ReNews - Summer 2013

ReNews Vol. 2 Issue 2

AUSTIN RESOURCE RECOVERY NEWS

SUMMER HEAT

KEEPING COOL IN THE HOTTEST MONTHS

ANNUAL ROAD-E-O FOOD, FUN AND COMPETITION

RECYCLE RIGHT

ARR LAUNCHES RECYCLING MARKETING CAMPAIGN

ARR AWARDS FIND OUT WHAT ARR HAS WON

THE SAFETY ISSUE

MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR

SAFETY “Safety is a core value at Austin Resource Recovery”

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value every employee’s life and a safe work environment for all of us. It is my goal for every employee to leave work safely each day in order to enjoy their evening with their family and friends. I ask that you support me in making our workplace safe for all.

Safety is a core value at Austin Resource Recovery. As such, all employees are expected to attend safety meetings, act professionally, drive safely and provide suggestions to improve safety in the workplace. Each City employee is responsible for making a positive contribution to ensure a professional and productive safe working environment for all fellow employees.

Our Department Safety Goals are: Zero Harm, Zero Injury, and Zero Accidents.

As three-fourths of our employees drive city vehicles each work day, most driving heavy

commercial vehicles, I would like to address several safety issues related to driving. In recent months, our drivers have been involved in vehicle accidents caused by driving too fast, following too closely and driver inattention. The safety tips below address these concerns, as offered by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Too Fast for Conditions Driving too fast for conditions is traveling at a speed that is greater than a reasonable standard for safe driving. Examples of conditions where drivers may find themselves driving too fast include: wet roadways (rain, snow, or ice), reduced visibility (fog), uneven roads, construction zones, curves, intersections, and heavy traffic. Twentythree percent of large-truck crashes occurred when Commercial Motor Vehicle drivers were traveling too fast for conditions.

Continued on page 14

Safety Performance Measures Our goal is for these stats to be as low as possible.

By following proper safety guidelines, we can all help decrease these numbers.

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* *Through May 2013 SUMMER 2013 | ReNews 2

CONTENTS

[THE FUTURE OF ZERO WASTE] 4

Austin Resource Recovery Annual Report // 2012

6

12

16

Features

4

ARR ANNUAL REPORT

7

2012 Annual Report documents department progress toward Zero Waste goal

5

RECYCLE RIGHT WITH ARR

SUMMER HEAT-RELATED ILLNESS Tips for staying safe in the sun.

10

8

2013 ROAD-E-O

12

Employees come out for food, fun and friendly competition.

9

CONNECTING THE CITY KGSC wifi upgrades crucial to emergency preparedness

KUDOS Kudos to ARR staff for doing a great job!

Staying safe and healthy at your desk.

New campaign urges residents to Recycle Right

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INJURY PREVENTION THROUGH DESIGN

CITY ETHICS BOWL Operations staff dominates at the City’s Ethics Bowl

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ARR AWARDS It’s award season! Find out what the department has won.

SUMMER 2013 | ReNews 3

MARKETING

ARR ANNUAL REPORT HIGHLIGHTS 2012 ACCOMPLISHMENTS By: Alexandria Bruton

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he recently released annual report is our chance to tell the community about the hard work and accomplishments of our employees. Take a minute to reflect on the highlights of what we did in 2012 and our progress toward achieving Zero Waste.

Highlights include: • Diverted 38 percent of City-collected materials from the landfill • Collected 53,943 tons of recycling, an increase from 2011 • Produced 12,767 gallons of Austin ReBlend paint, available to residents for free at the Household Hazardous Waste Facility • Launched a new youth education program called Generation Zero, which provides Austin students and educators with awareness about recycling, composting and conservation while providing simple solutions for reducing waste • Distributed 25,000 reusable and multiple-use bags to Austin residents • Taught 86 free composting classes throughout Austin, teaching 19 percent more students than in 2011 “As a Department, we will implement new programs and consider imaginative new ways to achieve Zero Waste,” said Bob Gedert, Austin Resource Recovery Director. “With help from our dedicated staff, fellow Austinites and the community at large, we can make meaningful, measurable progress.”

View the report online at bit.ly/ARRAnnualReport2012. For a printed copy, please contact Alexandria Bruton at Alexandria.Bruton@ austintexas.gov or 512-974-9216.

