All posts by Doug

General Safety Issues

ARE YOU ALWAYS CAUTIOUS AROUND MACHINES?

One of OSHA’s most violated standards is machine safeguarding.  If you work around any type of machinery, you must never take a shortcut; you must always take the time to safeguard your machine, which is the easiest way to prevent disabling injuries.

Three areas that must be safeguarded to minimize hazards are:

1.    The point of operation.  Where you cut, shape or bore lumber, is an example of the point where the work is done.

2.    The power transmission apparatus: Any component that transmits energy to the part of the machine performing the work: flywheels, belts, gears, and pullies.

3.    Moving parts:  All moving parts of a machine, including feed mechanisms and auxiliary, reciprocating, rotating and moving parts.

Safeguards will keep your hands, arms, and other body parts from coming in contact with dangerous moving components.  They must be firmly secured to the machine, so the safeguard device won’t hurt you.  Remember, your safeguard apparatus is built to enable you to perform your job efficiently and comfortably.  Another feature of the safeguard device is that is protects you from projectiles.  If a small item is dropped into a cycling machine, the safeguard should prevent it from becoming airborne.

Safeguards should be securely placed on the equipment, where it cannot be removed easily, and they should be made of durable material.  They should not create new hazards, i.e., sharp edges.  Workers should be able to complete their work more easily, through not having to worry about being injured.  Machine guards should be established where the equipment can be lubricated safely, without having to remove the safeguards.

Be sure you understand how to operate your equipment properly.  Read your manual and understand the capabilities and hazards of the machine.  Preventive maintenance guidelines should be followed.  If you immediately report safety hazards, you could possibly save someone (maybe yourself) from unintentional injury.  Talk to your supervisor if you suspect something is unsafe in your workplace.

Always use machine guards when you are working on or repairing equipment.  Lock it out and tag it out, if you need to step away from the machine.  If co-workers are doing something you feel is unsafe, let them know, and if they continue, report it to your supervisor.  There is no need to put everyone in jeopardy.  Accidents can happen too quickly.  Don’t overlook the possibilities of an on-the-job mishap.  Along with safeguarding your equipment, safeguard yourself by always wearing the correct personal protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles.

Source: OSHA

General Safety Issues

WHAT’S GOING ON?

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It appears that we are living in an age that disturbed or evil people upset with their government, families, bosses, or other concerns, can set off bombs, or fly planes into buildings that innocent persons are working in.

Austin, Texas, has experienced two incidents in a short period of time.  An angry young man fired a gun on the steps of the State Capital just a few weeks ago.  He was quickly apprehended, and no one was hurt.

Last Thursday, an Austin man, Joseph Stack, rammed his single-engine Piper Dakota into the seven-story Echelon building, which housed approximately 200 IRS workers, as well as employees of other companies.  The plane, weighing around 3,000 lbs., was full of fuel and could fly at a top speed of 200 mph.  People who were simply doing their jobs had no idea that their day would be far from normal.  People were hurt, some critically, and one IRS employee died, as well as the pilot.

Stack had evidently been in several confrontations with the Internal Revenue, and his anger built up into such frustration that he decided the only way to make his feelings known was to commit this horrible act.

The U.S. Transportation Safety Administration will be thinking of ways to restructure security regulations for more than 15,000 business jets that could cause serious damage if they fell into the wrong hands.  Now, it we hope they will also figure out a way to create more security when it comes to regulating these small private planes.

“Safe Rooms” are built into homes to protect their owners from natural disasters, but what kind of “fortress” would it take to really be safe where we work?  We must continue working for the life we desire and not be afraid.

It’s normal for all of us to complain from time to time about things going on in the world, (freedom of speech, right?), but special attention should be paid to individuals who are extremely disturbed about their work, the government, politicians, or who have continuous disputes with others.  Some remain silent, until it’s too late.  A way of preventing disaster from occurring might be if someone listened and tried to fix it.

General Safety Issues

DO YOU HAVE AN ESCAPE PLAN?

We spend countless hours at work, but how much of that time is devoted to learning exit strategies in case of emergencies?  Regardless of your vocation, whether it is in a plant, factory, warehouse, or office, you need to know the quickest route out of the building.  How would you escape from your workplace in an emergency? Do you know where all the
exit doors are in case your first choice is too crowded?  Are you sure the doors will be unlocked and that the exit access, such as a hallway, will not be blocked during a fire, explosion, or other crisis? Knowing the answers to these questions could keep you safe during an emergency.

