The time is near when cities and counties will be dealing with snow removal from streets and roads. As the planning starts for these activities, it is important to inspect plow vehicles and associated equipment to ensure that everything is working properly when needed so everyone goes home safely.
In addition to pre-season equipment inspections and maintenance, inspections prior to each work shift are also recommended:
- Confirm that all safety guards and interlocks for sand/salt augers and spreaders are in place and functional to prevent worker injuries.
- Confirm that hydraulic systems work as they should after attaching plows and wing blades. Inspect hoses and fittings for leaks.
- Inspect tires on a regular basis. It is better to identify an issue before you have a tire issue on the street or road.
- If using tire chains, check the chains before and after each shift. A loose chain can cause damage.
- Ensure that all of the lights, turn signals and flashers/strobes are working. For quick-mount plows, ensure that plow-mounted lights also function properly each time the plow is connected.
- Check rear-facing lights to ensure they are working properly.
- Inspect cab mounting steps/ladders to ensure that they are not damaged.
- Inspect wiper arms and wiper blades to ensure they function properly.
- Keep windows and mirrors clean to maintain visibility. Keep glass cleaner and deicer in the vehicle.
- For vehicles equipped with two-way radios, conduct a radio check at the beginning of each shift to ensure proper communication capabilities. Inspect antennas and mounts.
Reminder: IMWCA offers a grant to members to help cover the cost of slip-resistant footwear for employees. Learn More.
Board Member Highlight
Board Member: Katy Flint, Franklin County Auditor for 2.5 years. Prior to that, I was a city clerk for 6.5 years.
Years served on IMWCA Board: I am finishing my first year.
Why did you get involved with the IMWCA board of trustees?
I bring a unique aspect to the Board having both county and city experience and I’m always looking for ways to give back and learn from other professionals around me.
What value do you think the pool has for its members?
The pool is truly there for its members and wants to see employees safe, healthy, benefiting from safety, and financially working together to be the best public entities that we can be.
What are your goals for IMWCA in the future?
To continue providing great service for its members as well as constantly working to provide service, training, and support that our members can benefit from.
What recommendations do you have for members to improve their safety and reduce their premiums?
Follow the recommendations that the professionals provide. Again, they truly want to see your employees be safe and your entity succeed, so follow their recommendations and advice.
The Pregnancy Fairness Act (PWFA) requires public and private sector employees with 15 or more employees to offer reasonable accommodations to employees for pregnancy-related medical conditions. The PWFA was enacted to help cover holes in the coverage by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Find more information and answers to frequently asked questions.
National Hearing Protection Month
As we close out the month of October, IMWCA Staff would like to remind everyone this is National Hearing Protection Awareness Month. In that spirit, we would encourage the use of the following two videos.
- “How Old Are Your Ears”?
Take a quick minute for this one, you may be surprised!! - How to Properly Wear Ear PlugsDo you catch employees catching a plug that is falling out often? Get complaints that they don’t fit properly? Take a quick 80 seconds to ensure you are using your equipment properly and receiving the benefit you are banking on.
- Special Thank You to the City of Bettendorf for sharing the links.
