
This feedback resulted in a dialogue with safety contractors to offer ideas and propose potential solutions.

ALGONA TRANSFER STATION HOW TO
“The team responded by first identifying what the most serious concerns were and how to adequately address them without creating drastic changes, then we solicited solution feedback,” he said. Henry shares how a need for further safety measures at the top load stations is what prompted this improvement. “Employees like to know they are being heard, and everyone needs to know they are valued, not just by words, but by actions.” “They spend a great amount of time at the station and observe as well as perform established processes related to their jobs, so they are in the best position to suggest a modification or best practice,” he said. In acting on employee feedback, it was a win-win for both the stations and staff. They were built in the sixties and seventies and are still operating now in modern times.Īnthony explains that employees are the best resource for suggestions that will improve customer service and safety. With safety, it is important to always be on the lookout for improvement, especially at the top load stations. The service provided includes repairs to equipment, fabrication to the station facilities and equipment, as well as servicing vehicles and equipment. He has a variety of duties that also include ensuring staff provide service to our customers at the transfer stations and Cedar Hills. “If something is identified, we will jump into action as a team to handle the situation and ensure we are safe and secure moving forward,” he said.Īnthony Slaughter is a Cedar Hills Land Fill Shop Supervisor and has been with King County since 1991. He explains how the team is proud to take on new challenges and recognize opportunities for improvement. “Safety and security for staff and customers is the top priority at the transfer stations and the landfill,” said Tyler Fogelberg, Operations Supervisor and a member of the team that supervises transfer stations, landfills and other SWD work groups. Initial reactions and opinions have been positive and well received by customers and employees. As a continuous improvement measure, the employee suggestion is one of several being piloted to add more security for individuals at the transfer station. The team deployed a modified 20-yard roll-off container to create a physical barrier between customers and employees, and the edge of the fall hazard area, limiting access to this security risk. “It is important so that employees know that they are being heard and that we take their input seriously,” he said. Henry Dotson, an Operations Supervisor who has been with SWD for eight years, explains how everyone is committed to making changes that promote both efficiency and safety, and that the input of employees is essential when making operational changes. The idea, developed by Algona transfer station employees and their supervisors, was installed on March 10.

Staff in the Department of Natural Resources and Parks’ Solid Waste Division (SWD) have developed a new safety mechanism to add extra security measures for both employees and customers.
