Emergency Response Team Among the First Responders at FIREFEST

Emergency Response Operator Torrey Canady represented the team recently at the FIREFEST 2017.

It's an emergency responder event that showcases the life-saving vehicles and equipment. 

It's hosted by the Independence 76 Fire Company. 

The event was held Saturday June 24, at the Silverstein Events Center in Independence. 

ER operators work with local first responders on a daily basis to help clear crashes on our roadways. 

They partner with fire, highway patrol and local law enforcement on safety events and safe-driving outreach. 

This the fourth year the team was represented. 



FIREFEST 2017 is a Showcase of Fire Apparatus from around the Kansas City Metro Area along with other Emergency Agencies, LifeFlight, Police and EMS Units. Click here to learn more about the event. 

Future Engineers Explore the Transportation Industry

June 27 marks the 14th year the Kansas City Summer Transportation Institute has stopped by MoDOT in the hopes of becoming the next generation of engineers and leaders to better the infrastructure of the state.

The program, funded by the Federal Highway Association, began in 2003 and is a four-week long program that introduces the students to different career opportunities in transportation; water, air, land, and safety. 

This year, 14 students aged 14-16 participated in the program, which is designed to helps students find their niche in the STEM field. The Kansas City Summer Transportation Institute provides the students with hands on learning and college experience to help them explore career fields in the transportation industry. 

Over the course of the four weeks, students will visit SE3 LLC, a professional services company that specializes in engineering, to talk about a sustainability project being worked on to help prevent flooding and property damage. They will also visit the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Federal Aviation Administration Safety Team, and UMKC Civil Engineering Professor Dr. Ganesh.

A scholarship is provided to every student accepted into the program to help go toward a college education.

MoDOT Senior Administrative Professional AJ Byrd excitedly explained that one of the students participating in the program this summer had an older brother who previously participated in the program and now studies civil engineering at UMKC.

Area Engineer Matt Killion gave a road safety and distracted driving presentation to the students, which was followed by an activity where the kids had to try to navigate a road course while texting and driving an oversized tricycle. The students then had to identify problems with the demonstration and formulate recommendations for how to stop the problem.

EAC Hosts Cookbook Fundraiser

The Employee Assistance Extension Council (The Bridge) is creating a custom cookbook featuring favorite recipes from the Kansas City district employees. 

These cookbooks will be professionally published and are sure to be a treasured keepsake. Money raised will be used for the Employee Assistance Fund.

Please submit any number of your favorite recipes so you can be represented in the cookbook. 

Many recipes from all members will ensure that our cookbook is a success. MoDOT is using Morris Press Cookbook’s web site to easily submit recipes online. If you do not have Internet access, the EAC committee can enter them for you. 

Submit hard copies of your recipes to eaf@modot.mo.gov. 

We anticipate a great demand for our cookbooks, and we want to be certain to order enough. 

To reserve your copies, email the EAF at eaf@modot.mo.gov with the number of cookbooks you will be purchasing. The slip below may also be given to your EAEC Representative. Cookbooks will be available for $15.

Please submit your recipes online by November 2, 2017 so we can meet our deadline.

To Submit Recipes Online (not on MoDOT computers as the Flash Player is not updated):

·         Go to www.typensave.com and click ‘Login.’

·         Enter the User Name: modotEAC.            

·         Enter the password: eggs686 and click ‘Submit.’

·         Enter your name and click ‘Continue.’

·         Click ‘Add Recipes’ to begin adding your recipes.

Recipe Writing Tips:

·         When adding recipes, review the “Tips” and use standard abbreviations.

·         Only enter 1 ingredient per ingredient line.

·         List ingredients in order of use in the ingredients list and directions.

·         Include container sizes, e.g., (16-oz.) pkg., (24-oz.) can.

·         Write directions in paragraph form, not in steps.

·         Use names of ingredients in the directions, e.g., “Combine flour and sugar.”  DO NOT use statements like, “Combine first three ingredients.”

