 In this issue:
The holiday season is an exciting time when we look forward to spending time with family and friends, but one careless mistake could lead to a holiday disaster. We want to ensure you have a safe and joyful holiday season by practicing with these "12 Days of Holiday Safety" tips. From careful candle usage to avoiding overloading circuits, the above guide emphasizes crucial practices like turning off lights when away, keeping decorations flame-free, responsible cooking, and thoughtful social media usage.
These practices can collectively contribute to a worry-free celebration. Embrace these safety tips to create both a safe and festive atmosphere for you and your loved ones.
|
In the midst of the holiday hustle, it's essential to equip ourselves with effective stress-busting tools that not only help manage workloads but also enhance resilience.
One powerful strategy is time management:
-
Prioritize tasks.
-
Set realistic deadlines.
-
Communicate openly about workloads to foster a supportive environment.
|
Did you know that New Year's Day is the deadliest day of the year for drunk driving? Deer Oaks remains concerned about the safety of its EAP participants and others. Therefore, Deer Oaks reimburses EAP participants for their cab, Uber, Lyft and other ride-sharing fares in the event that they are incapacitated due to impairment by a substance or extreme emotional condition. This service is called Take the High Road Ride Reimbursement Program is available once per year per participant with a maximum reimbursement of $45.00 (excludes tip). Simply call the Deer Oaks Helpline for information regarding reimbursement. The receipt may be submitted up to 60 days following the date of service. |
|
 |
As the days grow shorter and darkness falls earlier, it is crucial for field staff to exercise vigilance when out on visits. To increase your safety, ensure that adequate lighting is available when entering unfamiliar neighborhoods or residences after 5 pm or carry a flashlight with you. Use AlertMedia with Employee Safety Monitoring 24/7 to keep your location monitored by their monitoring center staff. If you need help or your session expires, law enforcement will be dispatched to check on you. Stay attuned to your surroundings and be cautious of any changes in behavior or environment, especially in dimly lit areas. Trust your instincts and, if necessary, reschedule visits for daylight hours when visibility is improved.
|
The weather in Texas can be highly variable this time of year and potentially hazardous. Given the state’s size, different regions experience diverse weather conditions ranging from freezing temperatures, sleet and snow to sunny skies. Here are some tips on how you can stay safe on the road during the holiday season when you encounter hazardous road conditions:
-
Before you travel, make sure your car is in good condition and has an emergency kit with items such as jumper cables, flares, ice scraper, phone charger, blanket, flashlight, map, etc.
-
Get enough sleep before you drive and avoid driving when you are drowsy. Review the DFPS Driver Fatigue Policy, Driver Fatigue Tip Sheet, and the Supervisor Driving Fatigue Screening Tool for additional information.
-
Drive at a safe speed that matches the road and weather conditions. Check the weather forecast before you leave and plan ahead for traffic delays. You can also use the Threat Intel Map in your AlertMedia app to check for weather and road conditions. If the weather is unsafe, consider postponing your visit.
|
How to avoid slips, trips, and falls in snowy or icy conditions:
-
Walk slowly and carefully on slippery surfaces, such as wet leaves or icy areas. Wear boots or other slip-resistant footwear that provide good traction.
-
Use handrails and avoid walking with your hands in your pockets.
-
If you fall, do not try to catch yourself with your arms, as this can cause more injuries. Try to land on your buttock or back and wait for someone to help you up.
-
If you need medical attention, you can use your AlertMedia app to signal for help.
-
If you do fall and injure yourself while on the job, file an incident/injury report in CAPPS within 24 hours.
Join us for the upcoming Worker Safety Support Quarterly Webinar on February 15, from 11 am to 12 pm CST.
Gain insights into the RAPTOR system and learn about state-issued ID procedures from Education Program Specialist, Felicia Penn.
Key Points:
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of the RAPTOR system and its significance.
- Learn about the information obtained from state-issued IDs when processed in the RAPTOR system.
- Understand the necessity of state-issued IDs for school entry and what to do if they are photocopied.
Click here to register for the webinar.
|
It's almost the start of a new year! Now is an opportune time for field workers and supervisors to ensure that their profiles on AlertMedia are up to date.
When AlertMedia can’t locate a user, the profile section provides additional information that will help the monitoring center locate a user.
Take a moment to:
- Review and refresh your profile details.
- Make sure your secondary number listed is your personal cell phone number.
-
Ensure your supervisor's information is up to date (especially if you've transferred units).
-
Make sure your vehicle information is accurate.
-
Click the link for an in-depth tutorial on How to Update Your Profile.
By collectively contributing to the accuracy of our Alert Media profiles, you help the monitoring center's ability to respond swiftly to any situation that may arise in the coming year. If you experience any difficulty updating your profile in the app, please email Alertmediahelp@dfps.texas.gov for assistance.
|
This quarter we are introducing the Worker Safety Spotlight which is a segment that recognizes staff for their support of others by championing worker safety.
In this edition's Worker Safety Support Spotlight, we shine a light on Monica Sanders, CPI Regional Director for 6A, who played a pivotal role in fostering collaboration between our staff, AlertMedia, and the Houston Police Department.
During an AlertMedia call in which law enforcement response time surpassed expectations, Monica took a solution-focused, proactive approach to address the concern. She successfully organized a meeting with HPD to understand their challenges and current process for responding to AlertMedia’s request for assistance for DFPS staff. This resulted in the development of a more cohesive and efficient working relationship and some upgrades to HPD protocols. Monica's commitment to safety and effective communication is a testament to her valuable contributions to workplace safety.
"I believe that Safety is everyone’s priority! We have to work together, too much is at stake when we don’t come together to bridge the gaps.", Sanders said.
If you know of someone who shines a light on safety, send their story to workersafetysupport@dfps.texas.gov to be featured in our next newsletter.
|
 |
Worker Safety Support wants to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude for the unwavering dedication and hard work all DFPS staff show throughout the year. The holidays are a time to reflect on the importance of family, community, and support. We hope you enjoy a well-deserved break to recharge and spend quality time with loved ones. Wishing you a restful and joyful holiday season!
|
