AMTA  E-News

February 2010

Spring Cleaning - It's Not Just For Your Home

Alberta fleet operators know spring has arrived when the province announces reduced load restrictions coming into effect. Reduced load restrictions on trucks protect Alberta’s highways during spring thaw, when road damage is most likely to occur.

Operators are reminded to check the Government of Alberta Transportation (road restrictions/bans) web page frequently to obtain the latest updates. Visit:
http://www.transportation.alberta.ca/522.htm

This year, extend spring cleaning into the workplace. It’s the perfect time to review policies and processes, check equipment, and refresh training.

Here are a few things to do as part of your spring checkup.

- Review your firm’s health and safety policy and program and make adjustments to your hazard assessments based on things you learned last year and any changes you have made to your operation.

- Remind your workers about the main hazards they face and what they can do to stay healthy and injury-free—especially if they were off work for the winter.

- Ensure that all vehicles and equipment are in good working order.
Keep damaged vehicles and equipment out of service until repairs are done.

- Check all personal protective equipment—including lifelines and lanyards—to ensure that nothing was damaged over the winter.

- Water and mud are everywhere at this time of year. Make sure your workers have proper footwear to help prevent slips and falls.