All posts by pat brownlee

Uncategorized

TIE ONE ON FOR SAFETY!

For the past 24 years, M.A.D.D. (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) have campaigned during the holiday season to make the public aware of the seriousness of driving sober and being buckled up.  Everyone knows that there are more drunk, drugged, distracted drivers on the roads during December than probably any other time.  

Originally named Project Red Ribbon, their campaign started in 1986, to heighten public awareness to drinking and driving during holidays.  Their goal was to get the public involved by tying a red ribbon to a visible place on their vehicle, such as an antenna or side mirror.  By doing so, you are pledging to drive sober and buckle up.  That is a pretty simple request; I hope to see lots of red ribbons on cars as we travel this Friday.

If you live in an area where there is a M.A.D.D. affiliate, you can pick up red ribbons – they are free!  If not, go buy some and do your part.  Anyone can promote this worthwhile cause.  There are easy ways to do so: leave a recorded phone message; display drunk driving statistics at work, distribute ribbons at meetings or parties, and most of all – be a responsible party host! 

Because this is such an important subject, I am going to re-post drunk driving statistics from an earlier article, “Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest:”

Statistics from National Highway Transportation Safety Administration show that during last year, a total of 10,839 persons were killed in alcohol-related vehicle accidents (that’s one person every 48 minutes!)  Of those:

        7,281 –  (67%) of the fatalities were drivers with a BAC of .08 or more;

       1,772 –  (17%) of fatalities were passengers with the impaired drivers.

        1,119 –  (10%) of fatalities were occupants of other vehicles.

           667 –   (6%) of fatalities were pedestrians or non-occupants of the vehicles.

That represents almost 11,000 persons who lost their lives because of alcohol abuse in 2009, many of them innocent victims. 

M.A.D.D. members are comprised of many parents and others who have lost loved ones because of the selfish act of irresponsible driving.  Not only does the public have to contend with drunk drivers, but those who are under the influence of drugs, and other distractions, such as texting and talking on a cell phone while driving.  Persons need to realize that the vehicle they are driving is a big piece of machinery that can’t drive itself!  (I wonder if we would drive more carefully if we pretended that the people in every car we meet or pass were our family members?)

Do your part this year, and go get a red ribbon to attach to your side mirror.  Let others know that you are going to be sober when you get behind the wheel and that you will buckle up before you start the car.  By displaying the ribbon, you are joining law enforcement and safety advocates in supporting M.A.D.D.’s cause.  Law enforcement officers will have a Zero tolerance for drinking and driving and will be checking seatbelt use, as well.

May you have safe and happy holidays this season!

Ergonomics, Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection

CONVEYOR BELT SAFETY

Conveyor belts are one of the most effective means of transporting bulk materials.  Because persons are working with a movable piece of equipment, there is a very serious chance of  injury or death if employees are not trained on how to work around conveyor belts.  Training is the basic and most fundamental part of preparing employees on how to keep themselves safe in all industrial settings.  Management must convey all safety issues to their new employees and be certain that they understand about how dangerous the equipment that they will be working from can be.  

Listed below are some general requirements from Occupational Safety and Health Administration:

  • An audible signal shall be sounded immediately before starting up the conveyor.
  • If operating station is at a remote spot, similar provisions for stopping motor or engine shall be provided at the motor or engine location.
  • There should be an emergency stop switch arranged so that the conveyor cannot be started again until the actuating stop switch as been reset to running on the “on” position.
  • Screw conveyors shall be guarded to prevent employees’ contact with turning flights.
  • Guards shall be provided to protect employees required to work below the conveyors that pass under work areas, aisles or thoroughfares.  Those crossovers, aisles, and passageways shall be conspicuously marked with suitable signs.
  • Conveyors shall be locked out or rendered inoperable and tagged with a “Do Not Operate” tag during repairs and when operation is hazardous to employees performing maintenance work.
  • All conveyors in use must meet applicable requirements for design, construction, inspection, testing, maintenance and operation as prescribed in ANSI B20-1-1957, Safety Code for conveyors, cableways and related equipment. 

