Yearly Archives: 2011

General Safety Issues

MERCHANTS! GET READY FOR BLACK FRIDAY – PART I

In the United States, Pre-Black Friday sales have already started, and retailers look forward to the day after Thanksgiving for one of their biggest days of sales through the entire year.  But for those employees who work for one of these big companies, OSHA is encouraging major retail employers to take precautions to prevent worker injuries.  It’s hard to believe that people can get worked up into such a frenzy to save money, but it happens.  In 2008, a worker was trampled to death while a mob of shoppers rushed through the doors of a large store to take advantage of an after-thanksgiving Day Black Friday sales event. 

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for keeping their workers safe and healthy in their workplace.  OSHA encourages employers to adopt effective safety and health management systems to identify and eliminate work-related hazards, including those caused by large crowds at these types of sales proceedings. 

Crowd control is critical to preventing injuries and deaths.  There must be a crowd management plan.  The following fact sheet from OSHA gives retailers  guidelines for avoiding injuries during the holiday season.  Businesses should have trained security personnel or police officers on-site, set up barricades or rope lines for pedestrians well ahead of customers arriving at the store.  The customers’ line should not begin at the very front of the store entrance, emergency procedures should be ready to address potential dangers, and having security personnel or customer service representatives explain approach and entrance procedures to the arriving public is very important.

(Sounds like we’re getting ready for war!)  Here are some of the guidelines from OSHA, which include planning, pre-event set-up and during the sales event.  Major department stores should have already gone over these or other procedures, but if not, this is a great time to get started.  We begin with Part I:

Planning 

  • Have trained security or crowd management personnel or police officers on site where large crowds are expected.
  • Have a designated location for each worker.  Determine the number of workers needed in various locations to ensure the safety of the event – both near the entrance and throughout the store.
  • Be sure that workers are properly trained to manage the event.
  • Fire and police agencies should be contacted to ensure that the site meets all public safety requirements, and that all permits and licenses are obtained.  Also, that local emergency services in addition to the previously named ones are aware of this event.
  • Have a designated worker to contact local emergency responders if necessary.
  • Legible and visible signs should be posted that describe entrances, opening times, and other important information such as the location of the major sale items.
  • Prepare an emergency plan that addresses potential dangers facing workers, including overcrowding, crowd crushing, being struck by the crowd, violent acts, and fire.  Share emergency plan with all local public safety agencies.
  • Workers should be trained in crowd management procedures and the emergency plan.  Provide them with an opportunity to practice the special event plan.  Include local public safety agencies, if appropriate.

We’ll continue with Part II tomorrow: Pre-Event Setup, During Sales Event, and What to do in Emergency Situations.  If more businesses would use these methods, there will be fewer injuries to their employees.

Source: OSHA

General Safety Issues

IT’S TIME FOR THE GREAT AMERICAN SMOKEOUT!

Smokers will think “NOT AGAIN!” when they hear about the Great American Smokeout planned for Thursday, November 17th.  This is the 36th annual smoke-free day sponsored by the American Cancer Society, who encourages tobacco smokers and chewers to quit for ONE day, and hopefully, forever.  The Smokeout draws attention to deaths and health damage caused by smoking.  It has also contributed to bans on smoking in workplaces and restaurants, increased taxes on cigarettes, limitations on cigarette promotions in the media, attempts to discourage teen smoking, and other countless actions to reduce tobacco use. 

There are approximately 46 million Americans that continue to smoke.  According to the CDC, 443,000 deaths result from smoking and second-hand smoke, $96 Billion in health care costs and $97 Billion in lost production occur annually.  Here are some facts from the U.S. Surgeon General and American Cancer Society that point out the benefits of quitting: 

  •        Your heart rate and blood pressure drop 20 minutes after quitting.
  •        Your circulation improves and your lung function increases within 2 weeks to 3 months after quitting.
  •        The carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal 12 hours after quitting.
  •        One to nine months after quitting, coughing and shortness of breath decrease; normal function in the lungs is regained, which reduces the risk of infection.
  •        One year after quitting, the risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker’s.
  •        Five years after quitting, the stroke risk is reduced to that of a nonsmoker 5 to 15 years after quitting.
  •        Ten years after quitting, the lung cancer death rate is about half that of a continuing smoker’s. 
  •        The risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, cervix, and pancreas decrease.
  •        Fifteen years after quitting, risk of coronary heart disease is that of a nonsmoker’s. 

