Monthly Archives: May 2013

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

WHEN LIGHTING IS A SAFETY ISSUE IN THE FACTORY ENVIRONMENT: ALL THE TIME (GUEST POST)

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Modern factories—with their often-automated machinery, forklifts moving materials to necessary stations and loud mechanical noise levels that often prevent vocal warnings—are among the most potentially injurious places to work. According to a standard text on the topic, “Industrial Safety & Environment” by Amit Gupta, factory lighting is the single most important environmental variable effecting employees’ safety, comfort, satisfaction, efficiency and productivity.

Minimum OSHA Illumination Requirements in Machine Shops & Assembly Areas

Indeed, lighting in such industrial areas is so important as to be regulated by the Occupational Health & Safety Administration (OSHA). The organization mandates minimum levels of lighting in areas depending upon the complexity of bench and machine work in the area. Simple or rough assembly requires 20 to 50 foot-candles of illumination, moderate bench work needs 50 to 100 foot-candles, difficulty assembly work demands 100 to 200 foot-candles of lighting while very fine precision bench work requires 200 to 500 foot-candles to safely and properly perform the job.

Types of Illumination

There are three major types of lighting required by OSHA to be available in the workplace. These include:

· General Lighting

Although experts in the field report that natural light is less stressful to the eye, it’s not an option for factories usually constructed over a large area that precludes natural light from reaching the interior of the workspace. Even if skylights are provided in a one-story factory to provide natural illumination, weather conditions can’t be controlled to ensure that the minimum degree of illumination required by OSHA is required.

For the typical factory, general lighting is that illumination provided by evenly spaced overhead light fixtures attached to the ceilings. Usually fluorescent, this lighting provides a consistent degree of illumination that can be measured by a light meter to ensure compliance with governmental regulations. The care and maintenance of this equipment is usually the responsibility of the plant maintenance department due to the equipment necessary to reach the lighting equipment.

· Task Lighting

Task lighting is illumination provided to spotlight aspects of workers’ specific job functions and is the most important type of lighting in terms of safety and injury prevention. This type of illumination can be provided by a number of different lamps, often attached to workbenches and moveable to allow employees to specifically adjust the light to their needs. Because of the strong association between adequate task lighting and injury prevention, replacement bulbs for these types of lamps or moveable bench lights need to be readily accessible to workers or floor supervisors in the event that a bulb expires during a worker’s shift.

· Emergency Lighting

Emergency lighting refers to illumination devices designed to turn on automatically in the event of a power failure or other emergency where workers’ vision can be challenged. These lights consist of illuminated emergency doors and may include lights along evacuation routes to the emergency doors.

Other Benefits to Proper Lighting

Benefits to the factory owner from provision of adequate lighting include fewer injuries, fewer loss days due to injury and increased productivity. The degree of improved efficiency and safety combined with the greater production output is said to offset the cost of providing proper illumination throughout the facility.

Sent by Maire Hunter.

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

SAFETY COMPLIANCE IS ESSENTIAL DURING HAZARDOUS WASTE REMOVAL (GUEST POST)

This post was written Duane Neukom, Marketing Manager at WasteXpress, a hazardous waste removal company. The company provides on-site disposal, transportation and industrial services to businesses across Oregon and Washington. 

In 1999, the United Nations Environmental Program estimated that industrialized countries produce up to 400 million tons of hazardous waste each year. Hazardous waste is any type of waste that poses a threat to the environment or public health. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) states that hazardous waste falls into two categories: characteristic and listed wastes. Characteristic hazardous waste products are those that are corrosive, reactive, ignitable or toxic. Listed hazardous waste products are those that regulatory authorities deem as hazards, such as F, K, or P-listed. By applying proper hazardous waste removal transportation practices, you can remain compliant with the law while reducing waste and keeping the public and land safe.                

