Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/79681
52 • SEPTEMBER 2012 • WORLD FENCE NEWS The first two parts of our series discussing your business' policies and procedures manual (the "book") dealt by topic with various areas which range from general policies affecting all employees to those specific areas which reflect the need to define work- ing conditions and schedules to assist with the quality of life issues and plan- ning necessary for a business to focus on its employees and their place, or re- sponsibilities, in and to the business. As we have said, the approach here has been general in nature, and as such is planned so that your own awareness levels may have been re- vised enough to have thoughts on other areas which should be included THE HUMAN LINK by Jim Lucci Management Motivational Associates More important chapters to include in your policies and procedures manual or covered. Our intent is not to cover every- thing, but rather to point out the most topical areas that such a book might include. With that in mind, this column will add to the list, with the hope that this series has raised awareness of the The Original! LOWBUCK PIPE NOTCHER Notcher features Made In The USA! Don't Accept Cheap Imitations That Bind Up! Lowbuck Notcher with 13 Cutter Set for 2-21 ⁄2 pipe or tubing up to and including Schedule 40 with one machine. The Williams Lowbuck Notcher features patented upper and lower ram supports and heat-treated tool steel cutters for long life and smooth action. This improved machine has been in production in California, USA for over 30 years, with thousands of satisfied customers. For information on the full line of Williams Lowbuck metalworking tools including sheetmetal brakes, rolls, bead rollers, shrinkers and stretchers, tubing benders, flamecutters, and more, write or call for a free fully-illustrated catalog to: Notch, 13⁄8,15⁄8,17⁄8 4175 W. California Ave. – Norco, CA 92860 ALL WILLIAMS LOWBUCK TOOLS ARE 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEED We ship U.P.S. daily. Call in your order for immediate delivery. WILLIAMS LOWBUCK TOOLS VISA PHONE (951) 735-7848 FAX (951) 735-1210 www.lowbucktools.com MC inches (23 ⁄8 , 15 ⁄8 ⁄8 , & 17 inches....................... $335.00 inches) ............................ $130.00 ⁄8 The Williams Lowbuck® patented upper and lower ram supports and heat-treated tool steel cutters for long life and smooth action. Schedule 40 Notcher Now includes individual male cutters for each size . . . 13 ⁄8 , 15 Also Available Size 23⁄8 ⁄8 , 17 ⁄8 Cutter need for such a book sufficiently that, if it isn't already in existence, your business will shortly be including cre- ation of this important book on its agenda of things to be done ASAP, while also recognizing the need to keep it current and effective by an on- going education and implementation policy. Now, in the third and final column of this series, let's explore some of these other thoughts. Since many con- tractors in our industry have manufac- turing capability (i.e., a shop), if you have that capability, you would cer- tainly want to have a section of your book devoted to what policies will govern the day-to-day operation of your shop. You will want to cover such areas as proper work attire, safety practices and equipment, specification of who will have keys to the shop and the equipment, what will be the estab- lished chain of command, and what procedures you wish to establish in terms of individual and managerial re- sponsibility for equipment, tools, maintenance and clean up on an ongo- ing basis. In the same manner, explore the policies needed to govern your yard. Again, levels of responsibility for safety, maintenance and condition of product storage should be spelled out. Is there a yard foreman? What are his duties? Who assigns work and load- ing? At what hours? These are the kinds of questions which should be an- swered in your book. Topically, you need to think of each of these areas as separate and dis- tinct from other sections of the book, even though they are part of your over- all operation. It is important to cover the oppo- site end of your safety concerns as well, as regards to persons other than those who are assigned to work in areas such as the shop and the yard. Cover such questions as: Who is responsible for keeping customers out of dangerous areas? Are the areas posted? Your manual should spell out such points, after careful research into your business' responsibilities to your customers, and how best to protect them and your business. Another area for topical consider- ation should be your policies regard- ing your installers, both full time company employees as well as sub- contractors. This topic should include what you expect of them as regards to their dealings with your customers, how they should be attired, your poli- cies and perhaps disciplinary proce- dures. This section should be given careful consideration, since installers have the maximum ultimate contact with your customer base and thus rep- resent you and the image of your busi- ness which you wish portrayed, whether they are employees or sub- contractors. In short, they are respon- sible for much more than the efficient, expeditious and, yes, excellent instal- lation of the contracted job. They can display or destroy your business' level of professionalism, and if destroyed, there go your chances for referrals for future business. Of course, your office personnel and your sales staff have contact with your customer base as well, and their responsibilities should likewise be spelled out, including points for all such as careful attention to telephone manners and courtesy at all times to customers and other staff. Be very specific regarding use of alcohol, drugs (including prescription drugs, which could affect the safety of the employees, perhaps their driving), and any inappropriate behavior. Many businesses are now requir- ing pre-hiring and ongoing drug test- ing. Be sure to check with your legal counsel what you can and cannot de- mand or do before writing this section of your manual. Do not, however, summarily eliminate it because it is a difficult area. Such an omission could have a very expensive cost in potential injuries, death, lawsuits, loss of jobs or continued on page 54