Yearly Archives: 2011

General Safety Issues

APRIL IS INJURY PREVENTION MONTH

We are just about to run out of “month” before we run out of observances!  For those of us in the safety business, injury prevention is important every day!   As OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) states,  “we are all about getting to dangerous workplaces before injuries happen that can kill or injure workers.”   Employers are expected to meet the standards that OSHA has set to prevent their workers from risking life and limb. 

According to a survey from 2000, every year 50 million people are hurt severely enough to require medical treatment.  Most injuries that require medical care are preventable.  The costs from U.S. injuries in 2000 were $406 billion, $80 billion in medical treatment and $326 billion in lost productivity.  Consider what the costs were in 2010.  Falls and vehicle crashes cause approximately two-fifths of the injuries and lost productivity costs from injuries.  

The Centers for Disease Control emphasize that we must prevent injuries from happening in the first place.  One of the effective methods of keeping teen drivers safer is the Graduated Drivers’ Licensing program.  This allows high-risk teen drivers to get initial driving experience under low-risk conditions.  Studies show that in the United States, approximately 11 teens die in car crashes every day.  

Brain concussions in youth sports in the United States are a high priority concern at this time.  The nation’s first sports concussion law, the Zackery Lystedt Law, was enacted in the state of Washington in May, 2009.  Named for a young athlete who was permanently disabled after sustaining a concussion in 2006, this law requires parents and athletes to read and sign a concussion information sheet before the beginning of each sports season.  It states further that athletes participating in school sports who show signs of a concussion be removed from practice or play, and if a player is injured and removed from the game, permission from a licensed health care provider is required before the athlete is allowed to play.  This can have a huge impact on improving the safety of young athletes. 

Violence prevention and injuries such as motor vehicle crashes, homicides, domestic violence, neglect of children and drug overdoses are part of the tragedies that we hear about every day.  Many of these events that lead to injury are predictable – therefore, they are preventable, as we said earlier.  Older adults and children are most vulnerable to sustaining injury that requires medical attention.  Injuries and violence affect us all.  Research shows that three-fourths of all deaths in young people are the result of injuries and violence.   

Whatever the reason, we should all take strides to improve our safety record by paying attention to what we are doing.  In the workplace, accidents happen, and some may be unavoidable, but most are caused by inattention, carelessness or faulty equipment.  Workers have the benefit of protecting their bodies with personal protective equipment, or PPEi safety products.  The choice of the right PPE for the particular job is made by the employer.  Then it’s up to the worker to wear it correctly.  Workers can be covered from head to toe, and many jobs require it all – from steel-toed boots, coveralls, gloves, safety glasses, earplugs, to hardhats.  PPE is the last line of defense that protects workers.

We can also choose protective products for work, at home, or in the garden.  Athletes must wear equipment that keeps their bodies safe.  The rest of it is left up to each individual.  Whether driving a vehicle, playing a game, mowing the lawn, or doing our regular daily routines, we must stay safe and avoid injury.  Being hurt is no fun at all, and we miss out on things we take for granted – like going to school or work! 

Stay safe and well.

General Safety Issues

TODAY IS EARTH DAY, 2011!

Today, April 22, (in addition to being Good Friday), is Earth Day, a people-powered campaign that hopes to generate a billion acts of environment service and advocacy before Rio, 2012.  Hence, this year’s theme is “A Billion Acts of Green.”  The U.N. Conference on Sustainable Development will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, June, 2012.  You can become involved by pledging an act of green – you could organize an Earth Day Event in your community, or take part by attending an Earth Day celebration near you.

According to Earth Day.org, here’s a list of the other elements of the Earth Day campaign:

  • The Canopy Project: Help fight deforestation, we will plant a tree for every $1 you donate
  • Green Schools: Greening America’s Schools within a Generation
  • Women and Green Economy: Engaging women leaders in the creation and development of a global green economy
  • Athletes for the Earth:  Bringing the voices of Olympic and professional athletes to the environmental movement
  • Creating the Common Wealth: Convening 200 of the world’s entrepreneurs to solve climate change and create a new green economy, as well as:
  • Arts for the Earth: Celebrating the work of environmental artists in all media, including Arts for the Earth
  • Design
  • Music
  • Museums

