Monthly Archives: October 2011

General Safety Issues

IT’S DRUG-FREE WORK WEEK!

This information comes to us straight from the U.S. Department of Labor, and is meant to highlight the benefits that drug-free workplace programs bring to workers, employers, and communities.  This is the time to work toward making every week a drug-free work week.   In the past, we have discussed the effects that workers who abuse drugs or alcohol in the workplace have on their co-workers, and the company that is paying them to work.  By having the workplace drug-free, productivity can be improved and reduce costs.  It will certainly help prevent accidents and make our workplace safer. 

Recent research reveals that many workers need to hear this message again and again.  Seventy-five per cent of the nation’s current illegal drug users are employed—and 3.1 per cent say they have actually used illegal drugs before or during work hours.  Seventy-nine per cent of the nation’s heavy alcohol users are employed—and 7.1 per cent say they have actually consumed alcohol during the workday.  How would you feel if a nurse or physician taking care of you were included in these statistics?  Heavy equipment operators, those who are responsible for the safety of others, such as driving buses, trains, or even airline pilots – we don’t want to dare think that they might be part of these statistics.  Smart business strategies are used by employers who establish drug-free workplace programs to assist their employees from the potentially devastating consequences of worker alcohol and drug abuse.  This week is a good time to reinforce the importance of working drug free in positive, proactive ways. 

Listed are some of the ideas to help companies and communities promote the success of a drug-free workplace program:

  • Implement a Drug-Free Workplace Program.  If your group does not already have one, this is the time to start one.  The first step to implement this is through a written policy.
  • Promote  Drug-Free Work Week.  Be sure all employees have a copy of your policy and remind them that it is all about keeping them safe of the job.
  • Train supervisors.  Company supervisors should be trained to understand their policy on alcohol and drug use; ways to deal with workers who have performance problems related to substance abuse, and how to refer them to available assistance.
  • Remind employees of the availability of EAP or MAP services.  These are Employee or Member Assistance Programs that offer free, confidential services to help all employees resolve personal and workplace problems, such as substance abuse.  If warranted, they also offer confidential substance abuse screenings as well as brief interventions.
  • Educate workers.  Workers must be educated about the nature of alcohol and drug use and its negative impact on workplace safety and productivity. 
  • Offer health screening.  Organizations can use this week to encourage employees to assess their own use of alcohol and drugs and privately determine if they need help to change their behavior.
  • Create a Drug-Free Workplace Display.  This is a good opportunity to freshen up bulletin boards in break areas that employees frequent by posting positive messages aboaut the importance of being drug-free to their safety and that of their coworkers.
  • Allow employees time to volunteer in community drug prevention efforts.  This give employees the chance to show both their own and company commitment to substance abuse prevention both inside and outside the workplace.
  • Review your health insurance policy.  Employees that are struggling with alcohol or drug problems will seek help if this type of treatment is covered.  If it is not, consider discussing the prospect of adding coverage with your insurance carrier.
  • Issue a Drug-Free Work Week press release.  Companies should issue a public announcement to their local media to spread this important message.
  • Distribute a payroll message listing helplines or a reminder about Drug-Free Work Week for employees.  A paycheck is always something that employees pay attention to.  You could include a reminder listing sources of help for ones with any problems, and that each employee is appreciated for working drug-free.

Thanks for the Department of Labor for this information.  It’s sad to say, but almost everyone of us knows someone who has a drug or alcohol problem.  Abusing prescriptions drugs is also not acceptable behavior in the workplace.   Try to spread the message to your friends, coworkers, and community.  If you work with someone that you feels needs help, encourage him/her to seek it.  It’s not only for their good, but the safety and wellness of everyone who works, rides to work, or lives with them.  If you witness a coworker committing an unsafe act, let his supervisor know, for the safety of all.  Stay sober and stay safe.

Eye Protection, Fall Safety, Hand Protection, Head Protection, High Visibility Safety, Protective Clothing

DO EMPLOYEES KNOW THE IMPORTANCE OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT?

Many employees are not trained properly in the use, care and maintenance of personal protective equipment (PPE).  Companies are required to furnish the type of PPE that is based on the potential hazards of each particular job.  Many workers are required to wear several types of PPE at the same time, such as construction workers, who must wear protective footwear, gloves, safety glasses, and hardhats.   Research has found that some workers have a rather cavalier attitude toward protective clothing, but that little was being done in terms of training or education to correct this situation.  During this research, some health and safety managers interviewed admitted to a lack of knowledge about different PPE product specifications and which clothing is the most suitable for their workplace. 

