Yearly Archives: 2012

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Health Issues, Uncategorized

IT’S “GET SMART ABOUT ANTIBIOTICS” WEEK!

Sponsored by the Center for Disease Control, the week of November 12 through 18th is dedicated to educating the public about the use of antibiotics and other similar drugs, which are called antimicrobial agents.  In use for the past 70 years to treat patients with infectious diseases, these drugs have immensley reduced illness and death from infectious diseases since the 1940’s.  Antibiotic use has been very beneficial, and when prescribed and taken correctly, their value in patient care is huge.  However, the drugs have been used for so long and so widely that the infectious organisms the antibiotics are designed to kill have adapted to them, making the drugs less effective.  Those patients who are infected with antimicrobial-dresistant organisms are more likely to have more expensive and longer hospital stays, and may be more likely to die as a result of the infection.

A growing number of disease-causing organisms, also known as pathogens, are resistant to one or more antimicrobial drugs.  A wide range of pathogens—including the bacteria that cause tuberculosis, the viruses that causes influenza, the parasites that cause malaria, and the fungi that cause yeast infections—are becoming resistant to the antimicrobial agents used for treatment.  More information about some of the organisms and diseases associated with antimicrobial resistance, may help us understand how important it is to not misuse antibiotics. 

Acinetobacter

Acinetobacter [asz−in−ée−toe–back−ter] is a group of bacteria commonly found in soil and water. While there are many types or “species” of Acinetobacter and all can cause human disease, Acinetobacter baumannii [asz−in−ée−toe–back−ter   boe-maa-nee-ie] accounts for about 80% of reported infections.  Outbreaks of Acinetobacter infections typically occur in intensive care units and healthcare settings housing very ill patients. Acinetobacter infections rarely occur outside of healthcare settings.

Anthrax

Anthrax is a serious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, a bacterium that forms spores. Anthrax most commonly occurs in wild and domestic mammalian species, but it can also occur in humans when they are exposed to infected animals or to tissue from infected animals or when anthrax spores are used as a bioterrorist weapon. Some strains of B. anthracis may be naturally resistant to certain antibiotics and not others. In addition, there may be biologically mutant strains that are engineered to be resistant to various antibiotics.

Group B streptococcus

Group B Streptococcus (group B strep) is a type of bacteria that causes illness in newborn babies, the elderly, and adults with other illnesses, such as diabetes or liver disease. Group B strep has shown confirmed resistance to certain antibiotics. (My husband had this B strep bacteria following a hip replacement. He went through six weeks of antibiotic therapy through home health, wearing an IV continuously.) 

Klebsiella pneumoniae

Klebsiella infections commonly occur among sick patients who are receiving treatment for other conditions. Patients whose care requires devices like ventilators (breathing machines) or intravenous (vein) catheters, and patients who are taking long courses of certain antibiotics are most at risk for Klebsiella infections. Healthy people usually do not get Klebsiella infections.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of bacteria that is resistant to certain antibiotics. These antibiotics include methicillin and other more common antibiotics such as oxacillin, penicillin, and amoxicillin. Serious or life-threatening occurrences of “Staph” infections, including MRSA, occur most frequently among persons in hospitals and healthcare facilities (such as nursing homes and dialysis centers) who have weakened immune systems. Visitors are cautioned to wash their hands before entering and when leaving the room of a patient with Staph infection.  Visitors should avoid touching catheters or wound sites on the patient.  

MRSA in communities can be widespread and therefore, anyone is at risk.  Most people who get MRSA get infections of the skin.  Factors that have been associated with the spread of MRSA skin infections include: close skin-to-skin contact. Openings in the skin such as cuts or abrasions, contaminated items and surfaces, crowded living conditions, and poor hygiene.  People may be more at risk in locations where these factors are common, such as: athletic facilities, dormitories, military barracks, correctional facilities, and daycare centers. 

