Monthly Archives: March 2013

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

MARCH ROARED IN LIKE A LION; GOES OUT LIKE A LION! WHAT’S UP?

This winter has been an unusual one, and that is an understatement!  According to ABC News, “It’s been more than seven weeks since Punxsutawney Phil failed to see his shadow, (haphazardly) signaling an early spring. Last Friday, an Ohio prosecutor jokingly indicted the famous weather-rodent on one count of fraud, claiming he “did purposely, and with prior calculation and design, cause the people to believe that spring would come early.” The prosecutor said he would seek the death penalty for the groundhog.

None of us want to see poor Phil face the death penalty, but across the U.S., folks are very unhappy with his prediction.  Those in the Northeast are still under snow – there have been many highway accidents because of inclement weather, and frankly, enough is enough!

Just today, my husband said the weather prediction for N. Central Texas is a high of 80 degrees on Monday, followed by a high of 48 degrees on Tuesday.  Mother Nature has been blessing us with a few cold days, (some extremely cold), then warmer weather, then overnight a drop of 30 degrees.  This is mild, compared to what many others across the U.S. face on a day-to-day basis.

Hopefully, April will glide into our lives with those April Showers that so many areas desperately need.  Let’s anxiously await the wildflowers that decorate the roadsides, and feel that release of tension that Spring brings.  (Should have been here March 20th!)  Another unwanted gift arrives in the spring, and that is allergies!  Stock up on the medications that work for you, and be prepared.  Also watch for the bees, mosquitoes, and other critters that sometimes bring so much misery, we will be ready to face fall again before you know it.  Are we ever sastisfied with the weather?

On another subject, in previous years, our Blog4Safety has mentioned Safety Observances for the month of March.  This year, we received so many wonderful guest contributions that our schedule has been full.  We thank all the authors that have sent in wonderful safety tips, and hope they will keep them coming!

March is National Nutrition Month, Workplace Eye Wellness Month, Save Your Vision Month, National Patient Safety Awareness Week, and National Poison Prevention Week – topics we have touched on from time to time.  Every one of these is important to all of us – each month of the year!  When we are at work and experience hazardous conditions that endanger our vision, our employers should see to it that proper eyewear is furnished, according to the particular risk, along with any other protection you may need in performing your tasks.

Happy Easter!  Let’s look forward to baseball, spring activities, and everything that takes place during a safe month of April.

General Safety Issues

HOW TO PREVENT THE THEFT OF YOUR CAR (GUEST POST)

Appropriate Parking Space

Every year near to one million cars get stolen and most of them never get recovered.  A car is a significant investment and you should be really vigilant about the safety measures to prevent the car-theft.

Whenever you have to park a car, bear some tips in mind. Park your car in a well lit area of the parking lot. In this case the chance of getting car stolen is lesser as one can see the thieves clearly. Also avoid parking the auto near the exits of parking lot as it’s easier for the car lifters to get away right after breaking into the car. It’s advisable to park your auto in the area monitored by either security guards or surveillance cameras. Some people go for parking lots that are not monitored as they don’t have to pay parking fee. Still, that small saving can jeopardize your car safety.

Never Leave the Docs in Car

Remember that if your car is stolen with the car documents you have given pure gold to the thief. Never leave the important papers in the glove box of the car, take them with you. The absence of docs in the auto will turn off some thieves and make the recovery of the stolen car easier.

Install a Reliable Car Security System

There are many innovative car security alarms available in the market. Cars come with a security system by manufacturers but usually it’s not that effective. Stealers have very thought-out and foolproof approaches to auto-theft. Make sure you install a security alarm which goes off whenever someone tries to break into the car. One thing is really vital in this regard: ensure that thieves know about the security system installed in your car. So, they don’t even attempt to steal it. For this there are small lights of blue or red color that are placed on dashboard and are visible from outside the car. Some cars have very effective GPS tracking systems that are able to locate a stolen car.

Avoid Uninhabited Area

If you have a high profile car you should avoid abandoned and deserted areas. These areas are usually unmonitored and there are no security guards and cameras for surveillance. Cars in such areas are vulnerable to theft. People sometimes leave their car doors unlocked with the keys in the ignition. Car stealers always prefer an unlocked car in the unmonitored area; it makes getaway easier and can’t be tracked later.

