All posts by pat brownlee

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

SAFE DIET MEALS FOR WORKING MEN AND WOMEN (GUEST POST)

Losing weight has become an obsession for most people these days. Due to pressures at work, exhaustion or lack of time to hit the gym, most working men and women have a hard time keeping fit. As a result, most men and women resort to diet meal plans circulating these days in order to maintain a certain figure. Little do they know that some diet plans may be unhealthy thereby doing more harm than good in the body. 

What constitutes a safe and healthy meal plan? 

To avoid falling into the trap, keep in mind that a healthy diet plan should provide all the necessary nutrients needed by your body and at the same time, staying within the recommended daily calories. Your body still needs carbohydrates, protein, fiber and an amount of fat to keep you energized all throughout the day. In fact, eliminating a certain group in the food pyramid can be harmful to the body. 

Therefore, a safe and healthy eating plan is concentrated on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and low-fat dairy products. Lean meat, fish, poultry, eggs and a little cholesterol, salt and sugar are likewise recommended. 

To better guide every working men and women, below are some foods you can use to have a healthy and fit body. 

Breakfast 

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day so you’re going to need all the nutrients to help you last all throughout the day. For breakfast, make sure you have – 

  • ·         Eggs.
  • ·         Carbohydrates in the form of whole grains. This includes oatmeal, cereals, brown rice, brown or wheat pasta or whole wheat bread.
  • ·         Fruits or vegetables on the side such as orange, banana or apple.
  • ·         Low or nonfat dairy products. This includes milk, cheese or yogurt.
  • ·         Lean meat since it is a good source of protein which can keep you pumped up the whole day. Lean meat can be turkey, chicken, salmon, fish or loin products. 

Lunch 

Meals during lunch shouldn’t be as heavy as breakfast food. Nonetheless, you will still need carbohydrates and protein for added energy since your day isn’t over yet. Go for whole grain products such as whole wheat bread or crackers and combine it with lean products. It can be a turkey sandwich or a smoked salmon sandwich with unsweetened drink on the side. Don’t forget to have some fruits too such as apple or banana. 

Snacks 

You are after a safe and healthy meal plan to help you on your diet and snacks shouldn’t compromise your weight loss goals. Avoid going for sweets, processed products or junk foods just to keep you awake. Fruits such as banana or cantaloupe, nuts, a cup of yogurt with fruits, an ounce of sunflower seeds, roasted almonds are much better and can help boost your energy rather than processed and unhealthy ones. 

Dinner 

As the saying goes, eat like a pauper during dinner since there is not much enough time to burn off all the calories you had. Still, skipping dinner is not advisable. Nonetheless, it’s a must to have carbohydrates such as a cup of brown rice or whole wheat dinner roll. Protein is likewise needed and broiled salmon; grilled loin steak can be consumed. Cap off your meal with steamed vegetables and a cup of fat-free milk. 

It’s up to you on how you want to spice your everyday meal. Always remember that in every meal plan, make sure you have carbohydrates, protein, fiber and a little amount of fat. As much as possible, do not eliminate any food group and eat in moderation. 

Author Bio: 

Marshal Gatlin is a health & fitness enthusiast. He reviews commercial diet plans like Diet To Go. Through Ratingdietplans.com he strives to help everyone achieve their fitness and weight loss goals and provide access to the information and education they need to do to so.

General Safety Issues

GREAT IDEAS TO REDUCE WORK-RELATED STRESS (GUEST POST)

If you ask any employed person today, they are bound to say that they are stressed. While a little bit of stress is desirable, a lot of it and consistent quantities of it isn’t good for a person’s health, wellbeing or productivity. But did you know that reducing work-related stress isn’t that hard. Here are a few tips that can help you reduce work stress very easily.

Let the Serenity Prayer be your work mantra

The Serenity Prayer by Reinhold Niebuhr which is widely used by AA and other rehab/support programs has people asking God to grant them the power to change what they can and to accept what they cannot. For someone trying to reduce work stress, it can be a powerful mantra. Most work related stress is caused by inter-office dynamics and one’s relationship between co-workers. If you chant the Serenity Prayer or have it stuck to your workstation, you would be able to learn to mentally distance yourself from negative, stress causing thoughts, events and people.

