Continual Improvement
He began his career in the electrical trade by engaging in construction activities at a potash mine located west of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Since then, he has accumulated experience in various facets of the electrical trade, including construction, commissioning, and maintenance.
Continual Improvement
So there I was, drinking coffee with some of the crew. We got talking about how much has changed over the years. Wasn’t it so much simpler way back when…. No seat belts, riding in the box of the truck, and so on. But over the years, our world has changed, and the focus has rightly so changed into a focus on safety as opposed to just get it done. The challenge now is keeping up; the world of running shoe electric is gone. We now have a better understanding of the real hazards in our workplace.
All the best workplaces focus on safety and continual improvement. According to Wikipedia, the definition/concept of Continual Improvement is “An ongoing effort to enhance products, services, or processes through incremental and breakthrough improvements, fostering a culture of innovation and efficiency.” Lots of flowery words, but simply put is, to do better, to be safer, to be more effective at our work.
So, how do we make this happen? Start by making sure everyone is on the same page, and you have buy-in. Just as importantly is that we all understand the rules, as an example when was the last time you looked at a Code Book? How about the guys on your crew? Have you ever heard or made the statement that you haven’t looked a Code Book since you got your ticket. When I got my ticket, the Code was around 600 pages; now it is over 1200 pages. We need to keep up with the rules to be effective. As an example, look at the changes in requirements in the panel directory labelling. This is the first time a code rule makes you responsible for work that was done or not done before you were involved. Not to mention how we now have to protect Flexible Cords in temporary installations.
What about the other rules/codes /standards? In my world, that would include M421 Use of Electricity in Mines. A buddy of mine is now trying to get up to speed on the CSA Z32 Standard for Healthcare Facilities. We need to know the rules where we play. So, I guess a big part of continual improvement is continual education and or training. We have all now been aware of CSA Z462 the Electrical Safe Work Standard and it has been a big focus in the industry over the last many years and rightfully so, just remember the rules don’t stop here. CSA Z462 works hand in hand with CSA Z460 LOTO and CSA Z463 Electrical Maintenance not to mention the American standards like NFPA 70 B on Electrical Maintenance or NFPA 70 E on Electrical Safety. There are discussions on new Arc Flash Labeling Requirements beyond the generic “Caution Arc Flash Hazard Sticker” we will need real data on the labels identifying real shock hazard and arc flash values and proof that the information is current. I am now seeing more multinational companies that are trying to ensure that their policies and procedures are compliant on both sides of the 49th parallel. This includes training. Keeping up with these new and emerging Rules and Standards is a big part of what we are working on at Canada Training Group to make sure your teams are trained correctly I wouldn’t be surprised if the next Z462 cycle takes another step toward that same clarity on label content and accuracy. We don’t have to wait for the ink to dry. Nothing stops us from refreshing studies, updating labels, and making sure the door matches the system inside.
Keeping up with our ever-changing world is a challenge. That being said making our workplace safer and more reliable is great for everyone. To do that, we need to know the rules and ensure they are followed by ensuring our policies and procedures are up to date and our crews have the right tools for the job and that they are trained on how to use these tools and skills to use them correctly.
We need to always be looking for a better, safer way to make sure everyone goes home safely every night. So we train we learn we look out for each other. We practice what we preach. We set the example. We lead. So I guess the question is do we lead? Can we lead if we are not up to date with the Codes, Standards, Acts and Regulations? We do this with continual improvement and continual education and just as importantly, we ensure our teams are also up to speed as well.
Things have changed back in the day in the Electrical Code referred to “touch testing” we have come a long way. Just understand that continual improvement never ends it is a journey that will always be in front of us.
Yours in safety
Norm