Put VIN on the Various Parts of Your Car

Most of the car stealers cannot resell a car if the Vehicle Identification Number is visible on it. Make sure that you put your VIN on almost every part of the car like engine, doors, fenders, underside of bonnet etc. In this way car stealers won’t be able resell the car and can be detected.

It’s really important to take precautionary measures to prevent the auto theft as small negligence can take away your investment of thousands of dollars in a split second. Usually the recovery of a lost car is very difficult but if your car was stolen with your cell phone that has mSpy app installed, it gets really easy to track its location via GPS.

Post by Linda Waters. Marketing executive at mSpy, blogger who loves writing about cell phone software and mobile technologies which help people.


General Safety Issues

PORTABLE APPLIANCE TESTERS ADVICE – SHARE THE BURDEN IN THE WORKPLACE (GUEST POST)

When push comes to shove as they say, there’s no getting away from the fact that business and building owners are charged with the responsibility of maintaining the health and safety of their workers/occupants. Needless to say, this isn’t exactly the smallest of burdens to say the least and one that’s always likely to get on top of some – especially those in the business for the first time.

However, according to the professional portable appliance testers of the UK there are dozens of ways and means by which business owners can share the responsibility among any number of employees and thus ease the weight otherwise placed exclusively on their own shoulders. And while all the measures in the world can’t take away from the fact that they are ultimately responsible for what occurs and where, they at least stand to make their lives easier when it comes to addressing electrical safety.

Consider the following tips from the UK’s Portable Appliance Tester community serving the business world:

Educate

The foremost consideration of importance is that of education – as in helping workers better understand what PAT Testers are and what they do. Chances are that most will have seen plenty of those little PAT stickers gracing tested appliances across the business, but do they really know why they’re there or what they mean?

Unless you yourself have taken the time to educate them, chances are the answer is a no.

By first giving workers an idea of what PAT Testing actually is, you stand a much better chance of driving home its importance. And what’s more, as soon as any given employee realises what a PAT sticker means and why it is of value, there’s a pretty good chance their future observations will be more astute and help pinpoint where they may be missing or no longer valid.

It’s not a case of teaching the whole workforce how to use a Seaward Primetest 100, but rather just conveying the basics of why PAT Testing is of such mandatory importance.

Involve

Next up, the brains behind the UK’s health and safety services cannot strongly enough convey the importance of getting as many workers as possible personally involved in electrical safety initiatives at work. Again, it isn’t a case of teaching everyone up to degree standard, but rather building safe and workable habits for the long term.

Annual or one-off training sessions are as dull as dishwater and never fail to depress. As such, it is a much better idea to champion day-by-day initiatives of a more gradual and on-going nature than blast workers with all the facts and figures all at once. Part of the important PAT process is a simple thorough visual inspection of all electronic appliances before and ideally after use – try to work this into a daily checklist of duties for everyone. In addition, provide the necessary materials or points of contact for even the slightest concerns to be voiced and thus help bring problems to light when and they may occur.

And another great tip is to think about periodically sending workers from different areas of the business to carry out their own inspections of areas they don’t primarily work in – chances are they will be much pickier and thus highlight problems others may have missed. It’s all a case of structuring and delegating a few simple day-to-day checks that become second nature in no time at all.

Interact

What never fails to fail is the kind of system whereby a boss or building owner talks the hind legs off everyone about how great it’s going to be, only for that to be the last mention of visible effort pertaining to it. By contrast, what never fails to work is genuine and thoughtful interaction whereby one-on-one contact is made with workers and building occupants on a regular basis to demonstrate that the subject really is of importance to everyone.

What’s more, next time the inspectors make a visit armed to the teeth with their Seaward Primetest 50 arsenals, give those already involved in the various safety initiatives plenty of time to see the process in action and ask questions. Some would argue this is time better spent elsewhere, others would say it’s a small price to pay for electrical health and safety awareness at work.

Listen

Last but not least, perhaps the most important thing of all to remember is the way in which the channel of communication needs to be two-way and encouraged. You can lecture a staff-force until blue in the face about the value of electrical safety and the merits of the Primetest 100, but everyone knows that lectures of such a kind tend to go in one ear and out the other unless the content is put into practice.

So, open new channels of communication by installing suggestion boxes, offering incentives for any positive ideas implemented and consider appointing at least one individual per department to monitor electrical safety, perhaps on a rotating basis.

Build the channels of communication strong enough and to a large extent you might just find that much of the responsibility is taken entirely out of your hands.

