All posts by Doug

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

TOY SAFETY

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We all know how busy Santa must be right now!  He’s probably checking that list for the last time!    If you know any of his helpers, these are a few tips they might consider:

  • Buy age-appropriate toys.  Even though some children are exceptionally bright, most toys’ designs are suited for their age.
  • Be aware of toys that may contain lead paint.
  • Check labels and do not assume that all toys are safe.  They must be properly labeled.
  • If you purchase toys on the internet, be careful, as hazard warnings are not always given.
  • Avoid toys with cords or long strings, as they could cause strangulation in small children.
  • Toys for tots should not have sharp edges or points.
  • Be sure soft, plush animals are washable and have secure eyes and noses that won’t come off.
  • You can be assured that little ones are going to put anything they can in their mouths, so be careful in choosing the size of squeeze toys, rattles, etc.
  • Paints and crayons should have ASTM D4236 on the package (American Society for Testing and Materials).
  • For grade school children, helmets should be given along with bikes, scooters, skateboards, or inline skates.
  • Purchase arrows or darts with soft tips.
  • BB or pellet guns should not be purchased for children under age 16.

The holiday season brings joyous times for families.  Our purpose is to remind you of things you already know:  the Number 1 priority is selecting toys and games that are fun and safe.

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

SNACKING HEALTHY

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Yes, the holidays are here, and there are so many tempting treats out there, but if you consider the consequences, try to fit in a few healthy snacks during your day.

We have some healthful hints for you to consider in your every day routine after the holidays, when you make that New Year’s Resolution to lose weight!  If you follow these 10 rules, you might just get on the right track for a successful weight program:

1.    Choose snacks low in calories, fat, cholesterol and sodium.
2.    Plan your snacks ahead of time so you just don’t grab anything or everything!
3.    First, drink a full glass of water to help curb your appetite.
4.    Combine high-fiber carbohydrates with protein-rich foods such as low-fat dairy products, nuts, seeds and beans for a continued energy boost.
5.    Do not snack in front of the television or at the computer, where it is easy to overeat.
6.    If you absolutely have to have some chips, cookies, dips and spreads, select low-fat, low-sodium varieties, and eat them in moderation.
7.    Be conscious of portion sizes.  Take out just enough to snack on and save the rest for later.
8.    When you are stressed or upset, try not to use snacks as “comfort food”.
9.    Avoid nibbling all day.  Limit munchies to every 3-4 hours to maintain your level of energy.
10.    The types of carbohydrates you eat that are from sugars and sweets provide a quick burst of energy, but then you suffer an energy crash.

Now that we’ve covered this subject, would someone please pass me the candy?  (Just kidding!)

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT ENERGY DRINKS?

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Weekend Warriors, which drink will you choose to replenish your body fluids after exercising, or for that matter, working?  The most popular drink is the sports drink, such as Gatorade.  The new fad seems to be the “energy” drink.  The old-fashioned theory is that water beats them all!

Sports drinks supply most favorable amounts of carbohydrates formulated for endurance exercise to help balance the body’s chemistry.  Carbohydrates are the common ingredient in both sports and energy drinks; however, the energy drinks provide far beyond the carbohydrate level needed for exercise.  Well-known carbs are sugars, starches, breads, cereals, fruits, vegetables, pasta, milk, honey, syrups, and sugar, which are the preferred source of energy for the body.  The body breaks down carbs into glucose, which is carried to cells for energy.

Sodium and potassium are two electrolytes that are most often added to sports drinks to affect the fluid balance in the body.  Water and a proper diet restore most normal fluid and electrolyte needs after a normal period of work or exercise; however, replacing electrolytes with a sports drink may be helpful after continuous activity, or work, especially in a hot setting.

The problem with “energy drinks” is the high content of caffeine, and in some cases, of ephedrine. While most “sports drinks” (e.g. Gatorade) are non-caffeinated and meant to replenish fluids lost in exercise, “energy drinks” have a large dose of caffeine and stimulants that actually accelerate dehydration.

