Yearly Archives: 2010

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Head Protection, Home Safety Products

DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS HARD TO SHOP FOR?

There’s probably one in every family – the person who has just about everything you can imagine, and may be just a little hard to please.  Did you ever think about checking out safety products, as a unique gift?  It might be fun to try something different, and give him/her that special gift that also serves as a safety tool.  Here are some suggestions: 

  • How many persons have a Highway Safety Kit in their car?  Hopefully, none of us will ever get stranded, but especially in these winter conditions, it would be a great item to have in the trunk, just in case.  Always take water,  snacks, cell phone, blankets, and other supplies when traveling on a long trip.  The safety kit would alert other drivers that you need help.
  • If you are shopping for someone who wears hardhats, why not give them one with their favorite NCAA or professional football, basketball, or hockey team on it?  Hardhats are a great way of showing their patriotic spirit, as well.  If you want a one-of-a-kind gift, World War II or Vietnam era types of hardhats are a great show of respect for those who served. 
  • For a really unique gift, and for that want-to-be cowboy, there’s nothing more fun than a western hardhat!  They are ANSI-certified for all jobs that require hardhats, (except electrical work), and they look like the real thing!  Yee-hah! 
  • For the athlete on your list, brim lights for ball caps are pretty cool.  They are a great way to see and be seen while walking or running.  Clip-on LED lights would also be something neat to put under the tree!  Any high-visibility item, either vests or gloves, offer a safer walk or run.  An AM/FM earmuff radio would be neat to have while walking, running, or doing chores around the house. 
  • Give someone who thinks they’re pretty cool a nice pair of polarized safety glasses!  These are safety glasses that provide protection from the sun’s glare on snow, ice or the highway, and are just as stylish but not nearly so expensive as those in department stores.

These are just a few ideas that express to your loved ones that you have put much thought into keeping them a little safer.  There are many items that are geared toward safety, but we take them for granted –  everyday items like flashlights, NOAA Weather radios, First Aid Kits, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and the numerous products that can help us in times of emergencies.  These things may not be as glamorous as jewelry, clothes, or electronics, but they may play a vital part in providing safety for a loved one.

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

“DRUNK DRIVING – OVER THE LIMIT – UNDER ARREST!”

United States Transportation Secretary, Ray LaHood, kicked off this important campaign on Monday: “Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.”    The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration sponsors this multimillion-dollar movement annually during the busy holiday season.  Their statistics reveal that in the month of December, 2009, 753 people were killed in crashes that involved a drunk driver or motorcycle operator with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher – above the legal limit.  That was for only one month! 

Further statistics from NHTSA show that during last year, a total of 10,839 persons were killed in alcohol-related vehicle accidents (that’s one person every 48 minutes!)  Of those:

        7,281 –  (67%) of the fatalities were drivers with a BAC of .08 or more;

       1,772 –  (17%) of fatalities were passengers with the impaired drivers.

        1,119 –  (10%)  of fatalities were occupants of other vehicles.

           667 –   (6%) of fatalities were pedestrians or non-occupants of the vehicles.

That represents almost 11,000 persons who lost their lives in 2009, many of them innocent victims. 

The Governors Highway Safety Association is in strong support of this “Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest” program.  Federal officials also want all states to use the “No Refusal” strategy when it comes to a suspected drunk driver rejecting a sobriety test.  Thus far, nine states are using this method – Louisiana, Florida, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Utah, Idaho, Texas, and Arizona.    Many other states have the necessary legal authority to conduct No Refusal initiatives including: Alaska, Alabama, California, Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia.   If the driver refuses, officers can obtain warrants immediately from “on call” judges in order to have blood samples taken from the suspected drunk driver. This will eliminate many suspected drunk drivers from trying to dodge arrests on the weekends or holidays. 