There are more than 5,000 injured workers every year as the result of workplace fires and explosions.  Employers should conduct fire and safety drills often, as new employees will learn more through practice rather than their original orientation when they are first hired.  Knowing the right safety policies and becoming familiar with fire exit directions create a safer environment for everyone.

An exit route is a continuous and unobstructed path of exit travel from any point within a workplace to a place of safety. An exit route consists of three parts:

  • Exit access – portion of an exit route that leads to an exit.
  • Exit – portion of an exit route that is generally separated from other areas to provide a    protected way of travel to the exit discharge.
  • Exit discharge – part of the exit route that leads directly outside or to a street, walkway, refuge area, public way, or open space with access to the outside.

According to OSHA, a workplace normally must have at least two exit routes to permit prompt evacuation of employees and other building occupants during an emergency. More than two exits are required, however, if the number of employees, size of the building, or arrangement of the workplace will not allow employees to evacuate safely. Exit routes must be located as far away as practical from each other in case one is blocked by fire or smoke.
Exception: If the number of employees, the size of the building, its occupancy, or the design of the workplace allows all employees to evacuate safely during an emergency, one exit route is permitted.

It would also be a good idea to pay attention to exit routes when visiting a hospital, sitting in a theater, going to the mall, a restaurant, or any large or crowded facility.  When we strap ourselves in for a plane trip, how many persons are actually paying attention to the safety instructions being given before take-off?  Hopefully, we won’t ever need to find the exit in this type of emergency, but it would be a smart thing to be aware of the location of the exits, as well as how to use the oxygen or flotation devices, if needed.  Hopefully, all schools conduct fire drills often in order to assure the safety of our children.

Our malls furnish huge maps to let you know where you are and the location of the stores you are seeking.  How many of us have paid attention to our company maps that furnish the same information regarding exactly where you are, and how to evacuate in the case of an emergency?  To avoid panic, your company should ensure that all employees are on the same page when it comes to exit strategies, but we must do our part as well.

General Safety Issues

DEALING WITH STRESS

When you think of stress in the workplace, what type of work do you think of, other than your own?  I think of stressful situations in emergency services, medical, rescue, fire, and law enforcement.  Then there’s delivery people, who are rushed to get all their deliveries done on time, regardless of the miles they must drive in order to do so.  Whether you are at the top of the corporate ladder, or not, working under stress is a common part of the job description.  We know that some stress creates productivity, but too much is not a good thing.  Effective communication between supervisors and workers is the key to keeping things calm.

A tense part of a new employee’s job orientation is becoming acquainted with the culture of the workplace.  In addition to performing a new job, it’s difficult to learn the patterns of co-workers,.  Office politics or gossip in the workplace can lead to stressful conditions. Sophisticated technology that exists now – computers, cell phones, faxes, pagers, and the internet have created added expectations for fast and efficient productivity.  Employees are expected to learn new software often. Persons who operate heavy machinery or drive trucks are under constant pressure to be alert at all times.

Research has shown that it is as dangerous to be stressed or fatigued as to be legally intoxicated.  The current economic situation is one of the major reasons for stress in today’s workplace.  Companies have merged, restructured, or downsized, resulting in putting more demands on their workers.  Sometimes unhealthy and unreasonable pressures are put on workers who are expected to do the job of two persons instead of just one.  Some workplaces have persons who constantly harass other workers.  This should not be tolerated, and the person who is the victim should report it to their supervisor without fear of retribution.

We see “burnouts” in every walk of life.  Signs of burnout are when one can’t say “No” to added responsibilities, can’t delegate part of their work to others, (because they think only they can do that particular task), are under intense pressure most of the time, or are trying to do too much for too long.  Many workers can’t help but take their personal or family problems to work.  Living in a fast-paced world, it’s no wonder there are so many employees that just can’t take time to “stop and smell the roses”.

There are many ways to try to keep stress away: find a hobby that’s fun to do, that makes you forget about work.  Get some type of exercise.  Getting seven or eight hours of sleep regularly and eating healthy foods can help keep you in shape and ready for your days’ work.  When you need support, talk to family or friends.  Sometimes, just getting your worries off your chest will make you feel much better.