Caffeine is a diuretic, meaning that it stimulates urine production – which removes water from your body. If you are already losing water in sweat, losing more water in your urine means needing to drink even more water during exercise. And just about anyone breaking down a truck in a shop or on a mobile unit on a hot summer day will lose sweat by the gallon. Also, cardiac arrhythmia has been attributed to the use of “energy drinks”.

Some of these “energy drinks” contain over 350 mg of caffeine per serving. In comparison, the average cup of coffee contains 80-90 mg of caffeine. Such high levels of caffeine pose the threat of dehydration to persons who consume several “energy drinks” in a day.  Another danger is that people tend to consume these beverages addictively, and choose to do so INSTEAD of drinking water or an electrolyte-replenishing beverage.

Make certain that proper hydration is understood and practiced.  It is critical in hot environments to encourage the consumption of plenty of water or electrolyte replenishing beverages.  Make certain all persons understand the difference between a “sports drink” and an “energy drink”.

One last point, energy drinks should never be mixed with alcohol.  The stimulant in energy drinks and depressant in alcohol can have dangerous effects.  If you choose energy drinks, drink them in moderation, no more than 2 cans per day.  They are definitely not for children!

Source:
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

A FEW WORDS ABOUT CHRISTMAS TREES

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According to the National Christmas Tree Association:

Christmas trees are not the main cause of igniting residential fires at this time of the year.  A Christmas tree itself is not going to burst out in flames.  Newspapers, magazines, boxes, curtains, and drapes are usually 9 to 13 times more likely to ignite than Christmas trees!  The main causes of fires in Christmas trees, whether real or artificial, are overloaded electrical outlets, faulty wiring, and broken or frayed strands of lights.

Here are some facts about selecting and caring for your Christmas tree:

  • Check the tree for freshness.  If several needles fall off when you pull your hand over a branch, don’t purchase it.
  • Make sure the tree gets plenty of water over the holiday period.  Some types of trees need 2-3 gallons of water per day.  Ask the vendor where you purchase your tree how much water you should give it.
  • Invest in a strong stand for your tree.
  • If you have lights that are not in A1 condition, replace them; they are not that expensive.  All lights should be inspected and certified by a testing laboratory.
  • When you go to bed or leave the house, unplug the lights.
  • The same rules apply for quality lights if your choice of tree is artificial.
  • Be sure that the artificial tree you choose is fire-retardant.
  • Even though a Christmas tree would be beautiful alongside a fireplace, your tree and gifts are safer a little farther away from fireplaces, heaters, or stoves.

Candles are also a fire hazard and should be placed carefully away from the reach of small children and/or pets.  Be sure to extinguish them when you leave the room.

While you and your family enjoy this festive season, don’t let safety take a holiday!

General Safety Issues

NEAR MISSES

We have all probably had them at one time or another: a “near miss”, “close call”, or “near collision”!  Whatever term we use, it is an unplanned event that did not result in injury, illness or damage, but had the potential to do so.  Economical, political and regulatory arenas have created the need for Environmental Health and Safety Management, focusing on measures to protect our environment, communities and employees.

A Safety Pyramid, developed by Frank E. Bird, Jr. is now accepted by most EH&S pros.  On the bottom tier of the safety pyramid are near misses, a layer above that are minimal accidents and on the top tier are major accidents.

Companies define near misses in a variety of ways, some more serious than others.  It is important that a person who is involved in a close call report it to someone in authority in order for the incident to be studied and identified as a for sure near miss.  Reporting this should be a simple procedure, and then the statement should be distributed to proper management leaders.  Persons reporting the incident should be given the opportunity to help determine the cause and how to prevent future accidents.  Once a solution is reached, it should be followed up on to be sure the corrections were properly done.  The person(s) reporting the incident they were involved in or witnessed should be given the results of the study.

