All posts by pat brownlee

General Safety Issues

SEPTEMBER – CAMPUS FIRE SAFETY MONTH

1 Comment

The safety of our students is a major concern for universities and colleges across the nation.  One of these  issues is campus fire safety.  Since January, 2,000, 135 persons have died in campus-related fires, with 84 per cent of the fires occurring in off-campus housing.   This year marks the sixth year for Campus Fire Safety Month being observed in September, as students are returning to campus.

A letter written by parents of students who lost their lives in campus-related fires was sent to every state governor and the mayor of Washington, D.C. this past January.  So far, 31 states have issued proclamations supporting the promotion of fire safety between schools and fire professionals.  Both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives have issued proclamations, as well.

A portion of the proclamation from Governor Rick Perry of Texas, reads : “For many young people, going away to college marks the first time they have been away from home for an extended period of time.  It is important to remember that the freedom of living away from home comes with strings attached.  When out from under their parents’ roofs, students are responsible for themselves and others.  It only takes a moment of forgetfulness or carelessness to start a fire.  Fires on and near campuses still result in the loss of valuable property and historic buildings.  In the worst outcomes, they result in injury and even death.  September is a time when students across the nation will be settling into new residences on and off campus.  Recognizing the importance of fire safety, I urge all Texans to learn more about the steps they can take to prevent fires.  With preparation and planning, you can make a difference.”  s/Rick Perry

Each state that has issued a proclamation may word theirs a little differently; however, as Governor Perry points out, there are simple safety precautions that students can take to minimize the threat of fire.  By working with the State Fire Marshal’s Office, hazards can be identified and corrected.  Most fires are preventable.

Colleges are encouraged to start the semester off by teaching their students about fire safety.  Students living on campus should know what is expected in regard to cooking in their dorm room, use of candles, smoking safety (if permitted), and  determine the location of two exits in case of an emergency.  Off-campus student-residents should also be familiar with emergency escape routes in their apartments, check for working smoke detectors, ask about sprinkler systems in their building, cooking safety, alcohol and fire safety, and decide to “party safely.” 

One of the keys  to making this a successful year is to highlight the importance of fire safety – it must be a priority.  Schools can contact their local Fire Marshall or fire department and work together to educate all students in the importance of knowing how to prevent fires.  This could be one of the most important lessons that they learn; one that will remain with them the rest of their lives.

For additional information, go to ecomeau@campus-firewatch.com.

General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products

FALL MAINTENANCE TIPS FOR YOUR HOME

It’s a good idea to get in the habit of regular maintenance of your home each season of the year.  By checking things out ahead of time, you could save money by avoiding costly repairs.  Our houses don’t take care of themselves; it’s up to us to do it.  Some locations need more preventative measures than others; those who live in colder climates may be required to think of some things that we in warmer regions don’t have to do.  Regardless of where we live, it’s important to do these things to ensure the safety of our families.  Here are some ideas:

  • Check all window and door locks for proper operation; all exterior doors should have deadbolt locks.
  • Make sure there are working nightlights at the top and bottom of all stairs; don’t leave items on the stairs.
  • Have a professional check your heating system every year.
  • Check your home for water leaks.
  • Make sure that the caulking around your bathroom fixtures is adequate to prevent water from seeping into the sub-flooring.
  • Wrap pipes for insulation from freezing.
  • Replace your furnace filter once yearly.
  • Run all gas-powered lawn equipment until the fuel is gone.
  • Put away garden hose and other yard equipment.
  • Test your emergency generator.
  • Have a certified chimney sweep inspect and clean the flues and check your fireplace damper.
  • Remove bird nests from chimney flues and outdoor electrical fixtures.
  • Inspect and clean dust from the covers of your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and check batteries.
  • Have a fire escape plan for your family.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen.
  • Consider hiring a professional to do any inspections, etc. on your roof
  • Make sure the caulking around doors and windows is adequate to reduce heat/cooling loss.
  • Winterize boats and recreational vehicles before storing them.