It is a very hard habit to break, but consider the health benefits as listed above, not to mention creating a safer environment for those non-smokers who have to breathe secondhand smoke!  Approximately two out of three smokers want to quit, and 52.4% of current adult smokers tried to quit within the past year. Healthcare providers should routinely identify smokers and other tobacco users, advise them to quit, and assist those trying to quit .  Getting help (e.g., through counseling or medication) can double or triple the chances for quitting. 

Workplaces that make the choice to become smoke-free would see increased productivity, fewer sick days and lower insurance claims by employees.  Employers could reward their workers who stop smoking by paying a membership fee to a health club, treat them to an occasional free breakfast or lunch, or come up with other innovative ideas.  

People have the right to choose what to do with their body; however, when facts prove that smoking damages almost every organ in the human body and is linked to at least fifteen different cancers, that should be reason enough for tobacco users to consider stopping.  Besides that, think of all the money that could be saved!  So, Thursday, come on, we dare you!  You can do it for at least one day…then another….and another!

General Safety Issues

TIE ONE ON FOR M.A.D.D.!

Started in 1986, Tie One On For Safety® is MADD’s (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) longest running and most visible public awareness project. MADD asks holiday drivers to tie MADD red ribbons to visible locations on their vehicles, or place window decals on their vehicles’ windows. The red ribbons represent drivers’ pledges to drive safely, sober and buckled up, reminding other drivers and passengers to do the same.  MADD began in 1980, and has become one of the most famous non-profit organizations in U.S. and Canada.  The result of drunk-driving accidents that took the lives of their children, some of the victim’s mothers got together and started the project of saving lives by preventing these types of devastating accidents.  The Tie One On For Safety runs from November 16th through New Year’s Day, so let’s be prepared to promote this project by being diligent about the cause. 

How can the public participate in Tie One On For Safety?

This holiday season, individuals can demonstrate their commitment to eliminate drunk driving in several ways:

  • Display a red ribbon in a visible location on your vehicles. Red ribbons and red ribbon window decals are available through local MADD affiliates. 
  • Host parties responsibly by offering mock-tails and other non-alcoholic beverages, and by providing alternate transportation or accommodations for guests who have been drinking.
  • Designate a sober driver before drinking begins.

Give the Gift of a Designated Driver™

This year MADD is also offering the gift we can all give each other – the gift of a safe and sober ride home.  If you are looking for a cost effective, yet thoughtful gift to give your friends, consider downloading one of their coupons (or make your own), offering to be their DD this holiday season. 

MADD also asks the public to Tie One On For Safety in support of MADD’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving, which calls for intensive, high-visibility law enforcement efforts that include sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols; advocates that all convicted drunk drivers have an alcohol ignition interlock installed on their vehicles; supports the research of transparent, vehicle-based technologies that will prevent a drunk driver from driving drunk; and mobilizes grassroots support of all of these efforts, led by MADD.

Holiday drivers, please display a MADD red ribbon or red ribbon decal on your vehicles, or tie one to car keys to show family, friends and loved ones you support safer roads free from drunk driving. It also reminds other drivers and passengers to do the same. More than 6 million ribbons and ribbon symbols are distributed annually in the United States. Their message also includes seat belts because it is the best defense in a crash caused by a drunk driver. The holiday season from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day is when road travel is the heaviest of the year and typically drunk driving increases. 

MADD Statistics:

An average drunk driver has driven drunk 80 times before first arrest. 

MADD serves a victim or survivor of drunk driving every nine minutes.

This year, 10,839 people will die in drunk-driving crashes – one every 50 minutes.

