Monthly Archives: April 2012

General Safety Issues

NATIONAL DISTRACTED DRIVING AWARENESS MONTH – PART I

Letting oneself become distracted while driving is one of the most dangerous things our highways are facing.  First, food and drink were the contributors to distracted driving.  Now, with cell phones being the main culprit, we are seeing more and more accidents being caused by not only talking on the phone while driving, but texting while behind the wheel.  New cars are being designed with technological advancements that require looking at the screen rather than the road, so it is easy to see why so many drivers today are guilty of driving distracted, often as a result of multi-tasking. 

According to studies on driving distractions, focus is placed on three major forms of distractions: physical, visual, and cognitive.  Using a cell phone while driving places cognitive demands on the user.  Talking on the phone requires concentration to listen, process and respond as opposed to just listening.  An even higher, more dangerous level of driving distraction is text messaging.  This affects all three major forms of driving distraction simultaneously.  It has been shown that hands-free phones are no safer than handheld ones. 

Almost every day we  hear a story about a child or innocent person who has been killed by someone talking on his/her cell phone, who ran a red light, or failed to see the other car.  Go to Focus Driven – Advocates for Cell-Free Driving and read some of the stories of how the use of cell phones while driving have impacted the lives of others, those who lost a child or family member.  There is no conversation that is so important that is worth taking the chance of hurting or killing someone.  It’s a simple thing to turn that cell phone off.  Your messages will be there when you arrive safely at your destination.  Just think how convenient it is to have your very own answering machine with you, taking your messages.  If you will get into the habit of turning your phone off, you will learn to appreciate a nice, quiet drive without disruption.  The experience of reading those stories has convinced me to turn my phone off while I am driving.  I have said it before, and then slipped back into the habit of setting it close by, but I don’t want to be guilty of hurting an innocent person because of some conversation with a friend, that could wait until I am out of my car. 

In the words of one of the guest bloggers on the Original Blog of Focus Driven-Advocates for Cell-Free phones: “Should connectivity be prioritized over safety?  Refraining from using a cell phone while driving may seem impossible to some.  Drivers using cell phones are four times as likely to crash.  Sending or receiving text messages increases crash risk by at least eight times.  No text, no conversation, no status update of email is worth putting your life, or another person’s life, in danger.”  This man was describing the devastation of losing his 12-year old son, who was riding with his mother when her SUV was hit on his side of the car by a woman ran a red light, talking on her cell-phone.  His son would now be 21, and, sadly,  his parents can only imagine what he would have been like at that age. 

If we are ever to change this problem, it is going to involve everyone.  If you receive a call from someone while they are driving, ask them to hang up, because you don’t want them to have an accident, and then ask them to call you when they get home.  Speak up if you are a passenger, and tell your driver to please stop texting while you are in the car.  It will take courage to tell your friends, family members and co-workers, who use their cell phones while driving, to ask them to take the pledge to drive cell-free.  Help change the social acceptance about cell phone distracted driving.  This should begin with new drivers, who need to get into the habit of not using their phones as soon as they begin driving, and of course, parents, who should have set the example for them. 

Tomorrow, we will continue with how distracted driving affects companies’ liability when their drivers use cell phones while operating company vehicles, and how they are correcting the problem.

General Safety Issues

TACTICS TO AVOID SEXUAL ABUSE

Although it is a subject that no one wants to discuss, we need to do all we can to help persons know how to protect themselves from sexual assault.  The month of April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month – a time to consider that this problem is one that is committed all too often.  Many times, assault victims don’t report it, because they become the one that is blamed for the act, rather than the perpetrator.  Rape, or sexual assault, is a violent crime, not a sexual act.

