Yearly Archives: 2009

Ergonomics, General Safety Issues

CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

The definition of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke is a “painful, progressive condition caused by compression of a key nerve in the wrist.  The median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist.  In some cases, there is no direct cause that can be identified as CTS, rather it is that the carpal tunnel is simply smaller in some persons than others.  However, the risk of developing this ailment is especially common in those performing such tasks as assembly line work.”

Others who may be considered at risk of developing CTS are:

  • Painters
  • Carpenters
  • Check-out Clerks
  • Drivers of trucks, taxis, and buses
  • Musicians
  • Accountants
  • Computer Operators
  • Typists
  • Those with hobbies such as needlepoint, knitting, gardening

Suggestions to those who think they have CTS are:

  • See a physician when symptoms first develop
  • Rest the wrists as much as possible, use ice to reduce swelling
  • Use proper ergonomics (science used to fit job to person’s anatomy and physiology)
  • Use stretching techniques
  • Change position often, get up and move around
  • Exercise your hands
  • Keep wrists straight while sleeping
  • Stay in good shape.  Eat right, sleep right, and try to maintain a healthy weight.
  • Take over the counter pain medication

Carpel Tunnel Syndrome is a very controversial topic.  Scientific data provided by NIOSH states that while symptoms of CTS are associated with incidents of wrist postures or highly repetitive manual acts, causation has not been established.  Also, the American Society of Surgeons of Hand has current literature that does not support a causal relationship between specific work activities and development of the disorder.  The strongest risk factor for CTS is structural and biological (genetic predisposition), rather than environmental and activity related.

Following a history and physical examination by a physician, the patient will probably be referred to be tested electrodiagnostically.  The most specific and reliable test is Combined Sensory Index, or Robinson index in order to determine if the diagnosis is Carpel Tunnel Syndrome or some other disorder.

Sources:
Wikipedia
NIOSH
National Institute of Neurological Disorders

There are arguments about CTS being caused by repetitive movement of the hand, as this disorder happens when inflamed tissues press against a major nerve in the wrist.  Pain, numbness, even in the arm, and weakness are symptoms.  According to many physicians, these symptoms are not CTS, and can be relieved by rest, change of position, splints, and over-the-counter painkillers.

General Safety Issues

PROTECT YOUR PETS

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Every family needs a disaster plan; if that family has pets, their safety must be ensured as well.  Here are some constructive things to consider when designing your emergency plan:

  • If you must evacuate your home, the most important thing you can do is evacuate them, too.  Do not leave them behind!
  • Check out motels/hotels in the surrounding areas that accept pets.
  • Contact relatives or friends outside of your area to give shelter to your pets.
  • Contact boarding facilities/veterinarians that shelter animals in emergencies; keep their 24-hour phone numbers on hand.
  • Local animal shelters should be your last resort, as they are usually overburdened.

Have a “Pet Disaster Kit” ready:  leashes, carriers, their picture (in case they get lost), food, bottled water, bowls.

Planning ahead will help with a fast evacuation, but remember, animals react differently under stress than humans.

  • Keep dogs leashed; cats in carriers.
  • Don’t leave them unattended.  They may bite or scratch, when normally they would not react aggressively.
  • Upon returning home, give them time to settle back into their routine.

We hope these pointers will help all of us be aware that our “best friends” are part of our families, and their safety should be considered, too.

Humane Society
American Red Cross

Back Safety

MY ACHING BACK

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It’s no wonder that back problems account for twenty percent of all work-related injuries.  According to NIOSH, an estimated 20 – 50 billion dollars is spent per year on work-related back injuries.  Poor posture causes weakness in our backs.  Another source of back pain is overexertion, twisting, and working in awkward positions.  Both NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and OSHA agree that there are many methods to advance the prevention of back injuries in the workplace.
Employers should select workers that are physically fit to handle the lifting tasks at hand.

It is also helpful for a company to know if the person has had any type of back injury in the past.  As part of their training, they should:

  • Undergo strength testing.
  • Be taught proper lifting techniques.
  • Avoid awkward posture.
  • Undergo stretching programs.
  • Learn the use of mechanical aids in lifting.
  • Use PVC-dot grip gloves to reduce grip force needed to lift and carry heavy objects.
  • Bend knees rather than back when lifting, carrying, or holding weighty items.
  • Apply the use of forklifts, carts, or dollies when possible.

