Yearly Archives: 2010

Uncategorized

TO RESCUE HAITI

It goes without saying that the devastation of the earthquake Haiti experienced January 12th has touched everyone.  The scenes that are described by the media can’t begin to show the true horror of what is being experienced by the persons who are victims, as well as those playing a part in their rescue.  February 12th was set aside as a National Day of Prayer in Haiti, and the 12th through 15th as days of prayers to remember their loved ones.

Haiti was a very poor country to begin with and most of the population did not have the conveniences that we take for granted.  Water, electricity, and sanitation were things that many of their citizens did without.  Now, the situation is even worse.  International aid workers have faced many obstacles since Day One: an overwhelmed airport, blocked roads, lack of communication, electricity, food, and water.  Topping that off, crime is also a problem for those who are doing their level best to make things better.  Looting always seems to follow a catastrophe.  Some of the rescue personnel have had U.N. military escorts.  Because there were no national building codes, many of the structures were built without rebar, or any type of solid support, which caused them to crumble.  Aftershocks have also added to the fears of everyone involved.

We have seen a myriad of highly trained rescue teams, physicians, nurses, and missionaries, all representing their countries with one goal in mind – helping those who can’t help themselves.  When they leave, other volunteers will replace them.  Many who were involved in search and rescue were equipped with high-tech devices such as fiber-optic cameras and ultra-sensitive listening devices.  These workers are skilled in complex rescue measures.

Now is the beginning of the rainy season for Haiti.  This is just one more problem that they will face.  As reported by the BBC, an international aid project called Haiti Flash Appeal, was launched by several humanitarian agencies experienced in dealing with natural disasters.  Ninety-five percent of the $577 million target has been met.  This target is an estimate of funds that will be required for the next six months in the areas of food, health, emergency shelter, and agriculture.

A brief breakdown of this information and the percentage of goals met for the appeal are as listed:

  • Emergency shelter  (47%).  There are still 1.2 million persons sleeping in the streets, with at least 650,000 homeless children among them.
  • Sanitation (33%).  Although bottled water is being provided, there is not enough drinking water or sanitary waste provisions.
  • Food (57%).  With so many to feed, food has not yet reached all of the three million people who need it.
  • Logistics (100%).  Roads have been cleared, and the ports are providing access to allow more deliveries.

Philippine Online Chronicles reports that food distribution has become somewhat organized, by a coupon system.  Women are given the coupons, as it was felt that the food would be better distributed to families when given to the women.  Crime, as mentioned earlier, is rampant, and many women have lost their husbands and male family members, and are not safe from becoming victims of rape, and/or theft of food or whatever little they may have.

It is hoped that the funds sent to charities for Haiti will be managed by the United Nations or others that will help Haitians restore their lives in a responsible and productive way.

Texas America Safety Company has sent gloves, respirators, and disposable clothing for use  in the recovery process.  We, along with millions of people all over the world, send our prayers, as well.

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

RAINY DAY DRIVING TIPS

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According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, there are annually more than 450,000 injuries caused by crashes in adverse weather conditions, especially on slick pavements.  Two key factors to be considered in order to avoid an accident while driving on rain-soaked highways or streets, are speed and visibility.

Most driving experts agree that slowing down is one of the most important things drivers can do when driving in the rain.  It is recommended that when driving over 35 mph, your speed should be reduced by 5 mph for every posted speed limit.  (In other words, if the posted speed limit is 50, you would slow down to 45).  The other thing to remember is to keep your headlights on – that not only helps you see, but helps you be seen by other drivers.

Please consider these tips for safe driving in the rain:

  • Don’t follow the car in front of you too closely because your ability to slow down will be hindered by the wet road.
  • Oily deposits at intersections can be very hazardous when mixed with rain, causing a chance for skidding.
  • Staying in the same lane is safer than changing lanes frequently.
  • Be sure your tires are in good condition; bald tires will reduce traction, which can result in hydroplaning, if you are traveling too fast.
  • Replace windshield wipers once a year.
  • Be sure to watch for car’s brake lights in front of you.
  • Humidity causes windows to fog up, so use the defroster to keep windows clear.
  • Pedestrians and animals are harder to see during rain, so reducing your speed could help you avoid injury to someone or something else, as well as yourself.
  • Never drive through moving water.  If water comes to the bottom of your car doors, or the bottom one-third of your tires, do not try to go through it.  Attempting that may cause you to be washed off the road.  Water can also cause serious damage to the electrical system of the car.
  • Use a light touch when steering and braking.
  • Driving slowly and carefully can help you keep from skidding.

