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Reflections ... Recent Site Visits & Integrity

These past two weeks I had the pleasure of visiting two jobsites – Constellation Wolf Hollow and Dynegy Kendall. I enjoyed observing our crews do good work, talking with the crews about their challenges, and hopefully giving the crews some encouragement and wisdom. Thank you to the crews that welcomed me to their work and allowed me to learn more about what we do.

Allow me to share two reflections that tie together what I observed and our upcoming Integrity focus next week, April 18-22.

We continue to mature our STA process. I am encouraged and impressed by the growing level of detail in our STAs. I can see the thoughtfulness on the cards, ex: going beyond “wear PPE” to “wear face shield and cut resistant gloves”. Our STA maturity is making a difference in keeping our craft safe.

At the beginning of every task, everyone is expected to complete a STA (safety task analysis). Included in the STA process is the expectation that every one assigned to that task signs the STA, and then the Superintendent (or delegate) signs as well. Why? Some may think that’s a way for APM to hold a person accountable if something goes wrong with the task. In times past we may have used the STA that way, but not today.

How does integrity play into the STA? For me, signing my name to a document means something (ask anyone who processes a requisition that requires my approval – I don’t sign my name easily). My name means the integrity of myself, my family, my company. When you sign your name to the STA. it means you are invested in the safe and successful execution of that task. You are stating your agreement with your teammates to the plan for your work. Your teammates who sign with you are holding you accountable.

When you sign the STA, what does that mean to you?

We need to improve our 5S discipline. We can get better at keeping an orderly work site, ex: tools in their place, trash in waste containers, reducing the clutter on jobsites. Yes, we work in less than ideal environments – outdoors weather conditions, tight laydown areas. Yet by embracing 5S, I am confident we can make a quick, noticeable difference.

At the end of every task, everyone is expected to go through a 5S routine. We sort what needs to be kept (ex: working tools) and what needs to be quarantined (ex; damaged tools) or trashed (ex: water bottles). We set in order these tools and trash – we place working tools back in their tool containers and shadow boxes, we place damaged tools in the quarantine bin with red tags, and we place used water bottles in the trash. We shine the deck and tools for the next crew on the next shift to start work. We follow this standard every shift to sustain a neat and tidy work site. Why?

A shining work site is a safer work site.

A shining work site is an efficient work site.

A shining work site encourages more investment in the best tools.

A shining work site delights a customer.

How does integrity play into 5S? How you finish a job says something about your character. Here, a picture says it best.

When you end a task, how does your work site shine?

Finally, I wish you all a safe, healthy, blessed holiday weekend. For those who are working this weekend (and we have a lot of teammates working this weekend, over 2500 on jobsites this past week), THANK YOU! Your sacrifices for our APM are noticed and appreciated.

— Jake