Monthly Archives: April 2009

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

Summer Safety

Because we are all trying to help make our world a safer place, it’s great when we hear from friends in other parts of the world that share the same goal.  The following article was sent to us from the United Kingdom.  We know you will enjoy these helpful reminders, and we appreciate their wanting to participate in our project: bringing safety to the forefront.

As the summer gets closer and closer, we need to be aware that the sun and the subsequent increased time spent outdoors could mean more risk of an accident happening.
At the end of last summer, British company, National Accident Helpline conducted research that suggest those outdoors took extra care not to put themselves in danger during sunny pursuits.

National Accident Helpline, the UK’s leading personal injury claim firm, surveyed more than 100 of its customers to gauge their attitudes to activities which in the past have prompted people to take unnecessary risks.

The results were happily reassuring – for example few people resorted to using lighter fluid or petrol to try and give their barbecue an added boost.

Of those surveyed, 89 per cent said that they would never do so.

Beach lovers were also mindful of safety lessons. Almost everyone surveyed – 99 per cent – said they would not set foot in the sea for a swim if they had consumed any alcohol at all.

And drivers knew that they should also be careful when the sun comes out – 96 per cent of those surveyed maintained that they would change out of their summer flip-flops and into sensible shoes before they got behind the wheel of a car.

National Accident Helpline Legal Director John Campbell said: “Most people, as our research shows, are careful and sensible with what they do – and they deserve their employers, government and private firms to take the same care.”

This concern for safety is surely not just a British thing. As long as everyone, regardless of where they are in the world, stays mindful of being safe then accidents have a much reduced chance of happening. Just by following a few simple safety tips, such as the above; driving in sensible shoes, not putting lighter fluid onto a lit barbeque etc, will put you in a safer environment with less chance of a personal injury.

It probably isn’t surprising that a lot of injuries and accidents occur due to silly mistakes, so ensure you stay safe this summer.

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

NO FOOLIN

We may just be getting over April Fools’ Day, but when it comes to our workplace, there’s no room for foolin’ around!  Everyone likes to have a little fun during the workday, but it just is not the place for practical jokes.

There’s always one person who loves to devise schemes to get laughs, but usually it is at the expense of someone else.  Jokesters can be a safety hazard at work.  Things can easily get out of control, with someone getting injured, maybe even seriously.  Some practical jokers pull stunts on others that are very dangerous.  Workers can’t concentrate on their job because they are always bracing for the next trick that is going to be played.

Companies should have policies that address hazing, harassment, and horseplay.  They need to instruct employees that these behaviors are unacceptable.  Posters and materials can be used to communicate such policies.  Every work place should have the T.E.A.M. mantra:  Together Everyone Accomplishes More.

Young or new employees should never have tricks played on them; they already have enough pressure just trying to become used to their job duties.  Also, employees shouldn’t be startled or distracted while they are working.  With job loss as high as it is at this time, we all should be working as hard as possible to keep our occupations intact.

According to Texas Workers Compensation Defense Law:
An employee is not covered if injured while intoxicated at the workplace, if injured by another person for personal reasons not related to the job, or if his or her injuries are self-inflicted. An employee also will not be covered if injured during “horseplay” with another employee.

If you are aware that someone is behaving in ways that are unsafe:

  • Take the person aside and explain that you are not comfortable with their conduct.
  • Remind the person that their victims are humiliated, embarrassed, and distrustful of others, and how would he/she feel if they were in their place.
  • Report unsafe or unprofessional behavior to your supervisor.

Remember, you can enjoy work without hurting others, either physically and/or emotionally.

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

APRIL FOOL?

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On April 1st, do you plan to be the trickster or the tricked?  At one time or another, we’ve probably all been the victims of mostly innocent pranks, at school, or our place of work.

It’s all in fun, and can’t be too bad for only one day.  So make the most of your first day of the month of April.

There are also many serious days in April: the 5th, which is Palm Sunday; 9th, observance of Passover; 10th – Good Friday, and April 12th is Easter Sunday.

A day most U.S. Citizens dread, (that’s no joke), is April 15th – the deadline for income tax filing!  April 22 is Earth Day and also Administrative Professionals Day.

Focusing on health, the month of April is Cancer Control Month, time set aside to renew our commitment to fight cancer by knowing more about prevention and early detection.  April is also Alcohol Awareness Month, to focus on alcoholism and alcohol-related issues by raising public awareness and educating people about the devastating effects alcohol can have on our youth, individuals, and families.  April is also Foot Health Awareness Month.  We will talk about these important issues in future installments.

Whatever you do, or don’t do, just be glad that April is the beginning of warm weather and there are lots of fun things to do, as well as the start of more comfortable working conditions for those who work outdoors.  Enjoy your days, play safe, and stay safe!