All posts by pat brownlee

General Safety Issues

THERE’S A NEW BUG IN TOWN!

Actually, not yet, but if we’re not careful, there may be a new superbug on it’s way.  Just about the time it was announced that the H1N1 pandemic is over, along comes news that there’s another gene with the potential to turn almost any bacteria into an antibiotic-resistant bug.  The name of this bad boy is NDM-1, called New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamose.  Seems New Delhi is the place it was first identified.  Patients seeking travel tours, which include plastic surgery, in India and Pakistan have been reported as becoming ill once they returned to their home countries. 

More than 50 British patients who had plastic surgery in Southeast Asia have been infected with this superbug.  According to the Centers for Disease Control, NDM-1 has an enzyme that destroys many commonly used antibiotics, rendering them ineffective.  E-Coli and Klebsiella pneumonia thus far are two of the hosts to this disease.  The CDC is alerting physicians to be aware of this when they are treating patients who have recently received medical care in foreign countries, in order to prevent the spread of these highly resistant organisms. 

Dr. Larry Baddow, Chair of the Division of Infectious Disease at Mayo Clinic says they have been seeing this globally over time.  He classifies it as “slow motion gloom and doom.”  Because of the overuse of antibiotics,  given too often when not necessary, and for longer periods of time, they see an increase in antibiotic-resistant bugs.  Chairman of Preventative Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Dr. William Schaffner, says “antibiotic stewardship” can help keep new bugs from spreading.  Because of economics, many pharmaceutical companies have stopped or slowed down research for stronger forms of antibiotics.  However, medical professionals are monitoring the evolution of this new superbug, and will encourage researchers to find a stronger antibiotic that will combat it, as well as a vaccine to prevent it. 

Importing foods may be another way this bug has spread.  It is causing real concern on a global level.  Until that time, it might be wise to stay with your physician for surgery and treatment.  The grass might look greener on the other side, but it might be full of pests you really don’t want, and no one else wants them, either.  If you must travel to other countries, the same advice that was given during H1N1 to help prevent spreading it, was to practice good hygiene, wash hands often, cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and stay home if you are sick. 

Let’s don’t put out the welcome mat for NDM-1.   We don’t want him in our town!  Do everything you can to stay well.

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

WHEN DISASTER STRIKES, ARE YOU READY OR NOT?

National Preparedness Month is in September, but we’re getting a head start by promoting the “Ready or Not” campaign, which was launched by the Texas Department of Health Services on July 8th.   This yearlong project will focus on being sure that Texans are prepared for floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, or any other natural disaster that may occur.  Each state probably has excellent disaster plans, but hopefully, we can share ideas that will help ensure that your entire family will be prepared. 

Take the time to locate important records such as names and phone numbers of your family physician, pharmacy, and your veterinarian or kennel that cares for your pets.  You need to place those documents, as well as your insurance information, social security, and other records in a plastic bag that can be easily accessed if you need to evacuate your home.  List out-of-town contacts, too.  Take a moment to also think about what you would grab, if you had to leave in a hurry, of course, including your pets.

You and your family should sit down and talk about what you will do, and where you will meet, in case your cell phones don’t work.  Think about where each one is during the biggest part of the day, and have phone numbers for work, school, and daycare.  Find out if your child’s school or daycare facilities have site-specific emergency plans and familiarize yourself with them.  

Stay tuned to your news or NOAA weather service.  If you are advised to evacuate, do so.  Families could plan to check on neighbors that they know may not be able to follow these rules if they are physically unable to get to safety.  

Supplies are a big priority.  Keeping a supply kit of many of these items in your car is a good plan:

  • Three-day supply of water, and non-perishable foods
  • Flashlight
  • Hand-operated can opener
  • Plastic plates, cups, utensils
  • First Aid Kit
  • Respirators (N-95)
  • Personal Hygiene Items
  • Garbage Bags
  • Prescription Medications
  • Cell Phone
  • Battery-powered radio
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Maps
  • Photo in case you are separated
  • Pet needs 

We never know when disaster will strike.  Being prepared is the best way to be safe and survive.

General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

A WEE BIT OF INFORMATION ABOUT NANOTECHNOLOGY

Do you have any idea what this is all about?  We didn’t, so we decided to do a little detective work to try to explain what Nanotechnology represents.  Quoting NNI, “Nanotechnology is the understanding and control of matter at dimensions between approximately 1 and 100 nanometers, where unique phenomena enable novel applications.  Encompassing nanoscale science, engineering, and technology, nanotechnology involves imaging, measuring, modeling, and manipulating matter at this length scale.”  Are you with us so far? 

