Yearly Archives: 2013

General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

OUTBREAK OF TUBERCULOSIS IN LOS ANGELES

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — The feds are descending on downtown Los Angeles to combat a dangerous outbreak of a drug-resistant strain of tuberculosis. KCAL9′s Jeff Nguyen went downtown in search of people who may have been exposed.

John Williams started living at the Weingart shelter on LA’s Skid Row two weeks ago. Before he could be admitted, he had to undergo a screening for tuberculosis.  “They make you go get checked before you get into one of these programs because they don’t want it spread out in there,” Williams said.

With nearly 80 cases of tuberculosis being identified in LA County since 2007 — thirty of which have been on Skid Row — tuberculosis screenings are more important than ever for some.  In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has launched a coordinated effort to contain the area’s largest outbreak in a decade.

“We are really putting our resources into this,” said Dr. Jonathan E. Fielding, the director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

Anthony Stallworth, who pastors Central City Community Church of the Nazarene on East 6th Street, also volunteers at the LA Mission.  He constantly washes his hands to prevent illness, but he doesn’t want to live in fear.   “The work that we do down here in the church and the work that we do at the LA Mission, I believe that God has His hands on it,” Stallworth said.

Dianne Artea sleeps at the Midnight Mission and says she’s always worried about the people around her.  “These guys are walking around with masks. And we got to sleep next to them. They split,” Artea said.

TB is contracted by inhaling droplets from infected patients who sneeze, cough or laugh, which is why Williams is mindful of avoiding a few things while living on Skid Row.  “Don’t be smoking after nobody, and drinking after nobody. Let nobody use your phone,” he said.

His advice is correct.  That is why respirators are needed to help filter out germs and airborne particles.  These masks would be very helpful to slow down the spread of tuberculosis.

General Safety Issues, High Visibility Safety

HOW MANY CONSTRUCTION WORKERS ARE INJURED BY SPEEDING DRIVERS (GUEST POST)

Tall buildings and scaffolding often come to mind when people think of construction dangers, but there are other construction workers who face just as many hazards without actually having to be around either of the aforementioned dangers. Road workers are definitely part of the construction industry, and their lives are put in danger every day by daily commuters who travel through their work zones. Everyone should understand the dangers that these workers face, and it’s imperative for the workers themselves to know what their employer should be doing to keep them safe. 



Construction Zone Injury Statistics

It would seem common sense that working in an area that speeding cars travel through would be dangerous. Between 2008 and 2010, highway construction zones saw the deaths of over 100 workers annually. Statistics also show that there were well over 600 deaths in these construction zones between the years of 2003 and 2007. 

Between the same years (2003 to 2007), the construction industry as a whole saw a little over 8,100 deaths. This means that the deaths related to road construction represented 7.9 percent of all deaths related to the construction industry. Considering the fact that highway construction only makes up a small percentage of the total construction work in the nation, this statistic is sobering. 



Types of Injuries Sustained in Highway Work Zones

Injuries sustained in highway construction work zones literally run the gamut of personal injuries. These mishaps can be anything from a broken foot caused by a dump truck rolling over it to an injury sustained by a speeding driver. Many construction sites are so busy that there are times when a driver receives a ticket and he was not the car that was speeding. Whether you receive a Florida speeding ticket or a speeding ticket in Ohio, it is possible to get help to fight the charges if this was the case.

Some construction sites are so congested that the workers don’t have much room to work and they are often working in a dangerous area. This is where they can receive some of the worst types of injuries. These accidents often cause injuries related to traumatic brain damage, serious spinal cord injuries or other types of internal bleeding, hemorrhaging and damage. These injuries are usually detrimental, so besides staying safe on the jobsite, workers should know their legal rights or seek out someone who does if they’re seriously injured on the job.

How Highway Construction Workers can Stay Safe

There are several ways that highway construction workers can stay safe while making their living. Many of these safety procedures are under the control of the construction company or the state itself. It’s absolutely vital that temporary traffic control (TTC) be set up for the duration of construction. This will ensure that commuters know that work is being performed and are prevented from driving too close to where workers are doing their jobs. 