Listed below are good tips from the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault.  Please consider these ways to reduce your risk of becoming a victim: 

  • On Dates:  If you are on a first date with someone, and you don’t really know much about that person, meet in a public place, arriving and leaving separately.  If a situation makes you uncomfortable, speak up.  Don’t isolate yourself with someone you don’t know or trust.  Trust your feelings; if it doesn’t feel right, or you feel pressured, listen to yourself.  Once you say “No”, it becomes a crime if an assault takes place.
  • At Home: Have a door viewer and a dead bolt lock on your front door.  Never hide a key over a door or other obvious places.  Be cautious about revealing personal information over the phone or internet.  Keep your blinds and curtains closed at night.  Never admit strangers or unwanted contacts to your home under any circumstances.
  • In the Car:  Always lock your car when leaving and entering it.  Look in the back seat before entering your car.  Have your cell phone with you at all times.  Lock yourself in the car if you have car trouble, call for help, and wait for assistance to arrive.  If you think someone is following you, drive to the nearest public place and blow your horn.  If a police station or hospital is nearby, go there.
  • At Parties:  Go with friends and stay with your group.  Watch out for each other and leave together.  Never leave a beverage unattended.  Overuse of alcohol or drugs can decrease your awareness and make you vulnerable.  No matter how persuasive or attractive a stranger may be, never leave with that person.
  • On the Street:  Don’t walk close to alleyways and bushes.  Wear sensible clothing and shoes, which will allow you to maneuver or run.  Stay alert and aware.  If you walk or jog, take alternate routes or time on the street.  Predictable behavior is risky.  Keep your cell phone in your pocket. 

Other statistics pertaining to this topic, are the ones regarding Child Sexual Assault.  Between 75 per cent and 80 per cent of assailants are known to the family, or are family members.  Parents should know that young children do not make up stories about a subject as serious as this.  Children are never responsible for these assaults made against them; however, most children are afraid to tell their parents.  Children can be taught to use their own resources to protect themselves, such as kicking, yelling, running, getting help, etc.  The key is that they know to whom they can turn for immediate and unquestioning help.  Schools may do some instruction to children on ways to protect themselves. 

Again, we can’t turn our backs on subjects that are not pleasant to discuss.  Counselors encourage people to spread the word about ways to avoid becoming a victim.  It can happen to children, adults, seniors, any one, any age.  The National Sexual Assault Hotline, (800-656-HOPE) is available 24/7, offering free confidential services.

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

SAFETY ADVICE FOR PARENTS OF YOUNG ATHLETES

All safety observances are important – one deserves as much attention as the other.  The month of April recognizes many, and today we want to focus on two of them.  April is National Youth Sports Safety Month, as well as Sports Eye Safety Month.  It seems fitting that we can talk about both of them today. 

Last September, the National Youth Sports Health and Safety Institute was launched.  The executive director of this institute is Michael Bergeron, Ph.D., FACSM.  Dr. Bergeron states, “there has been a disturbing trend in the youth sports industry – we are seeing an increase in injuries that have never been seen before in children and teens: over-use/stress-induced, and concussions.  Over the last two months, 14 kids have already died – half from heat-related causes, the other half from cardiac issues; it used to be that 2-3 kids died each year.  Something needs to change.”  The goals of this program include collecting research, developing new education strategies and educating parents, coaches, trainers, and physicians.  

Four “pillars” that will come under the Institute:

  • Unique Clinical Conditions in Youth Athletic Populations (e.g., Type 1 diabetes, eating disorders, sudden cardiac trauma)
  • Concussion/mild traumatic brain injury
  • Heat illness and injury
  • Overuse/overload and injury risk. 

Other Sports Injury Facts from the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and Safe Kids USA: 

  • More than half of all sports injuries happen at practice.  Despite this fact, one-third of parents often do not take the same safety precautions during their child’s practices as they would for a game.
  • More than 3.5 million children ages 14 and under receive medical treatment for sports injuries annually.
  • Injuries associated with sports and recreational activities account for 21 percent of all traumatic brain injuries among children in the United States.
  • Overuse injury is responsible for almost half of all sports injuries to middle and high school students.  Immature bones, insufficient rest after an injury and poor training or conditioning contribute to overuse injuries among children.
  • Children ages 5 to 14 account for almost 40 percent of all sports-related injuries treated in hospital emergency departments.  The rate and severity of sports-related injury increases with a child’s age. 

