In the military, we use a clock to inform position. Twelve o’clock is straight ahead of you and six o’clock is straight behind you – a person’s most vulnerable side. WWI pilots were the first to say the term, “I’ve got your six,” meaning they’ve got you covered so the enemy can’t come up behind your back and kill you. “I’ve got your six” means “I’ve got your back.” It declares the highest level of loyalty — I am loyal to you. I’ve got you covered. You are safe because I am here for you!
Charge has made significant investments in the Safety and Quality Assurance program over the past five years. While these efforts have achieved some great results — including an industry leading EMR — Safety and Quality Assurance is now in a position to take it to the next level.
In order to build on the positive momentum, adhere to the company’s Code of Safe Practices, and continuously improve safety behavior and performance, we are launching an internal campaign aimed at implementing extreme ownership of the safety culture at all levels.
Starting in 2020, Charge Safety and Quality Assurance will be putting safety back into the hands of those who are closest to the work.
We will be asking all employees, whether in the field or in the office, to participate in shaping our safety practices and standards so that they truly reflect the needs of our employees. In the new year, our Safety and Quality Assurance program will be a grassroots approach, ensuring each employee at the company has got each other’s back…that we’ve got your six.
All employees are responsible for safety regardless of position or department. By bringing safety back to those who are closest to the work, we will be able to ensure our practices and policies are embraced and followed throughout our work.
In 2020, we will be making changes to the way we run our safety programs, which will be shared at the January 6 Safety Day (see video below). Employees will begin to see changes in the Safety Committee program and we will be rolling out a new Good Catch program. We will also continue to use field employees as our Field Safety Specialists. These changes are all in the approach to making safety about about having each other’s sixes.
About the Author
Erich Metzger, Dir. of Strategic Development, examines current market opportunities and emerging challenges and technologies to provide complete solutions for utility providers in the most challenging environments. In his prior role as Dir. of Safety and Quality, he worked to improve safety and quality at every level at Charge and throughout the utility industry.