All posts by Doug

General Safety Issues

SUCCESSFUL SAFETY MEETINGS

Are you among the multitudes of workers who dread attending the next regular safety meeting?  Holding successful safety meetings is essential to the success of any business.  Encounters that create workers’ enthusiasm about recognizing and preventing every day hazards can be conducted in such a way that will change their behavior toward safety, thereby making it fun to think about working safely!

The person in charge of the program should make a good first impression.  His/her opening presentation plays a big part in how well they listen.  If their attention is captured from the beginning, the speaker then has a better feeling of self-confidence, as well.

Let us share these suggestions toward spicing up your safety meetings:

  • Relate to your listeners.  Talk about the experiences you have had that are familiar to your coworkers.  Stay on track with a near-accident or accident that happened in your past that are common hazards to their work environment.  Ask them to comment.

If you are talking about money, life, or limb, they will pay attention.  Stay on topic, as the importance of working safely applies to potential loss of the above mentioned.

  • Display objects: everyone enjoys visuals.  If you are talking about fire safety, let them put out an actual fire (wastebasket, etc.)
  • Pass out index cards and let them give their opinion/experience on the topic you are discussing. (Do not make them sign the cards!) Read them out loud and discuss.
  • Ask them the question: what would you do if? For example, your topic is fall prevention, and “you see a coworker fall, and you are the only one with him?”
  • Make it fun!  It’s all right to give statistics on injuries; however, if you harp too long on facts and figures, you will lose your audience.
  • Praise those who: offer safety suggestions, attend meetings regularly, acquire safety contacts, and improve housekeeping in the workplace.
  • Safety Awards are always appreciated.  Free pizza is a small way to reward employees for going one month without any lost-time on-the-job injuries.

All workers will look forward to attending the next safety meeting if it is customized and designed toward common goals for a safe work environment.  If your company has a successful safety program, reward your employees!  A pat on the back and word of praise go a long way.

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

WE’VE MADE IT TO DECEMBER!

Congratulations, we have all made it to the final month of the year!  We have 31 days left of 2008, and we need to do all we can to make this busy time a safe and healthy one!
With the upcoming celebrations, keep driving safety in mind, watching for the other drivers, as well.  Getting ready for the holidays is great fun, with all the extra goodies at work and parties!  Then reality hits (with a few extra pounds), and New Year’s Resolutions are made!

We want to pass on some information regarding the month of December.  Maybe there will be one or two facts that you didn’t know:

  • World AIDS Day is December 1
  • Pearl Harbor Day is December 7
  • Christmas Eve – December 24
  • Christmas – December 25
  • New Year’s Eve – December 31

December is also National Month of:

  • Human Rights
  • Birthday Month of Bingo
  • Read A New Book
  • Safe Toys and Gifts
  • Love Your Neighbor
  • Universal Human Rights
  • Colorectal Cancer Awareness
  • Hug-A-Week for Hearing Impaired
  • International Calendar Awareness
  • Stress-Free Family Holiday Month (love this one!)

There are too many to list, but here are a few Days Of that are recognized:

  • Eat A Red Apple
  • Coats for Kids
  • Disabled Persons Awareness
  • Extraordinary Work Team Recognition Day (Dec. 4th) (Good one!)
  • Teacher Appreciation Day
  • Don’t Be a Scrooge
  • Tic Toc Day

Enjoy this final month of the year, and as always, keep safety in mind, both at work or play.

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

FRYING THE TURKEY THIS YEAR?

If you see your neighbor sporting safety goggles, safety mitts, and carrying a fire extinguisher, it’s a good guess that he’s not headed to a fire, but getting ready to fry the turkey!  It has become quite a tradition to fry Thanksgiving or Christmas turkeys instead of the old-fashioned way, baking them in the oven.  But the aforementioned equipment might come in handy to keep the cook safe!

