All posts by Doug

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

PET SAFETY FLEA & TICK MEDICATIONS

After seeing a disturbing report on the nightly news, and being an animal lover, if this information saves one animal and its owner from a bad reaction to flea and tick treatment, it will be worth writing.

The report was about spot on treatment for ticks and fleas used on dogs.  Dr. Steven Hansen, Veterinary Toxicologist and Director of Animal Poison Control Center at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says that in general,  most of these treatments have good safety records.  If used appropriately, in healthy animals, there are very few bad reactions.  The cases they see are where treatment is misused.

Topical pet treatments are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency.  The number of incidents stemming from spot on flea treatments (drops applied directly to pets’ skin) has increased 53% from the previous year to 44,263 cases in 2008.  The EPA is doing an intensified evaluation of these products.  There are many consumers that have avowed to never use these products again.

One of the common misuses of these products is that they are used on cats rather than dogs.  Dr. Mark Stickney, Director of General Surgery Services at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science says the chemical permethria, contained in spot on drops, causes cats’ nervous systems to go into overdrive.  This chemical may be found in flea powder, as well, so cat owners should be cautious.  A list of specific uses, as well as age and weight requirements are on the product labels; therefore, owners should read them carefully before using.

If you use one of these products and there are side effects:

  • Don’t double up on powders and sprays plus spot on treatment.
  • Immediately contact your vet.
  • Contact the product manufacturer and give product number.
  • Save the box, so the manufacturer can have information of the exact product used.

Greenpaws.org advocates ways to take care of fleas without chemical treatment.  They also furnish complete information on various chemicals and their side effects.

Suggestions to prevent fleas on your dogs include:

  • Give pet bath regularly.
  • Wash pets bed with hot water the same day you bathe them.
  • Vacuum carpets often, which helps eliminate flea eggs.
  • Consider using pills, as they are the safest options containing the least toxic chemicals.

This information is meant to help you decide what type of treatment you may choose for your animal.  The condition of the animal’s health has a lot to do with whether or not they will have a reaction to treatment that contains certain chemicals.  Our pets are part of our family, and we want them to have a safe summer, too!

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

JUNE, 2009

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So far, this year has had its fill of ups and downs.  From bankruptcies, a bad economy, to Swine Flu (H1N1), we’ve pretty much seen it all in the first five months.  We’ve witnessed miracles, from the U.S. Airways’ safe landing on the Hudson River, to the landing back on earth of the Space Shuttle Atlantis, following their 13-day mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope.  Sports fans have had their annual thrill of watching the Super Bowl, March Madness, the Masters Golf Tournament, and the Indianapolis 500.

The National Safety Council announced that June is National Safety Month, and they are encouraging companies to get their employees involved in preventing injuries.  Good information and free materials are on their website.  Safety is always on our minds, and especially as the weather gets hotter, we must remember to use the proper precautions at work to stay as hydrated as possible, and wear hats, sunscreen, safety glasses with U.V. protection, and take all other measures to stay cool.  At work or play, keep safety in mind.

June 14th is Flag Day in the U.S.  June 21st marks Father’s Day, as well as the beginning of summer!

In thirty more days, we will be half-way through the year.  Make the most of every minute of every day.  Look forward to the good times and be thankful for what we have.  Let’s all do our part to make the rest of 2009 a year we can look back on with pride.  In closing, we’d like to share some ideas written by a 90-year old woman:

1.    If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back!
2.    No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, and show up.
3.    Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift.
4.    Don’t compare your life to others.  You have no idea what their journey is all about.

Uncategorized

Teenagers and Summer Job Safety

This summer, as every summer, brings a new work force, called “teenagers”!  Employers must provide training for their new employees, in order to make them aware of the hazards of their jobs.  Parents need to also be informed of exactly what their teenager will be expected to do, and what the employer is doing to ensure the utmost safety.

Restaurants
For many young workers, their first job may be working in a restaurant or fast food establishment.  Almost 30% of the 11.6 million people in the United States that work in restaurants are under the age of 20.

Note:

  • Employees younger than 16 are not allowed to cook, with the exception of lunch counters, snack bars, soda fountains, or serving counters at cafeterias.  This is according to the Fair Labor Standards Act.
  • State Child Labor Laws may even be more stringent.
  • Teens need to ask questions of their employer in order to fulfill the demands of the job.  These type jobs provide an excellent learning experience for youngsters.
  • Hazards include slips, falls, cuts, spills, etc.
  • Teens need to have protective clothing and equipment furnished by their employer.  These may include hairnets, disposable gloves, hot pad gloves, back supports for those who lift heavy supplies.