Anyone who must wear PPE will tell you that the choices made for their particular needs should fit well and be comfortable.  Some say that the PPE hinders their ability to do their job.  They explain that they would prefer to have clothing that is stylish and functional.  If the safety advisors include the workers in the choices they make, whether it is to protect from fire to freezing cold temperatures, working in areas with poor visibility, or handling of hazardous materials, chances are the results will be a more respectful attitude toward compliance. 

Safety officials of companies may confer with various suppliers and manufacturers to work out which types of clothing and particular products will be most suitable.  Products must meet the standards that are set by OSHA, ANSI, or other countries’ minimum health and safety requirements.  For workers who must wear more than one type of protective clothing, the different types of work wear must be compatible.  Many factors must be considered, such as, will the clothing get tangled up in equipment, (i.e., gloves that are too large), or does it increase slips and falls (wrong foot protection)?  

Safety glasses that are offered now are stylish; some of them look better and cost less than those purchased at an optical shop.  (And safer, too!)  All types are offered – from goggles to those with UV protection, wrap-around, over-the-glasses, to readers.  If companies don’t require a company logo on their hardhats, team hard hats or patriotic ones improve worker morale and compliance, by allowing them to show their support for their favorite team, be it NHL, NCAA, NFL, NBA, NASCAR, or MLB.  There are work gloves especially designed for women’s smaller hands, and they even come in “cool pink!”  Many jobs require PPE that is not as flashy as other types, but the main thing is that they fit the bill for the task at hand. 

Training employees on the correct use of their PPE, how to wear it, and care for it, and know when to replace it, is one of the most important ways a company can protect their employees.  It may not take a rocket scientist to figure some of it out, but when there’s doubt about PPE, there should be someone who can explain why they are required to wear it and how important it is to be worn during the entire work period.

 

 

 

General Safety Issues

HAMMERING IN THE POINT OF NAIL GUN SAFETY

Anything that has to do with guns of any type makes me nervous!  In the field of construction, nail guns have taken the place of hammers, in many instances.  The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) have issued a nail gun safety guide (Nail Gun Safety – A Guide for Construction Contractors), that details practical steps to prevent injuries, including use of tools with sequential triggers, training prior to use, and use of appropriate protective equipment, such as safety eye protection. 

Nail guns are used to drive nails into wood, roofing, or other types of material.  They can be driven by compressed air (pneumatic), highly flammable gases such as butane or propane, electromagnetism, or, for powder-actuated tools, a small explosive charge.  Work-related nail gun injuries are responsible for approximately 37,000 emergency room visits annually.  Many construction workers use nail guns every day.  The tool is easy to operate and increases productivity, but injuries may occur as a result of unintended nail discharge, nails that bounce off a hard surface, or miss the work piece and become airborne.  Disabling the safety features of the gun is another cause of injury.  Prevention of injury is possible if contractors take steps such as using full-sequential trigger nail guns. 

Treating nail gun wounds costs at least $338 million per year nationally in emergency medical care, rehabilitation, and workers’ compensation, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.  Foot and hand injuries are the most common.  Because all kinds of nail guns can be dangerous, safety precautions similar to those for firearms are usually recommended for their use.  For safety, nail guns are designed to be used with the muzzle touching the target.  Unless they are modified, they are not effective as projectile weapons. 

A common firing mechanism is the dual-action contact-trip trigger, requiring that the manual trigger and nose contact element both be depressed for a nail to be discharged.  Contact triggers allow the gun to fire unintended nails if the nose hits the wood surface or a previously placed nail following recoil.  Touch tip (contact) triggers are susceptible to this double firing.    Acute injury rates are twice as high among users of tools with contact triggers.  When the trigger is depressed on the contact-trip style of nail gun, it will fire every time its nose comes into contact with a surface, whether that surface is a human body or construction material. 

The sequential-trip trigger, which is safer, requires the nose contact to be depressed before the manual trigger, rather than simultaneously with the trigger.  Using a sequential-trip trigger type of nail gun could prevent approximately 65% to 69% of injuries from contact-trip tools, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control.  The sequential-trip design may be a little slower, but it is much safer. 