SUMMER 2013 | ReNews 4

[THE FUTURE OF ZERO WASTE]

Austin Resource Recovery Annual Report // 2012

MARKETING

RECYCLE RIGHT WITH AUSTIN RESOURCE RECOVERY By: Courtney Black

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ur industry is unique. We’re not just in the business of hauling trash, recycling and organics. We’re in the business of Zero Waste and creating a clean, green environment for Austin. To do that, our department must continue to evolve and think of new, innovative ways to engage and inspire members of our community.

During Fiscal Year 2013, the Department set increasing the residential recycling rate, increasing the diversion rate, reducing contamination and educating customers on the proper use of their trash and recycling carts as primary department goals.

In response, the Marketing Team went into action, researching, brainstorming, interviewing department managers and operations staff to get an idea of how best to reach the department goals. We knew which areas needed the most work – the “Hot Spot” neighborhoods that staff identified, have always been areas of high contamination and low recycling.

range from content in our annual recycling calendars, website updates, an article in the Block Leader Newsletter, social media posts and print and online advertising. However, the campaign will continue to expand and in the near future will also include: • • • • • •

Neighborhood outreach and events Utility bill inserts CityView and Channel 6 promos Direct mail Comprehensive advertising Media activities

Our hope with this campaign is to not only achieve our diversion goals and increase the amount of recyclables collected, but also to make the jobs of Operations staff easier.

The marketing team is happy to hear your feedback and welcomes suggestions. What would make you Recycle Right? Let us know. Contact Dan Brown at Dan.Brown@austintexas.gov.

We decided we needed a campaign that would address both the Austin community at large and these neighborhoods that need a little bit more help. We dubbed this campaign “Recycle Right.”

The idea being to educate our customers about proper recycling practices, what to recycle, what not to recycle, and what to do with those tricky items.

The campaign is in its early stages and has thus far included education and outreach efforts that Find out which items are accepted SUMMER 2013 | ReNews 5

SAFETY

SUMMER HEAT-RELATED ILLNESS By: Debbie Kelton

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t’s summer here in Austin, which means the scorching temperatures are here to stay. When you’re working out in the heat, safety comes first. In order to avoid heat illness, special precautions must be taken when working outdoors.

The body normally cools itself by sweating. In extremely hot weather, sweating isn’t enough.

Body temperature can rise to dangerous levels if precautions are not taken. Heat illnesses range from heat rash and heat cramps to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Workers exposed to hot and humid conditions are at risk of heat illness, especially those doing heavy work tasks or using bulky protective clothing and equipment.

Tips to stay safe during extreme heat • Listen to local weather forecasts and stay aware of upcoming temperature changes • Eat light – the more calories you take in, the more body heat you produce • Stay hydrated • Drink at least 8 ounces of fluid per half hour • Avoid liquids that contain alcohol, caffeine or large amounts of sugar • Take frequent breaks in shady areas • No matter your skin tone, always wear a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher • If you take medicines regularly, ask your doctor for advice about hot-weather activity and your risk of getting a heat-related illness • Get trained in first aid to learn how to treat heat-related emergencies

SUMMER 2013 | ReNews 6

Don’t sweat through the symptoms Symptoms of heat exhaustion include: • Headache • Dizziness • Weakness • Light-headedness • Heavy sweating • Confusion • Clammy skin • Nausea and vomiting may occur If you or someone you know experiences these types of symptoms contact your supervisor. Lay the worker down in a cool area with his or her legs raised. Remove excessive layers of clothing.

Give up to 1 liter of water. Do not give anything to drink if the worker vomits. Cool the worker with cold, wet cloths and a fan. If symptoms persist seek medical attention. Most cases of heatrelated illness are preventable. Remember to work safe this summer.

SAFETY

INJURY PREVENTION THROUGH DESIGN By: Dana Blindert

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afety might not be something you think about if you spend most of your day working at a desk instead of out in the field.

However, it’s important to realize that safety matters no matter where you work. Just sitting at your desk, there are hidden safety hazards that you may not even realize. That’s where ergonomic safety comes into play.

a non-ergonomic mouse pad and keyboard can cause circulation difficulties in your wrists and fingers. Switch to an ergonomic office chair and ergonomic padding for your mouse and keyboard to improve circulation.