Preventing MRSA infections is a high priority for CDC. CDC is actively working to reduce MRSA infections in the United States through intensive efforts with healthcare providers to improve infection control practices and prevent HAIs. (Hospital-Associated Infections.) CDC also continually monitors the occurrence of MRSA and other infections in the population. CDC’s work provides the foundation for national and local healthcare-associated prevention efforts.  

When you are ill, your physician knows how much antibiotic therapy you should be given.  A good rule of thumb to stay healthier this winter is to eat healthy foods, exercise, and wash your hands often, especially when you go in and out of public buildings.  Keep a bottle of hand sanitizer in your purse or car, so you can clean your hands when there’s no water available.

 Source: CDC

General Safety Issues

IT’S NATIONAL DROWSY DRIVER PREVENTION WEEK, SO WAKE UP!

Drowsy Driving Prevention Week®, November 12 through 18th, is a National Sleep Foundation public awareness campaign to educate drivers about sleep safety.  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.

Here’s another unsettling fact: National Sleep Foundation’s 2012 Sleep in America Poll Finds sleepy pilots, train operators as well as bus, taxi, and limo drivers.  The people we trust to take us or our loved ones from place to place struggle with sleep, according to the National Sleep Foundation’s (NSF) 2012 Sleep in America® poll.  It is the first poll to ask transportation professionals, including pilots, train operators, truck, bus, taxi and limo drivers about their sleep habits and work performance. Pilots and train operators are most likely to report sleep-related job performance and safety problems. 

So, people, let’s get those zzzzz’s, rest and recoup before you take to the roads, rails, or sky!

 

 

Source: National Sleep Foundation

 

General Safety Issues, Head Protection

VFW ASKS US TO “CELEBRATE OUR VETERANS ON THEIR DAY”

VFW invites all Americans to celebrate the service of our nation’s heroes

“On Veterans Day we honor every man and woman who has proudly worn the uniform of the United States military. We celebrate all those who have bravely defended our nation from the forces of evil and tyranny, and helped free countries around the world from the grips of despair. 

This Veterans Day weekend, patriotic Americans will gather to remember the countless sacrifices our veterans have made. As we honor them, we should also reflect on the price paid for our victories, as well as the many liberties we enjoy today because of the selflessness of our nation’s heroes.  

Our veterans cherish the values and virtues upon which our nation was founded, and generations have bravely answered the call to preserve them. We owe them so much, and we must not forget the thousands who are deployed all over the world defending our freedoms at this very moment. We pray for their safe return, and the VFW stands ready to support their families while they are away.  

Over the course of America’s history, it has been those who have worn the uniform, those who have tenaciously defended our way of life, who we will be forever grateful to: America’s proud Marines, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Coastguardsmen, and National Guardsmen.  Today and every day, we thank you for your service. ”

This year, Veterans Day, as designated, will be observed on November 11th.  Because the date falls on a Sunday, persons will also observe the holiday on Monday, November 12.

Listening to friends and family who  served in World War II, Korea, Viet Nam, Desert Storm, Iraq and/or Afghanistan bring us closer to the realities of war.  Many of these men and women lived through such terror we cannot imagine what they faced on a daily basis.  It continues, and our prayers and support should be given to them every day of the year.  If you know a veteran, please say “Thank You for your service to our country”!  Hopefully, someday, somehow, we will be at peace with the world.  Let’s make that our goal.

The employees of Texas America Safety Company and Blog4Safety are very grateful for your service, past and present. 

 

General Safety Issues

HOW HUMAN RESOURCES CREATES SAFE WORK ENVIRONMENTS (GUEST POST)

Sent to us by Erin Palmer

Whether referred to as Human Resources or Human Services, at companies both large and small, the HR department strives to provide the best possible workplace for their employees. In the day-to-day operations of a company, human resource managers face a complicated set of challenges involving every aspect of the workplace.

Of all these areas, perhaps none are as important as maintaining a safe work environment.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were 4,690 workplace fatalities in America in 2010, or about 3.6 fatal injuries per 100,000 employees.  While the second lowest total since such numbers were tracked beginning in 1992, this still represents an environment where safety should be of the utmost importance.