One in three people will be involved in an alcohol-related crash in their lifetime.

One in three 8th graders drinks alcohol.  MADD has saved 27,000 young lives through passage of groundbreaking public health laws.

One in three will be involved in an alcohol-related crash in their lifetime.

Every minute, one person is injured from an alcohol-related crash.

50 to 75% of convicted drunk drivers continue to drive on a suspended license.

One in five teens binge drink. Only 1 in 100 parents believes his or her teen binge drinks.

Teen alcohol use kills about 6000 people each year, more than all illegal drugs combined.

Car crashes are the leading cause of death for teens and one out of three of those is alcohol related.

Kids who start drinking young are seven times more likely to be in an alcohol-related crash.

Drunk driving costs each adult in this country almost $500 per year.

High school students who use alcohol or other substances are five times more likely to drop out of school or believe good grades are not important.

Every minute, one person is injured from an alcohol-related crash.

Since 1980 MADD has nearly saved 300,000 lives …and counting.

Open your eyes and see fully the importance of driving sober.  No one wants to live with the guilt of causing an accident because they partied too much, while celebrating the holidays, or any other time of the year.  Do all you can to promote safe driving.  If you “tie one on, please let it just be a red ribbon!”

Source: M.A.D.D.

General Safety Issues

DOES YOUR COMPANY HAVE A LACK OF COMMUNICATION?

Not long ago, we talked about mistakes – how we handle our own, and those of our coworkers.  One of the main causes of errors, incidents and injuries at the workplace may be a lack of communication.  Have you ever felt that you worked in a “top secret organization”, where only the chosen few knew anything about what was going on?  If you often hear, “I didn’t know,” as an excuse, chances are that person probably didn’t know.  Many times, a boss or supervisor will tell their assistant, but it never trickles down to the people who need to know what’s going on.

In the military, communication is of the utmost importance.  Even then, there may have been errors made that proved costly.  Whatever field you choose to work in, it is important that you do your part by paying attention.  Have you ever noticed when you tell someone something,  by the time it has circled the group of friends or coworkers, it’s not even close to the point you were trying to make?  You can tell ten different persons the same thing and they all may walk away with a different point of view.

When your company has an effective communication strategy, the whole team excels.  Employees will come closer to working together with the same goal in mind when they are fully informed on what is expected to happen and how it will be achieved by teamwork, and sharing of information.  Most times, it isn’t necessary to speak eloquently, just put it in pure layman’s terms.  Don’t be afraid to hurt someone’s feelings.  You’d rather do that, than have someone injured because they didn’t get the message.  Employee performance will be enhanced if they are given instructions that produce the correct results.

Another way to improve communication is to ask for others’ opinions.  After all, the workers are the ones that see mistakes and know how to improve productivity.  Many times, they won’t say anything because they are afraid they will upset their supervisor.  So ask for their input, and take heed.  Teamwork is the key to success in any business.  Lack of communication can lead to mistakes, confusion, anger, misunderstandings, and anger or resentment.  There’s no room for any of that in business.  As this motivational safety poster says:

moving gears_ip

There are many consequences of poor communication, such as:

  • Fear.  If workers are afraid there are going to be lay-offs, rumors may start circulating, without communication from the authorities to put their fears at rest.
  • Stress.  If there is tension in the workplace, problems grow.  Persons who are stressed tend to make mistakes.
  • Gossip.  Rumors spread, which can lead to false information.
  • Mistakes. Misunderstanding and confusion can lead to costly errors.
  • Less Productivity.  Taking unnecessary steps because of lack of communication, or often redoing their own work or someone else’s.
  • Lack of Confidence.  Employees misinterpret information, and may begin to feel unappreciated if the information wasn’t fully given to them.  Everyone likes to feel appreciated.
  • Low Morale.  Employees either carry on, giving only the minimum expected of them, or they quit.