2. Improved nerve health and function One of the most dangerous factors in a non-ergonomic work environment is the prolonged Ergonomics: what is it? It’s the applied science of pressure it can create on your nerves. A stiff, equipment design for the workplace. It is intended unforgiving chair and desk can damage nerves to maximize productivity by reducing fatigue and by cutting off blood flow or even pinching them discomfort. A basic rule of ergonomics is that directly. A good seat and regular physical activity the work should fit the worker rather than making can mitigate pain. the worker adjust their posture to their work tasks. With the proper equipment you can adjust 3. Reduced joint pain and muscle aches your workstation to match your individual body Repetitive activity of any kind, including typing characteristics. or writing, can cause pain if you don’t make time for breaks. The human body is not designed to be Ergonomics is important because for some of us, still and repetitive. Real life often prevents office we spend the majority of our day sitting at our workers from maintaining healthy work habits. desk. If you work 40 hours a week until retirement, An ergonomic keyboard and mouse will reduce you’ll spend at least 10 percent of your life at the fatigue and strain on your muscles by aligning work. That’s why it’s so important to ensure your your arms and hands more naturally. In the long workspace is safe and comfortable. Repetitive run, this can mean better joint health and less activities in the field can cause injuries but chronic pain as you get older. repetitive activities and unhealthy posture at your desk also add up to create discomfort and Many office workers assume that since they’re potentially serious health risks in the future. Here not working around chemicals or heavy machinery, are some of the health benefits you can enjoy by their workplace is without health risks. But many improving the ergonomics of your work area. chronic injuries in the workplace can be avoided using ergonomic office equipment and furniture.

1. Improved circulation If you are feeling the effects of sitting all day, Your standard office chair may seem good take a minute to compete an Ergonomic Selfenough, but a decent office chair or vehicle seat Assessment. Contact Occupational Health and will make a big difference in your comfort. Sitting Safety Specialist Sr., Dana Blindert, at for prolonged periods in any seat, but particularly 512-974-1942 to set up a time to go over a hard, uncomfortable one, can create circulation several basic ergonomic principles to help you problems in your legs. Similarly, repetitive use of stay safe and healthy at your desk.

SUMMER 2013 | ReNews 7

FEATURE STORY

STAFF SHINES AT THE ANNUAL ROAD-E-O

By: Alexandria Bruton

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little rain couldn’t keep the crowds away from this year’s Annual ROAD-E-O and Family BBQ. The event upheld its reputation as an exciting, morale building and fun-filled event for ARR staff and their families. Coordinated by Steve Dixon and Debbie Kelton, employees and their families gathered to cheer for the competitors and enjoy food, entertainment and many family-friendly activities. The help of ARR volunteers contributed to this successful event.

Held at the Kenneth Gardner Service Center, brush, bulky, litter control, trash, recycling and pickup drivers, in addition to other staff from Austin Resource Recovery, competed to showcase their impressive skills on a driving course. It was a grueling competition that resulted in 18 winners.

Pick-Up 1st

Chris Guerrero

2nd

Mike Carnline

3rd

Virginia Alexander

Prius 1st

Mike Carnline

2nd

Chris Guerrero

3rd

Amy Slagle

Rear Loader 1st

Augie Martinez

2nd

Chris Guerrero

3rd

Chris Gonzalez

Automated 1st

Chris Guerrero

2nd

Michael McKenzie

3rd

Amos Castillo

Tractor 1st

Chris Gonzales

2nd

Dario Thomas

3rd

Bobby Brown

Crane

Staff gathers at the 2013 Annual ROAD-E-O.

Bobby Brown is excited as the competition starts.

SUMMER 2013 | ReNews 8

1st

Bobby Brown

2nd

Ismael Bryant

3rd

Chris Gonzales

Face painting by Sylba Loren.

FEATURE STORY

CONNECTING THE CITY By: Jermaine Defreeze

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onnecting to the Internet wirelessly is more than just a convenient way to check e-mail or the weather. It can also help in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.

The Department, in partnership with the Austin Public Library, is taking steps to ensure all of our facilities are equipped to house other City Departments in event of an emergency. To meet these challenges and to provide the essential services that the residents expect, wireless Internet upgrades were recently installed at the Kenneth Gardner Service Center.

