All posts by pat brownlee

General Safety Issues

SAFETY FOR TEMPORARY WORKERS

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has launched an initiative to further protect temporary employees from workplace hazards.  A new OSHA memorandum directs field inspectors to assess whether employers who use part-time workers are complying with their responsibilities under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Inspectors will use a newly created code in their information system to denote when temporary workers are exposed to safety and health violations. Additionally, they will assess whether temporary workers received required training in a language and vocabulary they could understand.

The memo underscores the duty of employers to protect all workers from hazards.  Also,  OSHA said it has begun working with the American Staffing Association and employers that use staffing agencies, to promote best practices ensuring that temporary workers are protected from job hazards.  However, it is the responsibity of the employer to provide the same training full-time employees are given, as they are legally liable for the safety and health of temporary workers. 

In recent months, OSHA said it has received a series of reports about temporary workers suffering fatal injuries – many during their first days on a job. OSHA has issued citations when the employer failed to provide adequate protections, including safety training.  Many of these, as stated above, did not understand instructions given.  They must be trained in construction industries, as well as manufacturing.  They should attend regular safety meetings and understand about fall protection, chemicals, machine guarding, and other hazards, as well as become familiar with PPE
personal protective equipment they should be given.

Data from the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries conducted by the Bureau of Labor, reported statistics on workers killed on the job in 2011:  fatal work injuries involving contractors accounted for 542 – or 12 percent – of the 4,693 fatal work injuries reported. Hispanic/Latino contractors accounted for 28 percent of fatal work injuries among contractors, well above their 16 percent share of the overall fatal work injury total for the year. 

A report from the nonprofit Center for Progressive Reform (CPR) details the increasing use of contingent workers to perform dangerous, undesirable jobs in industries like farming, construction, warehousing and hotel services. Noting that the number of contingent workers has doubled in twenty years to more than 2.5 million, the report underscores Bureau of Labor Statistics data that they suffer higher rates of injury and death than other employees. 

The economic and political vulnerability of contingent workers, who are often poor and sometimes undocumented, makes them easy to exploit not only with low wages and long hours, but also with unsafe working conditions. According to the study, because contingent employees rarely have health insurance or even workers’ compensation coverage, employers are able to shift the financial burden of workplace injuries onto the public, and often skimp on safety training of temps.

Most temporary workers are thankful for a paycheck and are willing to do any type of job.  Employers owe it to them to see that they are able to return home at the end of the workday safe and sound.

 

Eye Protection

ALL ABOUT PRESCRIPTION SUNGLASSES (GUEST POST)

Sunglasses are made of either non-prescription or prescription lenses that are made darkened to give an ample amount of protection for our eyes against very bright light or even possibly ultraviolet lights. They provide shade to the eyes and protect them from other things such as dust, dirt, or particles in the wind. Glasses Mississauga are mainly made from prescription lenses. 

The importance of prescription glasses 

Glasses Mississauga are very versatile. They can be used for a number of various outdoor and sports related activities which can range from cycling right to mountain climbing. Often, in outdoors, one can expect plenty of flying debris, high winds, damaging bright visible light and even ultraviolet lights. Prescription sunglasses can protect its wearer from all these things without hindering their vision or comfort of the wearer. 

For many years, glasses Mississauga have been made and reinvented to give top- quality vision to its wearer, even in the most extreme conditions. The frames of these glasses are durable, lightweight and flexible, with an anti- slip component which is crucial to the outdoor market. The lenses are coated with special films which provide cover and protection against UV ray, which are very harmful to the eyes. 

What to look for 

When purchasing new sunglasses, there are many elements that need to be factorised in order to choose the correct pair of glasses. One factor to consider is the type of outdoor activity the individual takes part in. The types of lens, frames etc. all differ in terms of the type of activity. 

Lenses are a key factor as they differ from activity to activity. Some lenses are required to be a different colour altogether, for the purpose of giving the wearer a better depth of focus while engaging in the activity. 

Lenses can be scratch resistant, dust resistant, water resistant, to protect the wearer from the elements. They can also be shatterproof, lightweight, and impact resistant for a heavier outdoors lifestyle. Special coatings protect these lenses form the elements as well, along with giving the glasses more structural durability. 