A good idea for those who drive in rain, snow, or other adverse conditions is to keep a “care package” in the car.  Take blankets, snacks, water, ice scraper, flashlight, and a First Aid Kit with you at all times, just in case.

There’s a theory going around that wearing sunglasses when driving in the rain increases your visibility.  Personally, I haven’t tried it, but guess it wouldn’t hurt to try.  We checked this out on Snopes.com, and it’s still being researched.

Please drive with care in rainy or sunny weather.  Let’s leaving the “spinning out” to the winning NASCAR drivers!

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

STAY SAFE IN THE SNOW AND ICE

Most of the United States has been hit with extreme cold weather so far this winter, and it looks like it’s not ready to let up yet.  Even in the far south, there’s been the danger of crops freezing.  We southerners aren’t as accustomed to contending with snow and ice as those who live in the north.  Driving on ice is a very dangerous “sport”, especially for persons who aren’t used to it!

Whether you have to get outdoors to go to work, the store, or want to continue some form of exercise regardless of the cold, it is important to take it a little slower than normal and be careful when walking in snow or ice.  There are devices that will help you keep from slipping.  They have a flat sole that attaches to shoes with Velcro, and have metal studs on the bottom, which help grip.  Easy to put on and off, they should not be used once you get inside, because they could make the floor slippery, as well as damaging it.

Here are some ideas from our friends at FEMA:

  • First, if you can, stay indoors as much as possible when weather causes dangerous conditions.
  • Dress warmly, especially paying close attention to feet and hands. Select warm gloves.
  • Wear shoes/boots that provide good traction.  Rubber and neoprene soles are better than those with leather or plastic soles.
  • Use pathways that have been cleared.
  • Put out salt or sand on your sidewalks before you try walking on them.
  • Don’t walk with your hands in your pockets, as you lose the ability to balance with your arms.  This also prevents catching yourself if you slip.
  • Heavy or bulky items can make you lose your balance; carry only necessary items.
  • If possible, use handrails.
  • At your workplace, pay attention to “ice alert” signs, to warn you of icy conditions.
  • While walking on ice, curl toes under and walk slowly.
  • If you must shovel snow, be sure you do not have any underlying health issues, as strenuous activity in extreme conditions can cause heart attack.

As with anything else at work or home, use common sense.  Most of us have to get to our jobs.  Check your local media for weather information and leave home a little earlier if the roads are going to be slick.  Maintenance workers get out very early in the mornings during winter to prepare the roads for traffic in bad conditions.  Drive and walk with care!

Hand Protection

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT HAND PROTECTION

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If your need for gloves is for gardening or at-home jobs, there are specific types of gloves that fit the bill.  When your employment requires that you wear Personal Protective Equipment, including gloves, employers must conduct extensive hazard assessments to ensure that potential injury to hands of workers is avoided.  The employer should determine which type of protection is needed for the utmost safety, by selecting the proper glove, finger guards, or elbow-length glove that is appropriate for the task at hand.  There are numerous selections of work gloves, even gloves with a light on them for working under the hood of a car!  Whether you are an employer, employee, or performing jobs at home, it’s important to make the right choices.

Factors that should influence your decision in choosing gloves:

  • Types of chemicals you are exposed to.  Also the nature of contact (splash, total immersion.)
  • Duration of contact.  Area of body that requires protection.
  • Thermal Protection.
  • Abrasion/Resistance Required.
  • Mechanical hazards that you are around, such as rough, sharp objects, at home or work.
  • Proper fit to avoid dropping products in assembly.
  • Furnish good grip for wet/dry, hot/cold working conditions.
  • Styled for tasks that require delicate, intricate handling.
  • Gender specific.

Gloves generally fall into four groups:

It is important that employers are aware of any employees who are allergic to materials of gloves, such as latex, or those with powder.  Persons who are sensitized should have emergency identification specifying their allergy and carry a prescription for epinephrine from their allergist.  Workers must be prepared to recognize and treat a person who might go into anaphylactic shock.

Gloves serve a very important purpose for almost all walks of life: the medical field, military, law enforcement, and industrial environments.  They are necessary for certain jobs at home and many different sports.  Best of all, they help us stay warm!

