All posts by pat brownlee

General Safety Issues

NATIONAL DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH

Congress designated each October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM).  The effort to educate the American public about relating employment to disability began in 1945, when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October of each year “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.”  Later, in 1962, the word “physically” was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities.  Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to “National Disability Employment Awareness Month” in 1988.

 The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) makes it illegal for employers with 15 or more employees to discriminate against individuals with disabilities in any position of employment.  The law doesn’t force companies to hire individuals with disabilities, but it does require that companies give them a fair chance.  Employers are required to make reasonable accommodations upon request, once persons with disabilities are hired, unless the accommodation would cause an undue hardship.  

A reasonable accommodation is a modification or adjustment to a job or work environment to enable a  person with a qualified disability to perform essential job functions.  One example is if a qualified disabled person uses a wheelchair, and is unable to access his/her desk comfortably, it is only right to ask the supervisor to make an adjustment.  Reasonable accommodations include:

  1. Modifying work schedules
  2. Acquiring or modifying equipment
  3. Restructuring a job
  4. Making existing employee facilities usable by employees with disabilities
  5. Providing qualified readers or interpreters 

The ADA also prohibits discrimination in all employment practices, conditions, and privileges of employment, including:

  • Hiring procedures, recruitment, and job application
  • Benefits, compensation, advancement, training and other conditions and opportunities
  • Dismissals, layoffs, and other ends to employment

There are between 40 million and 50 million Americans with physical or mental disabilities, meaning that 1 in 6 people in the U.S. have a disability.   More and more people with disabilities desire to enter the workforce because they are capable to do the job for which they are applying.  Many of our workforces include older workers, who may be required to do tasks that could eventually cause them to fall into the category of having a disability, simply due to aging.

Companies should encourage their employees to work together productively and safely by ensuring awareness of certain accommodations  that their fellow workers may require.  Motivational posters encourage workers to perform their duties safely,  as a team.  We shouldn’t have to be reminded that everyone deserves a chance to be part of that team.

Our government has required special accommodation be put into place to help the handicapped, such as automatic doors, special parking spaces, signs written in braille, public restrooms with extra space for wheelchairs, and other ways to enable them to function more easily.  It is only right that our disabled Americans have every opportunity to enjoy life and be a part of a vibrant workforce.  Think about our soldiers, who have served this country.  Some are able to pick up where they left off, as their job is open for them; however, there are thousands who have been unable to find jobs because of injuries they suffered.  They deserve the opportunity to have a chance for a fulfilling  job.

General Safety Issues, High Visibility Safety

HELPFUL HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS

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October is the month for ghosts and goblins, and chances are, you’ve already bought that costume for your little trick or treater.  What a fun time for everyone  involved –  parents, kids, and those handing out treats!   A little “thank you” from a spooky monster is a treat for the ones answering the door.  The only thing the children are interested in is filling their bags or plastic pumpkins with goodies; however, safety experts recommend that before October 31st, parents start talking to their children about Halloween safety.   Here’s some tips for parents to  remember when they are driving their kids to Trick or Treat:

  • Drive slowly
  • Be careful entering and exiting your driveway
  • Do not place children in the back of a pickup truck
  • Watch for children darting from behind parked cars

Caution your Trick or Treaters to:

  • Never accept rides or treats from strangers in cars or trucks
  • Be careful around animals, even their own.  Costumes may scare some pets
  • Go only to houses with porch lights on
  • Walk, don’t run!
  • Look both ways when crossing streets
  • Wait to eat candy after they get home and you have inspected it

Parents should also:

  • Accompany children under age 12
  • Never let them go alone (if they are older, the buddy system works best!)
  • See that their costumes are flame retardant and do not drag on the ground, and that their masks don’t restrict  their vision
  • Consider using face paint instead of masks
  • Use reflective tape or reflective stickers to make them easily visible
  • Choose light-colored costumes
  • Have them carry a flashlight or glow stick
  • Know the routes older children plan to take
  • Put pets in a quiet room, away from the excitement
  • Consider using battery-operated LED lights rather than candles
  • Inspect all candy and treats and discard any that appear to be slightly unwrapped or tampered with
  • Discard any candy that might present a choking hazard for little ones

If older children are attending a Halloween party, be certain that there will be  adult supervision.  By planning ahead, you will be doing your part to ensure that it is a safe and fun night for everyone!

