All posts by Doug

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

MT REDOUBT – WILL IT, OR WON’T IT

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.  Volcanoes can shoot ash 30,000 to 50,000’ high, and depending on wind and velocity, be carried more than 100 miles away.   The threat level (Aviation Hazard Color Codes) has been raised from yellow to orange, which means there is heightened unrest with an increased likelihood of eruption, or volcanic eruption under way with no ash or minor ash emission.  Anchorage is the nearest large city to Mt Redoubt.  Falling ash and ash flows carry toxins into rivers and lakes.  Glass particles in ash can also cause damage to vehicles.

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.  These volcanoes are different from the types of those in Hawaii, as they produce molten lava.  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.

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

  • Staying inside as much as possible
  • Covering face with wet cloths, if masks unavailable
  • 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.

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SPEEDING CAN BE HARMFUL TO YOUR HEALTH

Is compromising your safety and the safety of others worth the minutes you’ll save by speeding to arrive at your destination?  Exceeding the posted speed limit (or driving too fast for conditions) is a factor in almost one-third of all fatal crashes.  Speeding-related fatalities are not always related to interstate travel.  Only 14 per cent of speeding-related fatalities occur on interstate highways.  While speeding, the driver is unable to have enough response time to avoid a crash, has an increased likelihood of crashing, and an increased severity of the crash once it occurs.  Other distractions while driving that play a roll in accidents are:

  • Talking on cell phone
  • Reading
  • Texting
  • Emotional agitation
  • Alcohol, Drugs

Neighborhood speeding is another problem that often has to be controlled by interested citizens who get their local law enforcement agencies to establish stricter speed enforcement to protect children, pedestrians, bicyclers and other motorists.  Speed bumps have been found to be a good way to slow drivers down in neighborhoods, as well as a friendly cop parked close by with his radar gun!

Speed Awareness Radar Trailers are another way to alert drivers if they are going too fast, as their speed is displayed on a board as they pass by.  Another theory is that driving too slowly on higher speed limit highways can be as dangerous as driving too fast.  We all need to be aware and alert of what is going around us at all times.

You have probably been traveling down the road, to be passed by someone in a great hurry to get wherever he’s going, darting in and out of traffic, but when you arrive in the next town, there he is, sitting at the first traffic light!  Most of the time, if we just observe the speed limit, we will get there safely.  What was that story about the tortoise and hare?  Slow down, save a life!

Sources:
National Highway Transportation Safety Administration
State Farm Insurance

Uncategorized

VIOLENCE IN THE WORKPLACE

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Is there truly a safe place to work in today’s world?  Everyone deserves security while they work.  On the nightly news, there have been more and more reports of someone killing family members and innocent bystanders at their place of employment.  Someone who harbors resentment of another coworker, has family problems, health problems, or may have been dismissed from their job might return to their job site and take the lives of one, two, or several persons.  The old days of leaving home with the doors unlocked, leaving the keys in the car, and all other innocent acts have long departed.  An unspoken rule of thumb for these times is to be aware of your circumstances at all times, especially at your workplace.

Some jobs have a higher risk of incidents of this kind than others.  Gas stations, convenience stores, and liquor stores are at the top of the chart for violence. Work sites such as these have constant contact with the public, exchange money, and are open late nights and early mornings, have small numbers of employees in place, and may be located in high crime areas.  By reducing the amount of cash on hand, having no easy escape routes, security cameras, and adequate lighting, some crimes could be deterred.  Other suggestions are to have closed circuit television, silent and personal alarms, time-release safes and most importantly, working in pairs.

There is no type of employment without risk.  Homicide is the third leading cause of workplace deaths.  Drug abuse, social issues, and poverty, are just some of the factors.  Every business should have a workplace violence prevention program in place.  Employees should be asked to take an active part in planning such a program.  Their involvement is crucial because they are an important source of information about what’s happening on the front lines, especially those who work at night.