 By Francesca Holmes

Francesca Holmes is a private electrical engineering tutor from Weymouth who specialises in competence with the Seaward Primetest 50 and its various component devices. When not campaigning for a safer UK workplace, she is a keen sailor and doting mother of f

Thanks, Francesca, for this information about the importance of employees understanding the hazards associated with electrical testing.  When dielectric personal protective equipment is needed, please refer to Texas America Safety Company, for quality products.

General Safety Issues

HOW TO PREPARE FOR SAFETY INSPECTIONS (GUEST POST)

Sent by Maire Hunter.

Safety inspections can be intimidating for factories and other industrial work settings. A safety inspector wields a lot of power in these situations. If a business runs afoul of established safety regulations, it can be hit with fines or even shut-down altogether.

Management is responsible for ensuring the workplace meets safety standards at all times. It’s just good business – and attention to safety keeps employees out of harm’s way and assures your business will pass an inspection with no problems.

Practice sanitary and safety compliance at all times

While most inspections are arranged in advance, if you haven’t been following safety guidelines, you’ll have a hard time pulling it together quickly enough to pass an inspection. Plus, you run the more serious risk of accidents occurring as a result of poor safety practices.

While an ideal industrial business is already meeting all safety regulations, it’s hard to accomplish that at all times, in practice. Little things might escape your attention – like a machine operator who routinely removes his safety glasses, or a burned-out light that may reduce visibility in a hazardous area. Get in the habit of looking for and replacing any facility safety equipment that is in disrepair.

Go through a factory safety checklist

Safety inspectors will be working off of a checklist when assessing your factory’s regulatory compliance. They usually make that checklist available to your business ahead of time, so review it and make sure you’re able to pass all of the requirements.

Even before you’re preparing for an inspection, perform a self-inspection, so you don’t miss any important details.

Enlist the help of employees to meet regulatory standards

Your employees are a valuable resource that can help enact change in a short time frame. If you identify any problems that need to be addressed, assign employees to handle specific tasks and review their work when they’re finished. When you assign an important task like this to employees, it demonstrates that you trust them.

Brief employees on conduct involving the inspector

Employees need to understand that, while talking to the inspector is not prohibited, they need to be careful about the information they discuss. Being cordial and conversational is always a good idea, but if an inspector questions employees, they should always defer to management.

Accompany the inspector throughout the visit

The appointed manager should remain with the inspector at all times, in order to answer any questions as they arise. And when management is present for the inspection, he or she can see first-hand any problems the inspector identifies and discuss how to remedy them.

When you have clear safety procedures and guidelines for employees to follow and provide quality protective gear and maintain equipment in the workplace, you’ll be more prepared for inspections. Emphasize to your employees the importance of safety regulations – for their own good, and for the benefit of the company.

General Safety Issues

VACATIONING FUN ON THE WATER IN SOUTH CAROLINA: KEEP IT SAFE! (GUEST POST)

Vacationing Fun On The Water in South Carolina: Keep It Safe

People all over America sometimes spend months at a time saving money just to afford a trip to the beach. For residents of South Carolina, however, this “saving” period often just involves filling up the gas tank and heading off. This is because, even in the most remote areas of the state, South Carolinians are usually no more than 100 miles away from the nearest waterway. The choice of places to go and activities to enjoy is nearly endless, but it’s also important for an individual or family to know how to stay safe while enjoying the waters of the Palmetto State.

Places to Go

There are an abundance of water sources that South Carolina residents can enjoy. To the east and easily accessible to those who live in the southern parts of the state is the great Atlantic Ocean. Charleston, Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head are all popular destinations, but these beaches aren’t the only ones that people can enjoy. Those in the Midlands can spend their time at Lake Murray or head south to Lake Marion or Lake Moultrie. 

Residents up north also have a few options. Depending on where an individual resides, they are likely to be close to either Strom Thurmond Lake, Fishing Creek Lake or Wateree Lake. Many people even have fun at the smaller Monticello Reservoir after a few activities at the Sumter National Forest. It may seem unfair for South Carolina to have so many options while other states have so few, but with the humid summers that the state faces, many would agree that these waterways are well-deserved.

What to Do

There’s no shortage of things to do in, on and even above the waters of South Carolina. Those who visit the ocean can partake in surfing, scuba diving, parasailing and kite boarding, just to name a few. Those who end up at the state’s lakes can also enjoy fun events like jet skiing, waterskiing and tubing. Many of these activities can likewise be enjoyed on the state’s rivers along with kayaking and white water rafting. In addition, all of these places are great spots for fishing and swimming. There’s literally a little something for everyone to do. 

