Watertown, SD — For communication tower workers who commute to and operate vehicles on jobsites, “making sure that we stay honed in” and “don’t allow ourselves to become complacent” is critical.
That’s an insight from Cameron Swanson, vice president of operations at Ontivity, in a new video from NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association.
In a conversation with host Sean Gilhooley, Swanson offers guidance on:
- Avoiding distracted driving
- Using a spotter when backing vehicles
- Reducing speed in work zones
- Driving defensively
- Securing loads
He advises workers to always keep their attention focused on operating their vehicle and refrain from texting or multitasking. Reaction time is especially important because many commutes may involve hauling a trailer.
After arriving at the jobsite, park the vehicle and check the surroundings before backing in. Always use a spotter.
“I understand we have a lot of pros when it comes to backing a trailer,” Swanson said, “but thinking that you’re a pro and trying to tackle something thinking that you’re doing good can oftentimes lead to disaster. Set your ego aside. Ask for some help.”
Additional tips from Swanson:
- Always maintain a safe following distance but consider adding time if traveling behind a driver with license plates from out of state; this suggests less familiarity with the area.
- Be familiar with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations on load securement.
“At the end of the day, the most important job isn’t climbing a tower; it’s getting home,” Gilhooley says during the video. “Every text you ignore, every time you slow down, every decision to use a spotter or drive defensively, it all adds up. Safety doesn’t just happen on a tower. It starts the moment you put that truck in drive.”
The video is the most recent installment in NATE’s Climber Connection series, which promotes safe work practices for communication tower workers.