·         Include temperatures and cooking, chilling, baking, and/or freezing times.

·         Additional comments about the recipe (history, nutritional data, suggested uses, etc.) are not allowed unless a “Recipe Note” field is visible. Enter extra recipe content in that field.

I want a cookbook! Please reserve ______ cookbook(s) for me.

Name:__________________________________________

Return this slip to:_________________________________

Creative Idea Lands Markl Johnson as Guest Speaker

Senior Communications Specialist Markl Johnson spoke to the Social Media Subcommittee of the Regional Association of Public Information Officers (RAPIO) June 23 about his idea behind the “Mean Tweets” video series he created earlier this year.

Johnson said he had borrowed the idea from the late night television show “Jimmy Kimmel,” which he enjoys. After an influx of questions regarding pretreatment of the roads before storm systems came through this winter, Johnson decided he needed a new, more creative way to answer the public’s questions. Thus, “Mean Tweets,” the MoDOT edition, came to be.

“There are several ways you can catch people’s attention, one way is humor,” said Johnson. “Humor really helps us capture the eye of our audience in hopes of getting them to pay better attention to our employees and keep everyone safer.”

The meeting expanded to talk about how Twitter has changed the way public information officers interact with the news as well as acceptable ways to respond to disgruntled customers who troll on social media sites.

RAPIO was formed in 2000 to provide public information officers in the area an opportunity to share information and work together on regional issues, as well as network with their peers.

Johnson is considering creating new installments to the series, but until then, check out his previous videos at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpoBqZvSH40, and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cZOSZu6Upk.

A Look at What We Do: Bring Your Child to Work Day

Bring Your Child to Work Day at the Missouri Department of Transportation Kansas City District was a success this year with a record turnout.  Seventy kids, aged five-15 from across the district participated in the June 22 festivities.

The day kicked off with a presentation from District Engineer Brian Kidwell.  He gave the kids a MoDOT overview.

The kids were then broken into five groups and toured the district departments.  Each department explained what their general functions were, and had fun activities planned for the children that related to their work. 

• Design- built bridges out of toothpicks and marshmallows
• Construction and Materials- made slime and edible roads
• Communications- built miniature Barrel Bobs and Betties
• Traffic and Safety- made edible stoplights and had a PEP race
• Scout- toured the lab and made safety messages

Executive Assistant Carla Fiscus was a tour leader for one of the groups and said, “The kids loved the lab and the slime.”

The fun continued at lunch where the kids had the opportunity to climb in the maintenance trucks and make their own ice cream with Maintenance and practice their electronic skills with the General Services light board, as well as take pictures with Barrel Bob.

To wrap up the day, the kids took on several MoDOT employees in a competitive game of kickball on the lawn by the pond.  Senior Human Relations Specialist Ashley Johnson brought her son Tristan to work and said, “He really liked playing kickball with the engineers.”

We just want to say thank you to all the staff that helped put on this great event for the kids.  We could not have done it without you.

Safety Shout: Top Ten Things Not to Leave in a Hot Car

Thanks go out to KMBC for airing this list. We've added some refreshing sarcasm. With summer upon us, the interior of your car or truck can heat up to dangerous temperatures in just a few minutes, even with windows open. Here’s a Top Ten list of what NOT to leave inside when the heat is on:

10…Aerosol cans, including air fresheners and the like. These can swell and explode, sometimes just as you pick them up or move them. If you’re lucky, your car will smell like “fresh rainforest” or “berry medley” for a month. If not, you could lose an eye. People have even been killed by exploding aerosol cans.


9…Medicine. Excessive heat can change the chemical nature of some medications, making them ineffective or even worse, toxic. Side effects may include rampant flatulence and potty mouth. In case you don’t already have them.

8…Butane lighters. Seriously? Do you think? This one is so obvious.

