All posts by pat brownlee

General Safety Issues, High Visibility Safety

“WALKING IN A WINTER WONDERLAND” SAFELY!

It is tempting to stay indoors and work out at a local fitness center when the weather is very cold.  However, getting outdoors for a walk or run may be just the thing we need to boost our energy.  You don’t have to go as far as your warm weather outdoor activity, but knowing ways to be prepared for a cold weather walk or run is important.  Before you start winterizing your body, though, be sure to check with your physician if you have health problems such as heart, lung, or asthma.  Pay attention to weather forecasts, and if the wind chill is too low, opt for indoor exercise, or skip it for a day or two.  Wind chills can be extremely unsafe.  Don’t try to exercise outside if it is so cold that there is a risk of hyperthermia or frostbite. 

Because your body temperature will rise once you get going and you get warmer, you need to dress as though the temperature is about 20 degrees warmer than it actually is.  Wear layers, but avoid cotton; it traps moisture and draws heat away from your body.  We always advise you to wear high visibility clothing, even if it is daytime; it may be overcast, and you might not be seen by drivers.  You can find high-visibility gloves, hats, coats, and other clothing.  Also, wear sunglasses to block UV rays, which can damage your eyes.  Reflections on the snow and pavement can  harm your vision.   Also, be sure your shoes furnish good traction, as you want to avoid a slip or fall.  Consider wearing a slightly larger size shoe to accommodate thick socks.  Also, lip balm, earmuffs, or scarf, even a face mask to warm the air before it enters your lungs – all keep your body protected from the cold. 

The natural reaction to being outdoors, is to get to the end of the trail a little faster.  This will boost calorie burning, as well as get you back inside sooner!  Pumping your arms vigorously helps you burn more calories by speeding you up.  Take shorter steps, especially if you are on snow, or possibly ice beneath the snow, to eliminate falling.  Another clever idea is to use Nordic poles.  Plant the pole firmly at a 45-degree angle behind you, and push back forcefully against the ground to propel yourself forward.  In winter weather, it’s better to stretch after your walk/run because your muscles are looser.  To begin, start with a brisk walk or light jog to prime cold muscles.  Remember to drink fluids, as dry winter air can lead to dehydration.

My faithful personal trainer, Buddy, (Jack Russell terrier) and I skipped our daily walk last week because it was pretty nippy.  But this information makes me more determined to put his coat or sweater on, wrap myself up, and keep going, regardless of the cold.  We’ve been walking daily for 11 years, so we must quit slacking just because it’s quite a bit colder.  I hope this will encourage you to do the same.  Be sure to tell someone when you are going and give them your route, just to be on the safe side.

 

Sources:  Mayo Clinic, Health Magazine

General Safety Issues

TURN RIGHT FOR SAFETY AND SAVINGS!

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Most drivers know that left turns can be very dangerous.  Have you heard, “two wrongs don’t make a right, but three rights make a left?”  Taking fewer left turns is being emphasized as not only safer, but a way to save time and use less gas while idling in a left turn lane.   Another option is to go a little farther down the road to a turnaround, which takes you back to the direction you came from, but you can then take your right exit, avoiding that left turn. 

UPS has set an excellent example for us to follow.  A few years ago, UPS implemented a $600 million route optimizing system that has proven to be about 50 per cent safer, and saved travel time by around 20%.  This system maps out the next day’s schedule for thousands of their drivers in order to minimize the number of left-hand turns they must make.  This allows them to make more efficient deliveries in heavily traffic-congested areas.  According to an ABC News report, they have saved millions of gallons of fuel, and reduced emissions from their vehicles while idling at left turn lights. 

Plan your route ahead of time and experiment until you can see for yourself if this method will work for you.  Always drive defensively and remember, it is all right to take a right on red, unless there is signage that says “No Right on Red.”  Otherwise, treat it as a stop sign.  Always stop completely before taking that right turn.  If you must take left turns, first of all, be attentive to the traffic lights and don’t try to beat the yellow light.  Don’t take the chance; stop and wait for the next light change.  There may be someone coming from the other direction that tries to beat it, as well, and then no one is the winner! 