Conveyors contribute to the one of the most common ways of being injured.  When visitors are in the facility, they should be informed of the ways to be safe around conveyors and other moving equipment. 

Other important rules regarding conveyor belt safety are:

  •          Only authorized maintenance personnel should service conveyors.
  •          Never ride, step, or sit on a conveyor belt at any time.
  •          Never remove guards.  They are there as protection from moving parts, such as gears and chains. 
  •          Know the location of start/stop controls, and keep the area free from obstructions.
  •          Clean only when the conveyor is stopped.
  •          Report all unsafe practices to your supervisor.
  •          Never load a stopped conveyor or overload a running conveyor.  This will assist in preserving your equipment, as well as not overheating it. 
  •         Trying to clear converter jams can create unsafe conditions and possibly damage equipment.
  •         Use correct lifting techniques.  Unsafe position and posture  could cause injuries while working around conveyors.
  •         Be sure the area is clear of debris and tripping hazards.
  •         If persons work beneath conveyors, there should be nets installed to catch any falling items. 
  •         Maintenance should never be performed on the conveyor until all hydraulic, electric and gravity energy sources    have been locked out and blocked.
  •          It is recommended that the right Personal Protective Equipment be used, relevant to the task and work area.  Gloves that furnish good grip are needed for handling bulky items, safety glasses should be worn when the materials on the belt are hazardous, and safety back supports will assist workers required to do lifting.
  •          Keep hair, loose clothing, fingers, and all body parts away from the conveyor belt. 

Anyone who does this type of work knows that it isn’t like the old “I Love Lucy” episode when Ethel and Lucy were working at the candy factory  and couldn’t keep up, when the conveyor belt started going faster.  They tried to eat the candy and hide it in their aprons!   This is a very serious occupation and those companies that train their employees to be vigilant toward safety are to be commended.  It requires a good safety plan, excellent training, and dependable supervision to be successful in protecting conscientious workers.

General Safety Issues

DO YOU WORK WITH SOMEONE WITH THE “HOLIDAY BLUES?”

It’s a reality that some of us are just not in the best of moods during the holidays.  There can be many reasons for this, but sometimes, celebratory occasions bring out sadness in individuals.  I enjoy the holidays and look forward to being with my family, but at the beginning of the season, I always think of my parents, who passed away several years ago.  My dad loved Christmas; when we would decorate the tree, he put on the Christmas “records”, yes, records, and some of the Christmas music we listened to is still popular today.  He got so much pleasure out of doing all the things that made our Christmas special.  And, he could make delicious fudge!

It is normal to feel grief for those we have lost.  But there are those who suffer from depression all year long, and certain times of the year make them even bluer.  Depression is an illness; it can cause physical pain as well as emotional stress.  You and I can’t cure someone that suffers from this illness; it requires professional help.  But we can be more attentive to our surroundings and watch for signs that our work friend may be having a more difficult time in performing his/her duties.  They could be struggling with relationships or physical demands that we are not aware of.  Sometimes the season alone can be the reason their feelings are magnified.  If you know someone who may be depressed, do what you can to encourage him to trust his healthcare provider for professional help.  It is important that they stay on medications and call their provider if symptoms get worse.  

If there are parties after work for the employees to get together, don’t encourage anyone to consume alcohol if they are “down in the dumps.”  Alcohol is a depressant.  Excessive drinking only increases feelings of depression, so this is important for all of us to remember, whether we are with our work friends or other acquaintances. 

During these economic times, folks are doing their best to furnish what gifts they are able to give without extending their budget too far.  Keep track of holiday spending.  If you overspend, you will be pretty depressed when the bills arrive.  Most of the time, people are perfectly happy with the gifts they receive and don’t equate them with dollar signs.  Over-commercialization can be another reason for feeling blue.  Every year, we see the commercials about the brand new luxury car in the driveway, with a big, red ribbon on it!  Let’s get real, folks!  I know they want to sell cars, but I can’t help but think about families who don’t have a home or a job, or may be living in their cars. 

