May 2015                       Issue 13
In This Issue
Heroes of New London Public Works
South Windsor is Leader in Customer Service
Spring Public Works Academy Kicks Off
Tips from Tony
National Public Works Week
25th Anniversary of ADA
OSHA National Safety Stand Down
Congratulations to the Heroes of the New London Public Works Department

 

Two New London Public Works employees, Matthew Jullarine and Corey Elmore, are being hailed as heroes after responding to a medical emergency last week in Bates Wood Park. The two were working when a young girl approached them and told them her mother needed help immediately. With focus and direction, they quickly uncovered the problem and got the mother the medical attention she needed. Click here to read the full article. 

South Windsor Leads the Way in Public Works Customer Service

 

Great job to the Town of South Windsor for providing excellent service in a difficult situation. Main Street in South Windsor was recently closed due to a sinkhole. Since work on the area has begun, residents on the nightly news have had nothing but nice things to say about how the PWD is handling this situation. Public Works Director Michael Gantick took the time to personally explain the situation to residents in the area who say, "We have gotten good information from the DPW which we're very happy about, they have been very responsive". Click here to watch the full interview. Great work South Windsor!

T2 Center Kicks Off 2015 Spring Public Works Academy

This week we will kick off our Spring Public Works Academy with 25 incoming students! The Academy will begin with a module on Effective Communication and Professionalism taught by South Windsor Public Works Director Michael Gantick and Wethersfield Physical Services Director Sally Katz. We are excited to begin this six week professional development program and welcome new members to the T2 Center!
Tips From Tony: Options for Mitigation of Objects in the Clear Zone


 

The term "countermeasure" is defined by Merriam-Webster to mean an action or device that is intended to stop or prevent something bad or dangerous. Roadside countermeasures can help reduce the possibility and seriousness of crashes associated with roadside obstacles. 

 

When selecting countermeasures to reduce the number and/or severity of crashes associated with roadside obstacles, refer to the AASHTO Roadside Design Guide which recommends these design options in order of preference:

  1. Remove the obstacle.
  2. Redesign the obstacle so it can be safely traversed.
  3. Relocate the obstacle to a point where it is less likely to be struck.
  4. Reduce impact severity by using an appropriate breakaway device.
  5. Shield the obstacle with a longitudinal traffic barrier designed for redirection or use a crash cushion.
  6. Delineate the obstacle if the above alternatives are not appropriate.
May 17th-23rd is National Public Works Week

National Public Works Week (NPWW) is a celebration of the tens of thousands of men and women in North America who provide and maintain the infrastructure and services collectively known as public works. It began in 1960 as a way to recognize the work that public works professionals do and to educate the public on the services their PWD provides. From all of us here at the T2 Center, thank you for all of the work that you do. Check out the official APWA website for more information, and for the first time ever, to download an electronic copy of their NPWW poster for your own printing.
25th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This law, which was enacted by Congress in 1990, prohibits discrimination based on disability. Learn, share and connect with the ADA Anniversary Website and get graphics, information and social media tools to help support this Act. While you're there, you can take the pledge to show your organization's commitment to ADA and to equal opportunity today and everyday. 
OSHA National Safety Stand Down

 

May 4th-15th is OSHA's National 

Safety Stand-Down to prevent falls in construction. In 2013, 291 of the 828 construction fatalities were caused by falls from elevation, and in 2014 fall prevention safety standards were among the top 10 most frequently cited OSHA standards.  Check out their website for toolbox talks, safety inspection guidelines and rescue plans and have a Safety Stand Down at your organization.

If you have any ideas or suggestions for future Connecticut Crossroads topics, please feel free to email the designer Nicole Creaturo at [email protected].