Yearly Archives: 2011

Back Safety, General Safety Issues

HOW TO STOP DROPPING BOXES

The following article is from Guest Blogger, Ward Greunke.  He wanted to share this great information with us and our readers.  I’ve never thought about the “lift to accept” theory, but it would save lots of hassle if everyone would try it.

Have you ever handed something heavy to someone and asked, “Do you have it?” and just as they say yes, they drop it?  The reason for this is that people usually wait for heavy things to be placed in their hands and then confirm verbally that they have it so the other person can let go. Unfortunately, as the first person starts to let go, the other person might not really have a good grip.

This miscommunication happens because the verbal feedback provided does not match the physical feedback.  If someone tells you they have the box and yet you are still carrying the weight, there is a mismatch and the potential for an accident.  To solve this, box companies should provide a logo that promotes the concept of “Lift to Accept”.

Here is how it works.  When someone hands you a box, instead of saying “I have it”, just lift the box out of the other person’s hands.  The first person’s hands will immediately drop away when you lift the box and there is no verbal confusion.  This works because the first person knows that you have the box because they no longer feel the weight in their hands.  Once this happens, they are left holding air and quickly remove their hands.  By placing the label below on boxes, box companies can eliminate the mismatch between verbal feedback and physical feedback.

Safety Benefits: Catching vs lifting.

In addition to the minimized confusion, there is also a safety benefit to this technique because people will be better prepared to support the weight.  When you are trying to catch something, you prepare for any possible events.  Your feet are ready to move, your knees are bent and springy and your arms are ready to help you run.  Think of a baseball outfielder trying to guess where the ball will go.  Their stance is optimized for movement, not for strength.

When you lift, you focus on a single event.  You plant your feet, align your body and make sure that you have a good grip.  Think of a weightlifter focusing on a single lift.  They position their body for maximum strength.  This alignment of the body prepares you to lift heavy objects and can minimize injury by trying to carry something in an awkward position.  If you are picking something off a table, you use a lifting response, but if you are catching something, you use a contingency response.  In one case, you are being proactive and controlling the situation.  In the other case you are being reactive and hope for the best.  When you follow “Lift to Accept”, you are positioning your body for maximum strength and personal safety.

The “Lift to Accept” method uses non-verbal feedback as well as better prepares people to carry heavy objects.  By showing customers this method to pass items, box companies can help their customers minimize losses caused by dropped material as well as potentially reduce workplace injuries.

Thanks, Ward, for this suggestion.  I wonder how many persons utilize this method of lifting items and passing them to the next person.  You can read more of Ward’s tips at latentvalue.blogspot.com.

General Safety Issues

TRIPLE TRAGEDIES IN JAPAN

Japan, the country that gave the world the word tsunami, has suffered tremendously at the hands of Mother Nature, first with an earthquake that measured 8.9, and then followed by a tsunami that contained 23 foot waves, and devastated much of the northeast part of the country.  If that weren’t enough to contend with, officials are now battling the threat of nuclear meltdowns at the Fukushima Daiichi and Daini nuclear plants.  The death toll from the earthquake and tsunami keeps climbing, as the last reports showed around 10,000 persons feared dead; thousands more are missing.  Hundreds of thousands of persons in Japan are struggling to find food and water.   

This has been like watching a bad horror movie, only it is real.  The U.S. Government, private aid groups, and American business corporations were all being mobilized Saturday to support rescue and recovery efforts in Japan.  The U.S. Military assistance operation, “Operation Tomodachi”, meaning “friendship”, was the name chosen by the Japanese.  USS Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group, which includes a destroyer, cruiser, and combat support ship is headed to the east coast of Honshu to serve as a platform for refueling Japanese military and other helicopters involved in rescue and recovery. 

In regard to Japan’s nuclear problems – a meltdown means there has been a serious collapse of a power plant’s systems and its ability to manage temperatures.  A complete meltdown would release uranium and dangerous byproducts into the environment that pose serious health problems.  When there is a loss of power and damage to generators, cooling systems crucial to cool down nuclear fuel rods become crippled and unable to perform their function.  On Saturday, safety officials from Japan told the International Atomic Energy Agency that the release of radioactive material so far has been small; however, Japanese authorities have evacuated more than 180,000 residents within a 12-mile radius, and are distributing iodine pills to residents around the power plants involved.  Potassium iodide, in concentrated form, can help reduce the dose of radiation to the thyroid and thus the risk of cancer.  The Nuclear Regulatory Committee in the U.S. recommends that persons living within 10-mile emergency planning radius of nuclear plants be given the same dosage of concentrated potassium iodide. 