Staying Safe

Having fun in and on the water is all well and good, but it’s important for a person to take a few safety precautions to ensure the safety of themselves and those around them. Unfortunately, even when proper precautions are taken, the negligence of others can cause injuries to even the safest of water-goers. This should remain an important consideration when enjoying oneself. 

  • Never consume alcohol while swimming, driving boats or in any water activities.
  • Keep an eye on children at all time. Young children aren’t strong swimmers and should always wear floatation devices.
  • Life vests should be worn by everyone on a boat, regardless of how well they swim.
  • Follow instructor directions when undertaking any special water sport (ie. parasailing, scuba diving).
  • Be aware of undertow which is a current under the surface of the ocean moving in the differing way to the surface current, usually away from the shore.
  • Never swim alone.

When another person causes an accident through negligence, it’s important for the victim to seek immediate medical attention and contact a personal injury attorney Charleston SC based or an advocate in any area of the state. This is less about a free payday and more about covering medical bills and losses. Accidents on the water can be detrimental; usually more detrimental than those on land. This can lead to serious injuries, property damage and even death. Without legal help, the victim of a waterway accident may suffer physically, emotionally and financially for the rest of their lives.

There is never a shortage of water activities to take up a person’s time while in South Carolina. From the South Carolina/Georgia border all the way to the Atlantic Ocean, residents and visitors have their pick of excitement. It’s important to remember, however, that safety should always come first. If an individual acts with safety in mind, they’ll reduce their chances of being in or causing an accident. A waterway accident may easily lead to personal injury claims and financial losses, so taking proper safety precautions will ensure that a person is on the right side of the aisle if ever involved in these situations.

As a safety advocate and avid beach goer, Kelly Dennie, freelance writes about many different topics. Howell and Christmas, LLC is a personal injury attorney Charleston SC based law firm that knows the state’s laws well and will fight for you to get comprehensive medical treatment, recompense, and other damages you are entitled to under the law. The representatives of the insurance company work for them and not you. Therefore, you should have a skilled attorney working for you that understands the legal issues and represents your best interest.

General Safety Issues

HAVING TEENAGERS IN YOUR HOUSE, AND HOW TO KEEP THEM SAFE (GUEST POST)

                Parents around the world who are fortunate enough to raise children understand that certain phases of childhood are more difficult than others. Parenting is unique in the sense that it requires constant and steadfast attention to detail. Any lapse in judgment can compromise the safety of children, and successful guidance starts in the house.               

                A particularly difficult phase of childhood is the time surrounding the teenage years. The combination of puberty, peer pressure and curiosity forms a tornado of risk taking behavior. Below, I list main areas of the house for parents to safe proof with the goal of making the teen transition a safe one. 

1.       Make the house a forum for communication.       

        One of the most common struggles that parents encounter with their children during the teenage years is lack of communication. It’s hard to foster a safe environment if the ability to understand one another is lacking. If you are a parent or another guardian figure, make sure that you explain to your children that you are always available to talk with them. Your house should be their safe haven.

        When parents don’t hear from their children they have no means to intervene and be helpful when teens are going through tough times. Be open, friendly and trustworthy as a parent and you both will be rewarded. There will be ups and downs, but making your house a place of two way communication can contribute to mental and physical safety. 

Minimum action: Have a sit down conversation every week with your child. Sunday is a convenient time to start. Just before the school week starts is ideal because your child may want to share what happened over the weekend and what they’re worried about heading into the week. 

2.       Loosely monitor internet activity.       

        While avoiding the “Helicopter Parent” label, make sure as a guardian that you are aware of your teenager’s internet presence. It’s crucial to understand the general activity that your child is involved with when it comes to the cyber world. Try not to dwell on the worst cyber-related news stories you’ve ever heard, but at the same time, take into account the possibilities. Set ground rules, and monitor usage to an appropriate degree.  Some ways to accomplish this: 

-Briefly check the computer’s history each week.

-Enable cookies on the browser in case you really need to investigate at some point.

-Frequently ask your child what they are doing on the computer.

-Make it clear you are monitoring usage. If not, a child can feel he or she is not trusted. 

Minimum action: At the very least, you as a parent need to have a good idea of what your teenager is using the internet for. In 2013, this is a prime area of concern when children are involved. Monitor usage to the degree that you feel is necessary within your relative situation that will lead to the highest level of safety. 

