Back to School, Back to Safety

As yellow buses roll out and kids head back to the classroom, parents everywhere are stocking up on pencils, folders and backpacks. It’s back-to-school season! While students are preparing for a successful school year, it’s also the perfect time to prepare your crews for a safe and productive hurricane season. Check out these tips from Altec Sentry to make sure your crews are set for success.

Just as students need the right tools to succeed, operators of bucket trucks, digger derricks and cranes need their own “school supplies.” While so many are out shopping for binders and calculators, don’t forget to make sure your team is stocked with the supplies needed to operator equipment safely: outrigger pads, wheel chocks, gloves and other essential safety gear.

Make a List

As you might be checking off a school supply list, consider creating a storm safety checklist. Use the following questions to get started:

  • Do we have enough outrigger pads for stability in the field?
  • Are the wheel chocks in good condition and ready for action?
  • Have the gloves seen one too many battles with burrs and bolts?

Think about it like this—without a pencil, a student can’t take a test, just like a bucket truck without chocks can’t even start the job. Students prepare for pop quizzes and tests; your crews prepare for weather swings and complicated lifts. Both require preparation, attention and the right tools for the job.

Don’t Ignore the Rules

Remember those school rules?

  • No running in the hall
  • Raise your hand before speaking
  • Do your homework

Now is the time to ensure you have the right rules in place for your team’s safety:

  • No rushing unit set up
  • Communicate clearly with your crew before starting the job
  • Complete your pre-travel and pre-operational inspections

Be Prepared with Altec Sentry

A well-prepared operator, like a well-prepared student, can handle challenges with confidence. So before the storms arrive, double-check equipment readiness, review safety procedures and ensure your “classroom” in the field is set for success. Let’s keep both our kids and our crews safe, equipped and ready to handle whatever fall and storm season bring.

Keeping crews safe on the job is important to us. For nearly 20 years, Altec Sentry has helped employers train and certify Altec equipment operators on safe and proper operation. We are committed to your safety and believe that industry-leading equipment deserves industry-leading training. That’s exactly what Altec Sentry provides.