No doubt we have all dealt with establishments that have poor communication.  It leads to customer dissatisfaction , resulting in loss of customers.  It may not be the fault of the employees who work there, but a serious lack of clear communication and contact between the leadership and employees.   More often we are seeing that employees are there for one thing, and that is to get the paycheck.  Effective communication increases morale among workers, letting them know that they are important to the company.  Things need to change back to when keeping the customer satisfied was the #1 priority.  When customers are pleased, it is a reflection of happy workers.

General Safety Issues

TODAY, 11-11-11 IS VETERANS’ DAY!

Veterans Day is a state and federal holiday, with banks, post offices, and schools being closed.  How many people that take advantage of the day off realize the meaning of the day, and why it is celebrated?  Many youngsters today could teach us a thing or two about it, because their parents are in the military, and they know what it’s like to have a mom or dad come home.  All our children should understand what this important day stands for. 

Originally known as Armistice Day, it was set aside as a day to honor the military servicemen who fought so valiantly in World War I.  Here is part of a resolution made by Congress on June 4, 1926:

“Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations;”

At the time this was written, WWI was called “the end of the war to end all wars”.  In 1938, Congress made Armistice Day a legal holiday.  Then World War II was declared, which required the greatest mobilization of military in our history.  Next, we entered the Korean War.  The name was changed in 1954 to Veterans Day in order to honor veterans of all wars we have been engaged in.  Since then, we have been engaged in the Vietnam War, Desert Storm, Desert Shield, Iraq, and Afghanistan.  Let’s hope this is the last one.

Those of us who have not experienced war first-hand, can only empathize with those who have, whose eyes fill up with tears, thinking of the memories of comrades in arms that they lost.  We can’t imagine the post-traumatic syndrome that many of them suffer.  Any chance that you have to thank a veteran will be appreciated.  A note or email to someone you know who has served would tell them you are grateful for the safety they have provided our country.  Fly your flag to honor them.

Veterans Day focuses attention to its important purpose: a celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.  We owe a huge debt to all the brave men and women who have fought so courageously.  Let’s hope someday, somehow, they will be able to serve our country in a safer, more peaceful world.

Source: US Department of Veterans Affairs

 

 

 

Eye Protection

PROTECTING YOUR EYES WHILE WORKING OUTSIDE

1 Comment
We never know where our next story will come from.  I received this email today from my sister-in-law, who happens to be an owner-partner in Texas America Safety Company, our parent company.  This incident can happen to anyone who is working in the yard during this time of the year when leaves are falling and grass and other debris is blowing.  She writes:
“ I got a tiny speck in my eye from a dead tree branch that I pulled down.  It took me a long time to get it out, and my eye was red and hurting.  I thought I might have to go to the ER but I finally got it out.  Who would think that such a tiny speck would hurt so much!  I went to the optometrist the next day and he gave me some drops, but didn’t see any damage.  I immediately went to our office and bought some over-the-glasses safety glasses.  I’ll attach a picture.  Our receptionist said that they get many speck problems every Monday as people often work in their yards on the weekend.  Even mowing, we need to wear eye protection.”
We never know where our next story will come from.  I received this email today from my sister-in-law, who happens to be an owner-partner in Texas America Safety Company, our parent company.  This incident can happen to anyone who is working in the yard during this time of the year when leaves are falling and grass and other debris is blowing.
She writes:
“ I got a tiny speck in my eye from a dead tree branch that I pulled down.  It took me a long time to get it out, and my eye was red and hurting.  I thought I might have to go to the ER but I finally got it out.  Who would think that such a tiny speck would hurt so much!  I went to the optometrist the next day and he gave me some drops, but didn’t see any damage.  I immediately went to our office and bought some over-the-glasses safety glasses.  I’ll attach a picture.  Our receptionist said that they get many speck problems every Monday as people often work in their yards on the weekend.  Even mowing, we need to wear eye protection.”
judy glasses
The fact is, there are safety glasses made to fit right over your glasses, so you can not only protect them from debris, such as leaves and grass, but you’ll have better vision, as well, since you can wear your own glasses under them.
We hope those of you who enjoy your fall workouts in the yard will try a pair of these.  It just might save you a trip to the emergency room!
·                 Lenses provide 99% protection against harmful UV rays
·                 Exceeds ANSI Z87.1-2003 High Impact requirements
·                 Lenses are coated for superior scratch resistance
·                 Lightweight nylon temples that adjust for length and pitch
·                 Single lens protection encapsulates the eye for superb protection
·                 Designed to better fit today’s prescription eyewear
The Pyramex OTS safety glasses are a new style of over-the-glass safety glass. It is designed to fit over your prescription eyewear and still be comfortable. The OTS fits today’s smaller RX frame styles and does not have the size and bulk of most over the glass safety glasses. It’s a great alternative to prescription safety glasses.
Thanks, Judy, for sharing your experience with us.  These would be great for anyone who wears glasses and enjoys doing outdoor jobs.
Judy’s Picture. The fact is, there are safety glasses made to fit right over your glasses, so you can not only protect them from debris, such as leaves and grass, but you’ll have better vision, as well, since you can wear your own glasses under them. We hope those of you who enjoy your fall workouts in the yard will try a pair of these.  It just might save you a trip to the emergency room!
Lenses provide 99% protection against harmful UV rays
Exceeds ANSI Z87.1-2003 High Impact requirements
Lenses are coated for superior scratch resistance
Lightweight nylon temples that adjust for length and pitch
Single lens protection encapsulates the eye for superb protection
Designed to better fit today’s prescription eyewear
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The Pyramex OTS safety glasses are a new style of over-the-glass safety glass. It is designed to fit over your prescription eyewear and still be comfortable. The OTS fits today’s smaller RX frame styles and does not have the size and bulk of most over the glass safety glasses. It’s a great alternative to prescription safety glasses.
Thanks, Judy, for sharing your experience with us.  These would be great for anyone who wears glasses and enjoys doing outdoor jobs.  What a small investment to protect our valuable gift of vision.
General Safety Issues