3.       Lock up alcohol and firearms. 

        Two extremely dangerous factors in American teenage culture are alcohol and firearms. The combination of the two can be fatal and it’s very, very important to make sure they are locked up. The only time a child should come into contact with either of these items under your watch is when they are legally able to. For one, it is very illegal for adults to provide alcohol to minors. Similarly, it’s very illegal for a teen to operate a firearm without any training or license. Safety can be compromised and completely turned upside down if firearms or alcohol are used inappropriately. 

Minimum action: In a perfect world, there wouldn’t be guns in your household. If there are, lock them up in a gun safe. Putting them on the top shelf of a closet is not sufficient in 2013. With alcohol, make sure to put it in a place where you can adequately monitor it. Alcohol is a complex issue for parents to handle when it comes to teenagers. The best course of action is to be up front with your children and monitor bottle counts and levels. 

Teenage years are an important phase in life for children and possibly even more so for a parent. If you are a guardian, your true test will come during this time. It’s important to put safety above all else, and it starts in the house. Your property is where your child will spend a majority of his or her time, and with all of the risks in society, it’s vital to safe proof the house.  

Naomi Broderick is a professional writer who’s secure in her abilities and even more confident in her parenting. When she’s not juggling her three children in the front yard she writes for ProtectYourHome.com, a leader in home security.

 

 

 

General Safety Issues

SIGNS YOU NEED A NEW WATER HEATER (GUEST POST)

People often neglect their water heaters. When a water heater begins to fail, however, they come to the forefront of their owners’ minds. Fortunately, there are often early signs that a water heater is failing, and those who are able to determine a failure early will be able to plan for a replacement in a smooth manner. Here are some of the signs of a failing water heater and some hints that it may be time to purchase a new one.

– Lukewarm water

One of the most obvious signs of a failing water heater is inefficient heating. There are a number of reasons why a water heater might fail to heat the water as effectively as it once did, but some of these problems may lead to the conclusion that the water heater cannot be repaired. A broken heating element can be replaced without much difficulty, but other structural issues may mean that recovery is impossible. Even homeowners who are capable of fixing their water heaters may want to have an expert examine it to see if more failures are likely in the future. In many cases, a second failure causes the system to completely break, which can leave homeowners without hot water until the replacement unit has arrived and can be installed.

– Failing structure

Even though water heaters do not have many moving parts, the combination of heat that is constantly generated and the flow of water will eventually lead to metal fatigue. While some cracks can be patched, some cannot be fixed so safely. Further, early signs of metal fatigue often indicate that there are further structural issues within the water heater, and cracks may simply be a sign of advanced age. When the metal casing or other structural parts of a water heater begin to break, it may be time to consider purchasing a new one.

– Ineffective operation

In some cases, a water heater will be capable of keeping water hot but will not operate in an effective manner. Some older systems are simply ineffective by design, and an upgrade may be worth the expenses involved. However, parts that a become degraded may simply be unable to operate as effectively as they had in the past. In addition, internal leaks can sap energy away from the system, which will also cause wasteful operation. An early sign that a water heater cannot operate effectively may be higher electricity bills. If any question arises, it may be wise to consult with an expert who can determine if a water heater is functioning correctly and if it can be repaired.

– Frequent repairs

Much like cars, old water heater sometimes require constant repairs. Even if these repairs are successful, constant failures may indicate that dumping more money into a water heater is a wasteful effort. At some point, owners will want to determine if they have already wasted too much money on an old water heater and if purchasing a new device will save money in the long run. Fortunately, new water heaters offer a number of advantages over older ones, and upgrading to a more efficient unit will lead to significant savings over time.   

 
Authors’ Bio: Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is a plumber in Springfield, MO.  We offer an excellent 24 hour emergency program to fix any issues that you may have, anytime of the day. We understand that emergencies do happen, and it is important to get them corrected the first time. 
Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

AVOIDING SLIPS AND FALLS (GUEST POST)

The idea of a slip and fall leading to serious injury may seem silly to some people.  Imagery of clumsy people and frivolous lawsuits immediately come to mind.  However, slips and falls can be very dangerous and lead to over 1 million emergency room visits each year.  Nearly half of all accidental deaths at home are caused by falls,  and most injuries happen at ground level rather from elevation. 