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

NATIONAL SCHOOL BUS SAFETY WEEK

Did you know that there are approximately 474,000 school buses transporting some 25 million children to and from school every day in this country?  National School Bus Safety Week, began October 18th and goes through October 22nd.    This observance is sponsored by: National Association for Pupil Transportation, National School Transportation Association, National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation, National Safety Council, and School Bus Manufacturers and Suppliers. Their goal is to educate students and the public about school bus safety.  Students may enter a national poster contest, with the winning poster being distributed throughout the United States. 

School buses are among the safest transportation we have, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, who also reports that those riding buses are 8 times safer than ones riding with parents or peers.  Statistics show that around six children die per year as passengers on school buses; however, fatalities have more often occurred from pedestrian accidents involving motorists who illegally pass school buses, failing to see children.  When a school bus is stopped, flashing lights on the bus warn drivers to stop, in order to allow children to safely board and get off the bus.  Motorists should be vigilant when sharing the road with the big yellow buses. 

School bus drivers have to have nerves of steel!  (I’m talking from my experiences, such as band trips, etc.)  Kids can get rowdy on school buses, and drivers should have rules (short and simple), that their young passengers follow.   It is helpful when bus drivers get to know their kids and are a positive role model.  Parents should expect their students to show respect to their driver, who plays this very important role in getting them safely to school and back home. 

Here are some safety reminders for parents and students from The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration: 

  • Parents should be sure that their children get to the bus stop on time.
  • Students should stand back several feet from the edge of the road until the bus comes to a complete stop.
  • If a student drops an object near the bus, he/she should ask the driver for help.  The driver may not be able to see when a child bends over to pick something up.  The best solution is to have all their things secure in a backpack or bag.
  • Be sure clothing or backpacks have no loose drawstrings that could get caught in the bus door.
  • Understand that the danger zone is the area 10′ around the school bus.
  • Ask school officials or transportation authorities to change the location of a bus stop if it is not in a safe place.
  • Students should cross the street in view of the driver: “Cross in View – It’s the Thing to Do.” 

Those big yellow buses not only transport our kids to school every day, but also take them on field trips, to sports events, and many other extracurricular activities.  Their passengers are our future; we must obey the laws that protect the lives of our children and their caregivers – the drivers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General Safety Issues

ONE MORE OCTOBER TOPIC – NATIONAL CYBER SAFETY AWARENESS MONTH

This subject is very important to anyone who uses a computer.  With the vast expansion of digital technology, we must be more aware of cyber safety than ever.  This year marks the 7th year that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has observed National Cyber Safety Awareness Month.  We all must take precautions to keep our personal information secure, as there are many persons that spend their days trying to take advantage of others by accessing their privacy online.

It is important for everyone who has a personal computer, or businesses with many computers to have anti-virus software and update it often.  There are probably few people who write letters any more; it’s easier and more convenient to send an email or instant message.  But we should be wary of unsolicited attachments to emails.  You may receive an email from a family member or good friend, but something about the attachment just doesn’t seem right.  Be sure you check it out with that person before you open the email.  Also, there are cyber specialists that know how to imitate an institution that you trust, such as your telephone company, or bank; however, beware, as they may be phishing to try to retrieve your personal information. 

We must be cyber smart in order to be cyber safe, and that applies particularly to our children.  It is a good policy to monitor your children’s use of the computer.  Teenagers are tempted to chat with strangers, which could be dangerous.  Be sure you have set rules with them regarding their use of the internet.  Keep the lines of communication open with your teens.  They need to know you are interested in and paying attention to what they are doing.