Once again, as with all other occupations that are hazardous, training on safe operating procedures and the use of the correct PPE is important and should be mandatory.  Manufacturer’s tool labels and operating manuals should be followed.  Safety glasses with side shields should be worn, and safety features of the nail gun should never be modified.  The guarding standards of OSHA should be complied with.  Watch for coworkers and never point a nail gun at anyone.  Remember:  both operator and coworkers are at risk.  Eyes, hands and fingers are especially susceptible to injury from a nail gun. 

I hope I have “driven” home the fact that all power tools are wonderful to speed up work duties but carry their share of risks or injuries.  Be careful and work safely!

General Safety Issues

IT’S NATIONAL FIRE PREVENTION WEEK!

The month of October has several observances, which includes Fire Prevention Month.  October 9th through 15th is designated as National Fire Prevention Week; the 88th year that fire departments from around the entire country have observed this event.  The theme for 2011’s observance is “Protect Your Family from Fire!”  This year’s campaign focuses on preventing the leading causes of home fires – cooking, heating and electrical equipment, as well as candles and smoking materials.  Life-saving technology and planning can help us protect our homes. 

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, smoking is the leading cause of home fire deaths.  Fire can be a dangerous enemy, but if you are aware of the hazards, you will be much less likely to be one of the almost 13,000 people injured in homes fires each year.  Nearly 3,000 people die in U.S. home fires annually.  Here are some of the precautions we all should take: 

  • Have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and change the batteries at the same time you change your clocks – twice per year.
  • Keep flammable materials away from stoves and clothes dryers.
  • Have a family escape plan.
  • Turn off space heaters before you go to sleep.
  • Don’t wear loose clothing around the stove while you are cooking.
  • Never leave foods being prepared on the stove unattended.
  • Purchase and learn how to use a fire extinguisher properly.
  • When you have completed cooking your meal, ensure that the oven and all burners are turned off.
  • Never leave candles unattended, or where children or animals can knock them over or get burned.
  • Don’t overload extension cords.
  • If your dryer takes two or three cycles to completely dry clothes, check the filter, which should be cleaned before every use.  The U.S. Fire Administration reports that dryer fires account for an average of 15,000 fires, causing approximately $88 million in property damage, 15 deaths, and 400 injuries annually.
  • Never leave your home or go to bed with your dryer running. 
  • Don’t place flammable materials (papers, etc.) near your fireplace.
  • Have your chimney cleaned every year to avoid creosote buildup.

There are numerous ways that we can protect our loved ones from fire.  As listed above, take the time to have an escape plan, and be sure that the entire family is on the same page.  Take your kids to visit a fire department.  Educating the public on fire safety is one of the many important tasks that they perform.  If we all learn more about how to prevent fires, hopefully we can make their jobs a little easier. 

A Fire Department Chief told me to remind everyone, “Beep-Beep” is a sound we can live with!  So check those detectors out, and make sure they work.  That irritating little sound could be a life-saver!

Sources: US Fire Administration, National Fire Prevention Association

General Safety Issues

NATIONAL CRIME PREVENTION MONTH – OCTOBER

Sad to say, but if there’s one thing we have enough of in our country, it’s criminals!  Not to say there aren’t a lot of really good folks around, but there are also those who want to scam, overcharge, rob, or bully others.  The National Crime Prevention Council designated October as Crime Prevention Month in 1984.  Since that time, government agencies, schools, civic groups, businesses and youth organizations have strived to educate the public, showcase their accomplishments, and explore new partnerships during this special month.  This is the official month for recognizing the practice of crime prevention, while promoting awareness of important issues such as victimization, volunteerism, and creating safer, more caring communities.  This month-long celebration highlights successful crime prevention efforts on the local, state, and national levels. 

When we talk about keeping one another safe, we must spread the word about preventing bullying; scamming on the internet or phone; preventing graffiti; vandalism; hate crimes; gang violence;dating violence; sexual harassment; criminal recidivism, drug abuse, cyberbulling; sexting; and domestic violence.   According to the Crime Prevention Council, these crimes have been on the agenda of community activists and law enforcement personnel alike in the past year. 