In light of all this, it is vital for human resources to make sure that the workplace has first aid supplies and maintains all federal safety rules. Putting rules for safety in place – and constantly evaluating and updating them – is of paramount significance to human resources managers.

What Human Resource Departments Do to Address Safety

Much of how a human resources manager might address worker safety depends largely on the industry and the nature of the work involved. However, there are some general areas that all human resources departments must address.

  • Compliance with regulations involving personnel and management practices. This is especially relevant for employees with special needs.
  • Coordinating health and safety activities. This involves supervising health and safety personnel, as well as coordination of activities on health and safety committees for employees.
  • Maintaining employee records. This can be of benefit for employees with special needs, those with illness or injury and employees with disabilities, or pregnant employees.
  • Ensuring employees are aware of HR policies. This is a big part of most human resources departments, and involves the orientation and training of new employees, transferred employees and promoted employees, as well as general announcements for the entire workforce.
  • Promoting safety culture. This involves not only training new employees on the safety rules of a workplace, but also offering continuing information to all employees on the latest safety guidelines and best practices for enjoying a safe workplace.

Using Health and Safety Programs to Foster Safer Workplaces

Generally speaking, a health and safety program involves formulating a method of best broadcasting the practices of a company’s health and safety programs to employees, in hopes of providing the safest workplace possible.

Most health and safety programs involve creation of a committee made up of representatives from different levels of management as well as those from the employee ranks. It’s usually best to have an equal number from both areas.

The committee is then tasked to meet regularly and develop elements of a health and safety program that will provide the most benefit to that company’s workers, not one that simply meets the compliance guidelines set forth in government regulations. Some of the areas addressed in a typical health and safety program include:

  • Management training
  • Scope and frequency of workplace inspections
  • Accident and injury incident investigation
  • Emergency preparedness
  • Organizational rules for workplace safety
  • Personnel communications
  • Off-the-job safety
  • Evaluation and improvement of the program

Some Basic Tips for Workplace Safety

The federal Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) oversees workplace safety for the nation, and since 1970 federal law has mandated that employers provide a safe working environment for all employees.

Keeping up with OSHA regulations is a top priority for most businesses, as is preparing for the possibility of more stringent standards. Some tips for staying ahead, culled from Express Employment Professionals, include:

  • Documenting all OSHA violations. Having an updated list of problem areas will help the company better focus on making improvements.
  • Updating safety programs. As mentioned above, one of the main commitments for a health and safety committee should be the monitoring and improvement of health and safety programs.
  • Keep all employees up-to-date on safety regulations. This includes training all new employees on safety procedures as well as keeping all employees current on the proper use of all equipment and any changes made to health/safety protocols.
  • Seeking expert consultation. It’s sometimes advisable to bring in an outside health and safety expert to evaluate your health and safety program and determine whether it is complete and current with best practices.

Whatever course a human resource manager decides to take in addressing workplace safety needs, it’s important to stay engaged in the matter and ensure the latest ideas are being incorporated into the company’s approach to all-around employee safety.

This guest post was provided by Erin Palmer. Erin writes about human resources certification for the University Alliance. She also covers topics like HR degree programs.

General Safety Issues

WHY DO DOGS BITE AND HOW CAN YOU AVOID AN ATTACK? (GUEST POST)

By Carlos Santiago

Nearly 80 million dogs are owned by U.S. residents. Of these, a majority are well-trained, submissive dogs that are playful, loving, and generally friendly, though there are certain dogs that are more aggressive and tend to be involved in more dog attacks annually. However, depending on the dog and situation, any dog could become aggressive and attack. And, while it is generally a dog owner’s responsibility to restrain their dog and make sure they cannot cause other people harm, knowing why dogs tend to bite and how to avoid these attacks can be extremely helpful should a person find themselves in a situation where they may be attacked by a dog.