Proper screening, background checks, along with drug and alcohol testing during the hiring process could alert employers of a potential problem.  A violent act could happen because there is a lack of security.  Employees need to recognize a threatening situation and report it.  It is better to act on it than ignore it.  A horrible act of violence might be prevented by notifying company security or contacting law enforcement.

Although OSHA does not have standards or regulations concerning this topic, they recommend five key components that can benefit employers and employees alike:

  • Management commitment and employee involvement
  • Worksite analysis
  • Hazard prevention and control
  • Safety and health training
  • Evaluation

No single strategy solution that will work for all types of businesses, but potential risks of workplace violence should be identified and corrective measures implemented.
Sources:
OSHA
USDOL
NIOSH

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

SALMONELLA OUTBREAK

Since September 8, 2008, there has been an outbreak of persons becoming ill from Salmonella.  The last report we found was there had been 7 deaths and almost 500 persons sickened.  A news release January 23 reported that the sole source of the bacteria is from Peanut Corporation of America, in Blakely, Georgia.  PCA distributes peanut butter and paste in bulk to manufacturers for cakes, candies, crackers, cookies, and ice cream.  Employees of the company have been laid off while the Food and Drug Administration conducts a complete investigation.  Three managers of the company have remained to assist the investigators.  It is unknown if all employees will return once the investigation is done.

Salmonella causes diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12-72 hours after eating contaminated food.  According to the Centers for Disease Control, most people recover without treatment.  However, elderly persons, infants, and those with improper immune systems are more likely to develop severe illness.  Salmonella may spread from intestines to bloodstream, then to other body sites, and can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics.

Dr. Stephen Sundlof is the Director of the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition.  He states that it is not the consumer’s responsibility to ensure the products they purchase are safe; the food industry is the responsible party for ensuring the safety of the products.

It is reported that the ready-to-eat type products are the ones causing concern.  Even some pet foods are affected.  If you are unsure of the contents of your jar of peanut butter, call the toll-free number on the label.  You may check the USFDA website, and many others, for a complete list of products that have been recalled.  Recalled products can be found by searching by brand name, UPC Code, description, or any combination of these.

General Safety Issues

TEEN SAFETY IN THE WORKFORCE

There are millions of teenagers that have after school jobs or full time jobs in the summer months.  Safety concerns need to be addressed regarding this workforce of youngsters, anxious to prove themselves.  Most of them are so eager to please their employers and make a good impression, they don’t realize their well-being is endangered if they don’t work safely.  They may lack the maturity to recognize hazardous situations.
Child labor laws exist that prohibit youngsters under certain ages from operating equipment, motor vehicles, cooking in restaurants, etc.  According to the National Institute of Safety and Health, one of the most dangerous industries for young workers is agriculture.  From 1992-2000, one-half of the young victims of farm fatalities were under 15.  For ages 15-17, the risk is four times greater than other workplaces.   Workers must be age 18 to qualify for certain agriculture-related jobs.
Retail trades came in second in the above statistics.  Working in retail stores during early or late hours is less safe for workers of all ages, and there are laws that restrict teenagers from working certain hours.  Restaurants, such as fast food establishments, employ a huge number of young workers. Again, those under 16 are not allowed to cook or perform certain other tasks that present risks.  The other two industries that involve hazards for teenage workers are transportation and construction.  Child labor laws prohibit those under 18 from operating certain types of machinery or equipment, and in the construction field, workers age 14-15 may work only in the office, away from a construction site.
Suggestions for employers of teens:

  • Furnish proper training.  Video training of hazardous or dangerous situations may get their attention better than regular class-type sessions.
  • Pair a more experienced worker with your new worker.  Let them be a safety mentor for the first week or so.  That way your older employees feel that they have a responsibility to meet as well.
  • Make the teens more visible by providing brightly colored i.d. tags, so everyone on the job knows they may need a little more help.
  • Leaders should set a good example when it comes to safety by making rounds often to let them know they are being observed.
  • Send a letter to the parents, including your safety policies, and solicit their support.
  • Let the new “kids on the block” know that you expect them to ask questions, as that’s the only way they can learn.