We all should appreciate the beauty of the world around us.  There are many simple and easy things we can do to keep it pristine, or when it is not in good shape, each person should do their part to restore it back to the way nature intended it.  Here are some ways you can be a part of the world’s largest environmental advocacy and service project:

  •          Use safe household and personal care products;
  •          Recycle;
  •          Save energy – unplug any appliances, as they still use electricity if they are plugged in.
  •          Turn lights off when you aren’t using them.
  •          Turn your thermostat up a degree or two during the summer; use ceiling fans to circulate air.
  •          Conserve gasoline – walk, carpool, or ride a bike. 
  •          Turn off the water faucet while brushing your teeth, or lathering up in the shower.  You’d be surprised how much water runs while you aren’t    actually using it.
  •          Purchase a water filter pitcher.  Water bottles (plastics) are bad for the environment.
  •          Don’t discard electronics, sell them or give them to someone who can use them. Waste from these products causes numerous problems in the environment, including mercury contamination.

Each year, we are adding more and more “green jobs,” with the purpose of improving our environment.  Alternate ways of creating clean energy are being developed, and automobiles can run on electricity instead of gasoline.  Other sources of alternate fuels are ethanol, biodiesel, natural gas, propane, and hydrogen (for fuel cell vehicles.)  These products have fewer emissions and pollutants.  Other Green jobs involve developing wind energy, green roofs, geo-thermal energy, solar energy, recycling, weather insulating/sealing, in addition to the alternate fuels mentioned before.

 Along with parents, schools can teach children to be good stewards of the planet.    By all working toward a better environment, we are making our world a safer place.  By “going green,”  you may also save some “green!”  Let’s do all we can to keep Mother Earth beautiful.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General Safety Issues

2011 NATIONAL INFANT IMMUNIZATION WEEK (NIIW)

Portions of the following article are from the Centers for Disease Control website.   National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW), April 23 through 30), is observed annually to highlight the importance of protecting infants from vaccine-preventable diseases and celebrate the achievements of immunization programs and their partners in promoting healthy communities. Since 1994, NIIW has served as a call to action for parents, caregivers, and healthcare providers to ensure that infants are fully immunized against 14 vaccine-preventable diseases.

This year’s NIIW will be held in conjunction with the Pan American Health Organization’s (PAHO) Vaccination Week in the Americas (VWA). Hundreds of communities across the United States and throughout the Western Hemisphere are expected to participate in NIIW and VWA by planning community awareness, education, and media events to promote infant and child immunizations to parents, caregivers, and health care professionals.  Awareness and education events are being planned in conjunction with state and local health departments, PAHO, and the United States-Mexico Border Health Commission in sister cities sites along the U.S.-Mexican border. More than 40 countries throughout the Western Hemisphere are expected to work together on VWA to highlight the need for routine vaccinations for infants and children.

Several important milestones already have been reached in controlling vaccine-preventable diseases among infants and adults worldwide. Vaccines have drastically reduced infant death and disability caused by preventable diseases in the United States. In addition:

  • Through immunization, we can now protect infants and children from 14 vaccine-preventable diseases before age two.
  • In the 1950s, nearly every child developed measles, and unfortunately, some even died from this serious disease. Today, few physicians just out of medical school will ever see a case of measles during their careers.
  • In March 2005, CDC announced that rubella is no longer a major health threat to expectant mothers and their unborn children, thanks to a safe and effective vaccine, high vaccine coverage.
  • In September 2010, CDC announced that childhood immunization rates for vaccines routinely recommended for children remain at or near record highs.

Yet without diligent efforts to maintain immunization programs in the United States and to strengthen them worldwide, vaccine-preventable diseases will remain a threat to children. As illustrations, it’s only necessary to consider the 2010 California outbreak of whooping cough where over 8,000 cases were reported in the state and where there were 10 infant deaths, or measles, which takes the lives of more than 100,000 children globally each year. 

