PREVENTING KNEE PAIN AND INJURIES THIS WINTER (GUEST POST)

Sent to us by Rebecca Morris

For many people, news of the first mountain snowstorms of the season brings anticipation of fun-filled hours skiing and snowboarding. For others, there is dread at the thought of blocked drives and slippery walkways. Very few think of winter as a time to be especially aware of the potential for knee injuries. Making plans to avoid pain and suffering during this time of slippery ice and heavy snow should be just as important as waxing skis and snow shovels.

Knee injuries are some of the most common, and potentially devastating, injuries sustained by athletes and those doing strenuous, everyday jobs. This is because our knees support the majority of our body’s weight while bending, flexing, and pivoting. Many people do not consider the ligaments, tendons, and muscles surrounding the knee when deciding if they are fit enough to participate in an activity. When these skeletal structures are weakened by inactivity, or stressed from over-use, the likelihood of injury is greatly increased. Most injuries result in minor pain for short periods of time, but other injuries can cause permanent damage resulting in a lifetime of pain and diminished activity levels. Preventing injuries to these vulnerable ligaments and tendons, as well as other parts of the knee, can be as simple as finding and wearing the proper knee brace.

Protection for Mild Activity Levels

Sleeve style knee braces and supports provide a comfortable, light-weight, and convenient level of protection for those who experience mild pain during sports or other activities. This type of knee brace can help prevent mild strains, sprains, and instabilities of the knee joint. They can easily be worn under all types of clothing. This makes them an ideal form of protection against injuries resulting from slipping on iced and snowy ground.

Protection for Moderate Activity Levels

Many of the favorite activities of fall and winter involve just as much stress and strain on the knees as summer sports. Hinged knee braces can be used to provide an extra level of support while hiking the mountains in search of beautiful fall leaves, or cross-country skiing to find that perfect holiday tree to decorate. These knee braces can be made from metal, alloys, or rigid plastic and provide much better support for those who spend more time navigating the ice and snow. Though not as easily worn as a sleeve style knee brace, they are light-weight and adjustable to fit over or under athletic clothing. Another option is a knee brace that combines a sleeve type support with the extra stability of a brace.

Protection for High Activity Levels

Everyone knows ice hockey can be just as much of a full contact sport as football. Many people don’t realize that downhill skiing and snowboarding can be just as stressful to the ligaments, tendons, and muscles surrounding the knee. For these types of activities, more support is needed than that supplied by a standard knee brace. Knee braces that include rigid crossbars above and below the knee are widely recommended to prevent potentially devastating injuries resulting from these highly stressful activities.

Finding the Appropriate Knee Brace for Your Level of Activity

As the number of people involved in sports and other outdoor activities increases, the demand for protective equipment also increases. There are many brands of high-quality knee braces and supports available without a doctor’s order. Searching for sports bracing and therapy experts should provide a variety of styles able to meet the needs of anyone interested in preventing knee injuries. 

Author Bio

Rebecca Morris has found BetterBraces.com the best place online to find knee braces and hinged knee braces for sports injuries. She recommends always consulting your physician and fitness professionals to discuss your options for staying fit and recovering from injuries.

Thanks, Rebecca for sending an article that applies to so many people who suffer knee problems.  for those who work on their knees, carpenters, gardeners, and other vocations, knee pads can also help allieviate knee pain, and hopefully prevent further injury to the knee. Pat

 

 

Five Ways Technology is Messing Up Our Sleep (Guest Post)

Sent to us by Hannah Howard –

We all know that getting a good night’s sleep is important, but just how important is it? Well, according to Dr. David F. Dinges of the Division of Sleep and Chronobiology and Department of Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, the first signs of lack of sleep are irritability and moodiness. If the person continues to not get enough rest, they will eventually start to experience apathy, slowed speech and flattened emotional responses, impaired memory, and an inability to be novel or to multitask. If you still do not take notice and get some shut eye, then what comes next can be physically disastrous. As you near the point of falling asleep on your feet, you will experience micro-sleeps of approximately 5 to 10 seconds. Those seconds mean that you can nod off while driving or doing other dangerous activities and drastically increase the risk of getting into an accident and harming yourself or another person.
At this point, you might be wondering what the correlation is between a lack of sleep and technology. Did you know that staring at a brightly lit screen or performing vigorous mental or physical activities an hour before trying to sleep can make it harder to fall asleep, stay asleep, or enter REM sleep, which is the kind of deep sleep that your body needs? Also, your body needs uninterrupted sleep to be fully rested and refreshed. Recently, a poll taken by the National Sleep Foundation found the following uses of technology that can impact sleep:
1. Television