It’s also important for workers to wear high visibility clothing while on the job. This includes reflective clothing like vests, trousers, overalls, jackets and anything else that can help visibility. One of the most important ways for workers to remain safe, however, is to receive proper safety training. This is because, most of the accidents on road construction sites are caused by on-site work vehicles or equipment. The Federal Highway Administration provides training materials, which should be taught to all construction workers, which include information on how to avoid being injured by construction vehicles or equipment. 



Highway work zones ensure that thousands of people across the country have jobs at any given time, but there is definitely an inherent danger to this work. This danger becomes inflated when the worker, drivers or construction employers don’t heed safety warnings related to the area and job itself. The types of injuries that road workers can sustain are nearly limitless, and this makes it imperative for them to observe proper safety measures. In a world where many drivers act in negligent ways, it’s sometimes necessary for road workers to handle their own safety.

Kelly Kovacic is a paralegal who wants to bring awareness to the safety hazards of construction work. However, not everyone who receives a Florida speeding ticket is in the wrong. For those who were falsely accused of speeding, you need to get professional help to fight for your rights. The Ticket Team Inc. has lawyers who can defend you and protect your driving record.

Thanks, Kelly, for this informative article.  As you mentioned, there should be proper safety training, and the correct personal safety equipment provided for each worker.  Drivers are warned that they are entering a work zone, and they should obey the law and respect the rights of others to be able to perform their jobs safely. pb

Fall Safety, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

SAFE ACCESS AND EGRESS (GUEST POST)

Another great article send to us by Jason of  riskatmedia 

Access and egress refer to the rate or means of entry and exit to a workplace or work area.  Routes that provide access and egress should be controlled, safe, suitably constructed, kept free of obstructions and well maintained.  Serious injury can result from hazards such as fires, slips and trips, contact with moving vehicles, unauthorised entry into hazardous work areas, falls into floor openings and falls into water, when access and egress arrangements are not properly maintained.

We will cover each of these hazards in turn during the course of this presentation, and will demonstrate the importance of maintaining safe access and egress arrangements. 

Site Access

It is extremely important to always know who is on site at any given time, and aware of personnel present in a particular work area.  In the event of an emergency, such as a fire, it will then be possible to determine whether anyone has been unable to evacuate the site.  It will also be possible to direct rescue services to the appropriate work area.  You should, therefore, always follow the appropriate access control procedures every time you enter or exit a site or a controlled work area. 

Egress Routes

Egress routes need to be clearly marked out, well lit, unobstructed and well maintained if they are to allow personnel and others on site to exit quickly in the event of an emergency.  For these reasons, you should never lay down or store tools, equipment, work pieces or other items on routes of egress.  Operations should be planned so that they do not damage egress routes, and any accidental damage should be rectified immediately.

Contain and report any spills that are likely to affect egress routes.  Holes should be repaired, covered, or guarded and reported.  And you should consider whether any waste water runoff produced as a result of your operations is likely to affect egress routes.  Most importantly, make sure that you are familiar with the egress route from your work area and from the site, so that you can quickly and safely exit the work place in the event of an emergency. 

Slips, Trips and Falls

Egress routes are often also access routes, and part of your work area. But even when they are not, access routes and work areas should be kept in a safe, unobstructed and well maintained condition, as this can help to reduce the risk of dangerous slip and trip accidents.

Slips and trips represent a significant cause of work related injury.  Slips and trips can result from contamination, obstacles, inappropriate footwear, reduced visibility, the environment and people’s attitudes.  Good workmanship and good housekeeping are practices that can help to prevent accidents and fires.  By removing debris, slag, packaging and other waste materials to waste skips, you can contribute significantly to good housekeeping.  You can also reduce the risk of slips and trips by properly routing any cables or air hoses that you use, by placing fixed covers over small holes in flooring, by ensuring that you always wear appropriate footwear, by holding the handrails when you use stairs or access ladders, by considering whether the environment in which you will be working increases the risk of slips and trips and by taking responsibility for your own and your colleagues safety and appropriately containing any spills that you might discover.

Mobile Plant

Each year, a number of people die as a result of being struck by a moving or falling object.  In most cases, these deaths involved accidents relating to vehicles in the work place.  It is important to separate vehicles and pedestrians in your work area, and to remember that only suitably trained, certified and authorised people should operate mobile plant, that you should always be aware of vehicle movements within your workplace and that you stick to pedestrian routes when going to or leaving your work area. 

