Monday, April 26, 2010

Tool Box Talks

One of the most valuable safety related tools, isn't a tool at all. Recently we have implemented a mandatory morning meeting. We call it the toolbox talk. All employees are brought in and we discuss the days workload, process and hazards. We include all the employees and ask them for their input. We have found a reduction in injuries, and the shop is more organized. Everyone receives the same information and they can all work together to ensure the workload is organized and executed safely. Once all the hazards and safety measures have been discussed, we write them in the book and everyone signs off that they have the proper instructions for the day. The meetings bring everyone together and we have different employees give the talk. Once everyone has had a turn at it they become more comfortable and the meetings take about ten minutes. From a supervisors standpoint, a ten minute meeting can save hours of paperwork from injuries. Toolbox talks are fast and easy, try them for yourself and get everyone involved.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Testimonial from Industrial Machine Service: Committed to Apprenticeship


Industrial Machine Service is a small, Brampton-based company that specializes in two areas: custom machinery design and electrical / mechanical service to industrial and
commercial customers. Almost everyone who works at the company is a skilled
tradesperson, including tool and die makers, machinists, millwrights, welder-fitters, and electricians.

IMS is very committed to apprenticeship; Dave Tullis, the owner and founder, started out as a tool and die and millwright apprentice himself, and understands the importance of this type of training. Many of his staff are both licensed tradespeople in one trade and apprentices in another. All the employees work closely as a team and frequently learn from each other. It’s an environment that greatly benefits new apprentices joining the team, as they can develop a wide range of skills and get exposed to a wide range of challenges.

Over the years, the company has consistently turned to www.apprenticesearch.com to meet its hiring needs. Mary Morton, the office manager at Industrial Machine Service, is enthusiastic about the website. “Apprenticesearch is easy to use and we have had great results. I appreciate that I can search the jobseeker database myself to find suitable candidates. At least three of our current 10 employees were hired through apprenticesearch. I know when I use the service I will find applicants who meet our own high standards.”

Mary said she looks for several qualities when hiring an apprentice – past experience, a good personality fit with other employees, and an ability to work well both on a team and individually. “Apprenticesearch has consistently helped us find the apprentices we need,” she said. “We rarely need to use newspaper ads or other job boards any more.”