Safety Information and Updates

On May 24, 2010, Dennis K. Burke, Inc. will adopt a policy that will allow our drivers to be safer at work and further set us apart from many in our industry.

 Distracted driving is quickly becoming an epidemic in our society and the statistics showing the results should make all of us pause and realize the importance of this topic in both our work and personal lives.  

• According to the National Highway Traffic Administration, in 2008 nearly 6,000 people died in crashes involving a distracted or inattentive driver and more than half a million were injured.  
• While we would never consider driving a commercial motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, talking on a cell phone while driving extends a driver’s reaction time as much as having a blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit of .08 percent.

Stop and re-read those two bullets… those are staggering statistics. Sadly our brains are often too stubborn to allow us to learn from statistics until we are affected by them personally.

Dennis K. Burke, Inc. is committed to providing the safest possible environment for its employees and the public. As such, it is the policy of Dennis K. Burke, Inc. that no employee will use any type of handheld electronic device while operating a company vehicle or while driving their personal vehicle on company business. This includes, but is not limited to: cell phones, CB radios, laptop computers, and GPS systems. While we realize the large role that these devices play in our lives on a daily basis and the inconveniences and inefficiencies eliminating their use while driving may cause, we are not willing to sacrifice safety.  While we are confident that legislation to this end will follow soon, until such time Dennis K. Burke will be on the forefront leading the way.

Attached is the formal policy as well as a few bullets on how we intend on modifying our business practices to accomplish this change in policy. Please read and be prepared to put in place on May 24, 2010. We also urge you to talk your families and to those who are important in your lives about this serious issue. Thanks in advance for your cooperation and your daily efforts towards keeping our roads safe!

Changes to procedure once policy is in place

1. You are still required to call in after completion of each load. You are to call base prior to leaving the site after each load if single stop or at the conclusion of a multi-stop run.
2.  If you are unable to get thru on either of the 2 base phones and nobody has returned your call within  10 minutes from the time of your first call, you are to then contact the Dispatch Hotline at 617.304.1906 or 181*25103*70. This phone is not to call dispatch unless you have been sitting for 10 minutes or longer
3. If dispatch needs to contact you and you are driving, they will call from the Dispatch Hotline phone. This phone will be set-up on your phone with a special ring tone. If you hear this ring tone while driving, it means dispatch needs to talk to you immediately. You are then to SAFELY find a SAFE location to pull over. Do not pull over into the breakdown lane on the highway. Get off at an exit and find a safe spot to pull the truck over and call the base phones back.
4. In the event of a personal emergency call from home, we recommend you set up your phones with a special ring tone as with the dispatch hotline. If this call is received, you are then to SAFELY find a SAFE location to pull over and return the call.

We are proud to announce that one of Dennis K Burke's own Maine based drivers took third place in the Maine Truck Driving Championships, Class B Division. Way to go, Joe!

THE THREE-POINT RULE

Falling while getting into or out of heavy equipment, a truck or tractor cab, hooking up air and electrical lines, or mounting or dismounting trailers is a sure way to get seriously hurt. Even an ankle sprain can make it difficult for you to use the clutch. Minor injuries can cost you big in terms of lost income and downtime.

No matter what type of access system your vehicle has available, use the THREE-POINT system to significantly reduce the chance of a slip or fall. The THREE-POINT system means three of your four limbs are in contact with the vehicle at all times-two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand.

The THREE-POINT system allows you to have maximum stability and support, thereby reducing the likelihood of slipping and falling.

DO'S

• Wear shoes with good support -- not sandals, bare feet or high heels.
• Exit and enter facing the cab.
• Slow down and use extra caution in bad weather.
• Get a firm grip on rails or handles with your hands.
• Look for obstacles on the ground below before exiting.

DON'Ts

• Don't climb down with something in your free hand. Put it on the vehicle floor and reach up for it when you get down on the ground.
• Don't rush to climb out after a long run. Descend slowly, to avoid straining a muscle.
• Don't ever jump out. You may land off balance or on an uneven surface, and fall.
• Don't use tires or wheel hubs as a step surface.
• Don't use the doorframe or door edge as a handhold.
• Don't become an injury statistic.
• Don’t get complacent! - The only person who can prevent a fall is you!