To safely make left turns, give warning ahead of time to the drivers behind you by using your turn signal, and slow down as you approach the road.  Always watch in the rear view mirror.  Someone may not be paying attention and appears to not plan to stop.  If this happens, drive forward and turn around somewhere else.  Otherwise, you will sit there and get hit.  Keep your wheels facing straight until you are ready to turn.  If you are in the road with your wheels turned left, and someone behind you hits you, it will knock you into oncoming traffic.  With your wheels facing forward, you will be knocked forward instead.  (Either way is not a very pleasant scenario!) 

Driving experts advise seniors the importance of taking more right turns to go around the block until they can forge straight ahead rather than taking left turns.  It is possible that older drivers’ response time is not so quick as younger ones, and avoiding left turns can be the safest maneuver for them. 

Look at the proven savings that a large company like UPS has made possible by this plan: fuel costs, discharging fewer metric tons of emissions into the air, and avoiding accidents – all by not having to turn into oncoming traffic thousands of times per day.  If others would follow their example, we could all be winners.

General Safety Issues

WORKPLACE VIOLENCE – “CONGRESS ON THE CORNER”

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On Saturday, January 8th, Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was in the process of holding her very first “Congress on the Corner,” by gathering her constituents together to voice their opinions – to “stop by and let me know what’s on your mind,” was the message she had sent out.  This is guaranteed by the United States First Amendment to the Constitution – the right of Americans to peaceably assemble and petition their government.  On that day, that little corner of the local Safeway grocery store was her workplace, just as her other workplace is in Washington, D.C. 

The day presented an unimaginable tragedy for Representative Giffords, when a 22-year old man “at war with normal” (according to Time Magazine) shot her in the head, and fired 30 more rounds from a Glock semi-automatic pistol into the crowd.  Six persons among the 19 people he shot died.  Many of the injured are still in the hospital.  There were many heroes who contained the shooter, and rushed to aid the wounded following this terrible act.  

This young man had asked Representative Giffords a rather senseless question back at a gathering in 2007, and since that time, he had harbored a resentment of her, because she did not answer his question.  Around the time he turned 20, he began to exhibit bizarre thinking and belief systems.  He was unable to enlist in the military, but he was able to purchase a gun.  During the time he was a student at Pima Community College, there were 51 pages of police reports of his erratic behavior, (as reported by police this past Wednesday).  He was expelled from school, and told he could not re-enter until he had a mental examination.  Now while he sits in jail, there will be much debate on the how’s and why’s this happened, not only about  him, but all the others out there who are “at war with normal.” 

We have talked about workplace violence many times, and what employers can do to control something before it happens.  This is a huge task for any employer.  It’s certainly an even bigger one for our government.  We want to live in a world that is kind and gentle, but it seems it is one where troublemakers  have more rights than those who go about their business every day, living normal lives. 

What can we do about this?  One thing is to send letters or emails to our congressmen and congresswomen, and let them know when we don’t agree what’s going on.  Hurting and killing innocent people is not the answer.   It may seem that the lawmakers aren’t listening, and if they aren’t, they should.   We all have to start thinking about: (1) gun control, (2) who is responsible to stop disruptive behavior at school or work, (3) who is paying attention, and (4) finding answers to the hundreds of other questions that are going through our minds right now. 

One thing needs to be addressed, and that is the First Amendment right to gather peaceably, with peaceably being the key word.  This was not a peaceful event.  Last, it is our own responsibility to be more aware of our surroundings.  If you work with someone who acts in irrational ways, report it to your supervisor.  People don’t want to get involved, but the possibility of devastating results later on, with people being hurt or killed may exist.  We can’t know what is going through another person’s mind, or what their problems are.  In school, students should watch and report to their teacher or counselor other students that they feel are not behaving normally.  Sometimes teens will say one of their friends made threatening statements; however, they felt they weren’t sincere.  They should tell their parents, just in case.  We can never be too careful.  If there is anything each of us can do that could possibly save the lives of others, don’t hesitate to take some kind of action.  Tell someone who hopefully will pay attention and investigate the problem in time to prevent tragedy. 

