All posts by Doug

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

FARM SAFETY MONTH

September is Farm Safety Month, so what better time than to review just one of the things that our farmers and ranchers have to worry about: pests!  In their fight against pests, they must use pesticides, running the risk of being exposed to harmful chemicals.

Pesticides help our agriculture industry through the EPA’s (Environmental Protection Agency) Integrated Pest Management system.  In agricultural settings, their approach is to:
(1)    Use bio-pesticides, which are less risky.
(2)    Decide when the pest is an economic threat.
(3)    Determine what type of pesticide is needed.
(4)    Try rotating crops.
(5)    Use broadcast spraying of a non-specific pesticide as a last resort.

New EPA safety requirements are meant to protect agricultural workers against pesticides used in crop fields.  Since soil fumigants are restricted-use pesticides, only specially trained personnel can apply and oversee these types of operations, which involves injecting pesticides into the soil to create a gas that kills several types of soil-borne pests in the fields.  This type of pesticide can cause health problems ranging from eye or respiratory irritation to more severe and irreversible effects.

All workers on farms need to use caution when applying pesticides:

  • Read labels on pesticide containers.
  • Handle pesticides in well-ventilated areas, and on calm days.
  • Never store pesticides in food or drink containers.
  • Don’t mix pesticides or drain sprayer near pond, stream, or well.
  • Obey restrictions at entries and watch for warning signs.
  • Wear appropriate PPE, i.e., goggles/wrap-around safety glasses, gloves, respirators, etc.

Pest control is just one of the many problems that our agriculture industry copes with as they produce the nation’s food.  Keeping farm workers safe from the effects of pesticides is foremost.

USDA
EPA

Fall Safety, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

DO Y0U PREACH TO THE CHOIR?

For more than a year now, I have been talking about safety: at home, work, and play.  I have researched all types of accidents and how they might have been avoided.  By writing about safety-related issues, I have prided myself on the things I have learned through research. Preached to my family, from swine flu to staying hydrated while playing sports- my expertise has been offered to anyone who would listen, whether they wanted to or not.

A bad thing happened this week: a friend of mine fell from her back porch, breaking her arm in two places, as well as receiving a black eye and bruised ego.  And what was the first thing I did when I saw her in the E.R? Aside from telling her how sorry I was that this terrible accident happened to her, I advised her to carry her cell phone in her pocket from now on, so she could call for help. (Unable to get up after the fall, she was on the ground for more than an hour before her husband came home and called for an ambulance.)

Later, I began to think: my cell phone is not always in my pocket.  When I am running a short errand, my seat belt sometimes is not buckled up, even though it is the law.  I’m still tempted to talk on the cell phone while driving down the road, but I have realized that it is not the safest thing to do, so I have cut down on those calls.  It’s very tempting to drive through a yellow traffic light, just as it’s changing.  And how many of us haven’t run a stop/yield sign at one time or another?  An added note: (the chief of police in our little town ran a yield sign just yesterday, and almost hit my son’s truck.)

If we all took the time to consider the little chances we take on a daily basis that could result in mishaps, we probably could figure out ways to ensure an accident won’t happen.  Example: my friend will need a rail to hold on to when she enters or leaves her house.  And I bet that rail will be put up when she comes home from the hospital.  She has had a number of surgeries, and if a rail had been there, maybe that fall could have been prevented.

Sometimes in life, we all need a rail or someone to hold on to.  Think about ways that would make your life safer.  We all need to practice what we preach.  I promise I will from now on!

General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

H1N1: SAME SONG, SECOND VERSE!

1 Comment

The swine flu was a major cause of economic hardship for Mexico when it first broke out last spring.  Officials say they are not going to handle things in quite the same way if an outbreak occurs again this fall.  Restaurants, schools, public sports events, and any number of activities were closed in order to stop the spread of the virus.  Instead, they are emphasizing the importance of hand washing and other protective measures individuals can take.  The streets and sidewalks are being kept much cleaner.