KEEP A LID ON IT! When possible, make sure cart lids are closed after they’ve been emptied into your truck. An open cart can serve as a breeding ground for mosquitos.

Mosquitos aren’t just annoying; they can also transmit deadly diseases such as the West Nile Virus. Eliminating breeding grounds is the most important and effective mosquito prevention measure.

An open cart can collect moisture and mosquitos only need two tablespoons of water to breed. The next time you’re out on your route please remember to look and make sure the carts are closed.

In order to be ready for an unexpected emergency situation, it is important that we continue to adapt, plan and take necessary action. Employees are now able to access the City’s network, personal folders, and any critical information needed during an emergency situation. In addition to helping the Department support the City during an emergency, wireless Internet connectivity also makes it possible for employees to work more efficiently and conveniently.

To access the wireless connection simply go to the Wi-Fi connection on your device, select “COA-Guest,” then read and accept the disclosure.

The Department will continue to look for ways to prepare for emergencies and increase efficiency.

SUMMER 2013 | ReNews 9

KUDOS

KUDOS Big thanks to Corey Baker who called 911 for a resident whose house was on fire.

Department Kudos I’m thrilled to be part of the composting effort!

I sure hope the response has been good enough to expand it to the entire city. I also depend on the recycling pickup. Thanks to everyone from the people who came up with the ideas in the first place to the guys who drive the trucks and do the “dirty work”. You all are appreciated!

THANKS! Lee Houston and Greg Caro I just wanted to tell you how great Lee and Greg were. I had friends at some of the different shows who told me how impressed they were by both of them. They were smart, funny, praised the work, the department and the city--and were extraordinarily out-going and empathetic. I know it was luck of the draw, but there could not have been better ambassadors for Austin, and I could not have asked for better to represent Trash Dance. Personally, it was also a pleasure spending time with them. They confirmed and increased my respect for them.

Thanks for your help. You all are doing a lot of things right by hiring employees of this high caliber.

Congratulations to Robert Sanchez! Robert was an awarded an Aiming Higher Award for assisting David Herrera with a procedure and for training the carts division.

Tweets Many thanks to the friendly guys on the @austintexasgov recycle truck for honking and waving at my sick toddler today. Made her afternoon.

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Great service by @austintexasgov #Recycling in Barton Hills! Friendly and went the extra mile to pick up spillage - kudos! #impressed Congratulations to Trena Carter for earning a Bachelor of Science in Management from Park University. Trena graduated on May 17 and will soon start graduate school at the Austin Graduate School of Theology.

Luis Cadena demonstrated excellent P.R.I.D.E values when he noticed a citizen in the driveway was unconscious. Luis called dispatch and waited with the citizen until Emergency Medical Services arrived.

Letters from Residents YOU ALL made a little boy’s dreams come true.

Bodhi, our 5-year-old birthday boy, has been obsessed with garbage since he was 18 months.

When my husband was a stay home dad, Monday mornings, garbage day, was the highlight of the week. Bodhi would stare out the front window, waiting for the garbage truck to arrive and his dad and him would run outside and follow the truck on their route through the neighborhood.

This became a Monday tradition that Bodhi looked forward to weekly. Quickly Bodhi became intrigued by how the trucks worked. He started to watch documentaries about garbage trucks and eventually owned 20+ toy garbage trucks that he loved equally.

So this birthday, we sought out to surprise him with a tour of the Austin Resource Recovery Center. From the first phone call my husband made to arrange the visit, to the actual tour, we experienced nothing but great hospitality and kindness by all parties involved.

KUDOS The staff at Austin Resource Recovery was enthusiastic and thorough. They gave Bodhi a whole gift bag of awesome garbage collecting gear and his own mini outfit that mimicked the driver’s. We got to ride in the newest truck and even were able to go through the truck lot to tour the whole facility.

We were so informed and entertained that we were sure the staff did this on a regular basis, but were shocked to find out we were the first to have such a tour. They were that good! We hope that the tour we had will not be the only one they do and that you all will consider opening the Center up to students and organizations to see how our city is improving our environmental impact and making Austin a truly green city!

