All posts by pat brownlee

Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety

EVER HEARD OF POPCORN LUNG?

Who doesn’t love the taste of butter-flavored popcorn?  But how many of us are aware of “popcorn lung disease” or “popcorn workers lung,” caused by exposure to a butter-flavoring chemical called diacetyl, and possibly mixed with other flavorings?   The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), has, and continues to investigate the occurrence of severe lung disease in employees in microwave popcorn packaging plants and flavorings manufacturing facilities for several years.  Their reports show that many employees at microwave popcorn plants suffer from fixed airways obstruction, some consistent with bronchiolitis obliterans, and other respiratory illnesses.  The type of lung damage that many employees have suffered is irreversible, and some have died from it.  Numerous lawsuits have been settled by those who have been affected.  NIOSH also reported that employees at microwave popcorn plants and a flavorings manufacturing facility experienced eye, nasal, and/or upper respiratory irritation and/or burns.   

Around September, 2007, several well-known popcorn manufacturers announced that they would remove the flavoring chemical.  In October, 2009, OSHA launched a National Emphasis Program to reduce and eliminate the hazards associated with chemical exposures from diacetyl, the prominent chemical ingredient in butter flavorings.  Those workers who work around vats containing these mixtures, as well as the ones who package the microwave popcorn should have adequate protection from breathing these harmful vapors in their work environment.  Other food products that may use this flavoring include candy, potato chips, and pound cakes.  

NIOSH has issued the following recommendations for reducing employee exposure to potentially dangerous flavoring chemicals:

  • Use engineering controls such as closed systems, isolation, ventilation booths, or local exhaust ventilation.  Simple exhaust hoods can dramatically reduce exposure.
  • Train employees on all potential hazards and ensure that they understand proper procedures and use of engineering controls.  It is critical that engineering controls are effective in protecting workers.
  • Good housekeeping and work practices that minimize exposure are carried out through administrative rules.
  • Proper personal protective equipment must be used.  Suitable respirators, such as NIOSH-certified respirators with organic vapor cartridges combined with particulate filters would provide minimum level of protection.  Teflon, Tychem, or butyl rubber gloves and aprons to reduce skin contact with ketones (diacetyl).  Eye protection is  needed, as well.
  • Workers exposed to flavoring chemicals should have their lung function checked by spirometry on a regular basis.
  • Monitor occupational exposures and the state of workers’ health often.
  • All workers should know the MSDS information regarding the chemicals they are exposed to. 

NIOSH states: “Even if substances are safe to eat – ‘generally recognized as safe’  as determined by the Food and Drug Administration, they may still be harmful to breathe in the forms and amounts to which food and chemical industry workers may be exposed.  How much exposure that people have to diacetyl and other inhaled flavoring chemicals is the important issue in determining the risk for lung disease.  It would be hard to compare the risk to consumers to that of the workers.  Even though there is little to suggest significant risk to normal consumers, a sensible precautionary approach should be taken.  Cooking or popping of products containing diacetyl and other butter flavoring chemicals should be done in an area with adequate exhaust ventilation, in order to remove vapors.  Microwave popcorn bags should be allowed to cool before they are opened, which will also decrease exposure to vapors.  Flavoring mixtures are often complex and contain both natural and manmade substances.  There is much to be learned about the potential health effects of the individual component materials and how they interact when combined.” 

I checked the box of butter-flavored popcorn in my pantry and it doesn’t list diacetyl; however, it does state “artificial flavors” in the ingredients.  That’s food for thought, isn’t it?

Eye Protection

UNDERSTANDING THE VALUE OF EYE SAFETY

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As we begin a new year, the economy may still be causing employers to examine ways to cut costs, and many times, safety budgets may be the primary avenues they take.  Safety experts say many companies see safety as an overhead cost; but eye injuries alone account for more than $300 million per year, according to OSHA.  This figure includes medical expenses, worker compensation, and lost production time. 

January is National Eyecare Month.  Once good vision is lost, it can’t be easily replaced.  Prevent Blindness America reports that an estimated 94,500 persons are treated in emergency rooms for eye injuries every year in the United States.  The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that around 2,000 people suffer eye injury at work each day.  That’s one in every ten, leading to at least one or more missed workdays.  The correct eye protection could either prevent 90% of those injuries or lessen the severity of damage to the eyes. 

