All posts by pat brownlee
WORKERS’ MEMORIAL DAY – APRIL 28, 2014
Workers’ Memorial Day, observed on April 28, is also the anniversary of the signing of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, (OSHA), over 4 decades ago, and has been designated as the time to remember fallen workers and surviving families, as well as to emphasize the promise of safe jobs.
The signing of OSHA was the committment of the right to a safe workplace. Despite this promise, and the dedication and efforts of both workers and enlightened employers, 12 workers die on-the-job every day in the United States. In fact, a total of 150 U.S. workers die each day, (more than 50, 000 workers each year) as a result of exposure to health and safety hazards on the job.
Over the next several days there will be thousands of people participating in Workers’ Memorial Day observances throughout the U.S. in remembrance of fallen co-workers, friends, and family as they renew their commitment to making their workplaces safer. Members of the public and the survivors of victims of workplace injuries and death have been invited to attend and participate in observances, which include the reading of names of deceased and injured workers, memorial bells, candlelight vigils, and other memorial services.
It’s a fact that safety laws and regulations don’t kill jobs – but unsafe jobs do kill workers. Our elected officials should be making sure that all workers are protected, by keeping safety standards and regulations up to date and enforced. They should also be strengthening the voice of workers to advocate on their own behalf for safer jobs, not attacking their rights to advocate effectively for themselves, their families, and all workers.
The Whistleblower Act was written to protect workers from reporting unsafe working conditions, without repercussion. They have the right to tell their employer of any risks and hazards of their jobs that could be life-threatening, without repercussion. After a company investigation, those workers have the right to protection against discrimination, such as: reduction of pay/hours; prospect of promotion; making threats; blacklisting; demotion; denial of benefits, intimidation; fail to hire/rehire.
Companies are required to meet all safety standards as set by OSHA. When accidents happen and there are injuries and/or casualties, OSHA will investigate. Depending on their findings, companies may have to pay large penalties for failure to comply with such standards, as well as benefits to the worker’s family.
This Workers’ Memorial Day, the soldiers at Ft Hood, Texas, should be remembered. Although a service was held for them, they need special thoughts this day. They were doing their job when shot by a fellow soldier. Investigations are being conducted until a cause for this tragedy is found. Remember those and any others you know or family members of someone who lost their life because of their job.
Every worker has the right to know they will be safe at their job, and get to return home at the end of their shift.
RISKS AND REWARDS OF BEING A PLUMBER (GUEST POST)
Work safety has always been a top priority in the plumbing and heating industry. As plumbing is a profession that involves frequent exposure to hazardous situations and chemicals. Plumbing experts needs to be precise with regard to their health and work standards. Plumbing as a craft requires significant technical knowledge and involves much more than simply unclogging a sink or replacing a home shower.
Typically, a plumber’s work involves working with a wide variety of plumbing tools and equipment in different challenging situations on a daily basis. It is therefore vital that all plumbing engineers are well aware of the risks involved in the occupation and are able to take the appropriate safety measures to minimize them.
Professional plumbing experts like Plumbers 4U ensure that all their staff are trained and well versed in their own health and safety policies and adhere to safe working practices onsite. These emergency plumbers, working in the North London area and serving Camden, St. Albans, Enfield, Barnet and Brent, work to ensure that all projects are delivered in a professional, responsible and safe manner.
There are many well-known risks involved when working as plumber – but taking the correct precautions and safety measures will ensure safety and success in the field.
- Plumbers often need to work in close proximity to flammable or combustible substances, and risk exposure to toxic substances like lead, asbestos, adhesives, solvents, solder and sulphur dioxide
Take proper precautions to avoid inhaling harmful vapours by using properly fitted respirators and ventilation systems, and use eye protection while working with chemicals and in areas where foreign materials may enter your eyes. - There is an increased risk of injury while working with different tools
Keep your equipment and tools organized and work in a clutter-free area. Inspect the different equipment for safety hazards before each use. All bench and hand grinders should be checked prior to use and should have the proper safety guards in place. - Working in different awkward positions, and lifting heavy or awkward objects could cause back injury
Work in a clutter-free area and work with your back hunched as little as possible. If lifting heavy objects, bend at the knee and keep a straight back, and do not try to lift something that’s too heavy. - Exposure to extreme temperatures might lead to burns from steam or hot water
Secure cut off valves prior to working with steam lines or hot water lines. - Plumbers risk electrocution by working with electrical equipment in close proximity to water
Do not work with electrical equipment while in water or if the equipment is wet, and inspect all electrical cords and plugs for exposed wires or cracks in the insulation before each use. - There is a risk of slipping, tripping or falling on wet surfaces especially while working at heights
Ensure that you use fall protection and that you take extra care while working at heights.
