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The Watco Cos. plans to improve safety by engaging employees' awareness, and improving supervisors' and workers' one-on-one relationships.


"We, as a team, must improve … so everyone understands our safety goals, is able to do their jobs safely, and is committed to making decisions that are in the best interest of our customers and Watco," said Dave Buccolo, Watco vice president of safety/rules, in the short-line holding company's monthly newsletter released Sept. 6.


Watco is stressing to employees and supervisors its "Six Tenets of Safety:"

• all injuries can be prevented;

• all exposures can be safeguarded;

• prevention of injuries and accidents is the responsibility of each individual;

• training is essential for good safety performance;

• safety is a condition of employment; and

• safety is good business.


Buccolo believes managers can help promote safety by taking the time to explain to workers the importance in performing their duties safely and efficiently, encouraging feedback, recognizing outstanding safety performance, building relationships between workers and the customers they serve, and properly training employees.


"When you think someone has got it, make sure you work to keep everyone on his or her toes and don't let them [lower] their guard," he said.


Meanwhile, employees need to better understand Watco's safety goals and customers' requirements, and respect themselves and others by working safely and avoiding the urge to cut corners, said Buccolo.