A new pilot program at GUC offers formal training to employees on how to operate the most used and potentially dangerous equipment.
The program welcomes expert equipment instructors from manufacturers to the GUC Operations Center to train crew leaders and supervisors on how to properly operate equipment such as excavators, backhoes, chainsaws, pole saws, cut-off saws, and concrete saws.
“There is potential for serious injury when operating some of our equipment, and we recognized the need to have formal training directly from the manufacturer,” said Water Systems Engineer Travis Welborn, pilot program co-coordinator. “We prioritized the most frequently used equipment with serious injuries/fatalities potential to start off this pilot program.”
In March, about 15 crew leaders and supervisors learned from STIHL USA instructor Kenneth Glass on chainsaw and pole saw best practices. Kenneth worked through the equipment manual with the class and offered practical and real-world guidance. After the nearly two-hour classroom session, there was a time for demonstrations and practice on each piece of equipment.
Program co-coordinator and Fleet Manager Scott Brinson said these training sessions are designed to improve employee understanding of the equipment and how to properly operate them in a safe and effective manner.
“Our focus is on safety and ensuring each employee remains injury-free while performing their work,” said Scott. “With a number of employees having limited experience operating this equipment, it is critical that we implement a structured program that emphasizes proper training, clear procedures, and ongoing supervision. We invited manufacturers to come in and certify that our employees understand how to use and maintain the equipment in a safe manner.”
Once the pilot concludes, Travis said the program’s effectiveness will be measured and they will determine how it could be expanded. A new pilot program at GUC offers formal training to employees on how to operate the most used and potentially dangerous equipment.
The program welcomes expert equipment instructors from manufacturers to the GUC Operations Center to train crew leaders and supervisors on how to properly operate equipment such as excavators, backhoes, chainsaws, pole saws, cut-off saws, and concrete saws.
“There is potential for serious injury when operating some of our equipment, and we recognized the need to have formal training directly from the manufacturer,” said Water Systems Engineer Travis Welborn, pilot program co-coordinator. “We prioritized the most frequently used equipment with serious injuries/fatalities potential to start off this pilot program.”
In March, about 15 crew leaders and supervisors learned from STIHL USA instructor Kenneth Glass on chainsaw and pole saw best practices. Kenneth worked through the equipment manual with the class and offered practical and real-world guidance. After the nearly two-hour classroom session, there was a time for demonstrations and practice on each piece of equipment.
Program co-coordinator and Fleet Manager Scott Brinson said these training sessions are designed to improve employee understanding of the equipment and how to properly operate them in a safe and effective manner.
“Our focus is on safety and ensuring each employee remains injury-free while performing their work,” said Scott. “With a number of employees having limited experience operating this equipment, it is critical that we implement a structured program that emphasizes proper training, clear procedures, and ongoing supervision. We invited manufacturers to come in and certify that our employees understand how to use and maintain the equipment in a safe manner.”
Once the pilot concludes, Travis said the program’s effectiveness will be measured and they will determine how it could be expanded.