Colour options for the lenses also help a great deal for the wearer. It affects the amount of visible light that can reach the wearer’s eyes and better defines objects. Red, blue, green, yellow, grey etc. and many more are given as an option for the wearer. 

Interchangeable lens frames are also an option for wearers who wish to have one pair of glasses for everything. This gives the wearer the option of removing and switching glasses according to his preference or to adapt to his surrounding environment. Frames are another important factor which adds on to the wearer’s comfort. They can either be worn like normal glasses or have the option of wrap- around frames which give the wearer more ease and freedom in movement. 

It is advised to take a good look at the available options before buying the sunglasses of your choice. There are many certified glasses Mississauga companies that cater to these specifications. 

About the author
Grace is an expert associated with Next Optical. Contact an eye glasses specialist at Next Optical in Mississauga, Ontario for more information on keeping your eyeglasses safe. 

To protect your eyes from UV rays while you work or play, also check out the stylish safety sunglasses that Texas America Safety Company offers.

 

 

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection

TRIED AND TRUE CONSTRUCTION SITE SAFETY MEASURES (GUEST POST)

Tried and True Construction Site Safety Measures

Construction is the most dangerous private sector industry in the U.S., but that does not mean that workers have to be put in constant danger. Instead, many of the issues that plague construction sites can be avoided by simply adhering to basic construction site safety measures that have been mandated by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Unfortunately, many construction sites fail to utilize the necessary measures due to time and financial constraints. When this happens, the results can be disastrous. In fact, 721 people died on a construction site in 2011, and approximately 150,000 workers are injured every year.

Basic Safety Measures

  • Warning Signs  The importance of securing a construction site cannot be emphasized enough. After all, the fatality and injury rate is disproportionate to every other private sector industry, and this means that it is necessary for every employee to take extra precautions. The most common construction site accidents are tripping and falling. To avoid these issues, it is imperative for the work site to be cleared of extraneous debris, and any potential hazards such as cracks need to be either patched up or clearly pointed out. Utilizing signage is the best way to let workers know that there is a trip hazard or a slick surface, and these signs should be visible from every access point. 
  • Secured Ladders  The majority of falls that happen involve ladders. A simple way to reduce the number of falls is to ensure that each worker is tethered to the ladder. If workers are required to be 30 feet up on a ladder it makes sense for them to be secured. Workers should always wear safety hard hats to reduce the risk of head injuries, and it is also a good idea to use construction bubble wrap underneath the ladder if the conditions appear to be difficult. In other words, if a worker is going high up a ladder on a windy day, extra safety measures should be used to prevent an injury or fatality. 

The Importance of Documentation

In addition to using basic safety measures, it is also imperative for each construction site to properly document everything. After all, if a required safety inspection is performed but the results are not written down, it will be difficult to prove that the inspection took place. The safety leader at each construction site needs to inspect the site on a regular basis for any potential hazards, and all of the equipment should also be checked for defects.

Workers’ Compensation Claims

Failure to follow the proper procedures will make it difficult for an employer to turn down a worker’s comp claim. On the other hand, if an employee fails to follow the safety measures that are in place, they could forfeit their right to make a claim. There is a bill currently pending in North Carolina that would require employees to go through the legal system before they are eligible to file a worker’s compensation claim. Although this law may come into play, personal injury attorneys Charlotte based will confirm that under worker’s compensation laws in North Carolina, a worker who gets hurt doing any job-related task is entitled to benefits and a claim should be placed. There are specific rules in place in each state that need to be followed, and the law is constantly changing.

Regardless of the state that you are working in, it is vital to report any safety violations. After all, this is the best way to protect yourself and your co-workers. However, if you are still involved in a work site accident, you should contact a construction accident attorney immediately.

The wife of a Special Inspector, Nickey Williams knows a great deal about construction safety. The Auger & Auger personal injury attorneys Charlotte based understand that employers and insurers sometimes fail to live up to their legal obligations, and therefore, fighting for the benefits you are legally entitled to is their top priority.

 
Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

SOME HOT TIPS FOR JULY – UV SAFETY!