You may want to make a checklist to use each season, and add to it as you think of something we may have missed.  Have your home ready for a warm, cozy fall and winter. 

 

Source: State Farm Insurance

General Safety Issues

WORKPLACE BULLIES

We have written articles about one of the most dreaded things in school or the workplace – bullies.  A while back, our article “Bullying is a Problem for All Ages,” brought a response from someone who is bullied in what seems to be all facets of his/her work.  It is hard to find the exact words to comfort and advise this person, as it seems he/she has tried about everything to remedy the situation.  (I sincerely hope things are much better now.)  

If you are in a work environment where you are constantly picked on, maybe the best thing to do is find another job.  The cost of staying where you are may be higher than the cost of leaving.  We’re not encouraging anyone to run away, we’re just saying there may be other options out there where you are not constantly subjected to someone who is manipulative, devious, and deceptive.  Bullies get their start in school; we have offered advice to parents to be able to help their children know what to do to avoid the type of misery that bullies create. 

Have you ever heard the saying, “Kill them with kindness?”  Many times, a soft approach to a bully may be better than bristling up.  They aren’t interested in anything that others think or feel, but rather in being a know-it-all, wrapped up in their own mini-world.  I had a boss that thought he could build himself up by putting me and other coworkers down, especially in front of customers.  Also, I worked with a lady that acted as though I was inferior to her, until one day, I got some backbone and finally stood up for myself; she was  nice after that.  I could list several ways that I let co-workers intimidate me, which I would handle differently if I could do it all over.  But I can’t, so maybe this will help you overcome these uncomfortable times. 

Don’t cower when someone treats you unkindly; be friendly, self-confident, calm, and assertive.  Prepare yourself before you confront a bully. Let them know you are not going to be their target.  Most “victims” are soft-hearted, gentile, unassertive, sensitive people.  (I fit that bill a long time ago, maybe still do.) I don’t like confrontations, who does?  But there comes a time when you decide you have as much right to come to work every day and be free from harassment as everyone else.  You should establish a support group among your coworkers, and keep copies of everything – memos, emails, letters, that you have received from the person making your life miserable.  Document everything, from the number of times, regularity, and patterns of the persecutions that happen.  If it doesn’t stop, go to your supervisor or union representative. 

Unfortunately, there are some companies that allow management to treat their employees in ways that are disrespectful, because those toughies seem to get more production out of their workers.  In this case, if your boss is the bully, it may be difficult to overcome the situation you are in.  You need to try to get along with your boss if possible.  Follow the lead of a co-worker that seems to please him/her.  If this is impossible, then do the best you can while looking for another place of employment.  Management should not tolerate bullies; it should be unacceptable in any business that others should suffer, when it would be easier to terminate one bully, than lose several good employees.  They might discover that employees are more productive when they are at ease.

You won’t be a victim of a bully if you work on your self-esteem, stand up for yourself, and are friendly, strong and assertive.  You have as much right to be in your place of employment as the bully.  Just do your job and try your best to ignore the person that never grew up after junior high school.  Remember – you are above the level that he/she lives on.

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

WHAT’S FOR DINNER? A SALUTE TO AMERICA’S FARMERS

1 Comment

As we go through our busy days, and think about what we’re going to prepare (or buy) for dinner, how many of us consider how that food got to the grocery store,  into our kitchens and onto our tables?  We have our farmers to thank for the blessings of  food.  Agriculture is a big business, and our farmers, dairymen, and ranchers, who grow our vegetables, fruits, beef and pork, as well as produce milk products, work hard to make a living. 

There are all types of farmers – from older ones who learned the hard way, to younger ones who utilize technology to improve agriculture on a larger scale, to part-time farmers who also have other occupations, to niche/boutique farmers who produce specialty products.  They all have different needs when it comes to safety and health.  Certain hazards for those on the farm are exposure to noise  from tractors and other equipment.  Many have hearing loss from years of running heavy equipment.  They are exposed to too much sun, which can cause skin cancer, and they breathe dust, and chemical fumes that can cause lung damage (farmers lung.) 