Certain dog breeds seem to have more aggressive tendencies, while others may become aggressive under duress. Across the board, some of the most common reasons dogs attack others include the following:

  • Fear – if a dog is worried that it is going to be hurt or that it is in harm’s way, it may become aggressive and more likely to bite. What is important to remember about this type of aggression is that it is based on the dog’s perception of a situation, rather than what may actually be happening. An example of this is when a person tries to pet a dog, but the dog believes the person is going to hit them, thus causing the dog to bite the person.
  • Protection – if a dog believes that it is in harm’s way, or that its owner is, the dog may respond with aggression. This also extends to property that the dog views as belonging to it, such as its yard, bed, or crate. In this situation, the dog may be exercising its dominance and ownership of something or some place.
  • Redirected aggression – when a dog is unable to or believes that it is unable to attack another party, it may direct that aggression towards another party that it believes it can dominate or attack.

All of these factors will depend on the individual dog, however. If a dog tends to be more aggressive in general, these situations will likely provoke a dog more easily into biting a person. While it’s not always possible to avoid being in situations where a dog might become aggressive, there are certain things a person can do to try and avoid being the victim of a dog bite or attack, including:

  • Stay away from unknown dogs
  • Avoid making direct eye contact with a dog
  • Try to stay as still as possible
  • Do not immediately pet a dog without letting it approach you and smell you first

Unfortunately, millions of people are bitten by dogs every year, often causing victims to suffer serious injuries. In such a situation, a person may choose to take legal action with the help of a dog bite lawyer in order to get their medical bills and other losses covered.

 

General Safety Issues

ELECTRICAL TESTING – THE KEY TO ENSURING ELECTRICAL SAFETY (GUEST POST)

By Grace Beckett

Electrical appliance testing is important when it comes to ensuring the safety of the product. It helps to find out if the manufacture has complied with the safety standards that will help avoid hazards and risks associated with an electrical product. 

Further Benefits of Electrical Testing  

Most electrical tests are conducted to ensure that the end user does not suffer from electrical shock or get hurt when operating an electrical appliance which may carry high voltage or current.

Electrical testing basically determines if it is safe and secure to use the electrical equipment. So, if you know how to test such devices, you can actually find out yourself whether it is safe to operate the appliance or it needs repair.

Once you are aware of the testing procedures, you will be able to determine the risk associated with an electrical device and avoid hazards at home or office.

Types of Electrical Testing 

There are two types of tests performed on electrical equipment. One of them is the type test that is carried out by test houses during the approval of an electrical device. The other one is a routine test that a manufacturer performs at the end of production.

Most type tests are conducted to determine whether an electrical product conforms to the specified safety standards. On the other hand, production tests include dielectric strength, earth leakage current and checking insulation resistance. Each of these tests is explained briefly.

Dielectric strength test: Dielectric strength test or the hipot test determines whether the equipment has the insulation required for the passage of normal range of overvoltage. It also detects clearance distances and insufficient creepage that can occur while the electrical product is manufactured.

Insulation resistance or Megger test: This test is performed to determine the resistance between any two points in a circuit, which are separated by an insulator. It actually helps you know how effectively the insulator can resist the flow of electricity. So, if you’d like to check an appliance’s power of insulation, then this is the test you should conduct.

Earth leakage current test: This kind of testing helps you evaluate the risk of electrical shock associated with an appliance. This prevents injuries that can prove to be fatal for a person operating the equipment.

Leakage current test is performed by following the prescribed safety standards. The test should be carried out when the appliance is operating under normal condition and with reversed polarity along with switches open as well as closed.

PAT Testers and Their Importance in Electrical Testing 

When it comes to testing electrical devices, PAT testers make your task easier. They help you distinguish between a Class I and Class II appliance. Such classification is based on the risk associated with each type of appliance.

With PAT testers, you can conduct earth continuity test, insulation resistance test, polarity check and dielectric strength test on Class I equipment. For Class II appliances, these testers will be helpful in performing dielectric strength test, insulation resistance test, functional review and touch current test.