The GHSA and NHTSA met with a number of state officials last November to discuss best practice in putting into place alcohol ignition interlock programs.  Next year, the GHSA will begin a three-year NHTSA-funded research effort to determine the most effective elements in this type of program.  Alcohol ignition interlocks would prevent a convicted drunk driver to get behind the wheel of his/her vehicle unless they are sober.  Twelve states have already passed this law. 

In Texas, State Senator Jane Nelson has filed a bill to permanently revoke the driver’s license of any motorist in Texas that has been convicted twice of driving while intoxicated.  One reason she cited was an Easter-weekend car crash that left a mother and her daughter dead, involving an intoxicated driver who had been convicted of DWI three times.  Nelson has also filed a bill requiring first-time offenders to not drink alcohol and to wear an alcohol detection monitor for 60 days as a condition of probation.  More than 1,200 people died on Texas roadways in 2008, in crashes involving drivers with .08 or higher blood-alcohol content.  According to the Texas Department of Public Safety records, 78,000 Texans have three or more DWI Convictions.  M.A.D.D. (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) supports bills that allow Texas law officers to conduct sobriety checkpoints and require the ignition interlock devices for first-time offenders.  Research has shown that these measures have reduced drunk-driving deaths in other states, according to Bill Lewis, public policy liaison for the Texas Chapter of M.A.D.D.   Get involved by contacting your state lawmakers and let them know you want this problem dealt with. 

Get ready, because if you are traveling this holiday season, you will see more black and white patrol cars.  Through grants, the NHTSA helps fund extra saturation patrols and checkpoint stops during the three week, December 16th through January 3rd “Drunk Driving, Over the Limit, Under Arrest” campaign.  Sometimes we think they’re just out to catch us speeding so we get a big ticket.  They are there to save our lives.  Don’t speed, don’t text while driving, and don’t drive under the influence!  If you obey the law, you won’t get stopped.  If you plan to attend a party, have a designated driver. Don’t let your friends drive if they’ve been drinking.  Take their keys away and take them home, or call a cab. Driving under the influence or with someone who has been is not worth becoming a statistic.

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH WHEN IT COMES TO ABUSING PRESCRIPTION DRUGS?

This is a sad story of a tiny snowball that starts rolling down a mountain, growing larger by the minute.  It’s a story of the abuse of human beings who are given too many pain killers, powerful antipsychotic and anti-anxiety drugs.  Tragically, many of the patients are children, some under three years of age.  Many of these little ones have been through physical or mental stress in their short lives.  Prescribing drugs to toddlers is considered “off-label” – uses not approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration.  By the time the snowball reaches the bottom of the mountain, taxpayers, Medicare and Medicaid are the victims of  fraudulent prescription costs.   

According to a recent report by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, $47 million worth of Medicaid prescriptions have been written over the past two years in Texas, by a  handful of physicians.  The top five doctors alone wrote $18 million worth.  In their report, based on sources such as the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, Texas Medical Board, U.S. Senate Finance Committee, and Medicaid vendor drug claim files, the following information represents these two sets of data.  These sets listed the top 10 Medicaid prescribers of antipsychotic drugs, such as Zyprexa, Abilify and Seroquel.  We won’t name names, but the #1 physician wrote 44,138 prescriptions that were filled at a cost of $6,370,005.  The next four doctors had written prescriptions costing from $4,643,626 to $1,996,043.  The top prescribers of drugs known as psychotropics, (referring to different types of mental-health drugs, possibly including antipsychotics,) given from 2005 or 2006 to 2009 totaled more than 120,747 by five physicians.  Many physicians have physician assistants that can write prescriptions under their name, and some clinics are probably included in these figures.  

If this is going on in Texas, how about all the other states, and who is paying the bill?  One news article stated that in Ohio, a physician wrote 102,000 prescriptions in two years.  Another doctor in Miami wrote almost 97,000 in 18 months for mental health patients.  Thirty-four states have a State Prescription Drug Monitoring Program.  There are statewide databases that collect designated data on dispensed substances and this information is housed by a specific statewide regulatory, administrative or law enforcement agency.  Data is distributed to individuals who have the authority under state law to receive the information for the purpose of determining if it is legitimate medical use of controlled drugs or identify and deter previous drug abuse.  The Drug Enforcement Agency is not involved in these state programs. 

