Monthly Archives: April 2010

Weather Protection

ONCE AGAIN, IT’S TORNADO SEASON!

Tornadoes have already hit some areas of the United States!  Because they keep coming back year after year, we want to repeat this information we shared with you last year.  The most violent storms of nature, tornadoes are rotating funnel clouds that extend from thunderstorms to the ground with winds that can reach 300 mph.  Their paths can be one mile wide and up to 50 miles long.

In order to keep the public informed, NOAA weather radio, commercial radio, and television stations frequently announce weather situations.  WATCH means that a tornado is possible.  WARNING means that a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar, and to take shelter immediately.
From FEMA: The following are facts about tornadoes:

  • They may strike quickly, with little or no warning.
  • The average tornado moves Southwest to Northeast, but tornadoes have been known to move in any direction.
  • Waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water.
  • The average forward speed of a tornado is 30 MPH, but may vary from stationary to 70 MPH.
  • They may be almost transparent until dust and debris are picked up or a cloud forms in the funnel.
  • Tornadoes can go with tropical storms and hurricanes as they move onto land.
  • Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., but can happen at any time.
  • Tornadoes are most frequently reported east of the Rocky Mountains during spring and summer months.
  • Peak tornado season in the southern states is March through May; in the northern states, it is late spring through early summer.

Danger signs of tornadoes are: large hail, large dark low-lying cloud, (particularly if rotating), loud roar (like a freight train), and dark, greenish sky.  The area may become very still prior to a tornado.

When a tornado is approaching, get to a cellar, basement, closet or hallway away from windows and doors, and get under a table.  If you are in a mobile home, get out immediately and take shelter.  If you are outside: lie flat in a ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands.  You are safer in a low, flat location than under an overpass or bridge.  If you are in a vehicle, never try to outrun a tornado. Leave your vehicle and seek a safer location.  Watch for flying debris from a tornado. Debris causes major injuries and many fatalities.

We certainly hope you never experience a tornado.  As we always suggest: remember to keep adequate supplies of water and non-perishable foods, first aid kit, flashlight, change of clothes, and other needed equipment ready in case of an emergency.  The best plan for you and your loved ones is to be prepared, just in case.

Source: FEMA

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety, Uncategorized

TRAGEDY IN WEST VIRGINIA

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Monday, April 5th brought tragedy to the families of coal miners after an explosion occurred in the Upper Big Branch mine, where twenty-five miners lost their lives, with four more missing. The mine produced approximately 1.2 million tons of coal last year and is operated by Massey Energy Company. The company is one of the nation’s five top coal producers. In 2009, federal inspectors fined the company more than $382,000 for repeated serious ventilation and equipment violations at Upper Big Branch. Other violations included failing to follow plans, allowing combustible coal dust to pile up, and for improper firefighting equipment.

Methane gas is thought to be the cause of the explosion. Methane is one of the main dangers in coal mining. The Eagle coal seam releases up to 2 million cubic feet into this mine every 24 hours. Large fans are used in mines to keep the odorless, colorless gas concentrations below specific levels; if the concentrations build up, a spark (similar to a static charge made by walking across carpet in the winter,) can cause an explosion, which happened at the Sago mine explosion in 2006. That mine is located in northeastern West Virginia. Federal and state regulators have required mine operators to store extra oxygen supplies in the mines since that time. Upper Big Branch miners carry a container of breathable air on their belts, in addition to stockpiles of air containers throughout the mine. There are also chambers for miners to seek refuge in if they can reach them.

Coal mining and the timber industry are the two main industries in West Virginia. Miners know the many ways they can get hurt or killed in their jobs. One miner commented that he had never been asked to do anything unsafe by his employer, Massey Energy. Accidents happen in mining; families draw close to each other for comfort and depend on their faith to bring them through.

Almost one-half of the power used in the United States is generated by coal; more than 130,000 miners put their lives at risk to provide it. Ironically, I had just written an article less than a week ago about Black Lung disease being on the rise. There are so many hazards associated with mining. Americans should be thankful that there are tough, hard-working people that risk life and limb to produce our country’s energy.

General Safety Issues

ANOTHER WAKE-UP CALL FOR DUI OFFENDERS

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Recently, a Tarrant County, Texas, jury sentenced a 31 year-old woman to 16 years in prison for being drunk when she caused a collision January 11, 2009, that killed a 20 year-old young man, riding in a small car that was broadsided as she ran a red light, driving at a speed of 70 m.p.h.  In addition, she was sentenced to 10 years in prison for intoxication assault because the driver of the car was permanently maimed.  The driver, who was 21 at the time of the accident, spent 85 days in a Fort Worth hospital and now uses a wheelchair.  He has difficulty speaking; his life has been altered because of the recklessness of someone who had spent the evening drinking at two nightclubs and had a blood alcohol content that was more than twice the legal limit.

The driver of the SUV had no criminal history, but the jury handed down the stiff sentence.  After passing sentence, the District Judge ruled she could serve her two prison terms concurrently.  She must serve at least eight years before she will be eligible for parole.  The prosecutor noted that “if it makes someone think twice about drinking and driving”, that’s fabulous.  (Just seeing the video of this horrible wreck, filmed by the red-light camera, was enough to make you get into the habit of slowing down when you come to an intersection.  It was like watching a race car speed down the street, hitting the victims’ car so hard it just disappeared.)