Grace is an expert associated with PAT-TESTERS, one of the leading distributors of Seaward PAT testers. If you are specifically looking for a Seaward Prime 50 tester, feel free to contact the company.

General Safety Issues

TEN TIPS FOR ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS (GUEST POST)

Sent to us from the U.K. , written by David Quarmby.

It’s important to make sure that your electrics aren’t faulty to keep your home safe. Here are some top tips for safe electrical installation in order to reduce electrical fires and shocks.

1.       It’s vital to visually check any plugs, cables and electrical appliances for any problems. This could be signs of scorching around sockets or damaged cables which are both potential hazards.

2.       In order to detect any potential risks of safety to an electrical installation, a qualified electrician should carry out an inspection. They have the knowledge and experience to identify electrical dangers and ensure your home is safe.

3.       You should think about getting an RCD, or a residual current device that can be installed to prevent shocks. This device disconnects a circuit automatically if there is a fault.

4.       Make sure that there are enough sockets for appliances as you don’t want to be using too many multi-way sockets.

5.       When you do have multi-way sockets take care that you don’t overload adaptors, particularly with high current appliances such as irons, kettles, or heaters.

6.       Ensure all covers are in place to prevent anyone touching any live parts that are visible.

7.       It’s important that your electrician checks that earthing arrangements are in place so a fuse or circuit breaker can clear a fault. These will cut the circuit so that a fire or shock is prevented.

8.       They also need to check that there’s sufficient protective bonding so a shock is minimised.

9.       Cables should be selected and installed in relation to a fuse or circuit breaker in order to protect the circuit.

10.   In your home circuits should be installed to avoid danger and inconvenience caused if there was a fault.

The most essential thing to remember is to make sure electrics in the home are checked regularly by yourself and an electrician. Any electrical faults can present a possible threat to you and your family, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

David, the author, is an expert in electrical compliance and testing for businesses and is part of the ElectricalCerts group.

 

 

 

 

General Safety Issues

HURRICANE SANDY REINFORCES NEED FOR VISUAL EMERGENCY SIGNAGE (GUEST POST)

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By Steve Stephenson, Graphic Products, Inc.

In New York City, Hurricane Sandy reached its peak on the night of Monday, October 29, 2012. Most of the city had already been evacuated, but some hospitals were required to stay open. New York University’s Langone Medical Center in Manhattan was one such hospital. 800 of its most-healthy patients had been sent home, but the hospital was deemed safe enough for 215 intensive care patients to remain.

At 7:30 p.m., storm waters flooded the basement of the hospital. Both main and back-up power were lost. The 17-floor building went dark. Elevators and life-support equipment stopped working. For patients who could not breathe on their own, nurses manually squeezed oxygen bags.

Over the next 15 hours, hospital staff moved patients down dark halls and stairwells to ambulances on the ground floor. The evacuation was completed with no fatalities or serious injuries, thanks primarily to the professional actions of the hospital staff. Navigation through the pitch-black stairwells was also presumably helped by glow-in-the-dark emergency wayfinding signs, required by NYC law.

Most emergency evacuations of large facilities are not as leisurely as this one, nor do they always end as happily. In other, faster disasters—like tornados, earthquakes and tsunamis—evacuations can be panicked, deadly events. For facility and safety managers, natural disasters like Hurricane Sandy serve as a reminder that every building, no matter how safe it is usually, can become deadly. Effective emergency signs and labels are an important part of making sure a facility is fully prepared for emergencies. 

Emergency wayfinding
When disaster strikes a large facility during work hours, there will inevitably be workers or visitors who are confused about where they are supposed to go. Having clear, effective wayfinding signs help make evacuations as quick and safe as possible.

Examples of emergency wayfinding signs include: large arrows pointing toward exit routes, the exit signs themselves and instructional signs with messages like, “In Case of Emergency, Use Stairs.”

