Streets department promotes an environment of safety

Our mission statement for the Coeur d'Alene Street Department reads: "To support the city's mission by providing citizens with safe, unrestricted street surfaces and control devices all year around and providing departments with cost effective vehicle maintenance services."

The topic of safety is on our minds all the time.

Our department works in and around traffic in many dangerous situations. By controlling our situations with short meetings before we leave the shop, it allows for everyone to participate and most potential problems have already been handled before we ever get to the job site.

This time of year is our annual Leaf-Fest and many have said this it like a "ballet in motion," but we would tell you that this is a very stressful period as we need to pick up 1,700 tons of leaves in a short window of time.

Safety is our utmost concern as there is the possibility for an accident at every corner. Many times we barely catch our breath and winter is knocking on the door. Each season brings its own set of safety challenges.

The Idaho State Police conducted two classes on driving safety which prompted many city employees to think about their driving habits, how to drive more defensively, and the risks that can be encountered on the roadways. Improperly-secured material or equipment can have devastating effects.

The more recent training, Supervisor Training Accident Reduction Techniques, was equally helpful because it, too, created awareness about accident prevention such as personal protective equipment and better lighting for equipment. The street department is continuing to promote safety awareness and we will be keeping the topic on our agendas.

Like any training, it takes a cultural shift and "buy-in" from the team leaders. The culture here in streets is whenever an employee encounters an accident or potential accident, he/she fills out the incident report and submits it to their immediate supervisor. This can involve personal injury, property damage, and/or vehicle/equipment damage.

Operators and mechanics will tell you that a part of their job they enjoy the most is the flexibility in their workplace. Supervisors are encouraged to make this happen. It keeps minds sharp and we believe safety stays in the forefront that way.

Through the risk management team, the city has provided some great safety courses over the past year. Safety in the workplace is something each employee is encouraged to be thinking about and to report any concerns or unsafe conditions to their immediate supervisor.

The employees talk about safety issues at their staff meetings and safety is a discussion point at our weekly all-crew meetings. All supervisors are encouraged to and readily work alongside crews. They are to provide the necessary tools and equipment to do the job. Being well aware of our surroundings is what makes the street department successful.

With the changing of the seasons and special events coming to the Lake City, we receive large volumes of visitors that come to enjoy things that we often take for granted. Our work zones need to reflect the importance we place on safety for ourselves as well as the motoring traffic.

We believe that, to create a culture that promotes the values of trust, respect, dedication, accountability, and professionalism, we must provide an environment that is safe and enjoyable.