Take those appointed breaks while you are on the job!  Walk outside and get a whiff of fresh air! Think about it: in most workplaces, there’s no one that can’t be replaced.  Someone was there before you, and someone will replace you when you leave.  No job is worth ruining your health for; so try to chill out, be thankful that you have a job, and make it a pleasant experience each day.  By doing so, you may ease someone else’s stress, as well.

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

LOOKING OUT FOR #1!

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There aren’t many jobs in this world that don’t have a certain amount of risks involved.  Sure, a steelworker has a more dangerous job than a secretary sitting behind a desk!  But there are many hazards in even an office.  Tripping over wires, file cabinet drawers being left out, are just a few of the dangers lurking in an office.  It’s up to the individual to be safe.

Those who must wear Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE, have the responsibility of wearing it in the correct way, and not removing it while working.  Companies train employees in the proper use of PPE in relation to their job duties.  Employees should pay attention to the training they are given, and to the risks they encounter on an every-day basis.

Injuries occur at work, but many times they can be avoided.  Watching out for both yourself and the other guy will pay off.  Know your job hazards.  If you pay attention to your job, use common sense, avoid distractions, and follow company policies, hopefully you will go through your entire work experience without a scratch.

PPE is there for a reason:
There are many types of Personal Protective Equipment for hundreds of uses, but remember, it works best when used properly.  Your company can buy it for you, but it’s up to you to wear it and take care of it.  Be sure it fits comfortably.  If something becomes worn, report it to your supervisor, so it can be replaced.  Certain jobs at home require types of PPE, whether to protect your eyes with safety glasses or goggles while mowing the lawn, working in the shop, or wearing gloves when gardening.  Taking the time to put on a pair of gloves, glasses, or whatever is needed is the best way to be safe.  Whether your tasks are at home or work, play it safe!  Know your equipment and protect yourself at all times.

Uncategorized

TO RESCUE HAITI

It goes without saying that the devastation of the earthquake Haiti experienced January 12th has touched everyone.  The scenes that are described by the media can’t begin to show the true horror of what is being experienced by the persons who are victims, as well as those playing a part in their rescue.  February 12th was set aside as a National Day of Prayer in Haiti, and the 12th through 15th as days of prayers to remember their loved ones.

Haiti was a very poor country to begin with and most of the population did not have the conveniences that we take for granted.  Water, electricity, and sanitation were things that many of their citizens did without.  Now, the situation is even worse.  International aid workers have faced many obstacles since Day One: an overwhelmed airport, blocked roads, lack of communication, electricity, food, and water.  Topping that off, crime is also a problem for those who are doing their level best to make things better.  Looting always seems to follow a catastrophe.  Some of the rescue personnel have had U.N. military escorts.  Because there were no national building codes, many of the structures were built without rebar, or any type of solid support, which caused them to crumble.  Aftershocks have also added to the fears of everyone involved.

We have seen a myriad of highly trained rescue teams, physicians, nurses, and missionaries, all representing their countries with one goal in mind – helping those who can’t help themselves.  When they leave, other volunteers will replace them.  Many who were involved in search and rescue were equipped with high-tech devices such as fiber-optic cameras and ultra-sensitive listening devices.  These workers are skilled in complex rescue measures.

Now is the beginning of the rainy season for Haiti.  This is just one more problem that they will face.  As reported by the BBC, an international aid project called Haiti Flash Appeal, was launched by several humanitarian agencies experienced in dealing with natural disasters.  Ninety-five percent of the $577 million target has been met.  This target is an estimate of funds that will be required for the next six months in the areas of food, health, emergency shelter, and agriculture.

A brief breakdown of this information and the percentage of goals met for the appeal are as listed:

  • Emergency shelter  (47%).  There are still 1.2 million persons sleeping in the streets, with at least 650,000 homeless children among them.
  • Sanitation (33%).  Although bottled water is being provided, there is not enough drinking water or sanitary waste provisions.
  • Food (57%).  With so many to feed, food has not yet reached all of the three million people who need it.
  • Logistics (100%).  Roads have been cleared, and the ports are providing access to allow more deliveries.