We would especially like to recognize Johnny Williams for everything he did. Bodhi is a shy child, but they were eventually able to bring him out of his stunned state and make him feel relaxed. He had the best time and continues to talk about it today. My older son, who is 7, and “along for the ride” loved every moment from start to finish.

We love this city and we love YOU! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

---------------------------------On Friday afternoon I was walking the yard and helping layout the ROAD-E-O setup with my team.

driver, and was immediately impressed by him and his positive attitude. He went on to tell me that he depends on this vehicle to do his job and therefore wants to keep it clean and well maintained.

He even buys his own cleaning supplies for the truck and purchased his own bundle-ties to secure stray hydraulic lines on the arm. He displays a pride of ownership for his vehicle that is very unusual and worthy of recognition.

I closed by telling Abe that I was impressed by both him and his truck. He surely is a role model for others to emulate. I left for the weekend with a smile on my face after talking to Abe.

Trash Dance recently premiered in Austin at the Violet Crown Theatre. Night after night tickets sold out. Since the film’s debut at SXSW, it’s been shown all over the country and even internationally. The film is also racking up quite the impressive list of awards.

• SXSW Special Jury Recognition • Full Frame Audience Award - Best Feature • Solverdocs Audience Award - Best Feature • Audience Award - Woods Hole Best Doc Feature • Best of Fest - Docuwest Best Feature • Crystal Award - Heartland Film Festival • Best of Fest - Rockport FilmFest • Audience Award - Best Feature Doc Sedona

While walking around the yard I casually watched many of the waste trucks returning at the end of the day. As one of the trucks was approaching I was intrigued to see that it was noticeably cleaner than the others. I also noticed that it headed right for the car wash and then to refuel.

Again this was the only truck to do this. I was curious and so I approached the driver. I introduced myself to Abraham Martinez, the SUMMER 2013 | ReNews 11

KUDOS

ARR OPERATIONS TEAM BRINGS HOME FIRST PLACE AT FIRST-EVER CITY ETHICS BOWL By: Dan Brown

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he ARR Operations Team made history as the first winners in the City’s inaugural Ethics Bowl. This tough but friendly competition tested the ethics know-how of City employees from across multiple departments.

Facilities Manager Jermain Defreeze was confident going into the competition that the team was prepared and ready to win. “We deal with difficult decisions daily at work and home,” Defreeze said of the ARR staff. “I wanted our Department to have representation that reflects the true talent within our Department, and not any misconceptions about the services we provide.”

The ARR team, comprised of Jermain Defreeze, Andy Dawson and former employee Gretchen Kingham, edged out APD and the AE Transformers, who finished second and third, respectively. The win wouldn’t have been possible without thorough Both Dawson and Defreeze said they were happy research, preparation and debates. to participate, and learned a lot about the City of Austin and its mission in the process. “The City Prior to the competition, each team that entered of Austin has a lot of passionate employees who were given a series of case studies that raised believe in what they do,” Defreeze said. “We are ethical questions and dilemmas in the workplace. all striving to be the best at what we do and the During the Ethics Bowl, Departments faced off services that we provide.” against one another to debate the case studies.

Teams were given time to present their solutions “The competition made me realize that nothing to the ethical questions at hand, and then were is ever black and white, that everything needs a given time to rebut the opposing team’s positions. second look,” Dawson echoed. “Every day there The competitors also answered follow-up from are opportunities to apply the City Ethics, one the judges regarding their arguments. just has to remember what’s right and not always what’s convenient.”

“Each of the questions had a few different angles from which different points could be argued,” To learn more about City ethics visit CitySpace. said ARR Environmental Program Specialist Andy Dawson. “Few were clear cut; they were open-ended to allow for further exploration. It was difficult to be 100 percent one way or the other.”

To prepare for the competition, the ARR team met on multiple occasions to study the cases together, formulating strategies and talking through ethical situations.