Please use some of these tips to help someone you know that may be struggling with the holidays:

  • Find some activities that are free, and take them out for an afternoon of just “window shopping” or treat them to a funny movie.
  • Take your lunch break together, and listen, if they just want to talk.
  • Volunteering is a great way to help and get to know others, and may be just “what the doctor ordered” to get him/her involved with something different.
  • Encourage them to look to the future with optimism.
  • Trying a new activity just might be the thing to make one feel better.
  • Suggest getting in touch with old friends or family members.
  • Enjoy the present.
  • Spend time with caring and supportive people. 

You are very blessed if you haven’t hit a low spot at one time or another in your lifetime.  For those who seem to be in that low spot most of the time, there is help.  If a person’s work is affected, if they are present in body but not spirit, if they show signs of fatigue or stress, we need to be their advocates.  We need to encourage them to seek professional guidance, in order to get better.  (They need to know they can get better!)  Many companies offer counseling for their employees, and want to help them cope.  They know that if their employees are in better mental and physical condition, there will be less risk of workplace injuries.  We all know the chance for accidents is greater when we feel fatigued or “just not ourselves.” 

Too many times we are so wrapped up in our own job, that we overlook someone who needs help but may be too proud to ask for it.  Don’t let anyone have a “Blue Christmas” without you.  Be there for your family, coworkers, and friends.  You may need a lift someday, too.

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Head Protection, Home Safety Products

DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS HARD TO SHOP FOR?

There’s probably one in every family – the person who has just about everything you can imagine, and may be just a little hard to please.  Did you ever think about checking out safety products, as a unique gift?  It might be fun to try something different, and give him/her that special gift that also serves as a safety tool.  Here are some suggestions: 

  • How many persons have a Highway Safety Kit in their car?  Hopefully, none of us will ever get stranded, but especially in these winter conditions, it would be a great item to have in the trunk, just in case.  Always take water,  snacks, cell phone, blankets, and other supplies when traveling on a long trip.  The safety kit would alert other drivers that you need help.
  • If you are shopping for someone who wears hardhats, why not give them one with their favorite NCAA or professional football, basketball, or hockey team on it?  Hardhats are a great way of showing their patriotic spirit, as well.  If you want a one-of-a-kind gift, World War II or Vietnam era types of hardhats are a great show of respect for those who served. 
  • For a really unique gift, and for that want-to-be cowboy, there’s nothing more fun than a western hardhat!  They are ANSI-certified for all jobs that require hardhats, (except electrical work), and they look like the real thing!  Yee-hah! 
  • For the athlete on your list, brim lights for ball caps are pretty cool.  They are a great way to see and be seen while walking or running.  Clip-on LED lights would also be something neat to put under the tree!  Any high-visibility item, either vests or gloves, offer a safer walk or run.  An AM/FM earmuff radio would be neat to have while walking, running, or doing chores around the house. 
  • Give someone who thinks they’re pretty cool a nice pair of polarized safety glasses!  These are safety glasses that provide protection from the sun’s glare on snow, ice or the highway, and are just as stylish but not nearly so expensive as those in department stores.

These are just a few ideas that express to your loved ones that you have put much thought into keeping them a little safer.  There are many items that are geared toward safety, but we take them for granted –  everyday items like flashlights, NOAA Weather radios, First Aid Kits, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and the numerous products that can help us in times of emergencies.  These things may not be as glamorous as jewelry, clothes, or electronics, but they may play a vital part in providing safety for a loved one.

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

“DRUNK DRIVING – OVER THE LIMIT – UNDER ARREST!”

United States Transportation Secretary, Ray LaHood, kicked off this important campaign on Monday: “Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.”    The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration sponsors this multimillion-dollar movement annually during the busy holiday season.  Their statistics reveal that in the month of December, 2009, 753 people were killed in crashes that involved a drunk driver or motorcycle operator with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher – above the legal limit.  That was for only one month! 

Further statistics from NHTSA show that during last year, a total of 10,839 persons were killed in alcohol-related vehicle accidents (that’s one person every 48 minutes!)  Of those:

        7,281 –  (67%) of the fatalities were drivers with a BAC of .08 or more;

       1,772 –  (17%) of fatalities were passengers with the impaired drivers.

        1,119 –  (10%)  of fatalities were occupants of other vehicles.