Facility managers should periodically conduct surveys of their emergency wayfinding signage. Here are some questions to ask:

  • Are the same emergency sign formats used consistently throughout the building?
  • Are signs large and easy to read?
  • Are signs located in obvious places where people would easily see them during an emergency?
  • Are signs reflective and easy to read in dim lighting?
  • Are signs easy to read in no light, when illuminated by flashlights?
  • Are signs durable enough to withstand extreme conditions, like fires and floods?
  • Could the facility benefit from glow-in-the-dark exit route markings?

In 2004, a building code law was passed in New York City that required structures taller than 75 feet to have phosphorescent (glow-in-the-dark) exit path markings for egress routes. This law was passed largely as a result of the proven usefulness of glow-in-the-dark wayfinding signs in the 9-11 World Trade Center evacuations. Since then, numerous other jurisdictions and building organizations have instituted similar standards. In situations where electricity is lost or when lights are obscured by smoke, glow-in-the-dark signs are extremely beneficial for all facilities, not just for tall buildings like the Langone hospital.

Hazardous material labeling and pipe marking

During Hurricane Sandy, many facilities and homes were destroyed by fires caused by natural gas pipe leaks. Pipe labeling is another important element in facility emergency preparedness, as is the labeling of hazardous materials in general. First responders to emergency situations need to know what materials they are dealing with so they can make the right decisions.

Facility managers should occasionally review their hazardous material labeling and pipe marking strategies. Some questions to ask include:

  • Are all relevant hazards communicated on the labels?
  • Are all labels large and easy-to-read?
  • Are labels visible from multiple angles of approach?
  • Are pipes labeled enough times along their length?
  • Are pipe shut-off valve locations shown?
  • Are locations of emergency equipment (such as wash stations) communicated?
  • Can labels being used withstand abrasion and water damage?

Lessons learned from Sandy

Hurricane Sandy was an extremely destructive storm whose power hasn’t been experienced in the area for several decades. But it’s an important reminder that, sooner or later, most facilities will face some type of emergency. Having a building with clear signs and labels is an important aspect of great emergency preparedness.

Steve Stephenson is managing partner and chief marketing officer at Graphic Products, Inc. in Beaverton, OR. He has overall responsibility for both marketing and product development for the DuraLabel brand of desktop and standalone labeling systems. Graphic Products offers phosphorescent wayfinding supplies, labeling supplies compliant with OSHA, ANSI, GHS and NFPA, pipe-marking supplies, personal protective equipment and other materials used for industrial safety and productivity.  For more information visit www.DuraLabel.com.

 

General Safety Issues

WAYS TO REDUCE YOUR FAMILY’S CARBON FOOTPRINTS (GUEST POST)

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 Sent to us by Anne Laurie, of GoNannies.com, this post contains several blogs that you will find interesting and return from time to time to review different ones. 

As information about climate change and the damage it could cause continues to be discovered, more and more families are realizing the importance of managing and minimizing their carbon footprint. Making a difference in the health of the planet by making a conscious effort to reduce the ecological impact that your household has is the socially responsible, ethical thing to do. These 30 blogs all feature posts underlining the importance of that task, and offer tips, hints and tricks for turning your family a bit greener.

Energy-Efficient Home Improvements

Not only will energy-efficient upgrades to your home help the planet, they’ll also save your wallet each month by translating into noticeable reductions in energy costs. These five blog entries detail some of the upgrades you can make to turn your home into one that has less of an ecological impact, and will also cost less to maintain.

Sustainable Dietary Habits

Making changes to your dietary habits is an effective way of reducing your carbon footprint while also enjoying healthier, more wholesome foods. These five blog posts detail not only the importance of sustainable eating, but also include tips for how to make the switch with your family.

Recycling and Repurposing

The environment created inside a landfill is one that’s typically anaerobic due to how tightly garbage is compacted. The lack of oxygen in this environment means that even biodegradable refuse may not break down properly, which is one of the reasons why recycling is so important. Repurposing items that you might ordinarily discard can also help you save money, and will keep them out of your local landfill.

