All posts by pat brownlee

General Safety Issues

THERE’S NO EXCUSE FOR ABUSE!

I have always felt like anyone who could abuse a child, an older person, or an animal has no heart.  Yesterday, March 2nd, it took a very small man to stand up and talk about a very large problem: elder abuse.  Mickey Rooney, age 90, spoke before a Senate Special Committee on Aging, and described his experience of suffering from abuse for several years by his stepson and his stepson’s wife.  In February, Rooney won a restraining order against them, following claims that they were attempting to get him to sign over control of his assets, and leaving him fearing for his safety.  He said he had suffered in silence because he was embarrassed to admit this was happening to him, but has to speak out for millions of seniors who are suffering, as well.   Following the hearing, the committee chair, Senator Herb Kohl, introduced legislation that would create an Office of Elder Justice to help coordinate law enforcement response to chronic abuse of the aged. 

There are so many different ways that elderly persons can be abused:

  • Financial – unauthorized use of funds, property, misuse of personal checks, credit cards, accounts, stolen cash, household goods, forging signatures, identity theft, investment fraud, and phone scams, to name only a few.
  • Physical – use of force, restraints, hitting, shoving, inappropriate use of drugs, and confinement.
  • Emotional – verbal intimidation such as threats, yelling, ridicule.  Nonverbal psychological abuse such as ignoring, isolating them from friends or activities, terrorizing or menacing. 

An older person may begin showing signs of mental deterioration, but we shouldn’t dismiss this on the word of the caregiver or facility (if they are in a nursing home, etc.).  If there is tension between caregivers and the patient, it may be because something is going on that they are not able to tell anyone.  Watch for bruises, scars, broken bones, sprains, broken eyeglasses or frames, or signs of being restrained.  Older people may be being mistreated in their own home, the home of their children, a private care facility, hospital, or nursing home.  If you notice any of these signs, you must get involved.  An expert in this subject, who appeared on CNN News today, says that for every person that comes forward, there are approximately 23 that haven’t been heard about.  That’s a frightening statement. 

None of us are able to reverse our age – we are all headed in the same direction.  Hopefully, if we live to be 90 years old, our minds will still be as sharp as Mickey Rooney’s.  He was clear in what he had to say, and said it with a sincere heart.  Regardless of laws that are passed, there has to be something done at every level to improve the status of our elderly.  We as individuals can volunteer to visit them, substitute for a family caregiver who needs a break, or be an ombudsman for the elderly.  Every older person has a great story to tell; some may not remember what happened yesterday, but they can recount stories from their childhood and never miss a detail.  Many know every word to the old gospel songs, and sing them with great pride.  Don’t count the older generations out.  For those who still have their parents, treasure every moment.  They were there for you, and you should do the same for them.  You may not be able to take care of them, but you can find someone who will be responsible for their well-being and care for them in a loving way.  That’s all anyone can ask. 

In most states, the first agency to respond to elder abuse reports is Adult Protective Services.  Information and referral is also available from National Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.

General Safety Issues, Health Issues, Respiratory Safety

NUMBER 3 ON OSHA’S TOP TEN VIOLATIONS LIST FOR 2010

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OSHA estimates that there are more than 650,000 hazardous chemical products in use in the United States.  This means that approximately 3 million American workplaces and over 30 million workers could be potentially exposed to some sort of chemical product.  OSHA’s #29CFR 1910.1200, Hazard Communication Standard, General Industry, was listed as Number 3 on their Top Ten Violations List for 2010.  

This occupational safety and health standard is for the purpose of evaluating potential hazards of chemicals, and communicating information concerning hazards and appropriate protective measures to employees.  There should be a written hazard communication program for the workplace, which includes lists of hazardous chemicals present, labeling of containers of chemicals in the workplace, as well as of containers of chemicals being shipped to other workplaces, and preparation and distribution of material safety data sheets to employees and downstream employers.  It also includes development and implementation of employee training programs regarding hazards of chemicals and protective measures. 