 Another “hot” topic for July, (in addition to fireworks safety), is the observance of  UV Safety Month.  Not only can the sun’s ultraviolet rays harm your eyes, but it can damage your skin, as well.  Too much sun can cause wrinkles.  Worse yet, it can cause skin cancer.   If you have places that you suspect could possibly be skin cancer, see your dermatologist, as early detection offers a good chance for successful treatment.  Make it a habit to wear sunscreen when going outdoors.  Most dermatologists will tell you, many of these suspicious places are the result of being exposed to too much sun when you were younger.  It’s never too early to start protecting your child’s skin. 

Whether at work or play, as summer heats up, it’s important for you to understand the damage that Ultraviolet waves can do to our vision.  Ultraviolet (UV) is the invisible band of radiation with a wavelength shorter than visible light and longer than x-rays – between 400 nanometers (nm) and x-rays at 4 nm and below.  Here are their three regions: 

  •       UV-A: (400-315 nm), Near UV
  •       UV-B: (315-280 nm), Mid UV
  •        UV-C:  (280-100 nm), Far UV 

Long- term exposure to ultraviolet radiation can damage eyes, and can lead to such disorders as cataracts and macular degeneration.   UV-blocking eye protection should be worn when people are exposed to the sun reflecting on water, sand, asphalt, and snow.  Many individuals are not aware of the dangers that contact with UV rays pose.  Everyone should wear eyewear blocking 99% of UVA and UVB rays, and a brimmed hat.   According to Prevent Blindness America, children are also at risk for eye damage from exposure to UV radiation.   They should wear the same UV-blocking eyewear for outdoor play, especially between 10 am and 3 pm, when UV rays are the most intense. 

When choosing sunglasses, be sure to choose lenses that absorb at least 99 to 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B rays.  Avoid labels that state “Provides UV Protection”, but do not distinguish the proportion of UV rays it blocks.  Carefully select the type of eye protection that best fits your needs and likes: polarized, wraparounds, or vented. 

Remember these tips for sun safety AT WORK OR PLAY:

  1. Stay in the shade as much as possible;
  2. Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher;
  3.  Save your sight;
  4.  Cover up!
  5.  If you work outdoors, take frequent breaks!
  6. Stay hydrated. 

Source: Gatewaysafety.com/Prevent Blindness America

General Safety Issues

WHY MORE SMALL BUSINESSES ARE TURNING TO CAR LEASING (GUEST POST)

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If you run a small to medium sized business, you have lots of choices when it comes to financing your company cars. With a wide choice of purchase, car lease and contract hire deals available; it can be tough to find the right option for your business.

Now, the UK’s leading business car finance provider, Lex Autolease, says that more and more companies are turning to business car leasing. But why is a business car lease a good choice for a small company? Keep reading to find out.

More and more small and medium sized businesses turning to car leasing in the UK

Lex Autolease report that they increased the size of their small and medium sized customer base by 22 per cent in 2012. More than 9,400 new SMEs chose to lease or buy their cars through Lex Autolease last year and the market leader believes that even more SMEs are ready to use contract hire and car leasing in the UK in 2013.

Tony Murtagh, head of SME at Lex Autolease, said: “Small and medium sized companies have a crucial role to play in helping to improve the UK’s economic fortunes. A large percentage of these businesses rely upon their safe vehicles to carry out their day to day operations and we want to provide them with the support they need to keep on the road.

“The support that we offer includes helping them to select the most appropriate type of vehicle for their business, analysing the different funding options available and guidance on how to best manage fuel costs.”

Over the last year, smaller companies have also become more aware of the costs associated with running business vehicles and, according to Lex Autolease, SMEs are increasingly choosing more fuel efficient cars. This has resulted in a 10 per cent drop in the average CO2 emissions across the firm’s SME customer base from 148g/km in 2010 to 135g/km last year.

It is clear that the number of small and medium sized businesses using car leasing and contract hire is increasing. But, why should you use a business car lease if you are a SME? We answer this question next.

Why you should use a business car lease for your small business

Ralph Morton, editor of Business Car Manager magazine says that ‘the beauty of using a business car lease for an SME is the access to new cars or Car finance, new technology and better running costs at discounts that large fleets usually enjoy.’

Car leasing only requires a small lump sum up front (typically three or six months payments) which can help your cashflow. And, whether you choose to contract hire through your company (a business car lease with VAT benefits) or use a personal lease (Personal Contract Hire) you will have access to a brand new car every three or four years.

