Yearly Archives: 2013

General Safety Issues

WHEN DO I NEED TO HIRE A PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY? (GUEST POST)

If you’ve been injured on the job, you may need to hire a personal injury attorney to help you with your workers compensation claim.  Your need for an attorney depends on a number of factors, including the severity of your injuries, behavior of the insurance companies and your knowledge of the workers compensation process.

Why Would I Need an Attorney?

It’s natural to trust that your employer has your best interest at heart, but unfortunately that’s not always the case. Certain employers and insurance companies will put their own interests ahead of your well-being without a second thought. Furthermore, some insurance companies will discourage you from hiring an attorney, claiming that attorney fees will cut into the compensation you receive.

It’s not always necessary to hire a lawyer, but it’s generally in your best interests to have one. Legal representation from a knowledgeable attorney means you have an advocate working to protect your health and livelihood.

Most workers compensation lawyers will meet with you for free consultation to review your claim and assess whether you need representation. Come to your meeting with the following information in hand:

  •          Medical records and bills
  •          Any relevant photos
  •          Witness contact information
  •          Any questions you have for the attorney 

On average, workers compensation attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning they will take a portion of the benefits you receive for their fees.  If you end up not collecting benefits, you won’t owe the attorney anything.

When to Call an Attorney

You should retain an attorney if:

  •          Your injuries are serious enough to need surgery.
  •          Your health won’t return to its pre-injury state.
  •          Your medical benefits are denied.
  •          You feel  you are not receiving the correct benefits
  •          You are no longer able to work on a regular basis in any job.
  •          Your employer has disputed a decision made by your state workers comp division.
  •          You need to dispute a decision made by your employer, their insurance company or your state’s workers compensation division regarding your claim.
  •          If you fear retribution for filing a workers compensation case.

If any part of your claim is in dispute with your employer, or your employer’s insurance company, it’s essential you hire an attorney.  The dispute process involves complex rules and procedures. You may be left at a disadvantage if you do not retain an attorney to represent your interests.

When an Attorney is Not Needed

Most on-the-job injuries aren’t very serious and result in quick medical care paid for by an employer.  If there is no significant loss of time from work and you expect to go back to work with your employer at your current job after a short recovery, it is unlikely you will need to hire an attorney.

However, if you think your employer is not giving you the compensation you warrant following a workplace accident or injury, you should start the search for a good personal injury attorney.

As a freelance writer for Jim Cover,a San Clemente personal injury attorney, Chris Anderson takes pride in lending hand to those who need aid. When he’s not writing, Chris follows his wife around their backyard garden with a shovel trying to look helpful.

 

 
First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, High Visibility Safety

TIPS FOR AVOIDING ACCIDENTS WHILE DRIVING (GUEST POSTS)

Every day, thousands of people in the United States are involved in car accidents while driving. Fortunately, many of these accidents are nothing more than minor fender benders, but some are much more severe. Even a minor accident can cause a lot of problems.

By learning how to drive more defensively, you can help to reduce the chances that you will be involved in an accident. You can never completely remove the risk of being in a crash, but by keeping the following tips in mind, you can make yourself much safer while behind the wheel.

One of the most common causes of automobile accidents is excessive fatigue. Too often, people head out on the road early in the morning or late at night when they are feeling tired and groggy. Trying to drive while you are tired is almost as dangerous as driving while intoxicated.  Be sure to get plenty of sleep the night before you have to drive anywhere. If you have a long commute to work every morning, do yourself a favor and go to bed early. This way, you will be much sharper and more alert when you are driving to work.

Avoid all distractions when you are behind the wheel. Your cell phone should be off. Do not try to eat, apply makeup, shave, or do anything else while you are driving. Listening to the radio is okay, but turn it on the station you want before you start your engine.  Even a momentary distraction, such as changing a radio station or picking something up, is enough to cause an accident. Keep your hands on the steering wheel and your eyes on the road at all times.

Give yourself a space cushion while you are driving. Never tailgate other cars, even if they are going more slowly than you find comfortable. You need to keep as much space as you can on all sides of your car while you are on the road. This way, if you need to swerve, brake or accelerate suddenly to avoid an accident, you will have room to do so.

Your eyes should be moving while you are driving. This does not mean that you should be staring at your feet or looking at your passengers. You need to check your rearview mirror, your side mirrors, and the space on all sides of your vehicle in a regular pattern. To drive safely, you should always be aware of what is in the immediate vicinity of your car, as well as conditions farther down the road.

