For this episode of OSR Safety Spotlight we checked in with Sam Caniglia, OSR’s Director of Service and Maintenance in Chicago. His department in the Chicago area includes both service technicians and a local production team. Since he started with O’Hara’s Son Roofing (OSR) four years ago, he has been actively involved in weekly safety meetings and toolbox talks.
1. What’s the most unusual safety hazard you’ve ever encountered?
One of our maintenance customers, with about 500,000 sq ft of roof area, has several seagull nests. I’ve also seen a Peregrine Falcon nest on a high-rise in Chicago. To stay safe, we schedule maintenance visits after breeding season and when the babies have left the nests, avoiding dive-bombing by the parents. Additionally, both bird species are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, so their safety is also a priority for us.
2. If you could invent a new safety gadget or tool, what would it be?
A sky hook…I remember being asked to go find one a long time ago when I was a Boy scout. If I was to design one, it would be strong enough to hold the 5000 lbs OSHA recommends.
3. What’s your favorite safety slogan or motto?
I have been telling our men weekly and it is also printed out on my weekly sheet that I share with all…
“As far as OSHA is concerned, there is no safe distance from the edge of a roof, so you must be protected. Always go beyond what is recommended by OSHA”. Also I tell everyone as we depart, “ We (OSR) want to send you all home in the same condition you came, with all your arms, legs, fingers and toes”.
4. Have you ever had a “safety superhero” moment where you swooped in to prevent an accident?
I prevented a fire by conducting a thorough fire watch and using an infrared gun on the flashings of a modified roof installed earlier. Most flashings had cooled to under 100 degrees, but one area was at 158 degrees. I cut open the flashing and discovered it was burning. The fire extinguisher on the roof and a call to 911 helped contain the fire. Thankfully, there was no major damage to the building!
5. What’s your go-to method for reminding forgetful colleagues about safety procedures without being too serious?
The use of “What’s Wrong with This Picture?” during our toolbox talks, some can be quite entertaining.
6. What’s the most memorable safety lesson you’ve learned from your own experience?
1) Fire Extinguishers on the roof!
2) Slow down and think through your next duty or assignment before you move forward to complete it.
7. If you could make safety training as entertaining as a Netflix series, what would the pilot episode be about?
“The Life and Times of ‘Safety Monitor Sam’, The Good, The Bad and The Ugly”
8. In a zombie apocalypse, how would you ensure workplace safety while defending against the undead?
Deflector shields, phaser guns or as a last resort…Beam us up Scotty!