We should all be thankful for the development of vaccines that protect our children from many childhood diseases.  Years ago, as kids, we all knew that when one of us caught measles, chicken pox, mumps, and other illnesses, we’d be next!  Prior to development of a vaccine for polio, most children who contacted the disease have been affected for the remainder of their lives.   Now, we have the advantage of knowing that our little ones will not have to go through several of these diseases.  That’s a good thing for both children and parents.    Don’t take a chance with your children’s health by delaying getting the required vaccinations at the proper time.  Also, encourage your friends to be diligent about having their children receive their innoculations.   Thankfully, we live in an age where we can take advantage of medical research and technology, in order to stay healthy.  Let’s start our little ones off right! 

This observance begins on Saturday, April 23, the day after Good Friday, continuing through April 30th.  We wish everyone a safe and happy Easter week-end!  

Source: Centers for Disease Control

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

WOMEN’S EYE SAFETY AND EYE HEALTH MONTH

April is designated as Women’s Eye Safety and Eye Health Month, and we’ve found out some things that will really open your eyes!   Worldwide, an estimated 37 million people are blind and one hundred twenty-four million people have low vision.  Two-thirds of both blind and visually impaired people are women!  In the United States, there are estimated to be over one million legally blind people, and over 700,000 of them are women.  Women bear a larger burden than men in the U.S. and other industrialized countries, because, on average they outlive men.  However, adding to the disproportion, is the possibility of biological (perhaps hormonal or immunological) predisposition to some eye diseases known to be more prevalent in women.   Women who live in developing countries have less access to medical care, and therefore may contact more infectious diseases that are prevalent in females.

A major epidemiological survey in 2001 revealed that, worldwide, common eye diseases, such as autoimmune disease, dry eye syndrome, and certain forms of cataract are more prevalent in women than men.  Age-related afflictions such as macular degeneration and cataract also affect women more often than men.  Vision loss can be due to chronic disease, infection, uncorrected refractive error, trauma or congenital defect.   The good news for women and men is that three-quarters of blindness and vision loss is either preventable or treatable.  By having regular eye exams and living a healthy lifestyle, you can optimize your eye health.  The risk factors for premature death due to heart disease or cancer are the same as those for blindness and vision impairment.  These factors include smoking, excess weight, improper diet, lack of exercise and exposures to UV rays.  Knowing your family health history in relation to eye health is as important as any other facet of family history. 

There are certain eye problems that must be dealt with such as dry eye, eye redness, excessive watering of eyes, and pain in the eye, (throbbing, aching, or stabbing sensation.)  Seeing your ophthalmologist can solve many of these problems.  Other options to healthy eyes are as listed:

1.      Wear sunglasses or a hat with a brim when outside in sunlight;

2.      Adopt a healthy lifestyle;

3.      Know the warning signs of eye disease;

4.      Drink alcohol in moderation;

5.      Stop smoking or never start;

6.      Maintain a healthy body weight by eating a balanced diet;

7.      Exercise regularly;

8.      Schedule regular eye exams for yourself and the entire family. 

Women should wear eye protection when working with tools, metals or chemicals at home or work, the same as men.  Everyone should avoid being around pellet guns, bb guns, bows and arrows, toys with missiles and fireworks – these can cause serious eye injury.

So, ladies, take care of those beautiful eyes, and the eyes of everyone you love.    Make the most to improve eye health by both protecting your eyes from injury and keeping your body healthy.

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

PREPARING FOR EMERGENCIES

Do you have a plan for emergencies, such as the ones we have seen over the past few weeks – wildfires, tornadoes, floods, and other disasters?  We think we are ready, but if the time comes that you are ordered to evacuate your home, what would be the first thing you would grab?  Do you have an emergency kit in your vehicle or in your home, ready to pick up? Every family, school, business and facility such as a nursing home or hospital should have an emergency plan.  Develop a plan for you and your family, just in case.  There should also be policies in place at work and school.  Frequent drills should be held.  Be familiar with the area where you live, and keep a highway map nearby to follow storm movement from weather bulletins. 

