January Safety Newsletter Focuses on Driving In Rain Slow down, turn your headlights on
1/26
The January Safety newsletter focuses on Driving in the rain, with tips such as turning your headlights on. Not only do they help you see the road, but they'll help other drivers see you. If your car has daytime running lights you still should put them on, so vehicles behind you can see you better. Its also the LAW!
The newsletter also points out the continued record-setting safety record at the District, with more than 147 days without a lost-time incident.
Take a look at the latest edition.
Neil Herrick Earns Safety Spot For Helping Pool Maintenance Worker Stuck in the bottom of a slimy swimming pool
1/25
While turning on a water service, he helps a pool maintenance worker stuck in the bottom of a slimy swimming pool at the house.
Tarantula Run Returns to Los Vaqueros in 2012 CCWD tentatively plans to reopen North side of reservoir in May
1/25
CCWD is announcing tentative plans for events at Los Vaqueros this year and next following the completion of the reservoir expansion project.
The north side of the watershed and the Marina are tentatively planned to open in May, which means some traditional spring events like the Wildflower Run and Vaquero Days will remain on hiatus until 2013.
But the Tarantula Run -- the biggest event at the watershed every year -- returns to Los Vaqueros this year on Saturday, Oct. 20.
Kurt Ladensack to Retire Has worked in state's water industry for more than 30 years.
1/24
General Manager Jerry Brown sent an e-mail to all employees today stating that Kurt Ladensack, Assistant General Manager of Administration, has announced that he will be retiring from the District.
Kurt's last day in the office will be Feb. 24.
Jerry said Kurt has been in his role with the District for the past 11 years, and has been part of the California water industry for more than 30 years.
"Included in his duties was responsibility as Trustee of the Retirement and OPEB Plans, where he oversaw the management of plan assets and did so in a way that ensured strong financial performance. His leadership will be missed," said Jerry.
"With Kurts departure, I will be reevaluating our organizational structure, and will inform you in the next couple of weeks of how I intend to proceed.
"Please join me in congratulating Kurt and wishing him well in his future endeavors."
Jake Wallin, Chuck Gehrke, Jason Kranz , John Elliot and Jim Freschi earn Safety Spots Jake helps a truck driver who made a wrong turn
1/23
Jake helps a truck driver who made a crazy wrong turn near Port Costa, while Chuck, Jason, Jon and Jim all produced a video to help employees remove meter boxes safely.
Student Writes About CCWD's Education Program 'Thank for you for teaching us about water, and how it works'
1/20
CCWD's Water Education Program reaches thousands of children every year on boats, in Water Treatment Plants and at Los Vaqueros. It's not unusual for the students to write the District.
But one letter from a student at Muir Elementary School in Antioch stood out, said Education Specialist Marianne Hook.
The colorful letter came after CCWD Instructor Allison Meador taught the student's fifth grade class about the science of water and the water cycle. "I like water, and water is good," said the student, Lilaque. "We had a great time with you."
Lilaque writes about her water bracelet, which the students make as part of the section on the water cycle. "I have my bracelet in my hair right now," wrote Lilaque.
Marianne explained that students often keep the bracelets for a long time, and it's not unusual for students to show up at other CCWD education programs wearing them.
She also asks Allison if she'll come and visit her when Lilaque transfers to Dallas Ranch Middle School next year. On the back of her letter, Lilaque describes the water cycle.
Take a look at Lilaque's letter.
CCWD Employees Create Safety Video on Removing and Installing Meter Boxes Chuck Gerhke, John Elliott, Jason Kranz and Shawn Kelly show you how to do it safely
1/20
Chuck Gehrke, Jason Kranz, John Elliot and Shawn Kelly showed leadership and initiative when they put together an instructional video, "Safe Meter Box Removal and Installation". The idea was initiated when another employee was injured removing a meter box.
The District's contract ergonomist reviewed the CCWD work procedure, interviewed the meter shop employees and suggested that a demonstration of the correct meter box handling procedure would be valuable.
The crew took the opportunity to video the procedure for future safety orientations. Jim Freschi assisted in editing and producing the video with narration by Shawn Kelly.
The video was shown for the first time at the Safety meeting this morning. "This is exactly what I wanted to see," said Safety Officer Spiro Zapantis, who also presented Safety Spot Awards to everyone involved in the project.
It's posted under "Safety Training" in the Safety section of the employee website, or you can see it below.
New Safety Recognition Program To Be Introduced Later This Month District Safety Committee will explain the program
1/18
The District Safety Committee will roll out its new Safety Recognition Program later this month, with outreach to employees.
The program has three different levels: PEERS Recognition, nominated by employees; Spot Recognition nominated by supervisors and managers for exemplary safety actions by their employees; and Star Recognition named by the Safety Committee for actions that warrant further recognition. The idea behind the program is to motivate employees to take an active role in improving safety for themselves and co-workers.
The committee discussed recent safety suggestions that have been acted on: the installation of first aid kit at the High Lift Station at the Bollman Water Treatment Plant; and discussed possibly adding barriers at a street in Pleasant Hill that ends at the Contra Costa Canal.
The committee voted to change the term limits of its members, who now have two-year terms. The committee would like to see a change that makes it possible for members to have one-year terms, but gives them the option to reapply to stay on the committee longer. Work will begin soon on drafting the AP for the changes.
There were no lost time injuries since the committee met a month ago, though one employee suffered a sprain to his shoulder while lifting a meter box. The District is preparing a video now to show how to avoid injuries on this type of work. Also, there was an incident at Los Vaqueros in which a truck tipped, but there were no injuries.
The Committee meets again on Feb. 9.
Updated Google Earth Photos Show District Facilities Aerial look updated at the end of October
1/13
CCWD Retiree Dr. Richard Denton sent a bunch of updated aerial photos of CCWD facilities, and we thought we'd share.
These photos are all from the popular application Google Earth, and all were originally shot on Oct. 29 & 30, 2011.
They give a fascinating look at what we're talking about all the time.
Take a look at this and other photos Richard sent from Google Earth.
The mission of the Public Affairs Department is to strategically build support and trust for the District
by ensuring the public and employees are well-informed and educated about District resources and services.
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