Yearly Archives: 2013

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

THE “BUG” THAT WON’T GO AWAY!

According to the Centers for Disease Control, all states in the U.S. have widespread flu activity, with the exception of Tennessee and Hawaii.  Some states are seeing an increase in flu activity while others are seeing the numbers of cases going down.  The nations’ total this flu season for pediatric deaths is 29.  Although the government doesn’t keep a running tally of adult deaths from the flu, estimates are that it takes about 24,000 lives every year. 

Federal officials are taking unusual steps to make more flu medicines available and urging wider use of them as soon as symptoms appear.  One reason is that the number of older people hospitalized with the flu as risen sharply.  Dr. Thomas Frieden, director of the CDCP, reports that this season is shaping up to be a worse-than-average season, especially for the elderly.  Two drugs, Tamiflu and Relenza, can cut the severity and risk of death from the flu, but must be started within 48 hours of first symptoms to do much good. 

Some of the signs of the flu are:

  • Feeling as though you have been hit by a truck;
  • Coughing;
  • Aching;
  • Head is pounding;
  • Fever
  • Sometimes diarrhea and vomiting. 

Know that the flu is a virus, which means that antibiotics won’t cure viruses.  Usually the flu passes without complications.  However, in the case of high fever, especially in children, a doctor should be involved in their care.  High-risk groups, pregnant women, children, or the elderly may want to see their doctor, because they are at a higher risk to contact the flu.  Some antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu or Relenza can be taken as early as possible to enable the illness to not be as severe.  Of course, the flu shots seem to be helping all three strains that are circulating, also helping it to be a lighter case than without the shot. 

Warning signs to get to the emergency room ASAP if these symptoms are experienced by children: 

  • Not drinking fluids
  • Extreme irritability
  • Fever with a rash
  • Having trouble breathing or breathing rapidly
  • Blue tinge to the skin
  • Child won’t wake up or interact
  • Flu symptoms have improved, but cough and fever return and worsen 

Symptoms to watch for in adults may be similar; however, they may also experience: 

  • Vomiting that is severe and persistent
  • Confusion
  • Sudden dizziness
  • Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen 

Here are ways to help prevent the spread of this “bug”: 

  1. Get the flu shot
  2. Stay home if you are sick
  3. Keep your kids home from school until they’ve gone 24 hours without fever
  4. Wash hands very often
  5. Cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing
  6. Use a face mask to protect others when you cough or sneeze.
  7. Stay out of public places
  8. Understand that this is a serious illness that could result in complications, such as pneumonia 

The CDC states that the flu again has surpassed an “epidemic” status, based on monitoring of deaths from flu.  It happens every year, and it takes everyone’s cooperation in preventing the spread of flu by following the instructions above.  Persons will appreciate your missing church, school, or work, if you are ill.  You can always catch up on what you miss, and you’ll know you did your part in keeping others safe from flu.

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Health Issues

FIVE TIPS FOR SAFE USE OF SWIMMING POOL CHEMICALS (GUEST POST)

3 Comments

“Doctor, I store the chemicals in a shed by the pool. He must have gotten into them when I wasn’t looking. How old? He’s four.”

Chlorine is a chemical commonly accepted for use in pools to kill bacteria and control algae, and it does that function well. However, according to EPA.gov, it must be used with some caution, because it is a chemical which can also be used around the house for cleaning and as a disinfectant. So what does that mean for the average pool owner? Here are 5 tips which can allow the safe use of pool chemicals:

1) Don’t drink the water. Though chlorine will keep the walls and bottom of your pool clean, some safety precautions must be taken as part of maintaining a safe swimming pool. It may seem a bit obvious, but everyone who uses the pool must be instructed not to drink the pool water. This is especially important for young children, who as we all know, are prone to playing in the water, sometimes taking a mouthful of pool water to spew it out in the air or on a friend.  In the course of that, the child might accidentally or without thinking drink some of the water. Make it clear – don’t drink the water.

2) Know how to use the chemicals. Because everyone who uses the pool brings their own contaminants, the chlorine used in swimming pools must be stronger than in other uses. While a household cleaner might contain a two percent concentration of chlorine, swimming pool chemicals may contain from twelve to ninety five percent chlorine. The chlorine is not used at that strength, but will be diluted substantially before use in the swimming pool. The proper administration of pool chemicals is therefore best left to adults to assure they are handled correctly, and mixed in the proper proportions. Make sure to read the instructions and learn about how to safely use the products. If necessary, take a class at a local location on the proper use and mixing of chlorine for the pool.