Arrangement of your Work Area

Your work area should be organised to ensure that you have enough height and space for access and egress, as well as to move around and carry out operations safely.  Low level ceilings or pipe-work should be highlighted.  Particular safe working procedures are required in work areas with limited access and egress, including confined spaces. 

Hazardous Work Areas

Access restrictions, such as barriers, are required for hazardous work areas.  Machine shops, elevated work platforms, confined spaces, roofs, floor openings and work areas over or near water pose significant hazards and it should not be possible for unauthorised personnel to enter these areas.  Please stick to designated pedestrian walkways if you need to walk past or through these work areas and do not be tempted to cross barriers or take unnecessary short cuts.  If you need to work in a hazardous area, you must follow the specific access procedures for your work area.  This may include access control and equipment control.  You may not be able to take personal items into certain work areas, such as confined spaces.  You will also need to be familiar with the rescue plan established for some work areas, including confined spaces and work areas near water.  If you operate powered access equipment, you must be suitably trained and authorised. 

Floor Openings

All floor openings should be guarded by scaffold barriers and toe boards, and appropriate warning signs should be displayed to prevent falls.  Personnel working within the barrier must wear a safety harness attached to secure anchor points.  When operations are suspended for significant periods, additional precautions should be considered, including fixed covers.  Covers should be made of a suitable, load bearing material. 

Working Over or Near Water

Safe access and egress routes to and from work areas near or over water should be established.  Buoyancy aids should be available and a first aid box should be provided at the operational site.  Work over water requires specialist scaffolding which should be erected by fully trained personnel.  You should never interfere with safeguards or make unauthorised alterations to this scaffolding.  All personnel who work near water should be trained in resuscitation techniques and they should never work alone.  An in situ risk assessment should be conducted to determine whether additional controls are necessary to prevent falls into the water, which may result in drowning, the ingestion of pollutants, exposure to water borne diseases and resultant illness.  Additional controls may include full netting of the scaffold, harnesses and safety lines, life jackets and a rescue boat.  If a rescue boat is required, two experienced personnel should serve as crew.  Consideration should be given to whether the water is tidal, deep or on an estuary, whether strong currents prevail and whether there are straight sided banks, in determining how rescue will be affected. Particular hazards and risks to the boat crew will also need to be assessed, and a shore based supervisor may need to be provided.  Radio and mobile communications should be established.

 

Guest Post Riskatmedia – Safety Training Videos

General Safety Issues

FIVE EASY WAYS TO GET SAFE NOW (GUEST POST)

These days, “home security” is a rather holistic term. Not only do we want to keep an eye on our house while we’re gone, we also want to set the lights, turn up the thermostat, and make sure the sprinklers are firing properly. The amount of technology involved in securing one’s home can seem daunting at times.

While home security companies offer a variety of packages suited for any individual, there are certain basic security measures that can be taken and should be kept in mind regardless of the level of protection provided by one’s home security provider.
The following tips may seem like common sense, but they should act more like a jumping-off point to provide yourself and your family the perfect level of protection.

Tip #1
Just because you have a wooden fence or security fence surrounding your property doesn’t necessarily make you safer.  Fences not only block intruders trying to get in, fences can also hide an intruder who has already jumped over and breached the property. So if you have a security fence on your property, install a few motion-activated lights that shine along and inside the fence’s perimeter.  

Tip #2
Even though 81 percent of burglars enter a house on the ground level (34 percent walk right in the front door!), windows on both floors can still pose a threat. Common sense tells us we should always keep our windows locked, but you can take this advice one step further and have your windows glazed. This is one of the most effective ways to save your windows from break-ins.

Tip#3
Install deadbolt locks on every door that leads from the inside of the house out.  In fact, step it up a notch when choosing your lock and make sure the deadbolt is a vertical (surface-mounted) deadbolt instead of the less effective horizontal deadbolt. Locks that require keys and even sliding chain locks are no match for a determined thief.

Tip #4
Always be aware of your surroundings, whether at home or on the go. Make it a little easier to check out your property by installing proper lighting outside every entryway. The goal is to prevent an intruder from being able to hide in the shadows, so make sure that at least every doorway to your house is well lit.

Tip #5
Don’t have the means to install a home security system yet? You don’t have to let a low or non-existent budget stop you. By purchasing a home security sign and stickers for your yard and windows, you can make it look like you have a fancy security system and scare off possible burglars for a little less than twenty dollars.