Companies should have a maximum weight limit that workers are expected to meet, with male/female limits set accordingly.  The height of the subject to be lifted should be adjusted as well.  Workers should be instructed the proper ways to lift, carry, push, and pull manual materials.

Healthcare providers are especially challenged with the duty of transferring patients from beds to wheelchairs.  There are all types of equipment that accommodate this type of lifting, from electric beds, lift chairs, and other special hoists.  Caregivers should first be trained in the proper methods of lifting, and know when to get someone to help them.  Not only are they taking a chance on harming the patient, but causing injury to themselves, as well.

Eye Protection

MARCH IS WORKPLACE EYE SAFETY AND HEALTH MONTH

March is Workplace Eye Safety and Health Month, so we want to repeat how important it is for employers to make the right choice of eye care products and what to do in case of eye injuries.  From eye drops to eyewash stations, proper first aid is vital in case of an injury:

  • For specks in eye: try to wash out with tears or eyewash.  If this doesn’t help, keep eye closed, bandaged loosely and see physician.
  • For foreign objects in eye: it may be necessary to seek emergency medical assistance if it cannot be flushed with eyewash or removed with a moistened cotton swab.  Cover the eye and seek emergency medical attention.  If it is removed, flush with lukewarm water or saline solution.
  • Liquid chemicals or sprays in eye need to be flooded with clean water immediately, continuously, and gently for 15 minutes.  Keep eye open as wide as possible, and see a physician.  If possible, take label or container to physician.  Use spray cans carefully, as they are an increased source of chemical eye injuries.
  • Blows to the eye: apply cold compress for 15 minutes and each hour thereafter.  Discoloration or blackening could mean internal damage; a doctor needs to examine it.
  • Cuts or punctures of eye or eyelid need to be bandaged; seek medical help immediately.  Do not wash out or try to remove object.

The most effective way to prevent eye injuries is by wearing safety glasses or goggles. It is important that safety glasses fit properly; side shields on safety glasses also assist in keeping particles from entering the eyes.

It is imperative that workers recognize and report any hazardous situations in their workplace that could cause serious eye injuries.  Our website contains other articles reporting statistics of these types of accidents.    Most of them could have been avoided if the proper protection had been used.
Keep your eyes protected at all times, so you’ll never miss a thing!

Source: Gateway
NIOSH

General Safety Issues, High Visibility Safety

WAYS TO HAVE A SAFE WALK

Walking is an inexpensive way to get exercise and fresh air, all at the same time!  My day begins with taking my dog for a walk.  He thinks his day is ruined if he doesn’t get to go for a walk; therefore, I have him to thank for motivating me to get into a healthy routine.
Living in a small town, I don’t face as many obstacles as those who live in cities do.  Walkers in larger towns have walking lanes that provide a safe place to walk, but there are other hazards they face.

Here are some tips that may be helpful:

  • Be sure to walk where there is sufficient lighting.
  • Wear bright colors or reflective clothing in order to be visible to drivers.
  • Carry a flashlight if you walk when daylight begins to dim.
  • Watch for speeding or distracted drivers.
  • Carry a cell phone with you.
  • Walk against traffic.
  • Leave jewelry at home.
  • Stay on the sidewalk if possible.
  • Cross only at marked intersections.
  • See and Be Seen!
  • Have a walking partner; if you have a dog, you will make his/her day!

According to the Federal Highway Administration, there are almost 5,000 pedestrian deaths annually in the United States.  Don’t be a statistic, stay safe!

Hearing Protection

HEARING LOSS

It could take only a few minutes of exposure to certain sounds for hearing loss to occur.  Data compiled from the CDC/NIOSH website contains the following information in regard to hearing protection numbers:

  • Each year, 30 million people are exposed to harmful noise at work.
  • Noise-induced hearing loss is the second most-often reported occupational injury.
  • It only takes a few minutes of exposure to certain sounds for damage to occur.
  • Hearing loss is permanent and irreversible.

Here are some scary statistics:

  1. a newspaper press (97dB) can cause permanent hearing damage in just 30 minutes.
  2. A chain saw (110 dB) can cause permanent damage in less than 2 minutes.
  3. A simple hand drill (98 dB) or a tractor (96dB) can cause permanent damage in less than 30 minutes.

Noise Reduction Rating is a number that appears on the labels of all hearing protection products sold in the U.S.  In theory, the NRR equals the level of noise reduction (in decibels) provided by the earplug or earmuff, in laboratory conditions.  These conditions can be very different from actual working conditions.  Earplugs may be inserted incorrectly or earmuffs may not completely cover ears of workers, therefore the products may not furnish the level of protection listed on the package.

