Calgary Branch Edmonton Branch - the Institute of Power Engineers

Volume 9:Issue 3 ***PLEASE POST IN YOUR FACILITY*** May/June 2008
Calgary Branch
The Calgary Branch has meeting plans made up through to the end of the year. An upcoming
golf outing is looked forward to. Some members will be attending the IPECC/SOPEEC meeting
in Toronto in June. Membership in the Branch continues to hold at about 100 general members
and 60 student members of the Medicine Hat and SAIT Power Clubs. The May meeting will be
a speaker meeting with Mike Poehlmann of ABSA giving a presentation on the Hub Oil accident
a few years back. We take this opportunity to wish all a happy and safe summer break. If it be
a trip with family, take many pictures and notes. The memories of our children are so easily
rejuvenated with pictures and incidents worthy of notes. Enjoy.
Edmonton Branch
The Edmonton Branch and the Alberta Area wish all a safe and enjoyable summer. Annual
summer events are looked forward to.
If you come up with any websites which contain worthy information regarding Power
Engineering, please let us know. We will then have them listed under “On The Web”.
Also, let us know of any concerns you may have regarding the Power Engineers Regulation
which is being opened for review later in the year.
See a late entry about the Annual BOA Trade show on page 3.
ON THE WEB
www.geocities.com/albertaipe
www.ipecalgary.com
www.absa.ca
www.safetycodes.ab.ca
www.qp.gov.ab.ca
www.powerengineering.ca
www.sopeec.org
www.sopeec.org/IPECC.aspx
www.boacalgary.com
www.boma.ca
IPE National
http://www.nipe.ca
[email protected]
Steam Lines
Production: Calgary Branch
Co-ordinator: Tania Wood
[email protected]
Distribution/Advertising: Ray Shupac, PE
[email protected]
ADVERTISEMENTS
If you would like to see your add in this newsletter please
contact Ray Shupac at
[email protected]
for more information.
Edmonton Branch:
Calgary Branch:
ABSA:
BPVTC:
Queen’s Printer:
PanGlobal PETS:
SOPEEC:
IPECC:
BOA:
BOMA:
Notes:
We will be making an attempt to improve our links to other
organizations. We will be trying to maintain certain key ones as
regulars but will cycle others as room permits. The link box on
the left is an example. If you feel a website has value, please
let us know via “productions” and we will insert it. Those sites
which indicate safety items are informative and we are
beginning to seek out and compile them. Here, you can try this
one: www.csb.gov regarding a Texas refinery incident. Steam
Lines staff wish all a happy and safe summer.
In This Issue:
Alberta Director’s Chair
Remembering Peter
Power Engineers Regulation
Ray Whey
New About Old
Respectful Workplace
Page:
2
5
6
7
8
9
Page 2 of 10
It’s faith in something and enthusiasm for something that makes life worth living.
--Oliver Wendell Holmes
Hello all.
Recent personal events with me have resulted in my
decision to relinquish my Vice President position with the
Branch because of health and other personal issues.
Comparing the two positions, I found it had to be the VP
position as there are varioius other duties to be performed
along with the VP position which played a slight toll with me
and one needs to be fully focused and very committed to that
position. However, I can still do the Alberta Area Director’s
position as there are only two meetings in a given year,
correspondence, and attending the annual AGM in the fall of
the year. I have no problem doing that plus meeting with
groups or individuals from time to time. I am comfortable with
filling the Area Director position at this time.
Well, it’s been a great year so far for the AIPE and I want
to say that we had an excellent meeting on April 26, 2008 with
AIPE Executive and guests using the video conferencing
between NAIT and SAIT. We had discussions on various
topics.
The AIPE Membership Certificates have been approved
and soon they will be generated for the Alberta Membership
with a guided procedure in place on how to obtain them.
Another topic of discussion was licensing of operators on
antique traction and stationary boilers. Ray Shupac, PE, had
given the report on it to the executive. We the executive are in
full support of this very issue.
