Yearly Archives: 2013

General Safety Issues

PACK YOUR BAGS: ROAD TRIP TIPS! (GUEST POST)

It’s almost the end of summer, and people are itching to get out there for their last chance at summer freedom. What better way to enjoy your hot summer days by packing up the car, and going on that road trip?

The average age of the car on the road is about 11 years old—and that’s pretty old for a car. By taking the necessary steps and precautions before hitting the road, you’ll be all set for that last summer adventure!

Before taking off, it’s always good to check in on that car insurance. Trust worthy companies like Charlotte Insurance Agency can really help you out on your planning, and can let you know of their policies when going out on the open road. Never hurts to be better safe than sorry, and to know exactly what your plan holds.

Here are some quick safety tips to look over before getting everyone in that car:

Be Rested

This should go without saying. There is nothing worse than wanting to sleep when you can’t—especially if you’re behind the wheel. Every year there is an average number of 40,000 people injured or hurt after falling asleep at the wheel. Don’t be in this statistic! Get your 7-8 hours of sleep the night before. If you ever feel tired, pull over and take a rest, or switch out with someone.

Grab the Safety Net  

It doesn’t hurt to pack the essentials needed in case of the possible worst happening. Pack extra bottles of water, blankets, flashlights and batteries, jumper cables, and tools needed to change a tire. Bring a phone charger so you’ll always have your phone ready to go.

Check Your Ride

Of course, you’re going to need to check all components of your car before getting to the road. Check the oil, fill with gas, and check the tires. Take a look at your windshield wipers, and your headlights. If it’s time to upgrade, better do it now.

Storing Your Belongings

When packing up your car, make sure to stow the heavy items at the bottom of the pile. Don’t let unexpected suitcases fly through the car at a sudden stop.

Plan Ahead

Have a set route of what you’re planning on taking before hitting the road. Having a clear vision of where you’ll be going will have you less anxious, and less prone to getting into any accidents.

Take Rest Stops

It’s okay to pass up on a couple of them—but it’s good for you to get out and stretch; especially if you’re driving for a longer amount of time. Make sure to pick rest stops with plenty of light and lots of traffic if you’re going to be stopping at night.

Enjoy the Ride

After checking all of these items off of your list, take a breather, and enjoy the open road in front of you! Be alert, and be happy. Enjoy your vacation!

Written by: Austin Crowley 

Thanks so much, Austin.  There will be many travelers on the road for upcoming Labor Day weekend in the U.S.  We’d like to add one thing to your list: be sure your family or friends know your route and when you are expected home.  pb

General Safety Issues

CRIME HAPPENS EVERYWHERE, EVEN COLLEGE CAMPUSES!

There are many questions both parents and future college students need to ask before choosing and moving to the right college.  Our colleges and universities furnish  information regarding student safety, so find out who to ask.  We have a few tips that will be helpful in your quest to understand how to ensure your safety. 

It is now possible to research campus crime statistics online.  Parents and students can access the Internet, to review campus crime stats for every college and university.  By contacting the particular college campus police, you can find out how to review their annual security report.  While we are talking about online safety, it’s a known fact that personal information should be kept at a minimum on social networks.  Announcing that you will be away from your dorm or apartment may serve as an invitation to intruders.  Sharing Too Much Information (TMI) is a bad idea. 

Colleges have counselors and healthcare providers that students can go to with questions regarding their health.  They may know someone that has an eating disorder, or is drinking too much, and experienced personnel can give them some direction on how to help that person.  By meeting with campus leaders, students can pursue the availability of healthy student activities, as well as safe places to meet with friends. 

Most schools have campus police.  They are not there to harass, but to assist students at any time.  If you feel uneasy about walking to your dorm, don’t be embarrassed to ask one of them to go with you, especially if it is late at night. It’s better to be safe than sorry.  The “buddy system” is a good way to stay safe.  Ask if  the school has volunteers that can accompany you if you feel unsure about where you are going.  Being with a group is the best solution.   Campus police offer safety awareness training and support services for students, faculty, and staff.  Some even give free whistles, a good deterrent to get rid of an attacker.  