           667 –   (6%) of fatalities were pedestrians or non-occupants of the vehicles.

That represents almost 11,000 persons who lost their lives in 2009, many of them innocent victims. 

The Governors Highway Safety Association is in strong support of this “Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest” program.  Federal officials also want all states to use the “No Refusal” strategy when it comes to a suspected drunk driver rejecting a sobriety test.  Thus far, nine states are using this method – Louisiana, Florida, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Utah, Idaho, Texas, and Arizona.    Many other states have the necessary legal authority to conduct No Refusal initiatives including: Alaska, Alabama, California, Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia.   If the driver refuses, officers can obtain warrants immediately from “on call” judges in order to have blood samples taken from the suspected drunk driver. This will eliminate many suspected drunk drivers from trying to dodge arrests on the weekends or holidays. 

The GHSA and NHTSA met with a number of state officials last November to discuss best practice in putting into place alcohol ignition interlock programs.  Next year, the GHSA will begin a three-year NHTSA-funded research effort to determine the most effective elements in this type of program.  Alcohol ignition interlocks would prevent a convicted drunk driver to get behind the wheel of his/her vehicle unless they are sober.  Twelve states have already passed this law. 

In Texas, State Senator Jane Nelson has filed a bill to permanently revoke the driver’s license of any motorist in Texas that has been convicted twice of driving while intoxicated.  One reason she cited was an Easter-weekend car crash that left a mother and her daughter dead, involving an intoxicated driver who had been convicted of DWI three times.  Nelson has also filed a bill requiring first-time offenders to not drink alcohol and to wear an alcohol detection monitor for 60 days as a condition of probation.  More than 1,200 people died on Texas roadways in 2008, in crashes involving drivers with .08 or higher blood-alcohol content.  According to the Texas Department of Public Safety records, 78,000 Texans have three or more DWI Convictions.  M.A.D.D. (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) supports bills that allow Texas law officers to conduct sobriety checkpoints and require the ignition interlock devices for first-time offenders.  Research has shown that these measures have reduced drunk-driving deaths in other states, according to Bill Lewis, public policy liaison for the Texas Chapter of M.A.D.D.   Get involved by contacting your state lawmakers and let them know you want this problem dealt with. 

Get ready, because if you are traveling this holiday season, you will see more black and white patrol cars.  Through grants, the NHTSA helps fund extra saturation patrols and checkpoint stops during the three week, December 16th through January 3rd “Drunk Driving, Over the Limit, Under Arrest” campaign.  Sometimes we think they’re just out to catch us speeding so we get a big ticket.  They are there to save our lives.  Don’t speed, don’t text while driving, and don’t drive under the influence!  If you obey the law, you won’t get stopped.  If you plan to attend a party, have a designated driver. Don’t let your friends drive if they’ve been drinking.  Take their keys away and take them home, or call a cab. Driving under the influence or with someone who has been is not worth becoming a statistic.

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH WHEN IT COMES TO ABUSING PRESCRIPTION DRUGS?

This is a sad story of a tiny snowball that starts rolling down a mountain, growing larger by the minute.  It’s a story of the abuse of human beings who are given too many pain killers, powerful antipsychotic and anti-anxiety drugs.  Tragically, many of the patients are children, some under three years of age.  Many of these little ones have been through physical or mental stress in their short lives.  Prescribing drugs to toddlers is considered “off-label” – uses not approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration.  By the time the snowball reaches the bottom of the mountain, taxpayers, Medicare and Medicaid are the victims of  fraudulent prescription costs.   

According to a recent report by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, $47 million worth of Medicaid prescriptions have been written over the past two years in Texas, by a  handful of physicians.  The top five doctors alone wrote $18 million worth.  In their report, based on sources such as the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, Texas Medical Board, U.S. Senate Finance Committee, and Medicaid vendor drug claim files, the following information represents these two sets of data.  These sets listed the top 10 Medicaid prescribers of antipsychotic drugs, such as Zyprexa, Abilify and Seroquel.  We won’t name names, but the #1 physician wrote 44,138 prescriptions that were filled at a cost of $6,370,005.  The next four doctors had written prescriptions costing from $4,643,626 to $1,996,043.  The top prescribers of drugs known as psychotropics, (referring to different types of mental-health drugs, possibly including antipsychotics,) given from 2005 or 2006 to 2009 totaled more than 120,747 by five physicians.  Many physicians have physician assistants that can write prescriptions under their name, and some clinics are probably included in these figures.  