Although this is largest earthquake Japan has experienced, and the 5th largest in the world since 1900, Japan has routinely conducted earthquake and tsunami drills and probably is better prepared for this type of disaster than any other country.  Inside modern Japanese buildings are extra steel bracing, giant rubber pads and embedded hydraulic shock absorbers, making them the sturdiest in the world.  Building codes have long been much more stringent on specific matters like how much a building may sway during an earthquake.  Hopefully, lives were saved because of this planning.  Time will tell. 

The tsunami from Japan sent strong waves thousands of miles away.  Hawaii is thankful that there was no loss of life or injuries from the tsunami, but several hotels experienced waves pushed into their lobbies on the Big Island, and also there was damage to about 60 homes.  Further away, in Crescent City, California, a community that depends on the fishing industry, the tsunami caused approximately $17.1 million dollars of damage to the harbor and vessels, and about $4 million to private boats.  One young man from a community about 20 miles south of Crescent City, remains missing, when he was washed away by the waves. 

Aftershocks continue in Japan, making rescue and recovery even more difficult.  Many of these aftershocks measure 5 or greater.  Keep the citizens of Japan in your thoughts and prayers, as well as the brave people who always show up in times of crisis – volunteers from around the world that search, treat the injured, feed the hungry, and serve in ways we can’t begin to imagine.  Disasters always bring friends from afar, countries pulling together to help their fellow human beings.

Sources: NY Times, AP, Chicago Tribune, Ft Worth Star-Telegram

General Safety Issues

BASKETBALL IS A FUN, ROUGH GAME!

Basketball is a fun sport that most kids have probably tried at one time or another.  From “Little Dribblers” on up, it is a great game.  Kids need to understand the rules of basketball and how much fun it can be when all participants follow those rules.  Because it is a contact sport, basketball injuries occur very often.  There’s lots of flailing of arms and throwing elbows while trying to go for rebounds or fending off a competitor.  Kids who want to participate in basketball or any sport usually are aware of the risks involved.  That is why they are taught the fundamentals of the game, and learn to be safe playing on the court with other players.   Those who play in team sports  bond with teammates, and that bond carries on through their school years and many times, beyond.

Strength training is important for preparing for any sport.  For basketball, strengthening the muscles around the knees can be very helpful.  Common injuries in athletes who play basketball are sprained knees, sprained ankles, jammed or broken fingers, broken noses, and poked eyes.  Other possibilities are colliding with other players, walls, or posts, and head concussions.   Players must wear the correct types of basketball shoes, protective mouth guards, and eye and nose gear as needed.  Doctors may prescribe certain bracing be worn by athletes who have experienced injuries of their knees.  (Now that we’ve pointed out a few hazards, let’s talk about some fun things.)

One of the most exciting March activities for college students and basketball fans alike is March Madness!   A total of 65 men’s teams vie for the Men’s Division I NCAA championship.  Women’s Division I NCAA Basketball playoffs feature 64 teams competing to reach the Championships.  At the time of this writing, conference tournaments are being played to see who gets picked to compete in the regional play-offs and later advance to the Road to the Final Four.   This is the culmination of a season of hard-played basketball, with many games won by a margin of one-point.  It’s hard to pick the real winner when both teams are equally skilled, but the team with the top score gets to move on.  

Another exciting tournament held each year is the National Invitational Tournament, which invites teams that did not make the NCAA playoffs to first compete on campus sites, with the semi-final and final game played at Madison Square Garden, in New York City.  This is also an honor to the teams that almost made it to the Big Dance, but maybe missed by only a point or two in play-off games.  Because the NCAA tournament is required to host winners from all Division I conferences, chances are that some of the ones that missed an invitation to that tournament may have had better records.  Also,  pro basketball teams have been competing now for a while, so we will watch as they begin their playoffs, as well.  There’s plenty to enjoy if you are a round-ball fan, before we move on to baseball!

