Monthly Archives: December 2011

General Safety Issues

DRIVING SAFELY IS LIVING SAFELY

The mission of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is to reduce the following statistics by getting drivers and motorcyclists to change their behaviors once they get behind the wheel or on the streets: approximately 1,700 fatalities and 840,000 injuries annually occur due to vehicle crashes off public highways in the United States.   

Their theme for the period of December 16th through January 2nd is “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”  Distracted driving accounts for many injuries and deaths each year.  If persons have parties to attend, they should always have a designated driver or know how they are going to get home and not get behind the wheel.  There are many causes of distracted driving, such as not paying attention to driving safely, cell phone use, driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, or letting the mind wander about other things, rather than driving. 

The National Safety Council estimates that there will be approximately 287 traffic fatalities and 28,700 medically consulted injuries that will occur during the Christmas holiday.  Their estimates for the New Year’s holiday are approximately 297 traffic fatalities and 29,700 medically consulted injuries.  The total of the two holidays add up to far too many accidents.  The NSC also states that seat belts are 45 per cent effective in preventing injuries.  So, please buckle up, drive sober and safely, and get to your holiday destination and back home safe and secure, and don’t become a statistic. 

Not only during the holidays, but during the winter, please think about following these tips:

  •          Keep your vehicles clear of ice and snow.  The key to good driving is good vision.
  •          Plan your stops and keep more distance between cars.
  •          Be extra alert.
  •          Always match your speed to the road and weather conditions.
  •          If you are not accustomed to driving in icy conditions, use extreme caution.  

What if you were trapped on the road because of weather conditions?  Here are tips to follow:

  •          Keep your cell phone charged so you can call for help.
  •          Stay in your car and wait for help.
  •          Run the engine for short periods of time to stay warm.
  •          Make sure your exhaust is clear of snow.
  •          Turn on the dome light at night when running the engine to signal rescuers.
  •          Hang a brightly colored piece of cloth or piece of clothing from your car.
  •          Exercise from time to time by moving arms, legs, fingers and toes to keep blood circulating and to keep warm.
  •          Always carry blankets and a supply of water and snacks, just in case. 

Please use care when driving during this season, as traffic will be heavier than usual; allow plenty of time to travel and take frequent stops.  We at Blog4Safety and Texas America Safety Company wish everyone a safe and Happy Holiday season.

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

ARE YOU READY FOR WINTER?

Many citizens of the U.S. survived a very hot, dry summer, and tried all the safety tips offered to them to prevent them from being overcome from the heat.  Now, just as quickly, we turn around to face a cold winter.  Funny, how the climate changes each year, isn’t it?  The world keeps turning and we keep trying to adjust to Mother Nature. 

Regardless of the season, every family should have a disaster plan in place.  Here are some basic steps to follow:

  • Know what your community’s warning signals are.
  • Family should decide on two places to meet: a place outside your home for an emergency such as a fire, and a place away from your neighborhood in case you cannot return home. 
  • Select an out-of-area friend as your family check-in contact for everyone to call if the family is separated.
  • Post emergency phone numbers by the phones.  Have smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in your home.  Have a first aid kit and supplies handy and have your family learn basic safety and first aid measures. 
  • Be sure that everyone knows how and when to call 9-1-1 or the local emergency medical services phone number.  

Next,  have home emergency supplies on hand.  There could be a winter storm or power outage that could prevent you from leaving home. 

  •          Flashlights and extra batteries.
  •          NOAA weather radio.
  •          Non-perishable foods that do not require refrigeration.
  •          Bottled water.
  •          One-week supply of essential medications.
  •          Extra blankets and sleeping bags.
  •          Emergency heating equipment, used properly. 

If you haven’t already done so, now’s the time to winterize your home! 

  • Have your heating system checked by a professional annually.  If you heat with wood, clean your fireplace or stove.  Have your chimney flue checked for buildup of creosote and then cleaned to lessen the risk of fire.
  • Caulk and weather-strip doors and windowsills to keep cold air out.
  • If you failed to replace batteries on your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors when the time changed, do it now.
  • Be sure your home is properly insulated.  If not, insulate walls and attic.  This will help conserve energy and reduce your homes’ power demand for heat.
  • Inspect and flush your water heater.
  • Clean gutters of leaves and other debris in order to not hamper drainage.
  • Wrap pipes in insulation or layers of old newspapers.
  • Cover the papers with plastic to keep out moisture.
  • Leave faucets dripping slightly to avoid freezing.
  • Know how to shut off water valves.
  • If the house isn’t very warm inside, leave cabinet doors open where pipes are.
  • Set the heat no lower than 55 degrees. 