October also marks the start of the sixth year of Celebrate Safe Communities events.  This association is supported by the U.S. Department of Justice, and was created by NCPC and the National Sheriff’s Association.  It’s all about local folks working with local leaders to address local problems.  This way, we can celebrate safe communities every day!  Some events of the Celebrate Safe Communities require partnership with local law authorities, such as a community trash pickup, tour of a local law enforcement agency, or community safety fair.  The Circle of Respect is one of NCPC’s major programs, and this project incorporates the theme of respect for others – neighbors, seniors, the entire community.  Why not do your part to become a promoter or follower of the Circle of Respect? 

One way to prevent crime is to not be a victim -keep your home safe.  First, you should have effective locks on all doors.  Even the best locks can’t protect you, if you don’t use them.  Lock the door every time you leave.  If you plan to be gone for an extended period of time, leave the yard looking neat, so the house doesn’t look vacant, and there are no hiding places for burglars.  Be sure all entrances of the home are well lit.  Timers or solar-powered lights make it hard for burglars to hide.  Leave the radio or t.v. on, to give the appearance that you are home.  Leave a spare key with your neighbor, never hide it on the property.  Prowlers are usually able to find hidden keys easier than you can.  It’s not a good idea to announce where you are going, or how long you plan to be gone.  Let your Facebook, Twitter, or other social media friends find out where you’ve been when you get back.  You can tell family or friends, but leave it off the information highway. 

Start a new Neighborhood Crime Watch Group.  NCW is a partnership between residents and law enforcement to improve safety and prevent crime.  Here are some of the things you can learn with NCW:

  1. Who your neighbors are and how to work with them.
  2. How and why crime happens.
  3. How to use a neighborhood map and roster to communicate.
  4. How to improve home security and personal safety.
  5. How to recognize and report suspicious activity.
  6. Active NCW groups with visible NCW signs can deter crime. 

If you live in rural communities, you can organize your own watch group, usually by word of mouth.  One of my neighbors cautioned me the other night about walking over to my other neighbor’s house to set out the trash.  It was around 11 p.m., and she had heard there were some thefts in our area.  There was a streetlight, but she was right to warn me that I should wait till morning to do errands for my friends who were out of town. 

Good neighbors can also choose a safe house in the neighborhood, where children know they can go if they need help.  Work with your neighbors and watch for suspicious and unusual behavior in your neighborhood.  We must look out for each other, and help stop crime.

National Crime Prevention Council

General Safety Issues

NATIONAL ANIMAL SAFETY & PROTECTION MONTH – OCTOBER

This is the time to celebrate our animals, and all they mean to us.  If we have had a bad day or good day at work or school, our pets are there to greet us with their unique personality, not judging us by how we greet them.  This is our chance to repay them for the pleasure they give us by taking extra good care of them.

There are thousands of abused and abandoned dogs, cats, and other animals in our country.  Many rescue foundations have taken these animals and nurtured them back to good health, hoping that some family will see how special they are, and give them a home.  During the month of October, animal shelters and rescues throughout our country hold special events to raise awareness about animal safety and protection, encouraging us to celebrate and respect animals by making a difference in their lives.  If you suspect an animal is being ignored or abused, call your local animal control officer, or ASPCA.

Several ways you can protect your pet are through feeding them healthy diets.  Too many snacks can make them sick.  Obesity can be a problem with cats or dogs, just the same as people.  Make sure their shots are current.  Have them neutered or spayed.  See that your dog gets exercise every day – taking them for a walk is a gift.  Just getting to sniff out a different territory means the world to them!

Because of the drought and wildfires in many parts of the U.S., we are still seeing more and more wildlife coming into populated areas.  They are desperate for food and water. It’s hard for deer, foxes, coyotes, and other wildlife to come that close to homes, but they are in dire need.  Hopefully, with rain and cooler weather, they will find ways to survive.  The good will of people can help by filling containers nearby with water or food.

The love and devotion of dogs toward their humans is most evident when observing a service dog in action.  It is fascinating to learn how much time is spent on training service dogs.  Golden Retrievers make excellent therapy dogs; those persons who wish to train their dogs to visit patients in hospitals, etc., must be certified and insured.  Guide dogs are the “eyes” for their owners.  Search and rescue dogs, as those used to find missing, injured, or dead, bomb and drug detection dogs, that work for the military and law enforcement play vital roles in the job for which they are trained.  They are considered their trainers’ partners, and carry out their responsibilities with no fear.  How wonderful to see these “teams in action.”

