This article is part of an FM News feature called Safety InSight, where safety-related stories are shared to help inform, inspire and enhance safe production in daily operations.
When Eric Ortiz, Supervisor-Leaching Hydromet at Chino, stopped the job last November by refusing to unload a delivery of high-density polyethylene pipe or HDPE, he set in motion a chain of events that had a surprising outcome.
The truck contained a load of 30-inch pipe that must be removed by loaders equipped with forklift attachments. According to Ortiz, then a leach operator, the load’s poor strapping and improper dunnage – 2x2 instead of the required 4x4 lumber – made it a challenge for crews to safely get their equipment under the materials.
Rather than try to unload it and risk an accident, they ultimately made the decision to turn the truck away.
“By accepting the unacceptable, we then make it acceptable,” Ortiz said. “We know that means putting people at risk here, at the distributor and anywhere those trucks go since these rules are often written in blood.”
Where HDPE is concerned, many of the rules have been in place at Freeport for over 10 years, following a fatality. That incident resulted in an examination of the HDPE handling process at every step and a comprehensive, ever-evolving set of guidelines— ones that may now be helping keep others safe even outside of Freeport.
In the weeks following the Chino incident, the driver returned to site with a greater appreciation for the encounter, reporting that attempts to correct the load back at the distributor had resulted in an accident. For Oritz, the follow-up was unexpected but validating.
“I’m proud that I work somewhere where I could stop work and correct issues to keep our employees safe,” Ortiz said. He’s also hopeful this ordeal has led the supplier to adopt safer practices for their employees and customers, noting he has not seen another load come in with incorrect dunnage since then.
James Cook, Health and Safety Manager-Chino, also is proud, commending the actions of Ortiz as well as the environment created by his supervisors.
If you see it, Cook explained, you own it, and that trust that others will speak up about something you might have missed is essential for helping ensure a safe work environment for all of us. For that to work, though, employees need to know they’ll have the support of their supervisors regardless of the circumstances or who it involves—including coworkers, contractors or even delivery drivers.
Cook had additional praise for the driver, appreciating his ability to reflect and recognize our need to refuse that load.
“We’re driving a culture that reflects who we are inside and outside of the gates,” Cook said. “Knowing our safety standards are also protecting others is just one more way that copper is helping improve the world.”