Don’t take too much on your plate

Have you ever run on a treadmill that was set at a speed beyond what your body can endure? We’re guessing not and the reason behind doing so is that we all know the limits of our body very well. But most of us tend to take on too much work trying to get ahead in our careers. This is the single biggest contributor to work related stress in employees. Even if you are the best at everything, learn to delegate, to be a team player and to say no to tasks when you just don’t have the time or energy to do them.

Multi-task only when you absolutely need to

Multi-tasking has been revered as the career-minded person’s mantra to success. Unfortunately, it is also a great contributor to stress. Just like you cannot write on two different pages with both your hands at the same time without making grave mistakes on both pages, multi-tasking at work too reduces the amount of focus you can provide to every task that try to do at the same time. In fact, when you devote all your attention to a single task, you get it done more effectively, efficiently, in less time and with a lot less stress.

Use a day planner

Trying to remember all the things you need to get through a work day while actually doing all those tasks will leave your brain in a mush. It will also keep you on your toes all day long needlessly. A great way to reduce time management related stress is to simply use a day planner to chalk out all the work that you need to get done in a day. Remember to include the time you might use up in breaks and commutes and you would be able to spare yourself the heartache of trying to get work done while remembering all the things that you need to do.

Don’t bring work home

Most employers wouldn’t look too kindly upon it if you brought your laundry to work and tried to get it done during a meeting with clients. Just like bringing your home chores to work wouldn’t be a great idea, bringing work home also isn’t good. You need to remember that a good home life is essential to keeping you feeling emotionally satisfied which as we all know is key to optimizing productivity at work. Use your time at home to take a break from work and you will find yourself refreshed and enthusiastic about getting work done the next day.

Socialize every day of the work week

A lot of us don’t like the people that we work with and many of us complain that our work takes up so much time that we hardly ever get to see our family and friends. Socializing, however, helps ease the buildup of stress by releasing serotonin and endorphins aka the happiness hormones.  When you socialize, you not only get a mental break from the work that you were doing, you also get to vocalize your stress and release it while the proximity to people you like helps you relax and feel refreshed. Hence, a 10 minute coffee run with a colleague you like, meeting up with close friends for a sandwich during lunch time and even retreating to your special, secret “clubhouse” in the office building during coffee breaks with co-workers you’re friends with, can help you reduce work stress while allowing you to create a positive mental connection between working and feeling happy. 

 

This Post is written by Margaret. She is a writer/blogger. She writes articles on Technology, social media, WordPress, Gamification, luxury interior design, website development and online development etc. These days she contributes on punchh

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, Hand Protection, Hearing Protection

TOP SAFETY TIPS WHEN WORKING WITH GLASS (GUEST POST)

Working with glass can be hazardous, but there are several safety tips you can follow to protect yourself and others from injuries. If you don’t take the proper precautions, you may face lacerations, punctures and cuts to your eyes, skin and even tendons and arteries. Working with glass is nothing to mess around with, but you can know that you are safer in the workplace by remembering the following safety tips by heart every time you work with glass.

Wear Eye Protection

Wearing proper eye protection is essential any time you enter a workspace where you or machinery handle glass. Be sure to always wear good quality goggles or safety glasses whenever you are cutting or grinding glass and spend a few extra pounds (dollars) on a high quality pair of goggles or safety glasses to provide protection for all areas of your eyes.

Wear Ear Plugs

Protect your sensitive ears by wearing ear plugs when working around loud noises. These will protect your sensitive ear drums and also prevent shards of glass from entering your ear canal and causing serious damage to your inner ear.

Handle Glass Breakage Correctly

Always use a dustpan and brush or another approved method of collecting broken glass. Never use your bare hands or materials such as sponges, napkins or towels to pick up broken glass as tiny glass particles can get stuck in them. It’s also important to post a warning sign in the area of the glass breakage to alert others about the potential danger.