You may remember the old saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me!”   In more innocent times, we were taught to ignore cruel words or treatment, consider the source, and move on.  With young people, words do hurt.  Now, we are in the age of cyber bullying.  This is a disgusting action that is causing young victims to go so far as to commit suicide.  (Please see our website for several articles on “bullying.” )  It’s disturbing when teens send hurtful messages to others.  But kids that send text messages, instant messages, hurtful pictures, and create websites to humiliate and/or endanger them should realize that if those acts should lead to a victim’s suicide, they will  carry that guilt around with them the rest of their life.  Who would want to know they had caused that much grief  by such cowardly actions?

If your child is a victim of cyber bullying, be sure to contact his/her school and local law enforcement.  It is helpful to take printouts of the messages that have been sent.  There are laws against writing harmful or insulting things about another person –libel.  Internet Service Providers have Acceptable Use Policies that define guidelines for users and actions that can be taken against those that violate those guidelines.  Cell phone providers and ISP’s can help clients track down the approved service provider of the person responsible for cyber bullying. 

As part of this year’s cyber security campaign, the Department of Homeland Security has also launched a new “Stop. Think. Connect.” Website, www.dhs.gov/stopthinkconnect, which provides a variety of free, downloadable resources and materials to help the public increase their safety and security online.

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

NATIONAL TEEN DRIVER SAFETY WEEK

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Since 2007, the third week of October has been designated as National Teen Driver Safety Week.  This week, October 17 through 23, to stress the importance of driving safely, schools and other organizations will be sharing information with teenagers about safe driving.  Car crashes are the #1 killer of teens.  Teaching teens that along with the privilege of driving a vehicle, there are rules that must be respected and followed.

 Research has shown that parents are the single greatest influence on their teen’s driving.  Parents must set the example early on, by buckling up every time they get behind the wheel, slowing down, and focusing on the road.   You’ve heard the old saying, “Practice makes perfect.”  This is certainly true when it comes to teen drivers.  Even though parents have busy schedules, the more time they spend letting their teens drive gives them the advantage of experience.  They need to drive in different road situations and at various times of the day with adult supervision.    Letting your child operate a motor vehicle without supervision is taking a terrible risk.  Give them as much supervised driving time as possible – thirty to fifty practice hours over a six-month period is recommended.  

Several states offer Graduated Drivers Licensing, which is a three-step plan:

  1. There is a minimum supervised learner’s period.
  2. After passing the driver’s test, they receive an intermediate license, which limits the amount of unsupervised driving time.
  3. Full privileges license after completion of previous stages.

The Centers for Disease Control make the following suggestions to parents:

  • Set rules for your teen drivers.  Set limits to keep them safe.  Be sure they know they must abide by the laws of the state, limit nighttime driving, and wear seat belt.
  • Restrict the number of passengers they may have in the car.
  •  Talk about signing a Parent-Teen Driving Contract (on the CDC website).  Discuss how important it is to follow the rules, and the consequences for breaking them.  Hang this contract on the refrigerator door as a reminder that you want him/her to stay safe, and that when the rules of safe driving are followed, greater driving privileges will result. 

Have you seen the commercial where the dad is leaning into the car, giving his little daughter all the right instructions that she must follow while driving, and then gives her the car keys?  In his mind, she is about 6 or 7 years old, but in reality, the next scene reveals she is a teen.  This serves as a reminder that in our hearts, although they are teenagers, we still think of them as little ones.  We all must emphasize safe driving to the teens in our families – children or grandchildren.  One of the most important things to help them stay safe is to tell them to forget about their cell phone and focus on the road.  If we can get teens and every other driver to ignore those electronic devices, the highways will be much safer for everyone!

Good luck to parents of new drivers.  Let’s all do our part to keep the roads safe for them.  Help them to know that not only during Teen Driving Safety Week, but all the time, they need to “handle that car with care.”

Uncategorized

OCTOBER IS NATIONAL ANIMAL SAFETY AND PROTECTION MONTH

Animal Safety and Protection Month – October, is to promote the well-being of both wild and domestic animals.  You’d have to have a pretty hard heart to not be touched at the site of a newborn animal.  They are a very important part of the circle of life, and without them, our lives would be pretty dull.  Let’s set aside talking about safety at home, work, or play, and focus on our furry, four-legged friends today. 

