I am thinking that different sections could be divided up to different interested parties. I think people can pick a topic and go to town. Some custom tailoring to each business is expected. People can edit their individual post to have all the aspects and revisions in one place. People can PM the topic poster with ideas for revisions. This could help to keep the thread orderly. This one for example will need some revision after I brainstorm some.
For example:
Vehicle procedures (quick ideas to be formalized, no particular order)
-Driver will visually check fluids, tires, lights at the beginning of the work day/ week.
-Seat belts will be worn any time vehicle is driven on public roads.
-Driver is responsible to ensure proper tie-down of cargo, attachment of trailer hitch/chains/lights, and that there are no hazards, such as strap tails that can tangle in wheels, or anything that will be run-over. (I insist that nothing is put against the vehicle, under the vehicle, between the vehicle and trailer, or in front/ rear of vehicle. Unload to the side because it is safer and faster if an emergency exit is required due to an injury.
-Passenger is responsible for assisting driver for such things as changing lanes if view is obstructed or it is difficult to determine if lane is clear for lane change when towing (Driver: "Can I get over?", Passenger: "Clear to move over one lane") or turning (non-perpendicular intersections are sometimes difficult. Driver: "Am I clear on the passenger side?", Passenger: "Two cars coming, then clear." Pause. "All Clear on Passenger side."
Backing up and maneuvering in tight spots:
-Passenger will always get out to guide a driver into a tight spot, and whenever backing-up the rig. NO INVITATION NECESSARY, EVER! All passenger that are getting out at the location will get out of the rig to give extra perspectives, reduce distractions. Driver will turn off radio and open appropriate window to improve verbal communication.
Commands will be unambiguous and always "point-positive". I got PP from rafting guides. They will only ever tell you what they want (the positive) by pointing where they want you to go, as in swim toward that side of the river. EX: "More driver's side" with the back end of the rig versus "don't go to the left".
VERBAL:
Driver's Side.
Passenger's Side.
Follow that curve.
Straighten out.
Keep coming back 20'.
Keep coming back 15'.
Straight back 10'.
Straight back 5'.
Stop. Let me check the passenger side.
HAND SIGNAL TO COMPLIMENT VERBAL COMMANDS:
Using hands spread apart vertically (can be more easily seen that horizontally when one hand goes behind the rig) to indicate literal space between hitch and trailer or distance to stopping.
(AN ASIDE:
I find this better than "keep coming, keep coming, keep coming. STOPPP! STOP!"
Sometimes people act like its magic to get the hitch aligned the first time, whereas with an automatic transmission pick-up truck lining up with the trailer, it should be almost the expectation to get within an inch or two when you have a spotter, if not dead on. Manual transmissions, dump trucks, and hills will be harder, naturally.)
Spotter will stop vehicle as needed to view the entire situation, or gather more information from other spotters. One spotter should communicate with the driver and is the primarily responsible spotter. This can change if one spotter is in front and one in rear, and this needs to be clearly conveyed to all parties.
Driver will park and get out of vehicle as needed, for an actual view of situation.
Spotter in rear of vehicle will move fast to keep eye contact with driver in driver's mirror, unless directed to do otherwise, or it is unsafe.
Spotter will face the driver and yell as loudly as necessary for the driver to clearly understand what is happening, not being as loud as the spotter thinks is required. Driver will communicate if spotter needs to yell louder or get back in position to be viewed eye-to-eye in mirror.
Once in position for a trailer hook-up, Driver should put truck in park or neutral with brake on, allowing a safer situation for someone to be between the truck and trailer/ chipper.
Obey speed limits, adjust speed according to load.
Allow extra space for loaded trucks.
Don't drive a work rig like its a passenger car, or your own rig, drive it like it belongs to your boss, and its safe operation is your responsibility. This is the greatest liability to injuring innocent bystanders.
Limit/ avoid talking on the phone while driving.
NO TEXTING WHILE DRIVING.
Passenger is to assist driver by attending to whatever is not driving: phone, radio, navigating, etc.
Set-up traffic cones as soon as possible. On low traffic roads, like sidestreets, I block off the whole road except enough for a bus/ ambulance/ dually truck to come through, unimpeded. This forces people to slow down more for safety, plus they will be more likely to see your company signage and phone number/ website).