Employers must furnish personal protective equipment that matches the particular hazards of the job.  Protective Safety goggles, safety glasses, sideshields, faceshields, and full-face respirators are designed to protect the eyes from impact, flying objects, dust, tools, chemicals, radiation, and many other hazards.  Companies must assess eye safety dangers and eliminate hazards before employees begin their work.  Employees should be trained to know that they should wear safety eyewear and other protective equipment at all times that there is risk of injury.   

Safety lens may be made of the following materials that meet or exceed the requirements for protecting the eyes:

  • Polycarbonate lens:  Protect against splatter, are not likely to fog; stronger than glass or plastic, have higher impact resistance than the others; but are not as scratch-resistant as glass.
  • Plastic lens: Also lighter weight than glass, not likely to fog either, but are not as scratch-resistant as glass.
  • Glass lens: are not easily scratched, and can be used around harsh chemicals.  They can be made with corrective prescriptions; however, they are sometimes heavy and uncomfortable. 

If a person is working with chemicals, they should wear goggles.  Working near hazardous radiation, such as welding, lasers, or fiber optics requires the worker to wear special-purpose safety glasses, goggles, face shields, or welding hoods designed for that particular task.  If the work area contains dust particles, flying objects, or other like hazards, safety glasses with side protection (side shields) should be worn, unless the employer feels that goggles would be safer. 

The “bottom line” is the fact that although companies think they may save money by cutting down on safety budgets, they might face higher costs because of an eye injury.  Prevent Blindness America estimates that the average eye injury costs a company $28,000 in medical expenses, lost time, and production slowdowns.  How many of their products would the business need to sell to offset that kind of expense, after a serious workplace accident?  They may feel that although accident protection is important, it may not be that urgent until something happens.  Let’s hope that isn’t the case.

General Safety Issues

LET’S START THE NEW YEAR OFFF WITH A GOOD ATTITUDE – TOWARD LIFE AND WORK!

 What better time to make a promise to change the way we look at things than the beginning of a brand new year?  Both research and common-sense tell us that we can enjoy better health when we have a good attitude.  We’ve all heard of the optimist that sees the glass “half-full” and the pessimist that sees it “half-empty.”  How much fun is that?  It’s a lot more pleasant to try to look at our life – both at work and home with a good outlook.  Things can’t be that bad if we don’t make them that bad!  Besides, negative emotions can be detrimental to long-term health issues.  

For young people starting out on a new job, the best advice is to go into that occupation full-steam ahead.  Show your new employer that you are interested in what the company does and stands for, not just in getting a pay check every two weeks.  If you start a job with the knowledge that you may make mistakes, which is expected, but that you are willing to work hard and not “talk the talk”, but “walk the walk”, your chances of advancement are much better that someone who just shows up every day, and doesn’t bring that positive personality with them. 

You don’t have to go around with a grin on your face all day, but understand that there are no shortcuts to success.  You have to do the job you are hired to do and do it safely.  Do you know people in your workplace that complain all the time?  Their complaints affect the morale of their co-workers.  Maybe they need some encouragement to complete the tasks they are assigned to do.  Workers can “feel” the negative or positive “vibes” a co-worker puts out.  

Safe and happy work environments have to be cultivated both by management and workers alike.  It takes time to cultivate friendships; things just don’t happen overnight.  Training is the first step, and employees should take advantage of the work-related lessons they are taught. Do you know any workers who ignore the safety rules, or take a chance on their own, or co-workers’ safety and health?  Do they wear their personal protective equipment, and take care of it?  Do they run machines without guards, or throw tools around?  If so, they are displaying a lack of respect for both themselves, other workers and the company they work for.  

If you need to think about your attitude, now’s the time.  Concentrate on your behavior, both at home and work.  Figure out how to fix problems and don’t give up.  Be willing to help others.  Share ideas with them, but also show that you are able to work independently.  Watch out for your fellow man.  If you witness a near-miss at work, report it and see that it gets corrected.  All of us need to be on the alert for safety hazards.  Pay attention to the many motivational safety posters  posted all around your workplace, and heed their warnings. 