The HCS is a generic standard covering all hazardous chemicals as well as all workplaces where they are used.  By providing information to employers and employees, steps can be taken to ensure protection at the workplace.  Illnesses and injuries are reduced when both employers and employees modify their behavior as a result of receiving information about the hazards.  Training of workers is necessary to ensure they understand the information provided, where they can get more information, and how they can use the information to protect themselves.  Training is the means an employer can use to address risks related to the situation involved. 

Material Safety Data Sheets are reference documents.  They are a one-stop shopping source for everything you might need or want to know about a chemical.  They must be useful to the safety and health professionals who decide what controls to use, first aid or medical treatment to provide, and the precautionary measures to follow.  The information on MSDSs is usually technical, since it is generally written for health professionals.  MSDSs must provide the specific chemical identity of the material, physical and chemical characteristics, and the physical hazards. Other information contained in the MSDSs  are health hazards, including signs and symptoms of exposure, and medical conditions generally recognized as being aggravated by exposure to the chemical.  Also to be included in the Material Safety Data Sheets are a list of the primary means of exposure: inhalation, ingestion, or absorption and whether the chemical is a known carcinogen.  Other useful information should be listed, such as generally applicable precautions for safe handling and use of the chemical, emergency and first aid procedures, date of preparation or latest revision, and the name, address, and phone number of a person who can provide additional information and appropriate emergency procedures if needed. 

The most important way that this standard works today to reduce chemical source illnesses and injuries is to ensure that workers and those who provide protections for workers – physicians, nurses, industrial hygienists, safety engineers, and other professionals – have the information they need about the chemical to devise protections.  Then they must choose the appropriate engineering controls, personal protective equipment and controls such as substitution, by knowing what chemicals are present, and what their physical and chemical effects are.  Under the requirements of the Hazard Communications Standard, employees have a right-to-know the identities of the chemicals they are exposed to and what hazards are present. 

Source: OSHA

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

TWO IMPORTANT SAFETY OBSERVANCES FOR MARCH

Heavy winds began in February, so March is definitely coming in “like a lion,” to be sure!   This means that there will be “no burn bans” and many “red flag days”.  Please be sure to heed all warnings during this season.  To begin our March observances, today’s topics are: “Workplace Eyes Health and Safety Month”, as well as “Save Your Vision Month”.  You know how irritating a grain of sand can be when it gets into your eye, especially if you are wearing contacts!  Don’t take a chance on permanent damage to your eyes because you failed to wear the right eye safety protection. 

Because taking care of your eyes is so important, we want to emphasize the fact that three out of five workers who have experienced eye injuries in the workplace were not wearing eye protection at the time of the accident, or were wearing the wrong kind.  The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that 2,000 workers each day have job-related eye injuries that require medical treatment.  In addition, OSHA reports that thousands are blinded each year from work related injury that could have been prevented.  Read my lips: COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED!  OSHA states that 90% of eye injuries can be prevented through use of proper protective eyewear. 

Knowing exactly what kind of protective eyewear for each particular job is very important.  Here are some clues:

  • For particles, flying objects or dust protection, at least wear safety glasses with side shields.  Many persons have experienced eye injuries because they did not have side shields attached to their safety glasses.
  •  For those who work around chemicals, goggles are best suited.
  •  Persons who are exposed to hazardous radiation (welding, lasers, fiber optics,) require special purpose safety glasses, goggles, face shields, or helmets with special lens shields designed for the task.

Eye injuries most often occur in the manufacturing industry, or to those who are craft workers, mechanics, carpenters, painters, plumbers, and persons who run industrial equipment such as sanders and grinding machines.  The BLS says that in 70% of the accidents, flying particles, falling objects, or sparks striking the eye caused the injury.  Chemicals cause about one/fifth of eye injuries.  In many workers, an estimated three-fifths of articles causing damage to the eyes were smaller than the size of a pinhead. Those in landscaping businesses know how many particles can blow into their eyes when they are operating mowers and other equipment.  As we know, protecting oneself is vital.  Being responsible both at work and home will pay off.  It only takes a minute or two to don a pair of safety glasses or goggles before you start work or go out to work in the yard.