We pray that the injured persons will all fully recover from this terrible event.  Every one present at that little meeting will never forget that day, nor will the people of America.

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT FOR WOMEN IN THE WORKPLACE – DOES IT FIT?

We see more and more women working in occupations that men used to dominate.  Back in the 1940’s, the image of the American woman was that of “Rosie the Riveter,” a strong, independent female defense worker.  She wore overalls, and was doing her part to help the United States win the war.  You’ve probably seen pictures of posters that showed women rolling up their sleeves and confirming “We Can Do It.”  These women helped build bombers, tanks, and ships.  American women followed Rosie out of the kitchen and onto the shop floor.  Working women numbered 11,970,000 in 1940, growing to 18,610,000 in 1945.  One in every four wives was employed by the end of the war.  Thirty-six per cent of the civilian workforce was comprised of women.  I knew a “Rosie the Riveter.”  A very tough and determined lady, she lived for several decades after the war, but succumbed to mesothelioma.  Chances were that when she was working in that Navy shipyard and exposed to asbestos,  there was very little personal protective equipment available to the workers. 

Through the decades, we have seen women venturing into jobs that we once thought impossible.  I admire any woman who can work in jobs that require strength, determination, and are not intimidated by high-risk occupations.  Advocates for those who work in high-risk jobs emphasize the need to control or eliminate hazards for all workers.  Personal protective equipment is known to be the last line of defense against hazards in the workplace.  Once risk assessments are done and controls are established, it is important that the right personal protective equipment is furnished to fit the job and it’s hazards.  The word “fit” is important for all workers, but many types of p.p.e. are often designed to fit the average size man, according to the Centers for Disease Control. 

Anthropometry is a science that measures the human body to determine likenesses and differences among individuals and groups.  These tables clearly show that women are not small men.  A woman’s foot is shorter and narrower than a man’s.  A man’s safety boot can be manufactured to try to accommodate the woman’s smaller foot, but it would only be correct in length, and still be too wide.  Have you ever watched a toddler try to walk around the house in his daddy’s boots?  Could you imagine how it would feel to try to work all day in ill-fitting boots, or other protective clothing?  While watching a reality show recently, I observed a young woman who was working in the lumber industry, and she was giving it her all, trying to keep up with the men.  Her boots were too big and she had a hard time trying to keep them on, and from slowing her down.  

The average woman’s body is shorter than a man’s, which makes coveralls too long in the torso.  With narrower shoulders, the sleeves of coveralls would be too long.  Then, women are usually wider at the hip, so there again, the coveralls are just not made to fit a woman as well as a man.  

Gloves are usually one of the main things that are harder to fit on women.  Thankfully, manufacturers have designed womens Mechanix gloves with women in mind.  They are made with shorter, narrower fingers and a smaller palm circumference.  A man’s small size glove many times just won’t fit her hands. 

Women have smaller heads and faces than the average man.  So this affects the comfort and fit in eye and face, head, and respiratory protection that is normally made for men.  Women should try on hard hats and find ones that are not too heavy, and have adequate suspension, plus a chin strap that will help with the fit.  There are size small safety glasses that are designed for women and smaller men.  Safety goggles can create a problem with fit and comfort for women.  A “one size fits all” may be too big, which would allow an inappropriate seal to the face, which could cause hazardous substances to enter the eye area.  Again, employers should keep in mind the proper fit for each individual worker.  Not all women are unable to wear men’s protective equipment, but employers should allow for those men and women who are smaller than the average man.

As stated earlier, the first line of defense is to control or remove the hazard.  When it can’t be removed or controlled adequately, personal protective equipment must be worn.  That personal protective equipment is the last resort to keeping workers healthy and safe.  But if it does not fit properly, it won’t be worn because it is uncomfortable, unsafe, and awkward.  Workers should report this to their employer or supervisor if this is the case.

Protective Clothing

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING IN THE MEDICAL PROFESSION

When you go to a clinic or hospital, you will notice several types of clothing that medical employees wear.  There are many other types of medical garb in different departments that you don’t see, unless you must have certain tests.  Nurses and doctors are not the only ones who wear protective clothing.  Those different types of medical garments not only protect medical professionals from pathogens, but also protect patients from possible contamination by non-sterile clothing.