Most of us don’t own a “wonder-dog” or “wonder-cat,” but do you ever wonder what you’d do without them?  We have to give them up sometime, but while we have them, it’s up to us to see that they are cared for as any other member of our family.  Trips to the vet, being included in the “family fire escape plan”, or any other evacuation plan are just some of the things that little four-legged friend deserves.

I made a comment one day that I had to go let our “grandpups” out, and a friend replied, “why do you people want so many dogs?”  I replied, well, we only have one, but our entire family loves animals.  I feel sad for her that she doesn’t know how rewarding it is to have a “best friend” that gets to live with you every day.  Please be especially thoughtful to your pets this month; probably you already are.  If not, just look into those eyes and wonder what they think of you!  “Thanks, Buddy!”

Buddy

General Safety Issues, Head Protection

HELMET SAFETY MONTH

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Somewhere in one of our past articles, I noticed that October is  HELMET SAFETY MONTH.  Every month is a good time to have the opportunity to encourage riders or workers of all types to protect those noggins.  If you stop and think about it, head protection is required in many recreational activities, as well as occupations. 

First, the world of sports:

  •         During research, I found that horseback riding, such as equestrian events, carries a higher injury rate than motorcycle riding.  Most head injuries happen when the horse being ridden spooks, bucks, or bolts.  Of the seventy thousand who had to be treated in emergency rooms last year from horseback riding injuries, twelve thousand had head injuries.  Helmets work.  Damage from a head injury can help be prevented by wearing ASTM/SEI approved helmets that are correctly fitted and have the harness firmly applied.
  •          Motorcycle helmets save lives.  I cringe every time I see someone riding a motorcycle down the road, not wearing a helmet.  These helmets differ greatly from the equestrian helmets.  Riders that wear helmets have a 28% better chance of not being injured than those who don’t.  Motorcycle helmets should meet the FMVSS 218 standard to be certified.
  •          ATV helmets should have DOT approved helmets, that are vented, and chin strap fitted properly.
  •          Bicycle riders should understand that their bike helmet is an essential part of their safety gear that should be worn every time they ride, regardless of the distance they plan to go.  Helmets can reduce the risk of severe brain injuries by 88%; however only 15 to 25 per cent of kids 14 and under usually ride a bike helmet.  Bike helmets should be approved by the USCPS. (Safe Kids Kenosha-Racine).
  •          Football helmets are also an essential part of gear for players of that sport.  Newer ones are made with extra padding and provide more safety for athletes than the older types of helmets.  And, thankfully, the rules of the game protect players from receiving head injuries, through penalties for those who purposely aim for the helmet. 

Now, from our outlook on providing safety helmets or hardhats: OSHA requires that construction workers, and all others who run the risk of bumping into things, or having items dropped on their heads, wear hardhats.  If you could see a hardhat that had been hit by something heavy, you wouldn’t mind wearing one at all.  There are many types, including patriotic ones, glo-in-the-dark ones, those that are suitable for persons who work around electricity, western hardhats, and the ever-popular team hardhats.  Workers can support their favorite NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NCAA and other teams, all the while being compliant with safety regulations of their company.  Hardhats can be customized with company logos, as well.  Work hardhats must meet ANSI standards for compliance.  When you buy hard hats, look for any statements that ensure those you consider are “OSHA-compliant” and/or comply with current ANSI standards of manufacture and protection. Once you are satisfied your choices meet these recommendations, you can pick out the style and color that fits your requirements and preferences.

You certainly don’t want a tree limb to come crashing down on your head, so when you get out the chain saw, wear your safety helmet!  I am sure I haven’t covered all the helmets out there, especially the ones our military wears.  You would never see a soldier go out into the field without wearing all of his/her protective gear, so think of wearing head protection the same way.  Use your head – wear that helmet or hardhat!

General Safety Issues, High Visibility Safety

IT’S NOT TOO EARLY TO REMIND YOU OF HALLOWEEN SAFETY!

We’ve been seeing Halloween decorations for quite a while now, so chances are, many parents have already bought those spooky, glamorous, or ghostly outfits for their kids already.  Halloween is a magical time when children can have the fun of ringing doorbells, and receiving a nice treat for their goody basket.  Thankfully, the old days of trick or treat, when “trick” meant getting your house wrapped or some other trick played on it if you didn’t hand out goodies doesn’t happen any more. (Does it?) 

