Something a little different this month.  The following are excerpts from a booklet called Walk Awhile in My Shoes by Eric Harvey and Steve Ventura.

 The book is divided into two sections one from the employer and one from the employee.  It's very interesting subject matter and if you ever have a chance to read the entire booklet, please do.

  Dear Employee:

I am every manager.  I'm known by many labels: owner, executive, department head, supervisor, team leader, boss … and sometimes a few less flattering ones I'd rather not mention but do know exist.  I am woman, and I am man.  I'm every color, every belief, and every size.  I'm old, young and everything in between.  I've worked here longer than you and not as long as you.  I am a son.  I am a daughter.  I'm married and single, a parent and without children.  I'm alone and I'm surrounded by people I care about deeply.  Like you, I am a human being filled with joys, fears, frustrations, and hopes.  Behind my "management façade" I feel, I laugh, and yes, I occasionally hurt.  And, like you, I want to be understood, accepted and appreciated.

 Dear Manager:

I am every employee, and I work in every part of this organization.  My collar is blue, pink and white … and frequently stained with the sweat that comes with hard work.  I am man, and I am woman. I'm every color, every belief, and every size.  I'm old, young and everything in between.  I've worked here longer than you and not as long as you.  I am a daughter.  I am a son.  I'm married and single, a parent and without children.  I'm alone and I'm surrounded by people I care deeply about.  Sometimes you may think of me as only a number or perhaps just another small cog in a very large wheel that you have to manage.  But like you, I am a human being filled with joys, fears, frustrations, and hopes.  I feel, I laugh, and I hurt.  And, like you, I want to be understood, accepted and appreciated.  

SAFETY TEAM NEWS

 When Caught In A Winter Storm …

 Outside:

1.        Find shelter

2.        Try to stay dry

3.        Cover all exposed parts of the body

4.        Do not eat snow - it will lower your body temperature.   Melt it first. 

In a car or truck:

1.        Stay in your car or truck.  Disorientation occurs quickly in wind-driven snow and cold.

2.        Run the motor about ten minutes each hour for heat.  Open the window a little for fresh air to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.  Make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked. 

3.        Make yourself visible to rescuers.  Turn on the dome light at night when running the engine.  Tie a colored cloth to your antenna or door. Raise the hood indicating trouble after snow stops falling.

4.        Exercise from time to time by vigorously moving arms, legs, fingers and toes to keep blood circulating and to keep warm.

At home or in a building:

1.        Stay inside

2.        Even if no heat is available, close off unneeded rooms and stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors.  Cover windows at night.

3.        Eat and drink.  Food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat.  Keep the body replenished with fluids to prevent dehydration.

4.        Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing.  Remove layers to avoid overheating, perspiration, and subsequent chills.