Watching television an hour or less before bedtime means that not only are you staring at a brightly lit screen, but chances are you are watching something that gets your adrenaline pumping, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. Here are the people guilty of this:

  • 67% of Baby Boomers (age 46-64)
  • 63% of Generation X (age 30-45)
  • 49% of Generation Y (age 19-29)
  • 50% Generation Z (age 13-18)

2. Computer

Playing games, reading emails, and even doing work on your laptop, desktop, or iPad is a recipe for sleeplessness. If you have to read on your electronic device then try turning the screen down as low as possible to reduce backlight exposure. Darkness signals to your brain that it is time to wind down.

  • 61% of people use a computer an hour before bed at least a few nights a week
  • 47% of Generation Y and 55% of Generation Z use the computer every night

3. Video Games

Playing a video game is a great way to have fun, but not such a great way to get a good night’s sleep. Who plays games just before bed? You might be surprised:

  • 12% of Baby Boomers
  • 15% of Generation X
  • 36% of Generation Y

4. Cell Phone

We all love to text our friends and family good night, but doing so right before bed time means more time spent staring at a tiny, glowing screen. Who is guilty of this sleep faux pas?

  • Only 5% of Baby Boomers
  • 15% of Generation X
  • 42% of Generation Y
  • 56% of Generation Z

5. Waked Up

Like I said before, getting a full night’s rest without interruption is the key to waking up rested and refreshed. However, many of us are waked up several times a week by phone calls, texts, email, or notifications. I think it is time to put the phone on silent for these groups:

  • 20% of Generation Y and 18% of Generation Z are waked at least a few nights a week

These statistics shed new light on our sleeping and technology habits. What bad habits are you guilty of that mess with your sleep? Are you getting the recommended 8 hours of sleep every night, uninterrupted? What can you change to help your body get the sleep it needs?

Thank you, Hannah, for pointing out many of the ways that we could simplify our lives and get our needed rest by following your advice. Pat

 

TEN COMMON REASONS WHY SIBLINGS FIGHT (GUEST POST)

Ten Common Reasons Why Teen Siblings Fight

by Meghan Walker of babysitting.net

eNannySource has been helping families find quality caregivers for over 15 years. They have thousands of jobs and active caregivers daily. In addition they offer the most thorough background checks in the industry. 

If you have teenagers, then you know that there are a lot of ups and downs with raising them.  They are pushing the boundaries and getting ready to leave the nest.  They are often rebellious and will fight with you and their siblings over the silliest of things.  But in a time when you think that your teenagers should be getting closer, why do they still have such big fights?  Check out 10 common reasons why teen siblings fight.

  1. Inequality: Often sibling fights start because one sibling doesn’t feel they are being treated fairly by the parents.  The oldest usually gets more privileges and can stay out later than the younger.  Maybe the oldest is involved in sports while the youngest isn’t so they feel like the world revolves around the schedule of the older child.
  2. Jealousy: One sibling might be jealous of what the other sibling has.  Maybe one teen has a phone and the other doesn’t have one yet.  Or maybe one got a car when they turned 16 and the other didn’t because the car was meant to be shared between the teens when the time came that they could both drive.
  3. Hormones: Everyone knows that teenagers have raging hormones and not just the kind that are aimed at members of the opposite sex.  Hormone imbalances can cause irritability and just make them short tempered so any perceived slight will set them off on a rant.
  4. Unmet expectations: Sometimes teens think that they have each other’s back, but then the sibling will rat the other one out if they broke the rules.  Expectations are a big deal, but are often assumed and teens need to realize that no one reads minds and that if they don’t express their expectations then theirs sibling won’t be able to meet them.
  5. Frustration: Being a teen is frustrating enough.  School is harder and more stressful.  Members of the opposite sex enter into the picture and cause their own drama.  Teens can be frustrated with each other for nothing more than eating something too loudly.  If things don’t go their way in one aspect of their world they may take it out on their sibling.
  6. Feeling of betrayal: This is more likely to happen when there are teens of the same sex in the household.  One sister dates the boy the other sister liked and now she feels betrayed by her own sister.  Or one brother gets into an argument with another guy and his brother sides with the other guy instead of him.  Siblings feel like even though they fight that they should stick together on the important stuff and that just doesn’t always happen.
  7. Competition: Who’s the biggest, skinniest, prettiest, fastest or most talented?  Siblings will compete with each other and results of the competitions most always cause a fight.  The other person had to have cheated or somehow rigged the contest.  Maybe it’s not a looks contest, but a contest to see who’s smartest?  Who gets better grades?
  8. Need for space: Teenagers seem to do a lot of deep thinking and they need their space.  When a younger teen interrupts an older sibling’s private time or invades their space there is likely going to be fireworks and not the good kind.  This also includes sitting too closely to them in the car.  The whole fight about who’s touching whom will ensue and you’ll want to pull your hair out, but keep in mind this too shall pass.  
  9. Touching or taking their stuff: Another thing that teenagers are is possessive of their things.  They don’t want their sibling to use, touch or take anything that belongs to them.  If their sister borrowed their favorite shirt without asking and now it’s dirty and they wanted to wear it to the game there’s going to be a lot of fighting.  As soon as kids get something they consider to be their own, these kinds of fights start and it doesn’t stop when they become older teenagers.  It just gets louder and the stuff gets more expensive.

