04-19-84 Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting

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Miller Transporters .. . several minimum qualifications. If under 25 years of age, he must be married. He must have a tenth grade education, pass the BMCS physical, have a valid drivers license, and must pass driving and BMCS regula- tions tests. He must also have two years tractor/trailer experience. In some cases, drivers have been hired from driver training schools. Once hired, the driver is placed on probation for 30 days training and observation. He rides with apart- time driver trainer, taken from the compan}•'s most experienced drivers, and receives three to five days train- ing for each product he will handle. The driver trainer certifies the new driver as qualified to handle each product. A new driver can be ter- minated based on the driver trainer's recommendation. The new driver must also pass a 100-question written test based on Miller's own detailed 74-page drivers manual. The manual covers com- pany procedures, product handling, defensive driving, equipment inspec- tion, what to do in case of an acci- dent, BMCS regulations and a varie- ty of other subjects. While riding with the part-time driver trainers, new drivers learn about the history of Miller Trans- porters, how to deal with customers, the elements of the company safety program, and other information that will make them the best driver for themselves and the company. Each new driver will also ride with a fulltime safety supervisor dur- ing the 30-day probation period. Each safety supervisor is responsible for safety and training at four or five terminals. During the course of a Driver Training Part of Miller Transporters driver training program involves materials from the Canada Safety Council's Pro- fessional Driver Improvement Course. Safety Director Tern• Malone reports the films and techniques contained in the course have been useful in his work. For information on the Im- provement Course, contact: Richard Green, Manager Traffic Section, Canada Safeh• Council, 1765 Boul St Laurent Blvd, Otta~~•a, Canada K1C 3V4. t t~ ~, • jF ~ 4 ~;E.; ,} I~ l~ _ • - ~ ~~ vl~. ,. ~r~~~~-- - ~ ~~ ~ N .. • Miller is using PVC pipe for the vapor recovery line on some of its gasoline trailers. Safety platform at top of ladder and grab handles on trailer help reduce "slip and fall" accidents. year, the safety supervisor rides with each driver in his area. The purpose of riding with experienced as well as newer drivers is to remind all drivers of safe driving and product handling procedures, and to help detect bad habits the drivers might have developed. Continuous Training Miller operates a fully equipped 45 ft safety van as part of its con- tinuous training program. The van has desks which can be used for classroom sessions and during filln and video presentations. The van has displays of product valves and emergency equipment which can be operated during training. The safety van is driven by the safety supervisor when it is schedul- ed for his area. It can be taken to ter- minals, or set up along the highway for short training sessions with drivers on the road. The van has also been used by police and rescue per- sonnel for training, and has been taken to several shippers for instruct- ing their employees. Since it started using the van, the safety department has been able to reach about 90 percent of the drivers for training each month. Drivers are not required to attend safety meet- ings, and are not paid to do so. However, incentives likes hats and jackets are often given out at the meetings. All tililler drivers are com- pany employees. The Miller safety department has also developed its own hazardous materials training seminar. The seminar runs eight hours, and is usually held on Sundays. Drivers are paid to attend the seminar, and all are expected to attend when di- rected. The seminar covers hazar- dous materials handling, regula- tions, and equipment. In addition to providing training and safety activities, the safety department im•estigates accidents and is responsible for Miller's emergency response program. The company has eight four-man teams Icoated throughout its prime oper- ating area. Team members have at- tended emergency response schools. Their main objective in responding to an emergency is to provide infor- mation and to contain product. Driver Controls Terminal managers are charged with direct supervision of their drivers. Drivers understand rules and regulations governing safety and conduct, and know they are subject to discipline or discharge for viola- tions. All tractors carry Sangamo 24-hour tachographs. The terminal manager is required to check all tach charts daily, and safety supervisors review charts when they visit their terminals. Speed is not a real problem, as Miller tractors are governed for 60 mph. The carrier uses safety patrols and radar to a limited extent. The safety department also conducts equipment and terminal inspections. Miller Transporters awarded 448 safe driving awards in 1982. At the end of 1982, it had 116 members in its million mile safe driver club, and seven members in the two million mile club which was formed last year. The company participates in state and national roadeos, and awards prizes in terminal safety and driving contests. Miller Transporters has made the moves required to keep it among the industry leaders in today's tank truck industry. It has also increased its commitment to the strong operations practices that made it a leader in the first place.