When you work in the Janitorial business, you're always cleaning up after other people, so germs are everywhere!  That's why it's even more important to review the list below:

Tips for avoiding the flu this season:

· Wash your hands.

· Avoid close contact with people that are sick.

· Drink lots of water.

· Cover your mouth and nose.

· Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

· Get plenty of sleep.

· Get a flu shot!

     Remember, by following these simple health and hygiene tips, you just may stop the flu from catching you this season!

     October’s Employee of the Month goes to Patty Backhaus, who cleans at the Baxter Facility in Mountain Home.  Patty has worked for DOW for 3-1/2 years now, and has become an important part of the DOW team.

     Her Supervisor, Robert Mawhinnie and Site Manager, Gary Walling both agree on this.  “Patty is a great team player and a valuable asset to our staff at Baxter. Patty does all that is asked of her on a daily basis, as well as going far and beyond when not being asked.  Thanks for all your hard work.”

     Congrats, Patty!

     Congratulations goes out to Felicia Tolefree for being named our Health Hero of the 3rd Quarter.  Felicia works for DOW at the DaVita Dialysis clinic in Crossett, AR.  When you have an account in an outlying city,  it is important to have someone you can count on.  Felicia is one of those people. 

     According to her Area Supervisor, Tony Gupton, “Felicia is very dependable and reliable, and to top that off, she is a very good cleaner”.  Tony goes on to say, “I can count on her to fill in for me whenever I need her to cover additional days, and Felicia also gets very high marks from the workers at DaVita”.

    It sounds to me like this award is very well deserved……….Congratulations, Felicia!

     A safety hazard is something that has the potential to cause an injury. It can range in severity from a minor scratch or bruise to broken bones, internal injuries or even death. Injuries are usually the result of accidents.  A prime example would be a fall due to a wet floor.

     A health hazard is something that has the potential to cause a negative health effect where the health of the worker is impaired. An adverse health effect might be a minor skin rash, or it might be a life-threatening disease like lung cancer. That’s why you’ll never see a skull and crossbones on any chemicals at DOW Building Services.

     Janitors like us can come in contact with all kinds of hazardous situations every day.  What’s important is that you keep yourself safe and all the people you come in contact with safe and accident free too. Thanks for doing your part this month to promote a healthy and safe workplace at DOW.

     After 42 years working at Baxter Healthcare in Mountain Home, and 20 of those years as DOW’s Site Manager there, Bill’s decided it's time to take it easy.

     He’s been an incredible asset to DOW and Baxter.  Dow Worsham had this to say about Bill.  “I have a very high regard for Bill Porterfield.  He has been an excellent employee of mine for quite some time, and I’m pleased to say, a friend to me and my family as well.  I will miss him being part of my Leadership team, he’s a good man”. 

     Congratulations, Bill, on your retirement.  It is most deserved!