Another topic of discussion was the Henry Hau, PE, report
on the shortage of Power Engineers in Albera. We need to
come up with ideas on how to generate more Power Engineers
for industry etc. Various ideas were discussed and further
investigation is required.
Also discussed was the remote location variances to
where this could threaten power engineering in itself and
includes all other safety concerns. This will be discussed at the
next AIPE meeting. I am asking all membership to review the
Act and Regulations regarding “variances” and, if necessary,
contact ABSA and ask about automated plants in remote
locations with no power engineers operating the facility hands
on etc. It seems a few companies are asking for variances for
these remote plants. If you have concerns about variances,
please discuss it amongst yourselves and then let your IPE
Area Executive know these concerns along with your thoughts
on proceeding with them. They will then be discussed at the
next AIPE Area Executive meeting.
Please give input. Our next area meeting will be in Red
Deer in October, the first or second Sunday, an exact date has
not been determined as of yet. Well this concludes my two bits
on the Director’s Chair. See you on the next issue of
Steamlines.
Lennox Curle, PE
Area Director
Page 3 of 10
BOA ANNUAL TRADE SHOW
The Building Operators Association (Calgary) is having
their annual trade show on June 10th, 2008. The show which
has over 30 Exhibitors specializing in Building Operations will
be held from 2PM to 6PM at the Danish Canadian Club, 727 11th Avenue S.W., Calgary. Admission is free and regular
draws are made for some exciting door prizes. Free food
service is included from 5PM - 6PM. More information is
available at the BOA web site at: www.boacalgary.com .
Admission tickets can be printed from the web site. The
tickets include a stub to be used at prepaid Impark parking lots
as well as a ballot for the grand prize draw for a $ 500.00 gift
certificate towards a weekend for two at the Rimrock Inn, Banff.
During the afternoon we present two seminars: Building
Operator Development Program (BDOP) and Customer Service
and Client Expectations. More information about the seminars
can be found on the BOA web site too.
*****
IPECC/SOPEEC FIFTH CLASS
I will be attending the annual meeting in Toronto in June
as Acting Chair of the Fifth Class Sub-committee.
My
committee consists of representation form BOMA, BOA, ABSA,
as well as Institutional Learning Providers and Jurisdictions.
If you have any concerns about the current Fifth Class
course, syllabus, and/or Regs, please let me know. I will be
meeting with my local committee members prior to the meeting
and if you wish you can contact Les Anderson, PE, or Mike
Clancy. They are both members of BOA.
I believe there has been much work done relative to
procedures, mandate, etc. of IPECC and I contribute this to
Brent Boutilier, PE, of Fairview College and Parkson Yeung of
ABSA. It is my belief also that IPECC/SOPEEC are a very
important aspect of our profession relative to standardization. I
have been impressed with some of the discussions which have
taken place over the last few meetings. This a place where
issues of concern originate in one jurisdiction but are discussed
nationally. This surely can’t be a negative thing.
--RJS, PE
*****
TILMA
Trade Investment & Labour Mobility Agreement
This is an agreement between BC and AB and is relative
to Power Engineering. In the near future this will bring the
western provinces and territories almost in line with legislation
governing Power Engineers. Another facet of “standardization”
and a worthy agreement.
As I understand things, this is one of the reasons for the
Alberta Power Engineers Regulation coming under review later
this year. Searching government websites in order to better
understand TILMA will help me make decisions regarding
changes.
–RJS, PE
Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men’s blood and
probably themselves will not be realized. Make big plans; aim high in
hope and work, remembering that a noble, logical diagram once
recorded will not die, but long after we are gone be a living thing,
asserting itself with ever-growing insistence.
--Daniel H. Burnham
Page 4 of 10
Power Engineer Education Corp.
