VEHICLE/TOOL SAFETY CHECLKLIST

Just as the cockpit crew of an aircraft runs through a checklist before, during and after a flight, an OYCC Crew Leader is expected to make a safety check before heading for the job, during the day and at the end of work. The items on your checklist might be different from another Crew Leader, depending on the job and geographic area of the state you work in. Use the following list to build your own.

First of all, what is the Crew Leader’s role in safety?

  • Set the standard
  • Be the role model
  • Train
  • Monitor
  • Enforce
  • Reward

Before you Start Out

  • Have a positive attitude
  • Be rested
  • Don’t be pre-occupied with non-work issues
  • Have emergency procedures in place
  • Have communications in place
  • Wear appropriate PPE
  • Have adequate food and water
  • Bring First aid kit
  • Bring Bee sting kit
  • Bring Corpsmembers’ medical history forms
  • Bring accident reporting forms

Dressing for the Job – PPE

What is PPE?

  • Personal Protective Equipment
  • Helps keep you from getting hurt

It all depends on where you are and what you are doing.

Forest Environment

  • Long sleeves
  • Work boots (leather, above ankle, non-skid sole, no steel toes)
  • Gloves (leather)
  • Long pants (jeans or similar, nothing baggy)
  • Hard hat

Desert Environment

  • Short/long sleeves
  • Sun hat
  • Long pants (jeans or similar, nothing baggy)
  • Gloves (leather)
  • Work boots (leather, above ankle, non-skid sole, no steel toes)

City/Town Environment

  • Short/long sleeves
  • Long pants (jeans or similar, nothing baggy)
  • Work boots (leather, above ankle, non-skid sole, no steel toes)
  • Sun hat/hard hat
  • Gloves (leather)

Guard your Tools

  • Any tool with a sharp edge needs to be protected when not in use
  • You can use a fire/garden hose or any other available protectors as guards

Tool Condition

  • Keep tools sharp
  • Make sure handles are in good condition and not loose

Vehicle Tool Storage

  • Tools must be stored in such a manner that they are separated from passengers
  • If your vehicle does not have a way to keep tools and passengers separate, don’t drive it!
  • Examples of storage are: roof rack, trailer, interior cage, pick-up box, etc.

Getting to the Job

Crew Leader

  • Always wear a seatbelt
  • Drive defensively

Corpsmembers

  • Always wear a seatbelt
  • No horseplay
  • No riding in back of pick-up/on tailgate

On the Job

Tailgate Safety Session

  • Conduct a safety session every morning for at least five minutes
  • Highlight safe practices for the job at hand
  • May be delegated to Corpsmembers

Walking In

Proper Distance

  • 10 feet between persons when walking or working with tools
  • This is very difficult to enforce
  • Work on it every day!

Safe Tool Carrying

  • Carry tools in your hand
  • On the downhill side
  • Never carry tools on your shoulder
  • No running

Tool Storage on the Job

  • Place tools in and upright position
  • Make them visible
  • Never store a sharp tool in a stump or log

End of Day

  • Tools properly stored
  • Vehicle clean
  • Vehicle fueled and ready to go