All posts by pat brownlee

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

WHEN PRESCRIPTION DRUGS HURT INSTEAD OF HEAL (GUEST POST)

When Prescription Drugs Hurt Instead Of Heal

Most people put their wholehearted trust into their doctors when it comes to their medical health. This trust is usually not misplaced since these professionals are trained to keep people healthy. When a doctor prescribes a certain medicine to someone, that person usually trusts that it is safe for them to take. Unfortunately, due to negligence on part of the doctor, a pharmacy or a drug manufacturer, safety isn’t always guaranteed. It’s important for everyone to understand the risks of prescription drug side effects and what can be done if they occur.

When Prescription Drugs go Bad

Doctors don’t knowingly give their patients prescription drugs that are likely to cause serious health risks. While it’s true that most drugs have known side effects, the perceived benefits of these drugs often outweigh the possible risks. Patients are usually informed if there are any known possible side effects related to a drug that they’re taking, but unfortunately, this isn’t always enough to keep a person safe.

People can be harmed by prescription drugs in numerous ways. Certain drugs, for instance, can be perfectly safe until mixed with other drugs. When doctors fail to take note of the prescriptions their patients are already on, it can lead to an individual taking two prescriptions that can be deadly when used in conjunction with each other.

Negative drug reactions, however, aren’t always the fault of doctors. It’s also possible that pharmaceutical companies failed to recognize all of the possible side effects of a drug before putting it on the market as in the case of Pradaxa litigation. This often occurs due to sub-par clinical trials and the rush to make profit by getting the drug out into the general public. Since these possibilities have the chance of deadly results, every person should take precautionary measures when taking any prescription.

Avoiding Prescription Drug Mishaps

There are several ways that a person can lessen their chance of experiencing adverse side effects when taking prescription drugs. This is exceptionally important since Quarterwatch, a pharmaceutical research nonprofit group, found that there are nearly 180,000 known serious or fatal reactions that can occur related to prescription drugs. Knowing these figures, most people would welcome a few tips on avoiding side effects.

  • Always take prescriptions exactly as prescribed.
  • Doctor should have full medical history of patient. This includes all prescription and over-the-counter drugs being taken.
  • Keep a list of possible side effects handy for at least six months. Not all drugs will cause detrimental reactions immediately; serious side effects sometimes take time to show up.
  • Stick with tried and true prescriptions. If there are other drugs that have been on the market for over seven years and accomplish the same goal, take them. Not all side effects of a drug are immediately known before the drug gets FDA approval.
  • Do your research. Check for bad reviews, ongoing litigation, and manufacturer recalls.  You do this before you buy a car or electronics, you should do it for your own well being.

What to do if harmed by Prescription Drugs

There are several things that an individual or their family should do if serious side effects are experienced due to prescription drugs. The most vital thing to do is to seek immediate medical attention. Even side effects that seem relatively minor can result in serious injury or death. A doctor should be consulted before discontinuing any medication just to ensure full safety.

Those injured by prescription drugs also have certain legal rights. This type of injury isn’t like a car accident or other seemingly minor event that can be easily handled by two parties outside of court. Doctors and drug manufacturers have a duty to ensure that prescription drugs are going to be safe for a person, and when side effects are possible, patients must be informed of them. When these entities fail in this duty, patients have the right to recover damages.

Anyone who suffers an injury due to a prescription drug can receive compensation for their pain, suffering, medical costs and any other losses related to the injury. Even though this is the case, taking a few of the aforementioned precautionary steps is much better than dealing with a medical malpractice suit or facing a pharmaceutical company in court. When it does come down to these instances, however, it’s important for a person to have an attorney who is experienced in prescription drug lawsuits at their side.

Kelly Dennie is a freelance writer who specializes in a wide variety of topics to spawn awareness that she hopes will lead to action. The attorneys at Doyle Raizner LLP can attest to the importance of a drug’s market longevity, due to its Pradaxa litigation and that drug’s relatively short life span from development to market. Having worked with pharmaceutical companies, and litigated bodily injury cases due to adverse reactions to prescription medications throughout the nation, these attorneys understand and can provide the necessary diligence and commitment your defense will require.

