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General Safety Issues

EARTH DAY, 2010

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There are two different days of the year that worldwide Earth Day celebrations are held.  The first Earth Day celebration started on April 22, 1970, when Senator Gaylord Nelson encouraged everyone to take responsibility for life on our planet.  Later, another observance began March 20th, 1978, when John McConnell established Earth Day around the time of the vernal equinox.   Earth Day is the only event celebrated simultaneously throughout the world by people of all backgrounds, faiths and nationalities.  There are now more than one-half billion people that participate in Earth Day network campaigns every year.

With the beginning of the April 22, 1970 movement, approximately 20 million Americans participated to reach the goal of a healthy, sustainable environment.  Up until this time, separate groups who had been fighting against polluting factories, power plants, toxic dumps, oil spills, wilderness loss and extinction of wildlife began to realize that they shared common goals.  Through the years and with the help of the worldwide web, the efforts of those concerned with the environment have multiplied.  Other concerns such as global warming and clean energy have now emerged, as well.

Some of the goals of these Earth Day movements are:

  • A carbon-free future based on renewable energy that will end our common dependency on fossil fuels, including coal.
  • An individual’s commitment to responsible, sustainable consumption.
  • Creation of a new green economy that lifts people out of poverty by creating millions of quality green jobs and transforms the global education system into a green one.

We are given the opportunity to keep our towns, states, and country beautiful and protect the environment. Our children should be taught to respect the earth.  Even with all the campaigns promoting “Keep America Beautiful”, and similar others, some people still disregard them, by discarding trash alongside the roads, or throwing cans in lakes or streams.  It is our focus to ensure that persons whose jobs are to clean up pollution or other acts of negligence of the earth remain safe as they do their job.

Are you doing your part to keep your little corner of the world green?

There are things each of us can do to preserve our country’s beauty, protect our wildlife, and keep our air clean.  In exchange, if we maintain a good environment, we are also making our world a safer place.  Whether you choose to observe “Earth Day” in March or April, (or both), let’s make it a habit to appreciate our world by keeping it safe and pristine.

Uncategorized

THE WINTER PARALYMPICS ARE HERE!

The Winter Olympic Games were completed on February 28th .  However, another spectacular event is taking place in March, the X Paralympic Games, being held in Vancouver and Whistler, British Columbia, Canada.  Dates for the games are March 13th to March 21st.

Approximately 600 athletes from 45 countries have been training  hard to win gold medals.  These games feature the best athletes in the world with various disabilities.  The slogan of the Paralympic Movement is “Spirit in Motion”.  The first Summer Paralympic Games were held in Italy in 1960.  Sweden hosted the first Winter Paralympic Games in 1976.  We look forward to cheering on our favorite athletes, and wish them all “Good Luck!”

For the Winter Paralympic Games, you will see great competition in the following events:
1.    Ice Sledge Hockey

2.    Wheelchair Curling

3.    Alpine Skiing

4.    Biathlon

5.    Cross-Country Skiing

Summer Paralympic Games include:
1.    Athletics (track and field)

2.    Boccia

3.    Cycling

4.    Equestrian

5.    Football 5-a-side

6.    Football 7-a-side

7.    Goalball

8.    Judo

9.    Powerlifting

10.    Rowing

11.    Sailing

12.    Shooting

13.    Swimming

14.    Table Tennis

15.    Volleyball (sitting)

16.    Wheelchair basketball

17.    Wheelchair fencing

18.    Wheelchair rugby

19.    Wheelchair tennis

These athletes come from all over the world to show that they have the skills and power to triumph in their chosen sport by overcoming the obstacles they contend with.  Congratulations to every competitor; you make the world proud!

Uncategorized

DO YOU HAVE THE “LUCK OF THE IRISH”?

Whether the “luck of the Irish” is myth or fact, it is a fact that Wednesday, March 17th is St. Patrick’s Day, and folks of Ireland observe it as both a national and religious holiday.  Others worldwide celebrate the day regardless of their heritage.  St. Patrick’s Day Parades and other activities started this past weekend, and green beer has started flowing!  For those of us who know little about St. Patrick, here’s a wee bit of information:

Fifth century Ireland was a lost world, both to archaeologists and historians.  What little is known about the life and work of Patrick comes from his own writings in Latin, now accepted as authentic.  Written in his old age, he said he was a native of Roman Britain, the son of a deacon who lived in the village of Bannaven Taberniae.  He was captured by Irish raiders at the age of sixteen, and sold into bondage to watch over swine and sheep on the slopes of Slemish mountain for a chief named Milchu.  During his captivity, his thoughts turned to God, and he spent many hours in solitary prayer.  Following his escape, he spent 15 years studying religion, and then returned to Ireland to spread Christianity throughout the country.  He died on March 17, 493, A.D., the date later chosen to honor him.  Many of the accounts of the history of St. Patrick vary, but his legacy for the success of the Christian movement in Ireland will always live on.

