Yearly Archives: 2008

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

General Safety Issues, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety

Get The Lead Out.

Often, we hear on the news about imported toys containing lead that is harmful to children.  But for workers at many construction sites, lead is a very common hazardous component.  Contact can come from inhaling dust and fumes, and may be ingested when hands are contaminated by lead dust.

To “get the lead out”, workers should do the following:

  • Wear appropriate personal protective equipment: gloves, and clothing.
  • Be sure to wash hands and face after work, and always before eating.
  • Never enter eating areas wearing protective equipment.
  • Use respirators, and be alert to symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, loss of motor coordination, headaches.
  • At work, ensure adequate ventilation – stand upwind of plumes.
  • Use dust collection equipment and employ wet methods to decrease dust.
  • Never wear exposed work clothes away from work.
  • Use correct cleaning methods and wash clothes daily.

OSHA

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

DROWSY DRIVERS

Drivers falling asleep behind the wheel of an automobile or truck are major problems we all face.  Typical characteristics of crashes involving this driving hazard are:

  • Late night/early morning hours
  • Late afternoon (older drivers)
  • Occur on high speed highways
  • Driver doesn’t attempt to avoid crash
  • Driver was alone
  • Likely to be serious accident
  • Single vehicle leaving roadway

A study done by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in conjunction with the Commercial Motor Vehicle Association showed that drowsiness was greater during night hours (midnight to dawn).  The time of day of drowsiness was more a factor than total of hours driven.  The study also revealed drivers need to be given the opportunity to obtain adequate sleep. (Average sleep time was 5.2 hours).  Two major findings were: inadequate sleep and tendency for drowsiness at night.

In another study, young male drivers were more prone to sleepiness while driving, as well as shift workers.  The young male drivers were not as interested in resolving the problem (inexperienced drivers contribute to many fatal accidents); however, the shift workers would welcome ways their employers could make the drive home safer for them.  Fatigue and drowsiness can be a fatal combination; if employers could provide transportation for their shift workers who are not safe to drive, it would be of great benefit to the employee and employer.

Lawmakers should be made aware that the placement of rumble strips along the sides of highways have been shown to be effective to alarm or awaken sleepy drivers as their vehicle is going off the road.  This is one small countermeasure to combat drowsy driving.

Ways to prevent drowsy driving:

  • Plan ahead and get sufficient sleep before trip
  • No drinking alcohol, even small amounts (it’s against the law)
  • Limit driving between midnight and 6 a.m.
  • Ask passenger to drive, when you feel sleepy
  • Stop in a safe place for a 15-minute nap
  • Consume caffeine equal to 2 cups of coffee
  • Avoid driving too many hours per day
  • Stop and take breaks

We hope this article didn’t put you to sleep, and that you will drive safely!

OSHA
NHTSA
FMCSA

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products

TAKING THAT BIG STEP – COLLEGE!

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Thousands of students will soon start moving to the college of their choice, and there will be many things on their minds.  We have a few tips that will help make the move into that apartment or dorm room a little easier and safer:

  • Plan ahead.  Organize your move and take only the things you really need.
  • Get help:  most parents and friends will be happy to help you with your move, and any extra hands will get you settled in sooner.
  • Know how to lift properly, and don’t pack boxes too heavy.  Avoid back injuries.  No one wants to start new classes with a bad back, let alone miss all the campus activities!
  • Wear comfortable shoes.  It may sound funny, but when you get older, you will understand!
  • Don’t forget to take important records.  Having your medical information is important.
  • Take old phone numbers so you can still get in touch with folks back home.
  • If you are on medication, ask your physician to transfer your prescriptions to the pharmacy of your choice.
  • Visit the city of your school early if possible, in order to familiarize yourself to new surroundings.
  • Be sure to pack a Survival Kit!  Non-perishable food, paper plates, bottled water, a few towels, linens, and pen and paper to list things you forgot, will come in handy until you have time to purchase groceries, and other items you need.
  • Remember to take a tool kit with the basics: hammer, nails, screwdriver, etc.  Pack flashlights, one for your room and one for your car.

One last thing, be sure to use the “Buddy System” when walking on campus at night.  Stay safe, and have a wonderful school year!

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

When Disaster strikes, Call Animal Control?

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Accidents and disasters such as storms or fires can, and usually do, happen without much warning.  Most of us have some sort of action plan made up, at least in our heads, of what to do in such situations.  Things such as escape routes, locations of first aid kits, safety areas in storms, etc.  But how many of us who own animals or pets have really thought about what to do concerning them during these times?