 

General Safety Issues

FEBRUARY IS AMERICAN HEART MONTH

2 Comments

Taken from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. this information is very important for us to share:

 Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States; one in every three deaths is from heart disease and stroke, equal to 2,200 deaths per day.   “Heart disease takes the lives of far too many people in this country, depriving their families and communities of someone they love and care for—a father, a mother, a wife, a friend, a neighbor, a spouse. With more than 2 million heart attacks and strokes a year, and 800,000 deaths, just about all of us have been touched by someone who has had heart disease, heart attack, or a stroke.”
– Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius

February is American Heart Month, and unfortunately, most of us know someone who has had heart disease or stroke. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States; one in every three deaths is from heart disease and stroke, equal to 2,200 deaths per day. These conditions are also leading causes of disability preventing people from working and enjoying family activities. Cardiovascular disease is also very expensive—together heart disease and stroke hospitalizations in 2010 cost the nation more than $444 billion in health care expenses and lost productivity. However, we can fight back against heart disease and stroke. CDC and other parts of the US government have launched Million Hearts™, to prevent the nation’s leading killers and empowering everyone to make heart-healthy choices.

What is Million Hearts™? 

Launched in September 2011 by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Million Hearts™ is a national initiative that aims to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes in the U.S. over the next five years. This public-private partnership, co-led by CDC and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is integrating and amplifying a range of existing heart disease and stroke prevention programs, policies, and activities.

Goals of Million Hearts™

The Million Hearts™ Initiative seeks to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes by the end of 2016 by:

  • Empowering Americans to make healthy choices such as avoiding tobacco use and reducing the amount of sodium and trans fat they eat. These changes will reduce the number of people who need medical treatment for high blood pressure or cholesterol—and ultimately prevent heart attacks and strokes.
  • Improving care for people who do need treatment by encouraging a focus on the “ABCS”—Aspirin for people at risk, Blood pressure control, Cholesterol management, and Smoking cessation—four steps to address the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease and help to prevent heart attacks and strokes.

Million Hearts™ Support

Million Hearts™ has the support of multiple federal agencies and key private organizations, including the American Heart Association, the American Pharmacists’ Association, the YMCA, Walgreens, and UnitedHealthCare. Over the next five years, Million Hearts™ is pursuing commitments and participation from many more partners in health care, public health, industry, and government. These partnerships will help Million Hearts™ leverage and advance existing investments in cardiovascular disease prevention.

What Million Hearts™ Means to You

Heart disease and stroke affects all of our lives, but we can all play a role in ending it. Prevention starts with everyone. Protect yourself and your loved ones from heart disease and stroke by understanding the risks and taking these steps.

  • Drive the initiative by challenging your family and friends to take the Million Hearts™ pledge at www.millionhearts.hhs.gov.
  • Get up and get active by being physically active for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week.
  • Know your ABCS:
    • Ask your doctor if you should take an Aspirin every day.
    • Find out if you have high Blood pressure or Cholesterol, and if you do, get effective treatment.
    • If you Smoke, get help to quit.
  • Make your calories count by eating a heart-healthy diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables and low in sodium and trans fat.
  • Take control of your heart health by following your doctor’s prescription instructions.

Together, we can all be one in a million this Heart Month and every month. Learn more about Million HeartsExternal Web Site Icon.

Please  take this message from the CDC to heart: we all must do more to keep our hearts and bodies healthy.  As the article stated, we all have experienced loss of family or friends because of heart disease.  Both my parents died from strokes; my husband had quadruple by-pass surgery five years ago, and is doing fine now.  He has always exercised and taken care of himself, however, cholesterol and triglycerides were a large part in his heart problems.  Have regular checkups , eat healthy, and exercise!  Pat

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, Respiratory Safety

THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT TRAINS, PART I

Have you ever wondered as you drive down the highway about those trains you see rolling along, and what on earth could be in all those cars?  You also see lots of graffiti, done by some local “artists” along the way, and can’t help but question all the places that train has been.  One thing you need to understand, is that many of those cars are carrying hazardous materials, and in the event of a derailment, or spill, you need to drive away from the area as soon as possible. 

Railroad companies are overseen primarily by the Federal Railroad Administration, but also answer to the Department of Transportation, and the National Transportation Safety Board.  No person may transport a hazardous material in commerce unless that material is properly classed, described, packaged, marked, labeled, and placarded and is in condition for transportation according to DOT regulations.  Railroad Company computers are able to track the trains at all times. 