Although challenging, there are a lot of benefits to a career in plumbing. You’ll be able to start your own business and set your own work timings, and can therefore set different appointments to fit your work schedule. You’ll never be short of work – plumbing is not an industry that can ever go out of fashion, nor can the need for plumbers ever dwindle. The profession also ensures a fairly good income, as you’ll be able to charge for your skills on an hourly basis.
Sent to us by Ram Seth, writing for Plumbing specialists Plumbers 4 U ensure that all of their engineers adhere to the industry’s safety standards to avoid or mitigate some of the above risks, and as long as an accident-free plumbing workplace is maintained, which requires a commitment from everyone within a company, the profession of plumbing is a lucrative one.
We appreciate these safety tips, and all understand that plumbers do many jobs that none of us want to do. They know what they are doing, and are worth the charge. pb
IT’S SPRING! (I THINK!)
Spring has made a late arrival here in North Central Texas, but Old Man Winter still thrives in other parts of the United States. With the arrival of warmer weather, all the weeds and other plants loaded with allergens start spreading their cheer around us! Folks who have allergies are not looking forward to the misery associated with them.
It’s also the time to plant gardens, mow the yard, and clean up and fix up what the cold weather left behind. As you prepare to start your seasonal yard work, stock up on face masks, goggles, gloves, sunscreen, and plenty of allergy medicine! Be sure your power equipment is in good shape, as it usually needs an annual checkup to be sure everything is running as it should.
There is so much to look forward to during spring and summer: baseball, swimming, outings, summer camps, and hopefully, being with family more. Kids are anxiously awaiting summer break from school, so this means we need to be careful when driving down neighborhood streets.
Tornadoes and severe thunderstorms are also a part of spring that we would rather not have to deal with. So far, there have been fewer tornadoes for this time of the year than usual. But, as it warms up, conditions will make the atmosphere right for twisters.
Be sure that you have a plan, just in case you must leave your home in the event of a severe thunderstorm, or worse, tornado. Every member of the family should know where to meet. A care kit should be packed with enough water for at least three days, non-perishable food, medicines, pet food, flashlight, blankets, and other supplies. Keep your cell phone charged at all times, just in case.
Information from The Weather Channel shows that even as we push deeper into the heart of spring tornado season, 2014 has so far completely spared Americans the agony and grief of tornado-related deaths. The year’s long early safe streak has put 2014 in rare territory, historically. The modern era of tornado records began in 1950 with the advent of the storm database maintained by NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center. This year has now gone on longer than any other calendar year in that era without a tornado fatality.
Another recent year’s long quiet streak ended rather violently when this April 20th marked the 10th anniversary of 2004’s first killer tornado, also an F3 in Illinois. Eight people died on April 20, 2004 when a twister smashed into Utica, Ill., causing a tavern to collapse.
Even including what are likely incomplete historical records from the mid 19th to early 20th centuries, 2014 already ranks among the top 10 years with the longest fatality-free start. It’s possible that some of those older years in the record had undocumented tornado deaths, which would move 2014 even higher in the rankings if we had perfect knowledge of what happened back then.
With no tornadoes reported Monday, we now have to go back 99 years to find a calendar year when the first documented tornado death came later in the year – that was 1915, when the first recorded death came on May 5.
We are thankful that so far that we have not had any deaths as the result of tornadoes. Let’s hope that 2014 will continue to be a low record for killer storms. Be prepared by listening for important warnings from your local television stations, NOAA, and the Weather Channel.
Source: The Weather Channel
OBSERVE NATIONAL DISTRACTED DRIVING MONTH
April is designated as National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Every day we should observe all the ways we need to be safe while behind the wheel. These ideas are for everyone who drives, no matter your age. How many times you have let some sort of distraction cause you to not pay attention to your safety and that of your passengers?
Here are some ideas, which you all have read before, but we are going to keep trying to let you know how important this is.
First of all, DON‘T talk on a cell phone while you are driving if you have children in the car. You may use a hands-free device, but you will still be letting your train of thought veer away from safe driving, and you are setting a bad example for your kids. If they think it’s ok because mom and dad talk or their cell phone and drive, someday they will, too.
Here are some more driving DON’T’s:
- Don’t drink and drive, and never get in a car with someone who has been using drugs or drinking.
- Don’t text and drive……ever! Pull over, please don’t take the chance!
