St. Moritz Security Services Safety Newsletter
Fall, 2008

Autumn leaves are beautiful to look at but bring their own set of problems. Autumn leaves, wet and dry, cause many hazards that effect driving and walking. Leaves can obscure potholes, curbs, street markings, and cover walkways, all of which might cause a vehicle accident or a slip and fall. Stay alert!

National Fire Prevention Week

National Fire Prevention Week is October 5-11, 2008; the message for this year is Prevent Home Fires.

Statistics:

• #1 cause of fires is cooking
• January & December are the peak months for home fires
• Working smoke alarms cut the risk of fire death in half.
• Smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths in the US.

Many of the situations that exist at your home also exist at the workplace. Practice Fire Safety everywhere.

Daylight Savings time ends on November 2, 2008 at 0200. Turn your clocks back one hour. Make this occasion a reminder to:

• Replace the batteries in the smoke alarm and test it!
• Replace Expired Fire Extinguishers: Notice the extinguishers in your duty area and notify a supervisor if they need to be replaced. Check the ones at your home, also.
• Test your CO Detector: During cold weather, your furnace will be running and your windows closed.
• Test the carbon monoxide detector near your home's bedrooms. (FYI these detectors are required under Illinois law even in private homes.)

The holiday shopping rush is on the horizon. Many of the sites with public access will see an increase in usage and there will be temporary duty sites at busy stores. Guards will see an increase in having to deal with the public. Review the requirements for the site and supervisors review, with employees, the verbal tactics used to deal with the public and avoid confrontation.

Give Space Heaters Space

Space heaters need space, too. As the weather gets cooler, space heaters come out of their summer hiding places. Remember to leave at least three feet of space around your heater. Unplug it when it's not being used.

New Employees

The highest number of injuries happens to employees new on the job. If you have been with the company less than a year, don’t be afraid to ask plenty of questions. You may have been with St Moritz for many years but the minute you work a different or new location, you need to ask questions. The supervisor plays a major role in preventing accidents to new hires, or someone new to the site. They need to explain the hazards on the sites and make it clear that they welcome questions. Don’t assume that the employee knows the hazards present. Send the message to all employees that safety is a considered a high priority at St Moritz.

Flu Shots

Flu season is here; get your shot! Shots are available in grocery stores, drug stores as well as your physician’s office. Watch for announcements for flu shot clinics in your area.

Drug Free Work Week

OSHA has designated October 20-26, 2008 as Drug Free Work Week. Some of the potential risks and hazards of workplace alcohol and drug use areobvious, particularly those related to safety. Alcohol and drug use can seriously impair judgment and coordination, which can lead to workplace accidents, injuries and even death. It is also associated with lower levels of employee morale—not only that of employees struggling with alcohol or drug problems, but also those who work alongside them.