All posts by pat brownlee

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

NEW HIRES NEED YOUR HELP

During this time of a bad economy, there are persons that are desperate for a job, and they may be happy to take one that has nothing to do with the type of work they have done in the past.  People from all professions have found themselves ousted from occupations that they have been doing for years, and are willing to take whatever comes their way, even when they may be overqualified, or lack experience in the particular job they take.  When this happens, becoming familiar with a new work situation and understanding safety issues are two of the most important things they must learn. 

It’s a known fact that during the first month on a new job, new hires are susceptible to injuries.  They should receive basic safety training from the very beginning.  Getting them acquainted with their coworkers and new surroundings is very important.  Other workers can serve as mentors and see that they understand the requirements of their job before letting them proceed alone.  In a work environment that involves machinery, the new hires must be properly taught the use of the machines, all about tools, and hazardous processes.

Of course, in occupations where Personal Protective Equipment is required, the new employee should be instructed to wear it at all times while on the job.  Whether it’s head, hand, eye, hearing, or any other type of protection, new workers should understand how to wear and maintain each particular item that they are furnished.  

Knowing how to fill out an accident report or a near miss report is another important part of orientation.  If there is an on-the-job injury, they must realize that it is urgent to notify a supervisor at the time of the injury.  If chemicals are involved in the job, understanding about Material Safety Data Sheets is a must. 

We’ve all been through the “first job” experience.  Everyone understands how nerve-wracking it can be to tackle and understand all that is expected of you.  Put yourself in the place of a new young hire, eager to learn, but somewhat overwhelmed.  You may be able to teach that person lessons that will stay throughout his/her career.  For someone who is starting all over, do whatever you can to make his/her transition a little easier. 

Take your job seriously.  There’s no room for horseplay in the work area.  Time for fun is during breaks, not when someone might get hurt while working.   Most companies train their employees on what to do in case of an accident, or how to call for help. First aid kits should be available in all areas of the workplace. 

Even though Human Resources Departments complete a checklist of items while conducting an orientation, it takes time and experience for a new hire to really get the big picture.  Once they are on the job, workers must not be afraid to ask their supervisors questions.  Paying attention to the answer may keep everyone safer.  Good luck to everyone who is starting a job, and best of luck to those who are looking for employment.

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized, Weather Protection

SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS RESULTED FROM 1985 AIRLINE CRASH

On August 2, 1985, Delta Flight 191 dropped out of the sky near Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, taking the lives of 137 persons.  The cause of the crash was wind shear conditions during a thunderstorm, which created a weather phenomenon known as a microburst –  first speeding the plane up, then slowing it down dramatically, causing it to hit the ground before it reached the runway.  

Today, twenty-five years to the date of the crash, Dallas/Fort Worth Airport is holding a ceremony to memorialize the victims of Flight 191 and recognize the personnel who worked the disaster.  Another reason to observe the date is to emphasize the tragedy’s legacy for improving the safety of air travel. 

Weather systems have been enhanced to allow precision forecasting.  Instruments on the ground can look inside clouds today to see the churnings that can lead to wind shear and microbursts.  Commercial aircrafts have sophisticated systems that can tell pilots where those dangerous winds are.  D/FW, the third busiest airport in the nation, is at the forefront of this type of detection.  The airport has 18 wind shear detection towers and two Doppler radar systems.  

Another lesson learned from 191 is that these types of accidents may be survivable.  Fire trucks have special firefighting tools that can possibly enable them to rescue passengers.  A probe  attached to a hose, can shoot a fire retardant into the fuselage, and cool it down so rescue workers can get inside.  D/FW’s fire training center has taught 15,000 airport firefighters from 23 countries; its’ staff travels to accidents around the country to see what methods worked and what didn’t work. 

A federal judge found the flight crew of 191 at fault for trying to land in the hazardous weather.  The aviation industry has a training strategy called “crew resource management,” encouraging co-pilots to speak their mind if they are concerned, even if it means challenging the captain.  A standard part of pilot training is a requirement for pilots to “fly” Delta 191, in flight simulators.  This re-creation helps a pilot recognize the unstable winds early on and allows them to give their plane full power while pulling up as hard as possible.  