Last but not least, a word about generators, which can provide you with piece of mind and convenience when you have a temporary loss of electricity.  Before installing a generator, disconnect from your utility electrical service, and if possible, have a qualified electrician install it.  NEVER run a generator indoors!  Carbon monoxide gas from the exhaust of the generator can spread throughout closed spaces.  Overloading a generator can damage it, and the appliances connected to it.  Never let children around generators. 

We have many more tips for winter safety.  Stay tuned and we’ll bring more later…..Till then, stay warm and safe!

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Hearing Protection, Protective Clothing

TEN TIPS TO CONSIDER WHEN USING THOSE NEW POWER TOOLS!

We’re betting that there are quite a few of “Do It Yourself’ers,” “Weekend Warriors,” or others who are hoping that Santa brings them some power tools this year.  You may be someone who wants to try a new hobby or save money by repairing broken things around the house without calling a professional.  We want to share ten things that you should pay attention to in order to possibly avoid an emergency room visit. 

  1. Know what you are doing, or don’t do it!  Practice makes perfect.  Even if you know what you are doing, taking a class ahead of time could pay big dividends.  Power tools are hazardous when improperly used.  You should be trained in using all tools, not just power tools.  Know the potential hazards as well as the safety precautions to prevent the hazards from happening.

      2.  Plan ahead.  Visualize the project and think of anything that might be dangerous about it.  For example, if you’re going to cut something, practice saw safety.  Experts will tell you to ask questions and fine-tune your level of concentration when using power tools, and choose your projects based on knowledge, time, cost, and risk.  Tools are not your friends.  You must get to know how to use them, put the blades in correctly, clean and care for them and operate them correctly.  Otherwise, they can stick, stab, cut, or kill you.

      3.  Dress for success.  If you wear the proper safety gear for the intended project, you can decrease the risk for injury.  Cover up.  These should be included in your safety gear:

  • Safety glasses – They come in all shapes and sizes, including sun protection, and keep mists, paints, and dust out of your eyes.
  • Earplugs and muffs – These protect you from hearing loss.
  • Respirators – When using toxic or caustic chemicals or cutting fluids, a respirator will reduce the risk of injury or death from airborne hazards.
  • Kneepads – If you are kneeling on hard surfaces, you can’t do without these!
  • Gloves and shoes – Cover your hands and feet to decrease injury due to everything from chemical exposure to sharp objects.
  • Coveralls – Coveralls keep clothing from getting caught in machines and are flame-retardant.  If you spill something on your clothing, you are going to take it into your home and car.  Cotton and denim are good choices if you do not have coveralls. 

       4.  Never wear loose clothing or jewelry that can get caught in the tool.

        5.  Know about electricity.  Use an electrical tester to ensure that your power is off at the circuit for minor repairs.  Unless you are an electrician or an electrical engineer, you shouldn’t try to do electrical wiring.

       6.  Have your “work space” neat and clean.  It’s the same as for those who work in manufacturing:  clutter and debris can cause slips, trips, falls, and falling objects.  Floors should be kept as clean and dry as possible to prevent accidental falls around dangerous hand and power tools.

       7.  Keep family and observers at a safe distance while you are working.

       8.  Tools should be maintained with care – kept sharp and clean in order to perform well.  Follow instructions in the users manual for lubricating and changing accessories.

      9.  If portable electric tools are damaged, they should not be used until repaired.

     10.  Be sure to keep good footing and maintain good balance. 

We hope these tips will come in handy when you open those tools Santa left.  Use them with care, and you will be surprised at all the things you can do.  Just read the instructions first and exercise caution.  Safety counts!

Back Safety, Ergonomics, Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hearing Protection

WARNING: DOES YOUR WORKPLACE DISPLAY STATE AND FEDERAL POSTERS?