WHAT DO MISTAKES TEACH US?

It’s a very natural thing to make mistakes as we go through life.  We may choose the wrong friends, mates, places to live, or even the wrong job.  Many mistakes can be fixed.  But at work, some errors are not “fixable.”  How many of us haven’t had a few “close calls” in life?  Drifting off into another lane, because our mind wasn’t on the road, catching a dish towel on fire on the stove, (which can be pretty frightening if you don’t get it under control!), or on the job – taking a risk that results in an event that could have been very harmful.  If we aren’t on our toes, things happen so quickly that they are not “close calls,” but deadly ones.  

It is necessary for us to make a mental assessment of how we focus on performing the tasks we are required to do.  Sure, some jobs are more difficult than others – say, working on scaffolding is quite a bit harder than sitting at a desk!  So, we need to analyze how many times we have taken a risk while doing our job, trying to take short cuts, or save time, that could have resulted in disaster.  A “close call” may actually be a blessing in disguise – if we learn from it. 

No one intentionally makes mistakes at work.  One of the main causes of errors is not paying attention.  Maybe you are thinking about a ballgame you watched the night before, or going to a concert soon, rather than focusing on your job.  What if that daydreaming causes you to forget about your risky behavior, which may get someone else hurt?  Staying out of the way of others is a good way to keep them safe – maybe they are carrying a heavy load, and you step right out in front of them, causing them to slip and fall.  Everyone should work safely and use the right equipment and personal protective equipment that is suitable for the particular job.  There are all types of gloves, glasses, goggles, protective clothing, boots, and hardhats that keep you safe from whatever  risks your job involves.  

Have you ever watched someone get so frustrated trying to do a particular job, that their temper gets the best of them, and they want to toss whatever tool they are using?  (This happens quite frequently on the golf course, I’m told!)  If you or one of your coworkers are guilty of this, back off and take a break.  Chances are, you’ll feel much better if you take a short break, plus, you might figure out an easier way to do the task at hand. 

When you make an error at work, do you:

  • Hope no one saw it.
  • Blame someone else.
  • Try not to do it again.
  • Learn from it. 