Wear Closed-toe Shoes

The best way to protect your feet against damage from glass is to wear closed-toe shoes that completely cover your feet. Never wear sandals or other open-toe shoes whilst working.

Keep covered up

Keep the rest of your skin protected by wearing long sleeves. Tank tops and shorts are not proper attire for a glass workspace. Broken glass can cut the skin on your arms and legs, and dangerous chemicals and solder can burn and damage your skin.

Keep Long Hair Secured

If you have long hair, always ensure it is tied up into a ponytail or otherwise secured. Bending over and getting your hair caught in a glass grinder can be very painful. A hat or protective hair net is also helpful for those with shorter hair too.

Don’t Smoke or Eat Around Glass

Never smoke or bring your food around your glass workspace. You may be handling chemicals that can be easily transferred to your cigarettes or food. If tiny glass particles end up in something you are about to put to your mouth, they can cause serious internal damage to your body.

Keep a Well-stocked First Aid Kit

It is important to have a well-stocked first aid kit nearby and to know where it is and how to use all of the items in the kit. A well-stocked first aid kit should include bandages, burn ointment, alcohol, scissors, antiseptic wipes and gloves. Ideally, a glass workplace will also include an eyewash station.

Wear Protective Gloves

You should wear thick protective gloves whenever you have a piece of glass in your hand. Be sure that the gloves have a cuff and that they are at least as thick as a typical pair of gardening gloves.

Keep Untrained People Out of Workspace

Even if you know how to protect yourself when working with glass, injuries can still occur if untrained people enter the glass workspace. They can touch things they shouldn’t, which can cause serious injuries to both themselves and to you.

You do not need to panic when working with glass, but it is essential that you follow these safety tips to prevent injuries to yourself and others in the workspace.

Laura writes for Britannia Glass & Glazing who are expert emergency glaziers in Croydon, London, UK. They provide glass replacement and window repair in all areas of London from Glaziers in Enfield and Camden, to Hackney and Hounslow. 

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Health Issues, Respiratory Safety

TOP SAFETY TIPS FOR HUMIDIFIER USE (GUEST POST)

Humidifiers are widely used in residential, commercial and industrial environments, especially as the colder months of winter approach and lower temperatures causes the air in our homes and on-site offices to lose moisture. Unbeknown to many people, dry air is just as damaging as air with excessive moisture and humidifiers are the perfect appliance to get your humidity levels where they should be. 

However, whilst the health benefits of maintaining the recommended up to 45% humidity level are widely known, owners of humidifiers must exercise caution when operating and maintaining these useful devices and getting the most out of their air quality enhancing features. Check out our three steps to safe and efficient humidifier use… 

Regularly Measure Humidity Levels 

Maintaining the right level of humidity is the key to creating a happy and healthy work environment especially in the trade industry due to the amount of dirt, dust, debris and other harmful particles brought into the office space by workers. Whilst avoiding dry air is important, avoiding exposure to excessive moisture is equally vital, and offices and homes using a humidifier should measure their humidity levels regularly to ensure they strike the right balance. 

As mentioned earlier in this article, the recommended humidity level for the winter season is 25% (35% to 45% during summer) so if your humidity level goes above 50% you must stop using the humidifier unit for a period of time until these levels have returned to normal. If the humidity levels remain high, then the number of dust mites, mold and airborne contaminants will multiply, exposing your workers to an increased number of health risks. 

Clean Regularly to Minimize Bacteria Exposure 

As you can imagine, humidifiers are a breeding ground for bacteria and mold due to its air processing and moisture restoring methods so it is important to clean the tank of your humidifier periodically for maximum cleanliness and efficient performance. It is recommended that you refresh the water in the tank every day and give the tank and its surroundings a wipe down regularly. Give the device a thorough clean and dry when you are storing the humidifier away on the lead up to the summer months, disposing of any used filters. 

Go for Bottled Refills 

When refilling the tank of your humidifier opt for bottled, distilled water instead of tap refills. This will ensure you avoid the build-up of troublesome limescale (caused by the minerals in tap water) that makes many appliances unsafe to use and inefficient. 