3) Safety pays. As cautioned by HealthyPools.org, a number of chemical-related pool incidents have been reported recently, including many visits to the emergency room, from the improper handling of pool chemicals. If safety precautions are not taken when handling pool chemicals, injuries can occur: inhaling fumes when opening containers, or accidentally splashing chemicals in the eyes when trying to mix the chemicals. Always wear protective gear, such as glasses and gloves, when mixing the pool chlorine.

4) Be prepared in case of emergency. Although many precautions will lessen the likelihood of accidents related to pool chemicals, it is still wise to be prepared in case of an accident. EPA.gov describes a process to ensure minimal damage from this type of accident. First, the person affected should describe what exactly happened, and how they are affected – how and where did they come in contact, and what part of their body did it affect. If it is an accident related to the eyes, the EPA suggests rinsing the eyes for 15 to 20 minutes in the shower or under a faucet, then calling the poison control center or 911. If the chemical was inhaled, get the person to fresh air and then make the appropriate phone calls. Add the phone number of poison control to the list of emergency contact numbers.

5) Store it safely. According to HealthyPools.org, caution is the word for adult administering the pool chemicals – first make sure those chemicals are safely stored. It is imperative to store chemicals properly to prevent them from mixing or getting wet unintentionally. Equally important – store pool chemicals out of the reach of children and animals. No one wants to see a crying child come in the house because of accidental contact with pool chemicals.

Time spent to correctly administer chemicals will not only keep the pool clean, but make sure that no one gets hurt during pool maintenance time. Do it wisely, and it will never lead to that scary trip to the emergency room to treat a toddler exposed to chemicals.

Becky Flanigan is a freelance writer for InTheSwim.com.  She has 3 kids with her wonderful husband – two boys and a girl – and two lovely golden retrievers.  She spends hours at her family swimming pool, watching the kids and dogs splash and play.  She is also a runner, and diligently training for her first half marathon.

General Safety Issues, Head Protection

RIDING A MOTORCYCLE WITHOUT A HELMET: WHAT ARE THE RISKS? (GUEST POST)

 By Kelly Kovacic  

Most people need a vehicle to survive their daily lifestyles, but riding a motorcycle actually is a lifestyle.  Many people have heard at least one individual say that wearing a helmet makes someone look less cool, but many states have taken this option out of the equation altogether by requiring motorcycle helmets.

Unfortunately, not all states require riders to wear helmets. For example in Florida, any riders 21 and older, who are covered by medical insurance, are not required to wear a helmet. This often leads to serious injuries, when someone is involved in a motorcycle accident West Palm Beach attorneys understand these Florida laws and know how to help. Only when an individual knows all of the facts related to helmet use, will they understand the risk they’re taking without one.

Types of Injuries Sustained

Being involved in a motorcycle crash can cause numerous injuries; this is true whether a rider has a helmet on or not. Helmets are estimated to be 37 percent effective in preventing fatal injuries to motorcyclists. Unfortunately, not wearing a helmet increases the chances of much more serious injuries and the severity of the following:

Head Injuries

Head injuries cause some of the most severe damage a person’s body can experience, and sadly, they’re almost always preventable. Motorcycle helmets are meant to take the brunt of the force when a biker’s head hits the pavement. Studies have shown that simply walking into something solid can cause a skull fracture, so just imagine what hitting the pavement at 55 MPH can do to a human skull without a helmet. Severe head injuries can cause brain damage, coma or death.

Spinal Injuries

Spinal injuries are one of the most feared injuries in the world, and not wearing a helmet when on a motorcycle can increase the risk of experiencing one. Helmets not only protect a biker’s head; they help keep their head stationary. If a person’s head remains stationary during an accident, their chances of not sustaining a serious neck or spinal injury increases. Unfortunately, those who do experience traumatic spinal injuries can face partial paralysis, full on paraplegia or even death. 