Sports Eye Safety Information: 

In the United States,  more than 100,000 physician visits per year are because of eye injuries from sports.  Basketball and baseball cause the most eye injuries, followed by water sports and racket sports.  The American Academy of Pediatrics and American Academy of Opthalmology strongly recommend protective eyewear for all participants in sports where there is risk of eye injury.  Appropriate protective eyewear for sports should be chosen after consultation from an ophthalmologist, optometrist, optician, physician or athletic trainer.  Only two types of eyewear are satisfactory for sports protective eyewear:

  1. Safety sports eyewear that conforms to the requirements of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard F803 for selected sports.
  2. Sports eyewear that is attached to a helmet or for sports in which ASTM standard F803 is inadequate; those include specifications for youth baseball batters and base runners, paintball, skiing, and ice hockey.  Other protectors with specific standards are available for football and men’s lacrosse. 

Parents and athletes should know about the risks associated with playing sports and the availability of a variety of certified sports eye protectors.  

Important Advice for Coaches and Parents: 

Most coaches in youth sports are volunteers.  It is important that at least one coach has training in CPR.  There should also be a first aid kit handy, just in case of an accident.  It is important for parents and coaches to remember that first of all, sports should be fun for the kids.  Many times, too much pressure is put on kids to excel in their choice of sport.  Ninety-five percent of youths who play sports in high school are through with sports when they graduate.  Only five percent of student athletes go on to play college sports.  

Nothing pleases a child more than having their parents and grandparents watch them participate in sports, music, or whatever their chosen activity is.  Support them and be sure that if they are playing sports, all safety measures are taken;  most of all, have fun!

Sources: Fox News; National Eye Institute (Unite for Sight); National Center for Sports Safety

General Safety Issues

SEVEN BAD HABITS KIDS PICK UP FROM TWITTER – Guest Post

Today, we are featuring an article sent to us by Martina Keyhell, with becomeananny.org/blog.  Not too long ago, Martina sent us a some tips about bad habits that teens pick up from Facebook.  Here is her take on Twitter:

“Social media forums have some real up sides, we can’t deny that. When it comes to staying in touch with far-flung friends and family and being up to speed with all the latest and greatest in news and gossip, it’s been a real blessing to have social networking sites like Twitter. We just wish that some kids didn’t suffer from some side-effects of overuse. Don’t know what we’re talking about? We’ll explain. Here are seven bad habits that kids pick up from Twitter:

  1. Poor Grammar – We’ve seen this from chat room usage, text messaging, and IM’s; so it’s nothing that’s really new. The 140-character limit and Twitter’s wildly popular platform just seem to exacerbate the problem to a far greater degree.
  2. Time Management – Let’s be frank, this isn’t just a problem for kids, but it poses a greater threat to them, since they haven’t yet learned to balance their time between work and leisure to the extent they will need to as adults.
  3. Following Celebrities – On the surface, and with proper balance, there’s nothing inherently wrong with corresponding with celebrities. In fact it’s one of the great things about Twitter. The danger is in placing more emphasis on the posts of the famous, re-tweeting every little blurb as though it were sage wisdom, all just because of the person’s celebrity status.
  4. Public Venting – It’s good to have outlets for our anger and frustration, so long as they are safe and private. The trend these days apparently is to go to your profile and launch into a thoughtless tirade when the mood swings. Not a wise or healthy habit and one that can end up backfiring on you.
  5. Loss of Originality – This isn’t a widespread thing, but it’s something we are seeing more and more often. Re-tweets are another form of showing approval, like a thumbs-up or a like. Used in that way, they’re vaguely useful and certainly harmless enough.  The difference is that re-tweets at times almost seem like recitations, with RT’ers supplanting original thought in favor of aping whatever post happens to be popular at the time.
  6. Auto-Following – In this context, it’s more or less seen as a polite reciprocation of a friendly gesture. It can be done automatically with an app, or manually on a tit-for-tat basis. The thing is, following someone should be based on individual merit, as determined by the follower, on a case-by-case basis. Kids need to establish these parameters and values in their lives now, and not toss them aside in a social networking environment.
  7. Blurring the Lines – This is a virtually universal issue, in that it affects people of various ages, backgrounds and occupations. There seems to be little if any distinction for so many of us, between our personal and professional lives, as we embrace these social media sites.”

Thanks, Martina, and if I may add to your #7.  This issue does affect many different persons, in all walks of life.  It is very irritating to see a politician during session supposedly listening to the person speaking, (maybe the subject is important to the rest of us!), but during that time he/she is Tweeting!  This happens in all walks of life., as well.  We need to pay attention to things that are important to others, and then share our news on the social network of choice.