Suggestions to help companies fulfill their obligation to protect their employees from eye injury include:

  • Increase monitoring employees’ compliance in wearing eye protection.
  • Ensure that the safety glasses, goggles, etc. fit comfortably.
  • Furnish stylish safety glasses, (there are many great styles, not the old “Plain Jane” ones.  This will encourage compliance).
  • Tying compliance into each individual’s annual evaluation.
  • Ensure that there are eyewash stations in all areas.
  • Have first aid training programs in order for employees to be familiar with how to help someone with an eye injury or any other type of injury. 

In addition to eye safety issues, the health of our eyes is something we shouldn’t take for granted.  Everyone should have an annual eye examination.  If there is a family history of glaucoma or macular degeneration, one should be seen annually by an ophthalmologist.  Experts in nutrition recommend that we have a diet rich in Vitamins C and E.  Eating leafy greens, egg yolks, fish, and other foods containing zinc are things that can contribute to good eye health.  Also, watching ones’ blood pressure is important, because if it is too high, it can hinder blood flow to the eyes.  Some eye professionals recommend eye vitamin supplements to certain patients.  Wearing sunglasses for UV protection is also important for our eye health.  Even children need to wear UV protective sunglasses, because experts say that damage to the eyes begins at a very young age.  

Have you ever turned off all the lights in your house and try to stumble to your bed?  I’m guilty of that, and I run into the wall half the time!  We think we know exactly where everything in our house is, but it’s easy to lose our bearings when we can’t see.  Imagine if you had to do that every day, all day long?  It will make you realize how thankful you are for the vision you were blessed with.  In many circumstances, such as accidents, it is a gift that cannot be replaced.  So why not “open your eyes,” and take the time to wear your protective eyewear, all the time you are working, and when you are doing your chores at home.  

General Safety Issues

PINK HARDHATS AT WORK!

A few weeks ago, one of our Texas America Safety Company customers ordered several dozen pink hardhats and specified that they were for Marist Women Build committee, which partners with Atlanta Habitat for Humanity.  Because our company supports Habitat for Humanity, I asked if she might send information about their group for our Blog, in order to tell you about the great work that they do.  Along with a picture of the gals with their pink hardhats, they also sent the following article:

THE WOMEN OF MARIST SCHOOL WILL BUILD A TENTH HOUSE THIS SPRING, 2011, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ATLANTA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

“Over 400 women will pick up hammers, strap on a tool belt and wear a pink hard hat to build a home for a single mom and her family.   The future homeowner will work alongside Students, Mothers, Grandmothers and Faculty of the Marist School.  Over the course of seven weekends, this enthusiastic group will complete the home.  On Mother’s Day weekend, May 7th, the keys to the home will be given to the new homeowner as many of the volunteers come back to celebrate with the homeowner.

Marist has a strong legacy with Atlanta Habitat for Humanity. Eight years ago a small group of women at Marist School, a private Atlanta Catholic school, formed the Marist Women Build committee to partner with Atlanta Habitat for Humanity to build affordable housing for women built by women.   The women work alongside the female homeowner to pour concrete, build/install walls, erect roof trusses, install roof shingles, hang siding, paint, landscape, and much more – all the essentials required to complete a home and lovingly demonstrate their spirit and commitment to their community.

Habitat for Humanity International established the Women Build program to encourage the involvement of women in the construction of Habitat homes. Women Build projects provide an environment in which women can feel comfortable learning new skills while making home ownership a reality for hardworking women. Empowering women homeowners also leads to a positive impact on the future of their children.”

2010hardhats2

Wouldn’t it be great if there were more women who gave their time and energy to help someone build a home for their children?  Our hats are off to Marist Women Build, and we thank them sharing their wonderful story.  Best wishes to all of you on Mother’s Day when you hand that key to the new homeowner!

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

HEALTHY HEARTS ARE IMPORTANT!

We began the month of February asking everyone to wear red on Friday, February 4, to help everyone be aware of taking care of our hearts, and stating that heart disease is the #1 killer of both men and women in the United States.  Midway through February, we again talked about keeping our hearts healthy.  What better way to end the month than to again express the importance of this subject – keeping the very most vital organ in our body in good shape. 

