Monthly Archives: March 2014

Ergonomics, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

COMMON INJURIES AND THEIR TREATMENT (GUEST POST)

A large number of Americans are injured every year. While some get injured at home, others get workplace injury. We should have first aid kits both at home and work, and know how to use them.  Here are the most common home and workplace injuries:

Home Injuries Studies reveal that one-third of  total injuries take place at home. Common causes of home injuries are:

  • Falls-a major cause of home injuries and deaths. 
  • Burns and cuts-exposure to pointed objects leads to cuts and wounds. Stoves are the major sourse of burns.
  • Choking and suffocation-major instances of choking and suffocation may be related to food.

Workplace  injuries are also very common. While some injuries are a result of working in unhealthy and unsafe work environments, others happen due to uncomfortable office furniture, poor office layout and improper posture of employees. Here are some of the major workplace injuries:

  • Sprains
  • Strains
  • Tears 
  • Pain,  Bruises and Contusions
  • Cuts, punctures, and lacerations
  • Fracture
  • Multiple Traumatic Injuries
  • Burns
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Amputations
  • Chemical Burns, Corrosions.

How do you treat common injuries? If someone at home or the workplace gets an injury, you must immediately provide first aid to that person to prevent the situation from worsening. In case of bruises, apply heat, massage, and pain relieving cream to treat the injury. To effectively treat abrasions, first clean the wound with water and soap or use alcohol. After that, apply ointment with antibacterial properties on the affected area. For minor cuts, simply clean the area and apply the bandage. For sprains, relieve the pressure off the injured area and apply heat or ice. To alleviate the pain, use an anti inflammatory such as ibuprofen. Ice is the preferred treatment for inflammatory problems.

First aid mistakes to avoid:  When treating home and workplace injuries, make sure that you do not commit the following mistakes:  Applying butter to sooth the pain of a burn, as it can increase the risk of infection.  You must know when to apply a tourniquet to treat bleeding, as it can cause permanent damage to the limbs. Applying heat to sprains, strains, and fracture can increase swelling and slow down the healing process.  Moving someone injured in a car accident away from the scene. If the person has internal injuries, moving him can cause paralysis or death.  Treating allergic reactions caused by bee sting at home. Seek professional help to prevent consequences, such as anaphylactis.

Taking first aid training can help you treat home and workplace injuries quite effectively.  Call a poison control center if you know a child has ingested a poisonous substance.  If you are unsure about treating any injury,  call 9-1-1 for professional help.

This article was submitted by Carol of http://www.adamssafety.com/.  We thank Carol very much for safety information we all can use. pb

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

MARCH – IN LIKE A LION OR LAMB?

Everyone in the United States will agree that this has been a very unusual, and very cold winter for a majority of states.  Talk about your mood swings – Mother Nature has really suffered from them this winter!  In North Central Texas, the high temperature for the final day of February was 81 degrees, and another unseasonably warm day is in today’s forecast!  So, the beginning day of March for those of us who live in this area is rather confusing, coming in like a lamb.  But, hold on – weather experts say our low on Monday, March 3rd will be 19 degrees.  Here comes the lion, and experts say there’s a lot more winter left to come this month. 

Texas America Safety Company and Blog4Safety want to remind our readers of the following March safety observances: 

  • March 1-31:     National Nutrition Month
  • March 1-31:     National Eye Wellness Month
  • March 2-8:       National Patient Safety Awareness Week
  • March 2-9:       National Sleep Awareness Week
  • March 16-22:  National Poison Prevention Week

For those who want to promote these safety issues at work, please mark these important dates on your calendar. 

We all know that nutrition is very important, so try to encourage your employees to keep their bodies healthy by eating well-balanced diets, and getting plenty of exercise, beginning this month (if they are not already doing so).

Eye wellness if very important to everyone.  When those working in industries that could be harmful to their eyes, the correct eye protection is required.  Eyewash stations should be available and accessible to employees.

Keeping patients  safe is the Number One priority of hospitals, home healthcare, and other facilities.  Healthcare providers strive to offer the safest possible services to their patients.  If you work in this type of environment, you are aware just how important this is.  Most hospitals will observe this week by offering free wellness screenings and other incentives of patient safety to the public.

This first week of March also serves as National Sleep Awareness Week.  Most persons know the right amount of sleep that they need to be able to perform their job responsibilites.  If one tries to work without the proper amount of rest, serious injuries could occur, either to themselves, or to a co-worker.  Take care of your body by getting enough sleep the night before.

March 16-22 is National Poison Prevention Week.  This is another observance that should be a daily one, especially in homes with children.  It’s also a good time for employers to remind their employees that this is a very serious threat – specifically for those who work in hazardous conditions where they may become exposed to toxic fumes. 

Every month there are safety observances that we need to be reminded of.  We wish for each of you a safe March!

Eye Protection, Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, High Visibility Safety, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety

Interesting Trends in the Oil & Gas industry: A (Guest) Infographic

If you have never been involved with the energy industry, take time to read these interesting facts sent to us by Grattan Boyland of http://northseaworkwear.com.  He has given historical information in an infograph highlighting just how much is demanded of workers who work in oilfields on land, or offshore.  Providing us with power is a hazardous job that puts huge demands on workers, who must have the equipment to stay safe on the job.  Texas America Safety Company, our parent company, also provides the same personal protective equipment that is required for worker safety.  North-Sea-Workwear-IG