Source: OSHA

General Safety Issues

WHY WE SHOULDN’T IGNORE CUTS AND SCRAPES

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Getting cuts and scrapes are just a fact of life.  Most of the time, they can be taken care of by cleaning them, using some antibiotic ointment on them, and covering them with a band-aid or gauze.  Bacterial skin infections are common – some are simply annoying, yet others can be deadly.  There’s a “super bug” lurking that sometimes gets into those cuts and causes serious problems.  MRSA, or “staph infection,” is an antibiotic-resistant strain of bacteria that isn’t easy to overcome.  Many times patients pick up this type of infection in hospitals.

To help you keep from dealing with the “bad bugs”, here are some tips for prevention of infection from cuts, scrapes, and punctures:

  • First, stop the bleeding.  Hold pressure on the wound for about 10-20 minutes with a clean cloth.
  • Next, clean the area with soap and water.  Hydrogen peroxide is helpful at first, but may hinder healing if used too often.
  • If the wound has foreign material in it, use some tweezers that you have cleaned with alcohol to remove if it is along the edge, otherwise do not go any deeper, as that could push bacteria deeper into the wound.
  • Use a first-aid antibiotic ointment or cream.
  • Clean the wound three times per day.
  • Puncture wounds also must first be cleaned with soap and water.  The same steps as treating cuts and scrapes apply to these type injuries.
  • If any of these places begin draining, or redness and swelling occurs, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Stepping on nails is a common way of getting a puncture wound.  These may become more easily infected because bacteria and debris can get pushed into the tissue.  If the person is wearing tennis shoes, the foam in them can harbor bacteria (Pseudomonas) that can lead to serious infection in the tissues.  Other puncture wounds caused by bites (human or animal), wood splinters, or plant materials can easily cause infection.

Most persons in the United States have received a tetanus shot.  The period of time for a booster shot is 10 years.  However, if the wound is in a tetanus-prone area or very dirty, a booster shot would be given if the person had not received one in the last five years.

Taking the time to properly keep a wound (regardless of how small it is) clean and using some type of medication to help it heal, is a lot better than dealing with an infection later on.  Don’t just brush off a minor scrape because it could become a major pain!  Keeping a first aid kit at home, work, and in your car wouldn’t be a bad idea, as you’d be prepared all the time!

General Safety Issues

A SERIOUS THREAT

In November, the Texas Department of Public Safety released this warning to parents: Mexican cartels and gangs are recruiting in Texas schools and towns.  This is true not only in Texas, but other states that share a border with Mexico.  The Texas DPS is warning parents across the state to be aware of these violent organizations that are recruiting Texas youth in our schools and communities with the prospect of cars, money, and notoriety.  They send the message that if they get caught, the sentence will be minimal.

These cartels are constantly seeking new ways to smuggle humans and drugs into Texas and the U.S., and now use state-based gangs to support their operations on both sides of the border.  Juveniles that live along the Texas-Mexico border are particularly susceptible, due to the poverty level that their small cities have.  In 2008, teenagers from the counties along the Texas-Mexico border accounted for 9% of the population in the state, but 18% of the felony drug charges and gang-related arrests.

There are drug cartels operating training camps near the border.  They train recruits, ranging from Mexican Army deserters to American teenagers to carry out many assignments, including murder.  Young persons have no idea what they are getting into; they are risking their lives for the promise of riches.  Many do it to bring in money for their families.

Steven C. McCraw, director of the Texas DPS, warns: “As these dangerous organizations seek to co-opt our children to support their criminal operations, it is more important than ever that parents be aware of these risks, talk to their children and pay attention to any signs that they may have become involved in illegal activities.”

The U.S. Border Patrol has started a program this past year called “Operation Detour”.  Part of the operation is a film presentation that is shown to high school students, depicting the graphic side of what happens to youth who get involved with cartels.  The program will be expanded along the entire US-Mexico border.  Local, state and federal law enforcement agencies and the District Attorneys in Texas border counties are working together to detect, disrupt and deter Mexican cartel-related crime along the Texas-Mexico border.

For the safety of our young people, parents must get involved if they suspect their kids are taking part in illegal activities.  The United States has a lot of work to do to curtail the demand for drugs and stop the flow of drugs into our country.

