Today I received an email from Quality Service Contractors reminding us all about doing the Circle of Safety Walk around our vehicles before we “jump in and go”. The story below brought me back to a younger time in my life when a contractor lost his life while doing a remodel project at our home. Later on, I had a cousin that lost his life when my uncle did not realize he was running towards the tractor and wagon he was driving on their farm. These things can happen so quickly and everyone in our company needs to be aware before they get in their service truck.

Why Do the Circle of Safety Walk Around Vehicles?

A client of ours requires all drivers to do a Circle of Safety Walk (360 Walk Around Inspection: Safety Policy 1.10.2.3) of their vehicle  prior  to  operating  the  vehicle. The pictorial below is one good reason this walk should be conducted.

 In  the  picture,  one  can  see  this  young child in the wheel well of the truck.

 A crew working for a Utility Company found this child while conducting a CIRCLE OF SAFETY of the company truck that the crew members were driving.

 It is hard to imagine what would have happened if the employee had jumped in the truck and driven off without doing a walk around inspection. Please share this eye opening, bone chilling photo and experience with your co-workers and family members.

This  same  work  crew  has  also  reported  children  climbing  into  the  back  of  company vehicles. Keep in mind children will be out of school on summer break soon so keep a watch out for them.

Follow this client of ours policy of walking around your vehicle prior to operating it. Hopefully you will never experience this situation, but if you do, you just saved a child’s life.

 Remember – Not only on the job, but off the job as well…

I work with one contractor who makes it mandatory that any employee who pulls onto the property, whether in a personal vehicle or company vehicle, needs to back into the parking spots. Not only does it look nice, you can see if kids are playing in the parking lot when you pull up. You may not know if they are there when you leave since you usually have other things on your mind.

Pay attention to safety. You don’t want to ruin your year by injuring or worse yet – killing a child who sees your truck as a playground.

What does your company do to insure safety? Tell us about it in the comment box below.