If you turn your front lights on, that gives the signal that you are welcoming the little ghosts and goblins.  You know they are going to get lots of candy, so you might choose to give them healthier treats, such as packs of trail mix, pretzels, or raisins.  Be sure your sidewalks are free of objects that could cause falls.  Candle-lit jack-o-lanterns should be kept away from doorsteps, walkways, and curtains.  Keep them out of the reach of pets and small children; never leave them unattended.  Keep your pets away from ringing doorbells and other distractions that may be unnerving to them.  They don’t know if it’s some sort of celebration or World War III!

Children under the age of 12 should be accompanied by an adult or older, responsible teen.  They should know not to run, but walk from house to house and never cross the street behind parked cars, or run across lawns and yards where ornaments or furniture present dangers.  Children should never enter homes or apartments without their parent.  

Costumes are very colorful, but if a child decides to wear dark clothing, reflective tape or decals should be placed onto the costumes and bags so drivers can see them.  Carrying a flashlight can help the trick-or-treater be seen, as well as see others.  As we know, there’s safety in numbers, so children should go as a group, if possible.  Their costumes and masks should fit well and not block their vision.  Wearing a grown-up’s shoes could cause them to fall.  

If you have to drive during the hours of trick-or-treating, by all means, drive slowly in your neighborhood, and watch if you must back out of your driveway.   Careful driving pays all the time, but this is a time when there is a possibility that some little one is not being watched and could run into your pathway. 

Once the kids are safely home, be sure to inspect all goodies to ensure that they are safe.  (Hopefully, they haven’t eaten too much of it before they got home.)  Do not let them eat homemade treats unless you know the person who prepared the cookies or cupcakes.  It’s a shame that some people put items in children’s little baskets that may be harmful, but it’s best to be safe than sorry, so check out their baskets first thing.  

If you let your teenager host a party of their friends, be sure they know exactly who is planning to come.   Word gets out that there’s a party, and it seems everyone thinks they are invited.  It’s safer to host a party that won’t get out of hand, if you are familiar with the young people who are there. 

Whatever you choose to do this Halloween, make it a fun occasion for your children!  As soon as Halloween is over, you’ll see the Christmas decorations coming out; but don’t forget about Thanksgiving, as well.  Happy October, and have a safe Halloween!

General Safety Issues

GETTING THERE SAFELY IS EVERYONE’S BUSINESS!

Monday, October 3, Drive Safely Work Week began, sponsored by the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety.  Many employers that are members of NETS are owners of large fleets that travel our roads day and night.  The “driving” factor of the message they want to get out is that safety relies on drivers, as well as passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians, who all play an important part in preventing distracted driving.  In partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation, NETS wishes to address the safety of all employees, not just those who drive as part of their job.  It is hoped to reach one-half of our nation’s population with this important message. 

Of the almost 5,000 organizations that participated in the 2010 campaign, it has been reported that 88 per cent of the businesses already had or will have a mobile device policy in place this year.  This shows the desire of businesses to not only reach their employees, but families and the communities they serve.  October 1st, Nevada became the 9th state to ban handheld cell phones while driving. 

NETS Drive Safely Work Week has a Toolkit that can educate employees on how to prevent distracted driving  – how it affects both those in a vehicle and those sharing the road.  You may download it from their website.  This Toolkit will benefit:

  • Those who have a workplace policy by getting tips and activities to reinforce and sustain their policies.
  • Those who have yet to establish a policy will find plenty of resources.
  • Those who aren’t interested in adopting a corporate policy but want to educate their employees can find materials on ending distracted driving. 

Most of us believe that cell phones – conversations and texting – are the main culprits in distracted driving.  Studies show that even talking on a “hands free” cell phone still involves concentration and attention to the conversation at hand, often at the expense of the driving task.  However, every driver may or may not let outside influences affect their driving.  Many drivers become distracted in heavy traffic while: applying makeup; reading; listening to loud music or becoming too engaged in conversation.  Cyclists and other drivers, as well as pedestrians must know what part of the road is their territory, and not infringe on other drivers.  