Working under state and federal regulations requires that workplace health and safety posters must be posted on the worksite.  These regulations govern what work safety posters must be on display in the workplace, but employers should think about posting other information in addition to the ones that are required, to promote a safe and healthy workplace environment.  First, a business must know which federal and state OSHA health and safety posters that are required to be on display.  There is a poster that allows you to select your state to view the required posters and order them directly.  Workers must be able to learn what employer obligations are and the employee rights pertaining to safety and health. 

Workplaces are also wise to share information about general healthy habits that can be promoted within the workplace.  If the posters are updated on a regular basis, a variety of tips on how to maintain a healthy and safe workplace will be noticed by more persons than if the same old ones stay up.  Keep a supply of different topics to change occasionally. 

Did you know that employers could be subject to state or federal fines and penalties if the required safety information is not on display?  Your place of business has its own specific health and safety concerns, so those topics should be addressed.  It’s a good idea to remember past accidents that have occurred, which would be helpful reminders to your employees. Many times posters that contain exact data and statistics of past accidents or incidents will catch the attention of the employees.   Posters alone won’t educate employees, but they exist to remind your workers that their safety is important to the company. 

Different posters apply to every type of work environment.  Regardless of the workplace being a factory, fleet of vehicles, warehouse, or an office, a certain amount of risk is involved, more in some than others.  Posters that promote good attitudes are excellent motivators for teamwork.  A poster that promotes healthy lifestyles, and exercise would be fitting for an office setting.  For those who do lots of heavy lifting, posters on the proper methods of lifting and the results of wear and tear on the body.  If there’s a danger of debris or cuttings getting into workers’ eyes, there are all types of safety glasses posters.  Don’t forget about places that are extremely loud, and the importance of hearing protection.  There are posters for just about every hazard; that’s why it would be a good idea to have several different ones and change them often. 

Employees’ rights are explained on the state and federal posters, but one wonders how many people stop to read them?  By doing this, workers can ensure their company is providing the proper safety instructions and protective products that keep them safe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

General Safety Issues

DECEMBER 10 – 17 IS HUMAN RIGHTS WEEK

Here is an excerpt from President Obama’s declaration of Human Rights Day and Human Rights Week, which we observe this week:

“With the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10, 1948, the United Nations General Assembly affirmed the eternal truths that all people have the right to liberty, equality, and justice under the law. On Human Rights Day and during Human Rights Week, we celebrate our fundamental freedoms and renew our commitment to upholding and advancing human dignity.

The human race reflects a myriad of vibrant cultures and unique identities, yet we are united by the innate liberties that are our common birthright. The rights to assemble peacefully, to speak and worship as we please, and to determine our own destinies know no borders. All people should live free from the threat of extrajudicial killing, torture, oppression, and discrimination, regardless of gender, race, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, or physical or mental disability. Dictators seek to constrain these liberties through repressive laws and blunt force, but hope cannot be imprisoned and aspirations cannot be killed. We are reminded of this when demonstrators brave bullets and batons to sound the call for reform, when young women dare to go to school despite prohibitions, and when same-sex couples refuse to be told whom to love. The past year saw extraordinary change in the Middle East and North Africa as square by square, town by town, country by country, people rose up to demand their human rights. Around the world, we witnessed significant progress in consolidating democracy and expanding freedoms, often facilitated by critical assistance from the international community. In the 63 years since the global community came together in support of human dignity and adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, our futures have grown increasingly interconnected. We have a stake not only in the stability of nations, but also in the welfare of individuals. On this anniversary, we recognize human rights as universal, and we stand with all those who reach for the dream of a free, just, and equal world.”

IN 2011, HUMAN RIGHTS WENT VIRAL!

Human rights “went viral” in 2011 thanks to the exponential growth of social media on the Internet, the UN rights commissioner, Navi Pillay, said Friday.  “2011 has been an extraordinary year for human rights (thanks to) the dynamic and irrepressible surge of social media.”  “Although we must mourn the lives of many … we also have cause to celebrate,” Pillay said in a statement ahead of International Human Rights Day, observed Saturday, December 10.