Despite the delicious outcome, make yourself aware that there are certain risks involved:

  • Most fryers do not have thermostats; therefore, temperature should be checked often because the oil could overheat to combustion. Never allow grease or oil to exceed 350°F.  Oil will ignite at 550°F to 700°F.
  • Turkeys that are not completely thawed could also cause oil to splash, threatening burns.
  • It is always important to follow manufacturer’s instructions and use extra caution when cooking with hot oil, which presents a fire hazard as well as a burn hazard.
  • Do not overfill pot with oil.
  • Never use inside an enclosed area (garage, patio) or under overhang of house.
  • Cooker should only be used on a level stable surface, away from wood decks, dry grass, shrubs, etc.
  • Keep propane cylinder at least 18” away from cooker while in use.
  • Keep an operable type BC fire extinguisher within easy reach.
  • Sides of pot can become extremely hot, so use mitts to prevent burns.  Goggles can protect ones eyes from oil splatters.
  • Never leave cooker unattended.  Keep children/pets away from cooker, even when through cooking, as the oil will remain very hot for a long period of time.
  • Cooker must not be operated in the rain.  Cover the pot immediately and turn it OFF.
  • If parts to the cooker are damaged, missing, or improperly installed, do not operate it.

If you choose to furnish this scrumptious main course for the holidays, just keep these safety tips in mind.  Cook with care, and enjoy your feast!

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

There are various opinions about the origin of this holiday, which is celebrated by the United States and Canada.   Some facts we have found are that the first Thanksgiving was celebrated in Texas, by the Spanish explorer, Francisco Vasquez de Coronado in 1541.  Pilgrims gathered in 1621 to celebrate a successful harvest.  In the United States, in 1939, the fourth Thursday in November was named as the official holiday.  The second Monday in October is Canada’s national Thanksgiving holiday.  There are probably many other theories about when and how the holiday began, but the main theme of today’s article is to have a Happy and Safe one!

This is the time of year when folks become rushed, getting ready for the big day!  The most dangerous and deadly time of the year is from now through the end of the year, according to traffic statistics.  Drunk drivers, drivers and passengers who are not wearing seatbelts, and those simply in a big hurry, account for accidents that can cause not-so-happy memories for all involved.  Even if you are going to save lots of money getting to that “Black Friday” sale the day after Thanksgiving, consider the consequences and slow down!

Following those grim reminders, are a few basic, common sense hints to make your holiday feast successful:

  • In planning your meal, keep in mind those who might have food allergies.
  • Childproof your home.
  • Prepare the meal safely; use protective gloves when handling hot dishes.
  • If you choose a fresh turkey, do not purchase it until 1-2 days before you plan to cook it.
  • Thaw your frozen bird in the refrigerator 24 hrs per each 5 lbs.
  • Lest you forget to thaw the turkey, you may thaw it in the microwave if it isn’t too big; be sure to use the power level for thawing, and cook immediately once it is thawed.
  • Leftovers should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking.
  • Use the refrigerated leftovers within 3-4 days.
  • Keep Fido or Tabby safe this Thanksgiving; a little turkey meat won’t hurt, but don’t give them bones from the bird, as they can splinter and be dangerous.  Foods that are spiced with garlic, etc., are not meant for animals.  Your beloved pets will be just as happy with their regular diet.

We hope that each and every one will travel safely, not eat too much, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Uncategorized

HEALTH LITERACY

Health Literacy is an individual’s ability to read, understand, and use healthcare information to make decisions and follow instruction for treatment.  A 1995 study by two United States hospitals found between 25 and 60 per cent of patients could not understand medical directions, standard informed consent or basic healthcare materials.  This can lead to medication errors and adverse medical outcomes.
This influences all segments of our population; however, in certain demographic groups, it has been found that the following groups experience problems in understanding their medical treatment, etc.:

  • Elderly
  • Recent immigrants
  • Persons with low general literacy

This is not always true; some very intelligent persons have problems following instructions from their physicians because they forget to ask important questions or simply feel that they are taking too much of their doctor’s time (even though they may have waited for hours to see him/her.)