Many countries are taking the same precautions and issuing the same warnings.  Schools are teaching hygiene and telling their students to not spread germs if they begin to feel sick.  Everyone, everywhere needs to get on board; maybe together we can overcome the obstacles presented by the virus.  Here are some things you probably already know, but if not, we’ll tell you again:

  • So far, the virus has not been much more threatening than the regular flu.  More people are susceptible to it, though, and it did persist through the summer, which is unusual.
  • It has been rather baffling to health professionals in that it seems to affect different groups.  Most flu affects older persons; however, this one has hit teens and otherwise healthy young adults.  Other groups that are vulnerable are those with underlying health problems like diabetes, asthma and heart disease, as well as pregnant women, children under age 2, and health care workers.
  • Alcohol-based sanitizers are excellent hand hygiene tools; however, using soap and water often is the best practice.  It’s recommended that you take the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday”, or the “Alphabet Song” to do a thorough hand washing.
  • Vaccinations are important.  Pregnant women, children age 6 months and up through young adults age 24, and health care workers should be the first to receive the vaccinations.  When the vaccine is available, everyone should take the shots.
  • Taking the shots as early as possible will help, as the vaccine will probably require two shots, three weeks apart, and effectiveness will take place approximately two weeks following.
  • Vaccines are being tested and companies are working diligently to produce enough vaccine for mass production.  There are several facilities throughout the US and worldwide that are testing their vaccines.
  • Use your head. Be cautious if the swine flu breaks out in your area.  Avoid going to the mall, churches, sports events, and any other place you usually go where there are large groups of people.
  • If you become ill with symptoms such as fever, vomiting, chest pain, call your doctor.  He/she may prescribe Tamiflu or Relenza, which will help reduce the severity.  A trip to the Emergency Room may be needed if children experience rapid breathing along with fever, or adults don’t improve after receiving the common flu drugs.
  • You cannot catch swine flu from eating pork.  Handling uncooked or cooked meat does not spread the virus.

Source: A.P.

General Safety Issues

SOME NEW LAWS FOR TEXANS

1 Comment

Effective September 1st, there are new laws for Texans to abide by.  State legislators passed several new laws; therefore, we feel it is our duty as good citizens to pass some of them on to our fellow Texans:

  • Handheld cell phones are prohibited from use while in school zones, unless the vehicle is stopped or the driver is using a hands-free set. Fines will not be imposed until June 1st, 2010.  (Hopefully, this will get drivers used to the law and they will stop using them in school zones.)
  • “Click It or Ticket” starts at a new level Tuesday, when all passengers in the vehicle are required to buckle up, even those in the backseat.
  • Children 8 and younger who are shorter than 4’9” are required to be secured in a booster seat.  The same deadline of June 1 for fines applies to this law.
  • Teen drivers under 18 will be prohibited from using cell phones while driving for the first year of their license.  (Previous law was for 6 months.)
  • Penalties will be increased for misusing parking spaces for handicapped or placards for people with disabilities.
  • All applicants under age 18 must take the driving skills exam to receive a driver’s license.
  • Passengers age 5 and younger are outlawed from riding on a motorcycle except in a sidecar or during an emergency.
  • A minor’s driver’s license will be suspended for failing a breath-or blood-alcohol test while operating a watercraft.
  • The license of someone who drives while intoxicated with a child passenger is automatically suspended.
  • Questions regarding rights and responsibilities in relation to bike safety will be added to the driver’s license exam.
  • Convalescent homes, nursing homes and related institutions are required to have an automated external defibrillator (AED), and personnel trained to use one.
  • Restaurants are required to list food and food-handling activities that involve bare-hand contact and to adopt some contamination control guidelines.

While we chose laws that involve the safety of others, we are hopeful that people are aware of these and many other changes, and will respect and abide by them.

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

THE IMPORTANCE OF KNOWING WHAT WENT WRONG

One of the worst things that can happen to any business is for an employee to be injured on the job.  (It goes without saying, that it’s also a very unfortunate event for the employee.) Workers have the right to know exactly what is expected of them in their daily job performance.  They should be informed of any hazards associated with their duties and properly trained before beginning their job, and given the proper personal protective equipment that is required to ensure their safety.

Efficient businesses have policies and procedures, which should include a proper accident investigation and reporting plan.  Prevention, of course, is the key to avoiding accidents, but when they happen, someone must be assigned to be responsible in determining how and why the injury occurred.   Insufficient reporting of work-related accidents will lead to higher costs for employers.  It also must be reported to company management and workers comp providers in an accurate and timely manner.