Now that you know how and where to start with your home security system, don’t be a victim! Getting a safer and more secure home really is a lot easier than you thought.   

Jennifer Harrinson is a freelance writer and independent researcher for www.securitychoice.com. Her fortes include personal security and mobile technologies and she shares her insights on various mobile technology and home security blogs.

General Safety Issues

HOW TO BECOME THE TEACHER THEY WILL NEVER FORGET (GUEST POST)

A teaching career can be one of the most challenging, yet one of the most rewarding careers that a person can pursue. Most educators embark upon their careers with a determination to make a difference and to be a teacher that students remember and count as an inspiration. Chances are, you have had a teacher at some point in your academic career that truly stood out, perhaps even inspiring your own desire to become a teacher. If you’d like to make that same impression on your own students, these tips may point you in the right direction. Keeping this advice in mind while emulating some of the behavior that your own inspirational educator exhibited can help you become just as important of a figure in the lives of your students as a few great teachers once were to you.

Respect Your Students

In order to maintain control over a classroom full of kids, you’ll have to command their respect. One way to accomplish that goal is to play the role of the authoritarian teacher that refuses to accept anything less. More gentle educators know that getting students to feel genuine respect, rather than blind fear, depends upon the amount of respect they show those students.

Be Patient

Some of your students will learn differently than others, and have to go at their own pace. Others will have behavioral problems that prevent them from comporting themselves in the same manner as their peers. In every class, you will have at least one student that tries your patience, but it’s important that you do your best not to let it affect you. When your students look back at you through the lens of adulthood, they’ll be more likely to remember the wonderful teacher that was patient with them and coached them through their difficulties than the ones that couldn’t manage their needs.

Show Compassion

Your students will come from all walks of life and socioeconomic backgrounds. They’ll have different learning styles and different home lives that will affect the way they behave at school. Rather than lashing out at a student who’s clearly acting out due to anger or fear, take the time to work with them and show the compassion they need.

Teach Enthusiastically

In order to inspire enthusiasm for a given subject in your students, you’ll have to show that you’re excited about teaching the subject matter. Approaching every class as if it were the most exciting thing you’ve ever done and showing a sincere eagerness to share your knowledge and help your students learn can make a significant difference in the way they respond to you and how they remember you throughout the years.

Set High Expectations, and Help Your Students Meet Them

It is okay to set lofty goals for each and every one of your students, as long as you’re willing to put in the extra work it takes to help them meet those expectations. Work with students that need extra help, coach those that need a confidence boost and make sure that they know you’re behind them all the way. When your students look back at the time spent in your classroom, they’ll think of the sense of confidence you instilled in them and all the encouragement you gave. While the memories of apathetic or bitter teachers fade away, they’ll still remember the teacher that did everything possible to make them feel powerful and capable.

Engage Your Students

Getting kids to connect with the source material is a key to helping them retain it and to fostering an appreciation for it. Working in as many hands-on ways as possible and getting kids engaged and connected is a great way to not only help them learn, but also to help them feel secure in their environment and eager for each new day.

Get Involved

Teachers might have summer vacations and weekends off, but the truly great ones spend time outside of the classroom working with their students. Whether you’re coaching a sport, supervising an after-school activity or spending time in a tutoring program, your students need to know that you’re taking an active interest in the school. Kids can spot the teachers that are simply going through the motions until summer vacation arrives and those tend to be the educators that they don’t carry such fond memories of when their school days are over.

Our thanks to Rosa Wilson, of becomeananny.com, for this great article that has reminded each one of us of having that special teacher(s) that made all the difference to us.  Given the tragedies of Sandy Hook, and many other school shootings, our teachers have had another role to play: that of keeping our children safe.  This article is dedicated to those who saved the lives of many children during those devastating moments, and to the educators who continue to watch over our children to ensure their safety each day. pb

 

General Safety Issues, Head Protection, Hearing Protection

IS ANYONE SAFE AT A NASCAR RACE?

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I don’t intend to hang a big, black cloud over the race that is scheduled to start in about one hour, the “Superbowl of Racing,” the Daytona 500.  Race fans look forward to another season of spectacular driving, and talented drivers.  Yesterday’s accident, during the NASCAR Nationwide, marred the victory for veteran driver Tony Stewart, as two cars collided, sending one of the car’s motor and some of its tires through a hole in the fence, caused by the impact, or over the fence, injuring approximately 28 persons.  Fourteen were taken to a nearby hospital and the other fourteen were treated at the track. 