It is a good idea to always tell a friend or roommate where you are going and when you plan to be home.  Keep your cell phone safe, and call your friend if you are running late.  You are young adults and it’s your time to establish some independence.  But you must use good judgment in doing so.  There will be off-campus parties that furnish lots of alcohol, but don’t drink too much and let your guard down.  Never leave with a stranger. By all means, don’t text and drive, or drink and drive! 

Search out where your classes will be, and become familiar with the places where you see large groups of students.  There’s always more safety in numbers!  Choose your friends wisely.  If you wander into a deserted area, chances are you are in the wrong place. If you can stay on campus at night, you will be safer.  To call for help on campus, many schools have emergency phones or emergency lights to ensure students’ safety on campus.  Know where these are located on your most often-traveled paths.  Watch for the lights along your route so you know the location of the nearest one in case you need it.  

One last thing, find out what the school’s plan is in case of an emergency on campus.  Find out how they notify all students if there is a threatening situation.  Disabled persons should be informed on how they can access safe places quickly in times of emergencies. 

Have a great and very safe school year! 

 

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

WATCH OUT FOR SNEAKY SNAKES!

It’s really not their nature to be so sneaky, because snakes are usually as afraid of us as we are of them.  They like to hide in tall grassy areas and cool places.  If they are residing in outdoor workers’ terrain, it’s wise to know what they look like in order to identify the ones that are venomous.  Rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouth/water mocassins, and coral snakes are common venomous reptiles.  

While playing on the high school golf team, our daughter was bitten twice by a rattlesnake, approximately 4 ½ feet long.  She was in the hospital for a week, with the possibility of surgery to relieve the swelling around the muscles.  Thankfully, surgery was not required, but physical therapy was, in order to straighten out her foot.   If you know anyone who has had this experience, it is certainly not a pleasant one. 

The American Association of Poison Control Centers receives reports of about 5,000 snakebites per year.  Some persons can have an allergic reaction to a bite from a non-venomous snake.  Outdoor workers should be extremely cautious while working in grassy areas, or in desert terrains, where rattlesnakes dwell.  Copperheads live in certain areas in our location, and they may hide in a bucket, under a step, or just about anywhere they choose, their color blending in with rocks. 

The symptoms of venomous bites vary by each individual, and may not show up at first.  Because the types of venom from various snakes are different, listed below are signs to watch for:

  • Severe localized pain;
  • Fainting;
  • Dizziness;
  • Blurred vision;
  • Fang marks in the skin and extreme swelling at the site of the bite;
  • Discoloration, redness and bruising;
  • Nausea and vomiting;
  • Breathing difficulties 

There should be a quick response for medical treatment; treat all snakebites as venomous, just to be on the safe side.  Get to an emergency room as soon as possible.  Antivenin, also called antivenom, is an antitoxin specific to the venom of a particular animal or insect.  Care should be given to test for an allergy to the antivenom before administering the drug. 

While waiting for medical assistance, wash the bite with soap and water.  Keep the bitten area lower than the heart.  Do not use a tourniquet.  Remove all watches, rings, and constrictive clothing, because the area is going to swell.  Try to keep the patient calm. 

When working outdoors, and especially in tall grass, wear thick leather boots and carry some sort of stick.  Whether you are an outdoor worker, or hiker, it is wise to keep a first aid kit with supplies handy.  Having communication with your supervisor or someone could possibly save your life, so keep your cell phone charged.  If you are working alone, or hunting or hiking, it is imperative that you have some sort of communication device with you at all times.

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

THE BIGGEST HEALTH HAZARDS FOR “IT” PROFESSIONALS AND HOW TO PREVENT THEM (GUEST POST)

When you think of the riskiest jobs in the world, IT is probably not a field that comes to mind at all. However, these individuals work in front of computer screens all day, and this alone can pose a risk. What are some of the health issues associated with this type of job though? Read on – the answers to this question may surprise you.