The risk carries over to the workplace as well.  In fact, slips and falls are the leading cause of worker’s compensation claims , tallying nearly 85% of all claims, primarily on slippery or slick floors.  They also represent the primary cause of work days lost, with 22% leading to over 30 days of work missed.  The combination of compensation and medical costs from slip and fall injuries is estimated at over $70 billion annually.  The most common places for slips and falls are doorways, uneven surfaces, areas prone to wetness or spills ramps, and areas of heavy traffic.   

Despite the danger, there are a number of simple steps that can be taken to make the workplace or home safer: 

– Stay off freshly mopped floors and ensure caution signs are used on wet areas.

– Clean up spills immediately

– Secure all electrical cords in any traffic areas

– Wear footwear with good support and slip resistant soles

– Maintain open walking pathways

– Ensure that all traffic areas have adequate lighting, both indoors and outdoors

– Adjust gutters to drive water away from walkways and paths

– Never stand on a surface that has wheels, such as a table or chair

– Use non skid mats

– Install handrails on both sides of all staircases 

These steps, along with countless others, can go a long way creating a safer workplace, home, and overall environment.   Martin Solomon is a Phoenix personal injury attorney and has represented hundreds of people who have been injured.  He is an advocate for safety and works to help create safer work environments for employees and the general public.

General Safety Issues

TOP TWENTY-FIVE SAFETY ARTICLES FOR WEEK MARCH 22 (GUEST POST)

Erin Raub, of Safe Sound Family’s Weekly Roundup, notified us that we had made the top twenty-five list of safety articles for the weeks of March 15, and 22nd.  We appreciate having our articles chosen, and want to give our guest authors a big pat on the back!  Below is the latest list:

Home Safety

  1. If you have little ones at home, Alison at KidSafe has an excellent home safety cheat sheet (overview), complete with babyproofing advice that even seasoned parents can overlook.
  2. Raise your hand if you love Q&A sessions. Rachel from the Culture of Safety blog answers six reader questions this week. Pop Quiz: Can you get burned by tap water?
  3. We do a lot to protect our families and homes, but here’s something that’s easily overlooked: Have you made an inventory of your possessions? That list can be indispensable in the case of theft.

Family & Child Safety

  1. What’s one surefire way to boost your immune system? Get enough sleep. Most adults need 6-8 hours, and kids need more.
  2. If you know someone who just doesn’t “get” the effects (and dangers) of cyberbullying, send them over to iKeepSafe to read Katie’s post on bullying in the digital age.
  3. And, yes! Here’s an uplifting story: Lenore of Free Range Kids recounts a tale of two kids (ages 9 and 10) who saved a baby’s life. This is what heroes look like, readers.
  4. The news is full of the “fear factor,” but Kenny’s post at Blog4Safety debunks some common safety myths. Click on over to discover 20 things that are statistically safer than you think.
  5. This is almost the flip-side of the above list, but the Compliance and Safety blog shares a great infographic of 20 surprising dangers. If they weren’t dangerous, some would be almost funny. (e.g. You’re more likely to die by collapsing sandcastle than get eaten by a shark!)
  6. Caroline of Common Sense Media has some practical (read: realistic, finally!) advice about children and screen time. Because you know you let your kid watch TV.
  7. Back in my day, we plastered Mr. Yuck! stickers everywhere, but parents today can count on Jacque’s excellent post on poison prevention at Baby Product Experts.
  8. And finally, since your pets are definitely an important part of the family, PetSafe gets real about how to introduce a new cat to your household.

Food Safety

Food safety topics kept popping up this week, so they’re getting their own category! 

  1. Casey at Moms Rising summarizes a recent study linking sugar to diabetes, and encourages parents to play whack-a-mole with our kids sugary snacks.
  2. Also from Moms Rising, Debbie wrote a powerful and heartfelt post this week on junk food, school, and how hard it is today to watch what our kids eat. Read the whole post for a happy ending!
  3. Monifa, again of Moms Rising (I just can’t help it, they’re on fire this week!), explains that black children are at greater risk of childhood obesity. And she encourages all parents to sign the petition to support Junk Free Schools.
  4. Speaking of sugar and health, Consumer Reports has a scary statistic for you: soda and sugary drinks have been linked to 180,000 deaths per year.
  5. And here’s one that will strike close to home for anyone with a picky eater: evidence suggests a link between the Standard American Diet and behavior problems, like hyperactivity and sleep issues.

