Safety, Health and Risk Newsletter
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May 24, 2022
 Safety Depends On You
Ben Wood, Safety & Risk Manager
Spring is upon us, and the season of rejuvenation is here. The weather is getting warmer, the teams are getting bigger, and we are getting heated up for the busy months ahead. As the sun rises and sets each day, I continue to be humbled by all of the great work that we do in the DNR.
In recent weeks, I have only begun to get acquainted with some of our unique work involving our prescribed burn teams, our wildfire teams, our underwater diving teams, our parks and trails staff, and our conservation officers. These few examples illustrate that much of the work that we do is complex and can be very dangerous, and why safety always needs to be at the forefront in all aspects of our work.
Our mission to ensure “everyone goes home every night” can only be accomplished by continuing to do what strong teams to very well – collaborating, working together, and having each other’s back. You and your team are often in the best position to assess the danger within your work, to see what has not yet been seen, listen and hear expressions that have not yet been recognized, ask the questions that need to be asked, and devising of ideas that have not yet been thought of. Most importantly, it may be necessary that you seize a moment and initiate a tough conversation that needs to be had, and even momentarily stop the work of your team. Your decision to lead in these moments could make the difference in protecting the lives of everyone on your team.
I hope that in the coming months, I am able to spend some time with you and your teams, and collaborate with you to identify opportunities to keep you and your team safe. In the meantime, as we continue to evolve, our commitment to you is to ensure we are keeping the message of safety at the fore-front by engaging in discussions, continuing to provide you with tools and resources, and offering our support in supporting you and your team.
Achieving a world-class safety culture will depend on everyone—including you—to ensure that all of you make it home at the end of each and every day.
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Ben Wood, Safety & Risk Manager
When I was young, my father was injured in a workplace accident, resulting from a printing-press that was not properly maintained. Dad was subsequently hospitalized, had multiple surgeries, was unable to work, and experienced a reduction in income over a long road to recovery. However, the “what went wrong” was not the most significant part of the story for me.
Read more from Ben Wood
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Reena Solheid, Operations Services Director
I started in public service over 20 years ago as a safety professional. My first assignment as a Safety Officer was to implement the Supervisor Training in Accident Reduction Techniques (START) program. The agency’s safety team committed an entire year to conducting a mandatory, all-day training course.
Read more from Reena Solheid
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Luke Peluso, Safety Administrator for Region 2
Many years ago, I was fortunate to have an internship with the DNR. My work life took me in a few different directions over the last decade or so, but nothing quite measured up to my early experience with the DNR. I’m very excited to be back, and grateful for the opportunity to help all of you in carrying out our agency’s mission.
Read more from Luke Peluso
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Laura Backman, Information Officer for Operations Services Division
My love for Smokey Bear cannot be understated. The denim-clad bear in a ranger hat is an iconic symbol that represents generations of conservation and fire safety history. Beyond fire safety, Smokey is an example of what well-executed communication can accomplish.
Read more from Laura Backman
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Five Tornado and Severe Weather Facts, Myths, and Tips
by Kenny Blumenfeld, DNR Climatologist
Tornadoes can happen anywhere. They will form anywhere that conditions permit. In 2006, a massive tornado south of St. Peter appeared to “jump” off a 200-foot cliff before ravaging the Minnesota River Valley.
Read the five facts, myths and tips
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Secure Your Loads
After an exhausting week of working outside in hot, humid weather, the last thing on your list is to load up and return the equipment to the shop before the weekend. As you secure the equipment on the back of the trailer, a chain breaks and you do not have a spare. What do you do?
Read more
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Don’t Get Burned by Propane
Although propane provides many benefits, compressed propane can lead to serious – and even deadly – injuries resulting from fires and explosions. But following a few safe practices, propane can be used safely.
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Keep Your Head Above Water
Even if you consider yourself a good swimmer, you can fall off a boat and become instantly disoriented, injured, or unconscious. You may also be unable to rescue yourself. Life jackets are there to save you when you are unable to save yourself.
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CPR: Prepare Yourself to Save a Life
Even if you are not required to for your work, please consider becoming certified in emergency first aid, CPR, and AED use. Certification is more than just meeting some policy or requirement. It is about ensuring you can provide help during a medical emergency when seconds matter.
Read more
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Safety Contacts
Region 1 and 2 Luke Peluso, R2 Safety Administrator
luke.peluso@state.mn.us | 218-328-8964
Region 3 Joni Akerson, R3 Safety Administrator
joni.akerson@state.mn.us | 651-259-5739
Region 4 Trevor McMartin, R4 Safety Administrator
trevor.mcmartin@state.mn.us | 507-766-6209
Claims Handling Sarah Schumacher, Risk Claims Coordinator sarah.schumacher@state.mn.us | 763-284-7238
Ben Wood, Sr. Safety & Risk Manager
benjamin.wood@state.mn.us | 651-259-5808
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