First, develop a Family Disaster Plan.  Here are some suggestions:

  • Learn the safest places to seek shelter, regardless of your location – at work, school, or in the car. 
  • Understand basic weather terms and danger signs related to weather conditions.
  • Practice the plan you have developed with your family often.  Find out what type of disasters could occur from your local National Weather Service, and how you should respond.
  • Learn your community’s warning signals and evacuation plans.
  • Pick two places for your family to meet – (1) a spot outside your home for an emergency, such as fire, and (2) a place away from your neighborhood in case you can’t return home.
  • Choose an “out of area”  friend as your “family check-in contact” for everyone to call in case the family gets separated. 
  • Plan what to do if you are told to evacuate.
  • Have safety features in your house, such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.
  • Have your family learn basic safety measures, such as CPR and first aid.
  • Teach them how to use a fire extinguisher.
  • Teach children how and when to call 911.
  • Keep your disaster supplies ready. 
  • Store important family documents in a waterproof container. 
  • Keep a smaller disaster kit  in the trunk of your car. 

A disaster kit should contain the following items:

  • One blanket or sleeping bag for each person;
  • Prescription medications;
  • A battery-powered NOAA radio;
  • Flashlight;
  • Extra batteries;
  • Change of clothing and footwear for each person;
  • Extra set of keys for your vehicle;
  • Credit card or cash;
  • Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members;
  • Non-perishable food;
  • A 3-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day.)
  • Food for pets;
  • Bottled water in the kit, which should be replaced every six months. 

Learn your children’s school emergency policies.  The school should be inspected and tornado shelter areas designated by a registered engineer or architect.  Basements are the best place for protection; however, if there is no basement, schools should use interior rooms and hallways on the lowest floor and away from windows.  Special provisions for disabled students and those in portable classrooms should be made.  Children should be kept at school beyond regular hours if threatening weather is expected.  They will be safer at the school than in a bus or car.  They should not be sent home early if severe weather is expected.  

Hospitals and nursing homes should have similar plans.  Patients should be moved away from windows into hallways.  Special generators should be available to take the place of electricity in case of power failure.  Schools, hospitals, and nursing homes should conduct drills frequently in order for all staff to be fully prepared. 

In case of a warning or threatening weather approaches:

  • Tune in to your weather radio for information;
  • Stay away from windows;
  • Do not open windows;
  • Get into a pre-designated shelter, such as a basement or storm cellar;
  • Get out of automobiles;
  • Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car; leave it immediately;
  • Do not remain in your mobile home; even if they are tied down, they offer little protection from tornadoes and high winds. 

We can never predict when a situation may arise that causes us to suddenly leave our homes.  Being prepared can possibly help save the lives of your family. 

Source: NOAA

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

WEEKEND OF DEADLY TORNADOES IN THE UNITED STATES

The “family of tornadoes” actually began their deadly trip across the southeastern U.S. last Thursday night.  This storm system struck parts of Oklahoma that night, and eventually traveled through 13 states, leaving 45 persons dead, and several others injured.  The tragedy was compounded by the destruction of homes and businesses.  A total of 241 tornadoes were reported, with 50 tornadoes confirmed.  These twisters were various sizes, with some as wide as a football field.  Communities that were hit are now facing the reality of what has happened, beginning with the huge task of cleanup. 

Because the National Weather Service continuously broadcasts updated weather warnings and forecasts that can be received by NOAA Weather Radios, it is recommended that persons who live in vulnerable parts of the country purchase one of them.  Having a battery-operated weather radio would be invaluable in the event of a dangerous thunderstorm or other natural weather occurrence.  You probably already understand these warnings, but we will review them, just in case: 

  • Tornado WATCH: Tornadoes are possible in your area. Remain alert for approaching storms.
  • Tornado WARNING: A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.  If a tornado warning is issued for your area and the sky becomes threatening, move to your pre-designated place of safety.
  • Severe Thunderstorm WATCH: Severe thunderstorms are possible in your area.
  • Severe Thunderstorm WARNING: Severe thunderstorms are happening. 

Tornadoes occasionally develop in areas where a severe thunderstorm watch or warning is in effect.  Stay alert to signs of an approaching tornado and seek shelter if threatening conditions exist.  Sometimes, tornadoes develop so quickly that advance warning is not possible.  Watch for signs of an approaching tornado, such as dark, often greenish sky; wall cloud; large hail; and loud roar – similar to a freight train. 

 It’s up to you!  Many people are killed or seriously injured each year by tornadoes despite advance warning.  Some did not hear the warning while others received the warning but did not believe a tornado would actually affect them.  Being prepared and having timely severe weather watches and warnings could save your life if a tornado threatens your area.  You must make the decision to seek shelter before the storm arrives.  It could be the most important decision you ever make! 