A few of the many industries and organizations that employ preventative measures to avoid serious accidents are listed below:

  • Fire Rescue Services – National Fire Fighters Near Miss Response System accepts anonymous information that is not forwarded to any regulatory program.
  • Aviation – Accepts confidential, voluntary reports from flight attendants, pilots, air traffic controllers.  This Aviation Safety Reporting System began in 1976.
  • Healthcare – AORN, (Safety Net) Registered Nurses Near Miss Registry receives risk-free anonymous reporting tools in Internal Medicine, which serve as a barrier to avoid errors from reaching patients.

The best way to avoid serious injuries or accidents is to realize that these near misses or close calls give us a second chance.  Sometimes, in life there are no replay buttons!

General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products

FIREPLACE SAFETY

There’s nothing better than relaxing in front of a cozy fire after the day’s work ends, or on cold days!  Gas and wood burning fireplaces are designed to furnish years of comfort and leisure.  However, there are several things to consider that allow your fireplace the chance to work properly.

Wood burning fireplaces require preventive maintenance, such as being inspected and cleaned annually.  Chimney sweeps inspect and clean the chimney as necessary by removing creosote and leaves, branches, or nests.

Common sense tips on use of a wood fireplace include:

  • Make sure area around fireplace is clear of potentially flammable materials, i.e., newspapers, books and furniture.  A good rule of thumb is two feet away.
  • Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
  • Use a fireplace grate.
  • Clean out ashes from previous fires.  Open the damper.
  • Do not leave smoking embers unattended.
  • Never put wrapping paper, plastic items, or other things in the fire that could create toxic chemicals in the smoke.
  • Be careful handling partially burning wood, use proper fireplace tools.
  • Be sure the fire is completely out before going to bed or leaving the house.

If you have a gas fireplace, remember:

  • Clean the glass.
  • Check the batteries in the carbon monoxide detector.
  • Be sure the vents are able to do their job and are not obstructed.
  • The fan and related air circulation passages must be kept clean.
  • Adjust millivolt output.

All gas fireplaces need to be installed by qualified technicians.  This is essential to the proper performance and safety of a hearth product and its venting system.  Serious consequences can occur if a hearth creation doesn’t do its job correctly.

Without proper care and maintenance, fireplaces can cause disastrous results.  Fire departments and businesses that sell fireplaces can help answer any questions you may have, ensuring the safety of your home and family, and letting you enjoy the warm pleasure a fireplace brings.

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products

ADVICE FOR PARENTS OF YOUNG ATHLETES

As we all know, physical exercise is good for us, at any age.  When our youngsters become interested in playing soccer, baseball, football, and other sports, it is important that we do all we can to ensure their safety.  There are more than 3.5 million children age 14 and under that receive medical treatment for sports injuries each year, according to Safe Kids USA.  The National Athletic Trainers Association reports that more than one-half of sports injuries occur at practices rather than games.  Parents should:

  • Ask if their child’s coach has received first aid training.
  • Be sure that there is a first aid kit at each practice and game.
  • Suggest that the parents group have a risk management committee.
  • See that their child doesn’t play the same type of sport year-round, causing overuse of the same muscles.
  • Inquire if the league does a background check of coaches.
  • Be pro-active about safety issues.
  • Be sure their child stays hydrated during games.  Gatorade is excellent for replacing electrolytes lost during activity.

Proper nutrition is very important to the physical fitness of our children.  Several studies have shown either low fat milk or chocolate milk are good recovery beverages because of the ideal 4:1 combination of carbohydrates and protein that replenishes and fuels our muscles.

If children choose not to participate in organized sports, Physical Education  (P.E.) Classes are a very important part of their school curriculum.  These classes promote physical fitness, motor skills, an understanding of rules, concepts and strategies.  In addition, children learn a spirit of competitiveness and teamwork.

Show your enthusiasm for whatever your child chooses to do, enjoy every minute of it, and teach them to be a good sport along the way.

General Safety Issues

CAPTURING THEIR ATTENTION

Employers are always trying to find ways to get the attention of their employees when it comes to safety in the workplace.  You can tell them over and over about risks involved in every day work, but visuals grab their attention and stick with them!  Research has shown that people remember 50% more of what they see than in what they hear. Testimonies that visuals do attract people are proven by images on billboards, television advertising, magazines and newspapers.

