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James River Lines

January 2005

Volume 2, Issue 1

IN THIS ISSUE:

Christmas Angels 2004

The office staff in the Richmond office decided instead of giving each other gifts we would put the money together & get an angel from the salvation army’s angel tree.  Several drivers from Richmond & Williamsburg, donated and we had enough to get 2 angels.   Four people from the Richmond office volunteered to work the angel tree booth at willow lawn after work where we selected Liliana, female 13 years old & Xavier 14 years old.  We bought CD players, CD cases, CD gift certificates & clothes.  What fun!!!

Next year maybe we can get more angels.

Safety Statistics for 2004

The numbers are in- and James River Bus Lines & Carey Chauffeured services had a pretty good year.

Workplace injuries declined by 50 % over 2003, with one each for James River and Carey. On the vehicle side, 34 collisions, down 3 from 2003 and losses cut by more than $5,000.00.

Back Safety

The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health list back disorders in the “top ten” leading workplace injuries published. They account for 27 percent of all nonfatal injuries and illnesses involving days away from work. It’s no wonder. Your back is a sophisticated piece of machinery made up of numerous muscles, bones, nerves, and supporting tissues. It’s a machine you use every day, probably in ways you don’t even notice.

Just like the finest machinery, your back requires proper care to keep it working. If it’s not working right, you’ll suffer. An injured back affects your ability to move your limbs, your hips, your neck, and your head. Injuries to the back can be very debilitating, causing a lot of pain, time away from work, and often requiring physical therapy or even surgery. Everyone whose job involves stressful lifting or awkward postures is at risk for a back injury. Here are some tips to keep your back in optimum condition:

While lifting:

  • Don’t bend over an object you are lifting. Bend your knees, squatting in front of the object to reach it.
  • Lift the object slowly and carefully, using your leg and arm muscles to lift, not pulling with your back.
  • Keep your head up and look straight ahead while making the lift.
  • While lifting, keep the object as close to your body as possible.
  • Keep abdominal muscles tight while making the lift.
  • Use the same techniques when you put the object down.
  • If the object is too big or too heavy to lift using these techniques, use mechanical assistance or get someone else to help.

When reaching for objects:

  • Do not reach for an object unless you’re sure you’re strong enough to lift it.
  • Use a step- ladder to reach objects above shoulder height.
  • Avoid awkward stretches while reaching. These stress your back and could cause you to lose your balance.
  • Don’t depend on structures to support you (e.g., a shelf support, a storage rack, etc.). These could easily give way if you pull or tug on them.

Exercise also plays an important role in keeping your back strong, healthy, and flexible. A properly exercised back is less likely to be injured. Your physician, company medical personnel, or other heath-care provider can recommend the best exercises for you, taking into account your physical condition and the type of work you do.

Always be alert for situations that could cause a back injury. Be kind to your back. Don’t take unnecessary chances. By following proper lifting and reaching techniques and exercising properly, you’ll help keep back problems behind you!

Identifying Security Threats and Incidents
Reprinted from “Busride” magazine, Jan. 2005

(School) bus security begins with you – your knowledge and your best judgment. Being able to define and identify security threats and incidents will help you distinguish between a prank and an actual emergency, and enable you to determine your appropriate course of action.

  • A security threat is any source that may result in an event or occurrence that endangers life or property and may result in the loss of services or equipment.
  • A security incident is an unforeseen event or occurrence that does not necessarily result in death, injury or significant property damage, but may result in interruption of service.

Recommended procedures for Employees

The purpose of establishing and implementing standard procedures is to protect lives and the security of the community.

In addition to knowing and applying your State’s, school districts, and company’s established procedures, use the following guidelines as preventive measures to help insure the security of yourself and your passengers.

  • Wear your required uniform and/or company identification.

  • Familiarize yourself with any State, school district and company security guidelines.

  • Keep all vehicle doors, hatches and compartments locked when vehicle is unattended.

  • Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections

  • Maintain an uncluttered vehicle

  • Maintain constant awareness of people, activities and items around you

  • Immediately report any operational security weaknesses, such as damaged/broken fences or doors, faulty locks, and poor/insufficient lighting

Monthly Quiz

By now everyone is used to seeing this quiz, which will be a regular feature of our newsletter. You are asked to complete the quiz and return it to Bob Strutton for safety training credit.

Effective with this issue, the quiz will be treated similarly to other paperwork required by the company- that is, if not completed and turned in, Points will be deducted from you daily incentive bonus. Please make sure you put your name on the sheet when you turn it in.

Breakdowns & Emergencies

  1. Whenever there is a breakdown, you must:

  2. The most common type of road failure is an:

  3. ...and the most frequent type of road failure is: 

  4. If you hear  a loud “bang”, you may have a

  5.  There are many possible sources for vibration and noise, some of which you can see and some of which you can’t.  The following is a short partial list of some of the possibilities:

  6. If the coach leans with the engine running, you may have (2 answers): 

  7. If the engine will not crank, some of the simpler things you can try to get it started are:

  8. If the engine will crank, but won’t start these are some of the possible causes and solutions:

Help Wanted

Gearing up for the 2005 spring charter season means finding some replacements for drivers who have moved on. A full time class is beginning January 24th.  As many as 10 positions are available.