I hope this little “pep talk” will help some of you go into work with a better outlook on things.  I want to share something I read the other day about “well-being,” and after all, isn’t that what we are all looking for?  Concentrate on this good advice, and have a great 2011 at work, home, and play! 

  • PHYSICAL WELL-BEING: Maintaining healthy and energetic bodies by making healthy choices about exercise, diet, and stress management.
  • EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING: Peace of mind, confidence and self-respect that we achieve by coming to terms with our full range of feelings.
  • SPIRITUAL WELL-BEING: Purpose, fulfillment and meaning that comes with having a sense of connection to those things that are larger than ourselves.
  • INTELLECTUAL WELL-BEING: Mental acuity that results from keeping our minds active, alert, open, curious and creative.
  • SOCIAL WELL-BEING: Camaraderie that comes from maintaining a rich web of relationships, with family, friends, and colleagues.
General Safety Issues

HAPPY NEW YEAR! CELEBRATE SAFELY!

The last official holiday of 2010, New Year’s Eve, will be celebrated in various ways.  Hopefully, everyone will still be intact on January 1, 2011!  We have focused on driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, texting and driving, and distracted driving, so much that you either agree with it or are tired of hearing about it.  But this is a very sobering subject, when you stop to think about the devastation of lives any of these activities have caused.

AT&T has released a powerful new documentary featuring stories of  individuals whose lives have been altered by texting and driving.  Their goal is to make texting and driving as socially unacceptable as drinking and driving.  Teenagers need to know that a text message is not worth a life.  The document will be distributed to schools, safety organizations and government agencies, and urges people to take a pledge on its Facebook page not to text and drive.  This message applies to adults, as well. 

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety says one in 10 drivers have knowingly started their cars under the influence.  Alcohol not only impairs our ability to drive, but to balance, make good judgment, and have normal reflexes.  Walking under the influence is no laughing matter.  The journal Injury Prevention noted that New Year’s Day is more deadly to pedestrians than any other day of the year.  If a person has been partying and decides to walk home, don’t let them go alone.  They need to be escorted home by someone who is assumes the same responsibility as a designated driver. 

In Texas, the Texas Public Safety Commission approved a special driver enforcement program by the Texas Highway Patrol granting TxDOT funds to DPS to finance costs of added DPS trooper patrols, during the Christmas-New Year’s season.  The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is doing the same.  It is hoped that the addition of troopers will help support the theme, “Don’t Drive if you’re Tipsy, Buzzed, or Blitzen.”  Statistics from Texas during December, 2009, show there were 37,000 traffic crashes which injured 18,000 people and killed 240 more.  In all of 2009, there were 3,089 fatalities on Texas roads and 956 of those were the result of alcohol-related crashes.  This makes alcohol a factor in nearly one-third of all fatal crashes in Texas.  Oklahoma officials narrowed the time frame down for fatality wrecks to the period from December 24, through January 3, 2009.  During that time, there were 14 people that died in Oklahoma crashes.

Have a safe and Happy New Year’s Celebration and enjoy all that is offered for your entertainment, (with the exception of too many drinks!) There will be football, football, and more football!  Good luck to the TCU Horned Frogs, representing our state!  Good luck to all teams and let’s pray for injury-free games.

Thanks for being loyal readers of Blog4Safety, and to our Texas America Safety Company friends throughout the world, we wish you all a very Happy New Year, and a big Texas THANKS, Y’ALL!

General Safety Issues

UNDERSTANDING THE RISK OF CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING

Along with winter weather come many invisible dangers, one of them being the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning.  People may try to heat their homes by leaving ovens open or heating appliances on, unaware of the risk that this invisible, toxic gas can cause.  You can’t see, taste, or smell the deadly fumes that can kill you before you are even aware it is in your home.  CO gas can come from several sources: charcoal grills, wood-burning fireplaces, gas-fired appliances, fireplaces and motor vehicles. 

Recently, five teens were found dead in a motel room they had rented to celebrate one of the teens’ 19th birthday.  There were no drugs, alcohol or suspicious items found in the room, according to law enforcement.  But, they had left their car running in a garage underneath the room.  Friends reported that earlier the car had needed a jump-start, and they probably left it running to preserve the battery’s charge.  A door leading to a staircase up to the room had been left open; high levels of CO gas were found inside. 