NIOSH has recommended that NRR data be adjusted to account for these differences.  For real world working conditions, NIOSH recommends that the NRR for earmuffs should be reduced by 25%, the NRR for formable earplugs reduced by 50%, and for all other earplugs should be reduced by 70%.  For example, a pair of hearing safety earplugs with an NRR of 30 would be adjusted according to the NIOSH recommendations to 15 (30 dB x 50% = 15 dB).

Whenever the time-weighted average noise is greater than 85dB, OSHA requires the use of hearing protection.  By adjusting the NRR of a hearing protector according to NIOSH’s recommendations, and subtracting that number from the actual time-weighted noise level, it is possible to get an idea of how much noise is actually entering the ear.

An example is: a worker in a factory who experiences a time-weighted average noise level of 97 dB would need a hearing protector that provides at least 12 dB of protection.  That worker would need earmuffs with an NRR of at least 16 or formable earplugs with an NRR of at least 24, based on the ratings on the packaging.

NRR data can be misleading without a proper understanding of its usefulness as a tool.  If it is used correctly, however, it can provide valuable information to help workers choose the correct hearing protection device.

Information courtesy of
Gateway Safety

General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety, Weather Protection

SPRING FEVER, “HAY FEVER” OR SINUS?

With the onset of Spring, several of us will have our fair share of either allergies or sinus problems.  Blooming flowers and trees are great to look at, but the little blossoms that float in the air we breathe can cause health problems.  Let’s look at these two common illnesses: allergies and sinus.  Allergy symptoms are often confused with a cold or flu.  Allergies are the immune systems’ reaction to generally harmless substances and continue off and on, much longer than a cold.

Symptoms of allergies are:

  • Sneezing
  • Watery eyes
  • Repeated ear and sinus infections
  • Loss of smell, taste
  • Hoarseness
  • Coughing
  • Wheezing
  • Cold symptoms that last more than 10 days without a fever

Sinuses are air-filled spaces behind the forehead, nasal bones, cheeks, and eyes, with openings to the nose, and serve as conditioners that filter and humidify the air.   If the sinuses become blocked, miserable headaches occur, as well as these other symptoms of acute sinusitis:

  • Nasal congestion
  • Greenish nasal discharge
  • Facial or dental pain
  • Eye pain
  • Night cough
  • Fever
  • Sore throat

Here are some suggestions if you are plagued by sinus or allergy problems:

  1. Take a non-drowsy decongestant during the day to avoid pressure build up.
  2. Avoid smoke and irritants that increase your chance of developing sinus/allergy difficulties.
  3. Check the pollen counts in your area before you go outdoors.
  4. Use a saline mist spray to keep sinuses healthy.
  5. If you work in dusty environments, use a respirator.
  6. If you are prone to allergies, protect your eyes with goggles or wraparound glasses.
  7. Do not take antihistamines that could cause drowsiness while driving or working.
General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

SELF CONTROL

During these economic downtimes, it seems that everything is out of control.  People are losing their jobs, their homes, and facing dilemmas they never imagined could happen.

Thousands are out of work, and don’t know which way to turn.  For those who are fortunate enough to have a job and/or home, self-control should be practiced.

As children, we lived in the present.  But even children are taught that if they control their temper, and are polite, they are usually rewarded for good behavior.  As adults, will power rules our actions.  Whether it is in regard to food, alcohol, shopping, or entertainment, we should exhibit control.
In our employment, we should always make good decisions.  There are times when it is best to keep our opinions to ourselves.  It may take a lot of self-control to do so, but in the long run, it may pay off.  Persons that have high conscientiousness are capable and effective at managing problems.  They are not as likely to act impulsively, but are deliberate, careful thinkers.

Answers to finding ways to manage impulsive actions and lack of self-control may be found by:

  • Exercise, twenty minutes a day can do wonders.  Try talking a walk during your lunch break.
  • Meditation
  • Counseling
  • Counting to ten before making a rash decision that you may regret
  • Talk to family members or friends
  • Sleep on it.  You may look at the problem in a completely different way after a good night’s rest.
  • Always remember there are two sides to every story.
  • Try to focus on something different
  • Patience

Every worker deserves to have a safe work environment.  Times are tough, and people are stressed over the possibility of losing their job, or having their hours cut back.  This is no time for safety to take a back seat.  Don’t act on impulse, without thinking things through.