Lost time accidents are costly to employers.  According to Cal/OSHA, for every dollar a company spends on direct costs of a workers’ injury, more dollars are spent to cover the hidden and indirect costs, such as:

  • Productive time lost by the injured employee;
  • Productive time lost by employees attending the accident victim;
  • Time to hire/retrain employee while victim is off work;
  • Clean up and start up of operations that were interrupted;
  • Paying employee all or part of wages, in addition to compensation;
  • Cost to repair damaged equipment;
  • Higher workers compensation rates;
  • Cost of paperwork involved in reporting accident.

Employers that do not furnish safe and healthful work practices for their workers are gambling with the future of their very own business.  Hazard assessments, risk management, and safety programs are essential for ensuring successful business practices for everyone involved.

Another angle to consider, as well, is that a thorough accident investigation will prove that the injury did occur on the job, and not elsewhere.  History shows that there are people in this world that will take advantage of their employer and sue them for an on-the-job injury that happened somewhere else.

First Aid Safety, Respiratory Safety

OVERSEAS TROOPS TO RECEIVE SWINE FLU TESTS

In an Associated Press release August 25, it was announced that the FDA has authorized emergency use of the swine flu test for United States troops overseas.  This test will be distributed by the Defense Department to its qualified labs that have the equipment and personnel to interpret test results.  This test has been released to the public since April.

Combat units in the Middle East and on Navy ships can expect to receive the tests in early September.  These tests will accelerate making the correct diagnosis, in order for our deployed troops to receive proper treatment.  The FDA says this authorization allows for use of unapproved medical products or unapproved uses of approved medical products during a public health emergency.

Our troops have enough enemies to be concerned with, let alone this virus.  Hopefully, a vaccine will developed very soon that will protect our soldiers and sailors from this illness.

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

SCHOOL DAYS ARE BACK DRIVE SAFELY!

School bells are ringing again, and a whole new set of parents and students will be on the roads, rushing to get their little scholars to school on time!  Experienced parents and students will also be hitting the streets again.  We ask you to make this promise:   “I will take no risks to endanger the safety of my child or other children. I will drive safely this entire year, even if I am late to work or my child is tardy.”  (The consequences of being delayed outweigh the emotional and physical costs of an accident.)

Safety tips to keep in mind when taking/picking up your child:

  • Plan ahead, and allow extra time to deliver your child to school on time.
  • Young children may dart into path of cars, so watch, watch, watch!
  • Don’t assume that your child is safe in a crosswalk; tell them to stop and look both ways, if not accompanied by a crosswalk guard.
  • Be familiar with school zones and speed limits at your child’s school.
  • Do not let your cell phone, palm, or other wonders of technology distract you from the primary goal:  the ultimate safety of your child and other children.
  • Motorists need to obey all traffic laws and speed limits.
  • Be sure to stop for school buses that have stopped to load or unload passengers.
  • When you are backing out of your driveway, be sure to watch for kids hurrying to school, either walking or on their bikes.
  • Cell phone conversations should be postponed until you have left the school area. (Many states outlaw the use of cell phones in school zones.)

Teenagers:  this applies to you, as well.  We take many things for granted in our daily routines: our jobs, schedules, families, and health.  A blunder caused by hurried, careless driving could alter many lives, so slow down, and drive safely!

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products

SAFE AT HOME!

No, we’re not talking baseball, even though the season is getting pretty interesting, if you’re a fan.   August 24 – 30th is National Safe at Home Week.  We all consider our home our castle; we are tucked away securely there when we get home from work, school, or other activities.  Did you know that more than 1.1 million Americans are injured yearly just from tripping while walking across their floors?  Other information from the U.S. Census Bureau states that nearly that many more are hurt on stairs or stairways at home.  Approximately 490,000 Americans are hurt annually riding bikes, as well.  Adding to the statistics from Safe at Home™, an organization that focuses on home safety, more people are hurt in their own home than at work.