During the World Wars, propaganda graphics were used to sway the thinking of the masses.  A friend saw one at a hospital where she once worked that said “Loose Lips Sink Ships”, showing a sinking World War II ship.  It was thoughtfully placed next to the Medical Records Department, as a reminder of the confidentiality rule associated with patients’ privacy rights.
When you think about it, that little verse applies to just about all of us in everyday life, doesn’t it?

Keeping your employees constantly aware of safety is the goal of any good employer.  Accidents can be very costly.  Sometimes humor in the workplace can go far in preventing accidents.  Colorful, humorous posters catch the eye of employees and yet deliver the message to them that you expect them to work safely.  Posters must provide pictures that instill in their minds the consequences of unsafe practices.  Seeing those slogans daily, their mind enjoys the images and subconsciously stores them away, helping them avoid being in that familiar accident-prone situation.

An example:  If It Seems Unsafe Safety Poster

If it looks unsafe

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

MEDICAL EMERGENCIES IN THE WORKPLACE- ARE YOU READY?

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Medical emergencies vary greatly, depending on types of job, disaster, and the work site.  Oilfield workers, heavy equipment workers, etc. are exposed to different safety risks than those who work in food service, warehouses, or offices.  No matter what type of occupation is involved, all employers should have an Emergency Action Plan in place.
Employers should include their workers in the planning process: ask for their ideas about proper emergency responses.    After the plan is developed, review it with employees to be sure everyone knows what to do during and after an emergency.

Steps to follow in planning for medical emergencies:

  • Offer and encourage employees to have proper CPR and First Aid Training.  The American Red Cross, local safety councils, or local medical personnel are willing to provide this training.
  • Have personnel records of all employees’ emergency contacts readily available.  This information should be stored with other vital records in your emergency kit, and at another off-site location as well.
  • Encourage employees to disclose any medical condition that might require special attention during an emergency.
  • Keep First Aid Kits in stock and readily accessible.  Consult with a physician to instruct you on the proper supplies needed.
  • Locate the nearest medical facility near your work site.
  • Contact a local ambulance service to ensure emergency transportation is readily available.

Again, communicating with your employees in the planning of emergency action plans will result in a smoother, successful outcome for anyone in need of medical attention.  It is the responsibility of employers to put safety first in their workplace; however, if all workers play a part in helping a co-worker in a time of medical necessity, all the planning and preparation is worthwhile!

OSHA

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

GIVING BACK

A volunteer is someone who chooses to make a difference for his/her community, an individual, or environment without compensation.  The person who “gives back” reaps the best rewards of all!  It is just natural that a healthy attitude toward others helps improve our health.  Volunteers can belong to organizations or do so as individuals.

Experts noted that the biggest statistical difference between volunteers and non-volunteers is the time they spend watching television: 15 hours per week for volunteers, versus 23 hours per week for non-volunteers.  This averages more than 400 hours a year that could mean a world of difference if there were more volunteers.

Each of us has a gift of some kind that can benefit someone.  At this time of year, our attention is drawn to shelters, where volunteers serve holiday meals.  What happens after the holiday?  Would you be willing to:

  • Deliver meals to shut-ins?
  • Offer technical support to non-profit organizations?
  • Offer your services in a leadership capacity for community drives?
  • Be a hospital volunteer?
  • Serve as a volunteer fireman/woman?
  • Go to nursing homes and read/visit with residents?

Most small communities have fire departments that are made up entirely of volunteers, who receive formal/informal training.  What would happen without these brave and dedicated persons?

Young people should be aware that there are many unfortunate people who need a little help.  Many youth groups volunteer in the summer to work on projects such as home improvement for those who qualify.  This is a great way for the youth of our country to reach out to others.

Ways to serve are abundant in any community.  Check with the Chamber of Commerce, Volunteer Organizations, local hospitals, nursing homes, and you are sure to find some way that you can “give back”, a gift that will be appreciated more than you can ever dream!