Being descendants of great Celtic and Viking fighters and invaders, the Irish had great fighting  skills; because they survived many battles, they became known as “lucky people”.  There is other folklore that comes from the Green Isle:

  • Catching leprechauns, because if you do, you will find their pot of gold.
  • Looking for four-leaf clovers. Haven’t most of us done that?
  • Wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day, for good luck, and in order not to get pinched!
  • Kissing the Blarney Stone, which is located in a wall in the tower of Blarney castle.  (It’s a hard feat to accomplish, however, due to its location.)

We hope you have enjoyed some of the background of this special day, and want to share this Irish wish with you:
“May the leprechauns be near you,
To spread luck along your way.
And may Irish angels
Smile upon you St. Patrick’s Day.”

It’s our hope that Irish angels smile on all of you every day, and bring you good fortune! Whether we are at work or play, we mustn’t depend on luck, however.  Sometimes a little luck goes a long way, but other times, we simply run out of it.  Keep yourself safe always.   If you want to carry a lucky charm in your pocket, that’s great, but the key to staying safe is paying attention and being careful.  Happy St. Patrick’s Day! (Don’t forget to wear green!)

General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

SPRING BREAK – SWINE FLU?

The H1N1 virus seems to have hit a lull, and thankfully so.  However, it is a good idea for those who are taking trips for their spring break to have had their flu shot.  The Centers for Disease Control have confirmed there are still cases being reported, and the possibility of a new wave of flu activity exists.  In the United States, the virus is not widespread, and only four states had reported regional activity, which include Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia and South Carolina, as of March 5, 2010.

Most of the viruses identified so far continue to be 2009 H1N1 influenza A viruses.  These viruses remain similar to the virus chosen for the 2009 H1N1 vaccine, and remain susceptible to the drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir, with rare exception. Some influenza B viruses are circulating at low levels, and these viruses remain similar to the influenza B virus component of the 2009-10 seasonal flu vaccine.

Several colleges have taken precautionary measures to monitor student health situations, as well as working with local public health authorities.  It is important for schools to watch for another virus to begin following the return of students from their spring break.  The most consistent  advice for families planning to travel is to be certain everyone has had their flu shots, and to be aware of their surroundings.  If they are in crowds or traveling by bus or plane, it is still a good idea to observe others, and avoid someone sneezing or coughing often.  Having hand sanitizer handy is a great rule of thumb, and washing hands at every possible chance helps prevent the spread of germs.

We hope that everyone who has the opportunity to have a break this spring, a very happy time, and that they return well, rested, and ready to get back to school or work! Have fun, and stay safe!

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME IS HERE AGAIN!

Once again, the time has rolled around to wind those clocks ahead one hour, or “Spring  Forward”!  Sunday, March 11th is the day you lose an hour of sleep, but there will be more light at the end of the day.  (A little more time to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on the 17th!)  Here’s some information that we presented previously about the pro’s and con’s of Daylight Savings Time, plus an extra tip or two:

A study done by the National Sleep Foundation showed that immediately following the time change in the spring:

  • 40% of adults were sleepy enough that it interfered with their daily activities,
  • 62% drove while drowsy,
  • 27% dozed off (if only for a few seconds) while driving,
  • 18% experienced sleepiness at least a few days per week, and
  • 32% know someone who had an accident by falling asleep at the wheel.

Those favoring Daylight Savings Time enjoy sporting activities after working hours, and retail businesses love it because it gives them the opportunity to remain open in order for folks to shop after work.  Farmers who rise before dawn and depend on working by sunlight may not be as happy with Daylight Savings Time.  During harvesting of grain, for example, they must wait until the dew evaporates, leaving less time for their helpers to do their job.

It was predicted that there would be a reduction in power usage with days having more sunlight, but it has been shown that power usage increased in the early morning hours, as people must get up for work in the dark to prepare for their day.  Maybe it’s a Catch-22, because research has shown that traffic fatalities are reduced when there is more afternoon light; however, the early morning darkness brings more danger for workers commuting to work, and children walking to catch the school bus in the dark.   This would be a good time to be sure your children are highly visible if they ride their bikes or catch a school bus, as there are all types of high-visibility decals that can be attached to their bikes or backpacks to ensure they will be seen.  When the time changes again in November, statistics show an increase in evening traffic accidents immediately following the change.

Some of us take the change in stride, and never worry about the difference an hour makes. (After all, we get it back in the fall.)  The main thing is that we adapt and be thankful we are able to carry on, and have the freedom to complain about things we don’t like, such as the time change.  Stay safe, and make the most of that extra hour of sunshine!