 

Hazardous Waste Removal Transportation Process 

All companies that produce hazardous waste must follow the hazardous waste removal guidelines outlined in the RCRA and Hazardous Materials Transportation Uniform Safety Act (HMTUSA). The first step in the professional waste removal process is classification. Waste classification, or characterization, helps determine if waste is hazardous or non-hazardous, as well as whether it is a characteristic or listed hazardous waste product. The classification process helps businesses reduce waste, promotes recycling and conserves resources. 

After the waste is classified, a hazardous waste removal company creates a shipping name during the waste profiling process. Waste profiling is the process of describing the characteristics of hazardous and non-hazardous waste so professionals can confirm the appropriate treatment methods or the recyclability of the materials.  

Before transport, a waste removal company affixes the shipping names to the containers holding waste products; prepares the shipping papers; and mark the containers with the appropriate warning labels. 

Hazardous Waste Removal DOT Compliance 

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) created the Hazardous Waste Materials Transportation Act to ensure the safe transport of all hazardous materials. Hazardous waste transporters are subject to DOT, EPA and RCRA regulations, including: 

Obtaining an EPA identification number. This ID number helps keep track of hazardous waste and its transporters. 

Compliance with the manifest system. Hazardous waste transporters cannot transport waste unless a manifest accompanies the materials. The manifest must stay with the hazardous materials at all times. When the waste arrives at its destination, the recipient must sign and date the manifest. 

Use of DOT shipping papers and labels. The shipping papers created during the waste profiling process help the transporter and public know how to combat a spill or exposure if there’s an accident. The labels placed on the outsides of the containers should contain the name of the shipment, EPA ID number, United Nations number, packaging specifications and the appropriate handling guidelines or warnings. 

The proper handling of hazardous waste discharges. Even when waste is removed and transported safely, it can still be dangerous, especially if there’s an accident. In the event of an accident, the waste transporter must notify the appropriate authorities, such as the National Response Center. 

Hazardous Waste Removal Documentation and Manifests 

To help make filling out shipping papers and manifests simpler for transporters, the EPA and DOT created a Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest that complies with the RCRA. This uniform manifest helps eliminate variability among different states, as well as the need to fill out state-specific manifests, and it makes shipment tracking easier. As of September 2006, the use of the uniform manifest is mandatory in all 50 states. 

Under the RCRA, the shipping papers or manifests that accompany hazardous waste must provide the following information: 

  • Details about the company that generated the waste.
  • Details about the facility that will receive the waste.
  • Description of the quantity of waste, including the number of containers and the container types.
  • Details about how the waste will arrive at the receiving facility. 

After a shipment of hazardous waste arrives at its destination, the client and transport company should receive copies of the signed manifest for their records. 

The proper removal and transport of hazardous waste is vital to public and environmental health. By working with an established waste removal company that’s licensed by local DEQ, EPA and local DOT, you can rest assured knowing your company is in compliance and the transport company is up-to-date on the latest waste removal laws.

Workers who are involved with hazardous materials must have the proper personal protective clothing for the particular risks involved in their job.  When cleaning up following an accidental spill of hazardous materials, it is imperative that all safety precautions are taken. pb

General Safety Issues

SAFETY TIPS FOR PREVENTING INJURIES FROM WORKOUTS OR WORK (GUEST POST)

People love to exercise and keep healthy, but a few  precautions should be taken in order to prevent an injury during your workout.  Some typical workout injuries can include; knee or shoulder injuries, wrenched  ankles, dislocated or sprained wrists, shin splints or tendinitis, and many  other general muscle pulls and strains. Here are five safety tips for preventing injuries during your  workout, each aimed at helping you to keep yourself safer. (You might consider using a lifting belt to support your back.) Besides suffering  fewer injuries, you will also find yourself able to keep a steady exercise  schedule thanks to less downtime:

Warm Up and Cool Down

One of the very best ways to avoid injury is to do a complete  warm up and cool down before and after every workout. A warm up should be about  10 minutes long, allowing your heart rate to increase slowly and loosening up  your muscles; a warm up could include jogging in place, jumping rope, or riding  an exercise bike. Your cool down should be 5-10 minutes of walking, or other  slow exercise, to reduce your heart rate back to its normal pace. It is also  recommended that you spend some time doing a thorough stretch both before and  after warming up and cooling down, helping your muscles to prepare and cope,  respectively.   Take the time to do this before beginning your days’ work, as well.