“In Tunis and Cairo, Benghazi (Libya) and Dara’a (Syria), and later on — albeit in a very different context — in Madrid, New York, London, Santiago and elsewhere, millions of people from all walks of life have mobilized to make their own demands for human dignity,” she said.   “The results have been startling…. We have already seen peaceful and successful elections in Tunisia and, earlier this week, in Egypt — where the turnout for the first truly democratic elections there for decades has exceeded everybody’s expectations, despite the shocking upsurge in violence in Tahrir Square,” she said.  “Governments no longer hold the ability to monopolize the distribution of information and censor what it says…. Wherever it happens, you can now guarantee it will be tweeted on Twitter, posted on Facebook, broadcast on YouTube, and uploaded onto the Internet,” Pillay said. 

For International Human Rights Day she exhorted “everyone, everywhere” to join the Commission’s social media campaign “to help more people know, demand and defend their human rights.  The campaign on Facebook/Twitter and their Chinese equivalent Weibo is aimed at making people aware of the articles of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  As of Friday, these pages had received eight million visits, including more than six million on Weibo, according to the United Nations.  “It is a campaign that should be maintained so long as human rights abuses continue,” Pillay said.

It required brave persons to spread the word on the internet, as well as participate in demonstrations, to express their wants and demands for freedom from opression.  The world has citizens who are not safe in their own countries; impure water, little food, housing, and many places that use child labor.  We wouldn’t want our grandchildren to work in a factory rather than go to school.  We must hope that Human Rights Week will open our eyes to the needs of our neighbors – regardless of where they live.  World leaders should treat their people the way they want to be treated.  Thanks to the technological advances that have created awareness and improvements for Human Rights, and will continue to do so in the coming year.

Sources: USEmbassy.gov; Yahoo News

General Safety Issues

SHOPPING TIPS – BE SAFE WHILE YOU SHOP

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, high vis 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

General Safety Issues

TOP AGENCIES ARE SPREADING THE WORD ABOUT DISTRACTED DRIVING

The month of December is one of the heaviest traffic times of the year, as shoppers go about their business, and the working world carries on their daily duties.  There are more travelers, too, so the focus on preventing distracted driving is very important, at all times, but especially when there are more vehicles in city streets and on the highways.

Department of Transportation unveils ‘OMG’ PSA to warn teens about the dangers of distracted driving.

The U.S. Department of Transportation unveiled “OMG,” a new public service announcement (PSA) to warn teenagers against the dangers of distracted driving. The PSA is available on the newly redesigned Distraction.gov website, along with new materials designed especially for young drivers. The new PSA is designed to reach teenagers using imagery that relates to popular shorthand text messages such as “L8R” for “later” or “LOL” for “laugh out loud.” Two versions of the PSA will air. A version geared toward a teenage audience will run exclusively on 6,589 movie screens in 526 cinemas across the country. A more somber version will air on the 12,000 screens that top pumps at high traffic gas stations across the United States.

The human toll is tragic,” said OSHA Assistant Secretary David Michaels about the consequences of distracted driving. “The Department of Transportation reports that in 2009, more than 5,400 people died in crashes linked to distraction and thousands more were injured.

Texting while driving has become such a prominent hazard that 30 states now ban text messaging for all drivers. It is an employer’s responsibility and legal obligation to create and maintain a safe and healthful workplace, and that would include having a clear, unequivocal and enforced policy against the hazard of texting while driving.” In an Oct. 20 blog post, Michaels said, “Companies are in violation of the Occupational Safety and Health Act if, by policy or practice, they require texting while driving, or create incentives that encourage or condone it, or they structure work so that texting is a practical necessity for workers to carry out their job.” 

Agencies such as OSHA, the Department of Transportation, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, are working together to ensure that companies enforce the policy that their employees who are required to drive all or part of their work shift do not text while driving.  Technology has made workers able to accomplish more by faster communications; however, there is a time and place for use of a cell phone, and it is not while driving.  These calls should be made when the driver is stopped and pulled over.  If there is an accident because of talking or texting on a cell phone, how much time is saved then?  For more information, visit OSHA’s Distracted Driving Web page. 

ONE TEXT OR CALL COULD WRECK IT ALL

Distracted driving is a dangerous epidemic on America’s roadways. As stated previously, in 2009 alone, nearly 5,500 people were killed and 450,000 more were injured in distracted driving crashes.  The U.S. Department of Transportation is leading the effort to stop texting and cell phone use behind the wheel. Since 2009, two national  distracted driving summits have been held, banned texting and cell phone use for commercial drivers, encouraged states to adopt tough laws, and launched several campaigns to raise public awareness about the issue.  Distraction.gov is your resource for learning more about distracted driving. Get the facts, get involved, and help us keep America’s roadways safe.  If you haven’t seen the videos, go to this website and see for yourself just how fast tragedy can strike.