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, each year in America, unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning claims more than 400 lives and sends another 20,000 people to hospital emergency rooms for treatment.  Around 4,000 of those persons are sick enough to be hospitalized.  Symptoms of CO poisoning are headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion, as stated by the American College of Emergency Physicians.  They report that symptoms could imitate other illnesses, making it hard to recognize CO poisoning.  Persons living or working together that get these symptoms simultaneously over a short period of time may mistakenly think they have flu.  Everyone is at risk for CO poisoning.  Experts believe that unborn babies, infants, children, senior citizens and persons with heart or lung problems are at even greater risk for CO poisoning.  

The United States Fire Administration and National Association of Home Builders want you to know that there are simple steps you can take to protect yourself from deadly carbon monoxide fumes: 

  • Install at least one carbon monoxide alarm with an audible warning signal near sleeping areas and outside individual bedrooms.  Purchase an alarm that has been evaluated by a recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL.)
  • Never use the range or oven to heat the home, or a charcoal grill or hibachi in your home or garage.
  • Do not use portable flameless chemical (catalytic) heaters in your home.
  • Never use generators in your home, basement or garage, or near windows, doors or vents.
  • Never leave a car running in a garage.  Even with open doors, normal circulation will not provide enough fresh air to prevent a dangerous build up of CO.
  • Have a qualified professional check all fuel burning appliances, hot water heaters,  furnaces, vent and chimney systems at least once a year.
  • When purchasing an existing home, have a qualified technician evaluate the heating and cooking systems, as well as sealed spaces between the garage and house.   

In addition, the USFA and NAHB pass on these valuable instructions on what to do if your carbon monoxide alarm goes off: 

  1. Silence the alarm.
  2. Turn off all appliances and sources of combustion, (i.e. furnace and fireplace).
  3. Ventilate the house with fresh air by opening doors and windows.
  4. Call a qualified professional to investigate the source of possible CO buildup.

(The above instructions are applicable if no one is feeling ill.) 

If illness is a factor:

  1. Evacuate all occupants (including animals) immediately.
  2. Determine how many occupants are ill and establish their symptoms.
  3. Call your local emergency number and include the number of people feeling ill to the dispatcher.
  4. Do not re-enter the home without the approval of a fire department representative.
  5. Call a qualified professional to repair the source of the CO.   

If your carbon monoxide alarm goes off, it is very possible that you may not be experiencing symptoms when you hear the alarm; this does not mean that CO is not present!  Remember, having a carbon monoxide alarm in your home can save your life in the event of CO buildup! 

CO builds up quickly when a car or vehicle is running in a closed garage.  If you drive a vehicle with a tailgate, when you open the tailgate, open windows or vents to be sure air is moving through the vehicle.  If only the tailgate is open, CO from the exhaust will be pulled into the vehicle.  This important  information is from the Centers for Disease Control. 

With all these different agencies looking out for our safety, it seems it would only take a small amount of time and effort to follow their advice to purchase and install these carbon monoxide detectors.  It’s  a small price to pay that could result in such a rich reward if it saves the lives of those you love.

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

CREATING A HEALTHY WORKPLACE, PART II

As we discussed earlier, we all want to live in a perfect world and work in a perfect workplace.  While perfection may be out of reach, both employers and employees can do their part to create an environment where we can all go to our specific job assignments, feeling free from safety and health risks. 

Workers and managers should plan together, using a continuous method to protect and promote the health, safety, and well-being of all employees.  The strains of work that employees face are mainly trying to balance work and life issues, which creates health problems when individuals face a lack of control at work.  Thus management should recognize that this can lead to distress levels that in turn can create short-term health complaints, with longer-term health disorders.  A normally healthy person placed in an unhealthy work environment will likely be prone to develop problems such as heart, back pain, mental health issues, and injuries.  In other words, no work environment should make people ill and susceptible to injury.  Companies should also enforce policies that accommodate older workers and those with chronic disease or disabilities.  They should have resources for their employees to participate in health-improvement programs.