When you see someone else make a mistake at work, do you:

  • Go tell your supervisor.
  • Stay away from them.
  • Help them before they get hurt.
  • Learn from their mistake, and ensure that they learn, as well. 

There are many things that cause mistakes, such as frustration, fatigue, and pressure.  The main thing we must all recognize is that we must not lose self-control.  We must guard against making errors that can lead to injury.  We are being paid to do a job, to the best of our abilities.  Work and drive safely, and remember that one unguarded moment could lead to injury or worse.

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

FIVE SAFETY DO’S AND DON’Ts ABOUT SCISSOR LIFTS

“OSHA describes scissor lifts as machines that are “movable scaffolds.”  They can lift large, heavy loads that are well balanced, as well as employees, and are capable of moving them safely to and from high elevations.  There are several different safety requirements that apply to the maintenance and use of scissor lifts, because they are classified as heavy equipment.”  This is an excerpt from an article we published in August of this year.  Thankfully, a reader and friend from the United Kingdom has written an outstanding article that gives us a good perspective regarding safety and scissor lifts.  Please enjoy the following Guest Post:

5 Scissor Lift Safety Do’s and Don’ts

In operating heavy machineries it is important for the operators of these machines to be aware of the safety procedures and guidelines in order to avoid accidents and injuries. Safety should be the primary concern of operators when workers are doing their jobs using heavy machines. The time to finish jobs when following safety procedures will be longer but the risks will be lower and the chance of delay in the operation on account of accidents and injuries will be reduced. Also, the chances of lawsuits will be lower in cases of work related accidents and injuries if safety guidelines are followed strictly.

Colleges have been using aerial lifts for reasons other than their intended purpose. The most frequent use of scissor lifts is the filming of football practices to get an aerial view of college teams. This practice has been deemed unsafe because the person holding the camera might be blown over by a sudden gust of wind and there are no safety regulations and guidelines being followed to prevent that sort of thing.

A twenty year old has died because of the failure of university officials to set safety guidelines when using scissor lifts. Investigations were made by the university where the unfortunate incident happened and they found out after a few months after the incident that the policies of the university regarding the safety procedures and safeguards in using scissor lifts were not adequate to prevent accidents like the one that happened.  After that, other colleges have looked into their own policies when using machines such as these.  For the purpose of preventing accidents from happening when using scissor lifts here are 5 guidelines to follow.

1.       Use it for raised platform working, but don’t overload

Scissor lifts are just like any machine, they can perform the jobs needed from them but they also have a limit. Scissor lifts are primarily used for raising up things or people so they can do their tasks from an elevated platform. The weight of the things to be raised is a priority in safety because as the platform is raised, the base on which it is anchored becomes unstable as it goes higher. Once the platform becomes unstable outside forces like winds or a shake in the base will greatly affect the raised platform which can lead to accidents.

2.       Use it to transfer materials, but don’t rush

When transferring materials to high places it is always recommended to be sure and steady. As the adage goes “haste makes waste.” Caution should always be practiced when using heavy machinery and when dealing with machines that extend many feet above the ground.

3.       Use lanyards but follow the Ghostbusters’s rule (don’t cross the streams)

Lanyards are used as a safety option when operating machinery. It is attached to a worker’s wrist and in case the worker becomes incapacitated when operating the machine, the fall will enable the lanyard to pull the “kill switch” which is also attached to the lanyard and stop the machine from operating. However, another precaution should also be in place in order for the lanyards to be effective as a safety measure. Workers must make sure that their lanyards are not intertwined or are not crossing the streams as the safety precaution of lanyards will be compromised.

4.       Stay inside the guard rails, don’t over extend or stand on the rails

Persons who are tasked to be on the platform should always bear in mind that the guard rails are there for a reason. It is for their own protection to keep their bodies in the guard rail all the time. There are some circumstances and sometimes they cannot be avoided, that require a worker to reach out over the platform to perform a task. But one should be vigilant to not lean over or reach out too much to a point of over extending one’s self beyond the guardrails. Standing on the rails should also be avoided. The safety hazards of such act are innumerable and are subjected to every kind of outside forces that will cause a person to lose balance and fall. If there is an urgent need to go higher to perform a task it is better to raise up the platform itself rather than stand on the guard rails.