Source: Texas DPS

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection

FOR NASCAR FANS IN 2010

It’s just about time to rev up your engines!  NASCAR Series is about to kick off another season.  It’s fun to watch the races, but are you aware of how much planning for the safety of the drivers and crews has been put into this sport?  In the earlier days of racing, there was not as much emphasis put on safety, but following some high speed crashes that resulted in death, the industry has focused on everything from the construction of the cars to the gear the drivers and pit crews wear to ensure they are protected.

Here are some interesting facts regarding NASCAR safety of cars and drivers:

  • Roll cages – cages are built with steel tubing.  The middle section of the roll cage protects the driver because of its strong design.  The front clip on the cage will push the engine out of the bottom of the car in the event of a crash, rather than into the drivers’ compartment.
  • Seats – drivers are protected by seats that surround their rib cage and in some types, their shoulders as well.  Harnesses that restrain drivers are much stronger than seat belts in ordinary cars.
  • Wind nets – these keep drivers’ arms from flailing in case of being flipped, as well as keeping debris out of the drivers’ way.
  • Roof flaps – prevent cars from becoming airborne.  You’ll see these flaps if the cars are spinning; they slow down their speed and help the driver regain control of the car.
  • Fuel cells – 22-gallon tanks have built-in safety features to control the threat of explosion.  There is foam inside, which reduces slosh of fuel, and the amount of air in the cell.  In case of an ignition, the foam absorbs the explosion.
  • Restrictor plates – first installed for safety reasons, following a 1988 crash by driver Bobby Allison into a retaining fence racing at a speed of 210 mph, these plates are placed between the carburetor and intake manifold to slow the cars’ speed.  Some drivers now feel that the restrictor plates are the reason for many multi-car crashes.

Restrictor plates are used at two high-banked superspeedways, Talledega and Daytona.

  • Barriers – millions of dollars have been spent to construct barriers with materials that absorb crashes better than concrete.
  • HANS Device – a combination head and neck restraint that NASCAR requires drivers to wear.
  • Protective gear – drivers wear fire retardant suits made of Proban or Nomex material, which is also in the socks, gloves and shoes, as well as lining of their helmet.  Some drivers prefer to wear full-face helmets, while others say a full-face helmet restricts their peripheral vision and choose open-face with goggles.
  • Pit road safety – Pit members must wear helmets, firesuits, fire-retardant gloves, and it is recommended that tire changers wear safety glasses.  Also, race cars must enter the pit road at a safe speed, which is registered on their tachometer.

If you are lucky enough to make a NASCAR race, you may want to take along some sunscreen, noise blocking earplugs, and your own safety sunglasses!  Drive friendly!  Let’s hope for a super-safe 2010 racing season!

General Safety Issues

WHAT’S THE FORECAST FOR FEBRUARY?

For Americans, February 2nd is Groundhog Day.  All eyes in Pennsylvania are focused on Punxsutawney Phil to see if he sees his shadow, meaning we will have six more weeks of winter, or early spring if he doesn’t.  It’s been a pretty tough winter so far; maybe he can let us know if we need to keep out the warm layers of clothes needed to protect us.

One thing for sure, we have a busy, but short month ahead of us, (especially for you sports fans):

  • NASCAR fans will need their NASCAR hardhats and a good set of earplugs for the Daytona Shootout, Sprint Car Series on February 6th, followed by the Daytona 500 on February 14th.  We’ll be talking more later about safety precautions that are taken to protect the drivers as they rev up for a new season.
  • Super Bowl Sunday falls on February 7th!  The New Orleans Saints will make their debut at this year’s big game, facing off against the Indianapolis Colts.  Congratulations to both teams and their fans.  Look for loyal fans wearing Saints and Colts hardhats!
  • For those sports fans who just can’t get enough action, head up to Vancouver for the Winter Olympic Games taking place February 12th through 21st.  If you can’t make the trip, you can cheer your team on via big-screen (or little screen) television.
  • Don’t forget your sweetheart on Valentines’ Day, February 14th.
  • February 15th, the third Monday of the month, is President’s Day.

February is American Heart Month-Love Your Heart!   Taking care of your body through exercise, diet, and less stress might possibly save your life.  Seriously, think about all the things you can do to have a healthy heart, not only during American Heart Month, but all year.  Instead of candy this Valentines’ Day, how giving yourself or a loved one a gift membership to a fitness center?  Exercise is the key to good heart health.