Operations staff in action at the Ethics Bowl SUMMER 2013 | ReNews 12

KUDOS

ARR EMPLOYEES DELIVER AWARD-WINNING PROGRAMS By: Dawn Whipple and Alexandria Bruton

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his year, the Household Hazardous Waste Facility (HHW) took home TxSWANA’s Finest Award for the Integrated Solid Waste Management Experience for Austin ReBlend. This award highlights programs that “enhance environmental quality through increased recycling, material recovery, and improved methods of managing the collection and disposal of waste and recyclable material.” By purchasing upgrades and improvements in the ReBlend program, the HHW was able to more than quadruple the percentage of diverted latex paint in the last two years. This has helped the HHW divert more than 12,500 gallons in 2012 and give paint to more than 1,300 homeowners and non-profit groups.

The Home Composting Rebate Challenge also won a TxSWANA award. The program was heralded for excellence in public information, planning and composting. The program has been taught to more than 6,500 residents. In 2012, the number of home composting classes, students and the number of rebates drastically increased.

Check out the participation increases from 2011 to 2012: • Number of classes: Up 28.4 percent • Attendees: Up 46.4 percent • Number of rebates issued: Up 23 percent • Total dollar amount of rebates issued: Up 10.4 percent

Graphic Designer Erin Tongay recently won three American Inhouse Design Awards from Graphic Design USA. The American Inhouse Design Awards showcase outstanding work by inhouse designers. Nationwide, more than 4,000 entries were submitted for this highly competitive award.

Only the top 15 percent were given awards.

Winner: Organics Collection Pilot collateral. Not pictured: Central Business District Recycling outreach collateral and the Proper Set Out ad campaign.

Throughout the year the Communications and Marketing Team submits various Department programs for local, national and international awards. From the Home Composting Rebate Challenge Program to the 5 Feet Apart Campaign, there are many Department areas deserving of awards. We’ll continue to submit awards throughout the year. If you would like to submit a program for recognition send an email to Alexandria Bruton at 512-974-9216 with the program and award information.

SUMMER 2013 | ReNews 13

HR CORNER

STAFF UPDATES Temporary to Regular Christopher Lopez Julian Townsend Promotions Patrick Clark - ARR Crew Leader Perminder Klair - ARR Operator Specialist Marsial Sierra - ARR Operator Specialist Willie Simmons - ARR Operator Supervisor New Hires Alexandra Alexender - Public Event Leader Maria Alvarado - Public Event Leader Nicholes Arevalo - ARR Associate Raymundo Benavidez - Service Writer Mitchell Brown - ARR Associate Christopher Calabrese - ARR Operator Keman Caldwell - ARR Associate Eufemio Castillo - ARR Operator Emlea Chanslor - Program Manager, Marketing Matthew Chustz - Administrative Specialist Jillian Curran - SI Intern Colleen Dawes - SI Intern Anthony Freeman - Financial Specialist Arthur Guzman - ARR Associate Ricky Jones - ARR Associate Tayrell Larry - ARR Associate Ashley Lincoln - SI Intern Teresa Nusbaum - Administrative Specialist Tiesha Payne - Administrative Specialist Gilbert Pizano - Business Process Consultant Samual Quinonez - ARR Associate Julie Rhodes - Economic and Business

Development Liason Michael Pinson - ARR Associate Abel Trevino - ARR Associate Retirees Roy Cisneros Consuelo DeMartinez Catherine Esparza Ben Gonzales Ann Hargrove Melissa Prescott SUMMER 2013 | ReNews 14

DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE CONTINUED TIP # 1: REDUCE YOUR DRIVING SPEED IN ADVERSE ROAD AND/OR WEATHER CONDITIONS Adjust your speed to safely match weather conditions, road conditions, visibility, and traffic.

Excessive driving speed is a major cause of fatal crashes and higher speeds may cause more severe crashes.

TIP # 2: ENTER A CURVE SLOWLY Speed limits posted on curve warning signs are intended for passenger vehicles, not large trucks. Large trucks should reduce their speed even further. Studies have shown that large trucks entering a curve, even at the posted speed limit, have lost control and rolled over due to their high center of gravity.

TIP # 3: REDUCE YOUR SPEED BEFORE ENTERING AN EXIT/ENTRANCE RAMP Approach an exit/entrance ramp at a safe speed.

Truck rollovers are more likely to occur on exit/ entrance ramps when the driver misjudges the sharpness of the ramp curve and enters the curve at an excessive speed.

TIP # 4: DRIVE SLOWLY WITH A LOADED TRUCK Be more cautious with a loaded truck. Loaded trucks have a higher center of gravity and sudden speed adjustment may cause the load to shift, leading to skidding or a rollover.