P.S. Let’s not forget our friends in Japan, who suffered the earthquake and tsunami this time last year.  They are still struggling to recover, and searches for those lost continue.

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Respiratory Safety

WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT MOLD

It’s a fact that mold has been on this earth for millions of years.  It is also a fact that we must deal with it, and get rid of it in order to have better air quality for everyone, especially those who are very sensitive to it.  Molds are found in damp, warm conditions.  Outdoors, it is in shady, moist areas.  Experts say there are hundreds of types of mold; however, it isn’t necessary to know what type you are concerned with.  Indoors it may be lurking in places where the humidity is high, such as basements or showers.  It is important to know how to safely get rid of mold if it is in your home or workplace.

When you are removing mold, it is imperative that you wear the correct personal protective equipment: There must be good ventilation, with doors and windows open if possible.  Never mix ammonia or other cleaners with bleach, as this could create dangerous fumes.  A mixture of 10% bleach with water will solve small problems.  If you have had a leak around fixtures, repair them as soon as possible.  Sometimes it is necessary to have professional treatment to eradicate the mold problem.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, some areas where there is a high exposure to mold are:

  • Greenhouses
  • Flower Shops
  • Summer Cottages
  • Antique Shops
  • Farms
  • Mills
  • Construction Areas
  • Saunas

The air we breathe contains mold spores, and certain persons are more sensitive to mold, and may have reactions such as upper respiratory tract infections, coughing, wheezing, and even asthma.  Because our immune systems are exposed to harmful mold organisms, excess moisture should be controlled in order to reduce its presence in our homes and workplaces.  Keeping humidity levels between 40% and 60%, using air conditioners or dehumidifiers during humid months, and providing adequate ventilation will help us all breathe a little easier!

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

ONCE MORE, HELP IS ON THE WAY!

When news of an 8.8 earthquake hit the Latin American country of Chile on Saturday, President Obama sent word to President Michelle Bachelet, that the U.S. is ready to help.   Secretary of State Hillary Clinton left Sunday for a planned 5-day trip to Latin America.  She also promised that rescue and recovery support is available.

Thus far, Chile has reported 708 deaths resulting from the earthquake.  Concepcion, population 670,000, was hardest hit.  The quake’s epicenter was reported offshore and 21 miles underground, which was about 200 miles from Chile’s largest city, Santiago.

President Bachelet has ordered the country’s military troops to assist local police in controlling looting.  She has appealed for help from other countries, as well.

Although the earthquake measured stronger than the Haiti quake, the devastation and death count was much higher in Haiti, whose death toll is 220,000.  Millions of persons remain homeless, and still in need of food, water, and shelter.  The location of the epicenter of Haiti’s earthquake was 8 miles underground, and on the edge of Port-au-Prince.  After the Saturday quake, there was the threat of tsunamis as far away as Russia and Japan; however, there have been no immediate reports of serious damage from any countries.

Chile is the wealthiest country in Latin America; Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.  Chile has architectural structures that can handle natural disasters better than the buildings in Haiti that were poorly built, and crumbled on top of each other.  February, 2010, has not been kind to our friends to the south.  Help came from all over the world when the earthquake happened in Haiti.  When Chile decides what their main needs will be, dedicated rescue teams and workers of all types will be there.  Thankfully, their infrastructure and government can handle things well, and they are better able to take care of their people.

We pray for the safety of all volunteers who travel to Chile and for the well-being of the citizens of that country.  Let’s hope for peace and quiet for a long time!

General Safety Issues

MAD ABOUT MARCH!

One big March activity for college students and basketball fans alike is March Madness!

A total of 65 men’s teams vie for the Men’s Division I NCAA championship.

Women’s Division I NCAA Basketball playoffs feature 64 teams competing to reach the Championships.

Following their respective men’s and women’s conference tournaments, games are played throughout the United States, beginning with regional tournaments, which bring much entertainment and excitement to sports fans.

The Grand Finale is called the Final Four.   Good luck to all the players, coaches, and staff involved.  The teams work hard to qualify to represent their schools in these playoffs.

Spring officially starts March 20; however, usually during the month of March, college students from all over the U.S. take their annual Spring Break.  Students are thinking about having a blast; but their health and safety is important.  There are safe and fun ways to enjoy Spring Break without taking risks that may affect the rest of the school year, or for that matter, the rest of their lives.