Bear in mind that you will tie yourself into a contract which can be expensive to cancel if your company’s circumstances change. You should also carefully monitor the mileage and condition of the car to avoid additional charges at the end of the leasing agreement.

However, Mr Morton says that, if you own a small or medium sized business ‘there’s much to recommend the leasing experience.’

Author Bio:

Written by Vincent Hill

Sherwood Garage provides people in search of Car Dealer Glasgow with the best selection they can choose from. For years now, Sherwood Garage have delivered the exceptional service of delivering admirable and safe types of cars to our clients’ garages.

Thank you, Vincent.  We feel sure our American small to medium businesses want the best ways to ensure their fleet vehicles are safe and convenient to acquire. pb

General Safety Issues

POSTERS HELP DRIVE THE POINT HOME!

The industrial environment is challenged with trying to prevent accidents at the workplace.  Just think how much companies must spend on personal protective equipment, and if an accident happens – loss of work and productivity, insurance claims, material damage, loss of life, and much time spent writing accident reports. 

Because everybody acts of their own free will, sometimes it isn’t easy to get them to follow what you want them to do.  Ironically, those same people are the cause of most accidents!  If your workers don’t obey the rules that you have established, or don’t wear their protective equipment, or don’t practice good safety when they aren’t being supervised, chances are something will probably happen, and it won’t be good! 

The key to controlling accidents is safety awareness; this type of safety awareness is critical in any construction site.  One unsafe act can bring your safety record down in a few seconds. 

What is a good way to deliver your safety message? 

Researchers have found that people remember 50% more in what they see than in what they hear.  Visuals get people’s attention.  Promoting safety through visuals is very effective.

Most people enjoy posters that are humorous.  Pleasant thoughts generate more receptive learning.  Using humor drives a point that is so easy to understand when done correctly.  Cartoons can illustrate dangerous situations, which might be impossible to capture on film in real life. 

Here are a couple of examples of the safety posters found at tasco-safety.com:

DON’T BE A FOOL – BEING SAFE IS BEING COOL seems to be pretty self-explanatory.

Another one: The Key to Success Is Attitude

Good luck to all safety instructors.  We hope the posters will help get your message across.  It’s also good to stock up on several and post different ones on a periodic basis, so employees will be watching for new ideas.

One last good tip for those training employees on safety: ask them to share a close call or accident they have witnessed.  First-hand information is very powerful when someone has actually seen it or had it happen to them.

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

FIVE BENEFITS OF LAUGHTER AT HOME AND/OR WORK (GUEST POST)

Laughter and humor are far more contagious than any other things like cough or sniffle. It is the only effective weapon of human race. When laughter is shared, it connects you to others, inspires hopes and brings in confidence and intimacy. Laughter makes the environment around us much more pleasant. We can even use laughter to make our work day great. Although we need to be serious at our workplace, it is also essential to incorporate laughter and humor in your day-to-day routine. The great news is laughter can come in handy and is a priceless medicine to use at a workplace.  Here are the five great health benefits of laughter at home and workplace.

1.  Laughter helps to overcome challenges at workplace and your life

The ability to laugh and enjoy not only makes life more pleasurable but also helps you to handle tough situations and be more creative. People who use laughter in their daily lives discover that it strengthens their relationships.

You may have to face challenges in life and when you take those problems too seriously, it can be difficult for you to think outside the box and fix the problem. But when you handle the problem with fun, you certainly accept it as an opportunity for creative learning.

Just observe how children play with problems. When they are scared about any problem , they treat it as a game, and experiment it with different solutions. Using fun to interact with others helps you to develop this creativity.

Of course, laughter must have some limits. One must be more careful about what they speak or have fun so as not to hurt others in anyway. Crack a joke with your co-workers on your break or if you have a funny idea, pass it along to your seniors. Studies have reported that companies that allowed fun and enjoyment at work observed its employees to be more productive and motivated.

2.  Laughter is an effective medicine for mind and body

Laughter is an effective medicine that works faster than anything to bring down stress, pain and conflict. It reduces your sorrows, builds confidence, binds you with others and keeps you firm and active. It has tremendous physiological effects on your body.