Insults flying: Sometimes teenagers just fight because they can.  Perhaps they get bored and just feel like picking a fight, but it’s often just stupid stuff that they fight about.  Siblings know how to push each other’s buttons and they will do it just to get a rise out of their sibling.  There’s just something about irritating each other that’s part of the growing up process.

Hope these tips will help us all understand that kids fighting is a very common part of life. It’s up the parents to handle them in the best way possible. Cases like this may really show the need for keeping a first aid kit!

 

TEN PUNISHMENTS FOR KIDS CAUGHT IN A LIE (GUEST POST)

Sent to us by Paul Taylor, of Babysittingjobs.com

 The  entire topic of lying is a complicated one for parents to tackle, as the social necessity of tiny “white lies” makes the subject a murky one for kids to grasp. One thing that all parents agree on, regardless of parenting style, is the need to teach children that blatant dishonesty for personal gain is wrong. For repeat offenders, here are ten ways to teach the consequences of lying.

  1. Question Everything – Putting the fable of The Boy Who Cried Wolf into action, one way to impress the importance of honesty on a child is to vocally question other claims. When even their sincere statements are met with skepticism, kids are likely to be more careful in the future to tell the truth.
  2. Make it Personal – Some kids respond better to punishments that are customized to their personality, interests and needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. For instance, outdoor aficionados may revel in a punishment that involves raking leaves or yard work, while a bookish, indoorsy-type would loathe it.
  3. Take Away Privileges – One of the most effective ways to teach children that bad behavior has unfavorable consequences is to begin systematically stripping them of privileges. Withholding video games, cell phones and other items can be an effective way of getting your point across, but it should be paired with a conversation about consequences, rather than simply imposed and never explained.
  4. Tailor Punishment to the Lie – Kids that lie about homework might benefit from a punishment that involves keeping up with a homework journal and apologizing to their teacher, while kids that have trouble being honest about other things should have their punishments tailored to the situation in order to help them connect their punishment with their own actions.
  5. Double-Up Time Outs – Time outs or groundings can be doubled up, with an initial term for the original offense and an added term for the lie. For instance, a child who understands that she’s grounded for a week for not doing her schoolwork, and two weeks for lying about it, has a concrete example of how lying only makes bad situations worse.
  6. Writing a Letter of Apology – Writing a sincere letter of apology to the person affected by their dishonesty can be a great way of putting the importance of their truthfulness into perspective for kids. Putting their apology in writing forces them to look at their actions and the repercussions of them objectively.
  7. Compound Punishments For Repeat Occurrences – Increasing the length of a time out or the severity of a chore-based grounding for each repeat occurrence of lying can help kids understand that the stakes of being dishonest are too high to justify the risk.
  8. Increase Chores – Rather than time-based grounding that can be tedious for the entire household, increasing your child’s chore load and explaining that their list of duties has grown as a direct result of choosing to lie is another way of getting the point across to kids.
  9. Set Up a Penalty System – Creating a fund similar to a “swear jar” for lies is a great way for kids to watch their money or other rewards pile up with each infraction.
  10. Garnish Allowance – Kids who get an allowance can also be subjected to “fines” for lying or other misbehavior, helping them to attach a tangible loss to dishonesty. Knowing that one whopper can wipe out their entire allowance might be enough to motivate kids into honesty.