Stationary Effects
Let’s immediately get into one of the biggest problems that can result from working on a computer all day long. IT is, generally, not a very active job. As a result, problems from carpal tunnel to dangerous blood clots can potentially form at anytime in your life. Remember, blood clots have the potential to kill you, so you need to be very alert to anything that seems out of the ordinary for this kind of work. You must remember to walk around at some point during the day, if not a few times and stretch out your fingers, hands and arms at least twice most days.

Eyes and Head
Not only are you working at the computer all day, you’re also perpetually staring at a screen. Doing so can cause your eyes to be strained. Even if you never needed to wear glasses or contacts in the past, you could find yourself with a prescription rather soon. Looking at the screen for extended periods of time can also give you a headache. Try to drink a lot of water throughout the day to keep yourself hydrated and happy.

Arthritis
Depending upon the specific type of work you do, you may also find that you are developing arthritis earlier than all of your peers. This problem is more common for people who are typing throughout the day. Whether you are typing up gaming programs or new pieces of software for the computers at work, you run the risk of really straining your hands. Just think of how cramped up your fingers get when you have been typing for a long amount of time.

Back and Neck
You should definitely be looking into some ergonomic pieces of furniture for your office to prevent  back and neck pain (or other problems). You may literally be hunched over all day, and this is not good for your back. Once again, being in the same position for a long period of time is not good. If you are unable to secure ergonomic chairs or desks,  then it’s wise to practice something like yoga, which can stretch out and open up your shoulders, chest and torso. This can do wonders for someone who sits all day at a desk, hunched over a screen.

How to Help
Preventing these types of problems, especially the more serious ones, is crucial for your well-being. However, you really need to discuss specific plans with your doctor to ensure you are getting advice from a professional in the field. Of course, getting away from the computer, moving your body and purchasing ergonomic furniture will help with this endeavor. Try to work out at least three times a week, for at least thirty minutes, and take frequent breaks throughout the work day.

Or, you may very well find yourself passionate about the topic of occupational health and want to help others. If so, you may want to peruse http://www.thebestcolleges.org for more information about related healthcare fields where you really can make a difference.

You may have never realized all the health risks associated with being an IT professional before. Just as with any job, there are definitely some negative components, and you need to speak with your doctor before anything serious may develop.

Joseph Rodriguez writes about health, especially in terms of occupational health. His recent work chronicles his career as a healthcare administrator at a community health clinic on the west coast.

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Health Issues, Hearing Protection, Respiratory Safety

WORKING IN CONFINED SPACES ISN’T FOR EVERYONE!

1 Comment

The thought of working in a small, enclosed space makes me gasp for air!  Certain people feel smothered in situations when their work involves being placed in a closed or partially closed space.  Confined spaces should be made safe for the worker by taking the proper precautions to ensure that it is secure.  Those with claustrophobia can’t help this feeling, and should seek other jobs. 

There are many regulations that deal with confined space entry.  A Confined Space Hazard Assessment and Control Program must be conducted prior to the beginning of work.  Confined spaces can be more hazardous than other workspaces for several reasons.  Workers are killed and injured each year while working in confined spaces, and an estimated sixty per cent of the fatalities have been among rescue workers.  

Let’s review some of the places that people must work that are considered confined spaces:

  • Open ditches; (possibility of collapse);
  • Silos
  • Manholes
  • Wells
  • Tunnels
  • Cold storage units
  • Tanks
  • Culverts
  • Vaults
  • Rail tank cars
  • Caves
  • Underground mining
  • Sewers
  • Pipes
  • Boilers

Reasons for these  being considered confined spaces are that they have a restricted entrance or exit by way of location, size or means.  Also, they are not originally designed for human occupancy.  Places such as this can indicate a risk for the health and safety of anyone who enters, due to the materials and substances in it (bad air), and the way it is designed.  Other hazards include fire hazards, noise, temperature extremes, uncontrolled energy, barrier failure and visibility.  All potentially hazardous energy sources: electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, chemical must be de-energized and locked out prior to entry to the confined space, preventing accidentally turning on power sources. Ventilation is of the utmost importance while working in these conditions.  Natural ventilation is not reliable and insufficient to maintain the air quality.  It is usually necessary to maintain air quality through mechanical ventilation (fans, blowers).  While workers are inside confined spaces, there should be someone standing close by that is prepared to get them out, in case of an emergency.  This plan of action should be in place prior to entering the space, and communication between the inside and outside should be constant.  