Through the years, NASCAR’s focus has been on safety – not only of the drivers, but also that of the pit crews, tracks, and fans, and of course, safer cars.  Maintaining safety for the cars and drivers is a challenge for both NASCAR and the owners and designers, because cars are becoming faster and faster.  Yesterday’s freak accident may deter some fans from attending, but I am betting most of them will go back for today’s race. 

The accident involved twelve cars, but none of the drivers were injured.  Stewart, when interviewed, stated, “We’ve always known since racing started, this is a dangerous sport, but it’s hard.  We assume that risk, but it’s hard when fans get caught up in it….I could see it all in my mirror, and it didn’t look good from where I was at.” 

One neat thing for female fans, is that Danica Patrick won the pole position for today’s race.  It will be interesting to see where she finishes today.  She is a very tiny person, 5’2”, and around 100 pounds, but she has proven to be as tough as the guys.  Many of the drivers will attest to it.  Jeff Gordon and Carl Edwards both took their daughters to meet her last week, at the Stewart-Haas garage. 

If you plan to attend any NASCAR events, Texas America Safety Company has NASCAR hardhats, which might prove to make you a little safer, and also fun to wear at work.  For sure, you could also use some quality hearing protection earplugs.  It gets noisy out there. 

Let’s send our thoughts and prayers out to those fans who were injured yesterday, that fans, drivers, and crews have a very safe day today and throughout the racing season.

General Safety Issues

OUTFITTING YOUR BUSINESS TO PROTECT PEOPLE FROM WINTER HAZARDS (GUEST POST)

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Many people look forward to the winter months for the excitement of playing in the snow. Other individuals, however, dread the colder months due to the more difficult commutes and freezing temperatures. Regardless of how a person feels about the winter, if they’re a business owner, they cannot simply ignore it. Winter months create the risks of numerous injuries, and if a business owner doesn’t take proper measures at his office to protect clients and even passersby, he could possibly be held liable for any injuries. This is why it’s so important for business owners to prepare their company for the winter months. Luckily, there are a few simple methods of doing this. 
 
Layer Salt on Walkways
One of the most important things a business owner can do is put salt on any walkway or sidewalk in front of their building. Unfortunately, a business owner can be held accountable for a slip and fall injury on a sidewalk that isn’t even their actual property. Luckily, applying salt is a simple process that will help prevent water and snow from becoming ice. 

Rails

Installing rails is another great way to prevent accidents that result in serious personal injury lawsuits that could ruin a company. Steps, and even some walkways benefit from the installation of a handrail. In fact, some building codes actually require handrails when there are a certain number of steps. Even if they aren’t required, however, installing them can help prevent someone from slipping on slick steps during the winter. These are especially important, as an Atlanta injury attorney might attest, in southern regions where snow and ice seldom form causing people to not be prepared when they actually do.   

Shoveling Snow

Shoveling show from any areas around a business is also vital during the winter months. Unfortunately, snow presents a constant hazard for people walking through it. A large enough snowfall can conceal dangers on sidewalks. This becomes a particular problem when snow plows push snow off of the streets and up onto sidewalks. A business owner or their employees should wear appropriate boots when doing this and also shovel snow as it accumulates rather than waiting for it to pile up. 

Fix any Issues Immediately

There are obviously going to be unforeseen circumstances that can cause an injury to employees or passersby. Many of these incidents don’t, in themselves, create negligence on the part of the business owner. If that business owner knew, or should’ve known, that a particular hazard existed, it’s very likely that they’ll be held liable if an injury occurs.

If someone walks into a business owner’s offices covered in snow, for instance, it’s likely that their office floor will become wet when this snow melts. It’s hard to say that a person who walks in five seconds after the initial individual and slips on this moisture was injured due to the owner’s negligence. If this wet floor is allowed to remain, however, and the business owner should’ve known about it, then it’s likely that he’ll be held accountable. Wet floor signs should definitely be used. 

The simple fact of the matter is that business owners can be held responsible for people that are injured on their property; this is true even if the injured party isn’t a client. Sadly, these types of accidents have forced some business owners to close the doors at their company after facing severe civil damages. Fortunately, it only takes a bit of proactive thinking to reduce common risk.