  • A nanometer is one-billionth of a meter.
  • A sheet of paper is about 100,000 nanometers thick,
  • A single gold atom is about a third of a nanometer in diameter.
  • Dimensions between approximately 1 and 100 nanometers are known as the nanoscale. Unusual physical, chemical, and biological properties can emerge in materials at the nanoscale. These properties may differ in important ways from the properties of bulk materials and single atoms or molecules.

In other words, it is possible to create new materials and devices that will be used in medical diagnostics, electronics, computing, alternative energy and optics, just to name a few.  In 2008, the Project on Emerging Nanoscience estimated that over 800 manufacturers identified products that are available to the public containing nanomaterials such as titanium dioxide in sunscreen, cosmetics, and some food products, as well as silver in food packaging, clothing, disinfectant and household appliances.  

Nanoscale materials and their effects are found in nature all around us.  Researchers are trying to imitate the flexibility of spider silk, which is naturally reinforced by nanoscale crystals.  They have copied the nanostructure of lotus leaves to create water repellent surfaces used today for stain-proof clothing, fabrics, and materials.  Nanoscale materials are all around us, in volcanic ash, sea spray, and smoke from fire, for example.  Nanoscale tubes of carbon, 1/100,000 the diameter of a human hair, are very strong, and are being used to make bicycles, baseball bats and some car parts.  

Safety concerns for scientists and researchers who work with nanoscale materials are still being studied.   There are potential health risks such as ingestion (unintentional, hand to mouth), skin penetration, lung function, and respiratory problems.  Gloves, respirators, and lab coats are among the PPE that these professionals use for precautionary measures.  More data is needed to ensure their safety as they perform their experiments in this important, emerging field.  Research on workplace safety is a high priority for the agencies of the National Nanotechnology Initiative. Research funded by the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Environmental Protection Agency, and the Departments of Energy and Defense all are contributing to our knowledge about potential effects of engineered nanomaterials on biological systems and recommended practices for working with nanomaterials. 

The U.S. has invested approximately $480 million from 2005 to 2011 for research and development, and environment, health and safety in this field.  Many other countries are involved in this technology,  including several European and Asian countries.

This amazing  process of making engineered materials from uniquely tiny physical and chemical properties is fascinating, even though we don’t completely understand it.

Source:  National Nonotechnology Initiative, NIOSH

Fall Safety

AVOIDING FALLS IN THE WORKPLACE

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According to the Centers for Disease Control, every day, four construction workers in the United States die on the job, and falls are the leading cause.  Also, the top ten most frequently cited OSHA violations are for improper fall protection, scaffolding safety, and ladder safety, resulting in the highest penalties, as well. 

The Bureau of Labor statistics classify falls as: falls on the same level of work, falls to lower level, and jumps to a lower level, when a worker jumps voluntarily to avoid a fall or other injury.  Construction workers have the highest number of fatalities from falls.  Falling from roofs is one of the main types of falls.  

Companies are required to train workers in how to avoid falls.  They must understand how to use fall protection equipment, such as harnesses, lanyards, rope grabs, roof anchors, roofers’ kits, tie-off slings and ladder safety systems.  Workers should know not to carry other objects while climbing a ladder.  There are certain procedures that meet the legal requirements for working in heights.  A very important daily habit to have is to be sure their equipment is in good shape, each time they get ready to use it. 

Platforms should be used correctly.  It’s easy to get off balance while standing on scaffolding or other types of platforms, and the results could be devastating.  Supervisors should set a good example for their workers, and never allow them to take shortcuts.  The workplace should have guardrails around floor openings and take other measures to keep their employees safe.   There are many sources of falls, and not all falls are fatal, but can lead to injuries, and lost time.  Workers can slip on floors, stairs, escalators, steps, parking lots, and chairs (yes, standing on chairs to change a light bulb or retrieve something is a big no-no.)  Weather conditions can also become a hazard for those working in heights. 

A  friend of mine recently bought a bike.  She fell the first time up, and broke her shoulder.  Now, she is getting ready for surgery in a few days, and will miss work for a few weeks.  Another friend fell off her back steps and broke her arm!  (I am really being careful now.)  We can fall anywhere, anytime, but the main concern is that we try to be careful and keep our bones intact!  

Bureau of Labor statistics also report that the cost to the company of a workplace fall can be around $40,000, with additional costs ranging four to ten times that amount.  The way things are these days, it will pay to encourage all employees to be very, very careful!

Eye Protection, Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

THERE’S STILL LOTS OF TIME FOR SWIMMING!

