All posts by Doug

Uncategorized

NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK

This week, April 19-25, is National Volunteer Week.

National Volunteer Week is a time to thank one of our nation’s most valuable assets — volunteers — and call the public’s attention to all that they do to improve our communities.

Sponsored nationally by the Points of Light Institute, National Volunteer Week began in 1974 when President Richard M. Nixon signed an executive order establishing the week as an annual celebration of volunteering. Every president since has signed a proclamation promoting National Volunteer Week. The theme, “celebrating people in action,” truly captures the meaning behind this signature week — honoring the individuals who dedicate themselves to taking action and solving problems in their communities.

What would small communities do without volunteers?  Persons who work on city councils, hospital boards, and many other types of community boards receive no pay, but do it because they want to serve.  Many places of entertainment utilize volunteers, such as museums, theatres, art shows and others.  Most cities have annual festivals or celebrations and depend on volunteers for to ensure their success.

Young students volunteer on summer projects; rather than spending their time going swimming, to the mall, or other fun things, they are swinging a hammer, painting, or performing other duties such as helping repair homes for folks that otherwise can’t afford them.  Students also volunteer in many ways by collecting for worthwhile causes, or running a race for financial pledges to help on special projects.

Lately, there have been many fires in Texas and Oklahoma; news reports revealed that the only ones fighting part of these devastating fires were volunteer firemen and women.  In some cases, there was assistance from professional support teams.  However, most of the time, smaller communities rely on their volunteer firemen and first responders.

Hospital volunteers help their hospital meet budget by doing all types of clerical work at no charge.  They also hold fundraisers in order to buy needed equipment, thereby freeing up the hospital to make other purchases.  Church members are permanent volunteers, doing all they are able to do to help out their communities in times of troubles.  And what on earth would we do in times of destruction: fires, tornadoes, hurricanes, just to name a few, if it weren’t for the Salvation Army, Red Cross, and many other groups that depend on their volunteers to help them provide needed relief?

Whether doing a small thing, such as reading to someone in a nursing home, running errands, or cooking a meal for a family with a sick member, one can never know what that act of kindness means to others.  Anyone who can spare an hour or so any time should give volunteering a try.  The best reward a person can receive is knowing that they have given a part of themselves to make the world a better place.

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

LET’S GO FISHING!

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Football and basketball are over, and if you are one that doesn’t enjoy watching golf, what better way to spend time than fishing with a friend, your kids or grandkids?  Warm weather is almost here, so start getting that tackle box ready, clean up the boat, get your license, and let’s go!

Fishing, as well as any other sport, can be hazardous if you don’t keep safety in mind.  We have some common-sense reminders for you, just in case you have forgotten:

  • Always consider safety factors when you are choosing your fishing spot.
  • If you are in a boat, you and everyone else must wear a life jacket.
  • Know the weight restrictions of your boat, and do not overload it.
  • Whether in a boat, or fishing off the bank, stay away from areas that are marked “off limits.”  Their purpose is to protect wildlife, vegetation, and/or your safety.
  • Remember, “don’t drink and drive” applies to boats as well as cars or trucks.
  • Be sure to check out weather forecasts.
  • Carry a flashlight, water, cell phone, and portable radio.
  • Be sure to wear safety glasses and a hat.
  • Also take sunscreen with at least 15 SPF.
  • It’s important to wear tennis shoes, (old ones), to not slip, or get cut by rocks, hooks, glass, or other items that may be in the water where you are wading.
  • Look before you cast.  There have been many trips to the emergency room by folks that have gotten hooked.  (Another good reason to keep those safety glasses on!)
  • Use caution when baiting and removing hooks.
  • Handle fishing tackle responsibly.  Don’t leave any of it lying on the ground, dock, or boat.
  • Lastly, take along some insect repellent.  Our pesky little friends always like to go along on fishing trips, too.

Have a great fishing trip, whether it’s a lake, pond, or river.  There’s no better way to enjoy the outdoors and relax a little.  Just always play it safe.

High Visibility Safety

HIGH VISIBILITY SAFETY VESTS, PART II

The purpose of these articles is to help everyone understand the difference in ANSI Standard 107-2004, and ANSI Standard 207-2006, High Visibility Safety Vests that are required to be worn by workers on all federally funded highways.  As previously stated, the ANSI 207-2006 vests do not replace or interchange with the ANSI 107-2004.   It is hoped that the Standards of the 207-2006 vests will be amended soon.  Strong public safety justifications exist to recognize the 207-2006 vests.