Our cities are growing at a rapid pace, and as they do so, they are destroying the habitats of wild animals – coyotes, foxes, rabbits, deer, and many other species.  It makes one wonder where they will eventually wind up?  When the weather is extremely dry, these animals return to private homes, looking for water and/or food.  Building of homes, roads, and businesses are taking their homes away from them.  The wildlife in our oceans are being harmed by sewage, industrial waste, and oil spills.  How can anyone forget the site of those poor birds covered by oil during the recent tragedy in the Gulf of Mexico?  Thanks to several dedicated workers, many birds’ lives were saved by hours of cleaning them, and then moving them to other habitats.  We even have rainforests in the United States, in the Pacific Northwest, where clear cutting is endangering wildlife in that region. 

On a trip to Alaska this past spring, we visited a bear sanctuary in Sitka.  We were shown a cute black bear cub, and informed that he was being sent to our home state, Texas.  When a fisherman discovered him, he was barely alive and his mother was already dead.  At the time we saw him, he fit into a carrier that most middle-size dogs could fit in.  He was soon flown to Texas, to live out his life in an exotic animal sanctuary.  It was fun to read the newspaper accounts about his journey, and see him featured on Dallas television.  He is a very lucky little bear, who happened to be found and taken to a place where he could be cared for until he could make the trip.  He is in a safe place where visitors can observe him and other wildlife. 

There are many things we can do to protect animals.  If you suspect that an animal is being abused, report it to your local ASPCA or law authorities.  There are many organizations that rescue animals, finding homes for them, after they are spayed and neutered and given their shots.  These animals can be adopted and what a reward adopting one of them can be.  You are saving a life, as well as gaining a faithful companion. 

There’s nothing more fun than taking your children to the zoo, so they can learn firsthand about nature’s gifts of wildlife.  Children are fascinated by seeing animals, reptiles, and sea creatures; just watch their faces while they are visiting an aquarium or zoo, if you don’t believe it. 

When children ask for a puppy or kitten, it’s an exciting time – until the new wears off.  They want to play with them, but when time comes to feed them, it’s often left up to Mom or Dad.  So they should learn how to feed and take responsibility for their new pet.  When we welcome an animal into our home, they are part of our family, and deserve to be treated that way.  We have to feed them, make sure they have their shots and take them for treatment when they are sick.  

It’s hard for me to hide that I love animals……..we have had many dogs during our marriage, as well as cats, too.  Our kids brought a few strays home through the years, and they made great pets.  One was a little pointer-mix puppy that had been thrown out beside the road with both her front legs broken.  We took her to the vet, and because they had already begun mending, he suggested that we leave them alone.  Because we had a very active little Cairn Terrier, and they played every day, her legs healed just fine.  She turned out to be one of the sweetest dogs we ever had.  Now, we have a 10-year old Jack Russell, who has been the most challenging breed of dog we ever tackled, but what a pleasure he is.  Buddy and I walk every day, rather, he walks me everyday! 

Remember to be wary of those animals that don’t know you, or dogs that are sitting in the back of a pickup truck.  You don’t want to risk getting bitten.  Leave wild animals alone, as it’s tempting to want to touch them, but they might be dangerous, especially if they have little ones around. 

Do what you can to protect the critters of the earth, keeping them safe and protected.  Most domestic pets such as dogs and cats will be your best friends until they take their last breath.  To quote Dereke Bruce, “In order to keep a true perspective of one’s importance, everyone should have a dog that will worship him and a cat that will ignore him.”

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Health Issues

THINK PINK FOR SAFETY!

We’ve already mentioned that October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but we feel that it is such an urgent matter for women to be aware of what they can do to protect their health that it deserves more attention.   National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a time to increase public knowledge and stress the importance of early detection.  This is a worldwide effort being  made by charities and medical communities  in many countries.

When a person gets breast cancer, it affects the entire family, and everyone who cares about them – friends, co-workers, everyone.  Experts report that for every 100 women who has breast cancer, one man has it, as well.  Self-examinations and mammography can save lives.  Anyone who finds a suspicious lump in their breast should see their physician as soon as they can.  Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women, following non-melanoma skin cancer. 