- Don’t make assumptions about what other drivers are going to do. Just because someone has their turn signal on does not mean they are actually going to turn. They may be like the rest of us, and have forgotten that it is on!
- DON’T assume that other cars can read your mind, either. Make sure that you use your turn signals and give yourself, and the cars around you, plenty of room to maneuver.
- DON’T tailgate other cars, pass on shoulders, fail to yield, run stoplights or stop signs (even if no one else seems to be around), or break any other rules of the road on purpose. If you act like you are above the law when you operate a car, you will sooner, rather than later, find out that you are not.
- DON’T play your car stereo so loudly that you are disruptive to others, or so loudly that you are unable to hear train signals or emergency vehicle sirens.
- DON’T engage in other activities, while driving, that distract your attention or reduce your reaction time. Eating, changing clothes, or putting on makeup while driving is dangerous. In some states, if you are caught doing these things while driving you can be cited for “driver inattention” and given a ticket.
- DON’T treat a car like it is a toy. It is not. Don’t use your car to play chicken, race, or give another car a friendly “tap.”
- DON’T let your emotions and frustrations get the best of you. Don’t engage in road rage, no matter how irritating another driver might be to you.
- DON’T activate the cruise control when driving in wet conditions. There can be a build up of water under the tires, and could cause hydroplaning. (This is not a distracted driving tip, but an important DON’T to add to your list.)
- DON’T drive if you are sleepy. Ask your passenger to drive, or wait until your head is clear. Needing sleep really distracts you from your driving responsibility.
DO DRIVE DEFENSIVELY. If you have a group in your car, let them lead the conversation so you can keep your eyes on the road at all times. Stay safe and take this message to heart. If you let some distraction cause you to have an accident while driving, chances are someone will get hurt and you will be responsible. So “drive friendly”, as we say in Texas, and drive responsibly!
TODAY IS EARTH DAY – ARE YOU DOING YOUR PART TO KEEP IT “GREEN?”
Origin of Earth Day
In the 1960s, there were many concerns about the awareness regarding the environment among Americans. During this period, U.S senator and environmentalist, Gaylord Nelson, tried to galvanize the conservation movement through the appropriate creation of a national celebration.
Nelson made many efforts in the Congress to pass legislation to protect the popular Appalachian Trail. He also tried to pass a legislation to ban the use of DDT. In order to organize the first Earth Day, Nelson sought some help from Denis Hayes, who was a graduate of Harvard University.
The first Earth Day was celebrated on 22nd April, 1970. It was specifically designed as an environmental awareness program. Its aim was to educate participants about the importance of conserving the environment. In 1990, Denis Hayes organized a global Earth Day. It was observed in more than 140 countries by 200 million persons.
Every year on April 22, over a billion people in 190 countries take action for Earth Day. From San Francisco to San Juan, Beijing to Brussels, Moscow to Marrakesh, people plant trees, clean up their communities, contact their elected officials, and more—all on behalf of the environment.Like Earth Days of the past, Earth Day 2014 will focus on the unique environmental challenges of our time. As the world’s population migrates to cities, and as the bleak reality of climate change becomes increasingly clear, the need to create sustainable communities is more important than ever. Earth Day 2014 will seek to do just that through its global theme: Green Cities. With smart investments in sustainable technology, forward-thinking public policy, and an educated and active public, we can transform our cities and forge a sustainable future. Nothing is more powerful than the collective action of a billion people.
Forty-four years ago, Earth Day began. Great strides have been made through technology by improving water quality, air quality, and recycling. We still have a long way to go, and if you haven’t done your part to make our earth a cleaner place, start today.
- Dispose of old computers through the correct channels, as the monitors contain materials that are very harmful.
- There are ways to destroy personal information by use of shredders. Professional shredding companies contract with hospitals and other businesses to safely remove old paper records.
- Ride a bike to work, or just simply for the exercise.
- Teach your children to know the difference between recycling materials and those that we simply toss away.
- Plastic bottles, plastic grocery sacks are hard on our environment; take reusable bags to the grocery stores,
- Drink water from a glass rather than a plastic bottle. There are washable cups with lids that you can carry your coffee, tea, or water with you while away from the house.
- Carry a sack with you when you go for a walk, and pick up debris that others have simply tossed aside.
- Help keep our lakeshores clean.
- Plant a tree.
There are so many ways each one of us can do our part, and those small tasks can help improve our little corner of the world. If everyone would do the same, and businesses would make every effort to comply with environmental laws, what an even greater earth it would be!
For more ideas or to volunteer to help spread the word, check out the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency website.