  •  A good hearty laugh boosts immunity by reducing the release of stress hormones. It helps in keeping your muscles relaxed for up to an hour after.
  •  Laughter causes the production of endomorphins which are necessary to keep you happy.
  •  Laughter improves blood circulation thus protecting you from several heart disorders.
  •  It helps you in discharging all the air in your lungs that carries more carbon dioxide and moisture.
  •  It enhances teamwork among employees.
  •  It helps us to be more creative and explore the world in a different way.

3.  Social benefits of laughter

Laughter brings people together by fostering positive feelings and triggering emotional connection. When we share laughing, a positive bond is established. This bond helps you to overcome stress, disagreements and anxiety.

Sharing laughter is more effective than doing it alone. It is a great tool for making relationships strong and lasting forever. Laughter brings in emotional balance. Incorporating laughter and fun in your day-to-day tasks can improve the connections with your colleagues, family members and friends. Spice up your life with laughter, it does great wonders:

  •  It helps you to solve problems very easily.
  •  Laughter helps you get out of confusions, arguments and criticism.
  •  It takes off the fear from you.
  •  Exposes true feelings.

4.   Great internal workout

A good hearty laugh tones up your diaphragm, works out the abs and even exercises the shoulders, putting you to a more relaxed state later. It even provides a good cardio-workout. Laughing 100 times a day is the same as 15 minutes spent on a stationary bike.

5.  Increases life span

According to Psychiatry research, older optimistic people, those who though positively had a greater life span than those with negative thoughts.

The research included older individuals over the age of 65-85 years, who thought positively. Among them 55 percent lived longer than the most pessimistic people. In spite of their habits such as smoking, alcohol consumption and other health issues, these people who incorporated laughter into their lifestyle survived better and longer than pessimists.

We all have been gifted with this great weapon. So, what are you waiting for, whip out laughter to make your living great!

 

About The Author: Gianna is a writer/blogger. She loves writing about technology, gadgets and social media. She contributes to hometone (www.hometone.com).

General Safety Issues

A HOLIDAY MESSAGE

We’re off today to observe United States Independence Day, but on this day of celebrations, family get-togethers, and many activities, we want to remember the fallen firefighters of the elite team “Hot Shots” who lost their lives fighting the dangerous wildfires in Arizona.

Our hearts are saddened by their loss and all others who have given their lives in the line of duty.  Please remember those fallen heroes, and our men and women all over the world who so bravely serve our country, and help other countries.

May God Bless America!

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

HOW TO KEEP SAFE AND AVOID INJURY THIS 4TH OF JULY (GUEST POST)

Independence Day celebrations generally mean getting together with families and friends for backyard barbecues, trips to the beach, and of course, fireworks. Although that may sound like a lot of fun, these activities can also bring dangers of fire, water, food, and heat.

To avoid injuries and make the most out of this annual holiday, here things to take note of:
Watch a professional fireworks show
Instead of setting off fireworks in your own backyard, leave it to the pros. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is by watching professional shows. There are many fireworks shows you can watch. Do remember to stay at least 500 feet away. Putting it in your own hands can lead to possible blindness, severe burns – even death.
However, if you really must set fireworks at home, have a fire extinguisher available and ready. Light only one firework at a time and make sure the person lighting it wears eye protection Never point the firework toward people, animals, vehicles, and flammable materials and never attempt to relight. Fires and burns to to fireworks can lead to losing private possessions or lives.  
Grill with caution
Never grill indoors, in a tent, camper or on any surface that may catch fire. Instead, stay at least 10 feet away from your home or any building. Always supervise a grill when in use and don’t forget to use long-handled tools for cooking to keep the chef safe from burns. Before starting the fire, check the tubes that lead to the burner for any blockage from insects or grease. Avoid playing games with flying objects like frisbee, as it may knock candles, torches, and the grill itself. Last but not least, keep children away from the grill area. Use items like lawn chairs to prevent children from entering the area.
Swim safely
Since summer is here, swimming is the most popular activity for the family. To stay safe in the water, you first must know how to swim. If you already do, swim only in designated areas where lifeguards are available. Next is to have a swim buddy, even at a public pool. If you have children, never keep your eyes off them and don’t entrust his life to another child. Inexperienced swimmers should always wear swimming jackets. Also, don’t swim under the influence of alcohol. The same goes for driving…
Don’t drink and drive
According to statistics, the number of traffic accidents, injuries, and deaths rise significantly on the fourth of July. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says that Independence Day was the deadliest day on the road from 2006 – 2010.
Drinking alcohol – even just one cocktail – can impair your senses and judgement. So if you must drink on this holiday, make sure to have a designated driver to take your home. If you don’t have a driver, call a cab. If you had a lot to drink, consider staying in your host’s place for the night.
Better yet, stay at home. You don’t need to go out on the 4th of July to have fun. Play host to a neighborhood party instead.
Have a safe and injury-free fourth of July!
 
