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Hearing Protection

HEARING LOSS

It could take only a few minutes of exposure to certain sounds for hearing loss to occur.  Data compiled from the CDC/NIOSH website contains the following information in regard to hearing protection numbers:

  • Each year, 30 million people are exposed to harmful noise at work.
  • Noise-induced hearing loss is the second most-often reported occupational injury.
  • It only takes a few minutes of exposure to certain sounds for damage to occur.
  • Hearing loss is permanent and irreversible.

Here are some scary statistics:

  1. a newspaper press (97dB) can cause permanent hearing damage in just 30 minutes.
  2. A chain saw (110 dB) can cause permanent damage in less than 2 minutes.
  3. A simple hand drill (98 dB) or a tractor (96dB) can cause permanent damage in less than 30 minutes.

Noise Reduction Rating is a number that appears on the labels of all hearing protection products sold in the U.S.  In theory, the NRR equals the level of noise reduction (in decibels) provided by the earplug or earmuff, in laboratory conditions.  These conditions can be very different from actual working conditions.  Earplugs may be inserted incorrectly or earmuffs may not completely cover ears of workers, therefore the products may not furnish the level of protection listed on the package.

NIOSH has recommended that NRR data be adjusted to account for these differences.  For real world working conditions, NIOSH recommends that the NRR for earmuffs should be reduced by 25%, the NRR for formable earplugs reduced by 50%, and for all other earplugs should be reduced by 70%.  For example, a pair of hearing safety earplugs with an NRR of 30 would be adjusted according to the NIOSH recommendations to 15 (30 dB x 50% = 15 dB).

Whenever the time-weighted average noise is greater than 85dB, OSHA requires the use of hearing protection.  By adjusting the NRR of a hearing protector according to NIOSH’s recommendations, and subtracting that number from the actual time-weighted noise level, it is possible to get an idea of how much noise is actually entering the ear.

An example is: a worker in a factory who experiences a time-weighted average noise level of 97 dB would need a hearing protector that provides at least 12 dB of protection.  That worker would need earmuffs with an NRR of at least 16 or formable earplugs with an NRR of at least 24, based on the ratings on the packaging.

NRR data can be misleading without a proper understanding of its usefulness as a tool.  If it is used correctly, however, it can provide valuable information to help workers choose the correct hearing protection device.

Information courtesy of
Gateway Safety

General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety, Weather Protection

SPRING FEVER, “HAY FEVER” OR SINUS?

With the onset of Spring, several of us will have our fair share of either allergies or sinus problems.  Blooming flowers and trees are great to look at, but the little blossoms that float in the air we breathe can cause health problems.  Let’s look at these two common illnesses: allergies and sinus.  Allergy symptoms are often confused with a cold or flu.  Allergies are the immune systems’ reaction to generally harmless substances and continue off and on, much longer than a cold.

Symptoms of allergies are:

  • Sneezing
  • Watery eyes
  • Repeated ear and sinus infections
  • Loss of smell, taste
  • Hoarseness
  • Coughing
  • Wheezing
  • Cold symptoms that last more than 10 days without a fever

Sinuses are air-filled spaces behind the forehead, nasal bones, cheeks, and eyes, with openings to the nose, and serve as conditioners that filter and humidify the air.   If the sinuses become blocked, miserable headaches occur, as well as these other symptoms of acute sinusitis:

  • Nasal congestion
  • Greenish nasal discharge
  • Facial or dental pain
  • Eye pain
  • Night cough
  • Fever
  • Sore throat

Here are some suggestions if you are plagued by sinus or allergy problems:

  1. Take a non-drowsy decongestant during the day to avoid pressure build up.
  2. Avoid smoke and irritants that increase your chance of developing sinus/allergy difficulties.
  3. Check the pollen counts in your area before you go outdoors.
  4. Use a saline mist spray to keep sinuses healthy.
  5. If you work in dusty environments, use a respirator.
  6. If you are prone to allergies, protect your eyes with goggles or wraparound glasses.
  7. Do not take antihistamines that could cause drowsiness while driving or working.
General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

SELF CONTROL

During these economic downtimes, it seems that everything is out of control.  People are losing their jobs, their homes, and facing dilemmas they never imagined could happen.