Manufacturers of medical protective clothing may vary the materials that they use in their products, but there are several features in common that allow the clothing to perform its  functions easily and comfortably, which include:

  • lightweight materials for comfort;
  • Different weave permeability based on intended use;
  • Adjustable closures, using either cloth ties or elastic bands;
  • Coatings or anti-static compositions to prevent bunching that could compromise protection;
  • Fluid repellant coatings on the inside combined with fluid repellant coatings on the outside;
  • No-lint grades of cloth;
  • Footwear with anti-skid treads for safety.

Listed below are some of the articles of clothing that medical professionals  wear:

  • Scrubs: These are one of the most familiar to patients.  They are worn by nurses, nurse aides, janitors, and others in hospitals, clinics, home health care and hospice settings, and dentists’ offices.  They may be worn over other clothing, and are easy to change and replace if soiled or contaminated.
  • clip on side shields: goggles protect against sudden splashes of fluids such as blood, vomit, or other body fluids.  They should completely cover the eyes, and wrap around to the temples for extra protection.
  • Masks:  Generally worn over the nose and mouth to keep from exhaling micoorganisms in a sterile environment or to protect them from contagious diseases in the surrounding air.  Many civilian individuals wear masks to keep from being exposed to particulate matter when they are traveling or have low resistance to catching illnesses.
  • Gloves: Gloves are another of the widely used parts of protective clothing.  It is imperative to wear gloves when dealing with body fluids or sterile equipment.  Latex gloves are flexible enough to not impair the provider’s dexterity.  They are inexpensive and can be discarded after use.
  • Shoe and boot covers: Thin, elastic booties cover footwear completely, and are made to accommodate shoe sizes and styles. 
  • Scrub and Surgical Caps: Headgear that covers the hair and scalp in order to keep microorganisms contained, but control the wearer’s hair.  Surgical caps are tighter than scrub caps in order to maintain a sterile environment.
  • Surgical gowns: Rear-closure gowns are used by surgeons and discarded after use to avoid contagion. 
  • Disposable Sleeves: Independent sleeves have elastic at both top and bottom for a secure fit, and are necessary when gloves do not furnish adequate coverage,yet a full gown is not needed.
  • Lab coats: Many physicians wear lab coats when in their clinics or making rounds.  They usually have several pockets for the wearer’s convenience.  Lab coats furnish a minimal level of protection in emergencies.
  • Radiology aprons:  These are made of lighter weight material, (but still contain lead), than the old lead aprons, allowing  more comfort to radiology workers while still protecting them from radiation.
  • Uniforms: EMS personnel wear high visibility uniforms to keep them safe while working around traffic accidents and other high level emergencies.  Uniforms include protective pants, shirts, vests, jackets, special belts and arm bands.

When you visit a hospital, you may be asked to don a mask, gown, gloves or other piece of protective clothing, especially if you are seeing a patient in intensive care, or children’s unit.  This is not only for the patient’s safety, but yours, as well.   Do not touch things the patient might touch – hand rails, the t.v. remote, or phone.  Be sure to wash your hands before entering and after leaving the patient’s room.

Have you noticed how glamourous  actors in medical shows are?  Most of the time when they are doing surgery, they aren’t wearing the protective face shields or goggles.  Maybe we couldn’t hear what their next line is!   Real medical professionals,  (the people behind the masks, goggles, and  all that other paraphanalia ) are doing their jobs while wearing the personal protective equipment that is required for each particular task they undertake.

Eye Protection

PROTECTING CHILDREN’S EYES

To continue promoting National Eyecare Month in January, we need to tell you that it is not only important for adults to have regular eye examinations and do everything possible to prevent eye disease and blindness, but also very important to be aware of the damages that can occur to young eyes.  The World Health Organization has stated that 80% of a person’s lifetime exposure to UV rays is received before the age of 18.  Children are at risk of UV damage because the lens of their eyes are more transparent, which allows more short wave lengths to reach the retina, according to the American Optometric Association.  UV damage is cumulative, building up over time.  The damage of UV exposure has been linked to cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye problems. 