Ray Shupac, PE
Tel: (403) 279-6215 Fax: (403) 279-6217
Cell: (403) 519-1302 Email: [email protected]
216 Ogden Drive SE, Calgary, AB, T2C 1W4
POWER ENGINEERING INSTRUCTOR
Corporate Centre- Lac La Biche
Full time continuous
Salary commensurate with education and experience
Use this opportunity to embark on a new career using your
technical skills as a Power Engineer to teach students in the
Power Engineering Program. In this position you will enjoy over
40 days of vacation per year plus a spring and Christmas
break. The College offers a comprehensive flexible benefits
plan and opportunities for Professional Development.
Position Highlights:
ƒ Responsible for instruction of various levels within the
Power Engineering program
ƒ Organizing and supervising practical assignments
ƒ Conducting student evaluations and maintaining progress
reports
ƒ Maintaining contact with relevant industries
Minimum Qualifications:
• First or Second Class Interprovincial Power Engineer
Certificate, plus several years of field experience
• Experience instructing or tutoring adults would be
considered an asset
• Drivers Licence and access to a reliable vehicle is required
Competition Number: 07-INSTR-38-AIP
Closing Date: Open until successful candidate is found
Visit our website at www.portagecollege.ca, call 780 623-5598
or fax 780 623-5721
Apply to Human Resources at [email protected] or
Box 417 Lac La Biche, AB T0A 2C0
*****
IPECC/SOPEEC
A reminder of the annual meeting at the Sheraton Centre,
123 Queen St. W, Toronto, June 9 & 10, 2008. Those
representing industry, education, and legislation are welcome
to attend.
Simply put, this is any discipline of Power
Engineering. See the NovDec issue of Steam Lines for more
information. The organizer for the event as well as the IPECC
Chair is John Cerniuk and he may be contacted via the
SOPEEC link on the ABSA website www.absa.ca. It is an
opportunity for we Power Engineers to assist the various
jurisdictional bodies in ensuring our courses of study and
examinations are fair, just, and up-to-date.
The
aforementioned websites also list delegates whom you can
contact. Hope to see you there.
*****
Electricity is acutally made up of extemely small particles called
electrons, that you cannot see with the naked eye unless you
have been drinking.
--Dave Barrry
Page 5 of 10
EDUCATOR, COLLEAGUE, FRIEND
Peter Sievers, PE, - March 8, 1935 – March 20, 2008
I first met Peter at a PERCC meeting at NAIT in Edmonton
in the late 80’s. Personal computers were my most recent
dilemma. Peter gave me some advice then, and which I still
use today. He was very quick to learn new and complicated
issues – computers being just one of many. Over the years
which followed, I developed a tremendous amount of respect
for Peter. He had such a simplistic approach to life it seemed.
Although he has now left us with many memories, my high
respect for him will never wane and his memories will quite
often come to the fore. I will miss him and his contributions to
the meetings I attend in the future. I will easily and often
remember this special friend and colleague.
Following are some excerpts, in whole or in part, from the
guestbook on the Edmonton Journal website. They are very
much indicative of Peter’s many faceted outlooks.
RJS-PE – Calgary, AB
I just heard about your loss. Peter was one of my
favourite teachers of all time. I have thought about his
genuine zest for everything numerous times over the
years. My most smiled about memory of him was when I
handed in a 20 page assignment and he flipped through it.
"Dave, this is what I asked for, 20 pages. Do you see
this one, it is one hundred pages. Dave, do you think I
want to read this? One hundred pages?"
Dave Schepp - Spruce Grove, AB
I only got to know Peter for a short while, in his class
room. Even in that short time, it was clear that he had
a special way with people. He was full of knowledge on
all aspects of life and he always had a story that we
could learn from and laugh about. I know I have only
heard a small portion of them, but will always treasure
those that he shared.
Russell Becker – Weyburn SK
We were also happy to see Peter at the VSA reunion last
June. Peter was a good friend to all his classmates and it was
good to visit with him. His friendly manner will be missed at
future reunions. Our sympathy to Venice and family
The Brennans - Forestburg, AB
I feel very fortunate to have known Peter. He was a great
person and so full of life. Never a boring moment
around him! He has brought so much to our lives and we
will miss him dearly. Our sincere condolences and our thoughts
are with you.