Each year, many talented college players  will be chosen to move on to professional basketball next season.  So, if your “little dribbler” aspires to play like his/her hero when he or she is older, teach him or her, to play safe, play fair, and keep in good physical condition.  Parents can start them off by providing them with healthy diets and teaching good sportsmanship.  Whether they choose to be an athlete, or a scholar, or both, leadership qualities are taught at home, at a young age.

Respiratory Safety

BREATHE EASIER WITH RESPIRATORY PROTECTION

Number 5 on our  “Hit Parade” countdown of OSHA’s Top Ten violations for 2010 is Standard 29 CFR 1910.134,  Respiratory Protection, General Industry.  According to the Centers for Disease Control, respirators protect the user in two basic ways. The first is by the removal of contaminants from the air. Respirators of this type include particulate respirators, which filter out airborne particles; and “gas masks” which filter out chemicals and gases. Other respirators protect by supplying clean respirable air from another source. Respirators that fall into this category include airline respirators, which use compressed air from a remote source; and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), which include their own air supply.  Respirators should only be used when engineering control systems are not feasible. Engineering control systems, such as adequate ventilation or scrubbing of contaminants are the preferred control methods for reducing worker exposures. 

If you work where there is dust, heat, humidity, or mist around you, respirators are needed.  Respiratory protection is regulated by OSHA, which determines which type of respiratory protection is appropriate for each kind of hazard.  NIOSH regulates the manufacture and testing of face masks/respirators, labels them for the appropriate type of use, and OSHA is responsible for their use.  Employers are in charge of establishing and implementing a written respiratory protection program with worksite-specific procedures and elements for required respirator use.  The provisions of the program include selecting the correct protection, medical evaluation, fit testing, training, use and care of respirators.  Persons with mustaches or beards may not be able to get a secure fit.  OSHA requires fit-testing, to be sure there are no leaks.  Respirators Fit-testing kits must be used to ensure their compliance to safety requirements. 

N95 filtering respirators, “air purifying respirators” cover the nose and mouth.  A respirator classified as N95 means that 95% of most penetrating particulates will be filtered out. This type of respirator protects the wearer against breathing in small particles that contain viruses, such as in a healthcare setting.  For other occupational exposures, the respirators filter out dust, mist, heat and vapors that can be harmful to your health.  To be fully effective, N95 respirators must fit closely to form a light seal over the mouth and nose.   Manufacturers make several different sizes of respirators to accommodate smaller faces.  The use of powered air-purifying respirators may be chosen as a suitable type in some cases. 

Workers must have received comprehensive and understandable training at least annually, and more often if necessary.  This training should include, at a minimum:

  • Limitations and capabilities of the respirator;
  • Effective use in emergencies;
  • Why it is necessary and how improper fit, use and maintenance can compromise its protective effect;
  • Recognition of medical signs and symptoms that may limit or prevent effective use;
  • How to inspect, put on and remove, use and check the seals;
  • Maintenance and storage.

Listed among the top five violations by companies in the United States is an indicator that employees are being exposed to hazards that can be very harmful to their health.  We hope by this time next year,  most of the serious violations will be corrected, and that respiratory protection will be taken off the list.  We’ll all breathe easier when this happens, especially our workers!

 

Sources: OSHA, CDC

General Safety Issues

LET’S GET A HEAD START ON DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME!

1 Comment

Like it or not, this Sunday, March 13th, we will “spring forward” by setting our clocks ahead one hour.  This comes as a bitter pill to swallow for many persons.  Others take it in stride, but those who are not “morning persons” won’t be too happy about it for a while.  Canada, certain states in the U.S., and Mexico are affected by this mandated time change, as well as many other countries in the world.  During World War I, it was thought that the time change would save energy for the war effort.  The ruling has been off and on through the years, but since the Energy Policy Act of 2005, we’ve been “springing forward.” 

Here are some ideas that might help you be prepared, ahead of time:

  • Start getting ready for it now, this week!
  • Get up a little earlier than usual these last few days so you’ll be ready for Sunday.
  • Try not to take naps the weekend of the time change, so you’ll be able to go to sleep an hour earlier at bedtime.
  • Change all clocks on Saturday afternoon.
  • Think positive – get used to it as soon as possible.
  • Make arrangements for your children to get to school or to the school bus safely, because it may still be dark in your area.  If they ride their bike, or walk, be sure they wear something reflective on their clothes or bike, and accompany them, if possible for the first few days after the time change. 