Everyone should discuss their heart health with a physician.  He/she should know important things about their patients – family history, blood pressure, and other risk factors that need to be watched.  Also, too much sodium intake should be avoided.  Healthy people should consume a maximum of 2,300 milligrams of sodium a day, which equals 1 Tablespoon.  Those with high blood pressure or other risk factors should not consume more than 1,500 milligrams per day.  Over 75% of sodium consumption comes from pre-processed foods. 

Your primary care manager can determine what risk factors you might have.  Age (men over 45, and women over 55), tobacco use, inactive, diabetes, and overweight/obese, are all risk factors; family history cannot be changed, but tobacco use, weight, and high cholesterol can.  Your physician will order a lipoprotein test, an analysis that breaks down cholesterol into four groups:

  1. Total cholesterol;
  2. Low density lipoproteins (LDL), “bad” cholesterol;
  3. High density lipoproteins (HDL), “good” cholesterol;
  4. Triglycerides.

Fasting prior to this test is required in order to ensure an accurate reading.

Total cholesterol values over 200 may indicate an increased risk for heart disease.  However, LDL levels better predict risk factor for heart disease.  Those with known heart disease (previous heart attack or peripheral vascular disease) or diabetes should have levels under 100.  LDL over 130, with two or more of the above risk factors, is abnormal.  An LDL over 160, with one or fewer of the risk factors, is also abnormal.  HDL cholesterol more than or equal to 60 takes away one risk factor and decreases your risk for heart disease.  Levels under 40 add a risk factor.  Normal triglyceride levels are under 150.  However, as with other components of the lipid test, fasting less than 9-12 hours may alter triglyceride results.  The best policy is to sit down with your doctor and let him explain these results in detail so you understand exactly where you stand. 

Also, here’s news about the  importance of training kids in CPR.  It is important for both adults and kids to know how to administer this life-saving procedure.  Here are the facts:

  • Effective bystander CPR, provided immediately after sudden cardiac arrest, can double or triple a victim’s chance of survival.
  • 85% of cardiac events happen in the company of family and friends.
  • The incidence of out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest in high school athletes ranges from .23 to 1 death per 100,000 high school athletes in the U.S. annually.
  • Studies have shown that children as young as 9 years old can learn and retain CPR skills.
  • About 5,900 children 18 years old and under suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrest each year from all causes, including trauma, cardiovascular causes and sudden infant death syndrome. 

Last, but not least, I want to leave February heart health tips for you with a recipe that I found on the North Carolina State Health Plan website:

“RECIPE FOR A HEALTHY HEART” 

Preparation Time: Depends on you

Level of difficulty: Easy to moderate

Ingredients:

1 ounce of prevention

1 or more motivated individuals

Lbs of healthy weight (remove large amounts of fat)

Well-balanced nutrition

4-6 servings of exercise/week

Blood pressure management

Less than 200mg cholesterol/day

Controlled blood sugar (glucose), if diabetic

A pinch of stress management

Moderate alcohol consumption (O optional)

O tobacco (for best results) 

Instructions: Combine the above ingredients on a regular basis, you will feel better, and your heart will thank you!

General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products, Weather Protection

EARTHQUAKE ROCKS NEW ZEALAND!

Tuesday, February 22nd, a 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit the island nation of New Zealand, causing damage to its’ second-largest city, Christchurch, which has a population of around 400,000 persons.  This was an “aftershock” that followed a September 2010 earthquake measuring a magnitude of 7.0.  At this time, there are at least 75 persons dead and hundreds still trapped.  

Search and rescue teams from the United Kingdom, Australia, United States and Japan are responding to offer aid in finding those still trapped.  These teams are experts at recovering trapped persons under structural collapse; emergency workers, doctors, engineers, and search dogs comprise these teams.  Google has launched a person finder on its website.  Their crisis response page lists emergency phone numbers, maps, and other resources.  This service was also offered following the earthquakes in Chile and Haiti. 

Some buildings survived the earthquake better than others, because of more rigorous building standards over the past five years.  According to the Christian Science Monitor, Graeme Beattie, a local structural engineer, who had worked with a reconnaissance team in Seattle after the Nisqually earthquake, and again in Chile after 2010’s Maule earthquake, reported that stricter local building regulations that had taken place in the mid-2000’s appeared to have been beneficial to Christchurch.  Of course, we are seeing older buildings that did not fare so well, and understandably so. 

