All posts by pat brownlee

General Safety Issues

TEN REASONS NOT TO ALLOW YOUR CHILD RIDE HIS/HER BIKE TO SCHOOL (GUEST POST)

In today’s world, is it ever a good idea to let your child ride his bike to school alone?  There are hidden hazards lurking everywhere, and it can be tough to know how to make the right decision regarding keeping your child safe while still letting him assert his independence. By taking a look at your child’s behavior, you can make an informed decision about if he’s ready to bike ride to school on his own or if he’s not quite mature enough to take on the task.

While there are both pros and cons to allowing your child to ride his bike to school alone, here are 10 reasons that it might not be a wise choice:

  1. He is irresponsible:  You know your child better than anyone else.  If he is easily and constantly distracted and can’t remember to look both ways before crossing the street, it might not be a good idea to let him ride his bike to school by himself.
  2. He is too young: As a parent, you will have to judge when your child is old enough to ride to school on his bike alone.  If you have a very responsible child, reside in a small town with sidewalks, and live close to the school, he might be able to ride his bike when he is in elementary school. However, if you live further away from the school, you might want to wait until he is older.
  3. There is too much traffic: If you live in a city where there’s a lot of traffic on the street, riding unsupervised may not be an option.  This is especially true if there are no bike lanes or sidewalks.  Make sure your child knows to watch for traffic no matter what, even if the area you live in is not particularly busy.  Accidents can happen anywhere.
  4. He is learning disabled: There are some things that can be too dangerous for a child who has a learning disability.  Kids with ADHD, for example, can often get distracted and ride right past their turn. This can then cause them to get lost and be unable to find their way home.
  5. It’s too dangerous: Maybe you live in an area that has a lot of crime and sending your child to school on his bike simply isn’t safe.
  6. He is being bullied: When your child rides his bike to school he needs to be able to ride to school safely and arrive on time.  The same goes for after school.  If your child is being bullied, you should address the issue before allowing him to be out on his bike alone.
  7. School is too far: If the school is more than a mile or so away, then it may be too far of a ride for your child.  Only you can decide how far is too far.
  8. The weather is unpredictable: If you live in New England, you know what they say: If you don’t like the weather, wait a minute.  Do you live in an area where it rains a lot or where the weather is unpredictable? How about an area that gets a lot of snow and ice?  Those things don’t really lend themselves to biking for anyone, especially a child.
  9. He is too timid: To venture out on his own requires bravery.  It doesn’t sound like riding to school should be a huge hurdle to conquer, especially if you only live a few blocks from the school, but if your child is very timid, the thought of riding alone could frighten him.
  10. He has no sense of direction: The last thing you want to have happen is for your child to get lost while biking to school.  If your child can’t find his way to and from school alone, he isn’t ready to bike there on his own.

There are several different factors that contribute to if a child is ready or not to ride his bike to school by himself. Before making the decision to let him or not, you’ll have to evaluate your child’s unique attributes, the city or town you live in, and whether or not where you live is safe enough for your child to be out and about alone.

Our thanks to Maureen Denard, of findananny.net, for this very valuable information. Pat

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

WORKPLACE SAFETY MANAGEMENT: WAREHOUSE INSPECTION CHECKLIST FOR YOUR BUSINESS (GUEST POST)

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Adversaries of comprehensive warehouse safety programs argue that they pose too great of a demand on current employees, create a potential need for dedicated personnel, and leach off of resources needed for more imminent, tangible tasks. Seeing is believing; therefore, reactivity typically takes precedence over proactivity since well-defined tasks pose a sense of urgency. Nonetheless, such proactivity could prevent both tragic consequences to affected parties in an accident and crippling financial liabilities to a company that has neglected to enact and sustain safety protocols.  Formulating a checklist and routinely assessing compliance to established standards is a relatively effortless way to ensure that safety is paramount to your warehouse. 
 