Kaiser Health News and the Star-Telegram both have reported that Republican Senator Charles Grassley of Iowa is pressuring Health and Human Services officials to investigate why some physicians write massive amounts of scripts for tax-funded Medicare and Medicaid programs.  Prescription drug fraud in the U.S. costs an estimated $60 billion to $90 billion a year to these programs.  As it stands now, physicians in question may be sent before a medical review board or for education, which amounts to a slap on the wrist.   Our state has automated ways to check these records and catch overuse, incorrect dosage and misuse.  Each state should have some type of similar system.  But how do we stop them?  And what about the safety of patients who are given these huge doses of medications? 

For those who truly need help with mental or physical needs, we are grateful for medications.  Many times persons can be helped with therapy as well, and/or medicine.  Years ago, these powerful drugs did not exist, and we wonder how people overcame or coped with their problems.  Hopefully, they had the help and support of caring families and friends.   

Most of our doctors really care about us and want us to stay healthy.  Many are cautious about even over-prescribing antibiotics, because these meds eventually won’t help if given too often.  We appreciate physicians for their diligence, seeing us in the middle of the night in an emergency room, and upholding the oath they took when they became doctors. 

Hopefully, the Federal Health and Human Services officials will take action to remedy this fraudulent behavior.  They owe it to the taxpayers to do what is right and figure out a way to penalize those physicians who are abusing the system (and their patients).  A part of operating local hospitals or clinics require physicians or an oversight committee  to review patient’s records and determine if the care of each patient was appropriate.  This should be done on a regular basis.  It takes time, but is worth it to save someone’s life.  There must be a way to stop prescription fraud.   

Look at a map of the United States, and picture it covered with all those snowballs!

Hearing Protection

DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR? (OCCUPATIONAL HEARING LOSS)

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Controlling occupational noise can be one of the most cost-effective yet important facets of protection that companies can provide for their employees.  In the United States, every year, approximately 30 million workers are exposed to hazardous noise.  Noise-induced hearing loss can be reduced or eliminated through engineering controls and hearing conservation programs.  Even though hearing loss is one of the most common occupational illnesses, it is often ignored because there are no visible effects, it develops over a period of time, and with the exception of rare cases, there is no pain.  Persons experience a progressive loss of communication, socialization, and response to their environment.  

If you work in an industrial setting or operate loud machinery, you may experience short-term problems from too much noise, and your ears feel stuffed up, or you have temporary ringing in the ears (tinnitus.)  Repeated exposures to loud noise can lead to permanent, incurable loss of hearing or tinnitus.  Employers should reduce the noise exposure to below 85 dB (decibels.)  Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) is a number that appears on the labels of all hearing protection products sold in the U.S.  This rating equals the level of noise reduction in decibels provided by the particular type of protective equipment (earmuff, earplugs) in a laboratory setting.  Since these conditions may be different from the actual working circumstance, the real work setting should have a walk-around survey, and possibly more complete evaluation to screen for noise exposure.  By checking the particular areas and how long the noise exists, needs for the correct protection can be determined. 

For factory or other environments, employees should choose options that decrease workplace noise levels.  They should select hearing protection that is comfortable, convenient, and easy to put on and off as needed.  Some of the choices are:

  • NRR Earmuffs: completely cover the ear.
  • Canal Caps: earplugs that are on a metal or plastic band that can go around the neck when taken off.
  • Premolded, reusable plugs: silicone, plastic, or rubber – “one size fits all,” as well as available in various sizes.
  • Expandable foam earplugs: made of formable material designed to expand and conform to the shape of each individual’s ear canal. 

