When you're late to a sanitation route and a vehicle inspection is pending, do a full check before starting.

Tsun’s late arrival isn’t just a clock issue—it’s a safety moment in disguise. When the clock is ticking and a vehicle inspection is waiting, the big temptation is to rush. But here’s the thing: safety cannot take a back seat, even for a few minutes. The right move in this situation is to perform a full vehicle inspection, even if it slows him down a bit. Let me explain why.

Let’s set the scene

Being punctual matters in any safety-critical job, and sanitation work is no exception. Routes cover neighborhoods, schools, parks, apartment complexes, and busy streets. A late start can ripple through dispatch, crew teammates, and the people who depend on clean streets and properly serviced routes. Yet, no one benefits from a shortcut that leaves a vehicle uninspected. Skimping on checks might save a moment now, but it can cost far more later—in time, money, and safety.

Here’s the thing: safety first. If a vehicle isn’t in top working order, it can fail on route. A brake issue, a blown light, or a loose hose can lead to a breakdown in the middle of town, or worse, an accident. That’s not just bad luck—that’s a risk that can hurt someone, including Tsun himself. So the disciplined choice is to run the full inspection before heading out.

What a full inspection looks like (the thorough, not-so-glamorous part)

Think of the pre-trip check as a speed bump that actually speeds things up later. It prevents surprises, keeps the crew moving, and protects the public. Here are the core areas to cover:

• Tires and rims: Look for proper tread depth, cool to the touch temperature, and correct inflation. Check for cuts, bulges, or embedded objects.

• Brakes: Test the pedal feel, listen for squeal, and verify there are no warning lights. Check pads, discs, and connections for any leaks.

• Steering and suspension: Ensure steering is responsive and mysterious clunks aren’t hiding in the shadows.

• Lights and signals: Headlights, tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, hazard lights, and reflectors should all be visible and functional.

• Mirrors and glass: Clean and properly adjusted mirrors; replace cracked glass if needed.

• Wipers and fluids: Wipers should clear the windshield; fluid reservoirs should be full. Check for leaks.

• Horn and warning systems: The horn and any audible warning devices should work reliably.

• Seat belts and safety equipment: Belts should latch and retract smoothly; confirm the presence of emergency equipment (fire extinguisher, reflective triangles, first-aid kit) and that they’re in good condition.

• Fluid levels: Oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and power steering fluid should be within recommended ranges.

• Battery and electricals: Look for corrosion, secure connections, and secure battery mounts.

• Belts and hoses: Look for cracks, fraying, or signs of wear that could fail at the worst moment.

• Exhaust and emissions: Check for leaks, unusual noises, or loose fittings.

• Load and securing: Ensure the waste containers or totes are properly secured, lids closed, and any equipment stowed safely.

• Cab and interior: Dashboard warning lights, gauges, seat adjustments, and the cleanliness of the cab can influence driver focus.

• Documentation: Verify any inspection tags, service logs, or route-specific checklists are up to date.

It’s a long list, but every item is a lifeline. A thorough check isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about building a reliable foundation for the whole shift. Rushing through it invites a hidden issue to surface later, possibly in the middle of a busy street or at the end of a long route.

Why not skip or rush? The real cost of a shortcut

Some people fear delays or imagine they can “catch up” later, but here’s the reality check: skipping or skimping on a full inspection introduces immediate and long-term risks. A minor fault today can become a major breakdown tomorrow. A brake wear indicator ignored now may become a brake failure on a hill or through a crowded intersection. A loose connection could cause a sudden electrical fault that disables essential safety features. And if an issue does trigger a problem on the route, who bears the blame? The crew, the carrier, and sometimes the public. Not a nice trio to face.

By choosing to inspect fully, Tsun is signaling a clear commitment to safety and professionalism. He’s not just protecting himself; he’s protecting his coworkers, the communities he serves, and the integrity of the whole sanitation operation. That kind of responsibility isn’t a luxury—it’s a job requirement that pays dividends in real time.

How to handle the delay with poise and practicality

Delays are never fun, especially when every minute on the clock feels like a ticking timer. But you can manage the situation with a calm, practical approach:

• Communicate: Notify the supervisor or dispatch about the delay and the reason. Short, factual updates are best. It’s not whining; it’s accountability.

• Log the issue: Note what’s delaying you and what you found during the inspection. Documentation helps everyone stay aligned.

• Prioritize safety: If the inspection uncovers something that requires attention, address it now and adjust the route plan accordingly. Safety doesn’t become optional because of a timetable.

• Keep the route aligned: Once the vehicle is cleared, plan a realistic pace to complete the route without rushing again.

• Reflect and adjust: If lateness becomes a recurring concern, explore whether you need to adjust departure times, pre-check routines, or depot workflows. Small changes here can save big headaches later.

A few practical habits to keep on track

• Build in a buffer: If routes regularly take longer than expected, add a little cushion to departure times. It isn’t laziness—it’s smart risk management.

• Pre-checks at the depot: If possible, do a quick, high-priority check at the yard or depot before roll-out. It gives you a clearer picture of the day’s starting point.

• Use a simple checklist: A clean, easy-to-use checklist—whether paper or digital—lets you move efficiently without missing anything. A good checklist is a quiet superhero, catching things you might overlook in the rush.

• Keep tools handy: Have a dedicated area for leak-stoppers, rag cloths, a flashlight, and a portable tire gauge. A small toolkit can prevent a minor snag from becoming a big snag.

• Stay mindful of the public: People notice when a vehicle is out of service or failing. A calm, methodical approach shows respect for the community and upholds the profession’s dignity.

Tsun’s moment of responsibility—and what it teaches everyone

This isn’t about a single choice on a test or a single day on the job. It’s about a mindset. In sanitation work, you’re part of a larger system that keeps neighborhoods clean, safe, and healthy. The vehicle you operate is more than metal and wheels—it’s a conduit for service. When you treat safety as non-negotiable, you’re elevating the entire operation.

As you read this, you might wonder, “What if I’m late and there are other people depending on me?” The answer is simple: the right thing is the thing that keeps people safe and keeps the system honest. Yes, it can be frustrating to wait. Yes, it can mean a longer shift. But those decisions add up. They’re the quiet choices that prevent loud accidents, costly downtime, and shaken public trust.

A friendly reminder: safety is contagious

When a single worker demonstrates flawless safety—like Tsun did by fully inspecting the vehicle—others notice. It sets a standard. It creates a culture where people look out for each other, where questions are welcomed, and where minor issues are not brushed aside. That culture isn’t built in a day; it grows from consistent, everyday choices.

The bottom line

If you’re ever in Tsun’s shoes, the path forward is clear. Do the thorough vehicle inspection—trust me, it’s worth the delay. It protects you, your teammates, and the people you serve. It upholds the rules that keep everyone on the right track. And it reminds us all that, in public service, safety isn’t an extra step—it’s the foundation.

A quick recap to keep in mind:

• Full inspection first, even if it adds minutes to the start.

• Focus on the big, safety-critical checks: brakes, tires, lights, fluids, and securing loads.

• Communicate and document any delays or findings to keep the operation transparent.

• Build routines that minimize downtime without sacrificing safety.

• See safety as a shared duty that strengthens the whole system.

If you’re part of a team that moves through the day together, you know there will be moments when the clock pressures you. In those moments, choose the route that protects life, trust, and service. The rest can wait a few more moments—because those moments might just save a life.

So next time the question pops up—late arrival with a pending inspection—remember Tsun. Take the time for a full, careful check. The route will wait; people won’t. And that’s the kind of decision that makes a good worker great.