There were twenty-seven survivors (some with devastating injuries) of this crash; they and the families of the victims will never forget this tragedy.  Quoting the Star-Telegram: “The memorial today is a somber reminder that no matter how advanced technology becomes, we should never take for granted what a complicated and remarkable endeavor air travel is.” 

Sources: Dallas Morning News, Ft Worth Star-Telegram

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

AN AUGUST REMINDER FOR IMMUNIZATIONS!

August is designated by the Centers for Disease Control as National Immunization Awareness Month.  Dr. Anne Schuchat, Director of the CDC’s  National Center for Immunizations and Respiratory Diseases states, “Immunization is one of the single most important steps parents can take to help assure their children grow up to be strong and healthy.”  

Communities and cities are already reminding parents through the media such as newspapers, radio, and television  to take their children for the immunization shots now, to be ready for the beginning of school.  Because of the fact that so many people wait until the last minute, schools are announcing that children will not be admitted without proof that they have received the proper vaccines.  It is hard to understand why parents procrastinate about taking their children for these vaccines, when in many cases, there is no cost to them. 

Here is a list furnished by the CDC of preventable diseases for children, thanks to vaccines:

  • Diptheria
  • Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib)
  • Hepatitis B
  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Influenza
  • Measles
  • Meningococcal Mumps
  • Pertussis (whooping cough)
  • Pneumonossis
  • Polio
  • Rotavirus
  • Rubella (German measles)
  • Tetanus (lockjaw)
  • Varicella (chickenpox)

Some adults think that vaccines that they got when they were children will protect them for the rest of their lives, but consider these factors:

  • Some never were vaccinated as children;
  • Newer vaccines were not available when they were children;
  • Immunizations may have faded over time;
  • With age, we become more susceptible to serious disease caused by common infections, (i.e., flu, pneumonia). 

It’s wise to remember that young adults to senior citizens can benefit from immunizations.  Vaccines are recommended to adolescents and adults based on factors such as age, health status and medical history.  Some vaccines are vital to most adults, especially senior citizens.  Others are not appropriate for persons with underlying health issues.  Your physician can advise you.  The following diseases can affect persons over 65 very seriously: diphtheria, Herpes Zoster (shingles), pneumonia, flu, and tetanus. 

If you plan to travel outside the United States, you need to visit with your physician at least 4 weeks prior to your vacation or business trip.  Certain vaccines take a period of time to become effective.  There are three types of vaccines in regard to travel – routine, recommended, and required.  You may be exposed to certain diseases in foreign countries that are uncommon in the U.S. 

If you have children, be sure all their shots are current.  Years ago, people died from diseases that are now preventable.  No one  enjoys getting stuck by a needle, but it’s a small price to pay for good health.

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

“HANDS ONLY” CPR RECOMMENDED

Hopefully, you’ve heard the latest news about “hands only” cardiopulmonary resuscitation recommended by medical experts.  Having passed a CPR class, this news comes as a relief to me, because I have always wondered if I could really perform the “mouth-to-mouth,” or rescue breathing that might be necessary in the event that I needed to help someone.  Note: this recommendation applies to lay people only.  Emergency Medical Personnel still must do both rescue breathing and chest compressions on all patients, including children. 

Two studies were conducted from 2004 to 2009, involving 3,000 men and women who needed CPR during that period.  One was done in the United States and the other study was in Europe.  Certain patients received the hands only type of CPR, and the others received rescue breathing, along with chest compressions.  Patients in the study were all adults, and statistics showed that patients had almost identical survival rates.  Dr. Myron Weisfeldt, Physician In Chief at Johns Hopkins Hospital states these findings illustrate that in CPR, “less is better.”  However, Dr. Weisfeldt did state that certain patients, such as those with sudden acute heart failure, severe chronic lung disease, or acute asthma should receive rescue breathing in addition to chest compressions.  

It is hoped that this finding will encourage more bystanders to get involved in helping someone who may be experiencing a heart attack.  By performing CPR soon after a heart attack, the likelihood of survival increases twofold.  If you see a person in distress, call 9-1-1, or quickly ask someone standing by to do so.  Place hands one on top of the other on the center of the patient’s chest, and begin chest compressions, which need to be hard and fast.  Try to do 100 compressions per minute.  ABC News reported that one medical source suggested doing compressions to the beat of the song, “Stayin’ Alive” while you are performing the compressions.  (It might be difficult to think of that during an emergency, but as they were demonstrating it, there really was a good beat, as well as a good message!) 