Certain citizens are more at risk than others.  This includes:

  1. Persons in automobiles;
  2. The elderly, very young, and the mentally or physically impaired;
  3. People in mobile homes;
  4. People who may not understand the warning due to a language barrier. 

In our next article, we will go over disaster plans for all scenarios: home, school, work, and other facilities, such as hospitals or nursing homes.  Start thinking of things you need purchase to build your supply kit.  It pays to be prepared!  Put the safety of you and your family first!

Source: NOAA

General Safety Issues

WILDFIRES TAKE A HUGE TOLL ON TEXAS

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For several weeks, the Texas Forest Service, volunteer fire departments, and firefighters from other states have been fighting fires that have been rampant in several areas of the state.  Last week, devastating fires in far West Texas burned much of the Fort Davis area.  A fire that started north of Marfa, Texas, took only 20 minutes to reach Fort Davis, located 21 miles away.  As of today, the Texas Forest Service reports at least 800,000 acres have burned.  Several homes, businesses, property, and a church have been destroyed by fire.  A firefighter from Eastland, Texas, lost his life when he and others exited their truck; he was hit by either a vehicle or a piece of equipment.  Visibility was limited because of heavy smoke, so at this time, the Texas Department of Public Service is classifying this incident as a traffic fatality, pending further investigation.  

We live in a small rural area in North Central Texas, and wildfires have come within 30 miles of us.   A community eleven miles west of our town was evacuated on Friday as a result of nearby fires.  Because this has hit very close to home, it makes us aware of  how seriously we must prepare for the safety of our families.  We should have emergency supplies (water, flashlight, non-perishable foods, medicines, important papers, etc.) on hand, and know what we will  take with us if we have to leave quickly. 

If Mother Nature would wave her magic wand and send rain, while stopping the gusty winds for a while, both firefighters and homeowners would be very grateful.  The dry terrain and low humidity levels combine for fires just waiting to happen.  Ranchers have lost livestock ,and much wildlife is gone.   In an article in today’s (Sunday) Ft. Worth Star-Telegram, writer Bud Kennedy’s headline is “Just one cigarette is all it takes to inflict a world of damage.”  According to the Texas Forest Service, humans start 9 in 10 wildfires.  Kennedy goes on to say that any spark can burn a town, taking with it homes, dreams, and sometimes, firefighters’ lives.  In Texas, the punishment for tossing a lit cigarette is only a littering ticket.  However, Texas’ arson law includes felony punishment for anyone whose cigarette recklessly sets fire to a building or injures anyone.  Arson is a second-degree felony in Texas, punishable by two to 20 years in prison, but if a person is hurt or killed or if the fire involves a church, arson is a first-degree felony, and the arsonist can face up to life in prison. 

 Many firefighters are volunteers – they risk their lives every time they are called out.  They are trained to use their equipment to save lives, homes, and  properties of their neighbors.  When things become as serious as they are right now, other firefighters step in to help.  The Texas Forest Service reports that  there are around 1,250 personnel on the ground  now, including firefighters from 34 states.  Our firefighters will do the same for them when they are called.  We, as citizens, must be vigilant in preventing fires when weather conditions create dangerous situations.    We appreciate the hard work they are doing.   The next time you see a firefighter, give him or her a big THANK YOU!  (And, pray for rain!)

 

Sources: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram, Texas Forest Service 

 

 

 

 

 

General Safety Issues

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER – IT’S NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK!

My deepest apologies – I have almost let National Volunteer Week slip by!  The observance began on the 10th of April through April 16th.  Hopefully, you were already aware of this special time that is set aside to recognize those who give their time and service to various good causes in their communities.  According to FEMA Regional Administrator, Ken Murphy, National Volunteer Week is all about inspiring, recognizing, and encouraging people to check out imaginative ways to engage in their communities.  This year’s theme in the United States is “Inspire By Example.”  Canada is also observing their National Volunteer Week during this week, with the theme, “Volunteers: Passion. Action. Impact.” 

