I'm a construction safety manager at Wal-Mart. My success story has to do with my experiences as a member of the Realty Compliance Safety Team and the program we developed. Here's what happened and how the program improved not just the company but me as a safety leader.

Developing a Safety Program in Response to a Gap Assessment

Before I came to Wal-Mart, I was a safety manager for a refrigeration contractor that installed the ammonia system in the DC warehouses. I have worn many hats during my career, including industrial painter, document control manager at a nuclear plant, human resource manager, and owner of a retail catalog business.

A couple of years ago, after I got to Wal-Mart, the Realty Division performed a gap assessment and put together a program consisting of a Remediation Plan and Gap Table. One of the gaps we identified was the absence of safety plans for our Home Office Campus. We have "Facilities Maintenance" that handles maintenance for over 30 buildings. I have worked with the Sign Shop and Information Services Cable Crews. Another Compliance Safety Team member developed a safety plan for our Photo Lab Carpenter Shop.

We started with a safety assessment of the respective areas and worked on developing the safety manuals. We came up with a list of items to be corrected and the date to abate each one. We documented requirements and included them in the manual covering annual training, inspection schedule, new associate orientation, HazCom, bloodborne pathogens, evacuation procedures, fire extinguishers and suppression systems, job safety analysis, PPE assessment, equipment training, crane operation safety, hoist and rigging safety, electrical safety, lockout/tagout, ladder safety and respiratory protection plan to name just a few.

Expanding on Success

I'm not at liberty to divulge specific information due to confidentiality. But what I can tell you is that we're continuing these safety plans to cover the Maintenance Shop and Grounds Crews, Janitorial Services, Electricians, Plumbers, etc. The Sign Shop makes the store front letters requiring cutting sheet metal, fabricating the can, wiring and applying the face. There are so many things to consider, such as covering any hole just to keep out wasps that would sting a tech performing maintenance. It seems like a small thing, but it's not so small for someone working from a lift that can't get away from an insect attack!

There's also a welding bay, spray booth, and mixing room. These are used to fabricate and finish the box signs you see at the roadside entrances and Tire and Lube areas. Then there is the construction of crates for the letters and signs to prepare them for shipping and finally loading the crates and box signs on the flatbed trailer preparing them for shipment.

Conclusion

As you have probably surmised from my lengthy list of experiences, I am no spring chicken! But this whole process has been a great learning experience. It has helped me sharpen my computer and presentation skills and expand my safety knowledge. I also can't say enough about the opportunities I've had working for this great company and the many people that have supported my efforts.

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