The Duncans – Edmonton, AB
*****
Page 6 of 10
If anyone is interested in a motorcycle cargo
trailer, contact me at [email protected]. I
have two cargo units left and am closing out the
business. I willing to make “superheated” deals
on these last two new units. Shown is the “Ultra”
model, with stainless front plate and spoiler/brake
light, which the other unit does not have.
I also have an original seat for a 1200
Goldwing, brown in color and in excellent
condition. It was replaced with a custom “Hang
2” seat shortly after the bike was purchased in
1985.
Just because something doesn’t do what you planned
it to do doesn’t mean it’s useless.
--Thomas Alva Edison
ALBERTA POWER ENGINEERS REGULATION
This year the Power Engineers Regulation is being
opened for review. It is an opportunity for we in the Profession
to express our concerns to the groups involved in making these
changes.
It must be realized that there are a considerable number of
Power Engineers who would like to see one or more changes
made. We must also realize the problems this would create for
the governing bodies if proposed changes were submitted
inidividually. It is my opinion that this should be a duty of a
group or groups of Power Engineers – assist these bodies by
receiving proposed changes and then submitting them in a
prescribed format so as to lessen the burden for those
considering the changes. Some possible groups coming to
mind are the ABSA, ACI, AIPE, APECC, BOA, BOMA, HBAA,
IPECC, PERCC, SOPEEC, Learning Providers such as
Colleges, Unions, and similar groups of Power Engineers.
There are possibilities of some of these groups working
together, such as PERCC/APECC or BOA/BOMA, the various
colleges, so that one submission rather than two or more would
suffice.
If this would be the case, each of these “groups” would
have a “Legislation Committee” and this committee would be
responsible for receiving proposed changes, tabulating them,
and then submitting them in the aforementioned format. This
process should be ongoing so that it doesn’t create a flood of
information all at once. Currently, I believe this doesn’t really
happen. It is a time to develop this concept by the various
organizations. We must indicate our willingness to work with
the Legislators to a much greater degree than we have been in
the past.
In Alberta, the Power Engineers are regulated by the
Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing, Public Safety section.
Allan Hantelmann, PE, serves in this Ministry and is a member
of PERCC/APECC. Their website can be accessed via the
ABSA website, www.absa.ca , and then clicking “Related
Links”.
Under the Ministry is the Safety Codes Council. This
Council in turn has different Technical Councils, one of which is
the Boilers & Pressure Vessels Technical Council. A member
of the “BPVTC” is Jim Weiss, PE. These various Technical
Councils, Associations, and similar groups can be accessed via
the ABSA website “Related Links”.
These groups are all an important part of our profession
and all of whom we should be working with in harmony. As
members of the Alberta Institute of Power Engineers, we
should be submitting our Regulation concerns to the Institute
via our Branch Legislation Chairperson. The two Alberta
Branches should then submit their compiled change proposals
to the Alberta Area Director, via their Area Representative. The
Alberta Area Director should then submit the proposals to the
BPVTC member Jim Weiss, PE.
These are my opinions alone, and not that of the AIPE or
any other organization. It is these governing bodies that protect
those closest to a pressure vessel should it fail. They can use
our help, I’m sure.
RJS-PE
Page 7 of 10
COURSE DELIVERIES
Course delivery methods is a topic of recent
discussion. There are currently quite a few different
concepts of delivery in our present technological society.
What follows are some of my thoughts on this.
My personal experience has been to prefer a classroom type atmosphere. This seems to be the preference
of the majority of students during my tenure at SAIT.
This would include full-time program students as well as
regular scheduled evening classes. These were normally
taught on campus but there were times when classes
were conducted off campus, at a clients facility or similar.
In all cases, there was an atmosphere of classroom
learning developed by the instructor present.
An extension of these classes was the “Power Lab”.
Sometimes it was part of the course and other times not.