It would be hard to find the proper words to express the debt we owe those persons who do various kinds of volunteer work, and the many who volunteer for duties at more than one place.  In the case of FEMA, their concern is knowing that there will be volunteers to plan for disasters, plan for elderly, those who do not have transportation, and others that may not be prepared for storms, floods, or worse.  We have seen numerous earthquakes, floods, and tornadoes this year, and in each case, volunteers have rushed to rescue the stranded, and start the recovery process.  Wildfires have been rampant in several parts of Texas; professional firefighters would be in a terrible fix if it were not for the area volunteer fire departments that do all they can to join them in order to save land, homes, and animals for property owners.  

The next time you enter a hospital, nursing home, school, shelter, or similar facility, look around, and you will most likely see a volunteer.  It may be a person simply reading to an elderly person in a nursing home, filing in a hospital office, helping a teacher in the classroom, or serving food in a shelter.  Persons who deliver food to the elderly or disabled contribute a very valuable service.

How about young parents, who volunteer to coach baseball, football, soccer, or other sports for the children?  Positions on most school boards and hospital boards are unpaid.  Those folks give not only their time for meetings, but have to take phone calls from concerned citizens much of the time.  Hotlines also require volunteers to be ready to answer questions and guidance. 

I am sure I have overlooked many other aspects of volunteerism.  I only know that it is important that we help others by giving back.  I served as President of our hospital volunteers, a group of dedicated workers that got along very well and raised a lot of money for equipment for the hospital.  We had fun, and I got to know some of the best people in the world, that I probably would never have known had it not been for belonging to that group.  There are so many ways to serve, and I hope you will look for your place.  Believe me, you will be paid back in ways you can’t imagine. 

May 7th is “Join Hands Day,” which is established to promote youth and adults volunteering together to improve their communities.  We need to work with our young people.  There’s no better way to inspire each other than by working together for a good cause.  Finally, thank you to all who serve!

General Safety Issues

FIXING WORKPLACE MISTAKES

There’s nothing worse than making a mistake at work, and having someone announce it to the whole world (at least, that’s the way I have been made to feel before).  When you are new at a job, it’s better if your supervisor comes to you in private and explains the error in a way that you understand and won’t repeat.  We are all human, and mistakes, errors, failures, and deficiencies are all realities and “facts of life”.   I have been fortunate enough in my many years of work to have had some excellent and very patient mentors. 

Fixing and preventing mistakes on the job is everybody’s business.  Teamwork is a way to combat mistakes.  Be honest with your co-workers and ask for their advice and feedback.  How do you treat others when they make a mistake?  Is it the way you want to be treated when you make yours?  Many successful persons have made mistakes and know that others will, too.  

Don’t blame others when you are wrong.  Take a step back when you mess up, and regroup.  Learn from this, and carry on.  After all, we are all human.  Don’t criticize others or constantly blame someone else.  Think about how you are going to take corrective action by: first, fixing it; second, keeping it from happening again, and third, sharing what was learned from the experience with others in your workplace. 

You hear all the time about foods, medicines, vehicles, and other items being recalled.  Someone, somewhere, made a mistake.  Thankfully, it can be fixed if we pay attention to those recalls.  Regardless of the reason, a product was not doing the task for which it was intended or designed, and continued use may risk life, quality of life, or property.   Oversight, even with computerization, can still occur.   Some occupational safety errors can be serious and may not be fixable.  We must all be vigilant about this type of mistake.

One of the reasons we falter is by taking on a workload that is too heavy to be accomplished successfully.  Don’t feel that you are a bad employee.  Ask your supervisor for advice as to how you can remedy work overload.  The tasks may be divided up with others, or done during different times – many times a new set of eyes will see things completely different than you do.  If you ask for help,  your boss will see that you are trying very hard to complete those duties.  Remember, when you make mistakes, you are doing something.  You will gain from them by not repeating them, and will try harder.  

In an excerpt from “CEO Material: How To Be A Leader in Any Organization,” by noted author and executive coach, D.A. Benton, this excellent approach to being a good leader is explained: 

  • I don’t care if people make mistakes.  I only care about what they learned.  Everybody, every day, makes mistakes or at least is imperfect.  If they avoid them, no one learns anything, and it causes everybody to be afraid to admit what they did.
  • I forgive them immediately and remind them of four or five things they did well.  My mentor taught me to reinforce the positive and de-emphasize the negative.
  • Employees who mess up are ultimately better employees because they had a second chance…like getting a dog from the pound.
  • Early on in your career, mistakes feel like a big deal.  They are seldom a big deal.  The quarterback doesn’t sit on the bench after a bad throw, does he?  No, he gets out and runs another pass.  Instead of thinking you need a machine to kick your own butt, go throw a touchdown!
  • Almost all mistakes are forgivable. 