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Head Protection, High Visibility Safety

SAFETY EQUIPMENT FOR CRANE OPERATORS AND LIFTING CREWS

About the authors:
Pat Brownlee writes for Blog4Safety.com, a part of Texas America Safety Company, (tasco-safety.com), who wishes to share safety advice. Texas America Safety Company has been in the safety supply business for over twenty years, serving the world with quality safety products. Our phone number is 800-646-5346 or 325-646-5346.
Nathan Gladwin is the business development manager of Harold Potter Ltd.  They provide lifting equipment, heavy duty cranes and overhead cranes for construction, manufacturing and industry in the United Kingdom.  Their website is haroldpotter.co.uk.  Our phone number is  01159-838-111.  In this piece, two companies come together as experts within their respective fields to discuss the safety requirements and protective equipment that crane operators and heavy lifting crews should be deploying to reduce and minimise the dangers and inherent risks of working within heavy industry.

Accidents keep happening every day, often due to someone’s irresponsibility. It isn’t surprising to learn that cranes at construction sites, drilling rigs, and mines are popular places for serious injuries, and sometimes death. If Personal Protective Equipment, PPE, had been used, possibly these accidents could have been prevented, or at best, less serious injuries may have occurred.

Nathan: “One of the tasks I perform every Friday morning is to see what news and developments are happening in our industry, this often finds me encountering health and safety incidents and accidents at work involving cranes. It’s important to know the mistakes others are making so that we can adequately address the needs of our customers.  Due to the sheer number of silly accidents and fatalities I decided to seek out opportunities to speak about personal protective (PPE) and safety equipment that in our opinion should be issued to crane operators and lifting crews working within heavy industry.”

There is much responsibility for crane companies to train their operators and ground crews to go about their business as safely as possible. In the United States, OSHA requires the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce employee exposure to hazards. The lifting, maneuvering and moving of heavy loads means the chances of impact or collisions are quite likely at some point.

Pat: “Flame resistant clothing, gloves, head protection, eyewear and protective footwear are all examples of PPE. The particular job hazards will dictate the type of PPE that is needed for a certain crane project. All protective clothing and equipment should be appropriate and specific for the job and the potential hazards. Workers must always ensure that their PPE is clean and functional. In the case it is damaged, they should return it to their supervisor for replacement.”

Nathan: “It’s often not a question of if, but when it will happen. A hard hat will protect you from knocks or impacts that would cause concussion or may potentially result in a death. It’s not just swinging loads; people have been seriously hurt and injured from tripping into hardened or blunt stationary objects.”

Pat: “Yes, operators should wear a hardhat; most hardhats have the capability for face shields or other safety products to be attached as necessary.”

Can you give us an example as to how and why hard hats should always be worn? Do you find people are complacent about their own health and safety?

Nathan: “A particularly memorable example that comes to mind is that of a bizarre death involving a crane operator carrying out lifting at a cargo port. The straps that were used to secure a load of heavy steel were either not suitable for the job or were possibly fatigued and in a state of disrepair. In any case, the straps buckled under pressure and a metal bolt was projected at high velocity striking the operator in the head. This sadly concluded with the operators’ death. A hard hat may have saved his life.”

Pat: “…yes, it was too hot, or too uncomfortable, on and on. Now, manufacturers and designers have designed protective clothing, safety glasses, and gloves that fit small persons, large persons, and women, who usually require smaller clothing. So, there’s really no good excuse for not wearing your PPE.”

Nathan: “As a crane operator, there will be something to meet the specific environment you work in. PPE and hi-vis clothing comes available in everything from light waist coats, pants, coveralls to extreme all weather suits and jackets.”
Is some PPE more important than others?

Pat: “We believe all PPE is vital, so it’s hard to classify which one is the most important. First aid kits should be available – both in the crane and on the ground. Gloves that are good for gripping gears should be used, and if necessary, there are flame resistant coveralls, jackets, etc. Fire equipment should also be on board.”

Nathan: “…It can be heart sinking to discover missing kits or whereby they have not been replenished over time when they’re needed. It’s not really possible to answer what’s most important, as the risk will be different dependent upon the situation or project.”