Employers understand the risks associated with not controlling the noise level in their business, such as:

  • When employees cannot hear clearly, they may miss warnings from other workers and may be unable to avoid an accident.
  • Creates stress.
  • Reduces productivity.
  • If the noise level is 80 dB, persons have to speak very loudly to be heard.
  • If the level is between 85 and 90 dB, persons have to shout to be heard.
  • If the level is above 95 dB, persons would have to move closer to hear each other at all.

For example, after a survey is done of the work environment, if the time-weighted average noise level of, say 97 dB, the worker would need earmuffs with an NRR rating of at least 16 or earplugs with an NRR rating of at least 24, based on the ratings on the packaging. 

Not only can persons get hearing damage or loss from their work environment if they do not wear the proper protective gear, but young persons should pay heed to their parents’ advice to turn their music down.  When our son was a teenager, we could hear him a block away from the house, because the music was so loud in his truck.   I have noticed our grandson’s I-pod is so loud, I can hear the beat of the music he’s listening to with the speakers in his ears!  (Evidentally, they didn’t listen to me!)  Persons have been known to have hearing damage from noise levels at events such as World Cup soccer, football games, car races and other sporting venues.  It’s a good idea to invest in a pair of earplugs if you plan to attend a noisy concert or any loud event. 

Employers must make a decision that if there is a risk to their employees from exposure to noise, on how they can prevent or control this exposure to all sources of noise, even personal stereos.  Regular hearing checkups for employees can be useful to find out if they are experiencing any loss of hearing.  A unique tool, (individual dosimeter) is a personal sound noise measurement  device.  This system consists of a small dosimeter that is worn by employees in a shirt pocket or on the back of a hardhat.  It has special earplugs or an earmuff with integrated microphones that record real-time, in-ear noise levels, with a connecting harness.  An infrared reader allows safety managers to retrieve data from the dosimeter at the end of each shift or work-week and analyze the results on a personal computer.  The Personal Attenuation Rating determines the effectiveness of the employee’s earplug over a range of frequencies.  Then safety managers know if their employees are getting the best protection, or if they need additional training on how to fit their earplugs, or try something different. 

Think about this: noise-induced hearing loss is the second most-often reported occupational injury, and hearing loss is permanent and irreversible.

 

Sources: OSHA, NIOSH, HSME

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

A WARM HELLO TO OUR FRIENDS IN THE MIDWEST!

After reading all the reports of the blizzard that has hit the Midwestern U.S., we Texans have nothing to complain about, when it comes to weather!  Our predicted low in the morning is around 27 degrees, (which I understand will be the coldest since February.)  Lest we forget our neighbors to the north, who include eight states that have been pummeled with 17” to 20” of snow, including: Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Missouri, and Michigan.  Forecasts for Sunday night (December 12) throughout the Dakotas and parts of Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin are below zero.  Several other regions have had winter storm warnings or hard freeze watches.  

In Minneapolis, Minnesota, the Metrodome roof collapsed under the weight of the heavy snow Saturday.  Workers were trying to clear snow off the Metrodome roof late Saturday night, but work was canceled, for safety reasons.  Those crews were back on the roof Sunday a.m., but workers were not allowed inside the facility as a safety precaution.  The New York Giants were scheduled to play the Minnesota Vikings, but because their plane was rerouted to Kansas City, Missouri, and the mishap at the Metrodome, the game was rescheduled.  Plans are now for the game to be moved to Detroit Lion’s Field, played Monday, December 13th at 7:30 p.m., ET. 

We have recently done articles on having your car winterized, what to carry in your car in case of being stranded, and other winter safety reminders.  Those of you who are somewhat used to the colder temperatures can send us some good advice, we are sure!  We’d like to take a minute to mention other hints that might help you stay warm, from one of our earlier posts! 

Layering the right types of clothing with a waterproof top layer is a smart way to protect yourself from the elements, and will allow you to remove a layer as needed.  This is a good idea, especially for those workers who must be outdoors on a daily basis.  Stretching and warming up the muscles before work will also help one avoid muscle cramps in cold weather. 