If this is going on in Texas, how about all the other states, and who is paying the bill?  One news article stated that in Ohio, a physician wrote 102,000 prescriptions in two years.  Another doctor in Miami wrote almost 97,000 in 18 months for mental health patients.  Thirty-four states have a State Prescription Drug Monitoring Program.  There are statewide databases that collect designated data on dispensed substances and this information is housed by a specific statewide regulatory, administrative or law enforcement agency.  Data is distributed to individuals who have the authority under state law to receive the information for the purpose of determining if it is legitimate medical use of controlled drugs or identify and deter previous drug abuse.  The Drug Enforcement Agency is not involved in these state programs. 

Kaiser Health News and the Star-Telegram both have reported that Republican Senator Charles Grassley of Iowa is pressuring Health and Human Services officials to investigate why some physicians write massive amounts of scripts for tax-funded Medicare and Medicaid programs.  Prescription drug fraud in the U.S. costs an estimated $60 billion to $90 billion a year to these programs.  As it stands now, physicians in question may be sent before a medical review board or for education, which amounts to a slap on the wrist.   Our state has automated ways to check these records and catch overuse, incorrect dosage and misuse.  Each state should have some type of similar system.  But how do we stop them?  And what about the safety of patients who are given these huge doses of medications? 

For those who truly need help with mental or physical needs, we are grateful for medications.  Many times persons can be helped with therapy as well, and/or medicine.  Years ago, these powerful drugs did not exist, and we wonder how people overcame or coped with their problems.  Hopefully, they had the help and support of caring families and friends.   

Most of our doctors really care about us and want us to stay healthy.  Many are cautious about even over-prescribing antibiotics, because these meds eventually won’t help if given too often.  We appreciate physicians for their diligence, seeing us in the middle of the night in an emergency room, and upholding the oath they took when they became doctors. 

Hopefully, the Federal Health and Human Services officials will take action to remedy this fraudulent behavior.  They owe it to the taxpayers to do what is right and figure out a way to penalize those physicians who are abusing the system (and their patients).  A part of operating local hospitals or clinics require physicians or an oversight committee  to review patient’s records and determine if the care of each patient was appropriate.  This should be done on a regular basis.  It takes time, but is worth it to save someone’s life.  There must be a way to stop prescription fraud.   

Look at a map of the United States, and picture it covered with all those snowballs!

Hearing Protection

DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR? (OCCUPATIONAL HEARING LOSS)

1 Comment

Controlling occupational noise can be one of the most cost-effective yet important facets of protection that companies can provide for their employees.  In the United States, every year, approximately 30 million workers are exposed to hazardous noise.  Noise-induced hearing loss can be reduced or eliminated through engineering controls and hearing conservation programs.  Even though hearing loss is one of the most common occupational illnesses, it is often ignored because there are no visible effects, it develops over a period of time, and with the exception of rare cases, there is no pain.  Persons experience a progressive loss of communication, socialization, and response to their environment.  

If you work in an industrial setting or operate loud machinery, you may experience short-term problems from too much noise, and your ears feel stuffed up, or you have temporary ringing in the ears (tinnitus.)  Repeated exposures to loud noise can lead to permanent, incurable loss of hearing or tinnitus.  Employers should reduce the noise exposure to below 85 dB (decibels.)  Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) is a number that appears on the labels of all hearing protection products sold in the U.S.  This rating equals the level of noise reduction in decibels provided by the particular type of protective equipment (earmuff, earplugs) in a laboratory setting.  Since these conditions may be different from the actual working circumstance, the real work setting should have a walk-around survey, and possibly more complete evaluation to screen for noise exposure.  By checking the particular areas and how long the noise exists, needs for the correct protection can be determined. 