Pat: “For eye protection, there are impact resistant safety glasses, goggles, and over-the-glasses safety glasses. Most workers want to wear good safety shoes, ones that have steel-toes, (unless they work around electricity), and that will equally keep them safe from slips, trips and falls.

What would you recommend for specific roles within lifting crews?

Pat: “For the signalers, who know all safety regulations pertaining to cranes and the work that is being performed, hardhats would be a must. Regulations allow only one person to be the signaler, being sure the operator acknowledges every signal, and maintains constant sight with the operator. Signalers are to stop the operation at once if communication with the crane operator is lost.”

The laws of gravity govern that what goes up must come down; the question of how to stay safe will be on many peoples’ minds when in close proximity to or involved in such activity.

Nathan: “Safety shoes, boots or trainers of the sufficient safety grade will prevent your feet from getting crushed, and it’s never nice to hear about how someone had to have a foot or limb amputated when simple equipment can make all the difference.”

Pat: “For those who are part of boom assembly or disassembly, and working on tower cranes, OSHA requires the use of fall arrest systems when working at an unsafe height.”

Cranes and lifting equipment are used in all sorts of challenging locations such as shipping ports, dry-docks, drilling rigs, building and construction sites or manufacturing workshops. I imagine being able to clearly hear a persons’ voice over the background noise can be challenging even when conditions are ideal. How do people stay safe in these conditions?

Nathan: “If you cannot be heard, then it’s imperative that you can be seen! Much of today’s modern and robust safety clothing and garments feature high visibility materials and fabrics, reflective surfaces and dyed in bright colours. They are of course the iconic sign that you work in industry and you’re to be taken seriously. You backup your chances of remaining safe in dangerous or hazardous conditions by ensuring if that you’re not always sharp to seeing a potential threat, that at least someone else can be looking out for you.”

Pat: “The rest of the crew should be wearing hi-visibility vests or jackets, hardhats, gloves, and safety glasses. The use of hi-visibility hardhats, vests, and gloves would be very important in these situations. There are gloves that have bright colors, and unless this interferes with the hand signals they give the crane operator, this would be helpful.”

What are your concluding thoughts?

Nathan: “We can be sure PPE isn’t an outright replacement for common sense, intelligence and foresight thinking; however it does in fact compliment this extremely well and will prevent companies from experiencing the negative repercussions.”

Pat: “Training is the main key to a successful crew. We are in agreement with the statement you made that PPE isn’t an outright replacement for acting properly.   In case of emergencies, the employer should know that the crews are well-trained in CPR, first aid, and emergency response. Operating any type of heavy equipment is a huge responsibility, with others depending on the operator’s skill and knowledge of safety.”

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

ADVICE TO HELP YOU STAY HEALTHY

Although this comes a litle late, we want to remind you that April 2nd through April 8th was designated by the American Public Health Association as National Public Health Week.  Because almost 1 million Americans die each year from diseases that could have been prevented, even small preventive changes and community initiatives can make a big difference in living healthier lives.  Here are just a few ideas from the APHA: 

Eating and Living Healthy – eating healthier and exercising regularly can go a long way toward helping Americans lessen their risk of preventable death from causes such as stroke, heart disease, and cancer.  Try eating more fruits and less fats and sugar, and also get into the habit of eating as a family.  Aim for 60 minutes per day of physical activity for children, and at least 30 minutes for adults.  Every one of us should have 30 minutes to spare for a short walk or exercise in the home. 

Preventive Care – also matters when it comes to the mind and prescription drug abuse.  Mental health and emotional well-being are focused on, as annual deaths from prescription drug abuse have quadrupled in the last decade.  The cost of preventive screenings differ, but there is advice on how to control your out of pocket expenses.  Companies may sometimes provide screenings for their employees, and this rewards those who may need some preventive care, as well as their employer, by keeping their workers healthy. 

An ounce of mental health prevention is worth a pound of cure.  Those who suffer from depression and other mental stress can be helped by screenings, as well as therapy, or some mild form of medication.  Don’t let depression get in your way of happiness.  Signs of depression may lead to suicidal thinking.  If you know someone who may appear to have this problem, encourage them to seek professional help.

