CROSS-TRAINING BENEFITS OREGON PLANT

Labor is often the single most expensive component of water treatment operations and water quality monitoring. By fully cross-training opera tors in plant operations, maintenance of structures and equipment, and certified laboratory sampling and analyses, any utility can ensure th at its employees have the technical capability to complete water produ ction and water quality monitoring tasks cost-effectively. A fully int egrated program that requires operators to complete advanced training, maintain the highest possible certification, and manage diverse respo nsibilities usually reduces the number of staff positions required at a plant site. Job interest is increased by providing regular shift rot ation and varied tasks. Cross-training typically promotes long tenure because of the resulting job satisfaction. This combination of skill, experience, and responsibility works well during normal operations but proves to be vital during abnormal operations or emergencies, such as the record flooding in Oregon in February 1996.