Source: Earth Day Network; Earth Day 2014
PREVENTING AUTO ACCIDENTS IN WORK ZONES – KEEP YOUR WORKERS SAFE! (GUEST POST)
Road workers brave many of the most unsafe working conditions around, including inclement weather, dangerous heavy equipment, work performed from heights, and potential electrical hazards. On top of these already risky conditions, motor vehicle traffic speeds by the work site constantly, threatening the unwary worker with serious injury or death.
Motor vehicle collisions with road workers are an all-too-common occurrence. According to a recent U.S. Bureau of Labor study, 962 workers were killed at road construction sites from 2003 through 2010. Of these deaths, nearly half (442) occurred when a worker was struck by a vehicle or moving equipment. The study found that workers are equally as likely to be struck by highway traffic as they are mobile construction equipment.
To reduce the risk of injury and death, road workers and construction managers can implement a few simple procedures:
Increase Visibility
When it comes to keeping workers safe from highway traffic, visibility is key. The Bureau of Labor study found that of the 92 people killed while flagging or performing traffic control duties, only 20 were wearing reflective or high-visibility clothing at the time.
Every precaution should be taken to ensure that workers are visible to oncoming traffic. High-visibility clothing should be worn by every person, but especially those conducting traffic. Yellow or green reflective clothing is preferable to orange, as different colors keep workers from blending in with orange construction signs.
Slow Traffic Down
According to several studies around the country, one of the most effective ways to slow down traffic before entering a construction zone is to plant a stationary police vehicle ahead of where road work begins. One Virginia study showed that the presence of a police vehicle slowed traffic by an average of 12 to 14 miles per hour.
In addition to a police presence, traffic can be slowed by using funneling or lane reduction techniques. Single lanes of traffic tend to move much slower than two or three lanes of traffic. In addition, cars are less likely to try and pass slower vehicles when there is only a single lane. This can prevent an aggressive motorist from swerving into a construction zone while trying to pass.
Use Traffic Barriers
Cones, barrels, and other lane separation techniques keep motorists at a safe distance from workers. Barriers also provide a cushion of safety from inattentive or distracted drivers. A driver who does hit a barrier will hopefully be jolted into awareness before driving into and injuring road workers.
Train Workers on Safety Awareness
Every worker should be trained on the best way to minimize their vulnerability while working next to traffic. A worker’s situational awareness is vital for avoiding both highway traffic and heavy construction equipment moving around the site. Thirteen per cent of all deaths in the Bureau of Labor study were caused by workers simply passing through the construction site. Teaching workers the proper techniques for entering, exiting, and passing through a site can significantly decrease the number of injuries and deaths reported every year
Analyze the Activity Area
Trained safety professionals should review a changing worksite on a regular basis to look for potential hazards. These professionals should try and minimize the zones where heavy equipment will need to back up, and should look for ways to implement any engineering, administrative, or personal protection measures that are needed to improve safety.
No matter what precautions workers take, injuries can still happen, especially with inattentive, distracted, or impaired drivers on the road. By taking the proper precautions, however, road workers can minimize their risk of injury and increase their odds of returning home safely.
These road worker safety tips are provided by the South Florida personal injury firm of Gordon & Doner. Our firm is dedicated to holding negligent and irresponsible drivers accountable for the injuries caused to road workers in construction zones.
Our thanks to Jason Swilley for these great tips. Again, April 7-11 was National Work Zone Awareness Week, and we can’t remind drivers too many times to slow down and watch for those who build our roads and keep them safe! pb
HAVE A SAFE HOLIDAY WEEKEND!
There will be many travelers over the Easter Holiday weekend, and we want to wish them safe adventures wherever they go. Sunrise Services will be observed throughout the world, and for those wishing to attend, allow time to arrive safely, due to the early hours these observances are held. Many families will gather in their church of choice for the true reason we celebrate Easter, the miracle of Christ’s resurrection.
Happy memories of Easter Egg hunts come to mind for this grandmother. The fun of watching my children and grandchildren hunt through the grass and yard for those colorful treasures was so much fun; however, it also reminds me of how hard it was for me to find those things! My best friend would always have to share hers with me, because I usually came up with nothing! (These were the hunts we had at school.) Thanks, Mackie!
If you are fortunate to get to spend time with family and friends during this long weekend, enjoy every minute of it. If you find yourself spending time on a short trip, enjoy that, too. Life is too short to waste on worries, instead, live every day as though it were your last.