Serious Facial Abnormalities

Unfortunately, even riders who don’t suffer serious brain or spinal injuries can have their faces completely destroyed by not wearing a helmet. Most bikers have felt the pain of a little road rash. Unfortunately, a person’s face sliding across the pavement will cause much more damage than a simple case of road rash. Many riders have to get extensive reconstructive surgery after wrecking without a helmet. 

Statistics Related to Non-Helmet Use

Reading off a list of possible injuries usually isn’t enough to convince bikers to wear a helmet. Luckily, the statistics related to helmets and motorcycle wrecks are sometimes enough to sway a rider’s decision. 

Only around twelve percent of national motorcycle deaths occur in states where helmets are mandatory. A Michigan study found that 16.2 percent of helmeted bikers suffered incapacitating injuries after an accident. This number was 24.8 percent for non-helmeted riders. The Michigan study also found that 23 percent of helmeted riders suffered no injuries after a wreck compared to only 17.8 percent of non-helmeted bikers.

Riding around on a motorcycle is one of the most exhilarating and freeing experiences that a person can have. Unfortunately, people who enjoy this freedom without a helmet often pay the ultimate price. Anyone who has been injured or has had a family member injured in a motorcycle wreck needs to contact a personal injury attorney quickly. Medical bills can pile up quickly, and even though some states may not protect their bikers, many attorneys will. 

Kelly Kovacic has many friends that ride motorcycles, and so she stays on top of the latest motorcycle laws. For anyone who has been in a motorcycle accident attorneys Steinger, Iscoe & Greene have many years of experience handling these cases. Insurance companies try to label motorcyclists as reckless drivers, so having an attorney to protect your rights is a wise decision. 

Thank you, Kelly, for this information that will hopefully convince riders to wear helmets at all times.  There are many other parts of protective gear for riders, gloves, leg protection, boots, and even high-visibility safety vests that can be slipped over their jacket, in order to help them be more visible.

General Safety Issues

FIVE SIGNS THAT A DOG MAY BITE YOU (GUEST POST)

Unfortunately, there are millions of people who are bitten by dogs annually in the United States. While many bites may not appear to be serious, some do result in pain, medical bills, lost time from work and other expenses. There are many reasons that dogs can become aggressive, including fear, guarding people or possessions and dominance. Regardless of the reason, there is some body language to watch for that can indicate when a dog is about to bite, as outlined below: 

1. Snapping and growling: These are the more obvious of all of the signs that a dog could bite. This behavior is basically letting everyone know that there is a situation that the animal is uncomfortable or unhappy with. Whenever a dog snaps or growls, be sure to back up and give him space. Continuing to interact with him will usually only agitate him more.

2. Appears agitated or stressed: Averting their gaze, licking their lips and yawning are sometimes other signs of agitation. If a dog just starts to lick his lips when there is no food present, yawns several times or turns his head from you – he is trying to communicate something. All of this behavior is meant to let you know that something is wrong. For example, unfamiliar people or children could cause them to become anxious. While it may not mean that he will bite – there is a chance that if his anxiousness continues, he may not be able to control his reactions. Any dog that is stressed for any reason is more likely to bite. It is best to pay attention to what is happening and remove him from the situation. 

3. Raised fur: Raised hackles is another sign that a dog is getting over stimulated. If the hair on their backs, neck, tail or shoulders stands up, give him some space. While it could just be over excitement, he could also be anxious with the situation. In this case – he is letting you know that he is not comfortable or even fearful. Many dogs need to have a sense of control. When they are over excited, they can easily start to lose control and bite someone. 

4. Rigid posture: A stiff stance is another giveaway that a dog is ready to get aggressive. When a dog stiffens his body and ears and raises his tail, this is a clear sign that he is uncomfortable. It may not even have anything to do with you or the people around. He may hear a sound far away that has alerted him. However, there is something causing it and it is best to back off until he calms down. 

5. Tail tucking and cowering: These are some of the more blatant signs than the others that a dog is fearful. Even though a dog in fear may not always bite, fear can greatly increase the chance that he will. Just like fearful people – dogs may feel threatened and bite out of a sense to protect himself, his possessions or his owner. Whenever a dog cowers away, let him go. He may approach you in time if he feels it is safe to do so. 

Dog Bite Laws

All states have specific dog bite laws. Because of this, there are varying levels of responsibility imposed upon dog owners. While some state laws indicate that an owner is liable in any dog bite case, some are more complex and require more evidence to impose sanctions. For example, there may be a requirement that the owner knew of the potential that a dog may bite due to his temperament. 