It seems to me that an earthquake would be one of the worst natural disasters to really be ready for.  Those who live in areas prone to earthquakes would be wise to do all they can to be prepared, just as persons who live in tornado-prone areas should know where the nearest shelter or storm cellar is, and what to do in that type of emergency.  

For earthquake preparedness, here are some suggestions from the United States Geological Society.  These steps are taken based on “The Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety” handbook, Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country: 

  1. Secure it now!  Your risk of injury or death following the next earthquake or other disaster can be reduced by eliminating hazards throughout your home, neighborhood, workplace, or school.  Conduct a “hazard hunt” to help identify and fix things such as unsecured televisions, computers, bookcases, furniture, unstrapped water heaters, etc.  Securing these items now will help protect you tomorrow.
  2. Make a plan.  Make sure that your emergency plan includes evacuation and reunion plans; your out-of-state contact person’s name and number, location of emergency supplies, and other pertinent information.  Planning for an earthquake, terrorist attack, or other emergency is not that much different from planning for a party or vacation.
  3. Make disaster kits.  These kits should be stored in accessible locations at home, work, and in your car.  Having these supplies readily available can reduce the impact of an earthquake, a terrorist incident or other emergency on you and your family.  These kits should include food, water, flashlights, portable radios, batteries, first aid kit, cash, medications, whistle, fire extinguisher.
  4. Is your place safe?  Most houses are not as safe as they could be.  There are things that you can do to improve the structural integrity of your home.  Check out inadequate foundations, unbraced cripple walls, unreinforced masonry and vulnerable pipes.  A contractor or engineer can help you identify your buildings’ weaknesses and fix them now.
  5. DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON!  These are the exact instructions that the children and adults  in New Zealand have been trained to do.  Know what to do during an earthquake, regardless of being at home, work, school, or just out and about.  Taking these proper actions can save lives and reduce your risk of death or injury.  During earthquakes, drop to the floor, take cover under a sturdy desk or table, and hold on to it firmly.  Be prepared to move with it until the shaking stops.
  6. Check it out!  One of the first things to do following a major disaster is to check for injuries and damages that need immediate attention.  Make sure you are trained in first aid and in damage assessment techniques.  You should know how to administer first aid and how to identify hazards such as damaged electrical, gas, water, sewage lines.  Be ready to report damage to city or county government.
  7. Communicate and recover!  Communication is an important step in recovery efforts following a major disaster.  Turn on the portable radio for information and advisories.  If your home is damaged, contact your insurance agent right away to begin the process.  For most Presidentially declared disasters, resources will also be available from federal, state, and local government agencies. 

Most of these suggestions would apply in different emergency situations, as stated.  We have talked about emergency supply kits and being prepared in many articles.  But truthfully, have we done anything about it?  I need to get things better organized.  We never know what may be coming.  To the people of New Zealand, we pray for successful rescues of the many who are missing, and that they will be able to come back from this devastating earthquake better than ever.

Source: USGS

General Safety Issues

WE’RE STILL COUNTING DOWN OSHA’S TOP TEN VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES LIST!

Continuing with OSHA’s Top Ten Violations List, (fiscal year 2010),  coming in at #6 is Control of Hazardous Energy (lockout/tagout), general industry, (29 CFR 1910.147).  The same standard was #4 in highest penalties assessed by OSHA in fiscal year 2010.  OSHA feels that compliance with this standard  prevents an estimated 120 fatalities and 50,000 injuries annually, as there are about three million workers in the United States that have jobs to repair or service equipment or machinery, which must be isolated from energy sources before they can begin their work.  Almost 95 per cent of all lockout/tagout citations involved are from not having a formal Energy Control Program in place.  There are three core components to an energy control program:

  1. Energy Control Procedures. These procedures must detail and document the specific information that an authorized employee must know to accomplish lockout/tagout, namely, the scope, purpose, authorization rules and techniques to be utilized for the control of hazardous energy.
  2. Periodic inspections of the energy control procedures to ensure that the procedures and requirements of the standard are being followed.
  3. Employee training and retraining, along with additional training under a tagout system, to assure that the purpose and function of the energy control programs are understood by the employer. 