Life hands us all kinds of obstacles that we must try to overcome by using all the self-control and will power we have.

The cyclone derives its powers from a calm center – so does a person. ~ Norman Vincent Peale

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

MARCHING IN LIKE A LION

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It’s hard to believe that the month of March is here!  What happened to January and February?  Much activity is blowing in the winds of March, such as the end of Mardi Gras, which started February 3rd and ends March 9th.  March is American Red Cross month, as well as Women’s History Month.  The “Ides of March” is on the 15th, referring to the assassination of Julius Caesar.

Be sure to wear green on March 17, St. Patrick’s Day!  March’ birthstones are the aquamarine and bloodstone (courage).  Also, be sure to mark on your calendar: Daylight Savings Time begins Sunday, March 8th.

One big March activity for college students and basketball fans alike is March Madness!   In the world of basketball, the single-elimination playoffs began in 1939, featuring eight teams.  Now, a total of 65 men’s teams vie for the Men’s Division I NCAA championship.  Women’s Division I NCAA Basketball playoffs began in 1981, and feature 64 teams doing their very best to reach the Final Four.  Following their respective men’s and women’s conference tournaments, games are played throughout the United States, beginning with regional tournaments, which bring much entertainment and excitement to sports fans.

Spring officially starts March 20; however, sometime during the month of March, college students from all over the U.S. take their annual Spring Break.  We want to focus on the health and safety of our students by passing along some tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  There are safe and fun ways to enjoy spring break without taking risks that may affect the rest of the school year, or for that matter, the rest of their life.

Most young people think that they are immortal; but in the first three decades of their lives, more Americans are killed by unintentional injuries than any other cause.  So, please, keep these suggestions from CDC in mind:

  • Be prepared for trips you plan to take, know what vaccinations you need if going abroad.
  • If you are around water, know how to swim.
  • When boating, wear a life jacket.
  • Avoid too much sun.  Use plenty of sunscreen, (at least UV15), and wear wraparound sunglasses.
  • Limit alcohol intake.  To have a memorable spring break, don’t drink too much, so you do remember what you did!
  • Don’t drink and drive.
  • Think about doing something different this year, such as volunteering.
  • Start a fitness program if you aren’t already getting enough exercise.  Jogging, walking, playing volleyball or other activities are fun and don’t cost a thing.
  • Get a baseball team or soccer team together.
  • Avoid situations where you could be harmed.  Stay with people that you know.

Finally, we hope everyone enjoys the month of March.  Spring is just around the corner, and we all will start to get outdoors more, whether it’s gardening, playing golf, or working in the yard.  Enjoy the warmer weather and always keep safety in mind!

Uncategorized

SENIOR WORKFORCE

A growing number of businesses are realizing that senior citizens play an important role in the success of their companies.  Mature workers appeal to employers for many different reasons:
a wealth of experience, skills, and excellent work ethics.  The outlook for employment is good for seniors, because some employers actually recruit older workers.

Due to preventative healthcare and medical treatment, seniors are able to work long past the traditional retirement age, and choose to work either because they want to, or have financial need.

The Social Security system has undergone major changes, one of which is increasing the age when individuals qualify for full benefits.  Many companies are not offering defined benefit retirement programs, resulting in retirees not having access to guaranteed benefits.

Many retirees enjoy returning to the workforce, either part time or jobs that offer less stress and greater flexibility than their previous occupations.

AARP recently announced the Top Ten Best Employers for Workers over 50.  These companies offer great perks such as free physical therapy sessions, massages, miniature golf, weight-loss programs, dietician services, compressed work schedules, financial planning, retirement counseling, the list goes on and on!

These companies are listed below, with the percentage of workers they employ over age 50:

  • Cornell University, Higher Education, 43%
  • Scripps Health, Health Care, 32%
  • SC Johnson, Consumer Products, 35%
  • YMCA of Greater Rochester, Philanthropy, 18%
  • Lee Memorial Health System, Health Care, 38%
  • Securian, Insurance, 22%
  • First Horizon National Corporation, Financial Services, 27%
  • Stanley Consultants, Consulting Services, 34%
  • Bon Secours Richmond Health System, Health Care, 30%
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, Insurance, 37%

AARP also honored international employers of seniors, as well.  There are many websites that seniors can visit if they are interested in seeking employment.  Two of those are: Seniors4Hire.org, and RetirementJobs.com.

We salute the tremendous contribution our seniors make in work environments, and those “youngsters” who treat them with the respect and admiration they deserve.

AARP-The Magazine