Dealing with Change-Luma
By now you have probably heard about the upcoming change from our antiquated SCO application to the new Luma software. This is a significant change that affects all employees.
Per Michelle Hermann, HR Officer:
- Luma is set to replace our outdated SCO application and transform operations performed by fiscal and HR. The new software boasts a modern, user-friendly interface that will streamline processes and boost efficiency across all state agencies. Not only that, LUMA's advanced technology will enable us to stay ahead of the curve and adapt to future changes.
Michelle has conducted micro-learnings to provide you with information to prepare for this transition. If you haven't attended one, you are encouraged to join an upcoming session. Invites went out this morning for April 25th, 26th and 28th.
Change can be challenging, and it affects everyone differently. We have no control over some changes, which can create fear and anxiety. Below are links to Forbes and Linkedin articles that provide tools and strategies to assist you in dealing with change.
Another resource free to employees is the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Access the link below for additional information.
- The Employee Assistance Program, or EAP, provides confidential, short-term counseling services for benefit eligible employees and their dependents to help them handle concerns constructively, before they become major issues. You can call anytime with concerns such as marital, relationship or family problems; stress, anxiety and depression; grief and loss, job pressures and substance abuse.
Employee Assistance Program
Forbes-How to cope with change in the workplace
Linkedin 7 Strategies to Embrace Change at Work
Field and Fire Season-Preparation
Spring has finally arrived! It's so great to get outside and into the woods. You may have been more sedentary through the winter and our seasonal employees may be new to the industry and not familiar with, or prepared for, the rigors of forestry and firefighting. Training and acclimation are critical for your safety.
Last season we had several workers compensation claims for heat related incidents, overexertion accidents, and slip/trips/falls in the field.
Heat related illness can be very serious. It's important to recognize the symptoms and respond quickly to avoid more serious illness.
- According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), heat stroke is the most serious heat-related disorder and occurs when the body can no longer control its temperature. The body temperature can rise to 106 degrees Fahrenheit or higher within 10 to 15 minutes and heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided. Other heat-related disorders include heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat rash.
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Hot Weather Safety Tips:
- Stay hydrated. Not just with water, electrolytes are also necessary during extreme temperatures.
- Avoid dehydrating liquids.
- Wear protective clothing.
- Pace yourself.
- Schedule frequent breaks.
- Use a damp rag.
- Avoid getting a sunburn.
- Be alert to signs of heat-related illness.
- Use the "buddy system" to monitor each other.
Slip/trip/falls may be avoided by using caution while in the woods. Spring is optimal for slippery logs and debris, loose slopes, and snow run off.
- Wear appropriate footwear.
- Be diligent in watching foot placement and walk with caution.
- Always make sure you have signed out of your office indicating where you will be and when you expect to return.
- Always have a communication device with you in case of injury requiring assistance.
Your safety is our number one priority. Help us keep you safe while conducting IDL business by following safety protocols and using necessary and required PPE.
PPE Shirts
I'm happy to announce that the high visibility t-shirts and sweatshirts have arrived and will be distributed next week.
This program is in its second year providing an additional PPE option to our field going employees. These shirts help to ensure employee safety while conducting IDL business on private lands, inspecting IDL logging operations, and scalers conducting IDL business in logging yards. Eligibility is determined by the amount of field work required of specific positions. If you have questions about the program or eligibility, please contact me or your supervisor.
For additional program information, access the program guidelines link below.
High Visibility Safety Wear PPE Program Guideline
Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Safety
Your Safety Committee wants to remind supervisors and employees to teach, learn, and practice OHV safety, particularly All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV).
New permanent and seasonal employees may never have had an opportunity to use an OHV or may not have been appropriately trained to operate them. Hands-on training for new and inexperienced operators and refresher training for those that have experience should be conducted.
IDL DP #19-OHV Vehicle Management Use Attachment B & C has useful guidance and checklists and should be reviewed with all employees that may operate an OHV.
The YouTube link below is an ATV Safety Training video that covers safety gear, ATV inspections, preparing to ride, and riding. Much of the information can be applied to any OHV. I recommend that in addition to reviewing the above policy, supervisors view this video with identified employees. It would be great to view as a group followed by a hands-on training with the OHV.
ATV Safety-What Riders Need to Know
Outdoor Safety-Ticks, bees, plants, sun!
It's that time when we are all getting outdoors to enjoy the warmer weather and absorb some of that beautiful sunshine! But with it comes a variety of possible hazards that we need to be aware of. Below is information to help keep you and your family safe this season.
Per the National Safety Council:
Any tick you encounter has the potential to be infected with bacteria, parasites and viruses, NIOSH warns. Although ticks are most active in the spring, summer and fall months, they can be active year-round in some warmer-weather regions.
Follow the link below for more information on ticks, bees, poisonous plants, and other outdoor hazards.
Animal, Insect, and Plant Safety
Sunscreen and other forms of protection are vital as we begin getting outdoors more. Protecting yourself and your family from the harmful effects of the suns UV rays is very important. Remember to carry, and use, sunscreen and wear appropriate clothing to provide additional protection.
Access the links below for more information about sun exposure, sun safety, and tips on how to protect you and your family from the harmful effects of the sun.
News in Health-The Dark Side of Sun Exposure
Johns Hopkins Medicine-Sun Safety
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