Children who grow up on farms learn at an early age  chores that they are expected to do to help their parents.  They are taught to be careful around livestock, as even the little animals can kick if the mood strikes them.  Two of the main hazards for youngsters who live in rural areas are machinery and drowning.  Drowning rates for all age groups are three times higher in rural regions than urban areas.  There are rivers, ponds, lakes, and canals that may be tempting for kids to jump into on a hot day.  Other causes of injuries to children on farms are livestock and falls. 

Future Farmers of America and 4-H Clubs are groups that young people interested in agriculture can join.  Many extension groups exist for women in farming, as well.  Our government has established many programs to help protect our farmers, such as agricultural-occupational health services.  Rural emergency services should be specially trained to treat injured farmers, ranchers, and their workers for injuries specific to their occupations.  Tractor-related injuries and deaths are hazards that most farmers face every day.  Pesticides that are needed to control crop damage are health-related risk factors, too.  

The National Safety Council estimates that approximately 160,000 agricultural workers suffer disabling injuries each year.  This may be a conservative estimate, as many accidents go unreported.  The National Agriculture Safety Database covers many of the risks farmers face, and recommends the proper use of personal protective equipment that meets the particular need: 

  • Head protection – For protection from falling objects, hard hats are the best.  Bump caps can also be worn for protection from ordinary scrapes and bumps, but do not protect from impact.
  • Eye protection – Wearing goggles, face shields, or safety glasses can prevent rocks, soil, crop materials, or foreign objects from being thrown into the eyes.  Chemicals from spray cans can also cause serious damage to the eyes. 
  • Foot protection – Safety footwear doesn’t have to look like it; there are types of  lightweight work boots that are designed for comfort and protection from dropped objects, stepping on sharp rocks, or maybe even being stepped on by an animal.
  • Hand protection – Gloves that are chemical-resistant should be worn anytime pesticides are being used.  Other work gloves protect the hands from hazards associated with most farm duties.
  • Breathing protection – dust from livestock or equipment can cause breathing problems.  Dust masks or respirators will help alleviate discomfort from trying to breathe under these conditions.
  • Protection from sick animals – Whenever treating a sick animal, wear eye protection and gloves, and cover open wounds on your body, as some diseases can be transmitted from animals to humans. 

We understand that almost every occupation has some risk of injury; however, September is Farm Safety Month, and this is our way of saying thanks for all they do, and to let them know how much we appreciate their hard work and the hazards they face to grow the products we all need.  “Thank You” to all of you who work in agriculture.  Stay safe!

First Aid Safety, Protective Clothing

HUNTING SEASON IS ALMOST HERE!

As fall approaches, so does hunting season!  Sportsmen and sportswomen who enjoy hunting, camping, hiking or other activities need to be prepared for disease-causing bacteria that may be waiting for them.  According to Guy Moore, a wildlife biologist with Texas Department of State Health Services, “outdoor activities bring a greater risk of exposure to diseases transmitted by fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and other animals.”

Some of these germ carriers are:

  • Wild hogs, which can carry brucellosis, a bacterial disease.
  • Deer, which can transmit anthrax, a bacterium that can cause a severe, life-threatening disease in both animals and humans.
  • Fleas and some animals such as squirrels, cats, rats, prairie dogs, and mice can transmit plague to humans. 
  • Mice can spread hantavirus infection to people.  They shed the virus in droppings, urine and saliva, and upon drying, these excretions can spread in the air on dust particles.
  • Ticks – an infected tick can cause Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia.
  • Mosquitoes, of course, are a nuisance and can carry organisms that cause encephalitis and West Nile infection.
  • All warm-blooded animals are susceptible to rabies.  Skunks, bats, coyotes and foxes are known carriers of rabies.

