PHOTO: Unsafe working conditions

In regard to “Jump-start to Spring,” March 16. The point of Keith Cousin’s article was to show examples of cost savings the local government agencies have enjoyed due to the exceptionally warm winter this year.

Now let’s discuss the unsafe working conditions being demonstrated by Steve Martin (Coeur d’Alene Street Department Supervisor) in the photograph. Why? Because Workers’ Compensation claims and their respective injuries will absorb these seasonal windfalls quicker than you can fall off a ladder. And speaking of that, please note the straddling between the ladder and vehicle. He has no one supporting the ladder, and no harness if he were to fall. Bravo on the helmet and face shield, but we have offsetting penalties for no gloves or welding leathers.

How about proper boots, ear protection, etc. I have welded and used a large number of power tools in my years of work, usually after training and testing/certification…is there a program like this in place? I guess you would need to ask Tim Martin, the Superintendent of the Coeur d’Alene Street Department. And if Tim and Steve are related, I think safety would be of the utmost concern!

By the way, there is a business located a few hundred yards south of the shop named OXARC. They provide training and safety supplies. And to all you citizens who ultimately provide salaries and benefits to your city employees, I just provided a free consultation by observing a 3-by-5 photo in The Press…I suggest you do the same!

GEORGE WHITNEY

Hayden