress cracks.
- No modifications in bar length allowed.
2. Put the tie-down bar into the ratchet head and pull back towards your body until you get tension on the strap.
- Always insert the tie-down bar into two holes on the ratchet head.
3. Once tight, minimize re-tightening. No extra clicks!
4. On deliveries, loosen up your shoulder and back before you pull on the tie- down bar.
5. When unstrapping, keep your hands on the end of your tie-down bar.
- The length of the bar maximizes your leverage and reduces stress on your body.
6. Supervisor demonstrates each point including strapping and unstrapping for the driver.
7. Observe the Driver demonstrating each point including a proper strapping and unstrapping.
BOXER STANCE
Every effort should be made to reduce the amount of twisting in your body when strapping a cargo unit down. To help minimize the amount of body twisting, stand with one foot forward and hands up like you are ready to box. This will align your body properly to use the tie-down bar (keep both feet in the same direction). By bending your knees, you will use your body weight to pull down on the bar. Keep your elbows in and pull through the center of your body mass.
Other points to remember when using a tie-down bar:
- Put pressure on curved part of your fingers.
- Do not jerk.
- Do not twist.
- Do not overreach.
Include thumb position for flipping the dog, as well as proper use of quick release ratchets.
WORK MODULE 4: SOFT-TIE STRAP PROCESS (NEXTGEN + SCREW TRUCKS)
1. Prior to loading you should inspect straps for frayed edges and cuts that may weaken the straps.
- Worn-out or damaged straps should be replaced immediately.
- Inspect strap hardware and replace bent or broken parts.
- Make certain that all straps are equipped with appropriate friction sleeves and/or cleats.
2. Before you begin to load, straps should be positioned to the outer edge of the treadway or trailer structure.
- Use caution when working near loose straps to avoid tripping.
- Avoid running cargo units over loose straps and/or hardware.
- Lower all top decks to their lowest position possible to allow strap application from the ground or with the best footing possible.
3. Before applying straps, the driver should have a stable platform to ensure good balance.
- Place straps carefully around the tire tread of the cargo unit.
- Strap should be centered over the tire tread.
- Friction sleeves or cleats centered and space equally over the top of the tire tread.
- Remove any twists or kinks from the straps.
- Use care and do not contact the painted surfaces of the cargo unit with any of the tie-down fixtures.
4. Insert hooks into deck holes to secure straps.
- Hooks should be placed as far under the tire as possible.
- When set, straps should be angled in toward the tires.
- Straps should never be angled away from the tires.
5. Insert tie-down bar into ratchet head and tighten.
- Straps should be snug and pulled an additional 3 to 6 clicks until the ratchet is hand tight. Note: Straps should be tight against the tire tread at the 2 & 10 o’clock positions on the tires after tightening.
- Never over-tighten or cause the tires to bulge out.
- Use only a company approved tie-down bar to secure soft-ties on New Generation equipment.
- After the strap is applied, use the Ready-Set-Go method.
- Caution: When cargo is loaded on split decks, avoid contact with the undercarriage.
- Secure excess strap to prevent contact with cargo.
6. Use caution when installing straps while leaning over hydraulic control levers, as it is possible to activate those controls.
7. Re-check straps within the first hour on the road as they may have loosened while in transit.
- Temperature change can result in straps expanding and becoming loose, so when traveling through various weather patterns, straps should be checked more frequently.
8. Strapped units ride on their own suspension, so you will need to accommodate the extra movement.
- Use the 4-inch rule of clearance throughout your load unless specified by the shipper.
- Units loaded on the top and bottom rear load positions bounce a little more therefore, it is necessary to maximize clearance by maximizing height of load.
9. When releasing tension to unload, use the following steps:
- Apply pressure to the winch drum to release tension.
- Carefully remove straps and secure assembly to prevent contact with cargo unit.
10. After delivery, straps should be properly stowed to keep them in good operating condition.
WORK MODULE 5: SOFT-TIE STRAP PROCESS (MODIFIED EQUIPMENT)
1. Prior to loading you should inspect straps for frayed edges and cuts that may weaken the straps.
- Worn-out or damaged straps should be replaced immediately.
- Inspect strap hardware and replace bent or broken parts.
- Make certain that all straps are equipped with appropriate friction sleeves and/or cleats.
2. Before you begin to load, straps should be positioned to the outer edge of the treadway or trailer structure.
- Use caution when working near loose straps to avoid tripping.
- Avoid running cargo units over loose straps and/or hardware.
- Lower all top decks to their lowest position possible to allow strap application from the ground or with the best footing possible.
3. Before applying straps, the driver should have a stable platform to ensure good balance.
- Place straps carefully around the tire tread of the cargo unit.
- Strap should be centered over the tire tread.
- Friction sleeves or cleats centered and space equally over the top of the tire tread.
- Remove any twists or kinks from the straps.
- Use care and do not contact the painted surfaces of the cargo unit with any of the tie-down fixtures.
- Avoid contact with the rocker panel, when applying tension to the strap. Ensure ratchet handle is in the locked position after tightening.
- When a ladder is being used, properly secure it to equipment to prevent falls.
4. Insert hooks into deck holes to secure straps.
- When using flaps or flippers, ensure they are locked when used as a tie- down point.
- Hooks should be placed as far under the tire as possible.
- When set, straps should be angled in toward the tires.
- Straps should never be angled away from the tire.
- If possible, when using chain straps, create the longest pull possible to help the strap lay flat on the deck.
5. Insert tie-down bar into ratchet head and tighten.
- Straps should be snug and pulled an additional 3 to 6 clicks after the ratchet is hand tightened.
- Straps should be tight against the tire tread at the 2 & 10 o’clock positions on the tires after tightening.
- Never over-tighten or cause the tires to bulge out.
- Use only a company approved tie-down bar to secure soft-ties.
- After the strap is applied, use the Ready-Set-Go method.
- Caution: When cargo is loaded on split decks, avoid contact with the undercarriage.
6. Use caution when installing straps, while leaning over hydraulic control levers, as it is possible to activate those controls.
7. Re-check straps within the first hour on the road as they may have loosened while in transit.
- Temperature change can result in straps expanding and becoming loose, so when traveling through various weather patterns, straps should be checked more frequently.
8. Strapped units ride on their own suspension; therefore, you will need to accommodate the extra movement.
- Use the 4-inch rule of clearance throughout your load, unless specified by the shipper.
- Units loaded on the top and bottom rear load positions bounce a little more; therefore, it is necessary to maximize clearance by maximizing height of load.
9. When releasing tension to unload use the following steps:
- Apply pressure to the winch drum to release tension.
- Carefully remove straps and secure assembly to prevent contact with cargo unit.
WORK MODULE 6: SKID SETUP AND SECUREMENT
When removing and securing skids, there are two methods to be utilized:
- Insert your tie-down bar into the skid and lift, then walk the skid out of its housing in a slow, steady manner.
- Insert your tie-down bar into the skid and pull the skid out about one foot. Then straddle the skid and feed the skid between your legs, placing your elbows on your knees, using the rocking method. This will utilize your legs and not your back.
ALWAYS
- Keep the rollers on the skids clean and well-lubricated.
- Immediately report any skid defect, housing channel defects, or jamming problems to maintenance by using your Drivers Daily Vehicle Condition Report (VCR).
- Wear gloves when handling skids and never put your fingers into the opening in the treadway when pulling or replacing skids.