I know that I feel better knowing that the “hands only” system may help someone in trouble; I just wasn’t sure that I could clear a person’s airway and perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.  So far, I haven’t had to try, but I am certainly willing to give it my best if an emergency arises.  It would be a good idea for everyone to take a CPR class.  You never know when you might save the life of someone you love very much or a complete stranger.

General Safety Issues

HOW IS YOUR ATTITUDE ABOUT SAFETY?

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How is the “safety climate” or attitude regarding safety within the organization where you work?  “Safety climate and safety culture are two terms that are used interchangeably.  A safety culture is described as safety attitudes, values and practices that exist at a deeper level within an organization.  To build positive safety attitudes, the workplace must have a strong safety culture.  A safety climate is how workers perceive the safety management of the workplace.  How is your attitude about safety? 

Effective accident prevention efforts strengthen the workplace stance of both employees and supervisors.  The entire workforce should be involved and committed to creating the best possible safety environment.  Rather than building the policies and procedures from the “top down”, it should begin from the “bottom up”.  The ones that are doing the work are the ones most likely to be injured, so their ideas and suggestions should be listened to closely.  They are the ones who witness near-misses, patterns of co-workers’ behavior, attitudes, taking shortcuts, or making decisions based on guesses rather than following  standard operating procedures. 

A well-planned and implemented behavioral safety system leads to workforce stewardship of safety systems, fewer accidents, fewer near misses, less property damage, more reporting of defects, and added reporting of accidents.  Supervisors must work with their employees to understand why and how incidents happened, and work together to take corrective actions.  Sometimes the saying, “It’s just the way we do things here,” may not mean that it’s the safe way to do things. 

Motivational posters can contribute to better feelings toward our work.  Whether they are serious or funny, they can make one stop and think.  Don’t ignore them, as your employer has placed them there for a reason. 

Take a look at the attitude you display at your workplace.  Think about how your job performance affects your coworkers.  Everyone wants to go home at the end of his/her shift.  A bad attitude can cause a mishap that leads to regret.  Show a safe attitude by behaving that way.  Can you name the safest person at your workplace?  Is it you?

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, High Visibility Safety, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety

TIPS FOR STORM, FLOOD, HURRICANE RESPONSE

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With the recent floods and tornadoes in the midwest, and hurricanes looming in the south, it’s wise to remember that storm and flood cleanup activities can be hazardous. Workers and volunteers involved with flood cleanup should be aware of the potential dangers involved, and take proper safety precautions. Work-related hazards that could be encountered include: electrical hazards,carbon monoxide, musculoskeletal hazards, heat stress, motor vehicles, hazardous materials, fire, confined spaces and falls. This information is to help employers and workers prepare in advance for anticipated response activities, and to prevent work-related injuries and illnesses in the field once rescue, recovery, and clean-up begin. 

Disaster response teams are equipped with certified equipment that meets the needs to protect them from biological hazards, hazardous materials, waterborne and bloodborne pathogens.  Volunteers may not have previous experience in using personal protective equipment; therefore, they should be trained properly in how to don this equipment, wear it,  maintain it and know when and how to replace it. 

Personal protective equipment that is absolutely necessary in these types of clean-ups are:

  • Safety Glasses;
  • Respirators;
  • Water resistant clothing;
  • Boots;
  • Gloves (latex or nitrile), and if necessary, to be used under other gloves when removing rubble or debris;
  • Goggles;
  • Faceshields;
  • Boots. 

While making a rescue, responders should have gloves on to protect from  bloodborne infections such as HIV, Hepatitis B, or Hepatitis C.  In case of a sudden emergency, first responders are prepared with all the equipment they need and will train and help other responders and volunteers.  Another suggestion is to have hi-visibility hardhats, gloves, and/or vests, in order for workers to be seen when working around heavy equipment that may be operating  at the same time.  In case of flooding, storms, and hurricanes, it takes everyone working together to handle rescue and clean-up operations. 

We’ll be hoping for clear skies for the folks that have experienced this bad weather, and rain for the ones who need it – just not too much at one time!

