Skip to main content
EVENT TRACKER
Keep track of rescheduled, canceled industry events with our COVID-affected event tracker - Powered by Snap Finance
Close
Sister Publication Links
  • Rubber & Plastics News
  • European Rubber Journal
tb-logo
Subscribe
  • Login
  • Register
  • Subscribe
  • News
    • OPINION
    • CORONAVIRUS
    • AUTO INDUSTRY
    • BUSINESS/FINANCIAL
    • COMMERCIAL TIRE
    • FACTORY FIXES
    • GOVERNMENT & LAW
    • INTERNATIONAL
    • MOTOR SPORTS
    • NEW PRODUCTS
    • RETAIL TIRES
    • SERVICE ZONE
    • SEMA/AAPEX
    • SMALL BUSINESS
    • TIRE MAKERS
    • SPONSORED CONTENT
    • New round of Paycheck Protection Program funding opens
      Vaccine may usher sense of normalcy
      Cover-up: More retailers requiring face masks to curb COVID
      USW alleges COVID-19 violations at Kumho plant
    • Conti starts production of ‘HL' load index tires for select OE customers
      GM banking on 'BrightDrop' EV to build commercial van business
      Stengel promoted to president of NAPA parent Genuine Parts Co.
      Former auto exec Tyrone Jordan joins Cooper board of directors
    • Linglong planning U.S. launch of 'Hubtrac' truck tire brand in 2021
      COVID-19 takes huge bite out of European tire markets in 2020 —ETRMA
      U.K. race series extends contract with Goodyear through 2026
      New round of Paycheck Protection Program funding opens
    • Linglong planning U.S. launch of 'Hubtrac' truck tire brand in 2021
      Evolving delivery trends good for CV tire sector — Cooper exec
      Conti adding light-duty products to General Tire OTR tire lineup
      GM banking on 'BrightDrop' EV to build commercial van business
    • New stimulus package fixes PPP loan confusion
      USW opposes Taiwan tire makers' dumping counterproposal
      New round of Paycheck Protection Program funding opens
      Taiwan tire makers propose settlement of import duties case
    • OK Tire adds Cooper, GT Radial passenger tires, Michelin, BFGoodrich commercial tires
      Linglong planning U.S. launch of 'Hubtrac' truck tire brand in 2021
      Global OTR Library adds wheels, rims to portfolio
      Conti starts production of ‘HL' load index tires for select OE customers
    • U.K. race series extends contract with Goodyear through 2026
      Goodyear Racing staying on track
      General Tire Canada renews sponsorship deal with Raceline Network
      Indy Autonomous Challenge: High-speed, head-to-head, no drivers
    • Linglong planning U.S. launch of 'Hubtrac' truck tire brand in 2021
      Hankook doubles size range of Ventus V2 all-season UHP line
      Conti adding light-duty products to General Tire OTR tire lineup
      Goodyear-brand belts back on the market under licensing arrangement
    • OK Tire adds Cooper, GT Radial passenger tires, Michelin, BFGoodrich commercial tires
      Wholesaler K&M Tire hosts virtual dealer conference
      Hankook doubles size range of Ventus V2 all-season UHP line
      New stimulus package fixes PPP loan confusion
    • AMRA to host 5 educational webinars in Feb., March
      Shocks/struts maker KYB unveils video training series
      Bauer Built completes expansion at Neb. facility
      Marinucci: Basic steps to email efficiency
    • WTC hosting webinar Jan. 20 on load-capacity standards
      Denver's Brian Sump named AAPEX Shop Owner of the Year
      DUB, TIS Wheels founder Myles Kovacs is SEMA Person of the Year
      AAPEX: Using social media to promote your business
    • New stimulus package fixes PPP loan confusion
      Vaccine may usher sense of normalcy
      2020 Review: PPP loans give boost to small businesses
      Latest COVID relief bill includes $325B in small-business support
    • Linglong planning U.S. launch of 'Hubtrac' truck tire brand in 2021
      Papadimitriou to leave position with Pirelli after six months on job
      SRNA increasing prices on Dunlop motorcycle tires
      Sentury Tire hires Martin Winter as global OE technical director
    • Sponsored By Yokohama Tire Company
      7 questions to ask consumers when they need tires for a crossover SUV
      Sponsored By Yokohama Tire Company
      Stocking Tires for Crossover SUVs
  • SHOP FLOOR
    • BALANCING
    • DEMOUNTING
    • SAFETY
    • TIRE REPAIR
    • TPMS
    • TRAINING
    • VEHICLE LIFTING
    • WHEEL TORQUE
    • Video: Balancing Tire
      Safety tips for wheel balancing
      An introduction to wheel balancing
      Wheel weights: Balancing form with function
    • Video: Demounting
      Tire changer types, tips and trends
      How to clear rim rust and corrosion
      An introduction to demounting, mounting and inflation
    • Video: Safety
      Customers
      Considerations for shop safety policies
      Introduction: Creating a culture of safety
    • Video: Tire Repair
      Essential tools, materials and equipment for tire repair
      An introduction to tire repair
      How to properly patch a puncture
    • Video: TMPS Service
      The life-saving work of TPMS
      An introduction to TPMS service
      The importance of proper relearn procedures
    • Video: Training
      Internship ideas to attract tech talent
      Choosing the right auto service tech school
      Intro: Finding and training technicians
    • Video:Vehicle Lifting
      The gravity of proper lift points
      Safety essentials when using jack stands
      An introduction to lifts and lift safety
    • Video: Wheel Torque
      The importance of torque specifications
      Introduction to proper wheel installation
      Torque check and recheck recommendations
  • Multimedia
    • VIDEOS
    • PHOTOS
    • PODCASTS
  • Events
    • ASK THE EXPERT
    • LIVESTREAMS
    • WEBINARS
    • SEMA LIVESTREAMS
  • Data
    • DATA STORE
  • Resources
    • DIRECTORY
    • CLASSIFIEDS
  • ADVERTISE
  • DIGITAL EDITION
MENU
Breadcrumb
  1. Home
  2. News
May 13, 1996 02:00 AM

