Does PPE work?
Is PPE really necessary? This season on an IDL fire we had an incident involving a chainsaw. This time an injury was averted because the employee was wearing chaps while using the chainsaw. This is a good example of how PPE can provide important safety protection. The damage may not look like much on the chaps but imagine if that was someone's leg.
Don't take use of PPE lightly or for granted. There is a reason it is in place and has been designed specifically for certain activities. We will never be able to completely remove our workplace hazards, but we can take precautions to avoid injury.
Please be sure to use all PPE available to keep you safe.
Ice Cleats
All permanent employees are eligible to order ice cleats through the IDL Safety Program. Slips, trips, and falls are the number one workplace accident/injury resulting in possible long term medical treatment. Last fall was the fourth year that ice cleats were provided to employees.
The reduction in reported slips and falls in icy parking lots or sidewalks is representative of the years that this program has been in place. Many employees have expressed how much they appreciate the cleats and how much more secure they feel.
Don't take a chance with your safety, place your order using the link below by October 20th. Contact Vikki Snider, Safety Officer if you have any questions.
Ice Cleat Order Form
Flu season is upon us
While Covid is less of a hot topic these days, it and several other flu strains are still a part of our reality. We have to be vigilant in taking care of ourselves, our co-workers, and family. There are everyday precautions that can help to reduce the possibility of contracting a flu and spreading it if contracted.
According to the CDC, here are some ways to stop the spread of germs:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- If you are sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
- Cover coughs and sneezes.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Or sneeze into your elbow.
- Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with viruses that cause flu.
- CDC recommends that people stay home for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone except to get medical care or other necessities.
Please take precautions to stay healthy this season, but if you do get sick, please stay home. This is one thing you don't want to share with your fellow team members!
Your Safety Program-Who does what?
IDL and the IDL Safety Program are committed to providing a safe working environment for you. 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.
Workplace Safety
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