The most important part of driving safely is developing self control. It can be hard to resist the urge to pass a slow driver, or to speed up for a yellow light. Remember that in the long run, the important thing is to make it safely to your destination. If you have to wait a few extra minutes to get there, that is a lot better than getting into an accident.

Developing safe driving habits helps you ensure that you and the other drivers on the road do not get into accidents. Use these tips to avoid any trouble while you are on the road.

Michael has been working in safety supplies and emergency kits industry for more than five years. As a product manager for  EDisasterSystems, he knows his merchandise and all the requirements from OSHA. He likes to write and share his ideas about the importance of safety and emergency prevention.

Note: Thank you, Michael for this information on driving safety.  Our parent company,  Texas America Safety Company, has been in business for the past twenty + years, providing the same type of safety products and understands the importance of safety gear. pb

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR ROOFING FOR MANY YEARS (GUEST POST)

Having a home may be a major milestone in a person’s life, but finding the right roofing in Tennessee or elsewhere may feel more like a burden.  If you’re like most people, your knowledge of roofing may be limited at best.  So, when you notice that dreaded drip coming from your ceiling, you know it is time to find an expert to take care of the problem for you.  The problem with this thinking is that by the time you’ve seen a leak in your ceiling, you’re likely looking at additional damage that may have already started many months before.  The cost of replacing a roof can be quite prohibitive, so if you’re smart about it, you’ll find ways to maintain your roof in good condition for as long as possible.
 
Have an Annual Checkup
 
The roof of your house is probably the most vulnerable part of your house; it will be subject to all manner of environmental conditions ranging from burning heat in the summer time to torrential rains, snow and hail in the winter.  It is important that you have it inspected at least once a year so that you can detect signs of damage before they become major problems.  Check the materials for cracked caulk, rust, buckling, curling or blistering; these are early signs that something is beginning to deteriorate.
 
Catch Leaks  Before They Start 
 
 If you notice any dark areas on the ceiling inside your house, paint beginning to peel or dampness around your fireplace, chances is that a leak has begun.  Once you see these signs you know it’s time for some prevention work to be done.  Get a professional in immediately to fix the problem.  The longer you wait the worse the problem will become.  Control the Environment 

Trees often have low hanging branches that can scrape and damage the roof over time.  Removing those branches can do a lot to save your roof from all sorts of problems.  Rodents, squirrels and other little creepy crawlies can use those branches to get on your roof and gnaw their way inside your house.  To avoid these types of problems it is best to remove any branches within 10 feet of your home. 

Most roofs will last for 30 to 40 years if they are maintained in good condition.  Learning how to watch for early warning signs of damage or potential problems can save you lots of money and even avoid other problems inside your home.  If you know the condition of your roof then you know the condition of your house too. 

For more information visit http://www.timleeperroofing.com

Note: When you are checking your roof, be sure you have a safe ladder, and some type of fall protection.  Remember, if you mention you read it on the blog, you get a 5% discount!  pb

 

 
General Safety Issues

SAFETY PROCEDURES IN LARGE STORES (GUEST POST)

1 Comment

Anyone who has been to Costco or any other warehouse style wholesale store has been around during the stocking process, or at least seen the equipment used for stocking. With high shelves and huge pallets, there is always a chance for accidents to occur. Because of this, forklift safety has to be taken even more serious than ever. 

Because stores such as these aren’t all day every day as some other stores, the ideal plan would be to remove boxes from high shelves after hours, only using this equipment at this time. Unfortunately, in many cases it is hard to predict exactly how much of an item will be needed over the course of the day. Rather than panicking in these situations, most warehouses have specific plans set in place and are prepared. Whether you are an employee of these businesses, or a consumer, it is important to be aware of these procedures, and how to stay safe during the process. 

Be aware 

The first and by foremost important thing when using equipment such as this is to be prepared for any situation. Those using the forklift, or other machines to move pallets around should be aware of the customers. Depending on how busy a day it is, there may be more customers than is safe to run the equipment in a certain area. 

While the employees should be aware of the customers, it is also crucial for the customers to pay attention to what is going on around them. Don’t just walk aimlessly in front of heavy equipment while it is in use. If you see a forklift in one aisle, continue your shopping down a different one for a while until it clears out. 

Know the equipment 

Not only is it unsafe to drive a forklift without the proper certification, it is illegal, and can cause more problems than you realize. There are many different things about a forklift that are important to know before using it, so be sure that you are up to date on all of them. 