cutter. He told observers he lost part of a finger in an industrial accident, though not on a debeader. REMEMBER: SAFETY FIRST: IN SERVICE SHOP OR FACTORY, LIVES DEPEND ON IT

  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Share
  • Email
  • More
    Print

    LOUISVILLE, Ky.-Those shocking moments after a serious industrial accident are no time-with the foresight of hindsight-to begin planning for a safety program. It's obviously too late. Tragically, despite rules, regulations and standards set by agencies such as the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), loss of life-or limb-still occurs regularly on job sites. Wherever there is any kind of mechanical equipment, be it tire recycling machinery, vehicle lifts, power tools or even tire changers/balancers, the very real possibility for an accident exists.

    Unfortunately, Jerry Boyette, a plant manager for American Tire Recyclers, knows too well what can happen when safety becomes a secondary concern.

    In 1988 he was employed by a ``major steel company.'' The cover on a fan in a cooling chamber had fallen off and, despite repeated pleas from workers to fix the problem, a supervisor delayed authorizing the repair, nonchalantly stating: ``We'll fix it later.''

    ``Later'' arrived too soon, when an employee there ``lost the right to be a total human being,'' Mr. Boyette declared.

    While making repairs in the chamber, the worker lost his footing and fell into the fan, which cut off his hand at the wrist.

    Ironically, the company actually had a very good safety program, Mr. Boyette said, but management had shifted from concern for employees to a greater interest in ``productivity.''

    At the International Tire and Rubber Association's recent World Tire Conference & Exhibition in Louisville, Mr. Boyette was among presenters of an outdoor workshop focusing on the importance of safety in tire recycling operations.

    But with the ``OSHA man'' seemingly a specter-like presence, looking over the shoulders of most businesses for safety violations, what Mr. Boyette discussed is easily adaptable to any factory, tire dealership or automotive service shop in order to provide a safe-or safer-work environment.

    ``Is safety your priority? Do you make sure your machinery operates as properly and safely as possible?'' Mr. Boyette asked retreaders, tire dealers and recyclers during a safety demonstration.

    ``The tire industry is no different from any other,'' he said, ``when safety issues are concerned.''

    He advised that every business devise and implement a safety program, and review it regularly. Among a number of his other suggestions are that:

    Management must demonstrate to employees that it's serious about wanting a safety program;

    Supervisors-and the employees themselves-must be involved in setting up a program;

    Specific efforts be made to control all types of hazards in the work place;

    Life-threatening conditions be corrected immediately, and potentially hazardous ones in as timely a manner as possible.