I have always wished that we didn’t have this time change and have always referred to Central Standard Time as the “real time,” but as years have gone by, I have learned to adjust to it better and realize that there is extra time to get things done before the end of the day.  This is  a good time to get geared up for chores that we usually save for spring, so start planning to do a few of these things.  It always makes you feel better once you’ve done them:

  • Restock battery supplies.  Change smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, both now and after the time change in November, if necessary.
  • List special tasks that you could do annually at this time of the year.
  • Now’s the time to get ready for Spring Cleaning! (First day of Spring is March 20th).
  • Go through your old clothes and donate them to charity.
  • Get the whole family involved in cleaning out closets and passing on clothes they don’t plan to wear to someone who can use them.
  • Start sprucing up your yard.
  • Begin an your exercise program.  You will have that extra hour of sunlight, so there’s no excuse not to do it! 

Waking  up a little earlier in the mornings this week  will allow you to drive without getting drowsy.  Statistics from past time changes have shown that a high percentage of drivers drove while sleepy, and some even dozed off while driving, if only for a few seconds, immediately following the time change.  Darkness in the early hours of the day can cause more driving accidents, so be alert.  

Whether the hands on the clock point to “real time” or Daylight Saving Time, the main goal is to make the adjustment as soon as we can.   It’s time to remember: “Today is the first day of the rest of your life!”  Make every minute count!

General Safety Issues

Problem Pedestrians: Impaired Walking and Drunk Walking

Guest Post by Garrick Infanger, Forensic Engineering Hub

Numerous accidents occur each year involving pedestrians. New research is evaluating the effects of impairments on the pedestrians. Impairments can involve physical disabilities, inebriation, or even technology.

In the excellent New York Times series ‘Driven to Distraction’, Matt Richtel examines the effect of modern technology on pedestrians in a new article ‘Forget Gum. Walking and Using Phone Is Risky’.

The era of the mobile gadget is making mobility that much more perilous, particularly on crowded streets and in downtown areas where multiple multitaskers veer and swerve and walk to the beat of their own devices…
Slightly more than 1,000 pedestrians visited emergency rooms in 2008 because they got distracted and tripped, fell or ran into something while using a cellphone to talk or text. That was twice the number from 2007, which had nearly doubled from 2006, according to a study conducted by Ohio State University, which says it is the first to estimate such accidents.
The era of the mobile gadget is making mobility that much more perilous, particularly on crowded streets and in downtown areas where multiple multitaskers veer and swerve and walk to the beat of their own devices…
Slightly more than 1,000 pedestrians visited emergency rooms in 2008 because they got distracted and tripped, fell or ran into something while using a cellphone to talk or text. That was twice the number from 2007, which had nearly doubled from 2006, according to a study conducted by Ohio State University, which says it is the first to estimate such accidents.
Pedestrian
The recent bestseller ‘SuperFreakonomics’ deals with the issue of drunk-walking that involves some of the same issues for impaired walking on a worldwide basis.
Each year, more than 1,000 drunk pedestrians die in traffic accidents. They step off sidewalks into city streets; they lie down to rest on country roads; they make mad dashes across busy highways…
The average American walks about a half- mile per day outside the home or workplace. There are some 237 million Americans sixteen and older; all t old, that’s 43 billion miles walked each year by people of driving age. If we assume that 1 of every 140 of those miles are walked drunk— the same proportion of miles that are driven drunk— then307 million miles are walked drunk each year.
Doing the math, you find that on a per- mile basis, a drunk walker is eight times more likely to get killed than a drunk driver.
Whether an iPhone or a beer, impaired walking seems to be on the rise around the world.
—
Garrick Infanger writes for the Forensic Engineering Hub, an engineering-focused site sponsored by Armstrong Forensic Engineers.
—
Photo Credit: New York Times
General Safety Issues, Health Issues

PATIENT SAFETY AWARENESS WEEK, MARCH 6 – 12

As a former hospital administrative assistant, I learned that every employee should be a patient advocate.  Medical facilities are there for one reason – to save lives in emergencies, through surgery, or furnish excellent medical care.  There are times that patients may not make it, but it should not be because mistakes were made in the hospital where they were cared for.  Hospitals have compliance officers and quality assurance officers that work to ensure that all healthcare standards are met.  If a patient or family member has a complaint, they should ask for the compliance officer and express their issues regarding the care of the patient. 