Even though school bells are going to be ringing soon, there’s still plenty of time to take a dip before the swimming pools close.  Persons who live in cities or communities with swimming pools are very fortunate, and may not realize what is involved in keeping them safe.  Swimming pools are regulated by several federal and state agencies.  OSHA has issued standards regarding pool employees’ exposure to chlorine and bloodborne pathogens.  Employees’  training must be documented, and personal protective and safety equipment should be furnished.   Swimming pools must also assure patrons that locker rooms and showers are safe from predators and ensure that the decks around the pool are safe, preventing slips and falls. 

The following tips apply to swimmers at  swimming pools, and also in and around rivers and lakes:

  • Always swim with a buddy; never swim alone.
  • Watch out for the “dangerous too’s” — too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun, too much strenuous activity.
  • Swimming and alcohol do not mix.  Alcohol impairs your judgement, balance, and coordination, affects your swimming and diving skills, and reduces your body’s ability to stay warm.
  • Protect your skin: Sunlight contains two kinds of UV rays — UVA increases the risk of skin cancer, skin aging, and other skin diseases. UVB causes sunburn and can lead to skin cancer. Limit the amount of direct sunlight you receive between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.; wear a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 15.
  • Drink plenty of water regularly and often even if you do not feel thirsty. Your body needs water to keep cool. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them. They can make you feel good briefly but make the heat’s effects on your body worse. This is especially true with beer, which dehydrates the body.
  • Obey all rules and posted signs.
  • Wear eye protection: Sunglasses are like sunscreen for your eyes and protect against damage that can occur from UV rays. Be sure to wear sunglasses with labels that indicate that they absorb at least 90 percent of UV sunlight.
  • Wear foot protection: Keep in mind that your feet can get burned from the sand on a beach, or cut from glass in the sand, or pavement at the pool.
  • Watch the weather: Stay tuned to local weather conditions and prepare for electrical storms. Watch local news programs. Get out of the water as soon as you see or hear a storm.  Stop swimming at the first indication of bad weather.

If your children don’t know how to swim, be sure to see about getting swimming lessons for them.  Many pools offer free lessons. You never know when someone is going to need help around the water, and it’s important for you to be able to rescue them.  Even if you swim, it’s a good idea to take a refresher course.  A panicked swimmer can pull down a seasoned swimmer trying to rescue him.  If you know anyone who can’t swim, encourage him/her to learn.  It might just save a life.

Source: American Red Cross

General Safety Issues

DON’T TAILGATE IF YOU WANT TO ARRIVE SAFELY!

On August 5th,  in Missouri, on Interstate Highway 44, two persons lost their lives and around 50 others were injured, following a collision involving four vehicles.  A truck tractor (with no trailer) was stopped because of traffic congestion in a highway work zone.  First, a 19-year old young man ran his pickup into the truck.  Then, a school bus carrying students completely ran over the pickup, and landed on top of the truck.  Next, a second bus loaded with students from the same group ran into the first bus.  One student was killed, along with the 19-year old driver of the pickup.  Around fifty persons were treated and released from area hospitals; however, two students remain hospitalized, one in serious condition. 

Missouri Highway Patrol officers surmise that the accident was caused by driver inattention and following too closely, judging by the accident scene.  A National Transportation Safety Board team of 14 persons will be investigating the cause of the wreck, which may take months to clear up. 

It’s never a good idea to follow a big truck too closely, whether in a work zone, or regular highway conditions.  Truck drivers have certain “no zone/blind spots” that don’t allow them to see that another vehicle is right behind them.  It also takes a big rig longer to come to a stop.  Wrecks are common in work zone areas.  According to the Federal Highway Administration, 720 persons died in work zones across the United States in 2008.  It’s hard to maneuver around barrels in work zones, especially if you are driving too fast, or distracted.  There are workers present in many of those areas, who will appreciate your showing them that you respect their safety.

It’s never a good idea to follow anyone too closely! Another top cause of most crashes  is when someone is literally riding on the tail of the car in front of them.  This angers the driver in front, who taps on their brakes to get the tailgater to back off.  This is a dangerous move that can cause the driver behind to lose control and slam into the front car’s back bumper. 

Timing Rules Used To Avoid Car Accidents Caused By Tailgating:

When you are driving a car, it can be hard for you to determine the distance between you and the car in front of you, so  remember these three rules:

1.  Two Second Rule

If you are on a dry and clear road, it is recommend that you count two seconds to safely gauge the distance between you and the car in front of you.  When the car in front of you drives past a sign, you should reach the count of two before you pass the sign.

2.  Four Second Rule

In wet and rainy conditions, you should allow a four second safety gap between yourself and the car in front of you.  Bad weather can cause decreased tire traction, slips and skids.