For your information, here are the hazard classes and divisions:

  • 1 – Explosives (1.1 – Explosive with mass explosion hazard; 1.2 – Explosive with projection hazard; 1.3 – Explosive with predominantly fire hazard; 1.4 – Explosive with no significant blast hazard; 1.5 – Very insensitive explosive; blasting agent, and 1.6 – Extremely insensitive detonating substance.)
  • 2. – Gases (2.1 – Flammable gas; 2.2 – Nonflammable, nonpoisonous, (nontoxic), compressed gas; and 2.3 – Poisonous (toxic) gas (by inhalation).
  • 3 – Flammable Liquids
  • 4 – Flammable Solids and Reactive Solids/Liquids (4.1 – Flammable solid; 4.2 – Spontaneously combustible material, and 4.3 – Dangerous when wet marked.)
  • 5 – Oxidizers and Organic Peroxides  (5.1 – Oxidizer; 5.2 Organic peroxide.)
  • 6 – Poisonous (Toxic) Materials/Infectious Substances (6.1 – Poisonous (Toxic) material; 6.2 – Infectious substance.
  • 7 – Radioactive Materials
  • 8 – Corrosive Materials
  • 9 – Miscellaneous Hazardous Materials

Worded Classes

Combustible Liquids (regulated in bulk packaging only)

ORM-D (Other Regulated Materials – D) (regulated in air transportation only; not regulated in rail transportation. 

Shipping hazardous materials are time-sensitive.  Those under a 20-day time limit to arrive are:

  • 1.      Ethylene, refrigerated liquid
  • 2.      Hydrogen, refrigerated liquid
  • 3.      Chloroprene, stabilized
  • 4.      Flammable liquid, N.O.S.
  • 5.      Hydrogen chloride, refrigerated liquid
  • 6.      Vinyl fluoride, stabilized

Those having a 30-day shipping limit are:

  1. Styrene monomer, inhibited
  2. Flammable Liquid, (Recycled styrene) 

When transporting hazardous material shipments in a train, a member of the train crew must also have acceptable emergency response information and a document showing the current position of each hazardous material in the train.  This documentation provides railroad and emergency response personnel with accurate information for every hazardous material being transported. 

Next, In Part II, we will talk about what type of training railroad crews experience to be prepared for a hazardous material spill caused by a railroad derailment or railroad car leak.  Please read on…..

Source: Daniel Burlison, Retired Manager, Train Operations 

 

 

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, Respiratory Safety

THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT TRAINS – PART II

Occasionally, we hear about a train derailment, or the spill of a hazardous material from a train car.  Today, we will share typical instructions that are given to railroad personnel in case of such an occurrence.  First, the train crew should notify the train dispatcher of such a derailment and the location where the train crew will meet the emergency response personnel.  

SAFETY IS OF THE MOST IMPORTANCE.  (THIS MEANS SAFETY TO YOU, THE OTHER EMERGENCY RESPONSE PERSONNEL AND THE PUBLIC.) THE FIRE CHIEF IS IN COMMAND – DO NOTHING WITHOUT HIS AUTHORITY. 

As earlier mentioned, railroad authorities notify train personnel of such a derailment and the location of their crew. At the time the railroad company notifies the 911 dispatcher of a hazardous spill, the dispatcher must ask the railroad the location of the train conductor, who will have all the shipping papers in his possession. 

Know what you are dealing with first; do not get over anxious and go into an area with a derailed car that has hazardous material leaking.  Take note of the wind direction and which area should be evacuated first, should an evacuation be necessary.  Establish a command center at this point and notify all people involved with this incident of its location.  The evacuation should be handled by the local Police Department. 

It is the primary job of the railroad personnel to protect the public from fumes, fire or possible explosion that may occur from a hazardous material spill.  At some point the fire chief will determine if outside help (county, state, federal) is needed and notify the mayor to start the phone calls for assistance.  Containment and blockades will be the responsibility of the public works department. 

The spill area belongs to the emergency response personnel under the supervision of the fire chief until the proper hazardous material personnel arrive on the scene to take over.  The fire chief still remains in command of the area until such time as he and other specialists consider it safe.  Railroad personnel are highly trained and equipped for these situations, and should keep thing under control. 