Confined space hazards are mainly controlled through traditional methods, such as engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment.  Special precautions not usually required in a regular worksite may need to be taken.  Mechanical ventilation is the engineering control regularly used.  Entry Permit system is a type of administrative control, and personal protective equipment (respirators, ear plugs, hardhats, and gloves) is commonly used in confined spaces as well. 

It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure their workers are safe while working under these conditions.  If the worker feels proper precautions were not taken, they should not enter until it is made safe by additional means.

 

Source: CCOHS (Canada)

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

PREVENTING FALLS – A VERY IMPORTANT RESPONSIBILITY OF EMPLOYERS

 This just in from OSHA QUIK-TAKES bi-monthly newsletter:  

OSHA has cited Republic Steel for 24 safety violations carrying fines of $1,138,500. The Canton, Ohio-based steel manufacturing plant was inspected after OSHA received a formal complaint alleging inadequate fall protection and other unsafe practices that exposed workers to various hazards in the plant’s melt shop. OSHA discovered during the inspection that two workers had been seriously injured from falls in 2012. The company has a history of failing to address fall hazards and will remain in OSHA’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program, which mandates targeted follow-up inspections to ensure compliance with the law.  

It’s a fact: falls from elevations account for one-third of all construction deaths.  Because of the nature of construction workers, it is not surprising that their job is classified as high-risk.  Everyone has a critical role to play in protecting construction workers.  Beginning with architects who design the building, to equipment designers, and the construction company itself, owe it to their employees to plan ahead to get the job done safely.  They must train all employees in ways to protect themselves with the proper personal protective equipment, how to maintain it, and provide them with the correct equipment to do the most efficient job. 

It is important that workers who speak different languages are trained to understand how important working safely is.  Materials should be provided in English and Spanish on ladder, scaffold, construction falls, and personal fall arrest systems.  Special training should be given to ensure all workers comprehend and follow the precise instructions from the manuals or brochures. 

It may be surprising to some, but many serious injuries are caused by falls from as little as six feet of height.  Requirements from OSHA are that anyone exposed to six feet or more falls need either a guardrail system, safety net system, or personal fall protection.  

Hazards in the construction industry include: 

  •          Unguarded protruding steel rebars;
  •          Improper scaffolding construction;
  •          Misuse of portable ladders;
  •          Unprotected sides or open floor holes.

 
After the building site is surveyed, the first thing to be done once construction has started, is to cover all floor openings and sides of building.  The largest percent of workers reportedly suffering fatal falls came from falls from ladders.  Others were falls from roof, scaffolds, non-moving vehicles/lifts, through openings, through roof surface, and falling to lower levels. 

Laws that pertain to the safety of workers are as important as laws requiring compliance in all other topics.  The people that construct our buildings and homes have the right to work safely and confidently, using their talents to their full extent.  It is the obligation of the company to see that they are kept safe every day.  If employers are responsible they can avoid expensive settlements and fines

Source: OSHA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Back Safety, General Safety Issues

WATCH OUT FOR OUR SCHOOL CHILDREN!

How quickly the summer school break goes by.  It seems the schools just ended another year, and now it’s almost time to begin a new one.  There is much anticipation in the air, especially for students that will experience school for the first time, or moving up to middle school, or high school.  This is our reminder to you that our future generations are going to be either walking, on a bus, in a carpool, or riding their bikes to school.  It is our responsibility as drivers to slow down and pay close attention.