Construction
OSHA, which enforces work place safety, says that workers age 16-17, are allowed to work in construction only in limited capacities.

Restrictions include:

  • Operating Equipment:  The law is that no one under age 18 may operate equipment, i.e. forklifts, and other heavy equipment used in construction.
  • Hardhats, safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and easily visible clothing should be furnished.
  • Workers under the age of 16 cannot work on ladders or scaffolds.

Landscaping/Farms/Parks
If your teenager chooses to work in landscaping, farming, or parks and recreation, theses are also considerations:

  • Exposure to sun will require protective safety glasses, which provide 99% security from the sun’s harmful rays.
  • Knowledge of handling of chemicals, (whether pool treatment chemicals, farm or other hazardous substances.
  • Items to help relieve heat stress.  (Bandannas or other cooling products can help cool the body’s heat by about 10 degrees!)

These are just a few of many types of jobs teens will want to try this summer.  Just remember, parents and teens have the right to know what to expect and how they will be protected on the job!

Our source for this information: OSHA Teen Summer Job Safety

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

JUNE – NATIONAL SAFETY MONTH WEEK 1 (June 1 – June 7) FOCUS ON TEEN DRIVING

Most of us began driving when we were teenagers………what a powerful feeling to finally get behind the wheel!  How great it was to see and be seen by our peers as we drove up and down the streets, by the high school, and pulled up to the local drive-in.  Many of us learned, as most kids do today as well, by the examples our parents set.  If their driving behaviors consisted of speeding, running stop lights, yelling at some other driver, not wearing seatbelts, drinking while driving, and letting personal upsets get in the way of safety, chances are their teenagers will have learned the same bad traits.  So, parents, think about what type of role model you are.

Stephen Wallace, National Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of S.A.D.D. (Students Against Destructive Decisions) say that high school drivers say they talk on cell phones while driving, and that they speed.  They probably text on their cell phones, as well.  It is the mission of S.A.D.D.  to provide students with the best preventative tools to deal with issues of underage drinking, other drug use, impaired driving and other destructive decisions.  Originally founded as Students Against Driving Drunk, the group realized there are so many other issues facing teenagers that must be addressed.

Most states require some type of formal drivers education or training programs.  However, this is just a small part of the experience of driving that teenagers get.  Parental supervision furnishes more practice, and open conversations between parents and new drivers go a long way toward building a foundation of safe driving.  Parents should also consider the type of person their teenager is: one that is willing to take risks, or one that shows good judgment.  Will they also obey rules set down by their parents, and follow the regulations of driving?

It’s a great feeling for parents to be able to furnish their teenagers’ first car, but they need to let them know that if the rules are broken, grounding will be in effect.  It would be better to park the car for a week or so, than live with the results of a bad accident that could take their life, or the life of someone else.

We hope that this summer will be a safe one for everyone, especially our teens!  Drive friendly, and keep the roads safe.

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety, Uncategorized

PANDEMIC INFLUENZA

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Note:  We originally posted this article on February 19, 2009.  Ironically, we are now in the middle of a Swine Flu virus, that has caused the World Health Organization to raise the pandemic threat level to Phase 5, the second-highest level in the worldwide warning system.

Pandemic Influenza is when a new influenza virus emerges for which there is little or no immunization in the human population- a global disease outbreak, which causes serious illness and spreads person to person worldwide.  Planning for Pandemic Influenza by business and industry is essential to minimize the impact of a pandemic.  It is essential to have a contingency plan.

Employers should develop a Pandemic Preparedness Plan by:

  • Knowing Federal, State, and Local Health Department Pandemic Influenza Plans.
  • Preparing for operations with reduced workforce.
  • Ensuring their suppliers/customers that they will continue to operate.
  • Developing a company policy that does not penalize employees for being sick; thereby encouraging them to stay home when they have symptoms such as fever, runny nose, muscle aches, or upset stomach, rather than exposing other employees.
  • Understanding that their employees may need to take care of other ill family members.
  • Considering enhancement of technology and communications equipment in order to allow employees to work from home.
  • Cross-training employees in order to be prepared for absence of workers.
  • Keeping their employees informed of their preparations in case of a widespread disease, making them feel safe about their work, and able to be off if necessary due to illness.

It is also important that employers educate their employees on coughing etiquette, hygiene, and using personal protective equipment when necessary.  This could mean gloves, goggles, respirators, and other means of preventing the spread of germs.  Hand sanitizer, tissue, and soap should be provided.  Employees should be discouraged from using each others’ computers, phones, and equipment.  Washing hands often is one of the most important ways to keep down the spread of germs.

