DPI Workshop: Building a Culture of Safety

The measure of the strength of a commitment is often how difficult it is to keep. Thus, the time invested in learning and preparing to follow up on a commitment pays off in two ways—it makes it easier to accomplish a complicated task and it also reinforces the strength of your commitment.

The well attended safety Desert Preservation Initiative workshop conducted by Ivins City Parks Superintendent Joseph Rawlinson May 13 offered critical advice on using the equipment needed to accomplish DPI’s goal of removing the highly flammable invasive tamarisk. Addressing key safety procedures and practices, Rawlinson led the group through ways to increase their efficiency and effectiveness, thereby making it easier to maintain their commitment to this work.

The key theme of the day was the safety principles and procedures that define all that DPI does. Rawlinson stressed that the person who is operating a piece of equipment is in charge.  And, as DPI President Chuck Warren says, “As with any endeavor, such as marriage, you really don’t know on many levels what it is about until you are up to your knees in the weeds.   And that is true of DPI’s efforts to deal with tamarisk.  All of those participating in the experience of DPI have to appreciate the complexities and simplicities of this community building process.  The safety culture is an important aspect of what we do. He reminded the group, “It can be easy to be lax when you’ve done this work before,” which is why the creation of a culture of safety is vital. That would include daily reviews of safety standards and practices on the job.

Rawlinson covered a wide range of topics, from personal protective equipment (PPE) to the types of equipment typically used, how to maintain such equipment and how to use it properly. This included safety glasses and hearing protection, as well as clothing and shoes. He covered loppers, axes, and chain saws and reciprocating saws, among others, carefully reviewing safety mechanisms and equipment operations for each tool.

DPI board member Sara Dupre found that “These safety demonstrations are critical for new and seasoned DPI volunteers for the reminder of keeping safety a priority for ourselves and our other volunteers next to us on the site.”  Volunteer Randy Wright, a fire fighter for 35 years, supports the good work of DPI in “eradicating invasive species and reducing fire hazards.” Noting that “Safety is everybody’s responsibility,” he found Joseph Rawlinson’s presentation “excellent.”

Rawlinson plans a follow-up workshop in the fall when he will bring a park crew to demonstrate safe removal procedures.