Employers are expected to develop programs and procedures, training and inspections, that meet the needs of their particular workplace and the particular types of machines and equipment they use and service, as long as they meet the requirements of the standard.  They must ensure that prior to an employee servicing the equipment where the potential exists for unexpected energization or start-up of equipment or the release of stored energy, the machine or equipment is isolated from the energy source and rendered inoperative.  Sources of stored energy include electricity, mechanical motion, motion due to gravity, pressure, springs under tension or compression, and/or thermal (high or low temperatures.) 

Here are other significant requirements of a Lockout/Tagout procedure required under this type of program:

  • Only authorized employees may lockout or tagout machines or equipment in order to perform service or maintenance.
  • Lockout and tagout devices shall not be used for any other purposes and must be used only for controlling energy.
  • The devices (locks and tags) must identify the name of the worker applying the device.
  • All energy sources to equipment must be identified and isolated.
  • After the energy is isolated from the machine or equipment, the isolating device must be locked out or tagged out in safe or off position only by authorized employees.
  • Following the application of these devices to the energy isolating devices, the stored or residual energy must be safely discharged or relieved.
  • Prior to starting work on the equipment, the authorized employee shall verify that the equipment is isolated from the energy source, for example, by operating the on/off switch on the machine or equipment.
  • The lock and tag must remain on the machine until work is completed.
  • Only the authorized employee who placed the lock and tag must remove his/her lock or tag,  unless the employer has a specific procedure as outlined in OSHA’s Lockout/Tagout standard.

An accident can best be avoided by preventing an unexpected startup of equipment or machinery while it is being serviced or repaired.  One can never be too careful!

Source: OSHA

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

WILDFIRE WEATHER

The old saying “when it rains, it pours,” infers that there’s usually been too much of a bad thing.  Australia has certainly experienced more than their share of weather-related happenings: a cyclone on the eastern coast, and flooding from drenching rains in Queensland and southern Victoria.  Now, in Perth, in Western Australia, wildfires are destroying homes, forcing many to evacuate.  February is the last month of summer in that country, bringing the height of monsoon season, in addition to being the riskiest time for wildfires. 

The United States has already begun to experience wildfires in several areas of the country:  from California, eastern New Mexico, western Texas and the panhandle of Texas, to the Carolinas and the east Coast.   Because brisk winds accompany warmer days, red flag warnings and fire danger warnings are commonplace, as some areas are beginning to see a gradual warmup.  Spring and warmer temperatures cause an earlier snowmelt in the mountainous areas, leaving the vicinities dryer overall, creating a longer season in which a fire can start.  Don’t let your home and property become fuel for a wildfire.  We want to share these suggestions from the Texas Forest Service about steps you can take to reduce your risk for damage from wildfire:

  • Keep leaves and other debris cleared from gutters, eaves, roof, porches and decks.  They can cause embers that can ignite your home.
  • Clear vegetation around your home at least 30 to 100 feet, depending on your area’s wildfire risk.
  • Landscape with native and less-flammable plants.  Check with your state forestry agency for information.
  • Dispose of debris and lawn cuttings quickly.
  • Remove fuel within 3-5 feet of your home’s foundation and outbuildings, including sheds and garages.  If it can catch fire, don’t let it touch your house, deck, or porch.
  • Dry grass and shrubs are fuel for wildfire; keep your lawn hydrated and maintained.
  • Remove branches from trees to a height of 15’ or more.  Wildfire can spread to tree-tops.  Be sure the lowest branches are 6’ to 10’ high.
  • LPG tanks should be far enough from buildings for valves to be shut off in case of fire.  Keep area around tank clear of flammable vegetation.
  • Store gasoline in an approved safety can away from occupied buildings.
  • Establish fuel breaks along roadways and buildings and fields or woodlands, if you live in a rural area.
  • Any combustibles – firewood, wooden picnic tables, boats, and stacked lumber should be kept away from all structures.
  • Have fire tools handy, such as:  shovel, rake and buckets for water, as well as a ladder tall enough to reach your roof.
  • Keep water hoses connected on all sides of your home for emergency use.
  • Be certain that you and your family know all emergency exits from your home and neighborhood.