Saam Banai is a freelance writer and editor and supporter of safe small business efforts. At Stokes & Kopitsky, you can find an Atlanta injury attorney in the event that you suffer from personal injury on the premise of a negligent business. Their experienced attorneys will provide immediate help to the victims of work and premise injuries, automobiles and bicycle accidents, and wrongful death.
 
When preparing your business for the safety of winter visitors and employees, be sure to see that your workers wear the appropriate cold weather personal protective equipment to stay as warm as possible. pb
 
General Safety Issues

HOW TO BE SAFE WHEN HIKING ON YOUR OWN (GUEST POST)

Many camping grounds around Australia have excellent hiking trails near them, and for some holiday makers the idea of hiking the quiet open trail on their own is very appealing.  Trail hiking in solitude allows time for relaxation and self-examination.  You can move at your own pace and set yourself a physical and mental challenge while truly enjoying the bounties that nature has to offer. Whether you go hiking solo, or with a group, there are a number of potential situations you need to be ready for before you leave your camping ground or holiday accommodation. 

It will be your responsibility to ensure you do not get lost, remember to take a map, compass and GPS system, and if you do become lost in unfamiliar terrain or if the weather changes, remember to S T O P – Stop,  Think,  Observe, and Plan. 

Be aware of the danger of human attacks, and if you are a female and hiking on your own you can take pepper spray and if you meet other hikers let them think your hiking partner is close behind.  Animals can also attack if they feel threatened or are protecting their young.  If you see a snake, do not approach it, and if you are bitten use your first aid kit to treat the bite and get immediate medical attention.  Insects are more likely to bother you than any other animals, use insect repellent and avoid hiking during dusk and dawn. 

Changeable weather is another potential risk, make sure you carry the correct gear to protect you from adverse weather, and check the weather forecast before setting off from your camping ground.  Even the most well prepared hiker is at risk from injuries, so ensure your first aid kit is well stocked and that you know what to do if you are injured.  Set realistic goals in terms of how far and fast you can hike, and do not attempt a trail that is beyond your skill level.  You should always stay on the trail, not only does it protect the environment but if become sick or injured it will be easier to find you. 

Think through your hike before you go, propose a few “what if” situations, and make a detailed plan including having a trail map and compass, detailed weather forecast, and packing enough food, water and extreme weather gear, and of course your first aid kit.  Leave an itinerary with the group you are travelling with your camping ground manager, let them  know when to expect you back and what to do if you are past your check-in time.  Signalling or tracking devices are very useful and can give additional peace of mind. 

Solo hiking is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, by being prepared and knowing your limits you can stay safe and have fun as you explore Australia’s many hiking trails.

Even if you can’t hike in Australia, these tips are excellent suggestions for your excursions!

Adam Jay is an outdoor enthusiast who frequents countless camping grounds in Australia, he writes primarily on survival topics and camping tips.
 

General Safety Issues

GIVE BACK TO YOUR COMMUNITY AND GET IN TO COLLEGE (GUEST POST)

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Give Back To Your Community and Get In To College

College applications are known to be complicated. The colleges want to know everything about the potential student, including their willingness to contribute to society by volunteering. While most colleges do not have a specific number of volunteer hours set as a requirement, studies have found that people with 40 or more hours of volunteer time are more likely to be accepted into their college of choice.

Finding Somewhere To Volunteer

It has become common knowledge that volunteering and contributing to your community has a positive impact on everyone. Additionally, volunteer hours may be required to complete high school and will help you get into college. The question remains, however, where can you volunteer?

The good news is that there are countless opportunities to volunteer, allowing everyone with any ability the chance to contribute. Some of the places you may look into volunteering include:

• Assisted Living Facilities

An assisted living facility is a place that helps people live their daily lives with dignity. The facility may help the elderly remain independent, or it may help troubled youths adjust to society, or many variations in between. For example, a Birmingham assisted living community has an independent living, assisted living, and memory care facilities all on one campus which allows for many opportunities. In most cases, these facilities need volunteers to help with simple things such as lawn cutting or planting flowers. Many look for volunteers to help with craft classes, music projects, or social events for the residents. Some facilities may be in need of help answering phones, mailing letters or other office work.