Garment design is the key distinction in the two standards.  By allowing less (450 sq. inches) of background fabric to be used, law enforcement could now combine Police Blue fabrics with fluorescent orange or yellow.  Fire Service could use their traditional red, orange, or yellow fabrics, but needed Fire Resistant fabrics per the (NFPA 701) and or (ASTM F-1506) standards.  EMS personnel traditionally wear navy or white.  The National Incident Management System (NIMS) encouraged the use of colorcoding response personnel and/or the use of ID panels.  The result is new vest designs that combine non-traditional fire resistant and poly-cotton fabrics with fluorescent fabrics to create entirely new designs for “Public Safety Vests” and “First Responder Safety Vests”.  Many are one-size-fits-most, which allows for difference in personnel that will use these vests in an emergency.  Clear and velcro removable ID panels permit fast changes in assignments during Incident Management.  (There is also a new Incident Command Vest, which we will discuss later.)

The main difference is that the 207 vest features a shorter length. It has velcro “break-away” sides and shoulder designs on select products, which provide an extra level of protection in the event that the vest becomes tangled or caught on something.  Another advantage of the shorter vest is the ease of access to belt mounted tools, or handguns for law enforcement.  Following these considerations, the new ANSI 207-2006 standard allows Public Safety personnel to maintain their identity as First Responders.

The new standard suggests many design options, such as breakaway, colored identifiers, pockets, loops, badge holders, microphone tabs and ID panels.  These are suggestions and not mandatory to the standard.  The design options are intended to encourage inventive ways to meet end user needs for functionality, while still offering a high visibility safety garment.

It is our hope that all of our highway workers, Public Safety Workers, and First Responders remain safe as they perform their important jobs on our nations highways.

High Visibility Safety

HIGH VISIBILITY SAFETY VESTS- Part I

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In January, 2006, the Federal Highway Administration published the most recent Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (The MUJTCD.)  This MUJTCD revision accepted and coded into law for the first time the ANSI 107-1999 High Visibility Apparel Standard.  The acceptance of the ANSI 107-2004 Standard (current revision) was a distinct advancement for highway workers.

For Public Safety Workers such as Fire, Police, State Patrol, Emergency Personnel, and other First Responders, however, the circumstances and use of High Visibility Apparel on the job was unclear.  Many Public Safety workers were exempted from using high visibility apparel, and were only partially covered by the ANSI 107 standard and the MUTCD.  In 2006, the FHWA announced that effective in 2006, ALL workers working on a highway that received federal funds must wear high visibility ANSI apparel.  The new rule now included Public Safety personnel, such as those named above, as they are a part of directing traffic, investigating crashes, handling lane closures, clearing obstructed roadways, and all other disasters within the right of way of federal highways.  All First Responders working on any highway that received federal funds were being advised to use ANSI High Visibility Apparel.  The vests must be Class 2 or Class 3.

There was the concern by Public Safety Workers that completing hazardous work such as heat/flame exposure, use of weapons and fire/chemical/electrical exposure, are all part of the risks of on-the-job traffic accidents and required judgment in the use of High Visibility apparel, and flexibility of design for these workers.

The ISEA, working in conjunction with select law enforcement, fire, rescue, EMS, and other city and state First Responder organizations began work on a new consensus standard specifically for Public Service Safety Vests.  The result was the publication of the ANSI 207 Public Safety Vest standard, approved by canvas method and published in late 2006, and it is hoped that the regulation will soon be amended, as the 207 is not intended to be interchangeable or replace the 107.   The ANSI 207-2006 accepted as “Best Practices” much of this standard as defined by the already published ANSI 107-2004 for workers.  In regard to definitions of fluorescent fabrics, retro-reflective tapes, 3rd party testing care labels, marking, and other requirements, the same standards for high visibility public safety are nearly identical.  The required amount of retro-reflective material is the same (201 square inches).

Our next segment will explain the details of the 207-2006 vests that Public Safety Workers felt would better meet their needs.  Stay tuned…………………

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

NATIONAL ALCOHOL AWARENESS MONTH

As promised, we want to pass on some information regarding April being National Alcohol Awareness Month.  One of the reasons for this month being chosen is that many schools hold their proms in April, and the consequences of underage drinking need to be stressed to both parents and students.
Addiction to alcohol and drugs is not limited to young people, however.  Drug and alcohol dependence are America’s #1 health problem.  There are more deaths and disabilities each year in the United States from substance abuse than any other cause: more than eighteen million Americans have alcohol problems and between five and six million have drug problems.

Statistics from the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence show that almost one-half of all traffic fatalities are alcohol-related.  Costs of more than $276 billion per year in lost productivity, crime, traffic crashes, health care expenses and other conditions are attributed to these addictions.  Untreated addiction is more expensive than diabetes, heart disease and cancer combined.
Families and coworkers play an important in convincing persons with these types of problems to get help.  Treatment improves health, job performance, and family cohesiveness.  When persons work with or live with someone who abuses alcohol or drugs, their safety and well-being are at risk.