These are excellent ideas to help keep the exteriors of our homes less susceptible,  in case of any type of fire;  even those who don’t live in an area of a possible wildfire.  

I have seen first-hand the devastation wildfires can cause.  A few years ago, a small community and its’ surrounding area were almost totally wiped out because of a wildfire.  Persons lost their homes and everything in them.  Because of extremely dry, windy conditions, wildfires were happening in many parts of Texas, all around the same time, (in the spring), causing not only the loss of homes, but churches and businesses.  Cattle and wild animals were trapped inside fenced pastures, with no way to get out.  

If additional senseless and potentially deadly wildfires are to be avoided, everyone must exercise extreme caution with all potential sources of wildfire ignition.  Careless debris burning is one of the major causes of wildfires.   First, and foremost, stay informed about wildfire danger levels and heed warnings and bans on outdoor burning.  Check to see if weather changes are expected.  Postpone outdoor burning until your area greens up, and check with your local fire department to determine if bans on outdoor burning have been lifted.  If you decide to burn, have a water hose ready, and stay with all outdoor fires until they are completely out. 

Source: Texas Forest Service

General Safety Issues

YOUNG WORKERS AND DISTRACTED DRIVING

When young people are new to the world of work, they bring special talents and advantages to the workplace, but may need increased protections and guidance.  Occupational health and safety risks may jeopardize their well-being.  They may only vaguely understand  the dangers of various work situations and mistakenly be willing to take risks.  This is where specialized training is required in order to keep them safe and help them realize that the real world of work has real-world hazards.  

The enthusiasm that a young person brings to a job cannot be duplicated.  However, their eagerness to please their supervisor may limit their judgment in certain circumstances that could result in an injury or accident.  On-the-job driving is one of the tasks that older workers may handle best, until the new worker is ready.  The Fair Labor Standards Act prohibits workers under 18 years of age from working as a motor-vehicle driver or outside helper on any public road or highway except that 17-year-olds may drive automobiles and trucks on an incidental and occasional basis if certain criteria are met.  

Not wishing to be unfair, I have seen any number of older persons distracted while driving.  However, here are some facts regarding young drivers:

  • In the U.S., the crash rate per mile driven for 16-to-19 year-olds is 4 times higher than the risk for older drivers.
  • A total of 4,054 teenagers ages 13-19 died in motor vehicle crashes in 2008. (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Fact Sheet).
  • One in four (26%) of American teens of driving age say they have texted while driving.
  • One-half (50%) of all teens ages 12 to 17 say they’ve been a passenger while a driver has texted behind the wheel. (Was it their parent?)
  • The percentage of young drivers who text or use other hand-held electronic devices is increasing annually.
  • Drivers under 20 years old had the highest proportion of distracted drivers involved in fatal crashes (16%).
  • The 20-to-29 year-old age group had the next greatest proportion of distracted drivers.  (Distraction.gov/stats-and-facts). 

Every company should have safety policies that prohibit the use of cell phones, unless the vehicle is stopped.  Cell phones should be used for company business only.  This is for the safety of the driver and for everyone else on the road.  Many companies will dismiss employees if they are caught texting and driving a company vehicle. 

There’s a great social movement by Allstate – designed to curb distracted driving.  This is on facebook and features a combination of celebrity support, online engagement, and in-person events.  This integrated social media and traditional grassroots campaign is making a difference.  Over 100,000 X the TXT fans are building an activist community, and saving lives, with more than 125,000 people who have taken the pledge either online or at live events not to text and drive.   
These statistics are intended for everyone that drives a vehicle, not just young people:

In a study done by Michael Sivak and Brandon Schoettle of the University of Michigan, U.S. road fatalities dropped by 22 percent from 43,501 to 33,963, (2005 to 2009), mainly due to better use of seat belts, air bags, and a reduction in traffic because of the economy.  Their studies reported, however, that federal statistics that included a code for factors involved in fatal crashes indicated a large increase in inattentive driving.   Researchers at the University of North Texas Health Science Center calculated last October that drivers using cell phones killed 16,000 people from 2001 to 2007.  In 2009, the U.S. government blamed distracted driving for 16 per cent of road deaths, or 5,800 persons.  As we know, distractions can include conversations within the vehicle, eating, putting on makeup, reading, looking at the GPS, adjusting music, drinking, driving under the influence of drugs, as well as talking or texting on the cell phone.  