Using these safety tips you can ensure that your office humidifier is kept in good working order and provides the safe and healthy working environment you need through the efficient restoration of moisture. 

The author of this post is Martin Davies. As well as being an avid blogger in the home improvement and trade industries, he works for the Air & Water Centre to provide efficient solutions and improved air quality with the latest humidifying and purifying technologies.

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection

STEPS TO STAY SAFE IN THE WORKPLACE (GUEST POST)

We all have the right to feel safe and secure in our workplace, whatever line of work you are in. Although all employers are legally obliged to take precautions to minimize health and safety risks in the workplace, we also need to take personal responsibility for our own safety.

The good news is that you don’t need to wrap yourself in bubble wrap and constantly wear a crash helmet to keep yourself safe, it is mainly basic common sense. These are a few tips to help you protect yourself whilst at work-

  • Communication is vital, not just for your safety, but your colleagues and customers as well. If you notice that equipment is getting worn or something looks faulty, notify your supervisor or health and safety representative as soon as possible.
  • Familiarize yourself with your company’s health and safety procedures. Every employer needs to conduct a risk assessment which will include ways to avoid hazards and the correct, safe way of performing tasks to avoid injury. You should also be made aware of the location of emergency exits, evacuation assembly points and first aid boxes as part of your orientation.
  • If you ever out on the road as part of your job or spend time working alone, consider downloading a personal safety application on to your smart phone, such as the personal safety app from Lookout Call. These have features that ensure that you get a speedy response if you are in danger and to locate you if you break down in the middle of nowhere.
  • When you are in a profession where you have to enter stranger’s premise, for example if you are an electrician or plumber, you can sometimes get a bad vibe straight away. Always trust your gut instinct and arrange for somebody to call you so that you have an excuse to leave if you feel unsafe. If this isn’t a viable option, try to get a personal safety app for your phone with features that autodial for you or that will raise an alarm if you don’t respond to a prescheduled call.
  • Don’t use any machinery or perform any tasks that you have not been trained to do. If you have been trained but can’t remember the correct or safest way to do it, don’t be nervous of asking your supervisor or trainer for some refresher training.
  • It may sound very basic, but ask anybody entering your premises, such as delivery or repair persons for ID. If you work in a space by yourself, for example in a petrol station or cleaning in the evening, try not to let anybody in that you are not expecting.
  • When you have to travel for work, make sure that somebody knows where you’re going and what time you are expected to be there so you can arrange ‘check in’ calls.
  • If you work with hazardous chemicals always read the bottle and act on any safety precautions the manufacturer’s advice, such as the use of gloves and ensuring you have ventilation.

It is very easy to keep safe at work as long as you maintain good communication with your employers and colleagues and don’t take unnecessary risks.

BIO: Katie Matthews is a manager within lookout call, a  loneworker applications and safety specialist in the UK.  Katie has worked in the technology industry for a number of years and has reviewed and written about a number of technology niches.

 

 

 

General Safety Issues

HAPPY “END OF LABOR DAY”

The anticipation of a holiday weekend is almost as much fun as the holiday itself.  Traveling, going to a lake, skiing, fishing, camping, or to a city to see the sights, Labor Day is usually the “last roundup” of summer vacations.

We hope that on this day those of you who are not working have had some great experiences and a safe weekend.  When it is time to head for home, please don’t drive too fast, or text and drive.  It is a known fact that our law enforcement officers (highway patrol) are out in full force, so leave early enough that you don’t speed.

On your way home, you might think about those who don’t get to celebrate Labor Day, but go about their usual business.  Some that come to mind are convenience store clerks, medical personnel,  nursing home staff, private caregivers, supermarket employees, transportation workers, and oilfield workers that must check their leases every day, 365 days per year.

Special thought is given to our military; this is just another day for them.  Those that are in harms’ way don’t get a day off.  During this trying time for decisions to be made, say a prayer for everyone of them.  It is thanks to them that we have the freedom to work and take time off every once in a while.

Hopefully, you will all arrive safely at home, get the kids ready to go to school, and start a “short week” with a good attitude.  Please work hard and stay safe!