Also, the person who has been bitten needs to contact the owner to ensure the dog has had all the necessary shots.  Texas law requires that if the person goes to the emergency room for treatment, the hospital must notify law enforcement.  Never let children get close to a dog, in it’s face or near his/her food.  Owners should warn of any actions the dog may take. Pat

If you have been the unfortunate victim of a dog bite, seek medical attention immediately and document the incident with time, place, form and event. Contact a personal injury attorney such as www.maryland-injury-lawyer.com, as soon as possible to determine the next course of action. Remember that insurance companies will seek to minimize their costs rather than ensure that you are fully compensated for your injuries. The laws surrounding dog bites can be very complex and the best way to navigate through them is with a competent and experienced personal injury attorney. 

Georgina Clatworthy is a freelance writer who regularly posts on topics relating law, health and safety and consumer issues. Price Benowitz LLP is a firm of personal injury lawyers who represent clients that have been victims of dog bites.  
 

 

General Safety Issues

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM THE INSIDE OUT (GUEST POST)

Protecting Your Home From the Inside Out

It becomes more evident every day that the world can be an unstable place. The uncertainty of tomorrow can be frightening, but there are many measures you can take to improve the safety conditions of your life. There are many unfortunate events that could happen around your home, but taking the right precautions can help to keep you and your family as safe as possible.

Keep All Weapons Locked Away Safely

The number of accidents caused from inside the home due to improperly stored weapons is unnecessarily high and growing every day. If you are a gun owner, it would be wise to consider investing in a gun locker, especially if there are children around. Locking up your weapons securely and safely can help to eliminate the chance of them falling into the wrong hands, and many safety experts also recommend keeping the keys on you at all times as well as locking up the ammunition separate from the weapon.

Reduce Fire Hazards in the Home

Home fires can be devastating and extremely dangerous, but fortunately, fires are another type of accident that can be prevented when the right precautions are taken. First off, clear any dust around heat vents and electrical outlets as dust can clog outlets and combust with the right amount of heat. It’s very important to keep your electrical outlets up to date as well; if the outlets have trouble holding a cord in their socket, it’s time to replace them. Also, make sure to keep an eye on the cords of your electrical appliances, and stop using them once they become frayed or thin. 

Never turn your back when you’re cooking something on the stove or in the toaster, and always double check to make sure the oven has been turned off.

Avoid placing something flammable near a flame. Candles should never be near any fabric, and it’s a good idea to blow out a candle if you’re planning on leaving the room for more than a few minutes. If you’re a smoker, always make sure that you put your cigarette completely out before leaving it unattended.

Keep All Entries Locked

This one might seem obvious, but it’s amazing how many people leave their doors unlocked even while they’re away. Don’t allow intruders to have easy access to anything. Make sure all doors, garages, and windows (windows are the easiest to forget) are shut and locked, and always double-check that everything is sealed up before you leave the house or go to bed. Also, use two locks on each door to prevent lock picking.

Secure Your Home with Lights

No criminal wants to be in the spotlight when committing any illegal acts. If you surround your home with bright LED lights, you are at least making a statement to any future intruders that you have taken a precaution to eliminate their ability to blend into the night. Motion sensory lights are a cost effective form of home security due to the fact that they do not stay on all night and run up your energy bill like other outdoor lights.

Leaving on a visible house light is a common practice to make it look like there is someone home. To save on the electric bill, you might want to consider purchasing an electronic timer that can turn your lights on and off automatically after being set to a certain time. This will save you money and make it more believable that someone is inside.

Invest in a Home Alarm System

Home alarm systems don’t mean what they used to; they don’t have to involve complex wiring through your walls. In fact, there are many fairly priced and easy-to-use wireless home alarm systems out there that can fit any budget or home. A more advanced system would clearly be the best bet, but any alarm system in your price range would help to tighten the security of your home.

Create a buddy system with your neighbors

Creating good bonds with your neighbors is great for security strength. When you know the people in the homes around you, they are more likely to notice suspicious activity and are more likely to let you know if they see something questionable.

Install a mail slot in your door

This is a good way to prevent mail and identity theft. Mail boxes are wide open, and anybody could walk by and open up your mailbox. With a private slot, your mail goes right into your (hopefully) locked door.