Eating small, hot, and even spicy foods give the nervous system a warm signal that encourages blood flow to the extremities.  Drinks with caffeine constrict blood vessels, making the extremities colder.  Alcohol is dehydrating and suppresses shivering, the involuntary muscle contractions that help the body warm itself.  Tobacco also constricts blood vessels and cools the body by reducing circulation.  (It goes without saying that alcohol shouldn’t be consumed while working, anyway, but if you are outdoors for hunting or sports,  this won’t warm you up!)  

There are products made especially to help keep you warm.  Keep these in mind when looking for just the right thing:

Many of us in the south don’t have a clue what you folks up north must contend with in winter months.  We see accidents on icy highways, often caused by people that don’t know how to drive on ice.  You can teach us a thing or two about how to survive these conditions.  We wish you safe driving and traveling when your job demands it, but please drive with care, and stay warm!

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products

WHEN PURCHASING TOYS, THINK SAFETY!

December is the official “Safe Toys and Gifts Month.”  With Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa all crammed into this month, those families with children will be spending what they can afford to make the holiday special by granting the wishes of their little ones, but much thought needs to be put into choosing safe toys.  Santa wouldn’t ever want to bring anything unsafe to the children, but he’s getting down to the wire now, so he probably can’t do the proper research into this important topic! 

Prevent Blindness America and United States Consumer Product Safety Commission report that in 2005 (last available data), more than 200,000 toy-related injuries were reported, and almost 8,000 of them were eye injuries, which included lacerations, abrasions, and foreign bodies in the eyes.  Sports equipment and even art supplies can be harmful if not used properly.  The American Academy of Opthalmology estimates that there are 40,000 sports-related eye injuries altogether annually. 

When selecting toys for small children, choose ones that are both appropriate for the child’s age and level of maturity.  All toys should meet ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards.  These toys will bear the label of approval by ASTM.  One of the most common causes of toy-related death is choking.  From 2005-2007, thirty-three children aspirated or choked to death on balloons, toys, or toy parts.  If you are looking at a toy or toy part and it fits inside a toilet paper roll, don’t buy it.  Small toy testers can also be purchased at toy or baby specialty stores. 

Toys with straps, cords, or strings more than 7” long pose a strangulation risk for children under age 3.  Also, remove mobiles from the crib after a baby reaches 5 months of age, or can sit up, to avoid another strangulation hazard.  Toys with sharp edges or points are discouraged.  Keep older siblings’ toys out of the range of your little ones.  This is all common sense advice, and most parents are very conscientious about the safety of their toddlers.  There are just so many hazards lurking in our homes, it pays to be extra careful. 

Select toys that do not contain lead paint.  There are some toxic chemicals or lead in some bibs, vinyl lunchboxes, and jewelry.  Discard or don’t purchase cheap metal jewelry.   Some toys that are made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) may contain toxic phthalates.  Most U.S. manufacturers of toys voluntarily stopped using PVC in their toys.  Another thing to think about: if a toy is too loud for you, it is too loud for your child.  Be sure you investigate how noisy it is before making that purchase.

For older kids, the right protective equipment, such as helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, or wrist guards should be purchased along with the type of sporting equipment you plan to buy them, such as bicycles, skateboards, and scooters.  Air guns and BB guns are not considered toys.  Even a cap gun with caps can be ignited by the slightest friction, causing serious burns. 

This is not meant to spread a cloud over the holidays.  It is to help Santa with his decisions in delivering to the children the best, safest toys ever!  We don’t you want to spend your time in the emergency room, because there’s just too much to do!  Should you have questions about certain items, go to www.cpsc.gov or www.recalls.gov and sign up to receive alerts of new recalls, as well as a list of current recalls.  Report dangerous toys to CPSC, 1-800-638-2772. 

Uncategorized

SHOP SMART AND SAFELY THIS SEASON!