5.       Move the platform for different areas but not while the platform is extended.

When moving heavy machineries or any mechanical device for that matter, it is best to be cautious when transporting them from one place to another. The platform of the scissor lift should be brought back to its original place in the machine before moving the whole thing, just like when one would move a car or an oven, it is best to close the doors first so it won’t bump into other things while in transit. The same safety concept should be adopted when moving the platform of a scissor lift. In order to avoid accidents and injuries the extended platform should be lowered first before moving from one place to another.

In any job requiring the use of machines, especially heavy machinery it is very important to follow the safety guidelines while operating them. Operators should be strict in enforcing these guidelines to ensure a safe working environment for people using heavy machineries like scissor lifts. An unfortunate accident already happened because of the lack of safety standards in the use of scissor lifts outside of construction sites, like in colleges. The safety guidelines should be addressed by colleges when their students are using machineries like scissor lifts. There are standard safety guidelines to be followed strictly in order to avoid accidents when using scissor lifts.

We thank Allan Twillert, a Marketing Consultant that writes for Horizon Limited Platforms, a construction machine rental solution company in the United Kingdom.  For more information on Allan’s company, go to info@horizonplatformsco.uk.  It is an honor for us to hear from our friends in other countries who , like us, are very concerned about the safety of workers and students.

General Safety Issues

WAKE UP! IT’S NATIONAL DROWSY DRIVING PREVENTION WEEK!

WAKE UP! IT’S DROWSY DRIVING PREVENTION MONTH!

Drowsy Driving Prevention Week®, November 6th through 12th,  is a National Sleep Foundation public awareness campaign to educate drivers about sleep safety. Last year, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety released a study showing that the tragedy of drowsy driving is more pervasive than shown in previous estimates. Their study shows that drowsy driving involves:

  •          About one in six deadly crashes;
  •          One in eight crashes resulting in occupant hospitalization,
  •          One in fourteen crashes in which a vehicle was towed.
  •          These percentages are substantially higher than most previous estimates, suggesting that the contribution of drowsy driving to motor vehicle crashes, injuries, and deaths has not been fully appreciated.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that drowsy driving results in 1,550 deaths, 71,000 injuries and more than 100,000 accidents each year. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety analysis of the accidents resulting from drivers falling asleep behind the wheels is cause for alarm and concern. According to the study, younger drivers age 16-24 were nearly twice as likely to be involved in a drowsy driving crash as drivers age 40-59, and about 57 percent of drowsy driving crashes involved the driver drifting into other lanes or even off the road.

The study also found that –

  • Vehicles in which the driver was accompanied by a passenger were nearly 50 percent less likely to be involved in a drowsy driving related crash.
  • More than half (55%) of those drivers who reported having fallen asleep while driving in the past year said that it occurred on a high-speed divided highway.
  • More than half (59%) of those drivers who reported having fallen asleep while driving in the past year said they had been driving for less than an hour before falling asleep; only one in five reported they had been driving for three hours or longer.
  • More than one in four drivers (26%) who reported having fallen asleep while driving in the past year reported that it had occurred between noon and 5 p.m.
  • Men (52%) were much more likely than women (30%) to report having ever fallen asleep while driving; men (14%) were also more likely than women (8%) to admit having done so in the past year.
  • Drivers age 24 and younger were most likely to report having fallen asleep in the past year, but they were least likely to report having ever fallen asleep. This is consistent with other studies that have found younger drivers to have a higher risk of falling asleep at the wheel.

According to the Foundation’s 2009 Sleep in America poll, about one-third (28%) of Americans admitted that they have fallen asleep behind the wheel within the past year, and more than half (54%) said they have driven while drowsy. The following warning signs indicate that it’s time to stop driving and find a safe place to pull over and address your condition:

  • Difficulty focusing, frequent blinking and/or heavy eyelids
  • Difficulty keeping daydreams at bay
  • Trouble keeping your head up
  • Drifting from your lane, swerving, tailgating and/or hitting rumble strips
  • Inability to clearly remember the last few miles driven
  • Missing exits or traffic signs
  • Yawning repeatedly
  • Feeling restless, irritable, or aggressive.