Philippine Online Chronicles reports that food distribution has become somewhat organized, by a coupon system.  Women are given the coupons, as it was felt that the food would be better distributed to families when given to the women.  Crime, as mentioned earlier, is rampant, and many women have lost their husbands and male family members, and are not safe from becoming victims of rape, and/or theft of food or whatever little they may have.

It is hoped that the funds sent to charities for Haiti will be managed by the United Nations or others that will help Haitians restore their lives in a responsible and productive way.

Texas America Safety Company has sent gloves, respirators, and disposable clothing for use  in the recovery process.  We, along with millions of people all over the world, send our prayers, as well.

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

RAINY DAY DRIVING TIPS

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According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, there are annually more than 450,000 injuries caused by crashes in adverse weather conditions, especially on slick pavements.  Two key factors to be considered in order to avoid an accident while driving on rain-soaked highways or streets, are speed and visibility.

Most driving experts agree that slowing down is one of the most important things drivers can do when driving in the rain.  It is recommended that when driving over 35 mph, your speed should be reduced by 5 mph for every posted speed limit.  (In other words, if the posted speed limit is 50, you would slow down to 45).  The other thing to remember is to keep your headlights on – that not only helps you see, but helps you be seen by other drivers.

Please consider these tips for safe driving in the rain:

  • Don’t follow the car in front of you too closely because your ability to slow down will be hindered by the wet road.
  • Oily deposits at intersections can be very hazardous when mixed with rain, causing a chance for skidding.
  • Staying in the same lane is safer than changing lanes frequently.
  • Be sure your tires are in good condition; bald tires will reduce traction, which can result in hydroplaning, if you are traveling too fast.
  • Replace windshield wipers once a year.
  • Be sure to watch for car’s brake lights in front of you.
  • Humidity causes windows to fog up, so use the defroster to keep windows clear.
  • Pedestrians and animals are harder to see during rain, so reducing your speed could help you avoid injury to someone or something else, as well as yourself.
  • Never drive through moving water.  If water comes to the bottom of your car doors, or the bottom one-third of your tires, do not try to go through it.  Attempting that may cause you to be washed off the road.  Water can also cause serious damage to the electrical system of the car.
  • Use a light touch when steering and braking.
  • Driving slowly and carefully can help you keep from skidding.

A good idea for those who drive in rain, snow, or other adverse conditions is to keep a “care package” in the car.  Take blankets, snacks, water, ice scraper, flashlight, and a First Aid Kit with you at all times, just in case.

There’s a theory going around that wearing sunglasses when driving in the rain increases your visibility.  Personally, I haven’t tried it, but guess it wouldn’t hurt to try.  We checked this out on Snopes.com, and it’s still being researched.

Please drive with care in rainy or sunny weather.  Let’s leaving the “spinning out” to the winning NASCAR drivers!

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

STAY SAFE IN THE SNOW AND ICE

Most of the United States has been hit with extreme cold weather so far this winter, and it looks like it’s not ready to let up yet.  Even in the far south, there’s been the danger of crops freezing.  We southerners aren’t as accustomed to contending with snow and ice as those who live in the north.  Driving on ice is a very dangerous “sport”, especially for persons who aren’t used to it!

Whether you have to get outdoors to go to work, the store, or want to continue some form of exercise regardless of the cold, it is important to take it a little slower than normal and be careful when walking in snow or ice.  There are devices that will help you keep from slipping.  They have a flat sole that attaches to shoes with Velcro, and have metal studs on the bottom, which help grip.  Easy to put on and off, they should not be used once you get inside, because they could make the floor slippery, as well as damaging it.

Here are some ideas from our friends at FEMA:

  • First, if you can, stay indoors as much as possible when weather causes dangerous conditions.
  • Dress warmly, especially paying close attention to feet and hands. Select warm gloves.
  • Wear shoes/boots that provide good traction.  Rubber and neoprene soles are better than those with leather or plastic soles.
  • Use pathways that have been cleared.
  • Put out salt or sand on your sidewalks before you try walking on them.
  • Don’t walk with your hands in your pockets, as you lose the ability to balance with your arms.  This also prevents catching yourself if you slip.
  • Heavy or bulky items can make you lose your balance; carry only necessary items.
  • If possible, use handrails.
  • At your workplace, pay attention to “ice alert” signs, to warn you of icy conditions.
  • While walking on ice, curl toes under and walk slowly.
  • If you must shovel snow, be sure you do not have any underlying health issues, as strenuous activity in extreme conditions can cause heart attack.