 

 

 

 

 

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Health Issues, Respiratory Safety

WESTERN UNITED STATES STILL BATTLING WILDFIRES

This year, the Western United States has been charred by several wildfires, many still burning.  Droughts, less spring snowpack, and higher summer temperatures are the main causes of these fires.  Firefighters from all over the United States have helped in the battles in these eleven states:  Washington, Oregon, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, New Mexico and Arizona. 

When wildfire threatens, you won’t have time to shop or search for supplies. If ordered to evacuate, assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit with items you may need. Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers such as backpacks, duffle bags, or trash containers. Include:

  • Keep important family documents in a waterproof container. Assemble a smaller version of your kit to keep in the trunk of your car.
  • A three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food that won’t spoil.
  • One change of clothing and footwear per person and one blanket or sleeping bag per person.
  • A first aid kit that includes your family’s prescription medications.
  • Emergency tools including a battery-powered radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries.
  • An extra set of car keys and a credit card, cash, or traveler’s checks.
  • Sanitation supplies.
  • Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.
  • An extra pair of eye-glasses.
  • Pet food.  Make arrangements to get your pets to a shelter, if possible.

Health Threat From Wildfire Smoke

Smoke from wildfires is a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees and other plant materials. Smoke can hurt your eyes, irritate your respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases.  When smoke levels are high enough, even healthy people may experience some of these symptoms, caused by smoke:

  • Stinging eyes
  • A scratchy throat
  • Irritated sinuses
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Headaches
  • A runny nose
  • Coughing
  • Asthma exacerbations

Smoke may worsen symptoms for people who have pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as respiratory allergies, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), in the following ways:

  • Inability to breathe normally
  • Cough with or without mucus
  • Chest discomfort
  • Wheezing and shortness of breath

If you have heart or lung disease, smoke might worsen your symptoms.  People with heart disease might experience—

  • Chest pain
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue

In cases such as this, you should contact your physician as soon as possible.

Wildland Fires: Fire-Adapted Communities

How the Fire Service, local officials, and the public can work together to withstand the devastating effects of a wildland fire.  They are called grass fires, forest fires, wildland fires, or by a variety of names. Yet, no matter the name, they pose an evolving threat to lives and property in an increasing number of communities across the United States. 

Homes near natural areas, the wildland/urban interface (WUI), are beautiful places to live. These pristine environments add to the quality of life of residents and are valued by community leaders seeking to develop new areas of opportunity and local tax revenue, but these areas are not without risk.  It is up to each home owner to build their home with the right kind of landscaping, away from the house, and have a water supply available to wet down the home and surrounding area, in order to protect it. 

Because fires are a part of the natural ecology, living adjacent to the wilderness means living with a constant threat of fires. Fire, by nature, is an unpredictable and often uncontrollable force.  Firefighters will always give their best effort, but with wind and weather changes, it may be a puzzle to outguess the fire. 

The concept of fire-adapted communities (FACs) holds that, with proper community-wide preparation, human populations and infrastructure can withstand the devastating effects of a wildland fire, reducing loss of life and property.  This goal depends on strong and collaborative partnerships between agencies and the public at the State, Federal, and local levels, with each accepting responsibility for their part. 

Your Role in Fire-Adapted Communities frames the FAC concept and current efforts to define its scope, explain the roles that groups can adopt to improve their fire safety, and provide leadership for future steps. The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) believes that by reviewing the roles and responsibilities each group can adopt now, communities will become better prepared to realize the FAC goal in the future.

 

Sources: U.S.F.A.; FEMA

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

FOUR THINGS YOUR DOCTOR SHOULD TELL YOU BEFORE PRESCRIBING PAIN PILLS (GUEST POST)

People are prescribed prescription pain pills every day for a number of reasons. Maybe they’ve been injured in an on-the-job accident or they’re experiencing discomfort after a major surgery. Pain killers help alleviate discomfort from more significant conditions, but there are a number of things your doctor should be telling you before you’ve been given the green light to head off to the pharmacy. 