Most young people think that they are immortal; but in the first three decades of their lives, more Americans are killed by unintentional injuries than any other cause.  So, please, keep these suggestions from Centers for Disease Control in mind:

  • Be prepared for trips you plan to take, know what vaccinations you need if going abroad.
  • Avoid situations where you could be harmed.  Stay with people that you know. Repeat: Do not leave with strangers!
  • If you are around water, know how to swim.
  • When boating, wear a life jacket.
  • Avoid too much sun.  Use plenty of sunscreen, (at least UV15), and wear wraparound sunglasses.
  • Limit alcohol intake.  To have a memorable spring break, don’t drink too much, so you can remember what you did!
  • Don’t drink and drive.
  • Think about doing something different this year, such as volunteering.
  • Start a fitness program if you aren’t already getting enough exercise.  Jogging, walking, playing volleyball or other activities are fun and don’t cost a thing.
  • Get a baseball team or soccer team together.
  • Spend your free time with your parents.  Enjoy Mom’s home cooking!

We hope everyone enjoys the month of March.  Spring is just around the corner, and we all will start to get outdoors more, whether it’s gardening, playing golf, or working in the yard.  Enjoy the warmer weather and always play safe and stay safe!

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

MARCHING IN LIKE A LION FOR 2010

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After the winter we have experienced in the United States, let’s hope that the month of March might start off like a lamb rather than a lion!  But it doesn’t look that way, according to the latest weather predictions.  There are many things to talk about coming up in March.

March is the month to recognize Workplace Eye Safety and Health Month.  January was National Eye Care Month, and we hope you read our piece “Two Things You Must Protect”, because it offers statistics on injuries to the eyes and the causes of the injuries.  We have focused on eye protection in several other articles, but we cannot stress enough the importance of wearing safety glasses, goggles, or side shields on your glasses, or wraparound safety glasses when working in areas where impacts could happen or foreign objects could get into your eyes.

Prevent Blindness America reports that workplace eye injuries account for 94,500 people being treated in U.S. hospitals annually.

Again, we will present their chart showing types of causes of eye injuries:

Product Categories Est’d Injuries Per Year
Tools (power,portable,manual, other)                    19,458
Welding Equipment                                                          15,338
Adhesives                                                                               5,733
Bleaches (non-cosmetic)                                                  5,580
House Repair/Construction                                            4,476
Lawn Mowers                                                                         4,388
Paints, Varnishes,Shellacs,Removers                         3,434
Chemicals                                                                                3,350

Here are some suggestions from last year’s article “March is Workplace Eye Safety and Health Month”, in case of an accident:

  • For specks in eye: try to wash out with tears or eyewash.  If this doesn’t help, keep eye closed, bandaged loosely and see physician.
  • For foreign objects in eye: it may be necessary to seek emergency medical assistance if it cannot be flushed with eyewash or removed with a moistened cotton swab.  Cover the eye and seek emergency medical attention.  If it is removed, flush with lukewarm water or saline solution.
  • Liquid chemicals or sprays in eye need to be flooded with clean water immediately, continuously, and gently for 15 minutes.  Keep eye open as wide as possible, and see a physician.  If possible, take label or container to physician.  Use spray cans carefully, as they are an increased source of chemical eye injuries.
  • Blows to the eye: apply cold compress for 15 minutes and each hour thereafter.  Discoloration or blackening could mean internal damage; a doctor needs to examine it.
  • Cuts or punctures of eye or eyelid need to be bandaged; seek medical help immediately.  Do not wash out or try to remove object.

We don’t realize how valuable the gift of vision is until it’s too late! Protect those eyes!

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT CUT PROTECTION

Persons who work in environments that require them to handle sharp objects want to wear the safest, cut-resistant gloves that are available for their particular needs.  Cut resistance defines the material that the gloves are constructed from.  One method of testing the fabric is using force to cut through the material using a moving blade.  In the U.S., the ASTM F1790 is the most common test for cut resistance, which along with ANSI/ISEA glove selecting criteria rates them on a scale from 0 to 5.

Other factors that are also important to consider are the workplace conditions: humidity, temperature and lubricants that are involved.   Most cut-resistant gloves are made from stainless steel wrapped with softer nylon yarn for strength and comfort.  These types of gloves are suitable of food processing, canning, glass handling, and metal fabricating applications.
Certain materials that are in the design of cut-resistant gloves are five times stronger than steel.  Although they are strong and cut-resistant, they are not puncture-proof.  They are not intended for use near powered blades or other rotating equipment.

Employers know the risk factors in their workplace.  Things they should look for when selecting cut-resistant gloves for their employees:

  • Tear strength
  • Abrasion resistance
  • Durability – select gloves that will be as strong at the end of the shift as at the beginning.
  • Comfort – gloves that are going to stay on all day long should be comfortable.
  • Fit – gloves that are loose will only make things clumsy for the employee.
  • Grip –very important that the glove allows a good grip.

Certain types of industrial jobs require wearing cut-resistant sleeves, as well.  The main ingredient to reducing injuries is to train employees well in the type of risks they will encounter on a daily basis.  As with any well-trained workers, they learn to never take their safety for granted: to be constantly aware of accidents that may be waiting to happen.