Another important measure of prevention is the flu vaccine.  Sometimes it takes a few months for the proper vaccine to be developed after there is an outbreak; however, whatever flu vaccine is available should alleviate the severity of the illness.  Note: there is no vaccine for this type of flu; scientists are working round-the-clock to prepare a vaccine to be ready for human testing.  In the United States, thousands of courses of Tamiflu and Relenza, have been sent to states reporting confirmed cases of swine flu.  The government has a stockpile of the courses ready as needed.  These two anti-viral medications are the best known to treat influenza.
OSHA

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

MOTORCYCLE SAFETY AWARENESS MONTH

It’s not too late for us to remind you that May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration is encouraging all drivers to “Share the Road” with motorcyclists, and be alert when driving, to help keep them safe.

Motorcyclists, as well, are reminded to make themselves visible in case other drivers aren’t looking out for them.  They are small vehicles and can be hidden in a blind spot.  More vulnerable than passengers in vehicles, research has shown that per vehicle per mile traveled, motorcyclists are 37 times more likely to die in a traffic crash than occupants in cars.  With that in mind, these tips from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation are well worth reading:

Ten Things All Car & Truck Drivers Should Know About Motorcycles

1. There are a lot more cars and trucks than motorcycles on the road, and some drivers don’t “recognize” a motorcycle; they ignore it (usually unintentionally). Look for motorcycles, especially when checking traffic at an intersection.

2. Because of its small size, a motorcycle may look farther away than it is. It may also be difficult to judge a motorcycle’s speed. When checking traffic to turn at an intersection or into (or out of) a driveway, predict a motorcycle is closer than it looks.

3. Because of its small size, a motorcycle can be easily hidden in a car’s blind spots (door/roof pillars) or masked by objects or backgrounds outside a car (bushes, fences, bridges, etc). Take an extra moment to thoroughly check traffic, whether you’re changing lanes or turning at intersections.

4. Because of its small size a motorcycle may seem to be moving faster than it really is. Don’t assume all motorcyclists are speed demons.

5. Motorcyclists often slow by downshifting or merely rolling off the throttle, thus not activating the brake light. Allow more following distance, say 3 or 4 seconds. At intersections, predict a motorcyclist may slow down without visual warning.

6. Turn signals on a motorcycle usually are not self-canceling, thus some riders, (especially beginners) sometimes forget to turn them off after a turn or lane change. Make sure a motorcycle’s signal is for real.

7. Motorcyclists often adjust position within a lane to be seen more easily and to minimize the effects of road debris, passing vehicles, and wind. Understand that motorcyclists adjust lane position for a purpose, not to be reckless or show off or to allow you to share the lane with them.

8. Maneuverability is one of a motorcycle’s better characteristics, especially at slower speeds and with good road conditions, but don’t expect a motorcyclist to always be able to dodge out of the way.

9. Stopping distance for motorcycles is nearly the same as for cars, but slippery pavement makes stopping quickly difficult. Allow more following distance behind a motorcycle because it can’t always stop “on a dime.”

10. When a motorcycle is in motion, don’t think of it as motorcycle; think of it as a person.

Source: Motorcycle Safety Foundation and NHTSA

Uncategorized

EVERY DAY IS MEMORIAL DAY

The custom of honoring the graves of the war dead began before the end of the Civil War, but the national Memorial Day holiday (or “Decoration Day,” as it was originally named) was first observed on May 30, 1868, on the order of General John Alexander Logan for the purpose of decorating the graves of the American Civil War dead. As time passed, Memorial Day was extended to honor all those who died in service to the nation, from the Revolutionary War to the present. It continued to be observed on May 30th until 1971, when most states changed to a newly established federal schedule of holiday observance.

Every day should be Memorial Day.  More than 260,000 persons who served our country are buried at Arlington Cemetery, officially designated as a military cemetery by Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton, June 15, 1864.  There are also four courts that hold up to 5,000 niches each for cremated remains of military personnel.

The Tomb of the Unknowns holds three unidentified soldiers – a World War I soldier interred in 1921, World War II soldier interred in 1958, and a soldier from the Korean Conflict also interred in 1958.  In 1984, a soldier from the Viet Nam War was interred there; however his remains were disinterred in 1998, and identified and buried near his home.  That tomb will remain empty.  The 3rd U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard) began sentry of the Tomb of the Unknowns April 6, 1948, 24 hours per day, 365 days per week.

We salute all the veterans who have served our country in past wars, and those men and women who bravely serve us today in Iraq, Afghanistan, and throughout the world.  Thanks to them, we can celebrate our freedom and safety every day.