Personal Safety
 
Proper training, visual graphics, first aid supplies and communication are paramount in ensuring that people—personnel or customers—are sufficiently advised of potential hazards. As Voltaire said, “common sense is not so common”: stating the obvious is the best way to protect others, as well as yourself.
• Clean all spills immediately upon their occurrence and/or use proper hazard cones to ward individuals away from the area. One of the most common causes of accidents results from unattended spills.
• Designate pedestrian walkways as well as areas that people are prohibited to walk, unless authorized. 
• Use appropriate signage to instruct people of the following: directions throughout a warehouse, hazard symbols, forklift traffic, gantry cranes, and requirements for moving heavy items. This list is not all-inclusive since it varies by warehouse to warehouse, but it targets common issues.
• Use proper methods for retrieving items high in warehouse racking (e.g. forklift) and do not allow persons to climb the racking. 
• Maintain accessible safety equipment (safety glasses, eye wash stations, respirators, etc.) in required areas.
• Use proper “Exit” signs and require that all persons use man doors, instead of walking under open garage doors.
 
General Safety Issues

SHARING THE ROAD SAFELY

After a fun day of shopping and visiting with close friends last week, we parted ways and headed for home.  I might mention that we were shopping in a city that we were unfamiliar with, so it’s even more important to drive with care, and watch for the other guy, too.  My dear friend left first, to head for her home town, and the rest of us were close behind going our way.  We reached the corner where we needed to turn, and there had been an accident – sirens, police, an ambulance, and then the most frightening realization, my friend walking to the crash site!

She had taken a turn to go home when a young man on a motorcycle smashed into her car.  Thankfully, he was wearing a helmet – but his bike was probably totaled, and her car sustained quite a lot of damage.  Witnesses said that he had been standing on the seat of the bike earlier, then “popping a wheelie” just before he came back down on the street, when he hit her.

It woke us all up to the fact that accidents happen so fast, and this could have ended with a much sadder outcome.  There are some tips that have been given in previous articles about motorcycle safety, but I want to repeat some of them and hope that a parent or biker will pay attention before it is too late.

From the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Share the Road Safely:

Watch the No-Zones: Never hang out in a truck’s blind spot or “no-Zone”.  These are at the front and back and on both sides of the truck.  They cannot see you when you ride in these spots, and cannot stop as fast as you can.

Always Wear a Helmet: Make sure helmets meet US DOT standards.  Check for the DOT label in your helmet.  The accident I am telling you about, the rider’s helmet was scratched where he hit the car, and the visor was completely off. 

Drive to Survive: Remember that motorcycles are the smallest vehicles on the road.  There is virtually no protection in a crash.  Be extra cautious, watching the signals and brake lights of other vehicles.  Don’t ride inbetween lanes in traffic or share a lane with another vehicle. You must respect the law just as other drivers.  Don’t instigate aggressive driving with other motorists.  This only increases your chance of a crash.

Check Yourself and Your Bike: Conduct a safety inspection of the bike prior to each ride, and wear protective clothing including gloves, boots, and a jacket.  Some high-visibility stickers or vest will help others see you.

Watch Your Speed:  Motorcycles accelerate the fastest, while trucks and buses are the slowest. Watch your speed around trucks, especially in bad weather or riding at night.  If you collide with the back of a truck, your riding days will most likely be over.

For those of us driving cars, be sure to watch for signs, especially in surroundings you aren’t familiar with, and some cities should ask themselves if there is appropriate signage for visitors to navigate safely, staying with the flow of traffic in their towns?  It only took a few seconds for what could have been devastation for my friend and that young man on the bike.  Cars and motorcycles can be replaced; material things can. But my friends can’t be replaced.  Thank Goodness for Guardian Angels! Drive and ride safely!

General Safety Issues

INFORMATION ON NEW FIRE SAFETY HISTORY INFOGRAPHIC (GUEST POST)

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Sent to us by Jack Rubinger
jarubinger@graphicproducts.com 

Fire Safety History Infographic Released by Graphic Products, Inc. 

Portland, OR – Graphic artist Joe Hanson continues to “blaze” with his newest infographic for Graphic Products, Inc. illustrating fire safety history and significant dates with fun and compelling graphics. 

To add Fire Safety History – Significant Dates in Fire Safety History/Statistics/Important NFPA Codes to your own media, visit www.duralabel.com/infographics/fire-safety-infographic.php. 

