Monthly Archives: September 2008

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

UNDERSTANDING FOOD ALLERGIES

Because September is National Food Safety Education Month, there’s no better time to discuss food allergies.  More than 160 foods exist that can cause reactions for people with food allergies.  Eight most common allergenic foods listed by the law are named:
1.    Milk
2.    Eggs
3.    Fish (e.g., bass, flounder, cod)
4.    Crustacean shellfish (e.g., crab, lobster, shrimp)
5.    Tree nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, pecans)
6.    Peanuts
7.    Wheat
8.    Soybeans
The Food Allergen Labeling & Consumer Protection Act of 2004, requires that food regulated by the FDA, local and imported, list source of ingredients.  (Foods not regulated by the FDA are meat, poultry, and certain egg products.)

Allergic reactions may include: hives, coughing, wheezing, rash, itchy sensation in the mouth, swelling of the face, tongue, or lip, vomiting and/or diarrhea, swelling of the throat and vocal cords, and difficulty in breathing.

A person with food allergies can experience a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, following ingestion of a food allergen.  Mild symptoms that occur after ingesting food allergens can sometime become more severe, and should be treated promptly.
Anaphylaxis can lead to: severe lowering of blood pressure and shock (anaphylactic shock), constricted airways in the lungs, and extreme swelling of the throat.  It is estimated that anaphylaxis to food results in 30,000 emergency room visits, 2,000 hospitalizations, and 150 deaths annually.
From first-hand experience, we recommend a person with tendencies toward food allergies carry an antihistamine with them at all times.  Prompt administration of epinephrine by autoinjector (e.g., Epi-pen) during early symptoms of anaphylaxis may help prevent this serious situation.

CFSAN/FDA

Uncategorized

SAFETY TIPS FOR THOSE “UP IN THE AIR” WORKERS!

Did you ever notice a guy standing high up in a bucket, working on electric or telephone lines?  Looks like fun for those of us who don’t make our living doing that.  But there are safety risks involved, such as falls, electrocutions, and tip-overs for workers who stand in cherry pickers or bucket trucks, which are held up by boom-supported aerial platforms.

According to OSHA, the following safe work practices are encouraged:

  • Always treat power lines, wires and other conductors as energized, even when they are down or appear to be insulated.
  • A restraining belt with a lanyard attached to the boom or basket to prevent the worker(s) from being pulled from the basket should always be used.
  • If provided, use outriggers.
  • Unless permitted by the manufacturer, never move the equipment with workers in an elevated position.
  • Hydraulic, mechanical, or electrical safety devices should never be overridden.
  • Workers who operate aerial lifts are to be properly trained in the safe use of the equipment.
  • Elevating work platforms should be maintained and operated according to manufacturers instructions.
  • Load limits of equipment should not be exceeded.  The combined weight of worker, tools and materials should be considered.

The next time you see one of these workers, you might just say thanks for getting your power, cable, or telephone back on line during that last storm.  Their job is not an easy one!

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

RECOVERING THE WORLD TRADE CENTER GROUND

Since today is the anniversary of the horrible tragedy on 9/11, I thought it might be good to mention an article written shortly after the event covering details of the recovery effort.

“A Dangerous Worksite – World Trade Center” is a must-read.  This informative article on OSHA’s website greatly details the grueling efforts of thousands of people working to recover the remains of those who lost their lives, and to reclaim the ground where the twin towers once stood.  The goal of OSHA, City of NY, Construction and Labor Unions and government entities was to recover the site with no further loss of life.

Workers from virtually all walks of life are listed in the article, along with pictures that bring it all back to its harsh reality.

To quote John Henshaw, Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA, U S Department of Labor: “On May 30, 2002, when the recovery was completed, not another life had been lost, and illness and injury rates were far below national average for industries involved in the recovery.”

Along with hundreds of suppliers and businesses in America, T.A.S.C.O. proudly sent hardhats and respirators to protect the dedicated workers.  OSHA distributed more than 131,000 respirators, 11,000 hard hats, 13,000 safety glasses and goggles, 21,000 pairs of protective gloves, and identified more than 9,000 hazards.
Texas America Safety Company, along with all Americans, salutes the workers for their hard work during the 10 months of the recovery mission.

Source: OSHA

Uncategorized

ON THE ROAD AGAIN…..TURN THAT CELL PHONE OFF!

The following information is for your good and the good of all others on the road – using cell phones while driving is dangerous, and puts you and others at risk!  Many countries, as well as some cities and states in the United States have made it illegal to talk using a hand-held phone while driving.  California drivers under age 18 may not use cell phones while driving, except in emergency situations.

If you simply must use a cell phone on the road, here are some tips to keep you safe:

  • Stop the vehicle while placing calls.
  • Use hand-free or speaker phones.
  • If you have to text, for Pete’s sake, pull off the road!
  • Focus on your driving; do not make emotional or important business calls that divert your attention.
  • Keep your phone within easy reach.
  • Let your passenger make the call for you, or let your passenger drive while you make the call.