If it was an integral part of the course, then I termed the
course “vocational”, meaning the student did not have to
serve any “practical” experience as stipulated in the
Power Engineers Regulation (PER). This latter concept
aided in the elimination of the “catch 22” – experience
required to obtain the Certificate of Competency (CC) –
CC required to obtain the experience. Since I am a
believer of “Competency Based Training”, then this
vocational aspect is the proper way to go – classroom
plus lab. Trouble is, not all Learning Providers have
Power Labs such as SAIT, NAIT, MHC, etc. Other
factors are time and cost – if the student is working in a
PER applicable facility, should the lab component be
necessary? Here, I think not. Then the course would be
“non-vocational” – classroom only.
Considering the above, what would constitute
“Distance Learning”?
Currently, I understand that
anything other than “full daytime” is distance learning. I
feel distance learning relates more to the distance
between the instructor and student. If an instructor
leaves campus to teach at a “remote” faciltity, I do not
feel that would be distance learning. If an instructor is
teaching on campus during the evening, I do not feel this
would be distance learning. Distance learning to me
means the instructor/student connection is via the
internet or by correspondence. They are not present,
together, in the same venue. Correspondence, CML,
TLM, etc. are methods of distance learning.
The
instructor is some distance from the learner.
It is true that many students work well in one method
while others do not. It is good that the student has these
variations when making a choice – courses are
considerably more expensive now than they were when I
began my career. The ability and/or desire to work alone
seems to vary directly as the level of certification.
Generally, a person doing Second Class will do better
alone than a person doing Fourth Class.
Depending on the Learning Provider, there are a
number of different possibilites that a student can choose
from and still meet the requirements in the PER. My
views, summarily, would be something similar to the
following.
1. Classroom
Instructor present. If lab time, it is inadequate per PER.
Example: “Night” or “Evening” course.
2. Classroom Vocational
Instructor present, lab time required as stipulated by
jurisdiction.
Example: The one and two year programs such as
Chemical Process Operations and Power Engineering
Technology offered by many institutional Learning
Providers.
3. Distance Learning
Instructor not present. If lab time, inadequate per PER.
Example: Postal correspondence, CML, TLM, etc.
4. Distance Learning Vocational
Course completed as per 3 above, but now instructor
present during lab instruction time as stipulated by
jurisdiction.
Example: SAIT conducts 200 hour “Summer Labs” for
students who have completed a Distance Learning
course as per 3 above. Many of the students are not
working in a facility. This meets the PER stipulations of
experience.
If a student wishes to write a jurisdictional CC
examination via a “non-vocational” course, then his
employer would be required to verify experience on the
application form.
If the student would complete a
vocational course, then the Learning Provider would
verify the experience portion of the application.
The next glitch in this is the term “Power Lab”. This
would certainly have to be approved by the jurisdictional
body, and would be a “one-time” thing. Any modifications
made would have to be reported to the jurisdiction. I
believe Competency Evaluations should be a part of any
Power Lab program.
But let’s compare for a moment. If the completed
course is not vocational and is an entry level course such
as Fifth or Fourth Class, then the practical experience is
an issue. Many of these facilities operate in the “fully
automatic” mode and human operational intervention is
almost non-existent. So, in truth, how much real practical
experience does a student receive? This will depend
solely on the employer. Training for that particular facility
should be their responsibility and be “site specific”. If this
experience is as per the PER, should the jurisdiction
prefer a Learning Provider give some “training” on site?
Especially if the Learning Provider is recognized as such
by the jurisdiction? I struggle much with this aspect – and
remain undecided. Contemplation continues.
RJS-PE
Page 8 of 10
SOMETHING NEW ABOUT OLD
A group of Alberta Power Engineers is now in the
process of forming an association. The group is hoping
to register the title “Heritage Boiler Association (Alberta)”,
HBAA. Once duly registered, the next order of business
will be developing a proper course for the operation,
maintenance, and repair of Heritage stationary boilers
and Traction engines. It is intended to have the course
cover both book material and actual hands-on training in
the operation of these units.
Currently, Ontario and Manitoba are two jurisdictions
having Certificates of Competency on these units and we
hope to work with them in establishing a common goal –
safety, especially during exhibitions and parades where
the general public is involved.