Home is where the heart is; it’s also where your family and valuables are. There are many ways to tighten the security of your home, so you can keep it a place where comfort and safety are felt and good memories flourish.

James Anderson is a sports enthusiast, survivalist and blogger born and raised in West Virginia. He writes about secure storage for school lockers.   

 

General Safety Issues, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety

TOP SAFETY TIPS FOR DOMESTIC FUEL STORAGE AND USE (GUEST POST)

 New domestic fuel or gas tank owners often ask, where is a safe place to position my tank. Ideally it needs to be placed near the home for convenience, yet far enough not to cause damage in the occasion of a leak or spill. 

Spill containment is a serious safety measure that should always be considered when owning a fuel or gas tank. Fuel or gas spills can have a detrimental effect on the environment and the vicinity of which you reside in. They can destroy the local wildlife’s habitats and breeding grounds, and can affect any close by waterways. The impact the spill has on the environment can depend on many factors including the volume of the spill, the type and weight of the substance and the location. However, no matter how big or small the spill is it can cause long-term environmental damage. 

Fuel Spill Action Points 

  • Identify the source and assess the hazard
  • Ensure the safety of all persons
  • Check for fire risk
  • Move any machinery nearby
  • Wear necessary safety clothing and equipment before dealing with the spill
  • Stop any flow by sealing holes in containers, drums and bunds
  • Limit the spread of the spill
  • Protect any drinking water if applicable
  • Once safe notify a environmental officer where the source is, the volume of the spill and if there are any risks of fire
  • Contain the spills by using absorbents or building small dams

Once the fuel or gas has been contained try to recover as much oil as possible. This can be done using pumps to remove any spillage from the ground and then placed in a drum or using absorbent pads that are then discarded. 

Spill kits 

Due to the effects gas and fuel can have on the environment it is imperative that owners not only store hazardous liquids in an environmentally friendly manner, but also have some form of spill kit in case of an emergency. 

Oil and fuel absorbent spill kits are ideal for cleaning up spills. They contain all the tools you require to clean-up efficiently and leave little residue. Many spill kits include oil absorbent pads, socks or “booms” and a bag to dispose of the used absorbents. 

The location of a domestic tank is very important and we would always recommend that UK domestic and commercial oil users alike use an OFTEC registered engineer when installing an oil tank. 

Top safety tips for domestic fuel storage and use has been written by RPM Fuels and Tanks, who stock a variety of tanks, spill kits and spill pallets.

General Safety Issues

STAY HOME WITH THE SNIFFLES: STUDY SHOWS PAID SICK LEAVE REDUCES WORKPLACE INJURIES (GUEST POST)

Workers brave workplace hazards every day, hoping that they won’t reset the “number of days without a workplace accident” sign. It may seem obvious, but staying home when ill drastically reduces the chance of nonfatal occupational injuries.

Workers with paid sick leave were 28 percent less-likely to be injured at the workplace in comparison to workers without PTO days, a study conducted by the American Journal of Public Health concluded. Data on approximately 38,000 adults working in the private sector who participated in the National Health Interview Survey was used.

The financial pressure drives employees to work even though ill. “If fewer people work while they are sick,” study researcher Abay Asfaw, Ph.D., said in a statement, “this could lead to safer operations and fewer injuries in the workplace.” Depending on the job occupation and sector, workplace injury differed. Construction workers were at a 21 percent increased risk without paid sick time off compared with 18 percent for health care personnel.

Another study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health concluded that coming into work while sick increased the chances of needing to take more sick time off later, according to Rodale News. It may seem that employees will use less time off in the short run, but the sickness compounds or grows worse without necessary rest, resulting in a greater number of work absences over the long run. Ill workers reporting for work more than six times were 53 percent more-likely to be absent for two weeks in the future. Those same workers were also 72 percent more-likely to take two months sick leave in the following year and a half.

Sevenson, an environmental remediation service, practices a stringent Corporate Safety and Health Program to avoid an unnecessary Sevenson Environmental lawsuit along with worker injuries. Employees engaged in hazardous-waste remediation are monitored to ensure that their surroundings aren’t negatively impacting health. Here are some other blue-collar tips to prevent harmful accidents at work.