Transportation

Changing the way that your family commutes to work, school and activities is a small but significant step in the direction of ecological responsibility. Carpooling, participating in ride share programs, and utilizing mass transit are all viable alternatives to driving a car with one or two occupants, and these changes do make a difference. These five bloggers discuss their experiences and share their knowledge about earth-friendly transportation.

Reducing Waste

While keeping garbage out of landfills and managing your family’s carbon footprint is of vital importance, learning to manage and reduce your waste as a group is a great way to instill the importance of green living in children, teaching them responsible practices that they’ll remember in adulthood.

Teaching Kids Earth-Friendly Habits

It’s important for families to reduce their carbon footprints as a household, but it’s also important that kids learn the necessity of living an environmentally-responsible life as they grow up. Good habits start when children are still quite small, and these five bloggers tackle the issue of imparting green values to little ones.

We hope you will have time to check some of these blogs out, as they all contain helpful information to keep our planet cleaner and more safe. Pat

General Safety Issues, Head Protection

SAFETY FIRST – HOW TO MAKE SURE YOU WILL NOT GET INJURIES WHILE EXERCISING (GUEST POST)

Regular exercise has many health benefits. Exercise can help you lose weight and reduce the risk of developing diseases, such as type II diabetes and hypertension. However, you should take precaution while exercising to avoid getting injuries. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of Americans who receive treatment for exercise related injuries stands at 10,000 every day. Common injuries related to exercising include abrasions, sprains, broken bones, and dislocated joints. Figures published by the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPCS) show that the cost of treating these injuries tops $49 billion annually. To avoid adding to this enormous health bill, follow these tips while exercising. 

Warm up 

Many people overlook the importance of warming up first. This prepares your body and muscles to handle stresses related to working out. Your exercise build up should start with light cardiovascular exercises such as brisk walking or light jogging. This stimulates muscle nerves to function more efficiently. It also enhances the delivery of oxygen through increased blood flow to the muscles. As a result, muscles and ligaments move more freely. 

Use the Right Equipment and Attire 

When it comes to exercise, you should only use the right equipment. If you exercise at home, find a good elliptical trainer to fits your needs. It is best to buy equipment endorsed by reputable sports organizations and bodies. Besides equipment, you should have the right exercise gear and clothing. For example, you need shin guards, helmet, and gloves to ride your dirt bike outdoors. In addition, examine and check the equipment before beginning your exercise. This is to ensure that the equipment does not have faulty parts. 

Do not Over Exercise 

This may seem like a no brainer but many injuries result from over working certain body parts while exercising. CDC statistics show that high school athletes suffer more than two million injuries every year. If you have not been exercising in the past, start your daily exercises slowly and build up momentum slowly. For repetitive exercises, take adequate rests in between workouts. This will give your muscles time to recover and avoid injuries. 

Listen to Your Body 

Learn to listen to your body and take a rest when your body becomes tired. If an injury occurs, do not try to tough it out or push your body too hard. Instead, stop your exercises and apply first aid to the injured body part. You should seek medical treatment if the pain does not subside within 24 to 48 hours. The rule of thumb is to heed your common sense. 

Exercise related injuries could hamper your dreams of staying fit and healthy. In the US, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries gobble up $1 billion in rehabilitation costs alone. This is according to numbers published by CDC. This does not mean that you should shun exercise altogether. Instead, use common sense while exercising and always start by warming up. This will redistribute more blood to your tendons and muscles making movement smoother. Finally, do not over do your regular exercises. 

About the Authors: 

Joyce G. is a professional health blogger and writer.  She currently partners with Nordictrack.com in raising awareness about the importance of health and fitness.NordicTrack has come to symbolize the means for serious athletes and fitness-buffs alike to “get ready for adventure,” whatever that may be. Visit our website and find a good elliptical trainer to fits your needs.

 Another tip: when riding your outdoor bike, wear a high visibility vest or other means of being seen, especially if riding early in the morning or late in the evening. Pat