Understanding the compliance process and patient advocacy is a very important issue to everyone, because sooner or later, all of us at one time or another will possibly be a patient, or have a family member in the hospital.  Patient Safety Awareness Week is a national observance sponsored by the National Patient Safety Foundation to promote an educational and awareness-building campaign for improving patient safety. 

This is not meant to criticize the healthcare industry, which plays a very important roll in our well-being.  But in my experience, when mistakes are made, it’s by human errors, mainly because of inattention or lack of concern.  I’d like to give you a couple of examples:  (1) After waiting on a very important diagnosis, and  sitting in the examination room for almost an hour, the nurse came in and asked, “Now what’s your name?”   (Makes you feel kind of special, right?)  (2) How about: asking about lab work that was done a few days prior and was to be sent to a specialist, and hearing the nurse tell the doctor they guessed they put it under the wrong name.  A short time later, it was found, and sent on.  (Guess I would still be waiting, if I hadn’t asked.)  These experiences are minor, but they are frustrating to the patient, as well as the doctor.  Be your own advocate!  When a clinic or other facility tells you they will send your records to a specialist, call to be sure they have done so.  I have had several friends expecting to have their lab work or ct scan sent to a specialist located more than 100 miles away, only to find when they arrive, that the records haven’t. 

Electronic systems rather than paper patient charts are now used in many hospitals.   When a patient enters the emergency room, he/she is given a bracelet with a bar code.  This serves as identification throughout the patient’s stay to make sure the needed medications are accurate.  This system also assists with correct diet, medication, and other orders from the physician.   Medication errors have caused approximately 7,000 patient deaths per year.  Using these electronic systems require special training for the nurses, which usually takes a few days.  The rights of patient safety should ask:  Is it the right patient?  Is it the right drug?  Is it the right dose?  Is it the right route? And,  Is it the right time?  Other patient safety issues that hospitals must avoid are:

  • Wrong-site surgery;
  • Hospital-associated infections, (HAI’s);
  • Slips, trips, and falls;
  • Not being familiar with patient’s family history;
  • Ignoring alarms. 

When a patient is getting medical treatment in a hospital and given their wrist-band, (many times color-coded), the admissions person will ask if they have a living will, and if they don’t, the hospital will furnish one upon request, and also patient privacy information (HIPAA).  Persons should understand about a living will and a do-not-resusitate (DNR) order.   HIPAA is a federal law that prohibits medical facilities from giving out private information about the patient.  The amount of information that a care provider (nurse) can give is very limited under this law.

Families should ask a nurse to explain (especially if their family member is critically ill), about the monitors – which ones are being used, and the types of alarms that could sound,  which alarms they should be concerned with, and ones that are minor alarms.  Then if a critical alarm sounds, (usually it is more rapid and high-pitched), they can immediately go for help. Sometimes busy nurses do not hear the arlams or ignore the ones they think have low batteries.  “Alarm fatigue” is often experienced by nurses because of the volume of beeping sounds throughout their shift.  They must remember that many times the patient is depending on their quick response.

We are all thankful for hospitals, which goes without saying.  For the most part, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities do a great job.  But if you feel the safety of someone you know or love is being compromised, speak up!  You must be a patient advocate in every sense of the word.

General Safety Issues

WE WISH EVERYONE A SAFE SPRING BREAK!

1 Comment

One of the things that students look forward to the most, and parents probably worry about the most – Spring Break!  It’s a time when students are ready to let their hair down, and can hardly wait to break free from the routine of daily college life.  It’s no secret that kids are looking for places that offer warm weather, water, cheap booze, and bargains.  We don’t want to rain on their parade, but feel that we should join others in warning them about some of the risks involved when traveling, especially if they choose to go to out of the United States. 