Documentation from the Comprehensive Assessment Treatment Outcomes Registry in Ohio shows the following drastic results in occupational problems after treatment:

  • Tardiness decreased by 92%
  • Problems with supervisor decreased by 56%
  • Mistakes in work decreased by 70%
  • Incomplete work decreased by 81%
  • Absenteeism decreased by 89%

There are many places one can turn to for help.  Call: Substance Abuse Treatment Locator, 1-800-662 HELP, or www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov.  If you or someone you know needs to deal with this issue, this may be the best call you or they ever made.

Sources:
NCADD
USDHHS
SAMHSA

Home Safety Products, Respiratory Safety, Uncategorized, Weather Protection

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM WILDFIRE HAZARDS

The recent Texas and Oklahoma fires and their smoke created several health dangers, including serious respiratory ailments.  Smoke from wildfires contains a mixture of fine particles and gases from burning trees and plant materials.  Smoke irritates eyes, the respiratory system, and can aggravate heart and lung disease.

Protective actions are:

  • Limit exposure to smoke,
  • Pay attention to air quality reports,
  • Consult your physician if you have asthma or lung disease.

Other health problems include: coughing, scratchy throat, irritated sinuses, chest pain, shortness of breath, headaches, runny nose, and stinging eyes.  At risk are older persons, especially those with heart and lung problems, and children, who breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults, and are outdoors more frequently.

It is advised that you do not depend on the paper dust masks commonly found at hardware stores, which are designed to trap large particles.  Particulate respirators (N95) are “air purifying respirators” because they clean particles out the air as you breathe, and offer more protection, if properly worn.
Chemical cartridge/gas mask respirator, powered air purifying and self-controlled breathing apparatus are more sophisticated types of respirators.  SCBA is the respirator used by most firefighters, which use their own air tank to supply fresh air.

If you plan to build/remodel your home located in a wild land area, be aware there is a very real threat of wildfires.  Protecting your home is your responsibility.  You need to know the fire resistance of your home, topography of your property, and nearby vegetation.  FEMA suggests that you consult your local fire department, emergency management office, forestry service for information about fire laws, building codes and protective measures.  You should be familiar with these codes and weed abatement ordinances for structures built near wooded surroundings.

Everyone living in these areas should know what their community’s ability to respond to wildfires will be, and plan several escape routes in case roads become blocked.  Every person should be ready at all times to evacuate in an emergency.

Source: US Dept of Health & Human Services
CDC
FEMA

Respiratory Safety

RESPIRATORS HELP YOU BREATHE EASIER

If you work in a healthcare setting, or where there is dust, heat, humidity, or mist around you, respirators are necessary.  Respiratory protection is regulated by OSHA, which determines which type of respiratory protection is appropriate for each kind of hazard.  NIOSH regulates the manufacture and testing of face masks/respirators, and OSHA is responsible for their use.

Masks used by healthcare workers may be surgical, procedure, isolation, dental, or laser masks.  These masks trap germs and resist fluids.  Surgical masks protect the employee from microorganisms, body fluids, and large particles in the air.  They cover the mouth and nose loosely and are not sized for individual fit. Good hand hygiene must be practiced, such as washing hands before putting the mask on and taking it off.

N95 filtering respirators, “air purifying respirators” cover the nose and mouth.  A respirator classified as N95 means that 95% of most penetrating particulates will be filtered out. This type of respirator protects the wearer against breathing in small particles that contain viruses, such as in a healthcare setting.  For other occupational exposures, the respirators filter out dust, mist, heat and vapors that can be harmful to your health.  To be fully effective, N95 respirators must fit closely to form a light seal over the mouth and nose.  Persons with mustaches or beards may not be able to get a secure fit.  Respirators require fit-testing, to be sure there are no leaks.  There are fit-testing kits that are used to ensure their compliance to safety requirements.

Due to the fact that respirators are made of more dense material than facemasks, persons who have heart disease, lung disease, or other respiratory illnesses should consult a healthcare provider before using a respirator.

In cases of widespread illness, such as pandemic influenza, it is wise for persons who act as family caregivers or have to be in public transportation, etc., to stock up on these protective masks.

Source:
CDC

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

LOOKING OUT FOR THE CHILDREN

We want to wish a Happy 50th Anniversary to a wonderful organization, ChildhelpÒ.
Two ladies, Sara O’Meara and Yvonne Fedderson, founded this group in 1959, with a goal of meeting the physical, emotional, educational, and spiritual needs of neglected, abused and as-risk children.  As we often see on the nightly news, there is some innocent little child missing, injured, or killed, with results later being disclosed that they fell victim to a family member.  From 2006, statistics show that four children die every day, from child abuse, and three out of four of them are under the age of four years.  Reports of child abuse are called in to authorities every 10 seconds.