A new part-time training class is now forming, to begin February 12 and run for eight Saturdays, from 8 am til 5 pm.

If you know of anyone who might be interested in working for James River Bus Lines, or Carey VIP Chauffeured services, please have them call for an interview.

Meet the People of James River

Anthony Black

 Anthony is a graduate of our September training class. This is Anthony’s first venture into transportation. After a stint in the army, He worked in the production business before deciding to take to the open road. Anthony spends much of his free time (what’s that) keeping in touch with his daughter Marqarita.

Hector Cruz

Hector is a relative newcomer to James River, having come to us in 2003. He is, nonetheless, a well-experienced driver with many years of motor coach service in the New York City area, including transit and tours. Hector is also a member of the Training unit.

Cecil Cross

Cecil is an institution at James River. Starting in 1989 after a long stint with Greyhound, Cecil has managed to get involved in every aspect of the company. He is currently assistant driver manager and lead road instructor.

Merv Gettman

Merv is also a long time James River driver, except when he gets to dispatch. Merv had a long career with Trailways in the Western United States before “retiring” to Virginia.

Correction to last month's newsletter:

In last month’s newsletter I mentioned the great job Doug did as Santa, but inadvertently omitted Frosty. Although I still don’t know who played the part of Frosty, The snowman(woman?) was also very well received.

Driver Reminder!

Drivers are required to have in their possession while on duty, a flashlight and a few tools to help you if you run into problems on the road. Please make sure you always have pliers, two screwdrivers, and a small adjustable wrench wouldn’t be a bad idea.

And don’t forget your maps!

Breakdown Procedures
The following is taken from the JRBL Employee Manual

When a mechanical difficulty occurs, operators should follow the procedures below:

  • Protect passengers and the coach (location, triangles, etc.)

  • Investigate symptoms and conditions of coach.  Check basic items, if applicable, like temperature, oil, leaks, smoking.

  • Contact JRBL immediately after initial investigation.  Be ready to describe events, sounds, vibrations, etc. prior to and during the problem.

  • Do not attempt to fix a problem without absolutely knowing how to, unless you are following JRBL directions.

  • Repair by outside mechanics or other drives must be pre-approved by JRBL.

  • Under no circumstances, are operators to disable an emergency shut down device without the approval of JRBL

How To Get That Second Wind

Feeling run down? You’ll turn things around in five

minutes if you...

 

... REFUEL. Snack on fiber-rich munchies, such

as dried apricots, bananas, baby carrots or rye

wafers. Benefit: The fiber slows the release of

glucose (a sugar) into your bloodstream and

helps fight energy dips.

... BREATHE DEEPLY. Every 1-2 hours, spend five

minutes inhaling and exhaling deeply, hands on

ribs. You’ll promote calmness and mental focus

as well as renewed energy.

... GO ON AN “IMAGI-CATION.” Close your

eyes and take a mental vacation by imagining

a peaceful scene... on an island... in a meadow...

by the ocean. Imagine yourself relaxing there.

... CALL A CONFIDANTE. Use your personal

support system — family, friends or co-workers —

to quickly unload and unwind.

... SNAP OUT OF IT. Splash cold water on your

face, snap a rubber band worn on the wrist or pop

a breath mint — mint flavors are stimulating.

... TAKE A “GOOD NEWS” INVENTORY. At the

end of the day, jot down all the good things that

happened. You’ll be surprised at how much went

right. Plus, you’ll set yourself up for a good night’s sleep... and energize yourself for tomorrow.

 

Get Well Wishes For...

 Leon Montgomery, John Taylor and George Price. We hope you are feeling better and can get back to us soon.

FYI

Fuel mileage increases from 5 to 33 % if you don’t drive aggressively.

For each 5 MPH over 60, fuel use translates to approximately 10 cents more per gallon. Based on our average annual fuel use, that means at 65 MPH it costs us an additional $27,000. At 70 MPH it would cost us yearly, another $54,000.00

Constant idling of engines not only burns excess fuel, it is directly responsible for engine smoke, especially when accelerating, and causes more frequent road failures.

These figures relate also to your personal vehicles.

DRIVE LIKE A PRO – ALWAYS!

 

Suggestions Wanted

Everyone is requested to submit your ideas for a winter and/or spring company activity, such as picnic, show-night, or anything else you might be interested in.

We think it would be great to start off the spring season with a party, before we’re too busy to get away.

Please let us know.

REMEMBER!  ALWAYS DRIVE LIKE YOUR LIFE DEPENDED ON IT...IT USUALLY DOES!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
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