 

Source: NIOSH

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

CONCERNS ABOUT DRUGGED DRIVERS

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We worry about drunk drivers, drowsy drivers, and other risk-takers on the highways, such as drugged drivers.  Driving under the influence of prescription drugs can be deadly.  Medications act on systems in the brain that impair driving ability.  Warnings against the operation of machinery (including motor vehicles) for a specific time after use are included with the medications.  How many pay attention to those warnings?  If prescription drugs are taken without medical supervision (i.e., when abused), impaired driving and other harmful outcomes can happen.

Drugs acting on the brain can alter perception, cognition, attention, balance, coordination, reaction time, and other faculties required for safe driving. The effects of specific drugs of abuse differ depending on their mechanisms of action, the amount consumed, and the history of the user. The principal concern regarding drugged driving is that driving under the influence of any drug that acts on the brain could impair one’s motor skills, reaction time, and judgment.

Behavioral effects of these medications vary widely, depending not only on the drug, but on the person taking it.  Anti-anxiety drugs can dull alertness and slow reaction time.  Others, like stimulants, can encourage risk-taking and alter the ability to judge distances.  Mixing prescriptions or taking them with alcohol can worsen impairment and sharply increase the risk of crashing.

One example of a tragedy caused by a drugged driver is of a young lady riding her bicycle who was hit and killed by a drugged driver.  Police thought the driver had been drinking, as her speech was slow and slurred.  Rather than drinking, she told police that she had taken several prescription medications, including a sedative and muscle relaxant.  Police also said she did not stop after hitting the girl, until later when she crashed into another vehicle down the road.  She was charged with vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence of drugs.

Many states recognize drivers may be driving under the influence, but not from alcohol.  They consider any drug that causes one to fail a field sobriety test to be cause for getting a DUI arrest.  Unlike alcohol, there is no agreement on what level of drugs in the blood impairs driving.  Setting a limit for prescription medications is more difficult, because the chemistry of drugs’ effects are harder to predict that alcohol’s.  Some drugs may linger in the body for days.  Anyone who is taking prescription medications and knows how the particular medication affects them, should stay off the roads.

It is now time that we recognize and address the dangers that can occur with drugged driving, a dangerous activity that puts us all at risk.  Drugged driving is a public health concern because it puts not only the driver at risk, but also passengers and others who share the road.

General Safety Issues, Head Protection

UNDERSTANDING TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY

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The human brain is the most complex organ in the human body, producing every thought, action, memory, feeling, and experience.  As there are constantly connecting and changing nerve cells, memories are stored in the brain, habits are learned, and personalities shaped.  Our brain structure is shaped partly by genes but mainly by experience.  How it ages depends on both genes and lifestyle.  The brain needs to be properly exercised and fed the right diet, just as the rest of our body requires. 

During our lifetime, things happen that can have a lasting effect on our bodies.  Persons may suffer head injuries due to a car accident, a hard fall, blows to the head to athletes. Military personnel suffer TBI’s as a result of Improvised Explosive Devices (IED’s) and other horrors of war. 

About 1.7 million people suffer traumatic brain injuries in the United States annually.  The Center for Disease Control and Prevention says traumatic brain injuries kill about 52,000 Americans every year, and result in 275,000 hospitalizations.  A bump, blow, or jolt to the head may be severe enough to disrupt normal brain function.  The CDC also reports that falls are the Number 1 leading cause of traumatic brain injuries, but road traffic injuries are second, and result in the highest percentage of deaths – 31.8%. 

Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI) is commonly referred to as a concussion.  There may be a brief loss of consciousness or disorientation, ranging up to 30 minutes. Damage may not be visible on an MRI or CAT scan.  Symptoms of MTBI are headache, lightheadedness, dizziness, confusion, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, fatigue.  MTBI can have long-term effects.  

Severe Traumatic Brain Injury results in loss of consciousness for over 30 minutes, or amnesia.  The same symptoms of MTBI are included, along with others, such as vomiting or nausea, convulsions or seizures, slurred speech, and  loss of coordination. 

Our military personnel are furnished helmets for head protection.  Athletes also wear helmets to protect from head and neck injury.  These helmets should be of good quality. Motorcyclists should always wear their helmets, as well as bicyclists.