Communicable Diseases – encourage everyone to wash their hands often, every time they shop, prepare food, or handle fruits, vegetables, and meats.  Also, when sneezing or coughing, cover your mouth.  Take advantage of vaccinations, such as flu shots during seasonal outbreaks.  If you become sick, stay home until you are well, in order to not expose others to your “bug”.

Alcohol, Tobacco, and other Drugs – identify alcohol and drug use disorders early to reduce high-risk alcohol and drug consumption.  A person who has a problem with alcohol or drugs is a hazard at work, as well as to themselves. 

Reproductive and Sexual Health – Practice safe sex, encourage responsible contraception behavior and promote access to preventive health services.  

Our communities can play a vital role to encourage their citizens on how to live  healthy, active life styles.  Many 5K runs and walks are beneficial ways to be healthy (you have to train), and know that you are doing it for a worthy cause, as well.  Work with schools to add more physical activity into the school day, including additional physical education classes, before-and-after-school programs, and opening school facilities for student and family recreation in the late afternoon and evening.  Community leaders can also ensure their city parks are safe and in good repair, and have a community center that enables young people to have a safe place to go for multiple games and activities.

Good health information is available at hospitals, clinics, and other health care facilities .  Pick up some of the brochures and you may be surprised at the good advice they offer on preventive health care.  Have a safe and healthy Spring and Summer.

Fall Safety, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products

NATIONAL WINDOW SAFETY WEEK APRIL 1 – 7

There are so many health and safety observations for the month of April, it will keep us busy to describe them all.  April 1-7 is National Window Safety Week, sponsored by the National Safety Council.  The Window Safety Task Force of the NSC reminds parents that windows play a vital role in our homes, but they can also pose a risk of a fall in the home if the appropriate safety measures are not taken.   Fires and falls of all kinds are among the leading causes of injury and death in young children.  Children may climb up on furniture to reach the window, and fall out.  It is important that when windows are kept open for ventilation, such as these pretty spring days, there’s no furniture close by that they can access a window.  One study revealed that more than 5,000 kids fall out of windows every year, suffering injuries that can be severe. 

The Screen Manufacturers Association (SMA) has spearheaded industry and consumer-oriented programs dealing with screen safety issues.  SMA’s “Kids Can’t Fly” programs have gained national recognition in promoting the concept that screens are designed to furnish ventilation and keep insects out – they are not designed to keep small children in!   Children should also be taught not to play near open windows or around patio doors.  A fall through a glass door can cause a serious injury, or be fatal. 

Windows also play a vital role in home safety.  They serve as a secondary escape route in the event of a fire or other emergency.  Legislators throughout the United States have mandated building codes requiring specific windows be designated as points of escape.  The size and placement of windows designated  for escape in a residence are also governed by building codes.  The ability to easily open widows and remove insect screens without special knowledge or tools is critical to safely escaping through a window.  Many persons have died in their own burning homes, because of sealing their windows shut to prevent break-ins or worse, in dangerous neighborhoods.  This is a tragedy, when people’s safety is so threatened.  If you need more security for your home, call your local fire department or building code official to determine proper window guard placement, such as security bars, grilles or grates, that have a functioning release mechanism. 

Plan a strategic window in each sleeping and living area that will meet escape and rescue requirements.  Plant shrubs or grass beneath the windows, that could furnish a more cushioned landing space, just in case.  Every family should have an emergency escape plan.  Teach your children that a window can save their life in the event of a fire.  Practice this plan regularly.  They are taught things about fire safety at school, as well, but if you prepare them for action at home, they will understand the importance of exiting the house the right way. 

It’s always a good idea to have a first aid kit handy in every home.  Keep it stocked with the right supplies for every scenario, from scrapes and cuts to over-the-counter medications.  Remember, keep your windows locked when you shut them.  Don’t invite trouble.