    ``Do it now,'' he urged, ``don't wait.'' Daily safety meetings of 10 minutes or less will help establish awareness of the company's safety program and uncover possible problems existing in the plant.

    Documented monthly safety meetings-which

    are mandated by OSHA-be held. ``But don't let them become (gripe) sessions,'' he said. ``Talk about safety,'' and how to correct problems;

    Employees regularly be made aware of the chief causes of injuries on the job-including falls from heights; electrocution; crushing; being struck by equipment; and

    All problems or complaints be investigated, then employees cautioned about the condition that has been cited, as well as a follow-up to the status of the condition.

    Few have ever accused OSHA of being kinder or gentler. But the agency is indeed changing, Mr. Boyette pointed out. ``It is trying to help, to be our friend,'' even though he admitted there are still some OSHA investigators who continue to ``play hardball.''

    OSHA has a number of training programs and booklets available, he said. The agency, for example, provides training on the control of hazardous energy, especially through utilization of ``lockout/tagout'' procedures for machinery being serviced or repaired.

    It also has ``right-to-know'' hazardous materials communications, such as Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and recommendations on proper job site personal safety protection equipment.

    Companies concerned about possible safety problems or needing specific advice can also consult with OSHA without, by law, the fear of recrimination. (See a related story on OSHA on page 12.)

    ``Job-related injuries or deaths don't have to happen,'' Mr. Boyette said, ``if simple safety programs are developed and heeded.''

    But that calls for a committed effort not only by management, he added, but by employees, as well.

    Letter
    to the
    Editor

    Do you have an opinion about this story? Do you have some thoughts you'd like to share with our readers? Tire Business would love to hear from you. Email your letter to Editor Don Detore at [email protected].

    SIGN UP FOR NEWSLETTERS
    EMAIL ADDRESS

    Please enter a valid email address.

    Please enter your email address.

    Please verify captcha.

    Please select at least one newsletter to subscribe.

    Newsletter Center

    Staying current is easy with Tire Business delivered straight to your inbox.

    SUBSCRIBE TODAY

    Subscribe to Tire Business

    SUBSCRIBE
    Connect with Us
    • Facebook
    • LinkedIn
    • Twitter
    • RSS

    Our Mission

    Tire Business is an award-winning publication dedicated to providing the latest news, data and insights into the tire and automotive service industries.

    tb-logo
    Reader Services
    • Contact Us
    • About Us
    • Site Map
    • Industry Sites
    • Order Reprints
    • Customer Service: 877-320-1716
    Partner Sites
    • Rubber & Plastics News
    • European Rubber Journal
    • Automotive News
    • Plastics News
    • Plastics News China
    • Urethanes Technology
    RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Privacy Policy
    • Privacy Request
    • Terms of Service
    • Media Guide
    • Editorial Calendar
    • Classified Rates
    • List Rental
    • Digital Edition
    • Careers
    • Ad Choices Ad Choices
    Copyright © 1996-2021. Crain Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    • News
      • OPINION
      • CORONAVIRUS
      • AUTO INDUSTRY
      • BUSINESS/FINANCIAL
      • COMMERCIAL TIRE
      • FACTORY FIXES
      • GOVERNMENT & LAW
      • INTERNATIONAL
      • MOTOR SPORTS
      • NEW PRODUCTS
      • RETAIL TIRES
      • SERVICE ZONE
      • SEMA/AAPEX
      • SMALL BUSINESS
      • TIRE MAKERS
      • SPONSORED CONTENT
    • SHOP FLOOR
      • BALANCING
      • DEMOUNTING
      • SAFETY
      • TIRE REPAIR
      • TPMS
      • TRAINING
      • VEHICLE LIFTING
      • WHEEL TORQUE
    • Multimedia
      • VIDEOS
      • PHOTOS
      • PODCASTS
    • Events
      • ASK THE EXPERT
      • LIVESTREAMS
      • WEBINARS
      • SEMA LIVESTREAMS
    • Data
      • DATA STORE
    • Resources
      • DIRECTORY
      • CLASSIFIEDS
    • ADVERTISE
    • DIGITAL EDITION