During NBCAM, pink is the primary color, used as decorations, in clothing, and worn by both men and women.  You see pink at all types of events.  Persons are able to find just about any type of pink product they can think of:  sweatbands, pink label pins, bracelets, socks, head wraps, baseball caps, shirts, (I loved the one that says “Fight Like A Girl”), office supplies, balloons – you name it, and it has probably been manufactured.  These items all promote the idea of being aware of breast cancer and supporting the women who are fighting the disease.  Portions of the profits from many of the sales go for cancer research. 

We in the safety business want to show our support for those fighting breast cancer, with pink safety products.  Items such as pink camo gloves, MSA hard hats, Skullbucket hardhats, and pink earmuffs are all available at http://www.tasco-safety.com/womens-pink-safety-products.html#475358.   Safety experts have known that Personal Protective Equipment must have a better fit for working women, so these types of glasses, gloves, hardhats and other safety products are made smaller for women.  We all know that if PPE doesn’t fit properly, it won’t protect as well.

And who says men can’t wear pink hardhats?  Any man who has a loved one fighting breast cancer can show his support – even while on the job.  Most of us know one or more women who have been through this battle.  We can help in many ways: by donating to cancer research, by prayer, by taking them to the doctor or for treatment, and by simply being there.

Do what you can help them win the battle over breast cancer.

General Safety Issues

STEP BY STEP, SAVING THE MINERS IN CHILE

There was great news on Saturday, October 9th, when a T-130 drill, operated by U.S. contractor, Jeff Hart, of Denver, Colorado, along with other contractors, broke through to thirty-three trapped Chilean miners after 28 days of drilling.  These miners have been trapped underground for more than two months, following a cave-in August 5, 2010.  This sets the world record for length of time that workers have survived being underground.  Rescuers are hopeful that the miners will begin their trip out of the mine by Tuesday, October 12, around midnight.  The capsule that will carry the miners to safety has been named Phoenix I, after the mythical bird that rose from the ashes.  The Phoenix I is a steel capsule, which will be lowered to pick up the miners, giving each man a twisting ride for approximately 2,041’, lasting around 20 minutes.  Each round trip will be approximately one hour.  The top part of the escape shaft is lined with steel sleeves for reinforcement.

The miners are in great spirits, arguing over who will be the last one to leave the mine!  A Navy special forces paramedic and a mine expert will be lowered into the mine, one at a time, to evaluate the condition of the workers.  They will oversee the upward journey, sending the most technically adept miners first, who would be able to help with the rescue if necessary.  Those with health concerns will go next, with the emotionally stronger ones going last. 

The miners have been given a diet donated by NASA, consisting of liquids, vitamins, and minerals to prepare for the trip.  Among the many challenges of the rescue are the possibilities of becoming dizzy or panicked.    Harnesses and oxygen masks will be placed on each miner, and the ones being lifted after sunrise will don safety sunglasses to protect their eyes from sunlight, which they have not seen for more than 60 days.   

There will be a make-shift hospital where the miners will have health checks, and following a brief reunion with families, they will be airlifted to a hospital in nearby Copiaco, about a 15-minute flight.  One can only imagine the jubilation from the families of  the miners opon seeing their loved ones safely back on the earth, instead of inside it.  There will also be approximately 750 journalists and Chilean officials waiting, as well.  These miners will long be telling their stories of the amazing journey they have experienced.  It will be interesting to hear the tales and see if the bonds of friendship and companionship will last.   Families have endured extreme stress during this time; they and their husbands, fathers, sons, and other family members should be given time to recouperate.

It is to the credit of these brave and dedicated rescuers from Chile and various other countries that these men have survived this harrowing event.  We are anxious, along with the rest of the world, to know that they are safely back home.  This event should serve as a lesson that the world can be a much better place if we all work together.

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

A SPECIAL SAFETY MESSAGE FROM SOMEONE WANTING TO HELP!