General Safety Issues

FINDING A WAY TO PREVENT ALCOHOL ABUSE

As we know, April is Alcohol Awareness Month, and the first Thursday of every April is National Alcohol Screening Day.  Most folks don’t understand what is in store for moderate alcohol users.  There should not be more than two drinks per day for men, and for women and seniors, it’s recommended not to take more than one drink per day.  There could be a sign of a problem if you are not following these guidelines.  Here are some signs of a drinking problem:

  • Guilt about drinking.
  • Unsuccessful trials to reduce or stop drinking.
  • Denying or hiding drinking addictions.
  • Posing risk or causing harm to oneself or someone else after drinking.
  • Drinking to soothe nerves, forget troubles, or bolster a somber mood.
  • Feeling angry, resentful, or unreasonable when not drinking.
  • Medical, family, social, or financial problems caused by drinking.
  • Thrust to drink enhanced amounts of alcohol in order to achieve the desired effect.

Now, these statistics about alcohol problems:

  • Almost 49 per cent of American adults prohibit alcohol or drink less than 12 drinks per year.
  • About 22 per cent of adult Americans are occasional drinkers.
  • About 29 per cent of American adults (nearly 3 in every 10 are “risky drinkers” whose drinking behavior lends them at increased risk for alcohol disorders. 

The National Alcohol Screening Day’s outreach program provides an informative and yet non-threatening process to raise awareness about this issue.  Early diagnosis of at-risk drinking behaviors is the first step to proper intervention and treatment remedies.  The Workplace Response alcohol screening program provides your EAP with effective tools designed to educate your employees about mental health and the resources available to them.  These private screenings reduce stigma, raise awareness about alcohol abuse and connect those in need of help to the proper resources available.  

Alcohol and Women: 

Women are at higher risk than men with several medical conditions of alcohol use.  Women who abuse alcohol are more prone to observe cirrhosis, damage of heart cells, and nervous system problems.  Women develop organ disorder easily and faster, and at lower levels of alcohol intake as comparable to men.  The progression of alcoholism seems to be quicker in women as compared to men.  One theory is that a woman’s body usually has less water than a man’s, enabling their blood alcohol content to achieve greater level,  much faster. 

Alcohol and College Students: 

Fourteen hundred college students in the age groups of 18 and 24 embrace death every year from alcohol-related unintentional injuries that cause motor accidents and fatalities.  More than 600,000 students in the same age group are assaulted every year by another drunken young person. 

Alcohol and Older Drinkers: 

Heavy alcohol consumption is considered to be the cause of memory deficits.  Alcohol-related troubles, including interactions with prescription and over-the-counter drugs are due to most of the know substance-related troubles experienced by older adults.  Heavy alcohol intake may also enhance the risk for Alzheimer’s disease in both genders and in women specifically, as they seem to be more prone than men to alcohol-related brain damage or disorder.  Due to age-related body changes, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism suggests that older people should not take more than one drink a day. 

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

STADIUM SAFETY – GUEST POST

By Jack Rubinger, www.DuraLabel.com

“Look around almost any stadium in the world and you’ll see enormous ads, pyrotechnics and other impressive visuals that command your attention. But stadiums are really missing an opportunity to make safety more of a concern,” said Chris Haag, a sign and label consultant with Graphic Products, Inc.

“When thousands and thousands of emotional fans get packed together, sometimes things can get a little out of hand,” said Haag. “I’m reminded of the guy who flipped over a railing at a baseball game. In the moment, he became a part of the game and forgot about being safe. So, we’re doing everything in our power to empower stadiums to create their own signs and labels to warn fans about dangerous railings, make exit and entrance signs really stand out, and create safety zones to keep people away from areas under repair,” said Haag.

Graphic Products, Inc. manufactures a family of thermal transfer label printers for a wide range of applications and printing supplies that can withstand the brutal outdoor environments found at outdoor stadiums.

Stadium railing safety labels must be generously proportioned. We recommend using minimal words and strong graphics to complement the message. Also, labels must fit tightly on railings and other surfaces. 

“Photoluminescent labels which can be seen in the dark during power outages and wayfinding signs and labels are another great idea for stadiums,” added Haag. “For behind the scenes work at these facilities, pipe marking labels indicating the directional flow of hazardous fluids and gases and signs warning people to keep their distance from electrical cables also provide safety benefits.”

 “Don’t be afraid to be very bold with your signs and labels,” said Haag. “First, study your fan’s behavior and see where and when people may be putting themselves at risk. Then, determine what they need to know about distances and directions. Make sure your message makes sense for the situation. Finally, consider how many labels are needed to drive home the point,” Haag concluded.