For factory or other environments, employees should choose options that decrease workplace noise levels.  They should select hearing protection that is comfortable, convenient, and easy to put on and off as needed.  Some of the choices are:

  • NRR Earmuffs: completely cover the ear.
  • Canal Caps: earplugs that are on a metal or plastic band that can go around the neck when taken off.
  • Premolded, reusable plugs: silicone, plastic, or rubber – “one size fits all,” as well as available in various sizes.
  • Expandable foam earplugs: made of formable material designed to expand and conform to the shape of each individual’s ear canal. 

Employers understand the risks associated with not controlling the noise level in their business, such as:

  • When employees cannot hear clearly, they may miss warnings from other workers and may be unable to avoid an accident.
  • Creates stress.
  • Reduces productivity.
  • If the noise level is 80 dB, persons have to speak very loudly to be heard.
  • If the level is between 85 and 90 dB, persons have to shout to be heard.
  • If the level is above 95 dB, persons would have to move closer to hear each other at all.

For example, after a survey is done of the work environment, if the time-weighted average noise level of, say 97 dB, the worker would need earmuffs with an NRR rating of at least 16 or earplugs with an NRR rating of at least 24, based on the ratings on the packaging. 

Not only can persons get hearing damage or loss from their work environment if they do not wear the proper protective gear, but young persons should pay heed to their parents’ advice to turn their music down.  When our son was a teenager, we could hear him a block away from the house, because the music was so loud in his truck.   I have noticed our grandson’s I-pod is so loud, I can hear the beat of the music he’s listening to with the speakers in his ears!  (Evidentally, they didn’t listen to me!)  Persons have been known to have hearing damage from noise levels at events such as World Cup soccer, football games, car races and other sporting venues.  It’s a good idea to invest in a pair of earplugs if you plan to attend a noisy concert or any loud event. 

Employers must make a decision that if there is a risk to their employees from exposure to noise, on how they can prevent or control this exposure to all sources of noise, even personal stereos.  Regular hearing checkups for employees can be useful to find out if they are experiencing any loss of hearing.  A unique tool, (individual dosimeter) is a personal sound noise measurement  device.  This system consists of a small dosimeter that is worn by employees in a shirt pocket or on the back of a hardhat.  It has special earplugs or an earmuff with integrated microphones that record real-time, in-ear noise levels, with a connecting harness.  An infrared reader allows safety managers to retrieve data from the dosimeter at the end of each shift or work-week and analyze the results on a personal computer.  The Personal Attenuation Rating determines the effectiveness of the employee’s earplug over a range of frequencies.  Then safety managers know if their employees are getting the best protection, or if they need additional training on how to fit their earplugs, or try something different. 

Think about this: noise-induced hearing loss is the second most-often reported occupational injury, and hearing loss is permanent and irreversible.

 

Sources: OSHA, NIOSH, HSME

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

A WARM HELLO TO OUR FRIENDS IN THE MIDWEST!

After reading all the reports of the blizzard that has hit the Midwestern U.S., we Texans have nothing to complain about, when it comes to weather!  Our predicted low in the morning is around 27 degrees, (which I understand will be the coldest since February.)  Lest we forget our neighbors to the north, who include eight states that have been pummeled with 17” to 20” of snow, including: Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Missouri, and Michigan.  Forecasts for Sunday night (December 12) throughout the Dakotas and parts of Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin are below zero.  Several other regions have had winter storm warnings or hard freeze watches.  

In Minneapolis, Minnesota, the Metrodome roof collapsed under the weight of the heavy snow Saturday.  Workers were trying to clear snow off the Metrodome roof late Saturday night, but work was canceled, for safety reasons.  Those crews were back on the roof Sunday a.m., but workers were not allowed inside the facility as a safety precaution.  The New York Giants were scheduled to play the Minnesota Vikings, but because their plane was rerouted to Kansas City, Missouri, and the mishap at the Metrodome, the game was rescheduled.  Plans are now for the game to be moved to Detroit Lion’s Field, played Monday, December 13th at 7:30 p.m., ET. 

We have recently done articles on having your car winterized, what to carry in your car in case of being stranded, and other winter safety reminders.  Those of you who are somewhat used to the colder temperatures can send us some good advice, we are sure!  We’d like to take a minute to mention other hints that might help you stay warm, from one of our earlier posts! 

