Risk Assessment: Using SCENE to Assess Risk

Within the WreckMaster discipline, we follow a 5-point guide, whether we are going to tow or transport a vehicle, perform service or execute a recovery. This 5-point acronym, SCENE, allows us to follow a certain protocol.

You will learn more about SCENE in the next section of this course, however a brief overview of the discipline can be found below.

SURVEY

When arriving on the scene, park out of the way, identify yourself to the customer or the other officials, and inform them that you’re going to survey the casualty and report back to them.

CALCULATE

Take the time to make sure your equipment can handle the job safely and efficiently by double checking the specs of the casualty and your equipment.

EXPLAIN

It’s probably the most important step in the acronym. This is what you are going to explain to the customer or the officials on scene, what your plan is and anything you may need from them to safely complete your task.

NO’S

Ready your tow trucks for positioning, block traffic with permission, if necessary, move into position, do one final walk around and validate all your rigging to ensure nothing jumps out at you as a potential problem. Correct any errors you may find that could lead to an unsuccessful attempt.

EXECUTE

Finalize and engage your plan for success. Do it once and do it right.

The discipline of SCENE must be consistently applied to every technique learned under the WreckMaster curriculum. By following these steps for everything you do throughout your daily routine, you will not only become a safe operator, but an efficient one.

COMMON RISKS FOR A LIGHT-DUTY OPERATOR

  • Traffic related injuries
    • Exiting the truck on the busy roadways and high-speed highways
    • Distracted drivers ignoring the warning signs
    • Drivers not slowing down or providing room to creating enough workspace
  •    Slips and falls
    • Weather related injuries
    • Tripping over debris
    • Using three points of contact to enter or exit a vehicle
  • Damage to own truck or other’s property
    • Damage caused by miscalculating or poorly executing a technique
    • Improper maintenance on truck and equipment