Thousands are out of work, and don’t know which way to turn.  For those who are fortunate enough to have a job and/or home, self-control should be practiced.

As children, we lived in the present.  But even children are taught that if they control their temper, and are polite, they are usually rewarded for good behavior.  As adults, will power rules our actions.  Whether it is in regard to food, alcohol, shopping, or entertainment, we should exhibit control.
In our employment, we should always make good decisions.  There are times when it is best to keep our opinions to ourselves.  It may take a lot of self-control to do so, but in the long run, it may pay off.  Persons that have high conscientiousness are capable and effective at managing problems.  They are not as likely to act impulsively, but are deliberate, careful thinkers.

Answers to finding ways to manage impulsive actions and lack of self-control may be found by:

  • Exercise, twenty minutes a day can do wonders.  Try talking a walk during your lunch break.
  • Meditation
  • Counseling
  • Counting to ten before making a rash decision that you may regret
  • Talk to family members or friends
  • Sleep on it.  You may look at the problem in a completely different way after a good night’s rest.
  • Always remember there are two sides to every story.
  • Try to focus on something different
  • Patience

Every worker deserves to have a safe work environment.  Times are tough, and people are stressed over the possibility of losing their job, or having their hours cut back.  This is no time for safety to take a back seat.  Don’t act on impulse, without thinking things through.

Life hands us all kinds of obstacles that we must try to overcome by using all the self-control and will power we have.

The cyclone derives its powers from a calm center – so does a person. ~ Norman Vincent Peale

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

MARCHING IN LIKE A LION

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It’s hard to believe that the month of March is here!  What happened to January and February?  Much activity is blowing in the winds of March, such as the end of Mardi Gras, which started February 3rd and ends March 9th.  March is American Red Cross month, as well as Women’s History Month.  The “Ides of March” is on the 15th, referring to the assassination of Julius Caesar.

Be sure to wear green on March 17, St. Patrick’s Day!  March’ birthstones are the aquamarine and bloodstone (courage).  Also, be sure to mark on your calendar: Daylight Savings Time begins Sunday, March 8th.

One big March activity for college students and basketball fans alike is March Madness!   In the world of basketball, the single-elimination playoffs began in 1939, featuring eight teams.  Now, a total of 65 men’s teams vie for the Men’s Division I NCAA championship.  Women’s Division I NCAA Basketball playoffs began in 1981, and feature 64 teams doing their very best to reach the Final Four.  Following their respective men’s and women’s conference tournaments, games are played throughout the United States, beginning with regional tournaments, which bring much entertainment and excitement to sports fans.

Spring officially starts March 20; however, sometime during the month of March, college students from all over the U.S. take their annual Spring Break.  We want to focus on the health and safety of our students by passing along some tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  There are safe and fun ways to enjoy spring break without taking risks that may affect the rest of the school year, or for that matter, the rest of their life.

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

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

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

Uncategorized

SENIOR WORKFORCE

A growing number of businesses are realizing that senior citizens play an important role in the success of their companies.  Mature workers appeal to employers for many different reasons:
a wealth of experience, skills, and excellent work ethics.  The outlook for employment is good for seniors, because some employers actually recruit older workers.

Due to preventative healthcare and medical treatment, seniors are able to work long past the traditional retirement age, and choose to work either because they want to, or have financial need.

The Social Security system has undergone major changes, one of which is increasing the age when individuals qualify for full benefits.  Many companies are not offering defined benefit retirement programs, resulting in retirees not having access to guaranteed benefits.

Many retirees enjoy returning to the workforce, either part time or jobs that offer less stress and greater flexibility than their previous occupations.

AARP recently announced the Top Ten Best Employers for Workers over 50.  These companies offer great perks such as free physical therapy sessions, massages, miniature golf, weight-loss programs, dietician services, compressed work schedules, financial planning, retirement counseling, the list goes on and on!