After the verdict, several family members addressed the woman in the courtroom.  The young man who drove the small car had prepared a montage of pictures shown on a video screen.  It showed him as a young boy, then a strapping young man who joked with friends and family, swam, and played sports.  “Then I met you,” the text on the video said.  Next, were photographs of his mangled car, and breathing tubes he used as he fought for life in an intensive care unit.  The final text said “Don’t forget me,” “because I sure won’t forget you.”

If you go out with friends and have a few drinks, use your head and give the keys to someone else.  We have to be responsible for each other.  Take the keys away when you see someone taking a chance getting behind the wheel!  It may make them angry, but you may keep them from endangering their life, and hurting or killing others.  Lives can be forever changed for the victims of a driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The woman who was speeding through a busy intersection will have to live with the guilt associated with her careless act.  Sometimes even nice people make mistakes, and that one will stay with her forever.

Source:
Fort Worth Star-Telegram

General Safety Issues

KEEPING OUR AGING WORKFORCE SAFE

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Who knows what age determines when a person becomes a member of the “aging workforce”, or what is sometimes referred to as the “chronologically-gifted workforce?”  Those “baby boomers” born after World War II should be getting ready to retire; however, times have changed. Americans are living longer and they are also working longer.  Regardless of the reasons to continue working, older workers bring knowledge, experience, and wisdom to many aspects of business.  Studies report that in general, there is lower turnover, more dedication to the workplace, more positive attitudes, and less absenteeism than from a younger workforce.

Employers must apply safety practices in the workplace to prevent significant injuries to all employees, not just the older workers.  However, there are some reasons that extra care should be taken to ensure the safety of those whose hearing, vision, or balance may slow them down a little.  Training may be different for older workers.  New skills should be explained in a way that they understand. Simply put, justification and logic- why you are doing what you are doing is the easiest message to get across to workers of any age.

According to the Texas Department of Insurance, these are some changes that happen as workers age:

  • Balance – Injuries involving falls are more common to older workers.  Slips and falls account for 14 to 40 percent of non-fatal occupational injuries to workers of all ages.  Work should be matched up to a person’s abilities.  The correct Personal Protective Equipment should be furnished to all workers.
  • Muscular – Older workers may lose muscle mass, which means they lose strength. They may tire more easily, and need to exercise daily to be fit and flexible.
  • Respiratory – Oxygen uptake declines after the age of 50, and physical activity is more difficult.  If the worker is not able to do strenuous tasks, they should be assigned a less physically demanding job.
  • Vision – Many folks in their forties sometimes begin to notice that they do not see as well as they did when they were younger.  Workers should be encouraged to have their eyes checked regularly.  Signs at workplaces should be easily seen and easy to read and follow.
  • Circulatory – We all know that in the summer, outside workers need more breaks and water to cope with heat stress.  These especially apply to the older worker.  All workers should be allowed proper consideration to accommodate what their bodies can withstand in cold or hot weather conditions.
  • Mental – Older persons are usually able to perform mental tasks just as well as their younger counterparts.  They are still able to learn to do new things, it might just take them a little longer.  Changes in mental ability and physical condition do not happen to everyone as they age.
  • Hearing – Employers should be aware that some older workers may be less able to hear verbal instructions if the background is noisy, and be sure that they understand what is being requested of them.

The older generations didn’t have all the technology exists now.  They did many things the old-fashioned way – the hard way!  We also need to appreciate the fact that they are willing to go out into this busy, fast-paced world and do their jobs with the pride and work ethics they were taught.  They can teach us all a thing or two!  Let’s keep them safe.

Uncategorized

NOTES ABOUT APRIL

On April 1st, we’ve probably all been the victims of innocent pranks, either at school, or our place of work.  It’s all in fun, and can’t be too bad for only one day.  Just remember to be ready for someone to try to trip you up on April Fools Day!

This week, Christians observe Good Friday on the 2nd of April, followed by Easter Sunday on the 4th.

Focusing on health, the month of April is Cancer Control Month, time to renew our commitment to fighting this dread disease by knowing more about prevention and early detection.  Persons are encouraged to adopt healthy lifestyles through exercise, proper diet, and regular checkups by their physician.  Go to www.cancer.org, or www.cancer.gov for in-depth information to learn about research and what you can do to stay healthy and help others.

Since 1987, April has been designated as Alcohol Awareness Month, to raise public consciousness and educate people about the devastating effects alcohol can have on our youth, individuals, and families.  In the U.S., the Number One drug choice for young people under age 21 is alcohol, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.  Every day in America, 7,000 underage youths take their first drink.  The misuse of alcohol and drugs has a huge effect primarily on families; however, these problems carry over to the workplace, as well.  For more information on this problem, go to www.niaaa.nih.gov.   If you suspect a family member or co-worker is dealing with this problem, encourage him/her to get help.

Three other April reminders:
1.    Income tax filing deadline is the 15th.

2.    Earth Day is observed on the 22nd.

3.    Administrative Professionals are honored on their special day, the 22nd.

Although the first day of Spring occurred in March, April always brings feelings of new beginnings.  Enjoy your thirty days of April, and keep safety in mind when you start more outdoor activities.  When you get in the mood to do those outdoor chores, don’t be fooled. Wear your safety glasses when mowing or edging the grass and gloves for gardening and other tasks.