TOBYHANNA ARMY DEPOT, Pa. - When the temperature drops the number of slips and falls tends to rise.
Vigilance and caution are fundamental to keeping Tobyhanna employees safe in wet and icy conditions common to northeastern Pennsylvania during the winter.
"The majority of the depot work force walks great distances just to get to work," said Paula Mesaris, "and on foot, snow or ice can be treacherous." Workers have reported eight slip/fall incidents so far this year.
"Speed is the biggest cause of slips or falls," said the safety specialist, explaining that people going too quickly and not wearing the proper footwear are at a higher risk of falling. Mesaris works in the Industrial Risk Management Directorate's Safety Division.
The "penguin walk" is the recommended method for walking on slippery surfaces.
"A penguin takes short, slow steps," Mesaris said. "Use your arms for balance when possible and be careful when carrying packages." It's important to use handrails when available and have an unobstructed view of where you're going, she added.
Other safety tips include being aware of surroundings and knowing how to report hazards to the appropriate organization or individual.
Clearing the miles of asphalt and concrete surfaces during inclement weather is the responsibility of hundreds of people. Members of the Public Works Directorate's Utilities and Grounds Division are responsible for parking lots and roadways, while building managers, assistant managers and contract personnel cope with entrances, loading docks and sidewalks.
It's a team effort when it comes to snow removal in the depot's high traffic areas.
The plating, painting and sandblasting shops share space in the Industrial Operations Facility, and subsequently share responsibility for clearing snow and ice from the building's three exit doors and one loading dock. Jeffrey Falcheck, building manager, relies on three assistants to get the job done.
"Everyone plays a part in keeping the work area safe," Falcheck said. "During the day, each shop is responsible for their area. Shops that operate 24 hours maintain a clear, safe entrance to the facility during the second and third shifts."
In addition to the snow and ice outside the building, Falcheck said common hazards include puddles of water inside the building.
"There's quite a bit of foot traffic that passes through here daily," he said. "The excess water near the doors can present a problem if you're not paying attention."
Parking lots and roadways are generally cleared before employees arrive for work.
"DPW crews start early to avoid driving snow removal equipment at peak travel times, which can be hazardous," Mesaris said.
Safety and DPW joined forces this year to come up with new ways to help employees keep their feet on the ground. They're temporarily expanding the bus service to lower the number of people walking.
For the next four months, buses will transport workers from the main parking lot between 6:35 -7:35 a.m. and from the industrial area between 3:30-4:45 p.m. Another bus will make a continuous loop around the industrial area during all shifts.
"We are hoping employees will take advantage of the new service, which will reduce the number of walkers traveling great distances during inclement weather," remarked Paul Roberts, Utilities and Grounds Division chief. "A lot of time and effort went into this idea with the hope it reduces the risks involved with winter weather."
Safety officials noted that clearing accumulated snow and ice is essential; however, slow movements and reporting hazards are the most important things to consider during the winter months.
"It's everyone's responsibility to report problems and keep people safe," Mesaris said. "We have an outstanding team of individuals who tackle the changing weather conditions daily, and will continue to be diligent through the remainder of the winter season-they deserve our thanks for keeping us safe."
Tobyhanna Army Depot is the Defense Department's largest center for the repair, overhaul and fabrication of a wide variety of electronics systems and components, from tactical field radios to the ground terminals for the defense satellite communications network. Tobyhanna's missions support all branches of the Armed Forces.
About 5,500 personnel are employed at Tobyhanna, which is located in the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania.
Tobyhanna Army Depot is part of the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Life Cycle Management Command. Headquartered at Fort Monmouth, N.J., the command's mission is to research, develop, acquire, field and sustain communications, command, control, computer, intelligence, electronic warfare and sensors capabilities for the Armed Forces.
Social Sharing