• Children’s Reading Programs

One of the biggest causes of school failure is the inability to read. It has been proven in countless studies that children who can master reading at an early age are more likely to complete school and go on to college. One of the largest ways to help improve reading skills is to have stories read to them. Hearing words is as important in developing reading skills as seeing them. You can contribute to literacy by finding time to read to small children.

• Library Volunteer

The library is one of the greatest assets in any community. Not only do they supply access to books, they also provide several communities enhancement programs. The library provides free Internet access, computer training classes and even youth programs that encourage literacy and personal growth. The library is always desperate for volunteers to assist in these programs.

• Homeless Shelters

In light of the recent economic trends, many homeless shelters and food distribution areas are overwhelmed with people in need. Volunteering time at one of these places will increase the amount of people that are served and help a part of society that is in most desperate need. You may be able to contribute anything from serving food to sorting out clothes to distribute to the needy.

• Park System

The park system at every level is always in need of volunteers. National, state and local parks are always on the verge of closing due to budget restrictions. However, these places are necessary for our communities. You may be able to contribute as a park guide, a guest host, or even in litter control.

Many hospitals have “candy striper” programs that are supervised under the hospital auxiliary volunteer program of the facility.  This is an excellent way for those who feel they may want to enter the field of healthcare to find out first-hand what it’s all about.

While volunteering will help you get into college, it is also a very necessary part of being a member of a community. Anything you can do to make your community a better place for yourself and others is worth your spare time.

Kelly Dennie is a mother of budding college students seeking volunteer opportunities. Trinity Lifestyles Management, LLC, a Birmingham assisted living facility, combines the luxury and freedom of residents having their own apartment with the safety and accessibility of personal assistance of a trained staff. This staff is always accessible to assist residents with dressing, bathing, meals, and overseeing medications.

General Safety Issues

Thirty Blogs Parents of Teens Learning to Drive Must Read (Guest Post)

Sent to us by Barbara Williams of http://findababysitter.org.  We can never find too many tips on applications that help our teens realize how important the task of safe driving .  These blogs should offer insight into that responsibility.

It can be a scary time for parents when their teenagers are finally old enough to drive.  While you are in the car with her you may feel like you have some sense of control because you’re there to help her make good decisions.  However, when she takes off for her first solo drive, you probably will feel a bit anxious.  The more you can teach your teen before her first drive by herself, the better off she will be.  Here are 30 blog entries that can help the parents of teen drivers.

Cell Phones and Driving

It’s not unusual these days to find that your teen is tied to her cell phone morning, noon and night.  Because of this, it’s important that your teen knows that distracted driving is not only dangerous, but is also a leading cause of teenage accidents.  Implementing a rule regarding your teen’s cell phone use while driving is important, and could save her life.  These five blog posts will explain further.

Texting and Driving

Texting while driving is a dangerous concern for your teen, perhaps even more so than talking on the phone while driving, because you need to type on your phone. Many teenage deaths have occurred because of sending or reading a text from a friend or family member. It’s not just teens who are at risk, though; laws are being put into place to stop texting while driving for everyone.  These five blog articles will explain the reasoning behind the changes.

Proposed Law Changes

Here are five blog posts sharing some of the proposed law changes as they relate to teenage drivers.  Many have heard about cell use and texting being banned, but others are related to how many passengers you can have in the car.  Read these posts and educate yourself and your teen driver.

Driving Safely

Obviously, parents want their children to drive safely on the road, but how do you teach them everything that they need to know?  There are drivers’ education classes that you can send your child to and you can drive with your kids, but is that enough? Some people don’t think so.  Here are five blog articles that will show some other ways to teach teens to drive safely.

Winter Driving

Winter driving can be treacherous and deadly for an experienced driver, let alone a less experienced teenager.  Make sure that you practice driving with your teenager in all weather conditions.  Letting your teen know how the car could react during certain weather conditions is an important part of teaching your teen to drive.  These five blog posts will give you tips on how to teach your teen to drive safely during the winter.

Parents’ Role

At the end of the day it is up to the parents to make sure their teen is ready to get behind the wheel.  As a parent, do you know everything you need to know in order to make your teen into the best driver that he can be?  Here are five blog posts explaining what the role of the parent is in teaching teens to drive.  Maybe you will know them all, but you may also pick up a tip or two.