7…Sunglasses. Believe it or not, the heat can warp or glaze the lenses and alter your vision. Not to be confused with beer goggles, which can also do that.

6…Bottled water. Although it may seem counter-intuitive, this is something you don’t want to leave in a hot car because the combination of sun and heat can cause nasty chemicals from the plastic bottle to leach into the water you’re about to drink.

5…Cosmetics, such as lipstick, which can melt. Really? Besides, the Boy George look is so 1980s. Don’t know who that is? Don’t ask me…I’m too busy listening to Duran Duran on my Walkman.

4…Soda cans. Or, if you prefer, pop cans. Either way, cans pop. See #10.

3…Groceries. The heat can cause bacterial growth, which may persist even after you put your stuff in the refrigerator. Don’t leave groceries in the car any longer than absolutely necessary. Never put them in the fridge while still warm, allow them to cool to room temperature so any warm pockets left inside don’t spoil.

2…Pets. Hot dog! Most pets can’t perspire. They can only cool their bodies by panting and via the pads of their feet, so they’re very susceptible to heat. Cracking your windows is not enough to keep pets cool inside a hot car, even if you leave them water. They can develop heatstroke and die very quickly.


And One…KIDS! Never leave a child unattended in a hot car, even “just for a minute.” Children’s bodies heat up three to five times as quickly as adult’s. 

This places them in great danger in a very short time. Risks include permanent brain injury, kidney failure, heatstroke and death. 

Just don’t do it! To keep kids safe, remember to “ACT.” A=Avoid heatstroke by not risking it. C=Create reminders. Place a lightweight or soft item like a purse or gym bag on the back seat near your child so you never forget they’re back there. Think it can’t happen? Ever locked your keys in the car? T=Take action if you see an unattended child in a hot vehicle. This is no time to be fearful of what somebody else thinks. Call 911 and follow the dispatcher’s directions. They’re trained to determine if a child is in danger.

Of course, this list is not all inclusive. With a little common sense we can all enjoy the heat. If you would like more information on this topic, contact district Risk Management staff.

KC Interns Travel to Jefferson City for Statewide Conference

Interns from the Kansas City District, as well as about 95 interns from around the state gathered in Jefferson City, Mo. June 20-21 for a conference that provided them with skills for their summer internship as well as the future workforce.

Over the course of two days, interns learned about a variety of topics ranging from “How to Get the Most out of Your Summer Internship,” to a breakdown of the different departments across the state.  Construction Intern Kyle Hix found the presentation on “Career Equity” to be the most beneficial for him.

 

The first day of the conference everyone attended the same presentations. Day two offered more flexibility and personalization for the interns allowing them to choose between two different speakers.  A tour of the Materials lab was one other option.

A trivia night was held after the first day of the conference, and a few of the Kansas City interns were on the winning team. They received insulated MoDOT bottles full of candy as their prize.

The conference ended with a presentation by Kansas City District Human Relations Intern Kyle Chancy.  He spoke about “The Five Cs of Success” and approached the audience from a peer-to-peer perspective.

Hix said, “The conference has had an immediate, positive impact on my career, and for that I am grateful.”

MoDOT KC Finishes Strong in 2017 Corporate Challenge

Congratulations are in order for those MoDOT KC teammates who took part in this year's Corporate Challenge. 

The team finished 6th overall in their division. 

A big shout out to the swim team and tug-of-war teams who both brought home 4th place finishes. 


Those wins vaulted Team MoDOT past two other teams in the final week of competition.

For a complete look at the results, click on the link below. 
Corp Challenge results 

The 2017 season involved over 240 companies and organizations.

A portion of each team's entry fee will go to Special Olympics Kansas City, which benefits both Kansas and Missouri.


Each year, Corporate Challenge partners with a charity. 

For those who took part in the events there will be a awards celebration. 

It will be held at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Thursday, July 13th from 5pm to 8pm. 