Layering the right types of clothing with a waterproof top layer is a smart way to protect yourself from the elements, and will allow you to remove a layer as needed.  This is a good idea, especially for those workers who must be outdoors on a daily basis.  Stretching and warming up the muscles before work will also help one avoid muscle cramps in cold weather. 

Eating small, hot, and even spicy foods give the nervous system a warm signal that encourages blood flow to the extremities.  Drinks with caffeine constrict blood vessels, making the extremities colder.  Alcohol is dehydrating and suppresses shivering, the involuntary muscle contractions that help the body warm itself.  Tobacco also constricts blood vessels and cools the body by reducing circulation.  (It goes without saying that alcohol shouldn’t be consumed while working, anyway, but if you are outdoors for hunting or sports,  this won’t warm you up!)  

There are products made especially to help keep you warm.  Keep these in mind when looking for just the right thing:

Many of us in the south don’t have a clue what you folks up north must contend with in winter months.  We see accidents on icy highways, often caused by people that don’t know how to drive on ice.  You can teach us a thing or two about how to survive these conditions.  We wish you safe driving and traveling when your job demands it, but please drive with care, and stay warm!

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products

WHEN PURCHASING TOYS, THINK SAFETY!

December is the official “Safe Toys and Gifts Month.”  With Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa all crammed into this month, those families with children will be spending what they can afford to make the holiday special by granting the wishes of their little ones, but much thought needs to be put into choosing safe toys.  Santa wouldn’t ever want to bring anything unsafe to the children, but he’s getting down to the wire now, so he probably can’t do the proper research into this important topic! 

Prevent Blindness America and United States Consumer Product Safety Commission report that in 2005 (last available data), more than 200,000 toy-related injuries were reported, and almost 8,000 of them were eye injuries, which included lacerations, abrasions, and foreign bodies in the eyes.  Sports equipment and even art supplies can be harmful if not used properly.  The American Academy of Opthalmology estimates that there are 40,000 sports-related eye injuries altogether annually. 

When selecting toys for small children, choose ones that are both appropriate for the child’s age and level of maturity.  All toys should meet ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards.  These toys will bear the label of approval by ASTM.  One of the most common causes of toy-related death is choking.  From 2005-2007, thirty-three children aspirated or choked to death on balloons, toys, or toy parts.  If you are looking at a toy or toy part and it fits inside a toilet paper roll, don’t buy it.  Small toy testers can also be purchased at toy or baby specialty stores. 

Toys with straps, cords, or strings more than 7” long pose a strangulation risk for children under age 3.  Also, remove mobiles from the crib after a baby reaches 5 months of age, or can sit up, to avoid another strangulation hazard.  Toys with sharp edges or points are discouraged.  Keep older siblings’ toys out of the range of your little ones.  This is all common sense advice, and most parents are very conscientious about the safety of their toddlers.  There are just so many hazards lurking in our homes, it pays to be extra careful. 

Select toys that do not contain lead paint.  There are some toxic chemicals or lead in some bibs, vinyl lunchboxes, and jewelry.  Discard or don’t purchase cheap metal jewelry.   Some toys that are made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) may contain toxic phthalates.  Most U.S. manufacturers of toys voluntarily stopped using PVC in their toys.  Another thing to think about: if a toy is too loud for you, it is too loud for your child.  Be sure you investigate how noisy it is before making that purchase.

For older kids, the right protective equipment, such as helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, or wrist guards should be purchased along with the type of sporting equipment you plan to buy them, such as bicycles, skateboards, and scooters.  Air guns and BB guns are not considered toys.  Even a cap gun with caps can be ignited by the slightest friction, causing serious burns. 

This is not meant to spread a cloud over the holidays.  It is to help Santa with his decisions in delivering to the children the best, safest toys ever!  We don’t you want to spend your time in the emergency room, because there’s just too much to do!  Should you have questions about certain items, go to www.cpsc.gov or www.recalls.gov and sign up to receive alerts of new recalls, as well as a list of current recalls.  Report dangerous toys to CPSC, 1-800-638-2772.