In addition to the safety aspect, another reason the
the association was initiated is due to low number of
individuals experienced in the operation of the units and
the fact that there are no or very few young people
becoming active in this realm of our Alberta Heritage.
Hopefully the new association will help us in these areas.
If anyone is interested in becoming a part of this
endeavour, please contact me. Perhaps a website is in
the not too distant future, but for now we’re still working
on the footings, not just yet the foundation. At this point,
our only communication link is the grapevine.
A library of information is something we may wish to
establish. Anyone having information on this topic and
would be willing to share it will be appreciated. We do
not want the actual material, just to know where it is and
what it consists of. The owner will maintain possession.
The material would be catalogued as part of an
“Extended Library” so to speak.
We look forward to an active and worthy association.
RJS-PE
*****
CALGARY BRANCH
The Branch looks forward to a relaxing and
rewarding summer. Thanks to George Brown, PE, a golf
tournament is in the planning, an event which will
hopefully become an annual one.
George is also
involved in a bowling and/or curling tournament for the
winter season. President Sever, PE, has meetings
planned through to our Annual Dinner and Awards night
next January.
Lennox Curle, PE, as stepped down as Branch Vice
President so that position is now vacant. Len has chosen
to concentrate soley on the Area Directorship. The
secretary position has been assumed by Peter Leliveld,
who will certainly be an asset to the Branch. Ray
Shupac, PE, will work with Peter in establishing himself
into the position.
The Branch has taken interest and support of a new
Alberta association, the Heritage Boiler Association
(Alberta) and will continue to work with them. Anyone
having interest in Antique Traction Engines can certainly
contact me for information regarding the association.
Our next meeting, Tuesday, May 6, 1800 hrs, SAIT
T247, will feature ABSA’s Mike Poehlmann speaking on
the Hub Oil incident a few years back. Mike gave this
presentation at the IPEIA conference in Banff and the
feedback that it was an excellent presentation. We hope
those attending will enjoy, be informed, and bring along a
friend.
Gary Codner, PE, one of our Area Reps, will be
representing SAIT at the upcoming IPECC/SOPEEC
convention in June in Toronto. Gary’s performances over
the past few years at various meetings, events, and
organizations are indicative of the benefits which both
SAIT and the Branch will receive. Gary is also our SAIT
Power Club faculty advisor and indicates the Power Club
experienced another active year.
Our other Area Rep, Burke Bechtel, PE, continues to
work with the Medicine Hat Power Club which also had a
another very successful year. We must tip our hats to
these two individuals for their efforts and commitment.
The Branch continues to work in producing Steam
Lines. Tania Wood is hoping to be in the family mode
sometime real soon and will be doing less towards our
periodical. Anyone interested in contributing or assisting
in any way will certainly be welcomed. Tania has gotten
the template working very well now and everything is MS
Word so that no expensive software is required for
production.
Over the summer it is hoped that various Branch
members will be willing to contribute to the opening of the
Power Engineers Reg for review this fall. It is an
excellent time to review the Reg and express your views
to the Branch. It is intended to submit a proposal from
the Branch to BPVTC. It is an opportunity for each of us
to assist all those who work on our behalf in the name of
safety, and improve our ties with them. A start is
improving the web links of Steam Lines, as per page 1 of
this issue.
Ray Shupac, PE, has been retired four years now
and will be seeking replacements for some of his Branch
and Area duties. It is time to start the snowbird thing and
let a bit of the “Golden Years” kick in. Life has been a bit
hectic since retiring. Anyone interested in working at the
Branch or Area level can contact the Branch via our
website or per page 1 links in this issue.
The loss of colleague Peter Sievers is
acknowledged here and he will be missed. He was not
only an asset to our Institute but also to our profession,
especially from the Education standpoint. He will be
missed greatly but at the same time be well remembered.