Even if you have your certification, be smart around warehouse equipment. Don’t abuse the right, and don’t make a game out of it. Block off the area you are working in to keep people away from unsafe places.  

 Use the equipment for its designated purpose only. Although this may not seem as fun to some, it is crucial for keeping everybody safe. Costco and other stores like this have policies put into place to avoid dangerous situations from arising. Don’t let yourself be part of any of these pranks gone wrong. In most warehouse settings such as this, the store will provide an extra person when using the heavy equipment. This will not only keep them safe, but prevent shoppers from entering  dangerous zones.

When working in a wholesale store, or even just shopping there, pay attention to the heavy equipment used. It will take less time to just stop and be cautious rather than making unreasonable decisions. Be aware of your surroundings at all times, making sure to keep safe in these settings. 

 

By +Cassie Costner

Cassie writes for Hoj Engineering on staying safe in the warehouse. She has also written on organizing your inventory, and how to run your warehouse efficiently. 

 
General Safety Issues, Hand Protection

HAND ARM VIBRATION SYNDROME: THE FACTS (GUEST POST)

 If you work with power tools of any variety, the chances are you have experienced some degree of hand-arm vibrations. While limited exposure to these vibrations is unlikely to cause any lasting damage, over exposure can lead to hand-arm syndrome (HAVS) or carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) estimates that 2 million people are at risk of developing HAVS.

What is HAVS?

Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome or Vibration White Finger Claims is a debilitating condition that damages the nerves, blood vessels, muscles and joints of the hands, wrists and arms. Those that operate hand-held or hand-guided power on a regular basis are significantly increasing their be at risk of developing the condition. HAVS or Vibration white finger are both permanent and highly debilitating.

Early Symptoms include:

  • Loss of feeling in the fingers
  • Tingling and numbness in the fingers
  • Loss of strength in your hands
  • Tips of your fingers going white, then red and painful.

If you continue to use high-vibration tools these symptoms may get worse, for example:

  • Permanent numbness in hands leading to a complete loss of feeling
  • Inability to pick up small objects such as screw or nails
  • The vibration white finger could happen more frequently and affect more of your fingers

For a more detailed breakdown of symptoms, the HSE have produced an employee guide to hand-arm vibration.

Who is at risk of developing HAVS?

You are at risk from HAVS or Vibration White Finger if you use hand held or guided tools such as:

  • Concrete breakers
  • Sanders
  • Grinders
  • Hammer drills
  • Chipping hammers
  • Chainsaws
  • Hedge trimmers
  • Powered mowers

How can I reduce the risks?

Ultimately it is your employer’s responsibility to protect you against HAVS or Vibration White Finger, but you should remain vigilant and be conscious of the early symptoms. If it is possible try to find a way in which you can do your without using vibrating tools and machines. If this is not an option happen then:

  • Use suitable low-vibration tools.
  • Ensure tools are properly maintained and repaired to avoid increased levels of vibration
  • Take regular breaks from using vibrating
  • Avoid gripping or forcing a tool more than required
  • Store tools so the handles are not cold when in use
  • Keep warm and encourage good circulation
  • Wear anti-vibration gloves 

Asons Solicitors suggest that if someone would like to learn more about the HAVS or Vibration White Finger, or if they would like to better understand the HAVS and Vibration White Finger claims process that information is available at www.asons.co.uk, or via an expert helpline on 01204 521 133. Sent to us by Thomas Fairclough. 

For further information contact:

Email: info@asons.co.uk

Website: www.asons.co.uk

 

General Safety Issues

DANGERS OF DISTRACTED DRIVING (GUEST POST)

 Distracted driving is a very dangerous problem throughout the United States. In 2011 NHTSA reported over 3,000 people were killed in distracted driving crashes. Distracted driving is most prevalent among young adults. It is reported that 16% of all drivers under 20 involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted at the time of the crash. It is no surprise with all the love for technology and social media this age group is the largest percentage of drivers who are distracted.  In fact teen drivers are more likely than any other age group to be involved in a fatal distracted crash.

There are 3 main types of distracted driving; visual, manual and cognitive. Visual distractions are taking your eyes off the road to look at such things as your phone, watching a video, looking at GPS or reading a map. Manual distractions are taking your hands off the wheel to text, eat/drink or adjust the radio. Cognitive is taking your mind off of what you are doing, by talking to other passengers or on your phone, sleepiness or any other mental distraction.

