Empowering a Culture of Care and Preparedness

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) ​ 

  • Use hard hats, gloves, high-visibility wear, and safety boots.  
  • Inspect PPE for wear and tear; replace any damaged items immediately.
    ​

Vehicle Safety

  • Perform routine checks on vehicles before heading out, including brakes, lights, and tires. 
  • Follow defensive driving techniques, especially in adverse weather conditions.
  • Avoid distractions such as mobile devices while driving.

Emergency Preparedness with the increasing frequency of natural disasters, preparedness is crucial.


Natural Disaster Preparedness

  • Keep an emergency kit with first-aid supplies, water, and non-perishable food.
  • Have a communication plan in place to reach team members during emergencies. 
  • Conduct regular drills to ensure everyone knows their roles in an emergency.


Crisis Response Plan

  • Regularly update your crisis response plan to adapt to new threats. 
  • Ensure all employees are trained in emergency procedures and evacuation routes.


Mental Health Support 

  • Resources for mental health and wellness, emphasizing the importance of mental well-being in maintaining overall safety.
  • Ensure all employees are trained in emergency procedures and evacuation routes.

Thanksgiving Safety Tips

As we gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, it’s important to keep safety at the forefront of our festivities. This holiday is a time for gratitude, connection, and delicious food. However, with all the cooking, traveling, and entertaining, we must also be mindful of the potential hazards that can arise. Here are some essential safety tips to ensure a happy and healthy Thanksgiving. As we gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, it’s important to keep safety at the forefront of our festivities. This holiday is a time for gratitude, connection, and delicious food. However, with all the cooking, traveling, and entertaining, we must also be mindful of the potential hazards that can arise. Here are some essential safety tips to ensure a happy and healthy Thanksgiving.


Stay Attentive While Cooking

  • Never leave cooking food unattended. Keep a close eye on stovetops and ovens to prevent fires.


Use Proper Equipment

  • Ensure that all kitchen appliances are in good working condition. Use oven mitts when handling hot dishes, and avoid using wet hands while handling electrical appliances.


Prevent Cross-Contamination

  • Use separate cutting boards for raw meats and vegetables. Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces thoroughly after handling raw food.


Cook Food Thoroughly

  • Use a food thermometer to ensure that turkey and other meats reach the appropriate internal temperatures (165°F for turkey). This helps prevent foodborne illnesses.


Fire Safety

  • Check Smoke Alarms
  • Before the holiday, test smoke alarms to ensure they function properly. Replace batteries if necessary.
  • Keep Flammable Items Away
  • Keep towels, oven mitts, and paper products away from the stove and oven. Maintain a safe distance from open flames.


Have an Emergency Plan

  • Familiarize yourself with the location of fire extinguishers and ensure everyone knows how to use them. It’s also wise to have an escape plan in case of a fire.


Conclusion

As we wrap up this newsletter, remember that safety is a collective responsibility. We play a vital role in fostering a safe working environment. I encourage all team members to actively participate in safety initiatives and voice any concerns or suggestions. Until next time, I am Matt Rehlander for National OnDemand.