So, what are we going to do about these troubling numbers?  There are many areas to focus on to ensure that our home is safe.  You may want to take a room-by-room survey to see what “home remedies” you can find.

Here are some of our ideas:

  • Childproof all cabinets.
  • Don’t leave medicines or cleaning products where children or pets can get into them.
  • Be sure to have smoke alarms and carbon dioxide monitors in the home, and change batteries as necessary.
  • Keep the house free of clutter, which poses a danger of tripping.
  • Use a stepladder rather than chair to reach something.
  • Be sure rails on stairways are secure.
  • If there’s someone who needs a little help, install handrails in the bathroom or elsewhere that can help them get up or down.
  • Check for loose carpet, which is a tripping hazard.
  • Keeping nightlights in the bathroom or bedroom help prevent falls.
  • A flashlight by the bedside comes in handy if there’s a power failure.
  • Wipe up spills on tile floors, another fall hazard.
  • Fire extinguishers in the kitchen can be extremely helpful when needed.
  • Outside lights ensure you won’t stumble in the dark.
  • And, bike riders, wear helmets!

In case some of these tips haven’t crossed your mind, this may be of help to you.  Keep your Home Sweet Home, Home Safe Home!

General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

H1N1 Vaccines To Be Available By Fall

It was announced Monday by US Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson Bill Hall, that there will be approximately 45 million doses of the vaccine available by mid-October, which will be enough to immunize the priority groups that include pregnant women, children under age 4 and public health workers.  This total falls about two-thirds short of earlier estimates of vaccine that would be developed by this time.  It is anticipated, however, that approximately 20 millions doses can be produced weekly.

Vaccine testing of children began August 19th in five universities in the United States.  Dr. Karen Kotloff, lead investigator of H1N1 studies at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, stated that children are tested in the same way that standard licensed flu vaccines are tested in adults.  Medical professionals’ children are many of the ones that have enrolled to be tested.  These 600 young persons are divided into three groups: 6 to 35 months; age 3 to 9 years; and age 10 to 17 years old.  One-half of them receive 15 micrograms of antigens, which are the same as the  three strains of seasonal flu vaccine.  The other one-half receive 30 micrograms of antigens to determine if a higher dose is needed.  Because adults over age 50 have more immunity to H1N1, and children have very little immunity to it, experts believe that the amount of vaccine needed may vary according to age.

As fall approaches, with school openings and various sports activities starting, it is imperative that school officials are prepared to stop the spread of the virus by preparing their students to protect themselves as much as possible.  Parents, as well, can teach their younger students to cover their coughs and sneezes, not drink after anyone else, and wash their hands very often.
Everyone should take the seasonal flu shot as soon as it becomes available. Also, be sure to stock up on N95 masks just in case.

Source: ABC News

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

DO YOU HAVE A PEST PROBLEM?

1 Comment

Warm weather is sure to bring some friendly or not-so-friendly critters into our homes, schools, farms, and workplace.  Pests include cockroaches, ants, mosquitoes, mice, rats, termites; outdoor pests are weeds, worms, aphids, and grubs, just to name a few.

Prevention is the main key to solving the problem of an insect invasion, so don’t let them get started!  To keep the creepy, crawly pests out of the house, store food in sealed containers, remove garbage regularly, don’t leave your pet food or water out, and keep your home free of clutter.  Roaches love to hide under papers, and in boxes.  Check boxes before bringing them into your house, to be sure you aren’t moving in an “uninvited family”.  They can also invade your luggage when you are on vacation, so check it well when you return.

Regular use of pesticides in homes, workplaces and schools helps keep pests away.  Professional services provide the proper amount of pesticides to be used in order to reduce risk to humans and pets.  Baits and traps can be used to eliminate rodents.  Fogging should not be done unless absolutely necessary.  Whether you are using some type of pesticide in your home, garden, farm, or workplace, be sure to know what you are dealing with and the proper use and disposal of leftover products. Use extra caution to not expose children or pet areas to the repellent you are using.

Use respiratory protection when necessary.  Many insects are our friends, and are just doing their jobs pollinating plants, etc.  But for the ones we don’t relish having around, there are ways to let them know they aren’t welcome.  Just be familiar with the types of sprays and powders you choose.

Source: EPA