3.  Ten Second Rule

In icy and snowy conditions, and roads are most dangerous, allow this rule.  It may seem like too much time needed in order to determine distance, but every winter car accident statistics go up because motorists feel they can ignore this rule.  It’s much harder to control or stop your vehicle on these roads.

Another thought is to observe the speed limit, and allow 10’ of distance for every 10 m.p.h. that you are driving.  If you are going 60, allow 60’ between you and car ahead of you.  This is difficult to do on a busy freeway, but it is possible to do it on a regular highway.  

  Slow down, and back off.  You are all going the same direction, and you will get there safer if you give everyone their fair share of the road.  If you cause an accident and take a life, it will change things forever.  You can’t take it back.  Think about the responsibility you have to be a safe driver each time you get behind the wheel.

 

 

 

General Safety Issues

PLANNING FOR A PENDEMIC

We hate to even bring up the subject, but following the H1N1 Pandemic the world experienced, it is important that we plan for, yet hope that there won’t be another one.  No one knows when an outbreak will occur, or the specific characteristics of a future pandemic virus, which are unpredictable.  Also unknown are what age groups will be affected, nor how dangerous it will be. 

Pandemics occur when a new virus spreads easily from person to person throughout the world.  Knowing what to do in our daily lives, work, and activities can be helpful. 

I had the misfortune while on an Alaskan cruise to catch some kind of “bug”, which required a visit to the doctor, two shots, several medications and about three weeks to get over.  Other friends who traveled to various places came home sick, as well.  Following a trip to China, two of our family members came home so ill they had to be hospitalized.  We know that most persons who travel come home feeling perfectly fine, but there are too many ways to come in contact with germs that can make us very ill.  Even though you wash your hands thoroughly, you still have to touch rails, elevator buttons, door- knobs and other items that hundreds of people are in contact with, as well.  (I have decided that the next trip I go on, I will wear gloves.  It may look silly, but I know I won’t be touching something loaded with germs!)  Anyone riding on mass transportation would be wise to carry sanitary wipes along. 

When we were dealing with the H1N1 virus, experts advised hand washing, covering one’s mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue only once, staying home if you feel sick, and getting the vaccine.  Workplaces should provide hand sanitizers, tissues, plastic cups rather than dishes and cups that may not be washed thoroughly.  They should also remove magazines from waiting rooms and break rooms, when illness breaks out.  Workstations should be cleaned frequently, to keep employees healthy.  This is good advice to follow even when there’s no outbreak of a virus.  If there is a “bug” moving around, avoid travel, meetings, and workshops, if at all possible.  Also stay away from crowded places.   If there is a vaccine available, by all means, get it.  Many times it is recommended to get the flu vaccine; even if the new virus is a different strain, it is hoped that this will allow the symptoms to be less serious.

As we said, we hope there will never be another pandemic, and if we take better precautions and try to keep ourselves healthy, hopefully it won’t happen again.  But in a world full of more and more people, something is bound to occur sooner or later.  If countries will share the information worldwide as soon as they suspect a virus is beginning to spread, other countries will be better prepared to protect their citizens.  A pandemic impacts countries’ economies, industries, schools, hospitals, and governments, in other words, everyone.  Stay healthy.

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

WE ALL HAVE THE RIGHT TO KNOW

Every American has the right to know the hazards to which they may be exposed in their daily living. Right-to-know laws provide information about possible chemical exposures. There are two forms that involve the right to know: Right to Know in the Workplace, and Right to Know in the Community.  Below is a list of some of the information that the EPA provides the public in the spirit of right to know in regard to their communities.

  • Emergency Planning
  • Toxic Substances and Releases
  • Environmental in the Community
  • Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) of 1996
  • Air Pollution
  • Water Quality
  • Lead Program
  • Hazardous Waste

The Right to Know in the workplace was established in 1985 with OSHA’s Hazardous Chemicals Standard.  Information that the workplace must have accessible to employees are:

  • Workplace Inspection Reports
  • Medical Records
  • Noise, chemicals, and other hazards workers are exposed to
  • Workers Comp claim forms and records
  • Injury and Illness Records OSHA Standards
  • Monitoring Methods
  • Accident Investigation Reports
  • MSDS– Chemical manufacturers and importers are required to assess hazards of chemicals and pass this information on to purchasers through container labels. Employers must provide information to workers through Material Safety Data Sheets.  This detailed information is to be furnished to all employees, and they must be trained to understand  the importance of the MSDS, and the risks of the chemicals their workplace may use.  These are to be accessible to employees in all work areas. 

Because of confidentiality of medical records and other personal data, different laws may apply to certain records, as applicable.  It will be interesting to research the different aspects of employees’ and citizens’ right-to-know laws.  We hope to bring more detailed information on various subjects to you in the future.