Mobile & Cyber Safety

  1. Hackers are getting sneakier, and meaner and more detailed. And, increasingly, hackers are targeting small businesses. WeLiveSecurity talks about keeping your customer information safe.
  2. Michael Levine and Christopher Ferguson cross-post to SafeKids and discuss whether video games influence youth violence. You might be surprised at their answer.
  3. Nikki posts to the iKeepSafe blog about passwords, specifically on how to create hacker-resistant passwords.
  4. Tim of uKnowKids is one of my favorite safety bloggers, and for good reason: his posts are always excellent – rich and meaty. This week, he gives us some great tips on how to talk to teens about sexting. Way to tackle a sensitive topic!
  5. Just one more from Tim, because it’s also important: read up on his recommended digital safety rules for every household. I love that he differentiates trust in your child from trust in everything available online. That’s an important distinction.
  6. Heads up, there’s another email scam on the loose. WeLiveSecurity clues us in to a link scam that masquerades as current events (in this case, Cyprus and its financial crisis).
  7. And here’s another timely warning; Robert Siciliano of McAfee warns about tax-time scams. Think about it: millions of Americans filing taxes + private banking and financial data + a prevalence of online tax software/advice/filing = a dream cocktail for hackers and scammers.

Senior Safety

  1. Susan of Help! Aging Parents reminds us that aging bathrooms are not the best choice for aging parents. Even small changes can make a big difference in your parents’ quality of life.

Work Safety

  1. As I sit here in my brand new desk chair, I can’t help but nod in agreement: Joe guest posts on Blog4Safety about why ergonomics matter so much, especially for office furniture.
General Safety Issues

OFFICE SAFETY 101: KEEPING THE WORKPLACE HAZARD-FREE (GUEST POST)

Office Safety 101: Keeping the Workplace Hazard-Free

Workplace safety is a big focus for most companies, in large part because accidents can be very costly to a business. Each injury or accident can lead to increased insurance costs, lowered productivity and a potential lawsuit, so it’s no surprise that most business owners want to create the safest working environment possible. Many workplace accidents are avoidable; better accident prevention can always reduce the risk of something going wrong.

Even with an office safety plan in place, there are always little things you can do to make your environment just a bit safer. Read on for some suggestions of small changes that can make a big difference—and possibly help you and your coworkers avoid a painful accident.

Use proper signage

Exit doors should always be clearly marked, but that’s not the extent of how signage should be used. Use signs throughout the office to make employees aware of nearby hazards. For example, set out notifications in obvious places to warn employees about slippery floors, or to keep people out of the way of a door’s swinging path. You could even use signage to warn of equipment-specific hazards if you feel the risk warrants an alert.

Tie up or cover cables and cords

Loose cables and cords create a serious tripping hazard in the workplace. When bunches are present, tie them together to reduce the risk of catching onto a foot. When possible, embed them under the carpet or along baseboards. You can also purchase cable raceways to run groups of cables above the floor in a way that won’t create a tripping obstacle for foot traffic.

Keep walkways, doorways and congested areas clear

The more congestion found in walkways, the more likely it is that trips, bumps, spills and other accidents will occur. Keep high-traffic areas as free of clutter as possible. Make sure areas by doors are wide open to prevent collisions. And never leave clutter or other objects on or near flights of stairs.

Install surge protection devices

Electrical surges can pose a great risk to devices, but employees close to that equipment can also be damaged if a surge occurs. Voltage regulation devices help keep the flow of electricity consistent, stopping a surge before it strikes electrical equipment. These devices are easy to install, and they can be a great layer of protection for both equipment and employees if an electrical surge hits your building.

Keep shelving orderly

When shelving is piled high with unstable contents, the risk of a spill increases. Particularly with overhead shelving, the risk of falling objects can be significant and potentially lead to injuries. Keep shelving neat and orderly at all times to eliminate the risk of an accidental spill. Invest in shelf dividers, storage drawers and other organizational items to keep items separated and prevent an avalanche of office supplies.

No one wants to work in a dangerous environment, and injuries in the workplace are always a burden for businesses. It makes sense to do everything you can on the prevention end, stopping incidents before they start. Your business will appreciate your efforts, and your office morale may also enjoy a boost.
Maire lives in the Indianapolis area and enjoys writing about safety and construction. She also loves double chocolate brownies and her Scottish Terrier, Pete.

Note: Under the segment about Use Proper Signage, all offices can use safety posters throughout the building, that fit the particular hazard in that place.