Knowing How Much You Should Take 

One thing that doctors are not generally clear on is the amount that should be taken or the frequency at which it should occur. Sure, there are clear directions on the side of the prescription bottle, but what if the pain worsens or the medicine doesn’t seem to be working? You should never increase your dosage based on your own opinion. Always schedule another appointment to speak with your doctor if you feel that the dosage should be changed. 

Avoiding the Mix of Prescription Pain Pills and Drugs/Alcohol 

Many doctors are also notorious for prescribing prescription pain killers without stressing the importance of mixing them with drugs or alcohol. Of course, it is never okay to combine your dosage of pain killers with other heavy duty drugs. Doing so can create dangerous and unpredictable circumstances. 

Preventing the Problem in the Future 

Prescription pain killers are useful for dulling or numbing pain from a more serious condition, but why don’t doctors often instruct patients on how to avoid these situations altogether? As the old saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This most definitely applies to prescription pain pills as well. 

Consulting Your Doctor About Addiction 

Most importantly, your doctor should inform you about the dangers of pain pill addiction. A very popular form of dependency happens to be opiate addiction, but most addicts never plan to become addicted to their prescriptions in the first place. If you think you are suffering from an addiction to your prescription medication, you should most definitely consult your doctor about an alternative form of treatment or getting help with recovery. Addiction can and does happen all of the time; you should never treat it with an “it won’t happen to me” mentality. 

If your doctor fails to mention anything to you about the dangers of prescription pain killers or the likelihood of addiction through continued use, it is then your duty to ask questions. Educating yourself could save you from a lifetime of turmoil down the line, and it only takes just a few minutes!

Written by Jayla Barnsen, from Oregon.

 

General Safety Issues

DO YOU HAVE PET PEEVES AT WORK?

We hope these words bring a smile to your face, rather than a frown!  Having worked in several vocations, I can think back to little things going on at each place that irritated me to no end. 

Sometimes these pet peeves get under our skin so much, that it can cause us to lose our cool, and possibly have an accident that otherwise could be prevented.  There’s an old saying, “The customer is always right.”  I am of the opinion this can’t be true.  It seems that customers of department stores and other retail stores can be rude to the employees.  They are busy talking on their cell phone while ignoring the clerk, who is there to help them.  That can go both ways, however, because sometimes clerks are downright rude to the customers. 

While working at an oilfield construction company, the workers would gather in the back room before time to go to work, the office would be full of smoke, and then, when they left to go to their job, they would throw their coffee cups on the floor, and even worse, the sugar in the coffee would drip down the wall!  Having a blunt talk with my supervisor, he put a stop to it. (I was a one-woman secretary in a company of about 100 employees.)  They complied for a while, which made it much more pleasant.  I often wondered if they treated their wives and homes the same way. 

I am betting that each one of you has a story to tell.  As you drive to work, do drivers who don’t use turn signals irritate you?  Don’t you know you are supposed to read their minds?  How about people that read the paper or their text mails while operating their vehicle?  What about the guy you are behind that won’t turn right on a red light, when it is permissible?

Some drivers ignore yield or stop signs, which can be bad for them and the other person.  Or, have you encountered that driver who zigzags in and out of lanes on the expressway?  Or the driver who drives 20 mph lower than the speed limit, and you are stuck behind him/her?  I especially don’t appreciate the jerks that take up two parking spaces, or a handicapped parking spot.  That extra wide parking place is there for a reason, so please don’t violate this courtesy to those who need them.  Last, but not least, in the driving/parking category, put your cart in the cart corral instead of leaving it in the middle of the parking lot.  Thank You! 

Let’s talk about some disturbing facts that may annoy you in your workplace.  First, the B.O. (body odor) factor isn’t pleasant for anyone who has to work with that person.  Second, if someone is sick and coughing/sneezing, wouldn’t it be better for them to take a sick day, rather than sharing their problem with everyone else?  At one of my workplaces we had a couple of clowns (IT people) that thought it was really clever to adjust our computers where the picture on the monitor was upside down when we turned them on in the morning.  Thanks, guys.  Do you know someone at your workplace that thinks he/she is the only one with the background for understanding an issue?  Do you have a boss that won’t introduce you to an important customer?  Nice to feel invisible, isn’t it?  How about that know-it-all across the hall that is always right and has the last word? 

