Joint Safety Institute is a reality

by Local 18 President Frank Miramontes

The Labor/Management Joint Safety Institute is up and running!

The Board of Trustees are, from Labor: Brian D’Arcy, Russ Butow, Jim Barham and Pierce Watson. Management Trustees are S. David Freeman, Raman Raj, Enrique Martinez and Gerry Gewe. The two Administrators are me for Labor and Chuck Kokoska for Management.

The Joint Safety Institute (JSI) mission is to “create and foster a culture and environment that continuously improves workplace health and safety to prevent injuries and illness to fellow workers.”

Also, to “promote open communication and mutual trust and respect between labor and management on issues of health and safety.”

The Institute’s guiding philosophy can be summarized in a phrase: “Safety is a core value.” Activities and programs must impact frontline employees. Safety requires commitment from Labor and Management and extensive employee involvement.

Some of the JSI’s functions and activities will include:

• Serving as a neutral body/liaison between labor and management and safety organizations.

• Communicate safety information, trends and best practices.

• Develop and promote key safety initiatives.

We anticipate that the JSI will be a major beneficial evolutionary leap in the culture of America’s largest public utility.