The Texas Department of Public Safety issued a very blunt statement on March 1st, stating  “Avoid Mexico travel during Spring Break and Stay Alive!”  The northern border cities were the most dangerous at one time; however, authorities have warned travelers that the drug-related violence is rapidly growing worse, and violence and other crimes have moved from the border to other parts of the country, even the resort areas in southern Mexico, as well as Mexico City.  This is the third warning in three months that the agency has advised totally staying out of Mexico.  Boaters are warned to stay on the U.S. side of Falcon Lake, where several Americans have been robbed and one young man killed in recent months.  Ted Poe, R- Humble, Texas, in his appearance on CBS’ Early Show on March 1st, said Americans or Mexican nationals are not safe in Mexico where the drug cartels are operating in different portions of the country.  A profound escalation of cartel-related conflicts in Mexico has created an environment in which deadly violence can happen anywhere, regardless of bystanders, their nationality or status.  He recommended that students go somewhere in the United States for their spring break. 

There are many places in Texas, Louisana, Florida, and other southern states that offer plenty of water and sunshine.  Because of the economy, it would keep more dollars at home.  Wherever your destination is, here’s a few tips:

  • The sun will maximize the effects of alcohol, and cause a hangover to be worse. 
  • Be sure to take along lots of sunscreen,  if you going to a beach area. 
  • Plan ahead, and think about the consequences of taking risks. 
  • Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water.
  • Drink responsibly. 
  • Have a designated driver, and check out the laws of the area.  

Family groups will be traveling during this time, too, and all of these tips can be helpful.  The “buddy system” applies to travel anytime, anywhere.  Never get separated from your group, nor leave with strangers.  There are predators who will try to steal or commit worse crimes on unsuspecting persons.  Water safety is another thing to understand.  Do not swim where there is no lifeguard on duty.  Know the flags for water safety:

  • Red – Stay out of water, strong undertow or riptides.
  • Yellow –Undertow and riptides possible.
  • Blue – Calm water; Swim safely!

Wherever you choose to travel this spring, please do this:

  1. Have an emergency plan: designate meeting  places in case of getting separated from your group, and know the evacuation plans of the hotel you are staying in.
  2. Pack a disaster kit (just in case): water, non-perishable food, battery-operated radio, cell phone, first aid kit,and flashlight.
  3. Stay informed. 

Here are also a few tips for all travelers to follow that will help everyone stay well while on vacation: take some hand sanitizer and wipes to keep down germs in your hotel room.  Use paper cups that are provided rather than glass ones, which may not have been washed properly.  Move the bedspread away and wipe down the remote control, phone, and bathroom handles.  It pays to be “germ-conscious” when staying away from home. 

Persons who are planning to vacation outside the U.S.  should always check the U.S. State Department website for up-to-date information related to security issues in the country they plan to travel.  Have fun, but use common sense, and stay safe.  Mom and Dad will sleep a lot better when you are back home.

General Safety Issues

THERE’S NO EXCUSE FOR ABUSE!

I have always felt like anyone who could abuse a child, an older person, or an animal has no heart.  Yesterday, March 2nd, it took a very small man to stand up and talk about a very large problem: elder abuse.  Mickey Rooney, age 90, spoke before a Senate Special Committee on Aging, and described his experience of suffering from abuse for several years by his stepson and his stepson’s wife.  In February, Rooney won a restraining order against them, following claims that they were attempting to get him to sign over control of his assets, and leaving him fearing for his safety.  He said he had suffered in silence because he was embarrassed to admit this was happening to him, but has to speak out for millions of seniors who are suffering, as well.   Following the hearing, the committee chair, Senator Herb Kohl, introduced legislation that would create an Office of Elder Justice to help coordinate law enforcement response to chronic abuse of the aged. 

There are so many different ways that elderly persons can be abused:

  • Financial – unauthorized use of funds, property, misuse of personal checks, credit cards, accounts, stolen cash, household goods, forging signatures, identity theft, investment fraud, and phone scams, to name only a few.
  • Physical – use of force, restraints, hitting, shoving, inappropriate use of drugs, and confinement.
  • Emotional – verbal intimidation such as threats, yelling, ridicule.  Nonverbal psychological abuse such as ignoring, isolating them from friends or activities, terrorizing or menacing. 