The Branch takes this opportunity to wish each and
all a very pleasant and safe summer. Our July/August
break is always a refreshing one. We can now prepare
for an active and rewarding upcoming remainder of the
year. Enjoy the break and be safe!
RJS-PE
Page 9 of 10
The following is printed with permission from the
periodical Training Matters.
CREATING A SAFE AND RESPECTFUL WORKPLACE
Conflicts,
disagreements
and
inappropriate
behaviours do occur in the workplace. These situations
can be costly to an organization in terms of both hard and
soft costs. Hard costs are those that are somewhat
tangible and can be tracked (e.g. sick time, coverage for
absenteeism, health benefits, legal costs, external
consultants). Soft costs are much more difficult to track
and
include
stress,
wasted
time,
reduced
productivity, damaged company reputation and stress
that extends to employees’ family members.
Benefits of respectful workplace initiatives
When individuals within the workplace strive to
resolve these issues in an effective manner, a healthy,
safe and productive working environment is possible.
Organizations that actively promote this expectation often
have a high reputation in the community and spend less
time dealing with human relations issues. Some of the
benefits of implementing respectful workplace initiatives
include:
• reduced incidents of preventable injury and
enhanced workplace safety;
• heightened company reputation;
• enhanced morale and productivity;
• reduced absenteeism, turnover and formal
complaints; and
• reduced abuse or inappropriate behaviours by
members of the public, customers, etc..
Functions of management in the respectful
workplace
Managers have a role to play in the creation of a safe and
respectful workplace. They may be required to:
• encourage everyone at work to be respectful and
professional to one another;
• educate everyone that bullying, harassment and
violence are serious issues that will not be
ignored;
• resolve or address issues before they escalate
out of control;
• train supervisors and managers how to effectively
and responsively address complaints and
potential risk situations;
• educate staff in conflict management, reporting
concerns, workplace policies, etc.;
• develop and review policies and procedures that
deal with these types of issues;
• have or contract an impartial third party when
necessary; and
• respond to potential problems and not delay
resolution or action.
Listening is a misunderstood skill and is extremely
important in creating healthy and safe workplaces. We
often miss important cues in the workplace that can
provide us with valuable alerts or messages about what
is happening in the work environment. For example, if a
team is beginning to experience stress and dissention,
we may notice that no one is taking coffee breaks
together; we hear more gossip and complaints about
feeling tired and ill. These may be important messages
requiring attention.
Organizational culture needs to promote safety and
respect
Preventing workplace violence and optimizing safety
involves creating a culture that is safety-conscious,
respectful and supported by policies that are championed
by individuals in the organization.
Organizational culture plays a significant role in the
area of workplace safety and the manner in which
individuals interact and relate to one another. If, for
example,
an
organization
tolerates
aggressive
behaviours or minimizes the importance of personal
accountability, it is more likely that individuals who are
prone to workplace violence may have more freedom
(and perhaps opportunity) to display these types of
behaviours.
If your organization has a culture that promotes
employee wellness and personal responsibility, and
values healthy working relations, it is more likely that
inappropriate behaviours and actions will be addressed
immediately and not tolerated.
When individuals in the organization clearly
understand the company’s goals, vision and objectives
and the environment the company is striving to achieve,
behaviours that contravene the vision are minimized.
*****
Good leaders make people feel that they’re at the very
heart of things, not at the periphery. Everyone feels that
he or she makes a difference to the success of the
organization. When that happens people feel centered
and that gives their work meaning.
--Warren Bennis
*****
I am personally convinced that one person can be a
change catalyst, a “transformer” in any situation, any
organization. Such an individual is yeast that can leaven
an entire loaf. It requires vision, initiative, patience,
respect, persistence, courage, and faith to be a
transforming leader.
--Stephen Covey
*****
Executives are like joggers. If you stop a jogger, he goes
on running on the spot. If you drag an executive away
from his business, he goes on running on the spot,
pawing the ground, talking business. He never stops
hurtling onwards, making decisions and executing them.
--Jean Baudrillard
*****
Prosperity is a great teacher; adversity a greater.
--William Hazlitt
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