Use Proper Equipment

A second tip for an injury free workout is to make sure that  you always have the proper equipment. For example, if you are a runner, your  sneakers should be your primary focus, whereas bicycle riders should ensure  that their helmet fits snugly and properly. You want to make sure your clothes  are not too baggy, as they could get snagged on a machine causing you a great injury.  If you have a workout room at work, take advantage of this before or after work, or during lunch break.

Work with a Trainer

The best thing about this tip is that it involves friendly  support! It is suggested that before starting any new exercise program, you  speak with a certified trainer; one chosen specifically to suit your needs.  Most gyms will offer this service free  with a membership, or you can pay them an hourly rate for the first few  sessions. These experts will guide you into a routine that is right for you. A trainer will show you all of the correct ways to perform  your exercises, and they will offer advice on the right amount of weights and  rest times, helping you to maximize benefit while limiting risk. They will even send workout information home with you, so you can exercise there, as well.

 Know Your Body

The fourth step is all about knowing your own body and paying  attention to your weak areas. Got a trick knee? Then don’t run on the treadmill  or use the stepper. Same goes if you have a bad back; there would be a few  machines and stretches that you simply should not indulge in, at least right  away. By being aware of the spots on your body that are weak, you can start to  wake them up with slow and gentle exercises, working safely towards more vigorous  exercise.  One way to fit exercise in at work is to park farther away, and take the stairs rather than elevator.  If your job requires repetitive lifting, get a partner to help you with loads that are too heavy.

Get Plenty of Rest – Your Muscles Need It

And finally, after all that exercising, you’ll need to rest!  You should take one or two days a week off to rest and allow your muscles to  heal, giving them the time that they need to strengthen and mend, and limiting  your risk of straining or pulling something. If you are sore or nursing an injury, use the RICE method: in particular: rest your injury, ice  the sore spot, compress to minimize swelling, and elevate to reduce blood flow.

You probably can’t take off work to rest your muscles, so by gradually getting used to the exercise involved in your daily routine, you will be able to work off soreness each day.  Get plenty of rest at night.

Author Byline:  This post was written by Anna Fox, who writes about fitness and dieting, and is passionate about healthy food, active lifestyle and self-improvement.

General Safety Issues

WHAT YOU CAN LEARN IN FORKLIFT TRAINING (GUEST POST)

Operating a forklift takes skill, practice and extreme caution. Many accidents have occurred from mistakes made by forklift operators and could have been prevented with stronger safety training and enforcement. Because of the extreme danger from forklifts, adequate training completed before one is certified to operate them. If you are taking forklift-training classes here are some things to expect.

Classroom Sessions and Hands-On Training

 In your forklift training, you can expect a classroom session with an instructor of approximately 4-6 hours. The instructor will teach you what you need to know about operating the forklift. He or she may use a variety of methods to teach the class such as lecture, PowerPoint, showing a forklift training video or DVD, demonstrating stability using a model and moderating classroom discussions. In addition to the classroom session, there will be hands-on training where you will work with the forklifts. Here you will be shown the forklift and have the opportunity to operate it with the guidance from your instructor. Depending on prior experience the operators may need hours or days of practice operation before they are ready for their final hands on test.

 The Parts of a Forklift

 You will also learn the parts of a forklift. The forklift is similar to a car in some ways, but there are also some major differences, such as the forklift having rear wheel steering.. You will learn about this machine, how it works, and the unique aspects of it. You will learn what all the controls do and how to work them.

 Understand Reasons to Work Safely

 Obviously throughout your training you will be taught safety procedures for operating the forklift. In addition, you will understand the specific reasons why these precautions are put into place. Your instructor will teach you to understand not just “what to do and what not to do,” but why it is important to understand these reasons in the first place.