General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

TODAY’S UPDATE – WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION

At today’s (May 22) closing session of the World Health Organization’s week-long annual congress, WHO chief Margaret Chan stated that countries need to be prepared for the H1N1 flu virus.  It is being closely watched in the southern hemisphere, where winter season is starting.

She stated that because it is a subtle, sneaky virus, it could mix with seasonal flu and mutate in “unpredictable ways”.  It is an airborne virus the same as the common flu, and is still showing up in new countries on a daily basis.  The latest totals show approximately 11,000 people have contacted the virus in 42 countries.  The largest groups now are Japan – 294; Spain – 113; and Britain – 112.

In a related press release, the CDC in Atlanta, Georgia reported that various tests have shown that persons over 60 seem to have a built-up immunity to the virus.  Cases in the United States have affected younger persons, up to ages 50+.  Much more research will need to be done regarding the theory about the over-60 age group.

The CDC says we are not “out of the woods” yet, and still need to be vigilant in watching this virus.

Source: Reuters
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Uncategorized

TOO MUCH SUN

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Most Americans believe they can start their summer tan a little faster by going to tanning beds, however, they don’t realize that without proper protection, those tanning beds can cause serious burns not only to the skin, but to the eyes.  Research shows that UV radiation levels of a tanning bed are 100 times that of the natural sun.  The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) requires tanning facilities to furnish clean, UV-blocking goggles to all consumers.  Without these protective eye goggles, the New Jersey Society of Optometric Physicians warns that using a tanning bed without protective goggles is the “equivalent to staring at the sun.”

Some tips if you choose a tanning bed:

  • Request goggles when using tanning beds;
  • Use proper skin care.
  • Don’t overdo it!

According to a recent ABC News report: persons are still very complacent when it comes to using sunscreen.  According to a survey done by Consumer Reports National Research Center, 31% of Americans don’t use sunscreen, while 69% are occasional users.  Dr. Doris Day, Skin Cancer Foundation spokeswoman says there are many places on the body that are frequently overlooked when using sunscreen: back of neck, neck and chest area, side of face, tops of feet, and top of head.  Sunscreen with at least 15 SPF should be applied an ounce at a time before getting in the sun, and reapplied hourly.  The American Cancer Society states that more than 1 million skin cancers are diagnosed annually in the U.S.  It is of the utmost importance that children’s skin is protected from the sun.

When you go outdoors for work or play, remember to wear ultra-violet absorbing eyewear, (auto darkening safety glasses), which provides the greatest measure of UV protection when outdoors; wear a hat; and plenty of sunscreen.

Source: Prevent Blindness America
ABC News
CRNRC
Skin Cancer Foundation

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

CLICK IT OR TICKET!

Every year during this holiday period, law enforcement agencies join forces day and night, coast-to-coast, to deliver the most successful seatbelt enforcement campaign ever.  The “Click It or Ticket” National Enforcement Mobilization dates are May 18 – 31, and August 21 – September 7, 2009.  Started by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, most states are onboard in stressing the importance of wearing seatbelts and using proper child seat restraints.  Many persons who died in traffic crashes were not wearing seatbelts.  In the United States, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 15-20 year olds.

With the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, law enforcement agencies are launching campaigns to let drivers know, especially teenage drivers, that there will be tickets written for all persons under 18 who are not wearing seatbelts, whether they are in the front or back seat, and that children less than five years old and under 36” tall must be safely secured in a child seat.

Similarly, Texas law states that if any passenger under age 17 is not wearing a seat belt- front or back seat- the driver will be ticketed.  Since 1999, the Texas Department of Public Safety has had a Zero tolerance policy regarding seatbelts and child safety seats.  Violations can result in fines up to $200, plus additional court costs.

A September, 2008, report published by the NHTSA, showed that seatbelt use was 84% in passenger cars, 86% in vans and suv’s, and 74% by truck occupants, which indicates that seatbelt use is improving every year.  This followed daylight observations in 1800 sites nationwide.  States with primary seatbelt laws averaged 13% higher at 88% use of seat belts, than states with secondary seatbelt laws, which had 75% use of seatbelts.  Primary seatbelt law states allow citations for seatbelt violations alone.  Secondary law states are allowed to issue seatbelt tickets if the vehicle is stopped for another violation.

So, whether in your state it’s “Buckle Up, America, “Buckle Up, your state”), “Click It or Ticket”, it’s a good idea to follow the law and do all you can to keep yourself and your passengers safe.  Your holiday will end on a better note if you don’t have to go to court to pay a fine when you get home.  After you buckle up, drive carefully, watch for the other drivers, and have a safe holiday!