It makes sense that when personal protective equipment is furnished for employees, company supervisors should be sure that their employees are in compliance.  ANSI Hard hats should have a rigid external shell that resists and deflects blows to the head.  Inside that shell is a suspension system that acts as a shock absorber.  Hardhats are constructed with partial or full brims.  The full brim protects from spills, splashes and drips.  Many hardhats can accommodate faceshields, earmuffs, and other accessories needed to make the job easier and safer.  Knowing all this, statistics show that often workers who suffer impact injuries to the head are not wearing head protection at the time of injury.   

Wearing all types of Personal Protective Equipment is the responsibility of each employee.  It has been purchased for good reason, just as it is called: Personal and Protective.  Every one should use their head, and wear that helmet or hardhat!

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

HERE’S THE BUZZ ON THOSE SUMMER PESTS!

Well, we’re here in the latter part of July, and still have lots of warm days ahead of us before there’s relief from the heat and those little critters that make summer oh, so much fun!  If you work outdoors or plan any kind of outside recreation, it’s important to be prepared before the mosquitoes land to do their vampire act on you.  

In addition to mosquitoes, bees and wasps are always unwelcome guests at your picnic table. Their beverage of choice is any sugary drink that is left unopened; be aware that they might just crawl right inside the soda can and be waiting for an unsuspecting person to pick it up and take a drink.  Bees are attracted to bright colors, too.  Wear light colors and don’t load up on perfume, as they are infatuated by the latest fragrances, too.  

Mosquitoes use standing water as a breeding ground, so be sure to check out any containers that collect water at least once a week.  Many bug repellents work longer if they contain high concentrations of their formulas.  

Don’t get ticked off this summer!  If you are in tall grass, and wildflower areas, you may attract ticks.  They just might latch onto your dog, too.   It’s best to spray your clothes with an insect repellent before you take that hike. Ticks have been known to carry Lyme Disease, so be sure to remove them from yourself or your dog, using disposable gloves.  Be sure to have a flea/tick collar on your animals this summer.  Chiggers are small little pests that can really make your skin itch, but repellents should take care of them, as well. 

Always keep a first aid kit  handy in case of bites and stings, and be sure you have some Benadryl in case of an allergic reaction.  There are many types of personal protection towelettes that help protect you.   Remember to use lots of sunscreen, wear a hat, and sunglasses that block out UV rays.    It helps if you know what poison ivy, sumac, and oak look like, so you can avoid them. 

Even though it may seem trivial, these tiny insects and poisonous plants can make you miserable.  Take the necessary precautions to avoid them.

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

A WORD TO THE WISE….NEVER TRUST A THREE-YEAR OLD!

I recently went to stay with our daughter, recovering from surgery, to help out with the meals and kids.  However, I think I did more harm than good.  Here’s the story, and yes, there is a safety message: 

Because I am always looking for good safety topics to write about, my daughter had told me to feel free to use her laptop while I was there.  As I was diligently searching the web, our three-year-old (almost four) asked her dad for her scissors.  Dad told me where they were, and I handed them to her, and continued reading.  (I’m supposed to be focused on safety, after all!)  He asked her what she planned to cut, and we later saw a flower stem cut into tiny pieces on the cabinet, so we assumed that was the answer. 

A little later, she went into the bathroom near where I was still working.  I noticed that she seemed to slam the door a little firmly, but after a short while, she emerged, with a very proud look, saying “Look, it won’t be hot on my neck anymore!”  (Sometime earlier during a conversation with my daughter, I had mentioned that I had gotten my hair cut, so it wouldn’t be so hot on my neck.)  You can imagine my horror, even though she was so proud of what she had done.  I immediately knew where she got the idea.  And I have failed to mention that her parents prefer long hair, and hers was long, and curly.

After taking her to a salon to have it styled, she was very pleased with her new “do”.  Her parents took it pretty well, and are still speaking to me.  Friends and family have assured us that this has happened to their kids, as well.  It happened on my watch, though…. me, the one that focuses on safety, and here she was, plotting what she was going to do with those scissors. (The scissors were not pointed).  But it’s a good idea to keep them from toddlers unless you are planning to watch whatever action is involved.   So here’s the warning to all parents and grandparents: be sure to pay attention to what those little angels are up to, because they can be sneaky! And maybe keep an eye on grandmothers, too!