Sources: USDOT, NHTSA, OSHA

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

TIPS FOR DRIVING IN THE RAIN SAFELY

 I received this email recently and we have previously talked about not using cruise control when it is raining.  We want to repeat that tip, as well as this one:

  GOOD VISION IN A DOWNPOUR 

How to achieve good vision while driving during a heavy downpour.  We are not sure why it is so effective; just try this method when it rains heavily. This was told by a police friend who had experienced and confirmed it. It is useful….even driving at night. Most of the motorists would turn on HIGH or FASTEST SPEED of the wipers during heavy downpour, yet the visibility in front of the windshield is still bad……  In the event you face such a situation, just try your SUN GLASSES (any model will do), and miracle! All of a sudden, your visibility in front of your windshield is perfectly clear, as if there is no rain.  Make sure you always have a pair of SUN GLASSES in your car, as you are not only helping yourself to drive safely with good vision, but also might save your friend’s life by giving him this idea.  How about a pair of good safety sunglasses?  Those who have tried this method say the gray or green lens seem to work best.  Possibly, the yellow ones would work, too. Try it yourself and share it with your friends! Amazing, you still see the drops on the windshield, but not the sheet of rain falling.  You can see where the rain bounces off the road. It works to eliminate the “blindness” from passing semi’s spraying you too.  Or the “kickup” if you are following a semi or car in the rain. They should teach that little tip in driver’s training. It really does work. 

This warning is a good one! I wonder how many people know about this~  A 36 year old female had an accident which totaled her car. A resident of Kilgore, Texas, she was traveling between Gladewater & Kilgore. It was raining, though not excessively, when her car suddenly began to hydroplane and literally flew through the air. She was not seriously injured but very stunned at the sudden occurrence!  When she explained to the highway patrolman what had happened he told her something that every driver should know -NEVER DRIVE IN THE RAIN WITH YOUR CRUISE CONTROL ON! She thought she was being cautious by setting the cruise control and maintaining a safe consistent speed in the rain. But the highway patrolman told her that if the cruise control is on when your car begins to hydroplane and your tires lose contact with the pavement, your car will accelerate to a higher rate of speed making you take off like an airplane. She told the patrolman that was exactly what had occurred.

The patrolman said this warning should be listed, on the driver’s seat sun-visor – NEVER USE THE CRUISE CONTROL WHEN THE PAVEMENT IS WET OR ICY, along with the airbag warning. We tell our teenagers to set the cruise control and drive a safe speed – but we don’t tell them to use the cruise control only when the pavement is dry.  The only person the accident victim found, who knew this (besides the patrolman), was a man who had a similar accident, totaled his car and sustained severe injuries.

True story:  A local young man from my home town was traveling down an interstate highway with his girlfriend, when it began to rain heavily.  He was driving at a high speed, when his car hydroplaned; he was ejected from the car and lost his life.  The young lady survived without injury, but this is an example to not drive at an unsafe speed in the rain, and buckle your seat belt at all times.

NOTE: Some vehicles (like the Toyota Sienna Limited XLE) will not allow you to set the cruise control when the windshield wipers are on. If you send this your friends that are not aware of this, it is worth it. You may save a life.

General Safety Issues

WHEN TO USE FIRE BLANKETS V.S. FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

When to Use Fire Blankets vs Fire Extinguishers

Guest Blog

We received this very interesting information regarding fire protection from another guest author, Nisha Sharma, who is from the United Kingdom.  We are happy to have “safety partners” from other parts of the world share their knowledge with our readers.  Nisha will tell you a little bit about herself at the end of the article.

Many people feel safe within their homes, but are you really prepared for disaster to strike? It’s easy to think that a fire won’t happen to your family, but the truth is that it’s that kind of thinking that leads to lack of preparation, which can lead to death. In order to protect your family from the unthinkable, it is recommended that you have both a fire extinguisher and a fire blanket kept within your home.