 This weekend I received the following comment from a very special mother, with regard to  an article, “Drive Safely Work Week.”  Please pay close attention to this message about a subject that we are all familiar with, but don’t  heed the warnings.  Hopefully, this will wake us all up:

We lost our son March 15, 2009 because he was texting while driving. He had everything going for him, he was just 23, a United States Marine and father and he let something as silly as texting take his life. I have made it a point in my life to speak and teach any and everyone I can on these dangers so maybe just one family will not have to go thru the pain and suffering we go thru everyday. Please look at your last text and tell me, is it really worth dying over or possibly killing someone else?? Thank you,
TBreen

In the article, I was trying to convey that a phone conversation is not worth risking anyone’s life over.  I hope my message gets through to all drivers that we must pay attention to our driving, and turn those phones off.  If we must use a cell phone, we need to pull over- to protect ourselves and others on the roads.  I asked for permission to share her message with all of you, and this was her response:

“PLEASE share, my husband and myself have made it our mission now to get our sons story out there and pray that it saves just one life. I am not sure I mentioned but we have done a PSA/Documentary for AT&T and also for a company named Motion Masters a learning video that is for schools and businesses. Your life is changed forever and there is not a waking second that you do not think of your child, a parent is not supposed to bury their child… Keep the articles going.. God Bless..

This mother and father are doing all they can to teach us that we must continue to get out the message: don’t text while driving!  Hopefully,  families will realize how important it is to teach their young drivers that this is one of the most common causes of accidents.  It has been proven that texting and driving is as dangerous as drinking and driving.  It’s time for it to stop!  It can be as simple as turning off the phone.   If everyone would comply, we’d see fewer accidents.

If you wish to comment, please send your wishes to me, and I will be happy to convey them to  this special family, who is trying to save others.  We are grateful to them for sharing their message.

General Safety Issues

WHAT IS THE REAL MEANING OF “ALERT”

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When I first started thinking about work and fatigue, the word “alert” comes to mind.  When workers become tired, their capacity to be aware of risks and hazards of the job is altered.  Whether it is sleep deprivation, stress, boredom, or doing repetitive tasks, fatigue becomes a factor, and accidents may happen because we were not alert.

Then I began thinking about what “alert” really means.  If it’s a noun, it’s a warning.  the verb means to warn.  How many different alerts do we have in our lives?  Here’s a few:

  • Weather alerts
  • Traffic alerts
  • Amber alerts
  • Fire alerts
  • Emergency alerts
  • Scam alerts

We are told to be prepared.  We must be ready for any emergency that may arise, both at home and in the workplace.  That is what workplace safety managers do: they plan for escapes from the buildings, do practice drills on a regular schedule, and are responsible to see that employees participate in safety plans. 

Work responsibilities mean that we must be alert when we do our jobs.  Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, and we can’t let our guard down at any time.  If you observe someone who seems to be fatigued or not paying attention, be sure to ask them about it, see  if you can help with a problem they may be experiencing, and “alert” your supervisor.  One good way to get every employees’ attention, is to have colorful posters displayed throughout work areas that convey safety messages.

We have to be alert when we are driving.  Too many wrecks have taken place because someone was not watching what they were doing, or were too busy talking or texting on their cell phone.  You have to be alert to what the other driver is doing – drive defensively.  Another word for alert is “ready.”  You must be ready to prevent an accident at all times. I was driving a group of friends the other day, and couldn’t see a car in the lane to my left, where I was headed, as it was in my blind spot.  My friend in the back seat alerted me, at about the time that I saw the car in the mirror, and we avoided an accident.  It was great that she warned me in time.  We can always use an extra pair of eyes.

Another “alert” we want to issue is to be watchful of scams.  There are so many persons out there that try to scam you either on your computer, or on the phone.  Be constantly vigilant about those who try to steal your good name and assets that you have worked hard for.

We need to be watchful of our children all the time.  With our hectic lifestyles, we sometimes don’t pay as close attention to things they are telling us that we should.  Be attentive (alert) to some problem they may be dealing with that they may have a little trouble sharing with you. 

Be watchful, attentive, vigilant, aware, prepared, ready, and observant.  Those words describe “alert,” which we all should strive to be at work, home, and play.  A good lesson for our children is to teach them the same thing: to stay alert.