If you are still determined to go out there and enjoy the outdoors, don’t let us discourage you.   Most of these illnesses are rare, with the exception of West Nile.  Just keep these reminders handy:

  • Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer after handling game.
  • Wear latex-type gloves when dressing game.
  • Wear eye protection when dressing game.
  • Use insect repellents containing DEET.
  • Wear protective clothing, and light colored clothes so you can see ticks on your clothes.
  • Stay away from overgrown brush and tall grass if possible.
  • Do not touch antlers, bones, hides or other parts of dead animals.

Now, more safety tips for hunters:

  • Be sure you take your cell phone and tell someone where you plan to hunt and when you plan to return home.
  • Don’t hunt alone.
  • Wear hi-visibility vest  and cap – hunter orange.
  • Keep your equipment in good condition.
  • Be sure of your target before you pull the trigger.
  • Watch for snakes, and keep your distance.
  • Be sure to carry a first-aid kit.
  • Never wave to another hunter; shout loudly and clearly.
  • Be sure treestands are in good condition; use a harness to climb in and out of stand.
  • Unload your rifle when you get back to camp; assume that every gun in the camp is loaded until you can see the action is open and  it is safe to handle.

Remember: Your safety is your responsibility! 

 

Texas DSHS

USDA Forest Service

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

HURRICANE EARL MAY VISIT NORTHEAST U.S. COASTS

Folks on the northeastern coast of the United States have been advised to do an evacuation “test run,” in case Earl decides to come calling.  From the National Hurricane Center in Miami, as of today (9-2), a tropical storm warning has been issued to persons along Connecticut and Rhode Island coasts into Massachusetts.  Earl is heading toward the Outer Banks of North Carolina with tropical system winds of 140 mph, and higher gusts.  The center of Earl is approximately 300 miles south of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. 

Even though Earl may remain at sea, and run parallel to the coast, a storm surge from the hurricane could cause damage.  National Hurricane Director, Bill Read, said he expects big waves to hit the North Carolina coast, and by Friday, Cape Cod and Long Island could see big swells and dangerous rip currents.  Mr. Reed suggested that he would recommend advance planning by persons living in this area, just in case the storm hits the coast. 

Suggestions that we want to repeat in planning for a disaster are as follows:

  •     Plan ahead;
  •     Keep your cell phone charged;     
  •     Secure your home;
  •     Have a plan that includes your family, elderly, and pets;
  •      Be sure your insurance papers are in order;
  •      Have a 3-day supply of food and water for each individual;   
  •      Freeze gallon jugs of water ahead of time;
  •       Be sure you have a manual can opener;
  •      Purchase fresh fruit and vegetables in addition to canned goods;
  •       Have a supply of pet food and water bowls.
  •        Be sure you have all medicines;
  •        Notify next of kin or friends that you may be needing to stay with   them until the all-clear;

In the event of a hurricane hitting your town, do not go back until the authorities give permission.  Many times, downed power lines or other hazards cause injuries. 

With Labor Day approaching, we hope residents of these areas will have the “all-clear,” and be able to enjoy their holiday weekend.  However, listen to the professionals and take precautions, as they know what they are talking about.

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

LABOR DAY, 2010 SAFETY TIPS

1 Comment

Monday, September 6th,   millions of American workers will celebrate Labor Day. Wrapping up summer fun, and beginning school, this will be the last holiday until Thanksgiving.  Labor Day became a federal holiday in the United States in 1894, and is always observed the first Monday in September. 

Labor Day is also known as the second deadliest holiday of the year, with Thanksgiving coming in at #1.  So, while you are busy making plans for that three-day weekend, please give some thought to keeping yourself and your loved ones safe.  You know that your friendly State Troopers are going to be out in full-force, and their number one priority is seeing that you travel safely.  You may think that they are just out to get you, but as long as you drive at speeds designated by the law, and have your seat belt buckled, they won’t bother you.  One way to guarantee that is to head for your destination in plenty of time, allowing you to arrive on time.  Be sure to have your cell phone handy, but please don’t text and drive.  One of your passengers can answer your phone, or you can retrieve your messages once you have stopped driving. 