About the author: Based in California, Melissa Page is a professional writer with over four years of professional writing experience. Despite being a safety-conscious health buff, she still believes in the importance of health insurance, (iCan). She also loves travelling and bowling.
General Safety Issues

FOURTH OF JULY WARNINGS!

TxDot warning drivers, “No Refusal” over Fourth of July holiday

 

The Texas Department of Transportation is cracking-down on drunk-driving over the Fourth of July holiday weekend.  In 2012 alone, there were over 25,000 alcohol-related wrecks on Texas roadways. Those wrecks left 1,170 dead and 9,458 seriously injured. With these startling statistics in mind, TxDot is launching its “Faces of Drunk Driving” campaign.

The campaign is an effort to put a human face on the impact of drunk-driving. This year’s campaign will highlight nine-year-old Xitclalli “Chilli” Vasquez, who was paralyzed from the waist down after being hit by a drunk driver in Ft. Worth on July 9, 2011- just three days before her eighth birthday. Her story, along with those of over a dozen others impacted by drunk-driving, can be found on the “Faces of Drunk Driving” website. 

In addition to this campaign, TxDot wants motorists to know that law enforcement across Texas will conduct a “No Refusal” initiative over the Independence Day weekend. “No Refusal” legally requires suspected drunk drivers who have been pulled over to provide police with a breath or blood sample. Drivers who refuse to provide a breath sample will be taken to jail where they will be forced to provide a blood sample. Motorists found to be legally intoxicated will face a DWI charge. DWI penalties continue to get tougher. Penalties now include immediate arrest, a suspended license, jail time, and a fine that has increased to $17,000. They are really not kidding when they say you can’t afford it. 

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) provides tips on how to prevent drinking and driving:

Choose a designated driver- decide who’s going to be doing the driving before you go out, Hide the keys- don’t be afraid to take someone’s keys who you know should not be driving, Arrange alternate transportation- sometimes even the designated driver slips, set up a ride with a sober driver.

For those hosting a party this fourth of July, be aware that the host is responsible if an intoxicated party-goer leaves and causes a wreck. The host will face criminal charges and could possibly be forced to pay medical bills and legal fees for all involved in the wreck.

In addition to the above article shared by KLTV, Channel 7, in Tyler, Texas, others are concerned about your safety, too, during this holiday weekend.  “Lately it seems people care more about material things and their ability to social network than they do about their own health,” said Thomas Esposito, MD, MPH, chief of the Division of Trauma, Surgical Critical Care and Burns in the Department of Surgery at Loyola University Medical Center. “Staging an awesome pyrotechnical display for your friends on YouTube may result in blowing off your thumb, ending for good your ability to communicate using a handheld device.”  Their Fourth of July warning theme is “No Texting for Your Life!”

The fourth of July traditionally is the biggest day for grilling food across America.  America’s firefighters want you to think about fire safety while you enjoy the holiday.  Firefighters urge folks grilling  to keep an eye on their grill at all times, and not to walk off and forget the fire.  Keep the kids and pets away from the fire.  Unattended cooking is the number one cause of house fires, and that includes outdoor grilling. Firefighters say use common sense to prevent a tragedy. 

Cook outdoors, not under an awning or carport.  Leave the grills alone to cool off for a long time.  Charcoal grills that turn over can spark house fires hours after the food is done. Firefighters say never try to throw away hot coals, and keep a barrier around the grill to prevent children from running into it. 

Hospital emergency rooms will be on stand-by, in adddition to medical response teams, fire departments, and law enforcement, who will be staffing extra personnel in order to accommodate those who are involved in any accident.  Please heed all warnings and have a safe, sober, and Happy Fourth of July!