I have certainly made my share of mistakes, and still do.  But I also have learned that most of them are “fixable” and I plan to keep on trying!  I hope you will, too.

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Respiratory Safety

MORE ABOUT GREEN JOBS

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As countries strive to develop newer energy sources, “green” jobs have emerged.  We hope you have read our articles on wind energy, solar power, green roofs, and biofuels.  Two more fields that we will talk about are Hydrogen Fuel Cells and Geo-Thermal Energy.  Working in either of these jobs present the same risks that we see in many other occupations.  

Fuel Cells use hydrogen in producing electricity, and electricity is generated as long as this hydrogen fuel is supplied to it.  A fuel cell is an electrochemical device that produces electricity without combustion.  In 1839, Sir William Grove invented the first fuel cell.  Knowing that water could be split into hydrogen and oxygen by sending an electric current through it (electrolysis), he theorized that by reversing that procedure electricity and water could be produced.  His primitive fuel cell was called a gas voltaic battery.  Fifty years later, scientists coined the term fuel cell while attempting to build a more practical model to produce electricity. 

A fuel cell provides a DC (direct current) voltage that can be used to power motors, lights, and any number of electrical appliances.  Fuel cells compete with many other energy conversion devices, including the gas turbine in a city’s power plant, gasoline engines in cars and batteries in laptops.  Combustion engines like the turbine and gasoline engine burn fuels and use the pressure created by the expansion of the gases to do mechanical work.  Batteries convert chemical energy back into electrical energy when needed.  Fuel cells should do both of these tasks more efficiently.

Typical hazards that workers in the Hydrogen Fuel Cells industry are exposed to include:

  • Fire and explosion – hydrogen is flammable gas and must be handled properly.
  • Freeze burns – liquid hydrogen is very cold (-423°).
  • Electrical – arc flash hazard or electrocution. 

Geo-Thermal Energy is rapidly growing throughout the United States.  We recover the heat as steam or hot water  from within the earth’s core, and  use it to heat or cool buildings or generate electricity.  It is a renewable energy source because heat is continuously produced inside the Earth.  Certain geothermal energy systems pump water underground through piping, allowing it to be heated by the earth, and then use the hot water to create electricity.  Temperatures hotter than the surface of the sun are continuously produced inside the earth by the slow decay of radioactive particles, a process that happens in all rocks.  Other methods of recovering the earth’s heat is by drilling directly into the Earth’s natural geothermal reservoirs, using the resulting steam and hot water to create electricity.  Some systems use a brine or saltwater solution while others use glycol.  These solutions may pose hazards of their own to workers. 

Hazards associated with this growing industry include some very familiar safety issues that OSHA already has standards on:

  • Trenching and excavations – soil for heat transfer may not be best for stable trenches.
  • Silica – silica sand is a basic component of soil, sand and granite.  It becomes airborne as workers chip, cut or grind objects that contain crystalline silica.  Silica dust is a serious hazard.
  • Electrical –   Workers should use same safe practices as in other electrical fields.
  • Welding and cutting – the same hazards that welders face in any pipe-fitting or welding projects – burns from hot metals, and exposure to ultraviolet light from arc welding.
  • Fall protection – open trenches, excavations, and pits should have guardrails or barriers, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems. 

We understand that workers must have all the proper personal protective equipment needed to match the perils of each particular job.  Personal protective equipment required for these jobs include gloves, safety glasses, hardhats, particulate respirators, and other products, (including the proper gear for welders), as determined by the contractors’ safety engineers.  

While green jobs help to improve the environment and we are grateful for technology to develop other energy sources, some commonly known workplace hazards exist, while others are yet to be identified.  As green jobs progress into excellent energy resources, safety still must be a priority for the workers performing their duties. 

Sources: OSHA, Discovery