Tickets are $20 and will include dinner, drinks and an opportunity to tour both the Negro Leagues Museum and the American Jazz Museum. 

For those who want to attend, see Brian Burger by Friday, June 30.

CONGRATS TEAM MoDOT!!!! 

Employee Appreciation Luncheon: Jackson County

Safety Shout: Workers Comp

The worker’s compensation (WC) program is here for you in case you’re injured on the job. You hope you never need it, but if you do, you really do. Worker’s Comp is controlled by state law, not just department policy, so it’s important to understand and play by the rules. Here are some pointers.

• The intent of WC is to replace a portion (not necessarily all) of your income in the event of a job-related injury. Generally, your WC pay will be capped at about two-thirds of your average weekly pay. In some instances, you may be able to supplement that amount by taking accrued leave, but only if you have it to take. Just another good reason to manage your leave time, and not to “use it as you earn it.” You might really need it someday.
• MoDOT works with employees to find temporary modified duty if they have medical restrictions (physical limitations) if bona-fide work is available within an employee’s restrictions. If not, the department is not required to keep someone at work or on regular payroll.
• MoDOT policy requires all injuries be reported to your supervisor or manager (not just a coworker or crew leader) immediately. This includes minor injuries that do not require medical care. This will cover you in case a minor injury turns major and needs medical attention later. Infection or calcification are examples of how this can happen. WC will take care of you, but only if you play by the rules. If not, your claim may be denied.
• It is the injured employee’s decision whether or not to see a doctor for a work-related injury. Some minor injuries are fine with first aid. However, if you cannot return to work the same day or if the injury is obviously serious, you must see a healthcare provider determined by MoDOT and approved under the WC system.
• The Revised Statutes of Missouri (287.128) make it a felony to commit WC fraud. Fraud includes more than faking an injury. It also includes exaggerating the extent of a condition, making a claim for a non-work-related injury, falsifying any related verbal or written statements, knowingly assisting someone else in committing fraud, and in some cases, failing to report fraud by someone else such as a coworker.
• MoDOT is allowed under the law to conduct or contract surveillance of suspected WC fraud, and has done so from time to time. Surveillance may occur on or off work, anywhere the suspected employee is, not just on MoDOT property. As long as privacy laws concerning private homes, restrooms, etc. are followed, the department can aggressively investigate potential WC fraud, as well we should.
• If someone stealing from you makes you angry, WC fraud should send you ballistic. Since MoDOT is self-insured, every dime wasted on fraud is coming right off the roadway, and right out of your potential pay increases. Sick of it? Buck it up, and make a call to the Department of Labor’s fraud investigation unit at 800-592-6003 or visit https://labor.mo.gov/DWC/report_fraud#report

Here’s hoping you never get hurt at work, but if you do, just know WC will take care of you if you have a legitimate need. If you would like more information on this or any safety topic, contact District Risk Management.

Bring Your Child to Work Day & Employee Appreciation Picnic: Photo Gallery

Thursday, June 22, MoDOT welcome about 70 children to the Kansas City District Office for its annual Bring Your Child to Work Day. To kick off the day, District Enginner, Brian Kidwell welcomed the children and their parents with a short presentation before break out sessions began.

The children were able to do a variety of fun activities ranging from scrabble games, marshmallow and toothpick bridges, tons of activities with food, build a Barrel Bob, and even making slime! 

After the activities ended, the fun only continued. The whole district office joined together at the district garage for a picnic lunch. The picnic was packed with food, friends, and fun. Backyard Burger provided the meal and our very own George Duncan, provided us with some great music! Thank you to all who made this event possible and to all of MoDOT staff for being wonderful!

For a full album of photos, click here.

Employee Appreciation Luncheon: Marshall

Employee Appreciation Week - Communication/Customer Service: Photo Gallery

Employee Appreciate Week - Design: Photo Gallery

Lake Jacomo Park - Ice Cream and Cobbler