Our second reminder: be sure your kids have received all their shots that are required to go to school.  Free clinics are offering these shots, so now’s the time to take care of it.  This is as important, or more so, than all the school supplies they will be needing. 

Many states have laws that forbid drivers using cell phones in a school zone.  This is a good law, and one that persons shouldn’t mind abiding by.  Save that conversation for later, after you have stopped your car and gotten out of it.  We need to remind our teens that texting and driving don’t mix at any time, and more so when there are chances of little ones crossing the streets or getting off the school bus. 

Schools must put a stop to school bus bullying or physical encounters on buses.  Schools should have constant communication systems between the bus drivers and the main office.  In case of an incident, school officials or law enforcement should step in immediately.  We have seen incidents that have been recorded on cell phones.  The person doing the recording should be calling for help, as well.  They may be afraid of a confrontation with the bully or bullies, but school administration officials should have a zero tolerance for this type of behavior. 

Parents, go with your little ones for the first few times if they will be riding a bus.  Be sure they understand when to get off safely and never to walk in front or directly behind the bus; rather, let the bus pull away first.  If they are walking, please accompany them for a while, and if you can, find an older child that you know and trust to walk with them.  Be sure they understand to obey the school crossing guard, who is there for their safety, and only cross streets at the corner. 

Another tip for parents: don’t overload your child’s backpack.  Their little backs can only carry so much, so balance the books, pens, crayons, etc. to lighten their load as much as possible. 

For those drivers who go to work each day, leave the house a little early, to allow time to stop for school children or a school bus.  It’s better to get to work on time, if possible, so take those extra minutes to head out and pay attention to little pedestrians. 

Many of us grew up or raised our children in much more innocent times.  Our children are most precious; if you live in a neighborhood that is not completely safe, please don’t send your child out alone.  Be sure they go to school in a group.  All kids should be taught never to talk to strangers or get in a vehicle with someone they don’t know.   

These tips are reminders for all of us – drivers, parents, teenagers, teachers, bus drivers, and school administrators –  to do our best to make this a very safe year for our children.  We should commit to seeing that they are kept safe and secure at all times.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General Safety Issues

SAFETY RISKS IN THE HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY (GUEST POST)

Whether you work in the healthcare industry or you just happen to have a lot of interactions with professionals in this field, you likely already know that healthcare is a complicated field, with big rewards and big risks. If you’re looking to get into this field, then you should definitely educate  yourself on the risks it entails, especially in regard to your personal safety. It’s hard to sum up all the risks succinctly, because they are extremely varied, but there will always be recurring dangers and hang ups. What are some of the biggest problems healthcare professionals experience? Read on to find out!

Malpractice Issues
Here we have a huge, double-faceted problem. While we wouldn’t say that it riddles the healthcare industry, you can certainly find plenty of cases of it. It poses a major risk for the patients, as they could be injured, or even killed, on the operating table or as a result of a treatment. That said, working in the industry also means that you may be subject to malpractice, regardless of your role in a procedure or treatment. Doctors are most at risk obviously, and they must protect themselves with comprehensive malpractice insurance.

Other Types of Lawsuits
As you probably know, malpractice is one type of lawsuit. The healthcare field can be held accountable for so many different problems though. Consider the sheer amount of people who walk into and out of doctors’ offices on a daily basis. Between private practices, hospitals and other such entities, hundreds, or even thousands, of people in your own town are going through those doors each day. Healthcare professionals must be extremely careful when it comes to handling confidential information, interacting with distraught or confused patients and giving anyone advice – every word you say and action you take can and will have consequences. One mistake on a prescription could potentially cost your office millions if it’s exploited or misinterpreted.

Bodily Hazards
This is something many worry about on a daily basis. Coming into contact with sick patients can potentially lead to physical harm or negative health consequences. Being stuck with a needle from a patient who is HIV, HCV or even HSV positive could potentially lead to health problems, as could being accosted by an angry or distraught psychiatric patient. Coming into contact with someone who has SARS or Bird Flu could also be hazardous. Most health professionals understand that this is an inherent risk to the profession and are willing to take that risk,  but you must understand that it comes with the territory if you plan to make a career out of it. All health care facilities will emphasize gloves, washing hands and other best practices to minimize the chances of any of these incidents from happening. 