Lying is a learned behavior, and can be changed with hard work. A system of trial and error might be necessary to find what works best for your child, but it is possible to break the habit of dishonesty. And don’t forget the power of natural consequences. Sometimes the hurt feelings of the “lied to” that occur when a lie surfaces is enough to deter the lying party from telling a fib again.

Much of this also applies to grownups who also tend to tell “stories” sometimes! Pat

 

OSHA RECORDS AN AVERAGE OF SEVENTY CONFINED SPACE FATALITIES PER YEAR (GUEST POST)

By Jack Rubinger – Graphic Products responds with a Free Confined Spaces Best Practices Guide 

Portland, OR – About a million employees enter confined spaces every day, according to OSHA. In most cases, those workers complete their task without incident, but despite the many precautions in place, 70 workers per year never make it back out alive. Besides the ultimate price paid by workers, hefty fines arise if employers are found to be in noncompliance with OSHA regulations. In February of this year, a Texas-based energy company was fined more than $70,000 for confined space violations with hydraulic fracking tanks. 

Graphic Products, Inc., has made a business out of keeping workers safe worldwide. Determined to decrease this high count of confined space deaths, Graphic Products has released a free Confined Spaces Best Practices Guide to help workers, industrial hygienists and environmental health & safety coordinators deal with the very real dangers present in confined spaces. 

Confined spaces — which include storage tanks, ship compartments, pits, silos, wells, sewers, boilers, tunnels and pipelines — have limited or restricted means for entry or exit and it is not designed for continuous occupancy. Workers get trapped cleaning or doing repairs and maintenance in these spaces. Lacking a means of escape, their cries for help may go unheard. 

These spaces often have limited oxygen, or the air is toxic or combustible. This puts a ticking clock on the job and is the main reason workers don’t make it back out alive. Confined spaces that contain or have the potential to contain a serious atmospheric hazard should be classified as permit-required confined spaces and should be tested prior to entry and continually monitored, according to OSHA guidelines

Fully illustrated with photographs, diagrams, sample permits and signs and labels, this 18-page guide addresses: 

  • Identifying confined space locations
  • Sign and labeling materials for harsh industrial environments
  • Confined space permitting
  • Training programs
  • Supervisor and coordinator responsibilities
  • Entry and evacuation operations and procedures
  • Testing and monitoring equipment
  • The benefits of using industrial printers to create large format signs and labels that are more likely to be seen 

The new Confined Spaces Best Practices Guide is the most current resource in a growing collection which now includes the following free guides: 

  • Warehouse Safety Guide
  • Safety Inspection Workbook
  • Phosphorescent Marking Guide
  • Required PPE Guide
  • HCS/Hazcom 2012 Best Practices
  • Arc Flash Best Practices Guide
  • Medical Pipe Marking Guide
  • Marine Pipe Marking Guide 

Graphic Products, Inc. manufactures mobile and wide-format labeling systems used by sea shipping lines, distribution centers, mining operations and oil refineries worldwide. Customers include Amazon.com, Boeing, Intel and Toyota. With more than 50 types of labeling supplies, Graphic Products, Inc. helps companies solve communication problems in the toughest industrial environments. For more information, visit www.DuraLabel.com.

MADD’S ‘TIE ONE ON FOR SAFETY’ 2012

MADD’s “Tie One On For Safety” Holiday Campaign Cautions Drivers as More Highway Deaths Caused by Drunk Driving

Thanksgiving was the Deadliest Thursday of 2010; Puts Spotlight on “Blackout Wednesday” — 

Press Release: PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — As we kick off the holidays with Thanksgiving, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is reminding adults to plan ahead for a safe way home if they’re planning to drink alcohol during the season’s festivities. Data show that the time period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day includes some of the most dangerous days for drunk driving deaths, and the numbers are getting worse in recent years — as annual drunk driving deaths have decreased, there has been an increase in the proportion of drunk driving deaths around the holidays. In addition, there’s a troubling trend of drunk driving fatalities in the early morning hours of Thanksgiving Thursday, following what’s becoming known as “Blackout Wednesday,” a time when people who are home for the holiday are choosing to celebrate with excessive amounts of alcohol. 