In children under the age of 12, 90% of them knew their perpetrator.  They come from every socio-economic background, and chances are that 1/3 of abused/neglected children will later abuse their own children, keeping the horrible circle of child abuse unbroken.

Signs of child abuse are:

  • Anti-social behavior, problems in school
  • Unexplained marks, burns, cut, bruises
  • Bite marks
  • Fear of adults
  • Eating disorders
  • Fear of particular person or family member
  • Drastic appetite changes
  • Apathy, depression
  • Hostility
  • Unsuitable clothing
  • Unkempt, dirty
  • Extreme hunger
  • Lack of supervision

Evidently, in this world, it does take a village to raise a child!  We need to be responsible enough to report things that we suspect as child abuse to the proper authorities.  Neighbors are often reluctant to get involved until it is too late.  Calls are anonymous, and toll-free.

Call 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453) it the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline.

This is a very disturbing topic, and we salute this group and all the others that focus on child safety.  We also acknowledge all the dedicated parents and grandparents that do everything in their power to protect their little ones.  However, there’s no better safety message than to ask you to watch out for all of our young people, and future generations.

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

PAMPER YOUR FEET: THEY TAKE YOU EVERYWHERE!

Too many times we take our feet for granted.  How many times have you asked your doctor to check your feet?  It’s a good idea, even though you probably haven’t done so.  Just think about it: how many miles we put on them, both at work, and those early morning or late afternoon walks.  It pays to take good care of them, especially if you are diabetic. The foot has as many moving parts as a complicated machine, and it works just as hard.  An average day of walking delivers hundreds of tons of pressure to your feet.

Foot injuries that occur at work may be punctures, crushing, sprains, slips, trips, and falls.  Lack of attention to foot safety plays an important part to many disabling injuries to either the feet or other body parts.  Other work-related foot problems can be caused by standing for long periods of time on hard floors, and poorly fitted footwear.  High heels, pointed toes, no arch support are all contributors to foot problems.  Designers of footwear have come up with some very stylish shoes that are more suitable for those women who wish to look great and be comfortable, as well.

Some ideas for choosing good footwear for work are:

  • Understand that most footwear will not stretch
  • Measure both feet when buying shoes
  • Buy shoes that fit the bigger foot
  • Try to shop in the evening, when your feet are largest
  • Choose shock-absorbing insoles if you walk, or stand on very hard floors

Companies should identify relevant hazards that cause foot problems or injuries and eliminate them.  Padding or matting on floors can serve as a cushion, as long as they are anti-slip and securely anchored.  Signs should be posted wherever there are slippery floors.

April is Foot Health Awareness Month.  We hope this will serve as your reminder to take good care of this important part of your body.

Sources:
Canadian Center for Occupational Health & Safety
NIA

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety, Weather Protection

MT REDOUBT, CONTINUED

Scientists at the Alaska Volcano Observatory have been closely watching Mt. Redoubt, an active volcano in the largely volcanic Aleutian Range, since the end of January, when geologists recorded a sharp rise in earthquake activity.  In a recent AP release, (March 23)

The Alaska Volcano Observatory said there have been five eruptions since from Sunday (March 22 through Monday, March 23), which spewed ash nine miles into the air, floating down into communities north of Anchorage.  The Observatory also stated that this type of activity could indicate that it is creating a formation called a lava dome.  Volcanologist Peter Cervelli said that such a formation could collapse, causing mudflows and more ash plumes.

Citizens of Alaska are not unfamiliar with these occurrences, and usually have advance warning in order to be prepared for the eruption of a volcano.  Ash fall from the Alaska volcanoes are tiny parts of rock and glass, which can cause severe injury to breathing passageways, eyes, nose, and open wounds.  The ash can also cause damage to equipment and vehicles.

As with any natural occurrence, we encourage persons in the area to be prepared the best way possible, by:

  • Having a first aid kit ready
  • Staying inside as much as possible
  • Wearing face masks
  • Covering face with wet cloths, if masks unavailable
  • Wearing goggles, especially over contact lens
  • Keeping fresh supplies on hand, i.e., water, food
  • Closing windows and vents to chimneys.

Following most eruptions, the possibility of short-term minor discomforts such as nasal and throat irritation, coughing, wheezing, uncomfortable breathing, skin irritations, and painful itchy eyes are typical results, rather than more serious health problems.  However, persons who suffer from respiratory ailments should take extra precautions to be prepared.