If EMS personnel and ambulances are not immediately needed, they should wait in the immediate area of the command center and at the fire chief’s disposal.  Railroad company personnel should be equipped with the proper PPE (personal protective equipment) to ensure compliance with all safety requirements, as well as protection for their safety. 

In the event of an accident involving a train, there is no place for onlookers.  Keep a safe distance away, or find another route. 

Source: Daniel Burlison – Retired Manager, Train Operations

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

PROTECTING YOUR EYES FROM TECHNOLOGY (GUEST POST)

1 Comment

With technology all around us, we need to keep in mind how it effects our eyes. We use technology almost all day, every day. Whether we are checking our phones, working on the computer, or watching our favorite TV show, we use some type of technology. Our eyes weren’t meant to focus on 2-deminsional objects, like computer screens and TVs, for hours on end. By focusing on technology for too long, we can develop eye strain or Computer Vision Syndrome. Recent studies have shown that people who constantly use technology have a higher risk for developing glaucoma than those who limit their usage. There are a few things you can do to prevent hurting your eyes while using different technology.

An easy way to prevent eye strain is simply giving your eyes a rest. As a general rule, you should spend 5 minutes resting your eyes for every hour you spend looking at the computer. You can easily rest your eyes by either focusing on something else in the room or by closing your eyes. This will give your eyes a nice break and reduce the risk of getting eye strain or even an accommodative spasm. An accomodative spasm is when your eyes have focused on something close, like a book or computer, long enough that when you look away you have troubles focusing on further away objects, which can lead to several different problems. Accomodative spasm can result in eyestrain, headaches, troubles concentrating, and poor comprehension when reading. However, eye strains can result in headaches, dry or watery eyes, blurry vision, sore neck or back, shoulder pain, and sensitivity to light. By simply looking away and trying to focus on something else you can reduce getting sysptoms for either eye strain or accomodative spasm. To help out even more, you can get up and walk around for a few minutes as well. If you find it difficult to remember to take a break, there are plenty of programs such as EVO.  EVO is a simple desktop notification system that runs through your webrowser to remind you to take a break from your computer.

Changing the brightness on your screen depending on the time of day and the light surrounding you makes it a lot easier on your eyes. If you are using your phone outside at the brightest time of day, your screen should also be bright. The same concept goes if you are on your laptop at home with only a few lights on, you want the screen to be darker than it would be if the room was fully lit. Most laptops can be set to change the screen brightness automatically depending on the surrounding light. This is a special feature that most Macs come with, so if you are spending your day at work using accounting software you know that your Mac will instantly change the brightness of your screen according to the lights in your office. Where as, if your brought your accounting work home, your Mac would then change for the lighting in your house.  iPhone users can set their screen to change depending on the lighting around them. To set this up, you can go to the brightness and wallpaper settings on your phone and turn the Auto-Brightness option on. If you work in an office that has windows, you might need to reduce the glare on your computer screen. You can reduce glare by simply moving it in a place where the window won’t reflect on it, or by buying an anti-glare screen protector.

Having your computer in the proper position and making sure you are sitting correctly can help reduce eye strain, especially if you spend most of your day in front of a computer. When positioning your computer, you should keep the top of the monitor at eye level and have it be tilted slightly upwards. Doing this will make your eyes look slightly downwards at your screen instead of straight on. Looking downwards means that while you are using your computer, more of your eye will be covered by your eye lid and you will unconsciously blink more often. You should also position yourself about 20 inches away from your computer screen, or at arm’s length. With your screen at the proper distance, you should be able to see everything without needing to move your head too much. If you are using a laptop, you can put it on an adjustable stand so it sits at the proper height. You should also try to always sit up straight, with your arms and legs at a 90 degree angle. 

Your eyes are very important since you use them for just about any and every activity you do on a daily basis. You can take care of your eyes in more ways than changing how you use technology. A couple ways you can are eating right, living a healthy lifestyle, and getting your annual checkups. Some doctors also encourage patients to eat raw carrots because they contain vitamin A which is helpful for your eye site. Researchers even believe that drinking red wine can help protect your eyes along with other things such as your hear. Remember to take breaks when using technology, whether it’s watching TV, using the computer, or even using your smart phone. By making these small changes, you can protect your eyes from technology on a daily basis.