TIP # 5: SLOW DOWN IN WORK ZONES Before entering a work zone, decrease your speed, merge into the correct lane well ahead of any lane closures, and be prepared to slow down or stop suddenly. Speed increases perceptionreaction distance, braking distance, and stopping distance.

Following Too Closely Following too closely means driving so closely to another vehicle that even if you are attentive to the actions of the vehicle ahead you could not avoid a collision if the drive ahead of you brakes suddenly.

In addition to providing enough stopping time, proper following distance allows for more time to make good, well-planned decisions and affords other drivers the opportunity to scan the sides, look far enough ahead, and view the vehicle immediately in front.

TIP # 2: TURN OFF YOUR CELL PHONE WHILE DRIVING Avoid using your cell phone while driving. If you must use your cell phone, try to find a safe place to stop or pull off the road, and keep your conversations short. The risk of a crash when using a cell phone is four times higher than the risk of a crash when a cell phone is not being used.

TIP # 3: MINIMIZE EATING AND DRINKING WHILE DRIVING Make sure to eat before getting behind the wheel or leave time to pull over and eat safely. Eating while driving may not only be messy, but TIP # 1: MAINTAIN A SAFE FOLLOWING dangerous, as it creates a physical and visual DISTANCE distraction for drivers. It usually requires drivers Large trucks need additional space between to remove one or both hands from the steering vehicles to allow for safe braking and unexpected wheel while juggling food or beverage with the actions. In crashes, large trucks most often hit other. the vehicle in front of them. Maintaining safe distance is necessary to avoid collision in many traffic situations.

Most Common Injuries and Accidents in Solid Waste Collection: TIP # 2: DOUBLE YOUR FOLLOWING DISTANCE IN ADVERSE CONDITIONS 1. Backing - 25 percent of all accidents Adjust your following distance to appropriately #1 in frequency match weather conditions, road conditions, visibility, and traffic. In unsafe traffic conditions, 2. Rear end collions - Attention and speed maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in #2 in frequency front of you will allow you to stop safely and/or to take necessary evasive action.

3. Intersections - High cost accidents Driver Distraction 4. Struck by - other vehicles/PPE Distraction is defined as any time you take your Slow down to get around attention away from driving.

TIP # 1: DO NOT FIXATE ON NON-DRIVING RELATED OBJECTS Always keep your mind focused on driving safely.

Avoid focusing on things outside of the car such as billboards or buildings or inside the car such as a cell phone or paperwork. All distractions can be dangerous. Paying attention to your driving will help you react more quickly to any unforeseen events.

5. Falls off truck - Riding step/speed

SUMMER 2013 | ReNews 15

HR CORNER

EMPLOYEE EDUCATION: LIFE LONG LEARNING By: Lynn Wolfe

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he 9th Annual ARR Employee Education Fair was held at the Kenneth Gardner Service Center as part of the City of Austin University Week.

More than 150 employees attended the early-bird session that began at 6 a.m. Fourteen universities showcased their adult education and degree programs, including online resources for continued education leading to expanded career opportunities.

Representatives from the Human Resource Department included Benefits, Employment, ADA, Tuition Reimbursement and Wellness.

Code Compliance inspectors Anthony Major and Charles Boas were on hand to describe the necessary skills and abilities needed for inspector positions. Leaps graduates Ray Armstrong, Jennifer Saucedo and marketing director, Karina Moore provided guidance through the upcoming Leaps application process. Green Team members Sylba Loren and Shirley Gillespie were on hand to reinforce the Recycle Right campaign and provide information about the new single-use carryout bag ordinance.

Employees learn about education opportunities.

Attendance soared at this year’s Employee Education Fair.

Financial education resources included Janice Kinchion, Neighborhood Housing Community Development Department, Velocity Credit Union, and ING Retirement offering a variety of financial solutions and saving plans.

Attendees included ARR executives, all of the operational division managers, and safety leaders making this annual event both rousing and educational.

It’s never too late to advance your education or career. For information on the City’s tuition reimbursement program call 512-974–3227.

SUMMER 2013 | ReNews 16

Deputy Director, Sam Angoori.