The proportion of people killed in drunk driving crashes (.08 BAC and above) over the Thanksgiving holiday spiked by 30 percent in 2010 compared to the rest of the year. Additionally, the number of drunk driving deaths increased by 24 percent compared with the year prior. Below are further details about fatalities over the holiday in recent years:

Thanksgiving Holiday (includes “Blackout Wednesday” and the weekend following Thanksgiving)

  • 2010*: 174 people killed (40 percent of highway deaths)
  • 2009: 140 people killed (34 percent of highway deaths)
  • 2008: 180 people killed (35 percent of highway deaths)

“These numbers are very concerning to MADD because the number of people killed in drunk driving crashes over Thanksgiving is up, along with the percentage of highway deaths caused by drunk driving during the holiday period,” said MADD National President Jan Withers. “Drunk driving is a complex problem, but the solution is simple: plan ahead for a sober designated driver if you’re going to drink alcohol.”

MADD’s Tie One On For Safety red ribbon campaign, now in its 26th year, is the organization’s signature public awareness project and is sponsored by National Presenting Sponsor Nationwide Insurance. Drivers across the country display MADD red ribbons on their vehicles as a pledge to drive safe and sober. The ribbons also signify support for law enforcement officers, who will be out in force as part of the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign.

“During a time of year when some may choose to ‘tie one on’ in celebration of the holidays, MADD and Nationwide encourage drivers to Tie One On For Safety by displaying a red ribbon as a visible reminder to keep our roads safe,” said Bill Windsor, Nationwide Insurance Associate Vice President of Consumer Safety. “It’s about setting an example for your friends and family, co-workers and neighbors — if you drink, don’t drive.”

It’s not just the Thanksgiving holiday that can be dangerous. On average in 2010, 31 percent of highway fatalities were caused by drunk driving. However, this number spikes dramatically over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays too:

Christmas Holiday (includes Christmas Eve and the surrounding holiday weekend)

  • 2010: 96 people killed (37 percent of highway deaths)
  • 2009: 95 people killed (36 percent of highway deaths)
  • 2008: 138 people killed (32 percent of highway deaths)

New Year’s Holiday (includes the holiday weekend surrounding New Year’s Eve)

  • 2010: 143 people killed (48 percent of highway deaths)
  • 2009: 185 people killed (40 percent of highway deaths)
  • 2008: 175 people killed (41 percent of highway deaths)

New Year’s Day, as well,  is especially dangerous, with 57 percent of all traffic fatalities involving a drunk driver in 2010. 

If you don’t have a MADD red ribbon, put any type of red ribbon on your car in order to show your support for this serious campaign.  Read the statistics and don’t become one.  Enjoy your holiday season safely.

Source: PR Newswire/US Newswire

TEN FIRE DANGERS COMMONLY INVOLVING KIDS (GUEST POST)

 Submitted and shared by Tina Marconi, of babysitters.net

Few words strike fear in a parent’s heart like “fire.” There are many different ways for children to inadvertently start or be injured in a fire, and the potential for destruction is so great that the mere mention of fire can set off a panic among parents. Here are ten of the most common dangers of fire in relation to children.

1.    Matches and Lighters – Most children have a natural curiosity about fire that is paired with a limited understanding of the dangers that are typically associated with it. Access to matches or lighters can present a very real fire hazard as that curiosity takes hold.

2.    Attempts at Cooking – Many appliances and gadgets in the kitchen produce heat; from the stove to the toaster, there are several opportunities for a child to accidentally set a kitchen fire in their attempts to cook.

3.     Burning Candles and Horseplay – Kids, especially when there are more than one in the room, have a tendency to spontaneously burst into spirited play. However, rough-housing in a room with a lit candle can lead to serious problems. Should the candle be knocked to the floor or a flammable object fall into its wick, a small fire can quickly become a large blaze.

4.    Campfires – Camping is a part of childhood for many, and sitting around campfires is a cherished part of the experience. When proper caution is exercised, the potential for a devastating fire injury is reduced; be sure that kids have a good knowledge of campfire safety before sending them off into the great outdoors.

5.    Unattended Fireplaces – There are few things as homey as a crackling fireplace on a cold day, but leaving the fire unattended in a house with children can easily lead to injury and property damage. Curious kids might be tempted to throw things into the fire or engage in other unsafe behavior in the absence of an adult.