 Real Consequences of Poor Safety Decisions

 You will be informed of real consequences that could result of poor safety decisions. The forklift is a powerful machine and if you are not safe with it, it could result in severe injury or even death to yourself or others. You will be shown the severity of consequences of not operating the forklift with caution.

 Identify and Correct Safety Problems

 In addition, you will be taught how to identify and correct safety problems when using the forklift. When you operate a forklift, you will be making judgment calls the entire time. You will be given various scenarios and told how to identify and correct safety issues. This will thoroughly prepare you for operating the forklift on your own.

Forklift Maintenance

Just like vehicles need proper maintenance, the forklift does as well. In your training you will be taught what to do to provide maintenance for the forklift. A forklift inspection needs to be conducted and passed before each shift to ensure proper safety for everyone involved.

Written by Written by Dan Smith of Forklift Training Systems, an industry leader in forklift training products and services.

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Protective Clothing

IF CAMO IS YOUR STYLE, YOU’RE GONNA LOVE THIS!

Living in Texas, we see many folks wearing camouflage-style clothes.  Why, I even have a camo t-shirt, and I don’t hunt, work with gloves or do anything that qualifies me to wear it, other than it’s prety cool!

This pattern has been popular for a long time, so what better chance than to display the variety of camouflage products that Texas America Safety Company offers than right now?  Be sure to check out the entire page, and see why these are too good to pass up.  The MCR gloves, as stated in the description, support the Wounded Warriors project.  Portions of your purchase go to that great group.

If you prefer wearing, say, patriotic hardhats to work, we have a bunch for you to choose from.

Look for yourself, and see what we have to offer.  If you like something, be sure to mention you read about it on the blog, and you’ll receive a 5% discount, as stated at the beginning of our blog. 

Thank you for your time, and all the folks at Texas America Safety Company wish you a safe Memorial Day.  We hope everyone who travelled  arrives safely at home, ready to get back to work tomorrow!

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

SIX TOP SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS FOR LAND SURVEYORS (GUEST POST)

In most countries, construction work represents the most dangerous industry in terms of injury and fatality rates per year. Though land surveyors aren’t necessarily classed as construction workers, they do carry out their jobs in similarly hazardous situations – mines, busy highways, mountainous areas and construction zones to name a few. Below are 5 major safety risks associated with land surveying, highlighting the truly diverse range of dangers to be wary of. 

Distracted motorists

Land surveyors will often spend time by roadsides, close to fast moving traffic. After driving for a while looking at nothing but the road in front of them, motorists can often become distracted if they suddenly see a person from the corner of their eye. This can and does often result in traffic collisions and can be dangerous for surveyors standing nearby. There are safety procedures to follow however – workers are advised to place safety signs and cones in the appropriate places. Most countries also have regulations relating to the minimum distance a surveyor should be from the roadside. 

Snakes and insects

It is not uncommon for surveyors working in places like jungles and deserts to come into contact with insects, spiders and snakes. To help prevent against bites and stings, workers should wear snake-proof boots and clothing that covers as much bare skin as possible. Also, carrying a first aid kit as well as a bite kit is a must. 

Unstable surfaces

Mountain ranges represent another varied terrain where surveyors carry out their work. Things to consider include unstable rock faces and frostbite for those who are nearer the peaks. Safety harnesses and cables should be used for the former group and appropriate thermal clothing should be worn for the latter. 

Construction hazards

When land surveyors are called out to construction sites, they should be briefed on that site’s safety procedures. It is the worker’s duty to wear appropriate safety gear such as hard hats, tough work boots, high visibility vests and any additional gear that is required, such as eye and hearing protection. 

Heat exhaustion

Any outdoor work carried out in hot climates represents a number of health hazards, and surveying is no different – sunstroke, dehydration and sunburn to name a few. To protect against the sun’s effects, surveyors should wear hats, heat reflective clothing, apply sunscreen and drink plenty of water. An often overlooked consideration is to take regular break in the shade. Canvas umbrellas can be brought to places where shade is at a premium, such as deserts. 