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We are counting down the days until Christmas!   We’ve survived Black Friday, and Cyber Monday, when retailers offer deals we just can’t live without!  For those who braved the cold waiting for stores to open their doors, and spent countless hours on the computer, well done!  For the rest of us, good luck! 

Online shopping is a wonderful way to shop if you  have neither the time or desire to get out there and search for the best bargains, but either way, in person, or online, buyers beware!  You must be sure you are cyber-safe!  Before you decide to make online purchases, you should have good antivirus software.  If you get suspicious emails or pop-ups with bargains that are too good to be true – they are!  The Better Business Bureau advises us to make sure each online purchase is made on a secure website.  It is best to shop with reputable businesses; when you place your order, look for the “s” in “https//” and in the lower right corner of the browser, there should be a padlock.  This ensures you that that your personal information is safe.  

Some stores offer credit cards that promise huge incentives with a large one-time only discount.  If you plan to make large purchases, it might be worth taking advantage of this offer.  However, some stores add higher interest to balances, so it would be best to pay it off right away.  Be sure you keep all receipts.  Some electronic items and special orders may require a re-stocking fee.  It could cost you from 10% to 25% if not returned in a factory-sealed box.  

Do your homework.  Plan ahead by doing comparative shopping before buying.  Avoid impulse buying.  Be sure the gifts you choose will be used, and not just put away in a closet.  Getting a “wish list” from your family members ensures that you are giving them something they really would enjoy.  We hope you have also given some thought to some “cool” safety items that would be put to good use by workers who wear hardhats, safety glasses, safety gloves, and other protective products.

When you are out there in the “real” shopping world, take extra precautions.  There are some persons just waiting to switch your purse with an empty one, or pick someone’s pocket.  It’s best not to carry a large purse, but keep your money, checks and credit cards concealed in a small purse or bag under your sweater or coat.  Don’t wear expensive jewelry when you are shopping in large crowds, and always be aware of your surroundings.  If you have several packages, take them to your car, rather than risk leaving one of them in a store.  Be sure that they are in the trunk or out of sight in your locked vehicle.  Carry some wet wipes or small hand sanitizer with you to be able to clean your hands when a restroom isn’t handy for washing hands.  There are plenty of germs out there, too, and no one wants to get sick during the holidays. 

Please do your shopping during the day.  If you must go at night, take a friend with you.  If you must go alone, have a security person at the mall walk you to your car, which is parked in a well-lighted space.  The one thing that we all know is not to leave our small children unattended while shopping anytime. 

For those who are hard to shop for, a personal gift can’t be beat!  Cookies, candy, and home-made goodies are always appreciated, as well as showing that you care enough to take the time to do something nice for them.  Please don’t forget those whose holiday won’t be bright; give to your favorite charity or a family that needs some help. 

Good luck with your holiday plans.  Full speed ahead, shop and drive with care!

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

DECORATING CAN BE DANGEROUS!

By now, many of you already have your homes beautifully decorated, with the tree trimmed and glowing lights outside the house.  If we’re too late for you, this warning is for those who haven’t done their decorating yet, and/or all of you who will be taking them down in a few weeks.  According to the U.S. Consumer Safety Products Commission, around 12,500 people each year are treated in emergency rooms for cuts, shocks, and other holiday decorating-related injuries.  Four in ten accidents are reported to be falls from ladders, with men being the ones hurt more often than women.  

The American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons advises that when working on a ladder, position the ladder close to the area you plan to work, and keep materials near-by, in order to not to have to reach too far.  They also advise to take your time in order to avoid risks.   More good advice from the AAOS: place some nightlights in rooms where you’ve had to rearrange furniture to accommodate decorations.  This will hopefully help your family avoid falling by lessening nighttime confusion. 