It’s hard to know what Phil will forecast for the future, weather-wise, as least.   We can’t make predictions either, but we must close by saying that if we could, it would be to see a successful rebuilding period for the people of Haiti, who were devastated by the January 12th earthquake, resulting in better lives for all their citizens.  Persons from all over the globe have come together to work harder than they ever have, and have shown what true teamwork can accomplish.

Have a safe, healthy, and happy February!

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

TWO THINGS YOU MUST PROTECT

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Your eyes are two very important parts of your body that must always be protected.  We may take our senses of vision, smell, taste, hearing and feeling for granted, but if you lose your eyesight, your whole world can be changed in an instant.  Since January is National Eye Care Month, we think it’s a good idea to focus on this subject.

Workplace eye-related injuries account for approximately 94,500 people being treated in U.S. hospitals, according to Prevent Blindness America.  Employers and employees must be educated about hazards that workers face on a daily basis.  Prevent Blindness America has categorized the top causes of eye injuries at work, and we want to pass that on to you:

Product Categories Est’d Injuries Per Year
Tools (power,portable,manual, other)                               19,458
Welding Equipment                                                                     15,338
Adhesives                                                                                          5,733
Bleaches (non-cosmetic)                                                            5,580
House Repair/Construction                                                      4,476
Lawn Mowers                                                                                   4,388
Paints, Varnishes,Shellacs,Removers                                   3,434
Chemicals                                                                                          3,350

In an article we presented last year, “Focusing on Occupational Eye Injuries”, welding equipment led the number of work-related eye injuries last year, and tools came in second.  We can see by the statistics there is still much work to do regarding training and proper use of Work Safety Products.  After assessing the particular hazards by management/safety personnel at your workplace, the determination should be made regarding what type of eye/face protection is needed.  There are all types of safety glasses: wraparound, side-shields that fit on temples of glasses, goggles, and faceshields.  Our wonderful gift of vision could be lost in a split second by not taking that few seconds to put on eye safety gear.

OSHA states that thousands of workers are blinded annually in work-related eye injuries that could have been prevented with selection and use of proper eye protection.  Costs to employers are more than $300 million annually in lost production time, medical expenses, and worker compensation.

So, it benefits both the employer and employee to be aware of the hazards their workplace may contain.  And, as you can see in the list, there are many items listed above that we use at our homes, as well.  The next time you mow your lawn, why not put on a pair of safety glasses?  What could it hurt?

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

FALL PREVENTION

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In the United States Construction industry, falls are the leading cause of worker fatalities.  An average of between 150-200 workers each year are killed and more than 100,000 injuries are the result of falls at construction sites.  Accidental falls are complex events resulting from either equipment-related or human issues.  Therefore, the standards for protection deal with both matters for success in preventing fall hazards.  Fall protection systems should be carefully designed for appropriate work situations.  Proper installation of safety systems, safe work procedures, training and supervision are necessary to ensure workers’ security, as well as the required Personal Protective Equipment.

Listed is a short glossary of fall prevention equipment that is appropriate for most endeavors:

  • Anchorage – Secure point of attachment for lanyards, lifelines or deceleration devices.
  • Body Harness – Straps secured about the person that distribute fall-arrest forces over thighs, pelvis, waist, chest and shoulders, which is attached to other parts of fall-arrest system.
  • Deceleration Device – Any mechanism: rope, grab, forms of lanyards, auto retracting lanyards that dissipate a substantial amount of energy during fall arrest.
  • Lanyard – Flexible line of rope or strap that has connectors to a deceleration device, lifeline, or anchorage.

Along with the proper use of fall-arrest devices, ladder safety is of prime importance.  Some tips from the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission include:

  • Always make sure weight does not exceed the maximum load, consider user weight plus material.
  • Be sure the ladder is the proper length: 3 feet minimum extending over working surface or roofline.
  • Use wooden or fiberglass ladders in the vicinity of power lines or electric equipment.
  • Don’t place ladder in front of door that is not guarded, blocked, or locked.
  • Follow instruction labels on ladders.
  • Don’t stand on the three top rungs of ladder.
  • Set the ladder up at a 75° angle.
  • Be sure locks on extension ladders are properly engaged.

Sources:
OSHA
CPSC