 Thanks, Jack, we look forward to more articles from you!  With the start of baseball season coming up, teams are doing all they can to keep their fans safe.  Warning signs are helpful ways to get their attention.   DuraLabel and Graphic Products carry a full family of thermal transfer printers for every application, a five-year warranty on labels made with premium vinyl, free technical support/after-sale service, and satisfied customers throughout the world including P&G, Amazon.com, Georgia-Pacific, Boeing, John Deere, Conoco, Sara Lee, Toyota and General Electric. Many of these same companies also purchase quality safety products from our parent company, Texas America Safety Company, www.tasco-safety.com.  For more information, visit www.DuraLabel.com.

General Safety Issues

ALCOHOL AWARENESS MONTH – 2012

Sponsored by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Alcohol Awareness Month is observed during the month of April.  There are many sobering facts about the effects that alcohol and drug addiction have on individuals, as well as family, friends, and co-workers.  The cost and consequences of these habits place an enormous burden on American society, as well.  Addiction strains the healthcare system, economy, harms family life, and threatens public safety. 

Substance abuse is everywhere, regardless of gender, age, ethnic groups, and people in every tax bracket.  Alcohol kills six times more young people than all illicit drugs combined.  It is a leading factor in accidents, homicides, and suicides.  Most high school students say it is fairly easy to get alcohol.  By the time American youngsters reach the age of 18, they have seen at least 100,000 beer commercials on television. 

Here are some eye-opening facts from the NCADD:

  • Almost half of all traffic fatalities are alcohol-related.
  • Between 48% and 64% of people who die in fires have blood alcohol levels indicating intoxication.
  • Alcohol consumption has been linked with greater risk of disturbing trauma, including motor car crashes, bicycling accidents, falls, self-inflicted wounds, injuries during sports activities, injuries in recreational events, and interpersonal violence.
  • Heavy drinking contributes to illness in each of the top three causes of death: heart disease, stroke, and cancer. (And, untreated addiction is more expensive than cancer, heart disease, and diabetes combined.)
  • One-quarter of all emergency room admissions, one-third of all suicides, and more than half of all homicides and incidents of domestic violence are alcohol-related.
  • Every American adult pays nearly $1,000 per year for the damages of addiction.
  • Alcohol and drug abuse costs the American economy an estimated $276 billion per year in lost productivity, health care expenditures, crime, motor vehicle crashes and other conditions. 
  • Young people who tasted alcohol before 15 years old were at 5 times greater risk to have past alcohol dependence or abuse as compared to persons who first used alcohol at age 21 or older.
  • About 20 per cent of 8th grade students, 35 per cent of 10th grade students, and 48 per cent of 12th grade students admitted having tasted alcohol in their lives.  About one-third of these students report binge drinking (five or more drinks on a single go.)
  • About 40 per cent of high school seniors believe there’s no great risk in consuming four to five drinks almost every day.

Diagnosis and treatment of this disease (yes, it is a disease) is of the utmost importance.  Treatment can save lives and also dollars that would otherwise be spent in other areas of social services and medical care.  For every dollar spent on addiction treatment, seven dollars is saved in reduced health care costs.   Many employers offer counseling to their employees who have problems with drug or alcohol dependence.  Studies have shown that when these employees have been helped, work results showed less absenteeism, decreased problems with supervisors, as well as less incomplete work and fewer mistakes in work. 

An individual that is hooked on alcohol or drugs is not only affecting his/her life, but the lives of family, friends, and co-workers.  If family and friends can get the assistance of a trained specialist to conduct an intervention, hopefully, the individual will want to stop.   Alcohol or drugs have the ability to alter ones’ personality to the point that they are completely different than when they are sober.   If they could see how they act when they have had too much, it might help them decide to stop.

Re-read the facts above and know that there is no good reason to become addicted to anything.  Stay in control of your life for yourself and your loved ones.  Most of all, keep our future growing by ending underage drinking.  Please continue to stay tuned.  April 5th is National Alcohol Screening Day, and we have some additional  information concerning screening that describes risks for women, college students, and older drinkers.

Sources: NCADD, US Department of Health and Human Services