AAA expects 34.4 million Americans to travel this holiday weekend, from Thursday September 2nd, through Monday, September 6th.   Most will be going at least 50 miles from home, with the average miles travelled around 635.  If you are one of those travelers, be sure you watch for the other driver (drive defensively), motorcycles and bicycles.  Everyone should show the same respect on the roads that they expect to receive.  Driving and drinking just don’t mix, and those Driving Under the Influence (alcohol, drugs), will be arrested.  The same goes for BUI, pertaining to someone driving a boat under the influence; they will be subject to arrest, too. 

If you are going on an outing, such as fishing, camping, hiking, etc., be sure to take along your sunscreen, first aid kit, sunglasses, insect repellent, and protective gear.  Because the weather is still warm, you’ll want to keep all perishable food items cold, and not leave them out of the ice chest for more than one hour.  Taking along a NOAA weather radio would be a good plan, too, as this time of the year, there may be weather changes that would affect your outdoor activities.

 Wherever the roads take you, obey the law and stay safe.  Everyone traveling expects to return to work next Tuesday.  Do your part to see that they do.  

P.S.  Let’s hope that we have more American workers to honor next year; there are thousands who NEED jobs desperately.  Be thankful for the one you have.

General Safety Issues

SEPTEMBER IS CHILDREN’S CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

We are all familiar with the pink ribbons that promote breast cancer awareness.  The National Children’s Cancer Society asks schools and communities to recognize the month of September by wearing a gold ribbon on their lapel, to bring awareness of the battle with cancer that thousands of America’s children are fighting. 

Pediatric cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children under the age of 15.  It causes more deaths in children than asthma, cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, and AIDS combined.  According to Kristie McNealy, M.D., one in 330 children will develop cancer before they are twenty years old.  Each school day, 46 children are diagnosed with some type of cancer.   There are between 30,000 and 40,000 child cancer patients undergoing treatment in the U.S.  On average, 12,500 children will be diagnosed with cancer this year.  

Cancer is an ugly word for anyone; cancer in a child is unthinkable.  But it happens.  I know of a very brave young man,  who, at age 14 has battled this disease off  and on since he was three years old.  He has had 2 other relapses, and continues to fight, following a double cord transplant this past year.  This determined youngster has gone through more than most of us will experience in a lifetime.  It is his hope that people will realize what this disease is doing to our children by donating money, volunteering for cancer fund-raisers, or getting involved in other ways. 

We have veered away today from our usual format of safety – at home, at work, or play, but many times we do focus on health issues.  This important message needs to be spread.  Money is spent on research for breast cancer, and other types of cancer; however, research funds are scarce for pediatric cancer.  In the past two decades, one new cancer drug has been approved for pediatric treatment. 

Professional athletes visit kids in hospitals and rehabilitation facilities, and their presence can make all the difference in the world.  You can help, too, by giving of your time and/or money.  If you know of a family that is going through treatment for their child, consider giving them gift certificates to restaurants, to be able to pick up food when there’s no time to prepare meals between work and hospital visits.  You can do many thoughtful things just by giving your time.  Be thankful if this disease hasn’t affected your family; wear that gold ribbon and remind folks what it is all about.

General Safety Issues

REFUSING TO DO DANGEROUS WORK

Have you ever felt that you are sent out to perform a job that may be unsafe?  If so, you need to know what your rights are in the event you feel you must refuse to perform the assigned task.  When you think that conditions of work are unhealthful or unsafe, you should notify your employer.  If your employer fails to correct the hazard or disagrees with you about the extent of the hazard, you may file a complaint with OSHA.  