Think about these facts the next time you hit the road.  Leave the distractions at home. Turn the cell phone off and check for messages when you get to your destination.  When you send your youngster to that new job, be sure he/she understands that there are many responsibilities in any job, and safe driving is a very important one.

General Safety Issues

NASCAR’S READY TO ROLL AGAIN!

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Sixty-three years old, the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is ready to begin its’ new season with the Daytona 500, this Sunday, February 20th.  The 38-race season runs from February to November.  Sports fans are getting ready to watch their favorite drivers and race teams display fast speeds and daring driving. 

Little emphasis was placed on safety in the early days of racing, but following several high speed crashes that caused the deaths of beloved drivers, the industry has focused on every detail from building safer cars to outfitting the drivers with the safest equipment and protective clothing.   Racing safety has evolved rather slowly through the years.  Drivers began wearing crash helmets in the 40’s.  Roll bars were added to the cars in the 50’s, and roll cages came along in the 60’s.  When the HANS (head and neck system) device was developed in the 80’s, many drivers were adamant that they would not wear it.  Now, drivers are required to wear this life-saving piece of equipment.  Drivers wear fire retardant suits made of Proban or Nomex material.  Some prefer to wear full-face helmets, while others say a full-face helmet restricts their peripheral vision, and choose open-face helmets with goggles.  Most drivers wear six-point harness belts that wrap around their legs.  All belts are connected to a single harness that can be quickly released to exit the cockpit rapidly. 

In 2002, NASCAR built it’s Research and Development Center, a combination warehouse, lab, and machine shop.  The goal of the R&D Center is to affect all three areas – safety, competition, and cost – in a positive way.  This center is the equivalent of the National Institute of Standards and Technology.  A platform with a portable coordinate measurement machine checks each chassis.  This machine makes up to 220 measurements and is accurate to one ten thousandth of an inch.  It gives the car a unique serial number and installs about 10 small radio frequency chips. A record of this inspection is saved for future comparisons.  There is no expense to the teams, but allows NASCAR inspectors in the field to scan the chips to ensure the car is the one that has been certified.  In the event of an accident, the car must be re-certified before it can be raced again.  Other safety improvements in the cars include moving the driver’s seat closer to the center of the car, enlarging the cockpit area and adding crushable material in the doorframes.  

Just this past Sunday, NASCAR announced the addition of a pressure relief valve to the engine and small front grille openings in hopes of reducing the time two cars can remain in drafting tandems.  Tandem drafting has become a fine dance of two drivers connecting nose to tail at speeds over 200 mph to achieve an advantage over other race cars on the track.   But NASCAR’s recent decisions to decrease the airflow to the grill, limit the psi (pounds per square inch) in the pressure relief valves, and then Wednesday’s switch to a smaller restrictor plate, were designed to lower speeds and discourage the extended periods of two-car drafts that occurred in Saturday night’s Budweiser Shootout, according to Fox News.  In the tandems last Saturday night, speeds exceeded 206 m.p.h.   NASCAR  reported Wednesday the size of restrictor plates will be reduced in an attempt to cut speeds before the season-opening Daytona 500.  The reduction amounts to 1/64” and possibly could cut 8 r.p.m.s from engines. 

Barriers called SAFER have been built to absorb crashes better than concrete.  These barriers contain crushable foam insulation behind a series of square steel tubes.  Since these have been in place there have been no fatalities resulting from incidents with an outer wall barrier in any of NASCAR’s three major series. 

By sharing this information about this popular sport, we hope you fans will appreciate knowing the many steps that are taken to keep the drivers safe.  Be prepared if you plan to attend a big race, by taking along some earplugs, sunscreen, and safety sunglasses.  Wear your team hardhat to support your favorite driver, at the race or at work!

As with any occupation, it is up to every individual to be safe.  These drivers make the decision to earn their living in a job that poses more danger than many others.  They know the consequences, but choose be involved in a sport that they love.  We wish them all the success in the world, and a safe season for 2011.  

Source: NASCAR.com