 left to right, Jonathan Luhnow and Dustin Miller, photo by Michele Andersen
Safety Employee of the Year Award 2024
Jonathan Luhnow has been named IDL’s 2024 Safety Employee of the Year for his outstanding contributions to the IDL safety culture. This award is to recognize Jonathan for consistently making safety a priority and for his safety contributions that go above and beyond normal responsibilities.
Here are a few examples of how Jonathan’s involvement and dedication to safety have improved the quality of the IDL workplace:
- Jonathan goes above and beyond to assist with medical kits for the area fire crews. He helps order medical supplies, reviews kits checklist, and leads first aid kit inventory training in the spring. He has also facilitated fire related medical scenarios in order to expose the fire crew to potential medical incidents in a safe setting.
- He has expanded his safety knowledge outside of IDL with his local community through EMS, along with Search and Rescue. In turn, he brings that knowledge back to IDL to improve workplace safety.
- Jonathan’s approach to safety is both proactive and comprehensive. He played a key role in the purchase and carrying of soft stretchers and other appropriate first aid gear on our engines, further improving our firefighters’ capabilities during medical emergencies on an incident. He is often the first to identify potential hazards and take the appropriate steps to address them. Whether through conducting regular safety audits, leading training sessions, or improving safety protocols, John has made a tangible impact on our safety culture.
Jonathan was selected for this award from nominations submitted to the IDL Safety Committee. Be sure to keep safety your priority and notice when your fellow employees go above and beyond for workplace safety. This is an annual award, and nominations will be requested next fall for the 2025 award.
Please join me in congratulating Jonathan!
February Safety Tip: Stay Safe on Black Ice
As winter weather continues, be mindful of black ice – a thin, transparent layer of ice that forms on roads, making it nearly invisible and extremely dangerous. Black ice often appears as a glossy, shiny surface, especially in the early morning or during low-light conditions. It can form in shaded areas, on bridges, overpasses, and even in tunnels.
Here are a few key safety tips for driving in these conditions:
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Increase Your Following Distance: Maintain at least a five-second distance from the vehicle ahead. It takes twice as long to stop on black ice.
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Avoid Sudden Movements: Never hit the brakes suddenly or make sharp turns if you feel your vehicle sliding. Keep the steering wheel steady and gently ease off the accelerator.
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Stay Alert on Bridges and Overpasses: These areas are more prone to forming black ice due to the exposure to air above and below the road.
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Practice Defensive Driving: Keep an eye out for changes in road conditions and adjust your speed accordingly.
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Be Extra Cautious in the Early Morning: Temperatures often rise faster in the air than the road, so black ice can form unexpectedly.
Be prepared as we navigate through these colder months.
Guard Against Hypothermia and Frostbite
As winter weather continues, temperatures across Idaho are plummeting, increasing the risk of hypothermia and frostbite. With freezing conditions expected in the coming days, it’s important to take extra precautions when spending time outdoors.
Hypothermia occurs when your body temperature drops below 95°F (35°C), leading to health problems like heart attacks, kidney issues, liver damage, or even death. Warning signs include:
- Shivering
- Exhaustion
- Confusion
- Memory loss
- Fumbling hands
Frostbite is caused by the freezing of skin and underlying tissues, often affecting extremities like hands, feet, ears, nose, and lips. Symptoms include:
- Cold skin with a prickling feeling
- Numbness
- Discolored or inflamed skin
Preventive Measures:
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Dress in Layers: Wear multiple layers to trap heat and keep extremities covered.
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Stay Dry: Wet clothing can lead to rapid heat loss, so ensure you stay dry.
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Limit Outdoor Exposure: Avoid prolonged time outdoors during extreme cold.
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Stay Informed: Monitor weather conditions and heed advisories for your area.
By staying vigilant and prepared, you can reduce the risks of hypothermia and frostbite.
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Auto Accident Report Guide
Last week when I was down at Coeur d'Alene Staff Office I noticed many new vehicles in the parking lot, it’s a great reminder to stay prepared for winter’s challenges. Whether you're driving a new vehicle or one you're familiar with, make sure you have a copy of the Auto Accident Guide in your binder or glove box.
Winter weather can be unpredictable, and if you find yourself in an accident, knowing the right steps to take can make all the difference. The Auto Accident Guide provides important information on what to do before, during, and after an accident to ensure safety and compliance.
Stay safe, stay prepared, and make sure you’re ready for whatever winter brings!
Safety - Auto Accident Report Guide.pdf - All Documents
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