It is not unusual to be irked about things that happen at work.  Some workers think they don’t have to pay attention to important things, like safety training.  They are usually the ones who get hurt or hurt someone else.  It would be hard to find a person that doesn’t have some sort of pet peeve against a coworker, unless they are perfect.  It might be a good idea, though, to go to your supervisor if a coworker is doing annoying things that take your mind off your job. 

There is always going to be some horseplay at most businesses:  those are the ones who may cause someone else to be injured.  By telling someone else about irritating habits, the solution may be simple.  Try to count to ten and think about something you are looking forward to, instead of simmering. 

One thing that always bothered me, was to be reprimanded in front of coworkers.  There’s a time and place for everything, and it is in a private area, where your supervisor explains a mistake you may have made (especially in a new job), and helps you correct it. 

Habitually tardy employees make it hard on the others.  This constant habit of showing up late, could cause a shortage of personnel, someone else having to do their work, and general resentment all around.  If that person has to drive too fast to make it to work on time, they are risking safety of themselves and others just to get their day started.  My advice:  set your alarm thirty minutes early.

Well, you know, I feel much better having placed some of my pet peeves on your shoulders!  If you have a friend or coworker that you can share your concerns, it really helps to have that person to talk it over with.  Thanks for letting me share things that have bothered me in the past, but didn’t amount to a hill of beans when it was all said and done.  You have better things to do with your time, so try not to let these little “pet peeves” get to you.  One hundred years from now, who will know anyway?

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

GRAIN STORAGE WORK IS HAZARDOUS: WAYS FOR WORKERS TO STAY SAFE

Good news for corn farmers: the Department of Agriculture is predicting a record-breaking corn crop this year.   Hopefully, this will be a good year for farmers who grow other types of grains.  OSHA continues to educate the agri-business community and workers about dangers in the grain handling industry, especially in the storage of grain.

“It could take less than 60 seconds for a worker to be completely inundated in a storage bin. More than half of all engulfments result in death by suffocation,” said Nick Walters, OSHA regional administrator for six Midwestern states. In July, a 55-year-old worker was fatally buried in a grain bin in Sidney, Ill., in addition to other incidents this year, bringing about investigations and stressing the urgency of OSHA’s grain bin safety initiative.  After 26 workers died in 2012, OSHA developed a local emphasis program across 25 states to address the recurring number of preventable injuries and deaths that occur each year.

On August 4, 2010 and again on February 1, 2011, OSHA issued warning letters to the grain handling industry, (approximately 13,000)  following a series of incidents, including the suffocation of 2 teenagers in an Illinois grain elevator.   OSHA warned the employers to not allow workers to enter grain storage facilities without proper equipment, precautions (such as turning off and locking/tagging out all equipment used so that the grain is not being emptied or moved into the bin), as well as safety training.  In response to the rising number of workers entrapped and killed in grain storage facilities, OSHA has also issued a new fact sheet, “Worker Entry Into Grain Storage Bins” in August 2010 for workers and employers, re-emphasizing the hazards of grain storage bin entry and the safe procedures that all employers must follow.

Suffocation is a leading cause of death in grain storage bins. According to a report issued by Purdue University in 2010, 51 workers were engulfed by grain stored in bins, and 26 died—the highest number on record.  Suffocation can occur when a worker becomes buried (engulfed) by grain as they walk on moving grain or attempt to clear grain built up on the inside of a bin. Moving grain acts like “quicksand” and can bury a worker in seconds. “Bridged” grain and vertical piles of stored grain can also collapse unexpectedly if a worker stands on or near it. The behavior and weight of the grain make it extremely difficult for a worker to get out of it without help.  Other major hazards in the industry include  falls, auger entanglement,  electrocution,  combustible dust explosions, fires, suffocation, entrapment, crushing injuries and amputations from equipment for handling grain.