From all the folks at Texas America Safety Company, and Blog4Safety – Have a safe and happy Easter holiday. pb
HOW ROBOTIC AUTOMATION CAN INCREASE SAFETY (GUEST POST)
With quick returns on investment, robotic automation is no longer just for the large manufacturing companies. Automated systems make companies more competitive with high production rates, while keeping quality standards. Robots can take over the more mundane, tedious jobs freeing up highly skilled workers to focus on complex tasks. Along with expanded efficiency and productivity, robotic automation can also increase safety.
Robotic automation automates more hazardous jobs, allowing workers to move into supervisory roles in the company. Rather than taking the necessary precautions to put people into hazardous situations, investing in robotic systems can save the cost of those provisions. These improvements to workplace safety can prove invaluable.
The nature of robotic systems has not only increased safety, but also offers workers a better environment in the workplace. Instead of keeping people in low skill, labor positions, robotics have freed up the workplace to move valuable employees into higher skilled positions. These high-level positions also increase individual pay. However, this comes at no additional cost to the employer. Since one robot can do the same job that it may take up to ten employees to execute, the cost savings counteract any increase in paying highly skilled employees.
Adding to the list of savings robotic automation offers, the increased safety robots give pays off in the long-term. When worker safety is improved, finances improve. Companies can save on costs in areas such as healthcare, insurance, and workers compensation. On top of that, properly programmed automated robots offer consistency in output, along with increased production speed. All of these factors can join to not only better the work environment for employees, but also help a company’s bottom line.
Automation offers guaranteed results and a faster return on investment. For those companies that still may be on the fence about whether or not robotic will help your company grow — these systems have shown that they’re here to stay and have proven to be an all-encompassing win-win in modern manufacturing.
SAFETY TIPS YOU SHOULD FOLLOW WHEN RIDING IN TAXIS AND CABS (GUEST POST)
Whether you have your own conveyance or not, you’ll have to invariably depend on public transportation at some point in time. Especially, if you’re visiting a new place, taxis come in very handy, but there are safety tips you need to understand before hiring them. Here’s telling you a few things you should know:
Hiring a reliable and trustworthy taxi service can be a daunting task. Though there are no problems whatsoever while riding in a secure taxi, but in case you run out of luck, you can face problems such as – LPG smell, unkempt cars and even rude drivers. Amidst all such issues what matters the most is your safety.
Unlike private transportation, you don’t have charge of the wheels in public transport. There are individuals today, who would go to any extent to get money and using taxis to lure victims is a very common thing!
So maximize your safety while hiring taxis – follow the tips mentioned below:
1. Plan and Know Your Journey
It will be a lot safer for you if you know exactly where you are and where you plan to go. Take note of all important landmarks on your way to avoid getting lost. This way you’ll even get to know whether the driver is taking you along the right way or not.
Route out your journey, make use of maps if required – giving directions to your cab driver would be a great help as your driver will be ascertained that you’re familiar with the place. Using GPS technology is the best way to keep tab on your journey and the destination to which a driver is transporting you.
If possible ride in groups instead of riding alone and avoid travelling during night time.
2. Take Note and References of Reputed Taxi Companies
Doing homework at your end will save you a great amount of trouble later!
This is perhaps the most important step that you should follow when planning to hire any sort of transportation service.
There are reputable and registered taxi companies in and around every area. Get as much information and reviews about these companies online and also ask your friends and acquaintances to share their experiences of these companies with you.
3. Riding Alone – Take The Back Seat, Lock & Check The Doors And Windows
Your safety is in your hands!
Do not consider sitting at the back seat as a sign of disrespect – it’s simply a precautionary measure. Lots of criminals gain an upper hand over their prey once they get a good hold of them. Even if the driver of the cab asks you to sit in front, take your initiative and sit at the back seat or you should all the way prefer to hire another cab as it’s strange for a driver to ask his customer to sit beside him.
Once you get inside a cab, lock the door and see if you can open the door again after unlocking it. Many criminal minds often lock their doors to keep you off from getting out. Also check if you can pull down the windows of the cab as the driver may use chemicals from the airconditioner to render you unconscious.
If you feel bad inside the cab it is advisable to stop the journey and get out of the place immediately.
Author Bio:
If you are in Irving and need a taxi cab service, calling an Irving taxi company is the best choice. With Taxi Hub Dallas within the Irving taxi cab service area, it will not only provide Taxi service in Irving TX but will also provide cab service in the metroplex area. Cab service in Irving tx will take you from your location by Taxi to DFW airport.
Submitted by Shakil Ahmed, owner of Taxihubdallas.com. We appreciate these great tips for keeping passengers safe; however, being a taxi driver can be risky as well. Thanks, Shakil. pb