Effective preventative measures such as visual aids, brochures that are easy to read, or DVD’s can be provided patients.  Everyone needs to be given clear information at each visit, not medical jargon.  A program called “Ask Me 3” is designed to bring public and physician attention to this issue, to let patients know each time they talk to a nurse, pharmacist, or physician, ask:

1.    What is my main problem?
2.    What do I need to do?
3.    Why is it important for me to do this?

The safety of every patient is important to all healthcare providers.  Patients must meet them halfway to do all they can to understand and follow their physician’s instructions.

Wikipedia, Under the GNU Free Documentation License

General Safety Issues

NEW EMPLOYEES

Do you remember your first day on the job, wishing you understood what everyone else was doing?  You want to fit in, and it seems as though there’s a mountain of information being tossed your way.  No one can absorb everything they are told, but the main thing one needs to pay attention to is safety on the job.

It is the responsibility of the employer to provide proper training beginning from Day One.
Bureau of Labor Statistics show that 40% of on-the-job injuries are workers experiencing their first year of work.  The first thing employers should do is start orientation on the first day.  Co-workers can be of assistance if they notice the new employee is doing something unsafe; they need to speak up and warn them before they get injured.  They also can tell the new employee who to talk to if they have concerns about safety.  Personnel need to respect the equipment they are working with, and be aware that their wellness can be an issue if they don’t use caution.

In most of our experiences, we gradually find out what to do:  a good example is a Fire Drill.  Every company has their own policy and procedures and new employees should be told where the exits are and what to do upon exiting the building.  Many times, we don’t find out until there is a fire drill and then someone says, “Oh, yeah, do such and such, then return to work when the all clear is given.”

New employees, remember this:

  • Don’t take shortcuts
  • Use what you learn all the time
  • Be sure you understand; don’t hesitate to ask questions
  • Respect and follow warnings
  • Be sure you know what to do in emergency situations
  • As for safety materials and instructions if you have not received them
  • If you are provided Personal Protective Equipment, be sure you understand its purpose, how to wear it, and how to maintain it

Remember the TEAM mantra applies to all of us:
Together Everyone Accomplishes More!
Think Safety and Work Safely.

Back Safety, Ergonomics, General Safety Issues

ERGONOMICS – HEALTH CARE WORKERS

Healthcare workers – nurses, nurse aides, physical therapists, EMS personnel, etc., are in a league of their own.  Their work-day (or night) consists of assessing patient needs and providing treatment for them, many times under a great deal of stress.  The science of fitting the job to the worker is called Ergonomics.  When the physical capacity of the worker is mismatched with the physical requirements of the job, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) can happen.  Ergonomics is the practice of designing tasks and equipment to fit the capabilities of the worker in order to prevent injuries before they occur.

Health care workers, especially those in nursing homes, are in an environment where these types of stress exist.  Many patients/residents totally depend on staff members to assist them with most activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, etc.  Employee injuries can result due to multiple interactions when transferring/handling persons.

Management of healthcare facilities is responsible for developing a safety program to ensure the well being of both the patients/residents and employees.  Health care workers should be given the opportunity to be a part of the program planning process.  Workplace hazards could be identified through documenting the number of illness/injuries, reports of unsafe conditions, reports of back pain, and potential incidents.

Some lifting guidelines are:

  • Never lift alone
  • Never transfer patient/resident when you are off balance
  • Limit the number of lifts per worker per day
  • Provide proper training on how to use lift equipment
  • Do not lift when body is in a twisted position

Back and wrist supports, and elbow pads offer some relief from the stress and strain on the body while lifting.  It is important that family members who serve as caregivers in the home seek some type of training on lifting, in order to stay in good physical condition and protect the loved one they are caring for.

OSHA

Uncategorized

DRUNK DRIVERS

Pardon the pun, but the statistics on alcohol-related accidents are truly staggering!  Of 42,000 people who die on U.S. Highways annually, more than 18,000 lives are taken due to drunk drivers.  One in every ten Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related accident in their lifetime.