Remote locations

For surveys to be carried out in barren locations, ensure all equipment is tested before the journey begins. Packing a spare tire, a first aid kit, food and water, GPS system and phones will come in handy in emergency situations. Vehicles should also be thoroughly tested before embarking on the journey. 

This guest post was brought to you by Technics Group,  an expert in land surveys and utility mapping, based in the UK.

 

 

General Safety Issues

MEMORIAL DAY – 2013

At the time of this writing, we are about mid-way through the Memorial Day Holiday.  Please don’t forget why you have the day off tomorrow: on the last Monday of May, Memorial Day is celebrated in the United States, as a day of paying tribute to the memory of those who died while serving our country in wars. It was first observed in 1866.  We continue to honor those who gave their lives in the process of holding on to the freedoms that we enjoy.  For anyone who loved a person missing in action, from wars as far back as WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and forward, it is a day of honoring their loved ones, whom they miss every day, unsure of what happened to them. 

Many events throughout the country are planned for tomorrow:  parades, picnics, military cemetery honors, and countless others.  You can look on your search engine and ask for Memorial Day, and you get all types of things:  Memorial Day Sales, When is Memorial Day, What is Memorial Day, etc.  Our hearts are with those who have been victims of tornadoes, floods, and wildfires in the past several days.  Keep them in your thoughts, as their weekend has been one of trying to put their lives back together. 

We hope you will arrive safely at home if you have travelled this weekend, and begin your new work week with a fresh perspective on looking at things in a more appreciative way.  We are fortunate that we have our military service men and women who “have our backs.”  So, we honor those who are in far-away places, missing the celebration of family and friends.  We pray for their safe return. 

Happy Memorial Day, and May God Bless America !

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

FIVE BOAT SAFETY TIPS FOR SPRING AND SUMMER LAKE TRIPS (GUEST POST)

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Water sports are always popular during the spring and summer months, but any boat owner and operator understands there are many hazards associated with boating. Accident avoidance is crucial when on the water. It is important to prepare any water craft before launching by making a standard checklist of proper and legal gear for the vehicle. There also are some basic rules to follow that should be restrictive of, or limit, dangerous behavior. This includes the use of alcohol while occupying a boat, especially for the individual driving the boat. Alcohol intoxication can also be extremely dangerous for anyone on a boat due to the potential of falling overboard or getting into a fatal crash.  This Memorial Day weekend will be a busy one for getting out on lakes, rivers, etc., so pay special attention to these tips.
 
1. Double Check All Safety Gear
Always be aware of what safety equipment is required for the boat. Each occupant should have a life jacket, which should be worn at all times on smaller water craft. This also applies for a pontoon boat because of the flat boat deck. Significant wake from larger crafts can create problems for a pontoon as well as a fishing boat or ski boat. Safety equipment is still required on house boats or cabin cruisers, even though they are larger craft, and life jacket availability should still be determined by the number of individuals on the boat. Safety equipment should also include at least one fire extinguisher.

2. Do Not Overload the Boat
Technically, this is described as tonnage and applies across different boat sizes. Overloading a boat can result in instability and cause the craft to sit too low in the water. Both conditions can be problematic, so it is important to observe all capacity recommendations involving both people and supplies. Posting a float plan on board can also help in case the boat becomes capsized. Make sure everyone knows the procedure. 

 
3. Avoid Boating Under the Influence
Everyone knows that it’s illegal to drive a vehicle while drunk or be in a vehicle while drinking alcohol. These open container laws are slightly different for boating in many states though, including Florida, Georgia, and Texas. Passengers are allowed to consume alcohol on boats, however, the person driving the boat must be below the legal limit of .08 in Florida, or else they are at risk of being charged with a criminal offense. Knowing all of the alcohol safety laws for operating boats is important for having a good and safe time on the water, so it doesn’t hurt to consult a professional like Orlando DUI Lawyer, David Katz, especially if you have been charged with an alcohol related offense.
 