These companies are listed below, with the percentage of workers they employ over age 50:

  • Cornell University, Higher Education, 43%
  • Scripps Health, Health Care, 32%
  • SC Johnson, Consumer Products, 35%
  • YMCA of Greater Rochester, Philanthropy, 18%
  • Lee Memorial Health System, Health Care, 38%
  • Securian, Insurance, 22%
  • First Horizon National Corporation, Financial Services, 27%
  • Stanley Consultants, Consulting Services, 34%
  • Bon Secours Richmond Health System, Health Care, 30%
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, Insurance, 37%

AARP also honored international employers of seniors, as well.  There are many websites that seniors can visit if they are interested in seeking employment.  Two of those are: Seniors4Hire.org, and RetirementJobs.com.

We salute the tremendous contribution our seniors make in work environments, and those “youngsters” who treat them with the respect and admiration they deserve.

AARP-The Magazine

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

Blind Spots

Here are some tips from the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration for side-view mirror adjustment to assist you in the elimination of blind spots. The best way to adjust your side mirrors is to move the glass outwards so your field of view is of other cars and blind spots are eliminated.

These steps can help prevent accidents and help keep YOU safe whether you are driving a fleet vehicle, or your own personal vehicles:

1.    Set your rear view mirror as you normally would.

2.    Lean your head over all the way to the left so it touches the driver’s window. From there, set your left side-view mirror so you can see the back corner of your car.

3.    Lean over the same distance the other way, (your console or gear selector is a good reference point) and set your right side-view mirror the same way.

When you return your head to your normal driving position, you should not be able to see the back corner of your vehicle in either side view mirror.

To see if you’ve adjusted correctly for your vehicle’s blind spot, test it out in a parking lot or other location where you can safely and slowly pull up to a car. You should now always be able to see the car; it should move from your rear view mirror to your driver’s side or passenger’s side mirror with no break until you can spot it with your peripheral vision.

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

STRANGER DANGER

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Just about every day, we see it on the news…………somewhere a child has been abducted!  The world we live in just isn’t safe anymore, and when it comes to protecting our children, we need to take every precaution by teaching them to be wary of strangers.  It’s hard to know exactly which persons are strangers; they can appear to be very nice, ordinary people.

Most children in their early development years are surrounded by loving parents, relatives and friends who assure that they are safe and comfortable; when they go places with their family, they are exposed to the outside world, but still are safe because they are with their family.

As they begin this trek into the real world, it is the job of the parents to teach them to be careful around people that they don’t know.  Many well-meaning people love to pay attention to little ones, and that’s all right; however, those people know their boundaries, and don’t overstep them.

One major rule: Children shouldn’t be left alone to play in the yard!  They could be grabbed so fast, you wouldn’t know until it is too late!

As children begin preschool or school, parents should check with their school to see if they are teaching children about Stranger Danger.  These programs, along with parents, teach children not to take candy from people they do not know, and not to go near a car of someone inviting them over to see their puppy or kitten.  If a child thinks someone is following him/her, they should go to a nearby store or group of people and get help.  Should your child inform you of an incident such as this, you need to call the police and report it.

A good plan for parents and their friends who might need to pick up their child from school or elsewhere is to share a secret code word that the child knows, to ensure that they are the person the parent has arranged to pick them up.  A stranger wouldn’t know that word, thus reminding the child that they are not to go with this person.

Other helpful ideas for your child’s safety:

  • Never play in deserted areas, such as empty playgrounds, parks, or alleys
  • Stay with Mom and Dad in public places
  • Play with a friend; the “Buddy System” always works best
  • If you are in a store and get lost from your parents, go to a cashier or security guard for help, rather than wander around
  • If you go home after school and Mom or Dad are still at work, call them to let them know you are home okay
  • Never tell someone you will be home alone
  • If you see a broken window or open door when you get home, don’t go in.  Go to a trusted neighbor and call 911
  • Don’t open the door for someone until you know who it is
  • Never give personal information to someone on the phone: your address, etc.
  • If you want to go study with a friend in the neighborhood, get your parents permission first, and let them know where you will be and when you will be home

Cell phones are an excellent method of communication for kids old enough to be responsible in how they use them.  Parents can call and check on them; likewise, they can reach their parents when they need to.