It is important that we do our part to control pollution in our country.  We want our schools, communities, homes, and workplaces to be safe havens that don’t make us sick.  If you have questions about situations in your surroundings or work environment, contact your local governmental authorities, or the Environmental Protection Agency.  It’s your Right to Know.

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

WATER KEEPS YOU RUNNING IN THE SUMMER HEAT!

August days are sweltering in Texas, as well as many other parts of the country.  There are many athletes – baseball players, football players, and runners that are exposed to the heat during the hottest time of the day, in many cases.  There are some keys to staying healthy while exercising, whether as an athlete, or worker who is exposed to the elements every day,  becoming dehydrated.

Mild dehydration is the loss of no more than 5% of the body’s fluid. Loss of 5-10% is considered moderate dehydration. Severe dehydration (loss of 10-15% of body fluids) is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical care. 

One of the first steps to getting used to the heat is to become acclimatized.  As the weather heats up, you must ratchet down your outdoor workout for at least five days to two weeks, in order to build up heat tolerance.  If you ride a bike, ride it a little slower until you get used to hotter temperatures.  Walk instead of running, if you are a jogger.  If you are involved in an intense workout, you are creating more heat for your body.  

A sweat rate test will tell you how much fluid you need to replace from your workout: weigh yourself without clothes before and after a workout; add the amount of any fluid you drank from your weight-loss difference, and you’ll have the amount of fluid you lost through sweat.  Hydration keeps your body from overheating.  The best policy is to know what works best for each individual.  The American College of Sports medicine suggests that too much water can cause a sodium imbalance in the body.  Listen to your thirst.  Some fitness program coaches recommend athletes drink 16 to 20 ounces of water before training, carry 20 ounces of water to sip during the workout, and change to an electrolyte sports drink such as Gatorade after the first hour.  Lost sodium can also be replaced with salty snacks.  

There is a common belief that caffeinated drinks dehydrate you, but according to cardiologist Benjamin Levine, caffeinated drinks such as coffee and tea will help hydrate your body throughout the day, because they contain water. Dr. John Carlo, Medical Director of Dallas County Health and Human Services recommends that drinking more fluids the day before strenuous exercise will help prevent dehydration.  Hydrating at night is also a good idea, says Dr. Carlo. 

If you have health problems or are more susceptible to heat, you may want to exercise in an air-conditioned wellness center, or gym.  They contain all types of equipment that will enable you to get the amount of conditioning you want.  

Even when the weather is just a few degrees higher than normal, it can take its toll on our bodies.  Those who work outdoors should always take the proper precautions and be able to take breaks away from the sun as often as possible.  Always have fresh water available, and drink it often.  We all need to keep our cool anyway we can!

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING IS A GOOD IDEA

Do you take pride in keeping your home and yard nice and tidy?  How do you feel about keeping your workplace the same?  I have worked with some pretty messy people, ones who would throw their paper coffee cups on the floor, missing the wastebasket, and leaving other trash behind, and I wondered if they did the same at their houses.  Clutter, debris, and spills are a serious hazard, both at home and work.  Good housekeeping in the workplace pays big dividends, by preventing injuries, saving time by not having to look for tools or materials, and keeping  the boss happy. 

A sloppy workplace contributes to accidents such as tripping over objects that may have been left in the aisles or on stairs, getting hit by falling objects, or slipping on wet, dirty, or greasy floors.  Broken fixtures  in buildings that are not properly repaired can also cause accidents.  If the workplace is not kept free from dust and vapors, health problems could be an issue.  A safety officer should  complete a housekeeping checklist weekly.  Each department should be responsible to see that they pass the inspection with flying colors.  Housekeeping safety programs should include inspection, maintenance, upkeep, and repairs.  Aisles, fire equipment, first aid stations and emergency eyewash stations should never be blocked by clutter or debris. 

Employee facilities should be cleaned daily and stocked with soap, towels, and disinfectants. Many companies have individual lockers for workers to be able to change from their work clothes, in order to not contaminate their homes if they work in environments that contain hazardous materials.  

We’ve all heard the saying, “A place for everything, and everything in its place.”  This saying applies to our homes and places of employment.  Being organized is the best way to be efficient.  Dispensers play an important part of being organized in the workplace.  There are dispensers for everything from tape, to earplugs, eyeglasses, goggles, facemasks, medicines, hairnets, shoe covers, beard covers, and just about anything that requires being ready for use. 

Let’s all try a little harder to be good stewards at work. If every one of us keeps our little corner of the world tidy, what a safer world it will be.