4. Maintain Safe Speeds and Distance
Sometimes, fun on the water can also include significant amounts of speed, such as when pulling skiers. The experienced boat operator will know when dangers lie ahead and will be constantly surveying the lake for other craft. The differential in craft size makes boating a dangerous activity in the wrong setting. It is important for all boats to be under control and making sure, well in advance of calamity, that all safety measures are in tact with regards to movement and collision avoidance. 

5. Secure All Anchors When Docking
Boats that are not docked properly can result in trouble for other boaters as well as anchored craft. This is as important when the boat is in a docking slip as it is in a temporary tie-up. Boats that are parked and not continually occupied can experience problems during inclement weather, especially if they are not anchored sufficiently. Additionally, always check the amount of fuel in the tank when left unattended, and remember that an empty tank is more vulnerable to explosion than a full tank. 

A fun escapade on the water can turn into a tragedy quickly if proper safety measures are not taken. Because of this potential, it is always important to ensure that the craft complies legally with all aspects of boating, including the amount of alcohol consumed by the occupants. This applies to passengers as well as operators. Boating under the influence can result in huge fines for all involved when the maritime authorities intervene.


Saam Banai is a freelance writer and editor and avid boater, offering tips for safe, fun boating excursions. Orlando DUI Lawyer, David Katz, is an experienced Florida attorney, eager to help in all DUI defense cases. One-time mistakes shouldn’t be devastating in the way that a DUI charge can be. Don’t assume that you’re up against something you can’t beat; experienced attorneys like Katz will go to bat for you, to protect your rights in any alcohol related boating incident.
 
Saam, I’d like to add, for those planning on being on the water, plan to carry along their cell phone, plenty of sunscreen, and wear a good pair of safety sunglasses that prevent UV damage.  pb
General Safety Issues

SAFETY GUIDELINES THAT EVERY COMPANY SHOULD USE (GUEST POST)

Most businesses know that safety is one of the first issues they should focus on, but that doesn’t mean that all companies do everything they can do to ensure that everyone in the workplace is safe at all times. This is why it is vital that every supervisor stresses the importance of safety to his or her employees and then repeats the rules every month or so. People need to be reminded every so often how important it is that everyone follows the rules so there is never an unfortunate injury or even death in the workplace. 

Here are some of the most basic guidelines that every workplace should follow:

Stacking and Storing Boxes

  • Always put the heaviest boxes on a lower shelf and the lightest on top.
  • All boxes should be stable at all times, so never stack too many on top of each other.
  • If you plan to stack boxes on multiple levels, you need to have ladders, stools, and other equipment that will allow you to reach the highest level. You never want anyone to have to reach more than an arm’s length for high items.

Shelving Boxes and Pallets

  • Every shelf should be labeled so employees know exactly how much weight can be stored on each one.
  • Don’t allow anyone to use machinery close to shelving units. One of the most common accidents in the workplace is when shelves full of boxes and pallets are knocked over.
  • Make sure that every shelf is secured so that there is no chance that they can fall once boxes are stacked on them.

Avoiding Trips and Falls

  • Ladders should be made readily available for anyone who needs to reach a box on a higher shelf.
  • None of the ladders or stools in the building should have any defects.
  • No stools, ladders, or chairs should be used unless they are on level ground.
  • Employees should never use boxes in place of ladders, stools, or chairs to reach higher shelves.
  • Every path around shelves should be kept clear at all times to avoid trips and falls.
  • Any wires or cords used in the workplace should be kept away from walkways.
  • When employees are at their desks, they should never lean their chairs back or move their chairs into public walkways.

Using Bookshelves and Cabinets

  • If cabinets are used in the office, they should not be placed in heavily congested areas.
  • Just like on shelves, you need the heaviest items to be on top when placing them in cabinets or on bookshelves. Both could fall over if the weight isn’t evenly distributed.
  • Make sure all cabinet drawers are closed when they are not in use.
  • If you need to use more than one cabinet, only open one at a time so people don’t run into them when walking by.
  • Any large bookshelves or cabinets should be securely fastened to the walls so they don’t tip over once items are placed in them.

