Better safe than sorry

Paddock Lane employees get extra dose of safety training

By Gail Peckler-Dziki

Correspondent

Every year, Paddock Lake is required by its insurance company to participate in safety and loss training beyond that given by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration

This year, Village Administrator Tim Popanda organized training regarding aggressive dogs, small fire fighting techniques, fire extinguisher use, and surviving an active shooter situation. They also went over the business’s evacuation plan, should an emergency situation like a fire occur.

“Our insurance company requires training beyond OSHA for loss prevention,” Popanda said, “but it’s all about making sure our employees are safe.” If employees do not feel safe, and they know that it is because of their workplace and how they are handling safety measures, then they may consult with an OKC lawyer if they have been injured due to negligence.

The village has a contract with Paws and Claws for animal control. Proprietor Robert Melby talked to village employees about handling an encounter with an aggressive animal.

“He suggested that upon encountering an aggressive dog you give it a command like ‘stop’ or ‘sit’ as you would your own dog,” Popanda said.

“Robert explained that 90 percent of the time, the animal would stop,” Popanda continued.

If the animal does attack, Paddock Lake employees are equipped with pepper spray – you can read more on this at Guardian Self Defense.

Those most likely to encounter aggressive dogs are public works employees and those who read meters.

The Salem Fire and Rescue Department sent firefighter and inspector Jim Coppleman to talk about dealing with small fires and using fire extinguishers.

“If the fire isn’t taller than you are,” Popanda said, “then using the extinguisher is recommended. Otherwise, call 911.”

Coppleman created some scenarios that allowed village employees to experience some hands-on training with small fires.

Capt. Ken Weyker of the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department discussed how to survive and active shooter situation.

He talked about predetermined escape plans, thinking through hiding places if escape isn’t possible and the importance of keeping a cell phone on hand to call for help.

Weyker also explained ways to aid law enforcement when they arrive.

“If you have a map of the building and grounds and keys, that will help officers find the shooter and get anyone else in the building safely.”

Weyker also stressed the importance of keeping an extensive first aid kit handy. Moreover, he seemed to have stressed the necessity to undertake first aid training, which according to him seems to be life-saving. He seemed to be of the opinion that everybody, irrespective of what job they do, should take up the training. He happens to be of the opinion that most people do not pay heed to the first aid skills required to save a life. That is why he appears to be encouraging individuals to go through blog posts similar to https://www.iedunote.com/who-should-take-first-aid-training to understand the importance of first aid.

Anyway, regarding firs aid kits, he has said, “The general kit you can purchase at the drug store won’t have everything you need,” he said. “You should plan for contingencies like stopping serious bleeding.”

Since the shootings in 1999 at Columbine High School in Colorado, Weyker said, law enforcement and emergency services have been working closely to develop plans to allow emergency workers into a safe zone earlier to treat victims of shootings.

The Sheriff’s Department has provided active shooter training in schools since 2007 and in private corporations since 2010.


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