Sleepiness can impair drivers by causing slower reaction times, vision impairment, slips in judgment and delays in processing information. In fact, studies show that being awake for more than 20 hours results in an impairment equal to a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08%, the legal limit in all states. It is also possible to fall into a 3-4 second microsleep without realizing it.  Here’s how to prevent a fall-asleep crash:

  • Get a good night’s sleep before you hit the road. You’ll want to be alert for the drive, so be sure to get adequate sleep (seven to nine hours) the night before you go.
  • Don’t be too rushed to arrive at your destination. Many drivers try to maximize the holiday weekend by driving at night or without stopping for breaks.
  • It’s better to allow the time to drive alert and arrive alive.
  • Use the buddy system. Just as you should not swim alone, avoid driving alone for long distances. A buddy who remains awake for the journey can take a turn behind the wheel and help identify the warning signs of fatigue.
  • Take a break every 100 miles or 2 hours. Do something to refresh yourself like getting a snack, switching drivers, or going for a run.
  • Take a nap—find a safe place to take a 15 to 20-minute nap, if you think you might fall asleep. Be cautious about excessive drowsiness after waking up.
  • Avoid alcohol and medications that cause drowsiness as a side-effect.
  • Avoid driving at times when you would normally be asleep.
  • Consume caffeine. The equivalent of two cups of coffee can increase alertness for several hours.

Have you ever been in the car when someone at the wheel falls asleep?  I have, and it’s a pretty unsettling event.   As our driver began veering into the opposite lane, the front passenger asked, “Did you go to sleep?”  She answered yes, and admitted later that she has done it before.  Despite her friend’s advice to find out the cause of this problem, she continues to drive.  Because we must be responsible for our own safety, we should refuse to ride with someone who drives drowsy or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 

Source: National Sleep Foundation

General Safety Issues

NEW ADA STANDARDS FOR SWIMMING POOLS

Probably not too many of us are using swimming pools now, unless they are heated, but this guest article will give many persons something to look forward to next spring.

New ADA Standards for Swimming Pools

The following information was sent to us by Guest Author, Jeffrey Cross, SEO/SEM Specialist at PoolCorp.  It refers to new regulations regarding public swimming pools’ access arrangements according to the Americans with Disabilities Act.  We appreciate this news, which comes into effect in 2012.


Affected Facilities

Those affected are commercial swimming pools that are state and local government owned facilities, parks and recreation departments, state run schools and universities, as well as hotels, health clubs, private schools and community centers. Private residences, apartments and condominiums are not affected unless they sell memberships to the public or actively rent out their units to the public similar to a hotel. Nature made swimming locations like beaches, lakes, and rivers are not affected.

Means of Access

The newly adopted regulations define five permitted means of access for swimming pools. Primary means of access include swimming pool lifts and sloped entries. Secondary means of access include transfer walls, transfer systems, and accessible pool stairs.  Access requirements differ depending on the size of the swimming pool. For large pools with over 300 linear feet of pool wall, two means of access are required. One of these required means must be a primary access. For smaller pools with under 300 linear feet of pool wall, at least one means of access must be provided, and it must be primary.

Tax Credits

Tax credits are also available for adapting to the new regulations. If a facility has annual revenue under $1 million or has fewer than 30 employees, it can receive a tax credit up to $5000 to help offset the cost of the accessibility modifications.

Resources

 

Jeff Cross, SEO/SEM Specialist

POOLCORP, 109 Northpark Blvd., Covington, LA 70433

Note: Thank you, Jeff, for this information.  Many persons who could not access a swimming pool, either public, or at hotels, can now look forward to the same recreation that others enjoy.  Those who have or have had family members or friends who are disabled know the many obstacles they must overcome, and this will be one less.