There are many folks who make their living driving all day (or night).  Employers should ensure mobile workers are using their cell phones safely, and not risking their life or others due to improper cell phone usage.  Companies should create and enforce policies regarding hands-free operation of cell phones in order for their remote workers to be less distracted while driving.  Some prefer to use answering services for their drivers to access once they arrive safely at their destination.

How on earth did we ever make it without these wonderful little gadgets?  They are a welcome convenience to our busy lives; however, we need to exercise caution if we choose to use them while driving.  If we don’t pay attention, the results could be devastating.

Home Safety Products, Weather Protection

Just How Prepared Are You?

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With all the hurricanes and storms occurring, weather emergency plans are more important than ever.

Are you and your family prepared for weather emergencies, or other hazardous events?
Since we have no control over the weather, and can’t prevent disasters from happening, the best measure of protection we can have is preparedness.

We have a list of to-do tasks to help you get organized, just in case:

  1. Create a disaster supplies checklist:Storm Clouds
  • Food (non-perishable, for three days)___
  • Water (enough to last three days)___
  • Flashlights___
  • Basic Tools___
  • Personal Hygiene Supplies___
  • Battery-powered Radio___
  • Pet Needs___
  • Extra Clothes___

2.  Complete an emergency contact list for each member of the family.  List phone numbers,       out-of-town contacts, and important numbers.  Have each member keep this list in their wallet, purse or backpack.
3.   Keep photocopies of insurance and vital records in a safe place away from your home.  This would include copies of medications, insurance information, drivers license, ID’s, passports, bank and credit card information.

4.   Check radio and television for weather alerts.  Know the difference between Watch and Warning.  Watch means that dangerous weather is possible; Warning means that dangerous weather is about to happen.  Seek shelter.

Texas DSHS

Uncategorized

ARE YOU HAPPY WITH YOUR JOB?

One of the most wonderful gifts in the world is to have a job that you truly love.  Most people work in many occupations until they find the perfect job, but there are others who go to work every day to make a living for themselves and their families, regardless of it being their “dream job”.  It’s up to you to be content and thankful for the job you have.  Let’s talk a little about career pros and cons.

Few vocations exist that don’t include a fair amount of stress. Factors that lead to tension in the workplace are:

  • Lack of chances for promotion
  • Fear of losing job through outsourcing/downsizing
  • Inappropriate pay for job performed
  • Conflict with co-workers, supervisors
  • Lack of necessary resources to promote your success

If boredom on the job is part of your problem, you may not have sufficient responsibilities to correspond with your capabilities.  Don’t let your mind drift to the point that you put yourself or others in danger.  If your job duties involve being a caregiver, or operating equipment or machinery, boredom could be deadly!

You may need to seek a new challenge at your workplace; ask your supervisor to assign you to a different task.  Watch for new job opportunities that are posted from time to time at your place of employment, and go for it!

If you are given a low evaluation from your supervisor, or hear negative comments from coworkers, turn that into a plus, not a negative.  Who hasn’t thought at one time or another, “I’ll show them, I’m outta here!”  Slow down, and think about it; make this a learning experience.  Keep in mind:  there’s always someone out there ready to take your position; we are all replaceable.

Be thankful that you have that job, and look around at the work “family” that you have:  folks that you greet each morning and spend 8 hours or so with.  Show them the appreciation that you have for them, and it will pay off in big dividends for you.

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

Dry your Clothes. Don’t Fry Them!

It’s not a good idea to leave your home with your clothes dryer running.  Leaving it on for a quick run to the store could result in tragedy.  The U.S. Consumer Product Commission estimates that an annual 15,500 fires happen because of faulty clothes dryers.  Eighty per cent of those fires are in residential settings.

Information that you should know regarding clothes dryers fires:

  • Reduced airflow and lint accumulation combine to be the major cause of dryer fires.
  • Lint should be removed from the dryer before or after each load of clothes.
  • Vent material should be made of metal, not vinyl or foil, which are combustible.  Also, the spiral type of venting material collects lint, causing a build up.
  • Outside dryer vent should be checked while the dryer is operating to see if airflow is working properly.
  • When installing dryer, adequate space should be left between dryer and wall.
  • Use special care when clothes that have been soiled with volatile chemicals are being dried.  Wash clothes twice if possible to reduce the amount of chemicals left in them.
  • A dryer that works harder to evacuate lint and moisture can trigger enough heat to cause overheating, which can set off a fire.
  • Never go to sleep with the dryer running.
  • If you are moving or building a new home, plan for the dryer to be near an outside wall.

CPSC
USFA.DHS.GOV

General Safety Issues, High Visibility Safety, Weather Protection

Are You Bright Enough For Your Work?