Looking out for the safety of our young workers is of the utmost importance.  We are looking out for their future.  That first job will be one they will remember the rest of their lives.  It is up to parents, employers, and coworkers to make it a great experience, but we must be sure that they understand the consequences of carelessness.  Someday, they will be protecting someone else’s child who is new on the job.

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

FEBRUARY IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER

Where does the time go? Seems like just yesterday, we were celebrating a new year, with a new administration, and other events that create a brand new start.  We’ve only a few days left before the first month of 2009 will be history.  We’ve dug up some facts about the shortest month of the year, February, and hope you will enjoy them, as well as take them to heart:

  • February is American Heart Month.
  • The first week of February, Burn Awareness Week is sponsored by the Shriners Burn Hospitals.  Consumer Protection Week, School Counselors Week, and Womens’ Heart Week are also spotlighted.
  • The second week of February is Cardiac Rehab Week, as well as Celebration of Love Week, Flirting Week, and more importantly, Child Passenger Safety Week and Hospital Veterans National Salute Week.
  • Engineers Week, Friendship Week, Love Your Pet Week, and Random Acts of Kindness Week are observed during the third week of February. (See how many ways you can be nice!)
  • Featured during the last week, are oddly enough, Eating Disorders Week, and Pancake Week!

February 1st is National Freedom Day.  President Lincoln signed the 13th amendment on February 1, 1865, following the Senate’s approval of the bill in April, 1864, and House passage, January, 1865, abolishing slavery.

This year, Super Bowl Sunday falls on February 1st!  The Arizona Cardinals and Pittsburgh Steelers will face off.  Congratulations to both teams and their fans.  You might even see a few team hardhats in the stands!

In Pennsylvania on February 2, Punxsutawney Phil, our country’s only true groundhog weather forecaster, will determine if we will have six more weeks of winter if he sees his shadow, or an early spring, if he doesn’t.  It’s fun for us to anxiously await Groundhog Day.

Guys, if you want to stay safe this month, you won’t forget Valentines’ Day is February 14th!

President’s Day is observed the third Monday of the month.  President Washington’s birthday is February 22, and President Abraham Lincoln’s birthday is February 12; however, some number of years ago, it was decided to change observance of their separate birthdays.
According to our sources, this particular holiday was not set to celebrate those two presidents exclusively.

Other important topics featured in the month of February are Library Lovers Month, National Cherry Month, National Childrens’ Dental Health Month, and Wild Bird Feeding Month.

We hope you have enjoyed this trivia, but more importantly, we want you to think about those you love, and remember, not only during National Heart Month, but all year, to take good care of themselves.  One of the nicest gifts you can give someone you care about or yourself is a gift membership to a wellness center.  Exercise is one of the key elements in having good heart health.
After you finish the Valentine candy, make up your mind to get out there and start walking, exercising, and staying fit!

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

Cruise Control, Wet Roads!

Lately, driving in the rain hasn’t been a problem for most of us Texans, as we have had a pretty long dry spell in many areas!  Below is an email that has circulated for a while; however, following other research on this topic, we hope to convey to you just how dangerous using cruise control during inclement weather can be:

A 36 year-old female had an accident, totaling her car.   A resident of Kilgore, Texas, she was traveling between Gladewater & Kilgore. It was raining, though not excessively, when her car suddenly began to hydroplane and literally flew through the air. She was not seriously injured but very stunned at the sudden occurrence! When she explained to the highway patrolman what had happened he told her something that every driver should know – NEVER DRIVE IN THE RAIN WITH YOUR CRUISE CONTROL ON. She thought she was being cautious by setting the cruise control and maintaining a safe consistent speed in the rain.   But the highway patrolman told her that if the cruise control is on when your car begins to hydroplane and your tires lose contact with the pavement, your car accelerates to a higher rate of speed, making you take off like an airplane.