A terrible accident just happened two days ago in a small Texas town.  While passing through this little town, a driver forced one man’s car off the street, kept going, only to nudge another company vehicle innocently on its way to work.  As law enforcement was notified, the driver moved on out of town.  In a matter of minutes, going at a high rate of speed, he hit another vehicle so hard that it became airborne, slamming head-on into a tree, taking an innocent person’s life.  The driver was taken to a nearby hospital, where a blood sample was obtained, resulting in an intoxicated manslaughter charge.  The accident happened around 8:30 a.m., and the driver was on his way to a deer lease.  We can never know what possessed this person to get behind the wheel in this condition.  The family of the deceased can now only grieve over their loss, caused by such thoughtlessness.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has an organized campaign to improve conditions on the roadways.  Some projects they have been able to get approved are:

  • High Visibility Drunk Driving Crackdowns – Twice yearly during high-risk periods such as Labor Day and the December Holidays.
  • Sobriety Checkpoints – Evaluating drivers for signs of alcohol or drug impairment at specific points of the roadways.  Signs may be posted in advance.  Average time of stop would be the equivalent of a traffic stoplight.
  • Smart Vehicle Technology-Within the next five years, car manufacturers may have developed DADSS (Driver Alcohol Detection Systems for Safety).
  • Ignition Interlocks – Convicted drivers have to blow into a device about the size of a cell phone that is connected to the starting circuit of the vehicle.

Designated drivers play a valuable part toward the protection of their friends who are impaired, as well as the innocent folks in the other lane.  As the saying goes, “Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk!”

Uncategorized

Topic Ideas

1 Comment

Hey everyone.

I just wanted to take a moment and say thank you to everyone who checks out this blog.

We set up this blog to share general information about safety issues.  Work related, home safety, driving safety, etc.  We strive to give accurate, up-to-date information on a range of topics.

While I have a list of topics and articles planned for the site, I am always looking for more content.  If you have any topics or ideas you would like to see discussed here, please let me know.  My main goal here is to give information on topics that you care about.

You can either comment on this article, or email me.  Just click here to go to our contact page and drop me an email.

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

OFF-THE-JOB SAFETY

2 Comments

It is proven that companies that promote off the job safety as well as on the job safety have lower workplace/injury/illness rates than those who do not.  Off the job accidents average $700 per employee per year for costs in medical and other expenses, and $1,000 per employee per year in medical costs for dependents.  Lost time production, training new workers, lost sales, insurance expenses and administrative costs add up for the employer.  It pays for companies to organize a safety program for that addresses the importance of a safe home and play atmosphere.

Just because whatever we want to do away from work is our time, some of the things that we do result in injuries that take us away from work more than we want to be!  One of the main causes of loss of life and injury outside the workplace is the motor vehicle accident.  Whether it is driving a race car, boat, regular auto, or engaging in sports, shopping, cooking….. accidents are  there– just waiting to happen!

Many companies assign teams, which include senior managers as well as employee representatives to plan the type of safety training that applies to the individual family’s needs.
Team leaders would develop a program for families ensuring parents, spouses, children, and friends are included.  Success would depend on keeping the employees interested in the program.  Make it fun for everyone to discuss and share experiences of accidents they may have been involved in, and how it could have been prevented.

Some suggested topics that the teams could work on:

  • Driving topics, i.e., fighting traffic, for residents of larger cities; and rural driving problems that are encountered by workers living in rural areas.
  • Staying safe while enjoying outdoor activities
  • Shopping safely with children- shopping cart accidents cause head injuries in toddlers
  • Home Safety – make checklists
  • Effects of alcohol
  • Boating Safety
  • ATV’s
  • Cooking Safety Outdoors
  • Playing Sports
  • Holiday Safety

Keeping the program diversified is the key to success.  Prizes or gift certificates could be awarded to the team having the most involvement, according to employee and family participation.  Making safety a priority at home and work results in a more secure world for all.