Observers become more aware of their own safety. Some also take what they've learned at the mill home with them. Baker once noticed that some cupboards left open at home were a hazard, so he closed them. Each observer makes at least two observations a week. Qualls says his supervisor lets him take time from his job to make his observations.
Super visors realize they also benefit from having better safety records in their departments.
The company pays ob servers for a half day of work if they need to come in on their days off to make their observations. The program also has helped workers from various departments interact. Someone from the warehouse might visit the rolling mill for the first time to make an observation. So if a job opens up in the rolling mill, that warehouse worker might know if he wants to bid on it. Modernizing and safety AmeriSteel's mill in Knoxville will complete a modernization program in the third quarter of 2000.