As with anything else at work or home, use common sense.  Most of us have to get to our jobs.  Check your local media for weather information and leave home a little earlier if the roads are going to be slick.  Maintenance workers get out very early in the mornings during winter to prepare the roads for traffic in bad conditions.  Drive and walk with care!

Hand Protection

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT HAND PROTECTION

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If your need for gloves is for gardening or at-home jobs, there are specific types of gloves that fit the bill.  When your employment requires that you wear Personal Protective Equipment, including gloves, employers must conduct extensive hazard assessments to ensure that potential injury to hands of workers is avoided.  The employer should determine which type of protection is needed for the utmost safety, by selecting the proper glove, finger guards, or elbow-length glove that is appropriate for the task at hand.  There are numerous selections of work gloves, even gloves with a light on them for working under the hood of a car!  Whether you are an employer, employee, or performing jobs at home, it’s important to make the right choices.

Factors that should influence your decision in choosing gloves:

  • Types of chemicals you are exposed to.  Also the nature of contact (splash, total immersion.)
  • Duration of contact.  Area of body that requires protection.
  • Thermal Protection.
  • Abrasion/Resistance Required.
  • Mechanical hazards that you are around, such as rough, sharp objects, at home or work.
  • Proper fit to avoid dropping products in assembly.
  • Furnish good grip for wet/dry, hot/cold working conditions.
  • Styled for tasks that require delicate, intricate handling.
  • Gender specific.

Gloves generally fall into four groups:

It is important that employers are aware of any employees who are allergic to materials of gloves, such as latex, or those with powder.  Persons who are sensitized should have emergency identification specifying their allergy and carry a prescription for epinephrine from their allergist.  Workers must be prepared to recognize and treat a person who might go into anaphylactic shock.

Gloves serve a very important purpose for almost all walks of life: the medical field, military, law enforcement, and industrial environments.  They are necessary for certain jobs at home and many different sports.  Best of all, they help us stay warm!

Source: OSHA

General Safety Issues

WHY WE SHOULDN’T IGNORE CUTS AND SCRAPES

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Getting cuts and scrapes are just a fact of life.  Most of the time, they can be taken care of by cleaning them, using some antibiotic ointment on them, and covering them with a band-aid or gauze.  Bacterial skin infections are common – some are simply annoying, yet others can be deadly.  There’s a “super bug” lurking that sometimes gets into those cuts and causes serious problems.  MRSA, or “staph infection,” is an antibiotic-resistant strain of bacteria that isn’t easy to overcome.  Many times patients pick up this type of infection in hospitals.

To help you keep from dealing with the “bad bugs”, here are some tips for prevention of infection from cuts, scrapes, and punctures:

  • First, stop the bleeding.  Hold pressure on the wound for about 10-20 minutes with a clean cloth.
  • Next, clean the area with soap and water.  Hydrogen peroxide is helpful at first, but may hinder healing if used too often.
  • If the wound has foreign material in it, use some tweezers that you have cleaned with alcohol to remove if it is along the edge, otherwise do not go any deeper, as that could push bacteria deeper into the wound.
  • Use a first-aid antibiotic ointment or cream.
  • Clean the wound three times per day.
  • Puncture wounds also must first be cleaned with soap and water.  The same steps as treating cuts and scrapes apply to these type injuries.
  • If any of these places begin draining, or redness and swelling occurs, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Stepping on nails is a common way of getting a puncture wound.  These may become more easily infected because bacteria and debris can get pushed into the tissue.  If the person is wearing tennis shoes, the foam in them can harbor bacteria (Pseudomonas) that can lead to serious infection in the tissues.  Other puncture wounds caused by bites (human or animal), wood splinters, or plant materials can easily cause infection.

Most persons in the United States have received a tetanus shot.  The period of time for a booster shot is 10 years.  However, if the wound is in a tetanus-prone area or very dirty, a booster shot would be given if the person had not received one in the last five years.

Taking the time to properly keep a wound (regardless of how small it is) clean and using some type of medication to help it heal, is a lot better than dealing with an infection later on.  Don’t just brush off a minor scrape because it could become a major pain!  Keeping a first aid kit at home, work, and in your car wouldn’t be a bad idea, as you’d be prepared all the time!