I think most young persons wear sunglasses because it makes them look “cool”, and it does!  They may not realize that they are protecting their eyes while looking good!  In all honesty, when my children were young, I was not aware of the possibility of damage to their eyes, which can be caused by, of course, the sun, and reflections off water, sand, pavement, and even snow.  Children should be encouraged to wear UV-blocking eyewear for all daytime outdoor adventures, specifically between the hours between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m, when UV rays are the most intense.  We all should wear eye protection even during overcast days.   Here are some suggestions from Prevent Blindness America for parents to remember to protect their eyes by doing the following: 

  • Purchase wraparound sunglasses to protect eyes as well as the delicate skin around the eyes.
  • Choose lenses that are not glass, but are made of polycarbonate and are impact resistant, unless otherwise prescribed by a doctor.
  • Make sure the lenses are not scratched or damaged.
  • Only purchase sunglasses that offer 99% to 100% UV protection.
  • Make sure the sunglasses fit the child’s face and shield the eyes from all angles. 

Parents can set a good example by wearing protective sunglasses and will find that safety glasses fit the bill.  They are not that expensive, therefore, they can be easily replaced.    Many persons are required to wear safety glasses at work, and safety glasses are as stylish as the kind sold in department stores.  There are types of safety sunglasses made especially to fit women and children.  One can also find specialty stores that offer sunglasses to fit infants and toddlers. 

We all want to do the right thing by our children, and protecting their eyes is such an important part of ensuring they will grow up to enjoy healthy vision.  When they get involved in sports, there are all types of eye protection available to keep them from experiencing eye injuries.  We know that you want to keep an eye out for them through every step of their young lives.

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

ARE YOUR EYES “WIDE OPEN” WHEN IT COMES TO KEEPING A CHECK ON THEM?

Because eye health care advocates, such as Prevent Blindness America, and The National Eye Institute are focusing on January’s National Glaucoma Awareness Month, we also suggest that there are many ways we must take care of our vision, beginning with a good eye exam.  Not too long ago, I asked a friend to drive for me after I had my annual eye examination by my ophthalmologist, because my eyes would have to be dilated.  My friend noted that she had never had hers dilated.  Dilation is necessary to allow the ophthalmologist or optometrist to see inside the eye, checking for disease, glaucoma, macular degeneration, or any other future problem.  Dilation is done with simple eye drops, and even though you may look like an owl for a few hours, and your vision is not perfect, there are reverse drops to help it wear off a little faster.  It is good to have an annual vision checkup, but in general, the recommended frequency of comprehensive examination through dilated pupils without other symptoms or risk factors is:

  • Ages 20-39, Every 3 to 5 years
  • Ages 20-39, African American and Hispanics, Every 2 to 4 Years
  • Ages 40-64, Every 2-4 Years
  • Ages 65 and over, Every 1-2 Years

Prevent Blindness America and the National Eye Institute during January’s National Glaucoma Awareness Month are striving to educate the public on what they can do to help save their vision.  “Our key message is that, unfortunately, there is no cure for glaucoma.  But the good news is that if detected and treated early, the effects of vision loss can be diminished,” said Hugh R. Parry, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness America. 

Many of us may not be aware that an eye exam cannot only help to protect eyesight, it can uncover evidence of other diseases including diabetes or hypertension.  And, for eye diseases such as glaucoma, the damaging effects may be detected through an eye exam before a patient notices any symptoms.  In fact, patients in the early stages of glaucoma usually have no symptoms, no noticeable vision loss and no pain, which is why it is called the “sneak thief of sight.” By the time symptoms start to appear, some permanent damage to the eye has usually occurred.

According to the study “Vision Problems in the U.S.” by Prevent Blindness America and the National Eye Institute (NEI), there are nearly 2.3 million Americans ages 40 and older who have glaucoma.  Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world and the leading cause of blindness in African American and Hispanic populations in America.  Glaucoma is an eye disease that causes loss of sight by damaging a part of the eye called the optic nerve. This nerve sends information from the eyes to the brain. When the optic nerve is damaged, peripheral vision begins to diminish.  If left untreated, over time, glaucoma may also damage central vision. Unfortunately, once vision is lost to glaucoma, it cannot be restored.  Vision loss can be lessened, however, if glaucoma is detected and treated early.