It is our responsibility to be safe drivers, regardless of whether we are going to and from work, or elsewhere.  Always drive defensively; many times it is the other guy that causes an accident.  Here are a few tips for avoiding distractions:

  1. Concentrate on the driving task; this demands our full attention.
  2. Don’t be distracted by things outside your vehicle.
  3. Eliminate distractions inside the car.  Eat and drink, and pre-set your radio station or CD before you start the car.
  4. Again, avoid using your cell phone while driving.  Pull over if you need to answer a call, or better yet, check the message later.  Put your phone on “silent”, so you aren’t tempted to answer it. 
  5. Don’t let the GPS or other navigation devices take your eyes off the road. 

So, let’s start this month off by driving a little safer than usual.  The reward could be your safety and/or that of others.

General Safety Issues

OCTOBER – FIRE PREVENTION MONTH

This year’s observance of Fire Prevention Month is even more significant because it follows the 10th year anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.  All persons working in fire service, as well as law enforcement and first responders, remember the sacrifices of all who lost their lives that tragic day, and they strive to educate the public in ways to prevent further needless loss of life from fire.   Later this month, the week of October 9th through 15th marks the 88th year fire departments from around the country have observed this event – making it the longest running public health and safety observance on record.  The theme for 2011’s observance is “Protect Your Family from Fire!”  We will look into that observance prior to that special week.  First, let’s review changes in the NYFD that have been made since 9/11.  The following is an excerpt from the NFPA Journal, written by Fred Durso, Jr.:

Ten years ago, on September 11, in New York City, the room that housed FDNY’s operations center was very small, with a few phones, and two televisions.  The assistant chief, Salvatore Cassano, was trying to monitor what was what was happening across the river at the World Trade Center after one hijacked airplane, then another, struck the towers.  He says,  “I was trying to get a handle on what was going on at a 16-acre [6.5-hectare] site, trying to round up where our people were, which hospitals they were in. None of that was available to us at our fingertips.”  On 9/11, now Chief Cassano lost 343 of his FDNY comrades.  “Ten years later, that event still haunts us every day,” he says.  After describing their monitoring system, he now proudly shows off the $17 million FDNY operations center that opened in 2005, after the events of 9/11 made it painfully clear that the FDNY’s monitoring and communications resources were no match for an emergency on the scale of the World Trade Center attacks.

It is a large glass-enclosed room, dominated by five large display screens on the front wall. These screens present a listing of current fires and other incidents throughout New York’s five boroughs, photos of building exteriors from around the city pulled from Google Maps, live feeds of New York’s busy thoroughfares, and national news broadcasts. A half-dozen FDNY employees monitor the screens while answering phones and analyzing data on their own computers. This is an example of how the FDNY has been improving since the post-9/11 era.

The National Fire Protection Association has undergone an evolution of its own in the decade following one of the most devastating moments in our country’s history.  New provisions have entered NFPA codes and standards as a direct result of 9/11, changes that have affected building safety, first responder safety, and much more. A new NFPA committee has taken high-rise safety to new heights by strengthening NFPA’s life safety and building codes. Firefighter uniforms and breathing apparatuses have undergone significant upgrades, thanks to provisions safeguarding users against an array of chemical, radiological, biological, explosive, and nuclear threats. New discussions are taking place about the role of elevators during emergencies in high-rise buildings. Federal agencies and departments formed after 9/11 have reshaped the concept of emergency preparedness using NFPA 1600, Disaster/Emergency Management and Business Continuity Programs, to help launch an assortment of efforts designed to enhance public safety and preparedness throughout the U.S.

“9/11 will always be considered one of the worst days in American history, and it will also certainly be one of the most important days in the history of NFPA because of our long, forceful advocacy of preparedness, further safeguards to the built environment, and support for emergency responders that followed the attacks,” says NFPA President James Shannon. “NFPA has been a very important part of the country’s effort to do everything we can to prepare, in case anything like 9/11 ever happens again.”

Our fire and police departments, as well as first responders, continue being prepared.  However, with the rash of wildfires and other devastating loss of lives, businesses, and homes, we need to remember that many of those fire departments and first responders in rural communities are volunteers.  Because of heavy demands, their equipment has either been damaged or worn out, and there is always a need for funds.  Your donations will not only be appreciated, but used wisely.  They are ready to answer the call when we need them.

Source: NFPA, USFA