According to an article by the Utah State Highway Patrol, the rate of speed can be 10-15 mph faster than the set speed.

This advice from a South Dakota State Trooper: “Your cruise control does not know the difference in road surface types.  This makes having it activated is dangerous on slippery roads.  Unless the driver turns it off or taps the brake pedal, the vehicle will not slow down during a skid.   There is no state law that addresses this issue.  Like much of life, this is a decision that you must make, on your own, when you think it is necessary.  There are a lot of people who do not have the understanding of the mechanics of cruise control and do not know of its dangerous consequences.    So, as a law enforcement officer and a concerned citizen, I urge you to turn off the cruise control in bad weather, and take control of your vehicle.”We tell our teenagers to set the cruise control and drive a safe speed – another valuable lesson is to tell them to use the cruise control only when the pavement is dry.

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Home Safety Products, Uncategorized

Think Safety on Purpose

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Below is a testimonial from a friend who, like most of us, did not consider the dangers of doing even normal household and maintenance chores without protection.  I know I’ve trimmed trees and hedges dozens of times without using protection.  I think now I will reconsider!

Several years ago I stuck a mulberry branch stob into my right eye.  I had laser surgery and was not wearing glasses, the first form of eye protection.  My accident caused me to endure two additional surgeries and an extra year of treatment.  Since then, and due to my unfortunate experience, I wear safety goggles during all my tree trimming yard work.  They are not an inconvenience, and are much easier to deal with than almost blinding yourself.

Bill La Barr

United Methodist Church

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized, Weather Protection

GIVING GIFTS TO SAVE LIVES

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Gifts can be for special occasions or given as a random act of kindness to surprise someone you know.  But what if your gift could save their life?  FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) recommends showing how much you really care by giving emergency preparedness items as gifts.  In other articles on our website, we have discussed “Being Prepared”, and “Protect Your Pet”, for times of disasters.  Many of the items listed in these articles are mentioned again, but what a unique idea it would be to give one of the following as a gift:

  • Appropriate fire extinguishers
  • Foldable ladders for second-story escape routes
  • Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
  • NOAA Weather radios, with extra batteries
  • Enrollment in a CPR or First Aid Class
  • Flashlights, batteries
  • Highway Safety Kit

Consider purchasing a sturdy container that these staples can be stored in, and note that the contents should be checked every 6 months:

  • Manual can opener
  • 3-Day Supply of water (1 gallon per person, per day)
  • Non-perishable foods
  • Canned foods with water
  • Pet Supplies

Note:  Emergency supply kits should be prepared for home, work, and even the car.

If there are elderly persons living alone in your neighborhood, it would be great if you could be sure that they are also prepared.  If they do not own a cell phone, a group could purchase a basic cell phone that would give them a feeling of security.

Keeping family, friends and neighbors safe is a very important part of every day life.

Home Safety Products, Uncategorized

INVISIBLE DANGER CARBON MONOXIDE

Carbon Monoxide is an invisible, tasteless, odorless gas that can cause illness or death in minutes, because people are unaware that they are breathing it.  The poisonous fumes come from improperly operated generators, gas stoves, lanterns, charcoal grills, and other gasoline- powered tools.

  • Generators should be operated at least ten feet away from the house/building in a well-ventilated area.
  • Never use gas ranges or gas ovens to heat your home.
  • Cars should never be run with the garage door closed.
  • Use caution with all CO producing devices.
  • Install a Carbon Monoxide detector in your home; check the batteries annually.
  • Be sure all heating systems in your home/building operate correctly.

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning are drowsiness, headache, dizziness, nausea, and confusion.  If someone has these symptoms, move them to a well-ventilated area outdoors and get immediate medical attention.  Providing them with 100 per cent oxygen through an oxygen mask is the first priority.

It is vital to public health to educate people on the proper installment and safe operation of heaters, appliances, fireplaces, and other tools operated by gasoline.  Being aware of the dangers of this type of poisoning is of the utmost importance.

Texas DSHS