However, you need to take the right steps to protect yourself.  Refusing to do a job because of potentially unsafe workplace conditions is not ordinarily an employee right under the OSH Act.  (Your union contract or state law may, however, give you this right, but OSHA cannot enforce it.)  Refusing to work may result in disciplinary action by the employer.  However, employees do have the right to refuse to do a job if they believe in good faith that they are exposed to an imminent danger.  “Good faith” means that even if an imminent danger is not found to exist, the worker had reasonable grounds to believe that it did exist.  But, as a general rule, you do not have the right to walk off the job because of unsafe conditions.  If you do and your employer fires or disciplines you, OSHA may not be able to protect you.  So, stay on the job until the problem can be resolved. 

You right to refuse to do a task is protected if ALL of the following conditions are met: 

  • Where possible, you have asked the employer to eliminate the danger, and the employer failed to do so; and
  • You refused to work in “good faith.”  This means that you must genuinely believe that an imminent danger exists.  Your refusal cannot be a disguised attempt to harass your employer or disrupt business; and
  • A reasonable person would agree that there is a real danger of death or serious injury; and
  • There isn’t enough time, due to the urgency of the hazard, to get it corrected through regular enforcement channels, such as requesting an OSHA inspection.

 When all of these conditions are met, you take the following steps:

  • Ask your employer to correct the hazard;
  • Ask your employer for other work;
  • Tell your employer that you won’t perform the work unless and until the hazard is corrected; and
  • Remain at the worksite until ordered to leave by your employer. 

If your employer discriminates against you for refusing to perform the dangerous work, contact OSHA immediately.  Knowing the proper procedures you need to follow in order to protect yourself will ensure that you don’t have to be in danger, or risk losing your job.  Your life is worth more than any job.

 

Source:  OSHA

General Safety Issues

OWN YOUR OWN BUSINESS?

A long time ago, my husband, who owned a machine shop for a number of years, made the statement, “no one knows what being in business for themselves is like until they have actually done  it.”  Overhead, insurance, waiting to get paid, paying employees, maintenance, and many other headaches contribute to being in private business.  With that in mind, we’d like to encourage businesses everywhere to think about how safe their enterprises are. 

One of the first things is to hire good employees.  You can be a victim of internal theft, as well as external.  Do thorough background checks on all applicants.  Know whom you are allowing access to your buildings.  Be sure that keys cannot be duplicated without the master key.  There should be a locked closet that holds the master key to every door, with only certain employees having access to it.  Encourage staff to confidentially report any dishonesty by colleagues that they are aware of. 

How safe is your business equipment?  Keep an up-to-date inventory, including leased equipment that is not insured by the leasing company.  There are many types of security systems, including sensors on doors, closed-circuit cameras, and contract security companies that alert authorities when there is a problem.  Adequate lighting should be provided at all times.  Clear away any shrubs, bushes, or trees that could provide hiding places for thieves.  Installing dead bolts or coded locks may be another deterrent.  Develop safe procedures that protect every employee, from the very first person arriving to work in the morning until the last person leaves each evening. 

Building maintenance is very important.  Water leaks can cause costly damage.  Pipes, drains, and appliances should be checked often.  A crack approximately 1/8 of an inch in a pipe can release up to 250 gallons of water per day.  There are two types of water leak detection systems – active and passive.

  • Active systems are battery operated and can set off an alarm when moisture is detected as well as stop the water flow with some sort of shut-off valve.
  • Passive systems are battery operated and usually stand-alone units, with moisture sensors on the bottom of the apparatus, and will activate an alarm.  They are easily installed.

Roofs should also be inspected often for damage, or possibility of water leaks.  In the fall, it’s a good idea to insulate water pipes to avoid freezing later on. 

Of course, businesses should install sprinkler systems and smoke detectors, and have appropriate fire extinguishers ready for use in case of fire, depending on the types of equipment that are involved.   Individuals can plug in surge protection devices; however, the electric service meter surge protection devices must be professionally installed.  

This is probably just the tip of the iceberg; however, we hope the things that have been pointed out will help businesses be a little safer.  We salute both the small and large business owners, who make keep our communities going, by offering jobs that are so badly needed.