Most residential fires are started in the kitchen. Because of this, many people store fire extinguisher underneath the sink or in some other location within the kitchen. While a fire extinguisher is always a good piece of safety equipment to have on hand, they’re not always best to use within the kitchen. This is because many fire extinguishers contain water within the foam. When a fire breaks out in the kitchen, it’s usually from a grease fire or an electrical fire.

A grease fire is defined as any fire that contains cooking oils or fat within them. Adding even a small amount of water to these fires causes a fireball explosion that quickly consumes the entire room. If you were standing anywhere near the fire when the water was added, you’re almost always guaranteed to be badly burned, assuming you’re lucky enough to survive with your life.

An electrical fire is defined as any fire that involves the use of electrical equipment. Adding water to these fires can cause electric shocks that can be so severe that they cause death. You don’t even have to be close to the flames to get shocked, electricity can be conducted through the water and into the person who is trying to put out the flames.

When dealing with grease or electric fires, you should always use a fire blanket. The blanket itself is made out of fire retardant material that can be thrown over kitchen fires to smother the flames. The blanket can also be safely wrapped around all living beings if they become engulfed in flames. Because of this, a fire blanket, not a fire extinguisher, should be stored within the kitchen.

A fire extinguisher can be used to put out all other types of flames, including ordinary combustibles fires, flammable liquids or gas fires and metal fires. One example of this is a campfire quickly becoming out of hand and spreading to nearby grass. This is considered a combustible fire and can be put out with an extinguisher. Another example of when to use a fire extinguisher would be if a gasoline tank started to leak and a fire was started because of it. This is a gas fire, so an extinguisher may be used.

My name is Nisha Sharma, I am the Editor for FireSafetyStore.co.uk. I am a mother of one who loves to write especially about parenting advice, baby products and family advice. If you would like to find out more information about fire safety products, such as fire blankets, feel free to visit our website above.

Thank you, Nisha. We look forward to hearing from you again!

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

NATIONAL HANDWASHING AWARENESS WEEK

We learned many lessons during the H1N1 Flu Pandemic in 2009, but one of the things that stayed with us is the importance of keeping our hands clean.  Germs spread easily, and everything we touch – at home, work, or traveling, contains germs.  Our bodies are built to resist many of them, but for those that we can’t, we can wash them away with a good hand scrubbing.   December 4 – 10 has been set aside as the week to make everyone aware of the importance of washing our hands.

When we are ill, we sometimes have to be hospitalized.  We go there to get well; however, many times patients acquire what are known as HAI’s – healthcare-associated infections.  These infections represent a public health issue requiring many people and organizations working together in a comprehensive effort to attack these largely preventable infections.  The Centers for Disease Control is working with partners and states to implement infection prevention tools toward the elimination of HAI’s.

One of the most important things patients can do (if they are aware), is to be sure that their caregivers keep their hands clean.  If you or a family member notices they haven’t washed their hands when they enter the room, don’t be afraid to remind them to do so.  Most rooms are equipped with hand sanitizers at the entrance of each room.  You don’t know what the patient in the next room has, so their germs are not welcome in other patient rooms.

Kimberly-Clark sponsored a study in which 1,000 adults in the United States were interviewed about healthcare-associated infections.  This study revealed that over half of the respondents had little or no awareness of HAI’s.  About fifty-six per cent of the respondents were not familiar or not at all familiar with HAI’s.  When asked to identify the contributors to HAI’s, less than one per cent were able to distinguish accurately between those that do and those that do not contribute to these infections.

After learning what HAI’s are, nearly two-thirds of all people (63%) were interested in learning more about this type of infection.  This is good news, because patients and family members, along with caregivers, have an important role to play in reducing the risk of this type of infection.  Had I not previously worked in a hospital, I am sure I would be among the many who were not aware of the seriousness of this problem.  (Hospitals strive to keep their infection rates as low as possible.)

One of the key things we can do to prevent infections, not just in hospitals or home healthcare, but in public situations, such as work, schools, shopping malls, airports, and at home is to keep our hands clean.  A little thing like warm water and soap can go a long way, according to our safety poster:

Handwashing

In addition to the poster, use a paper towel to open the door after you have washed your hands in a public restroom.  I also keep hand sanitizer in my car, so I can clean my hands after shopping.  Get your children in the habit of washing their hands often. (Easier said than done!)  Anything we can do to keep the spread of germs down, the healthier we will all be.