Your Conscience
Most people enter the healthcare industry to make a difference – they care about their fellow man (or woman). However, there will always be those looking to game the system, and it’s up to you as a healthcare professional to prevent their success. It may be hard to imagine that someone would make up a story about pain in order to attain free medication, but it can and will happen. It may also be hard to accept that people just die in hospitals everyday – but they do, and you may need to adjust your worldview or attitude about why you have the job you do.
 
As you can see, all different types of safety risks exist in the healthcare industry. Some of them relate to the safety of money, and others relate to physical safety. Knowing about the field as a whole is quite important for anyone looking to enter it. More information can be found about healthcare professions at websites like thebestcolleges.org
 
Joseph Rodriguez writes about the his experiences in the healthcare industry as an administrator at a health center on the west coast.
General Safety Issues

WHY SELF-STORAGE IS SAFE AND SMART FOR BUDDING BUSINESSES (GUEST POST)

As a business begins to grow it tends to accrue more items, which in turn may prompt the demand for a larger space. Having sufficient space is crucial to running a successful business. That’s why finding the right storage space for your company’s belongings is a must.  Instead of having to worry about expanding, relocating or adding more room, look into storage to accommodate your ever-growing business needs.

Having a self-storage unit will benefit any business, whether office, retail or commercial, by freeing up space and cutting down on needless clutter. When a business effectively uses an office space to its advantage, it can help reduce the rising cost of operations and daily functions. Storing items such as paperwork, seasonal products, or extra office machines in a storage unit can help cut costs by opening up space, which will in turn help increase office productivity. While self-storage does cost money, it can easily outweigh the expense of having to expand or even relocate in the future.

Ensured & Secured

If a business owner is looking for a safe place to store their piles and piles of office documents, then self-storage is the perfect solution. Most self-storage facilities allow you to access your unit any time of day, 365 days a year. Insurance plans offered by your storage unit will also grant you peace of mind when storing your office’s belongings there.  Because most businesses go through seasonal cycles, storing excess or unneeded items can be a lifesaver.  Having a clutter-free office means not having to worry about where everything is, which helps increase annual productivity. Having more space within the building will not only help create a natural flow of output, it will look more appealing to potential clients. 

Effectively Utilizing Office Space 

By cutting down on excess items and helping to file and store all your business’ documents, you’ll be able to use your office layout to its fullest potential. The aesthetics of an office are one of the first things your business may be judged on, and many people will not want to visit an office that has a large amount of clutter. Storage enables you to rid your office of all of the extra things lying around that are blocking workflow and taking up space, not to mention the fact that this could be hurting the way a business presents itself to customers and potential clients. 

Choosing a self-storage unit for your influx of documents, furniture and everything else will help an office look organized, safely secure company files, and will allow you to utilize the extra space to your advantage. Whether you are an office, retail or commercial business owner, a self-storage unit is the perfect solution to any budding business and can drastically improve the quality of office life.

Written by Caroline Casetti for Storage Post, which offers top-notch customer service, as well as 24-hour security surveillance and 24-hour key card access. Storage Post also offers flexible month-to-month contracts, so if expanding or relocating your business is a viable future option, you can simply cancel your agreement.

Caroline Casetti is an aspiring artist, a humanitarian, freelance writer, and new homeowner. While she typically writes about community involvement, she has taken the time to recognize a few advantages of storage and why it is smart  for many businesses.

Thanks for this take on the importance of storage space.  Having worked in a brand new hospital, the thought of storage seemed to have been left out of the planning stage.  Very quickly, we ran out of room to keep unused equipment and file boxes of paperwork, which led to clutter, a common hazard.  Renting storage space, as you stated, cuts down the cost for building additional space.  Keeping a business organized is also very important to tracking down paperwork later down the line. pb