Out of all the three different forms of distractions and activities text messaging is the most dangerous as it requires visual, manual and cognitive attention from the driver. Sending or receiving a text takes a driver’s eyes off of the road for an average of 4.6 seconds. This is equivalent of driving the length of an entire football field blind, if you were driving at 55mph as most people do on a highway. Drivers are three times more likely to get into a crash by engaging in such visual-manual tasks.  In fact of all American teens 40% say they have been in a car where the driver used a cell phone in a way that put people in danger.

At any given moment there are over 800,000 vehicles driving in the U.S while using a cell phone in some capacity. This results in a 23% increase of potential accidents on all roads. State laws throughout the country are helping to enforce a no cell phone/texting driving policy. These have helped in the effort but there are still many accidents occurring. How else can we help to solve this problem? The best way to end distracted driving is through education and learning the dangers. The United States Department of Transportation have held two summits on the topic, along with programs such as ATT’s texting and driving campaign “It Can Wait”,  which is now working with ABC Family and a variety of their show’s stars to help educate teen drivers. There was also a texting and driving episode famously mentioned on “Glee”. The continued effort through media is helping to bring awareness to not only teens but across all ages.

By sharing these facts we can help to save lives. For more information, or if you were in an accident due to a Distracted Driver contact a Personal Injury Lawyer in your local area. Tiano O’Dell PLLC (http://www.westvirginiapersonalinjurylawyer.net/) offers information and resources to individuals who are in need of legal representation in the West Virginia area for those who have been hurt by drunk drivers. 

(All facts brought to you thanks to NHTSA’s www.distraction.gov)

General Safety Issues

OBSERVE NATIONAL FIRE PREVENTION WEEK!

Since 1922, Fire Prevention Week has been observed on the Sunday through Saturday period in which October 9 falls.  This week’s observation began on Sunday, October 6 and goes through Saturday, October 12.  “Prevent Kitchen Fires”—that’s the message of this year’s Fire Prevention Week.

More fires start in the kitchen than in any other part of the home—and here are some tips for people on how to keep cooking fires from starting in the first place.  Fires that originate in the kitchen are the Number 1 cause of home fires and home fire injuries – mainly from unattended cooking.  Some tips to prevent this are to never leave the stove while you are grilling, frying, or broiling food.  Keep wooden utensils, oven mitts and cup towels away from the stovetop.  Keep lids handy to smother a pan fire.  If you can’t control the fire, call 9-1-1 and leave.

 Another tip: establish a three foot “kid-free-zone” around the stove and area where food is being prepared. 

Scald burns are the second leading cause of burn injuries.  Microwaves frequently cause scalding burns.  One example is soup that is heated in the microwave is extremely hot when it comes out, and should be allowed to cool before it is consumed.  Children should be supervised when using a microwave.  If there is a fire in the microwave, leave the door closed, turn it off, and unplug it. 

Smoke alarms serve an important roll in reducing fire deaths.  Once you hear the alarm, there is a chance of  very little time left to get out of the house.  Families should have an escape plan and find ways to get out of every room. 

 According to an NFPA survey, only one of every three American households have actually developed and practiced a home fire escape plan.  While 71% of Americans have an escape plan in case of a fire, only 47% of those have practiced it. One-third of American households who made an estimate thought they would have at least 6 minutes before a fire in their home would become life-threatening. The time available is often less. And only 8% said their first thought on hearing a smoke alarm would be to get out. 

Take fire seriously, whether it is a kitchen or home fire, workplace fire, campfire, or any other type that you are able to prevent by being attentive.  Firefighters will appreciate your diligence.  Let’s try to make their job a little easier.

 

Source: National Fire Protection Association

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hand Protection

THE IMPORTANCE OF WEARING THE RIGHT WORK GLOVES (GUEST POST)

Most of us take our hands for granted, but it doesn’t take a genius to realize that they’re fairly important and should be protected the best that we can! If you’re working in certain jobs, it’s vital that you wear the right work gloves to help prevent any injury or harm. Let’s take a look at why it’s so essential.

First, the danger of cutting in many roles is a very real one and must be avoided. Whether you’re using a small craft knife or a large saw, try to match the level of protection from your gloves with the level of danger that may be presented. Puncturing is a related worry, and specialized gloves exist if this is a worry in your particular line of work.

Another reason to wear the right gloves is vibration. Tools such as drills will often give off vibrations that can be potentially damaging, but lessened by wearing a pair of gloves. Cushioned gloves are a great option here as they provide insulation to lessen the shocks. If you’ve read about conditions such as Vibration White Finger, you’ll know just how harmful this can be and why it must be avoided.