Break Time

Along with the aforementioned paid-time-off days, taking time off during the day is also of utmost importance. Hours of continuous work inevitably leads to fatigue. To avoid workplace mishaps as a result of fatigue, take a break at least once an hour to give your body and mind brief, restorative rest.

Awareness

Over time, workers become overly comfortable within their workplace environment. Comfort can lead to calamity. Workers’ previously sharp awareness is blunted, even though the level of danger remains the same. Always remain mindful of your environment and acutely focused on all surroundings.

Safety First

From slip-resistant shoes to hazmat suits, workers must equip the proper safety gear to avoid workplace incidents. Ensure that you’re always suited for safety — money spent toward equipment to prevent harm is well worth it in comparison to life-threatening, preventable injuries.

By Stephanie Diaz A former public relations specialist, Stephanie is a blogger who shares tips on saving money and getting ahead in any economy.

 

General Safety Issues

INFORMATION ON NEW LOCKOUT/TAGOUT GUIDE (GUEST POST)

Graphic Products, Inc. Issues Lockout/Tagout Guide by Jack Rubinger. 

Portland, OR – An estimated 120 lives are saved and 50,000 injuries prevented each year by complying with OSHA lockout/tagout standards. Lockout/tagout, or LO/TO, is a procedure in which repairs are not made to machines until power sources are removed, locked out, tagged out and isolated. In response to this course of action, Graphic Products, Inc., has released the Safety Lockout/Tagout Best Practices Guide. 

“A large percentage of workplace accidents, as well as OSHA citations, are related to not using LO/TO or not following LO/TO procedures. The Best Practices Guide was developed to help reduce accidents by providing foundational information about LO/TO. We’ve produced this free best practices guide for our customers and are happy to make copies available to anyone who needs to learn the basics of LO/TO,” said Steve Stephenson, Chief Marketing Officer, Graphic Products.

 Included in this colorful guide are chapters about how accidental start-ups occur, a definition of stored energy, steps to install and remove lockout gear, a case study from an environmental health and safety professional plus an overview of commonly used LO/TO products and services. There’s also a section about reducing the number of potential injuries and fatalities possible from entrapment in confined spaces such as tanks and tunnels. LO/TO supplies include DuraLabel tag stock which includes holes to hang tags on piping systems and switches resists. Tag stock also resists moisture, UV rays and exposure to washdown chemicals. Finally, lockout padlocks, hasps and kits are included in the Graphic Products Facility & Safety Equipment catalog. 

OSHA’s standard for The Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout), Title 29, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 1910.147, addresses the practices and procedures necessary to disable machinery, thereby preventing the release of hazardous energy while employees perform servicing and maintenance activities. The standard outlines measures for controlling hazardous energies – electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal, and other energy sources. 

“LO/TO devices help reduce injury tremendously. Types of equipment impacted by LO/TO are light ballasts, switches, motors and pumps — any equipment/circuit >50 volts to ground. Affected people are faculty, staff, and researchers,” said Jim Biddle, Manager, Industrial Hygiene & Environmental Programs, Northern Arizona State University. 

OSHA suggests the following steps for workplace safety: 

  • Develop, implement and enforce an energy control program
  • Ensure that lockout/tagout devices identify the individual users
  • Provide effective training 

About Graphic Products

Graphic Products, Inc. manufactures DuraLabel mobile and wide-format labeling systems used by manufacturers, international shipping lines, distribution centers, mining operations and oil refineries worldwide. The company offers more than 50 specialty labeling supplies for virtually any industrial demand. Customers include Amazon.com, Boeing, Intel and Toyota. Every DuraLabel printer purchase includes a three-year warranty, DuraSuite label creation software and free technical support for life. 

To underscore its commitment to visual communications, Graphic Products provides a growing selection of free published articles, handbooks, webinars, blogs, and informational videos.

To receive the free LO/TO guide, go to http://www.graphicproducts.com/free-gifts/free-safety-loto-bpg.php.

 

More information can be found by visiting www.duralabel.com, calling 1-888-326-9244 or emailing jarubinger@graphicproducts.com.