Before a disaster hits, a list of qualified animal rescuers should be developed to serve as first responders.  Only trained disaster personnel experienced in animal behavior should attempt to rescue animals, in this case, dogs.  Untrained volunteers should contact the designated animal control officer for assistance.  Some helpful tips for animal (dog) rescues:

  • Pets should be evacuated with their owners, if possible.
  • Always use extreme caution when approaching animals.
  • Attempts to capture distressed animals can be dangerous.
  • Some dogs may show aggressive behavior in desperate situations.
  • If the dog is afraid or in pain, he may show warning signs: ears up, hair on back standing up, barking and showing teeth.
  • Sometimes it is appropriate to use sedation.
  • Put something between you and the dog, such as a trash can lid.
  • Dog repellent may be used.
  • Wear appropriate bite-resistant gloves.
  • Maintain a first aid kit, properly equipped.
  • Carry flashlights to search for abandoned dogs.

We thank all the dedicated animal rescuers for their efforts in disastrous times.

Uncategorized

SCHOOL DAYS ARE BACK. DRIVE SAFELY!

School bells are ringing again, and a whole new set of parents and students will be on the roads, rushing to get their little ones to school on time!  Experienced parents and students will also be hitting the streets again.School Sign

We ask you to make this “New School Year’s Resolution”:

“I will take no risks to endanger the safety of my child or other children. I will drive safely this entire year, even if I am late to work or my child is tardy.”

The consequences of an accident far outweigh the consequences of being delayed.

Safety tips to keep in mind when taking/picking up your child:

  • Plan ahead, and allow extra time to deliver your child to school on time.
  • Young children may dart into path of cars, so watch, watch, watch!
  • Don’t assume that your child is safe in a crosswalk; tell them to stop and look both ways, if not accompanied by a crosswalk guard.
  • Be familiar with school zones and speed limits at your child’s school.
  • Do not let your cell phone, palm, or other wonders of technology distract you from the primary goal:  the ultimate safety of your child and other children.
  • Motorists need to obey all traffic laws and speed limits.
  • Be sure to stop for school buses that have stopped to load or unload passengers.
  • When you are backing out of your driveway, be sure to watch for kids hurrying to school, either walking or on their bikes.

We take many things for granted in our daily routines: our jobs, families, and health.  A blunder caused by rushed, careless driving could alter many lives, so slow down, and drive carefully!

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, Home Safety Products, Respiratory Safety

Dangers Of Woodworking

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Whether it is in your shop at home, or your regular job is woodworking, there are many hazards to be considered.  Proper protective equipment must be utilized to minimize danger.  Most woodworking machines now have guards that come as standard equipment.  If yours does not, install one.  There are fixed, adjustable, and self-adjusting types of guards.  Each one has its own advantages and limitations.  It is always important to provide a guard or barrier that prevents access to the danger area.

In industries, workers should be trained to understand controls on machines, how to stop equipment in emergencies, and taught safety procedures for special set-ups.

Good housekeeping must be practiced to keep dust from collecting in order to control fire and explosion hazards.  Engineered control technology is proper exhaust ventilation and correct use and storage of flammable materials.

Dangers of woodworking include:

  • Lacerations
  • Amputations
  • Severed fingers
  • Blindness
  • Respiratory problems
  • Hearing problems
  • Skin disease from exposure to finishing chemicals

Utilizing personal protective equipment, such as hardhats, gloves, earmuffs, earplugs, safety shields, and goggles will help reduce or eliminate the dangers of woodworking.

OSHA

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

PROTECTING YOUR KNEES

Did you know that your knee is the largest joint in your body?  It can also be a joint with much pain, when it is aggravated through an on-the-job injury, sports/recreational activities, age, osteoporosis or arthritis.  The knee is connected to the tibia and fibula (lower leg bones) and the femur (upper leg bone) by ligaments, tendons, and muscles, which very often become sprained or strained.
Whether you engage in sports, landscaping, or many other industrial occupations, which cause strains on your knees, there are ways to prevent some knee injuries:

  • Wear protective equipment,knee pads, shin guards, etc.
  • Always warm up and cool down
  • Weightlifting strengthens muscles
  • Stretching helps
  • Braces, rest, and/or physical therapy relieve stress on knees
  • Avoid prolonged, repeated pressure on knees
  • Do not twist your body

Our knees are a very important yet complicated part of our anatomy.   In order to keep going as long as possible, we need to take care of them, beginning at a very young age.