If you choose a fresh Christmas tree, be sure to keep it watered frequently.  Artificial trees should be marked “fire resistant”, indicating the tree will likely not catch on fire.  Hundreds of fires are attributed to dried-out Christmas trees each year, resulting in approximately 17 deaths, and an average of over $13 million in property loss and damage.  Be certain that any lights you put on your tree are tested in recognized labs that show they meet safety standards.  Many imported lights may not meet those safety standards.  Christmas trees are things of beauty, but there are other hazards involved, in addition to the lights on them.  Avoid decorating with breakable or sharp decorations.  If using “angel hair” (spun glass), be sure to wear string knit gloves to avoid cutting your hands. Also, art snow sprays can contaminate the lungs and cause skin irritation, so read the container’s directions carefully. 

Candles also start numerous fires each year, resulting in an average of 150 deaths, 1,200 injuries, and approximately $385 million in property loss.  Please be sure to never leave your home with candles burning.  Of course, you would never leave burning candles in the reach of children or where they could be tipped over by pets.  Many times we have seen persons dislocated from their apartments because of the carelessness of a tenant that left a burning candle unattended.

We hope your holiday decorating goes by without incident.  The emergency rooms are standing by, just in case, but let’s keep them quiet this year by staying safe and healthy for the holidays!

Hand Protection, High Visibility Safety

WORK GLOVES: FUNCTIONALITY AND STYLE

Company health and safety experts know that selecting the right gloves for their workers is a vital part of ensuring the success of keeping their employees hands’ protected.  Depending on the particular hazards of the job, much thought must go into making the right choice.  Style is also important to workers and helps ensure compliance.  Some PPE (personal protective equipment) may be unattractive, but leading glove manufacturers have gotten the message from retail and athletic clothing markets and developed fashionable, yet functional styles that workers will wear. 

Health and safety experts also know that wearing a pair of gloves will not protect the hands of workers unless those workers are careful in performing their work duties, which includes being aware of the dangers their hands are exposed to, even while wearing gloves.  Because gloves are made of materials that protect from abrasions, nicks, vibrations, and other hazards, some employees may think they are invincible.  They are required to wear their PPE at all times on the job.  If there are periods that they do not have to wear gloves, glove guards are handy to attach the gloves to clothing, where they are readily accessible. 

Of course, as in any setting where PPE is required, training is mandated before the person starts his/her job.  They must understand how important their personal protective equipment is, how to take care of it, and the need to report and replace any damaged or worn product.  Workers that must wear gloves as part of their PPE must remember that unsafe conditions and acts cause injuries.  The most important thing a worker can do is to keep those gloves on at all times, while working carefully.  Be sure they fit and are comfortable, and if they look good, that’s a plus, too.  There is no one type of glove that will prevent all hand injuries, and no glove will help avoid injury if it is not worn.  Individuals must continually think about how he/she is handling the product he is working on, lifting, or running a particular type of equipment.  He doesn’t want to go home missing a finger, or worse. 

There are gloves that are high-visibility, others for furnishing good grip and protection.  Women want to wear gloves that are made for their smaller hands.  Gloves must fit properly to help the hands do their job.  If they are too large, grip is lost.  Some gloves furnish better ventilation than others, and there are fingerless gloves for mobility, yet they still allow good grip.  Then there are gloves for the gardeners, for ranchers and farmers, and drivers.  We see football players wearing gloves, as well as golfers (a golf glove).  Why not look as sharp as they do, when we are working?  I plan on getting some hi-vis gloves to wear this winter when taking walks with Buddy.  

Gloves furnish dexterity, sensitivity, durability, and tactility.  Each type excels in one or more of these descriptions.  Some medical and industrial grade gloves may not meet the “style” factor, but play a very important part in protecting healthcare, food processing, and other types of workers’ hands.   Leather gloves are soft and supple, yet are protective.  One glove  that even helps “do” the job in dark areas (such as under the hood of a car), has a light on the back of it!  

Employees must be taught to know that PPE is the last (but very important) line of defense for their protection.  Workers are the front line.