An older person may begin showing signs of mental deterioration, but we shouldn’t dismiss this on the word of the caregiver or facility (if they are in a nursing home, etc.).  If there is tension between caregivers and the patient, it may be because something is going on that they are not able to tell anyone.  Watch for bruises, scars, broken bones, sprains, broken eyeglasses or frames, or signs of being restrained.  Older people may be being mistreated in their own home, the home of their children, a private care facility, hospital, or nursing home.  If you notice any of these signs, you must get involved.  An expert in this subject, who appeared on CNN News today, says that for every person that comes forward, there are approximately 23 that haven’t been heard about.  That’s a frightening statement. 

None of us are able to reverse our age – we are all headed in the same direction.  Hopefully, if we live to be 90 years old, our minds will still be as sharp as Mickey Rooney’s.  He was clear in what he had to say, and said it with a sincere heart.  Regardless of laws that are passed, there has to be something done at every level to improve the status of our elderly.  We as individuals can volunteer to visit them, substitute for a family caregiver who needs a break, or be an ombudsman for the elderly.  Every older person has a great story to tell; some may not remember what happened yesterday, but they can recount stories from their childhood and never miss a detail.  Many know every word to the old gospel songs, and sing them with great pride.  Don’t count the older generations out.  For those who still have their parents, treasure every moment.  They were there for you, and you should do the same for them.  You may not be able to take care of them, but you can find someone who will be responsible for their well-being and care for them in a loving way.  That’s all anyone can ask. 

In most states, the first agency to respond to elder abuse reports is Adult Protective Services.  Information and referral is also available from National Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.

General Safety Issues, Health Issues, Respiratory Safety

NUMBER 3 ON OSHA’S TOP TEN VIOLATIONS LIST FOR 2010

3 Comments

OSHA estimates that there are more than 650,000 hazardous chemical products in use in the United States.  This means that approximately 3 million American workplaces and over 30 million workers could be potentially exposed to some sort of chemical product.  OSHA’s #29CFR 1910.1200, Hazard Communication Standard, General Industry, was listed as Number 3 on their Top Ten Violations List for 2010.  

This occupational safety and health standard is for the purpose of evaluating potential hazards of chemicals, and communicating information concerning hazards and appropriate protective measures to employees.  There should be a written hazard communication program for the workplace, which includes lists of hazardous chemicals present, labeling of containers of chemicals in the workplace, as well as of containers of chemicals being shipped to other workplaces, and preparation and distribution of material safety data sheets to employees and downstream employers.  It also includes development and implementation of employee training programs regarding hazards of chemicals and protective measures. 

The HCS is a generic standard covering all hazardous chemicals as well as all workplaces where they are used.  By providing information to employers and employees, steps can be taken to ensure protection at the workplace.  Illnesses and injuries are reduced when both employers and employees modify their behavior as a result of receiving information about the hazards.  Training of workers is necessary to ensure they understand the information provided, where they can get more information, and how they can use the information to protect themselves.  Training is the means an employer can use to address risks related to the situation involved. 

Material Safety Data Sheets are reference documents.  They are a one-stop shopping source for everything you might need or want to know about a chemical.  They must be useful to the safety and health professionals who decide what controls to use, first aid or medical treatment to provide, and the precautionary measures to follow.  The information on MSDSs is usually technical, since it is generally written for health professionals.  MSDSs must provide the specific chemical identity of the material, physical and chemical characteristics, and the physical hazards. Other information contained in the MSDSs  are health hazards, including signs and symptoms of exposure, and medical conditions generally recognized as being aggravated by exposure to the chemical.  Also to be included in the Material Safety Data Sheets are a list of the primary means of exposure: inhalation, ingestion, or absorption and whether the chemical is a known carcinogen.  Other useful information should be listed, such as generally applicable precautions for safe handling and use of the chemical, emergency and first aid procedures, date of preparation or latest revision, and the name, address, and phone number of a person who can provide additional information and appropriate emergency procedures if needed. 

The most important way that this standard works today to reduce chemical source illnesses and injuries is to ensure that workers and those who provide protections for workers – physicians, nurses, industrial hygienists, safety engineers, and other professionals – have the information they need about the chemical to devise protections.  Then they must choose the appropriate engineering controls, personal protective equipment and controls such as substitution, by knowing what chemicals are present, and what their physical and chemical effects are.  Under the requirements of the Hazard Communications Standard, employees have a right-to-know the identities of the chemicals they are exposed to and what hazards are present. 

Source: OSHA