Here are many risk factors for glaucoma, including:

  • Age: The older you are, the greater your risk.  Those that are 40 and older are more likely to develop glaucoma.
  • Race: As stated earlier, glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in African American and Hispanic populations in America.  
  • Family History: If you have a parent or sibling who has glaucoma, you are more likely to develop the disease.
  • Diabetes: People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing glaucoma.
  • Nearsightedness: People who are very nearsighted are at greater risk.
  • Eye Injury or Surgery: Those who have had eye surgery or eye injuries may develop secondary glaucoma.
  • Steroid Medication: Steroids, when used for extended periods of time, may increase the risk of glaucoma.

Prevent Blindness America offers a dedicated website for free information on glaucoma at preventblindness.org/glaucoma.  Additional information may also be obtained in English or Spanish by calling (800) 331-2020.  We thank Prevent Blindness America for this important message and want to add to Mr. Parry’s (President and CEO of PBA)wish to all for happiness and health in 2011, and that everyone will have a good eye examination.  Take that hour or two to see an expert and protect your vision.  It’s a good investment for all:  you, your employer, and family.  And, if you need protection for your eyes at work, keep those safety glasses or goggles on!

General Safety Issues

DISTRACTED DRIVING IS A WORKPLACE HAZARD

Thus states OSHA, in an open letter to employers:  “It is (the employer’s) responsibility and legal obligation to create and maintain a safe and healthful workplace, and that would include having a clear, unequivocal and enforced policy against the hazard of texting while driving.  Companies are in violation of (OHSA) if, by policy or practice, they require texting while driving, or create incentives that encourage or condone it, or they structure work so that texting is a practical necessity for workers to carry out their job.”  This letter was written to kick off “Drive Safely Work Week”, an article we featured on this blog.

Has this policy been established at your workplace yet?  Several workplace employees have told me that they are not allowed to text while driving during work hours, and if caught doing so, they will be fired.  The Department of Labor and Department of Transportation are joining OSHA in this initiative by creating public awareness campaigns on the serious issue of distracted driving.  OSHA’s top priority is keeping workers safe.  Year after year the leading cause of worker fatalities is motor vehicle crashes.  Distracted driving increases the risk of a vehicle accident.

Federal employees are prohibited to text while driving.  Because it is well known that texting while driving is a hazard, it is imperative that employers do not encourage workers to text while driving, which violates everything that safety rules stand for.  As stated by Dr. David Michaels, Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA, “Although communication technology helps businesses work smarter and faster, it does not justify the dramatically increased risk of injury and death that comes with texting and driving.”

There are thirty states that ban texting and driving for all drivers.  OSHA’s website features a video message and the letter mentioned above to showcase employer policies and team up with employer and labor associations to communicate OSHA’s message.  According to fellow blogger, Ken Oswald, a complete listing of current state laws on cell phone use and texting while driving can be found on the Governors Highway Safety Association’s website or the National Conference of State Legislatures’ website. Also, Mr. Oswald states that OSHA has warned employers that it will investigate complaints that an employer requires or encourages texting while driving and penalties will be imposed to employers who fail to comply with its guidelines. 

In a separate report, Federal statistics include a code for factors involved in fatal crashes, which point to a big increase in inattentive driving.  “U.S. data combines  talking, eating, and using cell phones in the same group.  There has been a 42 per cent increase in fatal crashes in which the coder labeled inattention as a factor.”  (I recently received a comment on one of our latest  distracted driving blogs that questioned not only texting and talking on the cell phone, but also putting on makeup, reading, and other distractions while driving.  Good point.) 

Maybe when companies enforce these rules regarding texting and driving, those employees will adjust to not texting and driving during their free time.  It would be a better habit to turn the phone off and retrieve the messages when you are on your lunch break, or after you get home.  Hands-free phones should be the only type allowed, and even then, certain conversations may keep the driver from focusing on their driving.

Join in with OSHA and your state to make the highways safer.  Leave the phone off until your vehicle is stopped.  Their little answering machines work just fine!