Your Safety Program-Who does what?
IDL and the IDL Safety Program are committed to providing a safe working environment for our employees. There are different program components with specific roles. The information below is not all encompassing but will assist with better understanding of the roles and responsibilities of each component.
Every employee is considered a member of the safety effort. Involvement on the part of all employees is critical to the success of the safety effort and is a part of all employees’ workplace responsibility. Employees are encouraged to provide safety recommendations to the Safety Officer, a Safety Committee member, or your office Safety Coordinator.
The Safety Officer is a permanent position within IDL and is responsible for the overall Safety Program. In this role, I facilitate Safety Committee meetings, support the Safety Coordinators, implement and review safety policies, facilitate workers' compensation claims, and investigate workplace injuries. The Safety Officer is also responsible for identifying health, safety, and security related issues and concerns, and communicating safety related concerns, messages, and trends.
The Safety Committee has nine members, six of which are rotating members from various offices and programs. Any permanent IDL employee is eligible to participate when an opening occurs. The committee meets monthly and is responsible for promoting a safe working environment by developing and implementing corrective actions that address identified health, safety and security related issues and concerns. They recommend policies, procedures, and other requirements that outline expectations of employee safety.
Every IDL office is required to appoint a Safety Coordinator. If an office is very large or has multiple levels or buildings, a Section Coordinator may be assigned to assist the Safety Coordinator. Safety Coordinators review and update their office Emergency Response Plan, track office and individual non-fire program trainings and drills, and conduct inspections of AED's, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits. They are the point person for office specific safety concerns and communicate directly with the Safety Officer.
It's Fall! Seasonal Awareness
Fall is such a wonderful season! With the changing colors, cooler temperatures and the reduced concern for wildland fires, it also brings a new set of safety concerns. The Safety Committee would like to share some seasonal safety messages with you.
Hunting:
Many Idahoans are out in the woods hunting throughout the fall months. Employees need to be especially cautious while conducting business on state and private lands during these months. If you already have an IDL provided orange baseball cap, now is the time to use it. If you placed an order (they're almost here!) and don't have one from a previous year, please wear orange or another bright color any time you venture into the woods.
Driving:
Daylight hours are reducing by the day. Please use extra caution as you acclimate to driving during dusk and dark. Slow down, clean your windshields/windows, keep your tank full, schedule your tire replacements to studded tires, and supply your vehicle with blankets, emergency food, water, and flashlights (remember to change the batteries).
Slips/Trips/Falls:
Slips/trips/falls are our highest workplace injury reports and often cause long term medical issues, many are preventable. To help mitigate icy parking lots and sidewalks, IDL provides ice cleats to all permanent employees. Orders have been processed and those of you that ordered will be receiving them soon. Last winter, there were no reports of injuries due to icy conditions! Thanks to everyone for using your ice cleats and being safety aware. Keep walking like a penguin!
Ice is not the only cause of slips/trips/falls. Many of these accidents occur when working in the woods. With changing weather conditions, it's important to wear appropriate footwear and be aware of your foot placement, fallen logs, and wet and slippery conditions.
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