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Until the document regarding American National Standard for High-Visibility Safety Apparel (ANSI/ISEA 107-1999) was published, there was no authoritative guide for performance specifications, design, and use of high visibility and reflective apparel, which included vests, bib-jumpsuit coveralls, jackets, harnesses and trousers.  The many workers that need this protection are now assured of being seen, both day and night, when they wear apparel that conforms to these regulations.  These conspicuity classes of garments are based on wearer’s activities:
Class I:

  • Occupations requiring full and undivided attention to approaching traffic, moving no faster than 25 mph.
  • Non-complex work backgrounds.
  • Working away from traffic.
  • Examples: Sidewalk maintenance workers, parking lot attendants, roadside “right of way”, delivery vehicle drivers (if criteria is met for Class I), shopping cart retrievers, and workers in warehouses with equipment traffic.

Class I garments should have a visible background of 217 sq. inches, and visible reflective of 155 sq. inches.
Class II:

  • Occupations for workers that need greater visibility in inclement weather, or have greater risks than Class I; whose activities are near roadways where traffic speeds exceed 25 mph but less than 50 mph.
  • Complex work backgrounds.
  • Diversion of traffic attention.
  • Examples: Ship cargo handlers, roadway construction, airport baggage/ground crew, emergency response/law enforcement, forestry, railway workers, school crossing guards, trash collection and recycling, delivery vehicle drivers where criteria is met.

Class II garments should have a visible background of 755 sq. inches, and visible reflective of 201 sq. inches.
Class III:

  • Occupations of workers who face serious hazards and have high task loads that require attention away from their work.  Garments should provide enhanced visibility to more of the body, such as arms and legs.  Workers in locations where traffic exceeds 50 mph, should have the highest level of conspicuity.
  • Workers who are exposed to extreme weather conditions.
  • High risk workers and limited sight distances jobs.
  • Examples: Utility workers, roadway personnel, survey crews, emergency response, equipment operators, railway workers, accident side investigators.

Class III garments should have a visible background of 1240 sq. inches, and visible reflective of 310 sq. inches.

Always be sure that the label on the vests identifies the vest maker and that it meets ANSI/ISEA.  It should display a picture of the vest, class and brightness level, and garment care guide.
Source: ANSI, Occunomix

First Aid Safety, Uncategorized

HEADACHES, WHAT A PAIN!

There’s probably no one on the planet that hasn’t experienced a headache from time to time.
Did you know there are five classifications of them?

  • Vascular – Migraine, which occur more frequently in women, and Cluster, which are experienced more often in men.
  • Myogenic – These headaches are more muscular, tightening or tensing facial and neck muscles.  Tension is the most common type of myogenic headache.
  • Cervicogenic – Can be from a disorder of the neck; anatomical structures innervated by cervical roots C-1, C-3.
  • Traction – Symptoms of other disorders. Causes range from sinus infection to stroke.
  • Inflammatory – Also caused by other disorders, with the same cause range, sinus to stroke.

Many headaches respond to simple analgesia such as acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen.  When sufferers have more recurring headaches, some medical professionals recommend keeping a “headache diary”.  By making entries on the type of headache and other aggravating factors, a pattern may be revealed that would help treat the cause, thereby preventing headaches from returning.  Sometimes caffeine is recommended to supplement pain killers.

Helping you to cope with and understand headaches can be Step #1 to a healthier you!

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Protective Clothing

HUNTERS, BE READY!

As fall approaches, so does hunting season!  Sportsmen and sportswomen who enjoy hunting, camping, hiking or other activities need to be prepared for disease-causing bacteria that may be waiting for them.  According to Guy Moore, a wildlife biologist with Texas Department of State Health Services, “outdoor activities bring a greater risk of exposure to diseases transmitted by fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and other animals.”
Some of these germ carriers are:

  • Wild hogs, which can carry brucellosis, a bacterial disease.
  • Deer, which can transmit anthrax, a bacterium that can cause a severe, life-threatening disease in both animals and humans.
  • Fleas and some animals such as squirrels, cats, rats, prairie dogs, and mice can transmit plague to humans.
  • Mice can spread hantavirus infection to people.  They shed the virus in droppings, urine and saliva, and upon drying, these excretions can spread in the air on dust particles.
  • Ticks – an infected tick can cause Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia.
  • Mosquitoes, of course, are a nuisance and can carry organisms that cause encephalitis and West Nile infection.
  • All warm-blooded animals are susceptible to rabies.  Skunks, bats, coyotes and foxes are known carriers of rabies.

If you are still determined to go out there and enjoy the outdoors, don’t let us discourage you.
Most of these illnesses are rare, with the exception of West Nile.  Just keep these reminders handy:

  • Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer after handling game.
  • Wear eye protection when dressing game.
  • Use insect repellents containing DEET.
  • Wear protective clothing, and light colored clothes so you can spot ticks.
  • Stay away from overgrown brush and tall grass if possible.
  • Do not touch antlers, bones, hides or other parts of dead animals.

Texas DSHS