Safety Bulletin - December 2019
No excuse for holiday drunk driving


The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that vehicle accidents caused by drivers under the influence of drugs and alcohol claim about 10,000 lives per year. Holiday festivities are often served with a cup of cheer, but there is nothing jolly about the dangers of driving drunk. NHTSA reminds all motorists that even if you only had a couple drinks – buzzed driving is impaired driving.

In addition to the potential loss of life and property, driving under the influence carries a number of consequences including jail time, fines and legal fees, but it can have work-related consequences as well. Did you know that city employees who drive on city business (in a personal or city vehicle) are required to report a conviction for DWI/DUI even if you are driving your own vehicle on your own time. Any failure to do so could result in disciplinary or corrective action, up to and including indefinite suspension. Read more in  Administrative Procedure 2-2 – Motor vehicles assignment and use policy.

There is no excuse for driving under the influence. Ride share apps make getting a sober ride fast and easy. Watch the Houston Police Department video above for tips on ride share safety.
 
 ZIP Tips: Ladder Safety 101


Whether in the office or the home, ‘tis the season for holiday decorations. In the rush to beautify our spaces to reflect the spirit of the season, we may be tempted to use chairs and other types of furniture instead of ladders, which is quite dangerous and could easily lead to a nasty fall. 

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ZIP Tips: Working in the cold


We all know how quickly the weather can change in Houston. It’s especially important for city employees to be ready for winter weather conditions, even if you’re sweating one minute and freezing the next. Read these tips to avoid cold weather stress.

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November ZIP Puzzle winners:


The results are in! Three city employees correctly answered the November ZIP Safety Puzzle and they will be rewarded with ZIP prizes including an insulated lunch bag and badge lanyard.

    Read More
     
    December ZIP Safety Program Puzzle giveaway

    Test your ladder safety knowledge and find the answers to the clues in this ZIP newsletter. Be among the first five people to solve the December ZIP safety program puzzle and get in on the giveaway of new ZIP-branded promotional gear!

    Entry instructions:
    To enter the ZIP puzzle promotion giveaway, send your scanned, completed answer grid to safety@houstontx.gov. If your entry is among the first five correct answers received, you will win a ZIP-branded promotional item!
    Download Now
     
    Safety Training Days


    Register for the upcoming Safety Training Days session on
    Tuesday, Dec. 10 at the Learning and Development Center, 4501 Leeland Street

    Topics include:

    • Hazard Communication (HAZCOM)

    • Hazard Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER)

    Walk-in registration is at 8:30 a.m.
    Training sessions are from 9 a.m. to noon

    Register here

    For more information, contact Steven Guillory at
    832-393-6188 or steven.guillory@houstontx.gov

     
    Report a safety hazard

    Want to report an employee safety hazard, serious injury or have
    workers' compensation questions?

    Call 832-393-SAFE
    (832-393-7233)

     
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    Previous Editions
    Wellness Wednesday - December 4, 2019
    Wellness Wednesday - November 20, 2019
    2019 - November 18
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