We know that the following hazards or problems exist in many workplaces and must be addressed:

  • Physical – can result from structural, air, machinery, furniture, products;
  • Chemicals and materials;
  • Production processes;
  • Outdoor location work;
  • Ergonomics – awkward position, repetitive motions, lifting;
  • Mechanical – working around heavy machinery, noise;
  • Mobile – driving in hazardous conditions;
  • Psychosocial – Poor organization
  • Work demands, low reward or recognition;
  • Lack of supervisor support;
  • Poor communication;
  • Bullying, discrimination;
  • Lack of negotiation;
  • Lack of flexibility. 

Corrections to all of these are up to administration.  There should be leadership that oversees proper housekeeping of all work areas, preventive maintenance, enforcement of policies, adequate training, and furnishing the right Personal Protective Equipment, such as respirators for dusty work areas, industrial hard hats and boots for construction personnel, etc.  Their policies and programs to reduce health risks and improve the quality of life for workers can be carried out in some of these ways: 

  • Post signs to encourage use of stairs.
  • Place motivational posters in common areas.
  • Offer health education classes and weight management discussions.
  • Offer employee discounts for gym memberships.
  • Offer health benefits such as flu shots and free screenings.
  • Furnish literacy education to their employees and family members.
  • Establish smoke-free policies, by incorporating incentives and competitions, with added interventions. 

It sounds as though we have put all the demands on the shoulders of the companies.  But employees know that they must fulfill their obligations to the company and their families to stay healthy and safe at all times.  If you check around, you might be surprised to see how many large companies play an active part in their communities as well as their businesses.    They support the establishment of primary healthcare facilities in the communities.  They make commitments to planners to build sidewalks, bike paths, and other projects that benefit not just their employees, but entire communities.  When schools and charities solicit their help, they usually come through with financial support that individuals cannot afford to do.

So, let’s end the year and start a new one with the goal of creating a healthier workplace for ourselves and our coworkers.

General Safety Issues

CREATING A HEALTHY WORKPLACE, PART I

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As we come to the end of the year, our thoughts turn to making the same resolutions that we usually make each new year, such as losing weight, quitting bad habits, etc.  How about a different and new resolution?  One that both companies and employees alike would make: to create a healthier workplace for everyone?  There’s always room for improvement –  regardless of policies that are already in place.  Let’s talk about this important issue. 

According to the World Health Organization, “Personal and social codes of behavior and ethics are the foundation of every major religious and moral philosophy.  One of the most basic of universally accepted ethical principles is to “do no harm” to others in the workplace.  This means to ensure employees’ health and safety.”  The World Health Organization’s definition of health is “A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely absence of disease.”  

Does this definition fit your workplace?  Everyone wins when they have a healthy workplace: the employer, who provides a safe physical work environment to prevent occupational diseases, accidents and injuries, while promoting healthy lifestyles and encouraging personal development.  Employers should have leadership that can  allow workers to meet job demands and control the workload to ensure that those workers are able to balance both their work and personal responsibilities.  They should establish principles of work that will prevent stress and ill health. 

Data demonstrates that in the long term, companies that promote and protect workers’ health are rewarded by retaining those employees, and are more successful and competitive than companies that don’t.  Employers should consider these important factors:

  • Cost of prevention versus costs resulting from accidents;
  • Financial consequences of legal violation of health, safety, and occupational rules and laws;
  • Workers health as an important business asset for the company. 

Of course, the other winners are the employees.  If health initiatives are in the workplace, employees will enjoy greater job satisfaction, being able to balance work and family responsibilities, all the while enjoying a sense of pride and well-being.  Companies will see a reduction in work-related illness, injury and disability when they enforce good safety and health policies. 

Employees who have to face unreasonable deadlines become overwhelmed and out of control, which can elevate stress levels and possibly lead to depression.  They think that their load can be handled better if they are able to do part of their work at home, such as using their laptop, or staying late at the office to catch up.  This takes away from their family and free time, and is a hard habit to break, once they start.  Workers should have the ability to negotiate their workload with their supervisor without fear of reprisal or punishment.  They should be given tasks to do that afford the opportunity to apply their skills and knowledge effectively with colleagues and managers while in a safe and healthy environment.  They are entitled to have the tools to get their job done efficiently and receive fair pay with benefits.  Those employees who are satisfied with their work environment will be more productive and make a better contribution to the company’s success. 

Please stay tuned: tomorrow we will keep talking about ways that will be beneficial both to employers and employees by creating a healthy workplace.