Nicky Elkins is a freelance writer from Pensacola, Florida. She attended the University of West Florida and earned her Graduate degree in Creative Writing. Nicky now uses her gift for writing and her love of all things technology to help others enjoy and understand consumer electronics, social media, and the coolest new gadgets.

General Safety Issues

SAFETY RULES EVERY PARENT SHOULD FOLLOW (GUEST POST)

1 Comment

Many parents believe they are doing all they can to keep their kids safe, but with safety recommendations and standards always changing, it can be hard to keep up with what’s safe and what’s not.  Here we’ve gathered 100 of the most important safety rules parents should follow to keep their kids safe and out of danger’s path.

In the House

While there’s no replacement for supervision, there are things you can do to decrease the number of risks that contribute to accidents and injuries in your home. Follow these rules to increase your child’s safety while at home.

    Signup for recall alerts. Stay up-to-date on child-related product recalls by subscribing to the Consumer Product Safety Commission recall alerts

    Turn the water temperature down to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Hot water can scald children. By turning the water temperature thermostat down you can prevent scalds and burns

    Store medications properly. Store medications out of reach and sight to prevent accidental ingestions

    Use the right safety gates. While pressure mounted gates may work fine to keep kids confined to a room, they have no place at the top of stairs

    Safety proof windows. Children needlessly fall out of windows each year. Be sure to add window guards or locks to your windows to be sure your child isn’t one of them

    Choose appropriate toys. Choose age-appropriate toys to reduce the risk of injury to your child.

    Opt for a pet that is good with kids. When considering a family pet, you’ll want to be sure to select a pet whose temperament makes it kid-friendly.

    Clean toys without harsh chemicals. Clean children’s toys naturally to prevent the spread of germs and decrease risks associated with toxic cleaners.

    Store cleaners away from kids. Store toxic chemicals and cleaners out of the reach and sight of children to prevent accidental poisoning and chemical burns

    Be sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly. The proper placement of working carbon monoxide and smoke detectors can alert family members of a fire and prevent children from experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning

General Safety Issues

NEGLECTED SAFETY TIPS (GUEST POST)

By Maree Kyle
Whether in the home or the workplace, most people believe they have a good grip on how to keep their environment safe. We all know to keep fire alarms and smoke detectors up to date and equipped with good batteries, and few of us would leave a puddle on the ground for others to slip on. However, there are some areas that tend to escape people’s attention — those that you wouldn’t see at all. Below are three “invisible” safety concerns and tips to keep safe.

The Air

Just because there’s no smoke doesn’t mean the air in your house is in the clear. Gas appliances can spring leaks that go undetected, and nudging a gas range can quickly fill your kitchen with fumes. Even more dangerous are carbon monoxide leaks, which put about 20,000 Americans in the hospital every year. Though this colorless and odorless gas is almost impossible for humans to detect, a carbon monoxide detector can alert you immediately, giving you time to get outside and clear the air. Consider installing at least one carbon monoxide detector, especially in areas with young children or the elderly, and ask a contractor about gas leak detectors for home appliances.

Dangerous Combinations

Everything in your home or office may be perfectly safe on its own, but can become a hazard when mixed with another innocuous substance. One common example is cleaning chemicals. If you bleach your sink before using a drain cleaner, you’ll have inadvertently mixed bleach with an acid, which can result in irritation to the eyes and throat, or even vomiting and trouble breathing in extreme cases. To avoid these dangers, always use cleaning chemicals separately, or use homemade natural cleansers like vinegar and baking soda on household messes.  Wearing gloves will help protect your hands and skin.

You

There are certain steps that should be taken to make sure that you, too, are accident-proof. Purchase a small, folding step ladder and keep it easily accessible. Avoid using rails, counters, furniture or shelves to get to hard-to-reach places and use the ladder instead. Wear non-slip shoes to any job that involves being on your feet and always remember to lift with your legs. Use sunscreen daily and reapply often at the beach. A little bit of prevention can keep you out of more serious accidents and is easily incorporated into your day-to-day routine.

Each step can be done relatively quickly, especially if you do it a little bit at a time. To keep up with safety, incorporate it into your spring cleaning. Once a year, check your house for loose outlet covers, rot and mold, and loose cabinet doors. Check the batteries on your smoke detectors and make sure you have a good fire escape plan, both at home and at the office. Then, make sure everyone actually knows about it. This is also a good time to get your car checked. You may even want to take a defensive driving course to stay refreshed on the rules of the road.