6.    Hairstyling Appliances – Older kids that are beginning to use heated hairstyling appliances like curling irons and straighteners can create a fire hazard by placing the appliance on a flammable surface or forgetting to unplug it when they’re finished.

7.    Lamps – When messy kids throw clothing over a lamp, or those with a penchant for decorating deliberately place scarves over lampshades, they are inadvertently creating a fire hazard in their own bedrooms.

8.   Overloading Electrical Outlets – As more and more of the modern child’s entertainment comes from electronic gaming and computer devices, there may not be enough outlets in the room to accommodate everything. This can cause kids to overload outlets with surge protectors and the like, which can pose a serious fire risk.

9.   Flammable Substances – The moment that a kid understands what flammable liquid is and the noticeable effect it has on an already-burning fire, curiosity can take hold and lead to very serious trouble. Educating kids about the dangers and repercussions of playing with fire is the best way to prevent this risky behavior.

10.   Smoking – Despite the many programs aimed at keeping kids away from smoking, there will always be a few that insist on sneaking cigarettes. The need for secrecy paired with a limited understanding of fire safety make cigarette-related fires among the most common.

Kids are never too young to start learning about fire safety and prevention; this ongoing lesson could be one that saves their life. Additionally, if you have concerns that your child has an unhealthy fixation or obsession with fire, there are programs through your local fire department that can point you in the right direction to get help.

GETTING OUT THE TURKEY FRYER? TIPS FOR COOKING SAFELY

If you see your neighbor sporting safety goggles, safety mitts, and carrying a fire extinguisher, he’s really not headed to a fire, but getting ready to fry the turkey!  It has become quite a tradition to fry Thanksgiving or Christmas turkeys instead of the old-fashioned way, baking them in the oven.  But the aforementioned equipment might come in handy to keep the cook safe!  Despite the delicious outcome, make yourself aware that there are certain risks involved:

  • Most fryers do not have thermostats; therefore, temperature should be checked often because the oil could overheat to combustion. Never allow grease or oil to exceed 350°F.  Oil will ignite at 550°F to 700°F.
  • Turkeys that are not completely thawed could also cause oil to splash, threatening burns.
  • It is always important to follow manufacturer’s instructions and use extra caution when cooking with hot oil, which presents a fire hazard as well as a burn hazard.
  • Do not overfill pot with oil.
  • Never use inside an enclosed area (garage, patio) or under overhang of house.
  • Cooker should only be used on a level stable surface, away from wood decks, dry grass, shrubs, etc.
  • Keep propane cylinder at least 18” away from cooker while in use.
  • Keep an operable type BC fire extinguisher within easy reach.
  • Sides of pot can become extremely hot, so use mitts to prevent burns.  Goggles can protect ones eyes from oil splatters.
  • Never leave cooker unattended.  Keep children/pets away from cooker, even when through cooking, as the oil will remain very hot for a long period of time.
  • Cooker must not be operated in the rain.  Cover the pot immediately and turn it OFF.
  • If parts to the cooker are damaged, missing, or improperly installed, do not operate it.

If tasty fried turkey is your choice for the holiday, please keep these safety tips in mind.  Cook with care, and enjoy your feast! 

Happy Thanksgiving from Texas America Safety Company and Blog4Safety.

FIVE SAFETY HAZARDS TO AVOID AT CONSTRUCTION SITES (GUEST POST)

Another great article sent to us by Saam Banai

Whether you work in construction, have construction going on in your home, or you commute by construction on a regular basis, there are many things that you should be aware of in order to stay safe from injury around construction sites.  Over the years, construction related injuries and deaths have decreased dramatically due to the federal efforts of OSHA towards “collaborative safety,” but we can still do our part to pay attention our own personal safety regardless of regulations outside of our control.

The Dangers of Heights

Perhaps the most dangerous element of construction sites is gravity.  Usually, heights are involved when constructing multi-floor buildings so it’s possible for workers to fall from high up.  This is when the need for fall protection equipment is imperative. It’s important to be aware of ledges and loose guard rails when working near the edge of a high story.  Additionally, it’s important to be aware of objects that are placed near these ledges.  Tools, boards, and metal pieces might fall on unsuspecting workers or bystanders, ones whom hopefully have access to the best injury lawyers.

Electric Hazards

Electricity is always flowing on construction sites.  Be aware of sockets and frayed wires when installing lights or working with power-tools.  If you’re doing work in your own home, do some research and talk to an electrician before digging into your walls.  There’s no sense in being a hero when repairing or installing electric components for yourself or your family.

