BC and Saskatchewan unions now calling for similar training and safety standards
Unions representing public auto insurance workers in BC and Saskatchewan are calling for improved safety protocols – like the training provided to MGEU members at Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) – for their members.
Hybrid vehicles use high voltage batteries, which pack a 144 volt to 500 volt charge. They can pose a significant danger if someone unfamiliar with the technology comes in contact with the battery, wiring or powertrain components.
About a year ago, a MGEU member identified the significant high-voltage risk that hybrid vehicles posed to her and her fellow members at MPI. Once everyone (the union, employees and the employer) began to look at the issue, it was clear that this was a safety concern the couldn’t be ignored.
“Our members inspecting and boosting hybrid vehicles were clearly at risk, so we worked with the employer to develop safety procedures and basic training,” said MGEU President, Peter Olfert. “Now we’re going to share our experiences with the Saskatchewan and BC unions as they proceed with similar safeguards for their members.”
MGEU, COPE 397 and COPE 378 represent public auto insurance workers from Manitoba, Saskatchewan and BC. The three unions recently met for an annual discussion about emerging issues affecting their members. Hybrid training quickly emerged as one of the leading safety concerns, so much so that someTri-Union members are now looking to take these safety precautions one step further.
“The issue of hybrid vehicle safety extends beyond our members,” said Garry Hamblin President of Saskatchewan’s public insurance workers (COPE 397). “We need to follow the lead of Manitoba and now push for protection Canada-wide from the high-voltage risk of hybrid vehicles.”