SAFETY COUNCIL DECEMBER MEETING

In the spirit of the holiday season, the council collected nearly 300 pairs of socks from 70 members to donate to the Orrville Area United Way Happy Feet Program.  

The featured presentation focused on de-escalation of an aggravated person in the workplace, given by Jim Foley, Director of Community Education and Prevention at the Counseling Center of Wayne & Holmes Counties. 

When an employee, co-worker or customer becomes agitated, the overall goal of the others in the room should be to not make the situation any worse. Seek influence and management, not control.

“You can’t make someone calm down by saying calm down,” stated Foley. “you could say it in the most soothing tone, but it still will not improve the situation.” 

Foley continued to share tips on what to do while awaiting the fire to burn out. He advised to be neutral and calm and seek understanding on how you can be of assistance. Lastly, be aware of your body language, angle your body slightly and avoid crossing your arms, and speak slower and lower in pitch.

Many underlying circumstances could cause one to become aggravated from lack of sleep to drug interactions. The best thing for anyone to do is not to cause further harm to themselves or the agitated person. 

Next month’s meeting will be on January 8th at The University of Akron Wayne College Student Life Building from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. The meeting will feature Courtney Myers, District Programs Coordinator at Stark County Health Department, giving a presentation that will focus on facts not fears related to bed bugs and the impact bed bugs have on local business.   

The Orrville Area Safety Council is a partnership between Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation and the Orrville Area Chamber of Commerce. You do not need to be enrolled in Safety Council to attend meetings, if a topic is of interest to you visit www.orrvillesafety.com to register or email safety@orrvillechamber.com