Source: World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Hearing Protection

CLEARING SNOW SAFELY

Many parts of the United States have been pummeled with heavy snow storms, and for those areas, having a snow blower is another important part of machinery that must be operated with care, just as a lawnmower, tractor, or automobile.  The US Consumer Products Safety Commission estimates that around 5,000 injuries from snow blowers happen each year. 

There are snow blowers that can be ridden, as well as those that are operated by walking behind them, the same as lawnmowers.  It is very important to be familiar with every aspect of equipment, and the best way to do that is by doing something we many times avoid – reading the manual!  And, if we don’t understand the manual, we should go back and read it again.  How many people do you know that actually refer to the manual before they jump right in, feet first?  Once you have become accustomed to your snow blower, you should keep it in good condition.  Warm up the engine before you start using it, and once your job is finished, let it run just a little in order to keep the moving parts from freezing. 

Hopefully those who are already using your snow blowers this winter, are following these common-sense safety tips.  However, some folks might learn something new, so here goes: 

  • Repeating: read the manual first.
  • Do not drink before or while operating any kind of machinery.
  • Before you begin, check the area for rocks or other debris that could be thrown and cause damage to the machine, property damage, or personal injury.
  • Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.
  • Never add fuel to an engine that is hot.
  • Don’t wear loose clothing that could get entangled.
  • Be aware that although some snow blowers have small engines, they can cause serious injuries.
  • Never leave a snow blower running in a shed or enclosed area, because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Watch for holes or curbs where you are clearing.
  • Reduce speed on turns and slopes.
  • Always pay attention to traffic.
  • If you walk behind your snow blower, wear anti-skid boots to help keep you from falling, and back up very carefully.
  • When running electric-powered equipment, be vigilant of the location of the cord, and never use frayed cords.
  • Never operate snow blowers when the visibility is poor.
  • Never allow youngsters under age 15 to operate snow blowers, and then only if they are mature enough to make good decisions.
  • When doing maintenance on the snow blower, such as changing the oil or removing blades for sharpening, pull the wire off the spark plug to ensure the engine won’t start.
  • Do not remove any safety devices.
  • Wear NRR ear plugs and cool safety glasses to protect your hearing and vision, and by all means, winter warm gloves and clothing. 

Last, but not least, we mentioned earlier that there are thousands of injuries from improper or careless use of snow blowers each year.  Snow blower accidents are a leading cause of amputations.  If the chute gets jammed, never try to clear it with your hands.  Turn the machine off, disengage clutch, and wait more than five minutes for the blades to stop rotating.  Beware of  a brief recoil of motor and blades that can occur after it is turned off.  Use a stick or handle to remove debris.  Many snow blowers have a clearing tool for clogs that is stored within easy reach, giving a strong incentive for easy and safe cleaning.  Injuries such as cuts, loss of fingers, toes, broken bones, burns and infection have occurred because of lack of respect and safety toward the machine that is being operated. 

There’s much more snow to fall this winter, so be thankful you have a machine to clear it for you.  If you do have to shovel it, please do so with care – don’t slip and fall!

General Safety Issues

SLOGANS CAN TEACH US A THING OR TWO!

After you hear a good joke, or clever saying, can you remember all of it to share with someone?  I always forget the punch line, or another important part of it, so that’s not my strong suit.  We are in the business of helping individuals and businesses protect themselves and their employees at work, home, or play.  Safety plays such a vital role in our lives.  If you don’t believe me,  just count the times the word “safety” is mentioned on the nightly news. 

I have been researching safety slogans, and some are funny and others are serious.  You can find them on several sites, so I would like to share with you some of the ones I have enjoyed or hopefully, can take some advice from: 

Several are related to driving, such as these:

  • Drive as if every child on the street is yours.
  • Love thy neighbor, just not while driving!
  • Anger is one letter away from danger – drive gently!
  • Accidents, and particularly street and highway accidents, do not happen – they are caused.
  • Hug your kids at home, but belt them in the car.
  • It’s better to crash into a nap than to nap into a crash.
  • If everything comes your way, you are in the wrong lane!
  • Road sense is the offspring of courtesy and the parent of safety.
  • Anyone driving slower than you are is an idiot; anyone going faster than you is a maniac!
  • And, last, but not least, I love this one:
  • The best car safety device is a rear-view mirror with a cop in it! 

