On day two of Ethics Week, we’re focusing on top value Safe – We protect the livelihoods of our colleagues and communities. We spoke with Operations Supervisor and VIP Award Winner, Robert O., to learn more about how he puts Safe into action and leads his team to do the same.
Q: What does Safe mean to you in your role as an Operations Supervisor?
A: Safe means I make sure all my drivers make it home safely. By putting in my time and effort, making sure the drivers are ready, willing and have the training they need to get home safely.
Q: How do you help ensure others around you are being Safe?
A: First, by leading by example. I can’t expect drivers to give 100% if I’m not doing that myself. Another way is through the training we’re provided. Republic Services gives us the best training. Within my 17 years at Republic, I can say the training we receive is amazing. Lastly, I ensure others are being safe by checking for understanding and connecting with the drivers to make sure they get it and it’s applied.
Q: You were recognized as a VIP for our top value of Safe. What are some ways that may not be so obvious to ensure we’re being Safe?
A: For me, spending time with drivers in the cab is a great way to ensure we’re being safe that may not be as obvious as say, training. By observing the drivers’ performing their duties and actions, we have the opportunity to make the interaction with them and correct anything that seems unsafe.
Q: What else would you like your colleagues and our customers to know about being Safe?
A: I would like our customers to know how seriously we take and invest in Safety. It’s not something that’s glanced over; we spend a lot of time, money, and effort to ensure we’re being Safe. I think our customers would be amazed at just how extensive our Safety program is, including our training.
Q: What’s one last thing you’d like our customers and colleagues to know about putting our value of Safe into action?
A: Make sure you bring your best version of you every day. You have to be your best self to ensure you’re being safe.
Congratulations to Robert again for being recognized as a VIP! We all have the opportunity to put our values into action every day and keep ourselves, our colleagues, and our communities Safe.
Check back every day this week for more Ethics Week stories and videos. Play the Ethics Week Quiz and tell us how you put Our Values in Action by Friday, June 7, for a chance to win one of 10 Company Store prize packages! Winners will be announced the week of June 10.