Next up, hot and cold can have a serious impact on your hands. Lower temperatures can lead to frostbite in more extreme cases, and there’s the obvious danger of burning if you regularly handle items that are hot. A good pair of gloves will reduce the chance of either of these occurring, and will also enable you to carry out the job in comfort.

Finally, there’s the issue of grip. If you’re working with small and fragile items, gloves can lessen the likelihood of causing any damage to your material by ensuring a firm grip. In this case, gloves can increase levels of productivity and accuracy.

As you can see, choosing and wearing the right work gloves is vital for both your own safety and for ensuring that the task is carried out to your highest ability. Make sure that you do your research and buy the best pair of gloves for the job. There are several retailers that specialize in protective gloves for the workplace, so you’ll be able to find the right product to suit you needs. Your hands will thank you for it!

About the Author

This article was written on behalf of Protec Direct. Protec Direct are one of the largest suppliers of PPE & Workwear in the UK. Whatever industry our customers operate in, from heavy industrial to light catering, from professional construction to laboratory work, we are able to offer a comprehensive range of products to satisfy the most demanding performance criteria.

Note: We thank our guest contributors for this informative article about the importance of wearing work gloves.  Texas America Safety Company has been in the business of selling all types of personal protective equipment for over 25 years.  We have gloves that range from work gloves to medical grade gloves.  As stated above, it is surprising that injuries to our hands that can be avoided by wearing the right type of glove for every specialized type of work. pb

 

General Safety Issues

ALL MECHANICS SHOULD UNDERTAKE THESE SAFETY CHECKS (GUEST POST)

Regular servicing of a vehicle means that it remains roadworthy for longer. Not only does servicing keep the car in good condition and pick up on mechanical problems, which might cost you more in the long run, it keeps you safe. When conducting a service all mechanics should be checking the safety features as well as the engine parts. Knowing what sort of checks repairmen should be making on your behalf, therefore, is essential for any motorist. And remember that not all of these types of checks are immediately obvious ones. 

Seat belts

One thing that many car owners don’t know is that a simple seat belt check is something that ought to be carried out during a service. Seat belts should be checked for their accessibility as well as their condition. In both the front and back seats, belts should be replaced if they are no longer in top notch condition.

Steering

The steering mechanism of your car or van should also be the focus of a check. Loose or failing steering components need to be addressed and replaced, from time to time. Steering alignment is key for the good running of your vehicle and can wear down your tires quickly if it is not perfect. Seriously misaligned steering, on the other hand, is a safety issue. You could have trouble under heaving braking if problems like this are not resolved.

Suspension

The suspension system of your car should also undergo a safety inspection. Common suspension systems, such as leaf springs, can cause damage to the vehicle if they are not serviced properly. Different manufacturers use different types of leaf springs for suspension, so a qualified mechanic is needed for this sort of check. All of the U-bolts of the car’s suspension need to be checked to make sure they are fully tightened, for instance.

Brakes

Brakes are an important part of any vehicles operation and especially so if you want to remain safe whilst on the road. Common problems with the braking system are that the pads become worn. These are the parts of the system that come into contact with the wheels when you apply pressure on the brake pedal. Your brake technician should check that any wear they show is tolerable and replace ones that are overly worn. 

Tires

Like breaks, you car’s tires should also undergo an inspection to make sure they are not too worn. Of course, all tires show wear after time on the road, but tires that have become bald, where no tread is visible, are dangerous and should be replaced. Your mechanic should check the depth of tread remaining on your tires. Remember that this should include an inspection of your spare tire, as well as the four that are fitted.

Lights

The proper functioning of your vehicle’s lights is something that many motorists don’t think about, particularly drivers who rarely travel about in the night. Nevertheless, a proper check of all the lights your car uses should be made when it is serviced. Of course, the headlights should be checked for full beam and dipped functionality. Your car’s side lights should also be inspected. Indicators need to have their own separate check. At the rear, brake lights should be checked as well as your vehicle’s reversing light. Lastly, your emergency fog light should be confirmed as working properly.

Windscreen (windshield)

Your vehicle’s windscreen comes in for a lot of abuse while on the road. Chips and cracks can be common problems, particularly if you do a lot of motorway driving. Left un-dealt with, they can lead to serious problems with little or no notice. When your car is serviced, your windscreen’s seal should also be checked – something that many motorists don’t know about. 

Author Bio

UK Aftermarket Spring Specialists has been an established name in the automotive industry since 1962 and with almost 50 years of experience to draw from, we have the knowledge and expertise to help and guide you.