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

DISASTER DRILLS

July, 2002, the National Strategy for Homeland Security instructed the Homeland Security Department to create the National Exercise Program.  This is a series of preparedness programs that have gone from full-scale live exercises to tabletop drills that have decision-makers respond to an escalating series of crises.  Hurricanes, tornadoes, and terrorism are usually the main topics that are played out in “mock drills”.  Hospitals are required to participate in some sort of disaster drill every so often in order to maintain their accreditation.

It is hard to actually meet the real goals of a disaster drill because in many emergency systems, it is almost impossible to fail a disaster exercise.  An effective manager can learn about problems within the system or plan.  These drills are supposed to be learning experiences and mistakes should happen.  Constant improvising by the incident commander as the drill is being done, will result in saving as many (simulated) lives as possible.

We recently visited with a local director of an EMS department of a rural hospital and asked for his opinion of the drills.  In conjunction with local law enforcement personnel, his EMS personnel and the hospital staff have conducted drills ranging from school bus accidents with multiple injuries to plane crashes in the area, and many more.  Here are his thoughts on the subject:
“In response to the disaster drills, I consider myself pro-active most times. Mock drills do show areas of weakness in any emergency service no matter if it’s volunteer or paid, plus it’s a great time to work out bugs with mutual aid departments working in your county or other counties that may be called to help with the disaster. On the other side of the coin, I think Homeland Security grants have not been utilized to their best in rural areas. Monies have been spent in many rural hospitals on equipment and supplies that in my opinion is wasted money on things that a rural hospital will never use, and the supplies have high risk of expiration dates, causing the supplies to be disposed of before use. Pre-hospital providers in the rural setting are lacking equipment, training, and personal protective gear for disasters; many of us struggle with old equipment and limited budgets for trucks and so on.  I do think that Homeland Security should be concerned with rural USA for attacks and other disasters. We are very vulnerable and most people don’t think something could happen in the small areas of Texas. Shelters and available personnel are not readily available if something should happen.”

In an article by C.L. Staten, ERRI Senior National Security Analyst, listed below are his recommendations to develop an effective plan and response to a major disaster:

  • Write a plan
  • Train all participants for their part in the plan
  • Conduct a drill to test the plan and personnel
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of the plan
  • Revise the plan as necessary to achieve the desired end-outcome objectives
  • Repeat if necessary

Be thankful for those who expect the unexpected, and are prepared for it!

Source for parts of the article: Emergency Response & Research Institute

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products

DON’T GET BURNED!

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Nothing hurts worse than a burn, no matter how small it is.  Whether you cook in a restaurant, work around electricity, or do many other jobs that involve the possibility of getting burned, it is important most of all to avoid such an accident, but in the event that it happens, know how to render first aid.  OSHA requires that companies must provide a person or persons adequately trained in first aid for work sites that are not in near proximity to a clinic, infirmary or hospital.  Companies should also furnish the proper first aid supplies and first aid training for all types of emergencies.

Properly trained workers are able to assess the severity of the burn, and know if it is thermal, electrical, or chemical.  Simple first aid is usually enough to treat first and some second degree burns.  However, in more serious burns, such as third degree burns, the first responder should know how to care for them until medical assistance arrives.

  • First-degree burns are burns on the first layer of skin, and easily identifiable.  They are usually minor, more uncomfortable than serious.  In treating first or second degree burns, use cold water or cool compresses to reduce swelling, and cover with clean, dry dressing.   Don’t use ice, lotion, or ointment.  The use of butter or ointments may prevent healing, and ice can further damage the skin.
  • Second-degree burns have reddening of the skin and possible blistering.  Over-the-counter pain medications may be given.
  • Third-degree burns are deeper, where the skin is charred, and the tissue underneath may appear white. Deeper burns are serious and the risk of infection is increased.   Call emergency personnel immediately, lay the person down, and elevate severely burned limbs.  Cut away clothing if necessary, but do not try to remove clothing that is stuck to the burn.

Our homes are not immune to burn-related accidents, either, so it is important that we all exercise caution when cooking, preparing delicious foods on the grill, or doing many other chores that involve heat.  Keep a first aid kit in your home and know where one is at your workplace.  Prevention and preparedness are the keys to staying safe from misfortune.

OSHA

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

PANDEMIC INFLUENZA

Previously, we presented an article on information on getting ready for cold and flu season.  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, 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.

OSHA