Other Safety Tips

  • Furniture with sharper corners or edges should be protected with either tape or other softening materials.
  • Anything that pulls out, like desk drawers or bookshelves, should be pushed in unless they are being used.
  • It’s imperative that anything that is spilled is cleaned up right away so people don’t slip. Someone should stay by the spill to warn others that it is there.
  • Absolutely everything that is sharp in the office should be stored away when not in use.
  • If there are tools that are meant for specific jobs in the workplace, they should never be substituted for something that is closer by. Using the wrong tools can lead to accidents.
  • All vents in the workplace should be kept clean at all times. No shelves, bookcases, or desks should ever block the vents.
  • If any employees see any pests in the workplace, they should let their supervisor know immediately so the problem doesn’t get worse.
  • Any arguments or fights between employees should be stopped immediately to ensure the safety of everyone in the office. 

All of these tips should be adhered to by everyone in the workplace no matter what their job may be. If only some people follow these safety guidelines, everyone is at risk of serious injury.  Most people already know most of these guidelines, but it’s still important to post them where everyone can see them, and to go over each and every one of them with new employees. 

Author Bio 

Ronald Alexander’s experience as a journalist is as long as 10 years writing for newspapers, websites and magazines. He is currently working with Hilicom and is bit by the bug of researching and writing articles on industrial racks to ensure safety in the workplace. 

Thank you so very much for this helpful article and we hope folks will take your advice.  Might not be a bad idea to keep a first aid supply kit handy, just in case. pb

 

General Safety Issues

FASTEN YOUR SEAT BELTS AND PROTECT YOURSELF FROM FATALITY DURING ACCIDENTS (GUEST POST)

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Do you buckle your seat belt before driving the car? Well, this is where eighty per cent of the accidents turn fatal. If you don’t protect yourself, you cause harm to yourself and ultimately to other passengers in the car. You should know that possessing excellent driving skills is not important. What is more important is whether you wear a seat belt or not. It is a basic driving requirement that even the best car drivers in the families don’t follow. Your family’s protection should always be your major concern while driving in local areas or highways. Thus, here are crucial factors elaborated to help you understand the impact of seat belts while driving.

Makes a Small Accident Bigger:

Sometimes, due to careless driving, the small accidents turn into life-taking ones. When you are taking your family for a lunch treat or outskirts, you are the person responsible for any mishaps or accidents. As a driver, you should confirm that your children, wife and parents have buckled their seat belts properly. You have to know that it is your responsibility to take care of the environment as a citizen. Taking responsibility will always serve you better rather than ignoring your rights as a responsible family member.

Becomes a Habit:

You must have seen a lot of people who drive cars around you. For instance, you can take your own friends and family members as an example. You must have noticed them not buckling up the seat belts before driving the car. As explained earlier, this is a common cause for accidents. However, when people don’t prefer wearing seat belts across them, it becomes an impeccable habit. Indeed, the same habit can lead to fatal accidents of the family members and friends. Therefore, now you are the one who should decide how protectively you want to drive your car.

Money or Life Protection:

It is not always about money. In cases like accidents, it is always about life. So, it doesn’t matter whether how much money you have spent to purchase your car. When accidents happen, it all comes down to how much you got injured or the number of lives caused due to one mistake. However, one of the main reasons of fatal accidents is improper car functions. That is why, you need to keep your car in a good condition always. But, this doesn’t mean that you should not wear the seat belt while driving. Wearing a seat belt is as important as driving a well functioned car.

Asides to that, if you don’t have your car registered, then you should dial the DVLA  phone number  for car registration enquiries. Because, sometimes driving an unregistered car leads you to face unusual consequences and not wearing the seat belt can lead to fatal accidents. Thus, in both the cases you are breaking the law. So, if you have a new car then register and drive your car safely by wearing the seat belt. Take care of your own and your family because ultimately it is your life that is more important than money.

Our thanks to Annie Bonneville, from Manchester, U.K. for this insightful article.  Please also turn your cell phone off until you arrive safely at your destination.  pb