These slogans are about working safely:

  • When safety is a factor, call in a contractor!
  • Working safely is like breathing – if you don’t, you die.
  • The safest risk is the one you didn’t take.
  • Safety doesn’t happen by accident.
  • Better a thousand times careful than once dead.
  • Safety means first aid to the uninjured.
  • Prepare and prevent, don’t repair and repent.
  • Working safely may get old, but so do those who practice it.
  • Working without safety is a dead-end job.
  • Safety never takes a holiday.
  • While on a ladder, never step back to admire your work!
  • Hearing protection is a sound investment.
  • To learn about eye protection, ask someone who has one.
  • Personal protective equipment is self-defense.
  • Tomorrow-your reward for working safely today.
  • Be alert! Accidents hurt.
  • Better dead sure than sure dead. 

Slogans that apply to all of us, everyday:

  • Safety is as simple as ABC – Always Be Careful!
  • Safety isn’t expensive, it’s priceless.
  • An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
  • Safety is a cheap and effective insurance policy.
  • Chance takers are accident makers.
  • Luck runs out but safety is good for life.
  • The door to safety swings on the hinges of common sense.
  • When you gamble with safety, you bet your life!
  • Your safety gears are between your ears!
  • Unsafe acts will keep you in stitches.
  • Safety isn’t just a slogan, it’s a way of life! 

Keep these in mind as you go through your every day life.  They are also great ways to remind your children how precious life is and that we do all we can to be safe.  We hope you have enjoyed these slogans, and that you will take  them to heart.

Have a wonderful holiday season, and remember, safety is part of our names: Blog4Safety, and Texas America Safety Company, and it is our goal to help keep you safe!

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

SEEK WEATHER INFORMATION BEFORE HOLIDAY TRAVEL!

Do you have your bags packed yet, and all the gifts loaded in the car?  Before you head out for your holiday destination, it is always best to check ahead of time for weather conditions for all the areas you will be traveling.  Sometimes, even then, Mother Nature changes things and you aren’t sure whether to carry on or turn around and return home!  That happened to us last year, believe it or not, even in Texas, because of snow!  When we left home, it was cloudy but clear, but the farther we traveled (south), the heavier the snow became.  About sixty miles from home, we debated if we should even try to go on; however, behind us, the snow was heavy, road was covered, and lightly traveled, so we trudged on.  Not too far down the road, it stopped snowing, and when we got to our destination another 75 miles or so, it had barely snowed.  So, you never know for sure what the weather will do, especially in Texas. 

It seems there is either “feast or famine” when it comes to weather.  Either too much or too little!  In this past week, we saw massive amounts of snow falling in the Midwestern states.  Then, the “Pineapple Express” hit California, causing their governor to declare a state of emergency in six counties.  The reason these rainstorms are given that name is because they originate in the Pacific near the Hawaiian Islands.  The Express brought torrential rains, causing mudslides and flooding, as well as dumping huge amounts of snow in higher elevations.  Following five days of rain, the storms have moved on toward Arizona, Nevada, and Utah.  Ironically, these rains brought relief to areas in California that had been suffering from drought and wildfires. 

Here in Texas, much of our state is in a drought situation, with many  areas very seriously dry.  Two homes were lost just yesterday because of grass fires. Our weather forecasters are predicting badly needed rain in areas of the state today and tomorrow.  We are keeping our fingers crossed, and are those weathermen going to be in trouble if it doesn’t rain! 

For those of you in states that have a White Christmas, enjoy it but drive carefully when you are out in it.  We aren’t meteorologists, but our forecast for you is to have the safeest  holiday ever!  Be careful if you go skiing or participate in other outdoor activities with families and friends.  For those of you who must work on the holiday, we hope your day goes well and that you arrive home safely and get to celebrate at a different time.  There are many businesses that remain open to accommodate travelers, so when you utilize their services, let them know you appreciate what they do. 

Again, check your local weather and your destination’s forecast.  Remember to take a “care package” in your vehicle: extra water, your cell phone, snacks, blankets, small flashlight, and a First Aid Kit.  This is a good idea, especially during winter months.

May the airlines, trains, buses and other means of transportation be running “right on time.”  Stay safe.