When workers enter storage bins, employers must (among other things):

  1. Have a permit  issued for each time a worker enters a bin or silo, certifying that the precautions listed above have been put in place.
  2. Turn off / lock out all powered equipment associated with the bin, including augers used to help move the grain, so that the grain is not being emptied or moving out or into the bin. Moving grain out of a bin while a worker is in the bin causes a suction that can pull the worker into the grain in seconds.
  3. Forbid walking down grain and similar practices where an employee walks on grain to make it flow.
  4. Provide all employees a body harness with a lifeline, or a boatswains’ chair, and ensure that it is secured prior to the employee entering the bin.
  5. An observer must be stationed outside the bin or silo being entered by an employee. Ensure the observer is equipped to provide first aid, and that his/her only task is to continuously track the employee in the bin. Have at least two people at the bin to help in case problems come up.  Use a safety harness or safety line when entering the bin.
  6. Train all workers for the specific hazardous work operations they are to perform when entering and working inside of grain bins.
  7. Test the air within a bin or silo prior to entry for the presence of combustible and toxic gases, and to determine if there is sufficient oxygen. If detected by testing, vent hazardous atmospheres to ensure that combustible and toxic gas levels are reduced to non-hazardous levels, and that sufficient oxygen levels are maintained.
  8. Never allow children to play in an area where there is flowing grain.
  9. Warning decals should be placed at all bin entrances.
  10. Install a permanent life-line, hanging from the center of the bin for a person to grab on to.  Although a life-line is attached, it does not mean it is safe to enter the bin.

To prevent dust explosions and fires, employers must (among other things):

  1. A written housekeeping program with instructions to reduce dust accumulations on ledges, floors, equipment and other exposed surfaces should be developed and implemented.
  2. Identify “priority” housekeeping areas in grain elevators. The “priority” housekeeping areas include floor areas within 35 feet of inside bucket elevators, floors of enclosed areas containing grinding equipment and floors of enclosed areas containing grain dryers located inside the facility. Dust accumulations in these priority housekeeping areas shall not exceed 1/8th inch;  this amount of accumulation is more than enough to trigger fuel occurances.
  3. Minimize ignition sources through controlling hot work (electric or gas welding, cutting, brazing or similar flame producing operations).
  4. Inside bucket elevators can undergo primary explosions. OSHA’s grain handling standard requires that belts for these bucket elevators purchased after March 30, 1988 are conductive and have a surface electrical resistance not exceeding 300 megohms. Bucket elevators must have openings to the head pulley section and boot section to allow for inspection, maintenance, and cleaning.  These bucket elevators must be equipped with a motion detection device, which will stop the elevator when the belt speed is reduced by no more than 20% of the normal operating speed.
  5. A preventative maintenance program should include regularly scheduled inspections for mechanical and safety control equipment, which may include heat producing equipment such as motors, bearings, belts etc. Preventive maintenance is critical to controlling ignition sources. The use of vibration detection methods, heat sensitive tape or other heat detection methods can help in the implementation of the program.
  6. Install wiring and electrical equipment suitable for hazardous locations.
  7. Design and properly locate dust collection systems to minimize explosion hazards. All filter collectors installed after March 1988 shall be located outside the facility or located in an area inside the facility protected by an explosion suppression system or located in an area that is separated from other areas by construction having at least a one hour fire resistance rating and which is located next to an exterior wall vented to the outside.
  8. Install an effective means of removing ferrous material from grain streams so that such material does not enter equipment (grinders, pulverizers, and hammer mills.)
  9. Be prepared to make fast decisions about grain storage problems once they are detected.
  10. Safety first.  This should be first and foremost on the minds of all who are working near grain storage bins.  Exercise caution.

When traveling down life’s country roads, one can picture the peace and tranquility of farms, animals, silos, barns, that describe peacful country living.  The next time you see a silo or grain storage facility, think about the hazards that are possibly lurking within each day. The agriculture industry feeds our country, and we must insist that owners of these businesses keep their workers safe by following OSHA regulations.

Source: Department of Labor; OSHA; Harvest Land Cooperative