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General Safety Issues

THE IMPORTANCE OF KNOWING LOCKOUT/TAGOUT PROCEDURES

Caught in a Mortar Mixer

An 18-year-old worker died after becoming entangled in a portable mortar mixer at a residential construction site. The victim was cleaning the mixer at the end of his shift to prepare it for the following day. A painter working near the victim heard yells for help and saw the victim’s arm stuck in the machine and his body being pulled into the rotating mixer paddles. He ran to the mixer and attempted to turn it off, but could not disengage the gears, so he yelled for help. A co-worker heard the commotion, ran to the machine and shut it off. Emergency medical services was called and responded within minutes. Rescue workers dismantled the drive mechanism to reverse the mixing paddles and extricate the worker. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Workers must be trained in safety procedures. A safety procedure that applies to this case is “lockout/tagout,” which requires turning off and disconnecting machinery or equipment from its energy source(s) before performing service or maintenance. In this example, the worker died when he was pulled into a mortar mixer that was actively operating and not locked out.

To prevent this, employers must:

  • Ensure that equipment is turned off and disconnected from its energy sources before cleaning or maintenance.
  • Train employees in the recognition and control of hazards.
  • Ensure machine and equipment guards remain in place.
  • Establish lockout/tagout procedures to guard workers from the unexpected startup of machinery and equipment or the release of hazardous energy during service or maintenance activities.
  • Ensure that all warning labels on the equipment are clearly visible and equipment is properly maintained.
  • Assign safety responsibilities to a competent person at each job site with the authority to enforce safety requirements and take prompt measures to correct unsafe situations.

Every worker, regardless of their age, ethnic background, or gender should have the proper training when working around powerful machinery.   More of these stories regarding young workers can be found at the OSHA website.

Source: OSHA

 

General Safety Issues

SAFETY MATTERS (GUEST POST)

Safety Matters: Tips to Best Improve your Safety and Wellbeing

Sent by Athena Bingham, a paralegal who enjoys freelance writing.  When she isn’t writing, Athena enjoys spending time reading to her children and playing the piano for several local jazz groups.

Let’s face it; we live in an ever-changing, fast-paced and at times, overly-stressed society.  And it doesn’t show any signs of slowing down or becoming more relaxed.  We’ve unfortunately learned that places we perceived to be havens of safety can change in an instant, shattering our faith in peaceful lives and even our own humanity.  But before you grab your gear and head for the hills, there are some simple tips you can follow to help ease your worried mind as well as keeping your sanity in a world that may appear to be spinning out of control.

  • Street Smarts: It’s true, random acts of violence do in fact, happen but the truth is your chance of being the victim of a violent act can be greatly reduced if you are able to keep an awareness about you at all times.  It’s easy to fall prey to distraction, especially following a long day of work or bringing groceries to your car, but that is exactly what a perpetrator is counting on.  Someone with nefarious intentions is looking to take advantage of someone who is not paying attention to their surroundings.  At night, park close to the store’s entrance and under a street lamp if possible, have your keys in hand, double check your car’s interior and above all, if someone is making you feel uncomfortable go back inside and ask a manager to walk out with you.  You may feel foolish but would feel worse if you ignored your intuition and ended up being targeted for a crime.
  • Take a self-defense Class: These are designed to help empower and to feel confident, despite the situation you might find yourself in.  Most are designed to give you, the potential victim, a reasonable amount of information you can rely upon if one day you’re involved with a violent act; whether it’s fighting back, running away or tips to ensure getting a bystander’s attention, (example screaming, ‘fire!’ instead of ‘help’).
  • Safety at home or work: By researching in the comforts of your home you can discover a wealth of information about your neighbors or co-workers right at your fingertips.   Logging onto your local sex offender registry website can give you a head’s up about who shares your neighborhood.  But what about work? If despite complaints to your boss, a coworker is making you feel uncomfortable you can check them out without them ever knowing.  A site like www.peoplesmart.com can help eliminate any doubt about that person who sits a little too close to you.  Remember, knowledge is power and keeping yourself aware of who you live near or work with can help heed caution for yourself.

At the end of the day, unfortunately crime statistics are very sobering.  And for women, studies conflict about the exact numbers that will find themselves involved with a violent crime, as up to 80% of rapes go unreported, but the bottom line is that safety is paramount to your wellbeing.  After all, we all have the right to exist and live with peace, but the reality is that chances are at some point in your life you will encounter crime.  The best advice? Awareness of surroundings and being proactive rather than reactive.