Supervisor Duties

I believe it is critical to communicate with your staff in an honest and open manner. The first thing I would do as a supervisor is explain to them that every feasible option to make the work easier is currently not available. Then I would let them know that I am aware that the work and the time frame for it to be accomplished is very demanding, however, reassure them that I intend to make the work environment as comfortable as possible and let them know how much the organization and mostly me as their supervisor appreciates them for assisting in getting such a demanding task completed.

The first thing I would do is divide the group into two teams. Have the teams each assign a captain whose sole responsibility is to ensure that his/her team loads the most pieces per day. Let them know that their load amounts will be logged and at the end of the project the team who would have loaded the most will get a week off work. This is to create a friendly type of competition amongst the workers while still getting the work carried out.

Keeping in mind that this type of work is going to be quite strenuous on all six students I would additionally offer each of them compensation in the form of wages. I’d seek to ensure that the company will fully be obliged to cover all health expenses should any of them become sick or injured while on the job and make them aware of this. This is another mechanism I believe will motivate them to carry out their duties effectively and efficiently.  

Lifting all those pieces of heavy metal will undoubtedly bring about fatigue on their bodies. It is my responsibility to ensure that it is balanced so that the work is still carried out efficiently. I would provide lunch to all the students during the duration of this project. I would also ensure that they have water available to them at all times. A schedule would be put together to allow each student to get a 10 to 15 minute break intervals to rest their bodies.

Finally I would consider the option and consult with higher authority on the possibility of having the rail car moved closer to reduce the fatigue and have the students working  possibly at a faster rate.