Machines

Power-tools and large machines are obviously a source of danger on construction sites.  When operating heavy equipment like cranes or bobcats, be sure to understand all of the safety information in either the booklet or told to you by a professional.  Do the same when working with saws, nail guns, jackhammers, and soldering irons.

Chemical Hazards

Dangerous chemicals are perhaps some of the hardest hazards to avoid on construction sites, but only if you fail to have due diligence.  Asbestos, a cause for Mesothelioma, is one of the best examples of things to look out for.  Others include lead paint, varnish, solvents, and materials that are flammable.  Be sure to use masks and gloves when applicable.

Noise

This danger is less life threatening than others, but it can still cause unfavorable injury.  Constant work with jackhammers and other tools can result in loss of hearing.  That’s why it’s important to always wear protective ear guards when working with louder than normal equipment.  Noise can also prevent people from hearing the warning sounds of other dangers, like an approaching vehicle or falling object.

There are many things to avoid when working or walking around construction sites, and these are just a few.  If attention is paid, and regulations are followed, we can continue the trend of decreasing accidents over the years.  Everyone has to play their part though and be diligently aware of much that is going on while on the job.

Saam Banai is a freelance writer and editor.  He contributes this article for The Perecman Firm PLLC, some of the best injury lawyers in New York, specializing in construction accidents, workers’ compensation, wrongful death, and vehicle accidents.  They have helped victims of various accidents in New York City to obtain over $200 million in settlements and verdicts.

As Saam stated in this article, all types of occupational safety products are needed around construction sites.  Keep your employees safe at all times on the job. 

 

SAFETY ON THE ROAD (GUEST POST)

 This article was sent to us by Kirsty Terry, referring to U.K. road safety.  Much of the information applies to U.S. drivers, as well. Kirsty later sent me a “Texas Friendly” version of the article, as I had no idea what a lorry was. (It’s a truck!) Pat

In recent years there has been a marked increase in the investment from the Government into Road Safety campaigns. And with the on-going encouragement to get more people cycling instead of driving the need to educate road users in all areas is far greater. There are a large number of potentially fatal hazards associated with driving – so here are some ways to help you drive as safely as possible…

Driver CPC – The Driver CPC is an EU course to help improve the quality of driving for truckers through their knowledge and skills.  The deadline for lorry drivers to have completed their CPC is September 2014. New drivers since 2009 have had to complete the course to get their licence.

Alcohol – any amount of alcohol affects your ability to drive. If you have had alcohol within the past few hours it is advisable to seek another way home – always have a taxi number in your phone.

Mobile Phones – using a mobile phone while driving means you’re 4 times more likely to crash. It is also illegal. If you must be on the phone while travelling then always use a hands-free.

Tiredness – an estimated 20% of accidents on trunk roads and motorways are sleep-related – all those signs you see on the roadside about take a break? They are there for a reason! Don’t drive tired!

Seatbelt – not wearing a seatbelt can be fatal both for the driver and for passengers (even if you are sitting in the back seat).

Speed – speed limits are there for a reason, getting somewhere a few minutes faster is not worth risking a life over.

Physical modifications – Trucks have limited visibility from the drivers cab but there are a few ways in which to improve it. You could add a side-guard, side sensor or mirror system to your truck.

The key thing though is Awareness. Being aware of other road users is one of the most effective ways to drive safely so here are some tips…  Indicate well in advance of turning so anyone coming up beside you knows you will soon cross their path. Pass horses and riders slow and wide on country roads. Adapt your style of driving to the weather conditions – driving when the road is icy is worlds away from how you drive in dry weather. Know the height, weight and width of your vehicle – you don’t want to be one of those people pictured with their truck stuck under a bridge….

Safety should always be a priority for truck drivers – Fact. 

Finally a little bit about Milestone…

Milestone Operations is a Recruitment company specialising primarily in LGV driving work, we also have several Industrial and Commercial opportunities. This year at the Recruiter Awards for Excellence, Milestone were voted ‘Best Temporary Recruitment Agency of the year’. The company has gone from strength to strength in the last few years, experiencing rapid growth. We also have strong links with leading names in the logistics industry including DHL, Eddie Stobart and Norbert Dentressangle. Check out http://www.milestoneops.com/jobs_by_sector/HGV/ for more information