 

General Safety Issues

PORTABLE APPLIANCE SAFETY TIPS FOR PARENTS AND CHILDREN (GUEST POST)

Portable Appliances and Children – Tips to Ensure Safety 

What on earth would we ever do without our beloved household appliances? We depend on various electronic implements in every room of the house to help sustain our comfort, nourishment, health and beauty. While many appliances stay put year round, several others are transferred from room to room, as they’re needed. And this portability certainly provides substantial convenience in today’s modern homes, but with it comes a greater amount of risk—especially in households with young children. 

Kids of all ages are notoriously curious beings who frequently explore and test the boundaries of their environment by touching, grabbing, twisting, pulling and pushing almost anything within reach (just ask any parent). Because of this natural trait, children are vulnerable to the potential dangers associated with some of the following commonplace portable appliances: 

·         Climate control – fans, space heaters, humidifiers

·         Cleaning and maintenance – vacuums, irons, sewing machines

·         Health and nourishment – air purifiers, water coolers 

And some of the risk factors that accompany these appliances include: 

·         Flow of electricity

·         Temperature sensitivity

·         Sharp components

·         Sheer weight of the appliance 

While potential dangers to children do exist, parents don’t necessarily have to sacrifice owning and using portable appliances, especially since they rely on many of them to help care for their kids. Below are some safety tips that, when followed, allow children and portable appliances to coexist safely under one roof. 

1.      Place portable appliances on stable, level surfaces and out of a child’s reach, if possible. If a portable appliance, like a window air conditioner or a microwave oven, becomes a semi-permanent fixture, ensure it’s securely installed and regularly inspect the condition of its stability.

2.      Keep all electrical units and cords away from high-traffic areas where children can easily bump into or trip over them.

3.      Practice the utmost care for all power cords to avoid a child’s contact with electricity:

a.      Ensure cords and plugs are in good condition, without any exposed or frayed wires, or bent/broken prongs—replace as needed

b.      Do not run cords under rugs or carpets—concealed damage often remains unrepaired, which increases the risk of a child encountering a hazard

c.       Be sure all plugs are fully inserted into wall sockets at all times

d.      Unless it’s absolutely necessary, do not connect portable appliance power cords to extension cords—fewer places of potential exposure to electricity means fewer chances children will come into contact with it

4.      Position all portable appliances and power cords a safe distance away from water sources—and if an appliance contains water, such as a humidifier or water cooler, be sure there is no chance the water can spill onto the power source. Always unplug the unit when transferring water to or from it.

5.      Maintain at least three feet distance between any flammable materials and hot-to-the-touch appliances, such as space heaters and irons. Be extra watchful for your child’s toys and blankets.

6.      As often as humanly possible, do not leave your child alone in a room with a portable appliance, unless it’s securely located out of reach. 

Portable appliances are vastly safe for use in most households, but they can prove dangerous when in use around unattended children. If parents teach their kids simple rules right away, and perform essential safety measures, children can explore the curiosities of their home safely, and every household member can stay comfortable, nourished, healthy and beautiful. 

What are some other safety tips you’re willing to share?   How have you adapted the placement and usage of your portable appliances to ensure your young ones are safe from the threat of harm?  Please send your comments to pat@tasco-safety.com, and we will feature an article with your tips. 

 

 
Thank you, James, for this informative article.  To start off on the comments, I would say that curling irons left plugged in are very tempting to little hands. Hope we hear from some others who will add to our list. Pat
 
Back Safety, Ergonomics, Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

WORKPLACE SAFETY: DON’T OVERLOOK THESE COMMONLY FORGOTTEN RISKS (GUEST POST)

1 Comment

By Maire Hunter

Have you ever taken the time to consider the risks that surround you when you’re at work? Unless someone’s been paying close attention, there could be a hazard around every corner of your workplace. While you don’t want to be paranoid, you do want to be aware of the potential dangers you face, so you can take steps to avoid them. Here are some common workplace safety hazards that are often overlooked.

Gas

Gas is often an odorless hazard. Not only can it lead to a risk of fires, but it can also lead to asphyxiation risks. There are many types of hazardous gases potentially found in the modern workplace, from carbon monoxide to natural gases and even corrosive contaminates, and many cannot be detected without special detection equipment. Gas detection equipment is an essential part of keeping workers safe on the job. Simply set up the gas detector you need, calibrate it and you won’t have to worry about gas leaks endangering your employees.

Falling

That puddle of water may seem innocent enough, but an unsuspecting worker could easily slip and fall, injuring himself in the process. Workers should be taught to attend to spills quickly, whether they cause them or simply see them. Leaving spills on the floor puts everyone at risk. Other fall risks include unsafe climbing, leaning on rails and failure to use safety harnesses when working on scaffolding or ladders.

Fire

Sure, everyone in your workplace knows that fire is dangerous, but do they really know how risky it is at your specific location? Make sure that your employees know what fire hazards are affecting them at work, and what they should do in the event of a fire. A fire drill may seem like something for kids in school, but it’s a good practice to have one occasionally. You need to know that your workers know how to get out if they need to evacuate quickly.

Lifting Injuries

That box you are about to lift actually is a workplace safety hazard. Sure, it might look innocent enough, but lift it incorrectly and you’re left with a strained back or slipped disk. Proper lifting technique is an often-overlooked part of workplace safety. Always lift using the muscles in your legs, not your back. This means bending at the knee, picking up the item, and then using your leg muscles to lift yourself and the item back to a standing position. Pay attention to the weight on the box, because many boxes are heavier than they look and may require two people to lift.

Yes, the workplace can be a dangerous place if you’re not paying attention. Even an office with few serious hazards can present potential risks. So take the time to think about safety around your workplace, and don’t forget to consider these often forgotten hazards. By doing a little planning now, you can protect yourself or your workers from serious injury later. Combine safety equipment, awareness and training to keep everyone safe.

General Safety Issues

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT REDUCING WORKPLACE VIOLENCE (GUEST POST)

Workplace violence is a serious social issue that can affect any place of employment anywhere in the world. While violence at the workplace is often unpredictable and there are no foolproof ways to eliminate it completely, there are ways to reduce the risks associated with workplace violence. Below you will find violence-prevention tips and ways you can help protect your workplace. 

Defining Workplace Violence 

Workplace violence is defined as any behaviors that make a workplace dangerous. Examples of workplace violence include actual violence, threats made against others or the business in general, verbal abuse, harassment of any type and any other dangerous behaviors. 

Ways to Reduce Workplace Violence Risks 

One of the best ways to reduce the risk of workplace violence is to be proactive. Employers and employees who are able to identify risky behaviors may be able to reduce the possibility of a violent workplace incident. 

Zero Tolerance Policy 

To ensure your workplace is safe for everyone, your employer should have a zero tolerance policy against any type of workplace violence. This means anyone who threatens, harasses, verbally abuses or exhibits dangerous behaviors towards others is referred to supervisors for the appropriate actions. 

Training 

All employees including supervisors should be given workplace violence training. Training supervisors and employees in identifying workplace violence can help reduce the risk of an incident occurring. 

Policies and Procedures 

Before any type of dangerous behavior is exhibited, employers should have policies and procedures set in place to deal with these type of situations. This way the employer and the employee are well aware of what to do and what to expect if this type of incident occurs. 

Be Aware 

Employees and employers need to accept reality, and understand that workplace violence is a real possibility. By accepting reality, they will be better prepared mentally to handle any type of situation they are faced with. 

Employee Assistance Programs 

Since many individuals involved with workplace violence have extreme stress or underlying mental health problems that spurred the violence, it is important for employers to offer employee assistance programs. These programs should offer employees the opportunity to seek mental health counseling or other services to deal with their underlying issues. 

Training 

In addition to the tips above, employers and employees should also receive training that includes how to handle a violent workplace incident. Since many people are often surprised by a sudden burst of violence, it is important that employees and supervisors are given the training to deal with these situations if they occur. With training, employees and supervisors may be able to handle a dangerous situation quickly and more efficiently, which could help save lives. 

Using the above workplace violence prevention tips can help you reduce workplace violence. Knowing exactly what you need to do, and whom you need to contact in a dangerous situation can have a huge impact on how the situation is handled. Stay safe at work by being aware of your surroundings and knowing exactly what to do, where to go and who to talk to if you feel threatened. 

Lynn Darsow is a security consultant. Her articles mainly deal with security at both the workplace and at home. Visit selecthomesecurity.com for more security ideas.