Using a hybrid of both photographic and vivid drawing techniques in shades of red and yellow, Hanson takes us on a trip back in time as he illustrates the first practical fire engine, the first salaried fire department and the first U.S. patent on an automatic fire alarm system – leading to the first use of the self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), introduced in 1971 and required by the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA). 

Our nation’s fire department origins can be traced back to the 1730s when Benjamin Franklin established the Union Fire Company in Philadelphia. Even George Washington was a volunteer fire fighter. 

Hanson also created a series of pictographic pie charts to communicate property damage, civilian injuries and deaths caused by vehicle, structural and outside fires reported in the United States in 2011. 

Finally, the infographic addresses three important NFPA codes to remember: 

  • NFPA 1: fire safety for the public and first responders
  • NFPA 101: new and existing building requirements for occupant protection
  • NFPA 70: the accepted code for electrical installations 

Hanson’s work brings to six the number of infographics created by Graphic Products, Inc., whose thermal transfer printers and industrial printing supplies are used in safety communications and lean manufacturing. The other five include: OSHA Worker Safety, Deadliest & Safest Cities for Workers, Arc Flash Boundary, Globally Harmonized System of Chemical Labeling (GHS), and 5S.  (We have included this infographic as your history lesson for the day! It is very interesting.)

The company has developed an expansive catalog of publicly-available content designed to influence safety behavior and has grown its visual communications library to include: 

About Graphic Products

Graphic Products, Inc. manufactures DuraLabel mobile and wide-format labeling systems used by manufacturers, international shipping lines, distribution centers, mining operations and oil refineries worldwide. The company offers more than 50 unique labeling supplies for virtually any industrial demand. Customers include Amazon.com, Boeing, Intel and Toyota. 

To add Joe’s infographic to your own media, visit http://www.duralabel.com/infographics/fire-safety-infographic.php

For more information, visit www.DuraLabel.com, call 800-788-5572 or email Jack Rubinger at jarubinger@graphicproducts.com.

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

BE SMART WHEN IT COMES TO THE DANGERS OF THE HIGH LIFE (GUEST POST)

Reducing the dangers of the high life 

The risks of working at heights are obvious with potential for accidents whilst climbing to and dismounting from the raised point and while carrying out the work once there. In legal terms the word ‘height’ is applied to any surface above the ground from which a fall could result in injury. This could equally be the middle rung of a ladder or a raised operations platform. When it comes to this type of hazardous work, there are certain legal requirements which must be met by the employer. Here we will look at some of the key rules set out in the Working at Height Regulations 2005 pertaining to access and platform safety and safeguard mechanisms for arresting falls (Schedules 1, 3 and 4 of the government legislation) 

While most employers will search for alternative ways to complete work at raised points, such as using mechanical long arms for window and gutter cleaning, it is more often necessary for a hands-on approach to ensure the task is done correctly. The most important areas where safety must be assured are the access points and the working platforms, both of which will be upholding an operator who will be in varying degrees of motion, depending on the task. Therefore, the principal regulations for both sections are the same. The access route and platform must be suitably stable, strong and rigid for the purpose and large enough to hold the person safely upon it. There must be substantial fall-prevention mechanisms in place and no gaps through which any person may fall or become trapped. They must also both be constructed with a non-slippery surface. 

In the event of a fall, certain safeguards can be in place to prevent injury. However, the safeguard must enable the work to be carried out freely without adding to the risk, for example with excess ropes dangling or creating a trip-hazard. If it is indeed ropes which are in use, then training is obligatory for all operators, such as the IRATA (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association) qualification for abseiling. Rope-based safeguarding techniques must also take into account the elasticity of the rope on impact, meaning a much shorter rope than the actual drop distance. If it is an airbag or landing mat being used then this must be secure and stable upon the ground. The safeguard must also be such that it does not injure any person when put to use. 

These regulations are just a few of those which apply to all work carried out at height. Jobs which must abide by these rules include telecommunications rigging, window cleaning, film crews, building, scaffolding and cladding construction. It is legally the employer’s responsibility to ensure their workforce’s safety at all times, but designers and planners must also consider the risks when a new project is being developed. Risk assessments are then used to decide the type of precautions to be put in place so that with sufficient planning and preparation, work carried out at heights can be both safe and productive. 

This article was written by Emily Banham on behalf of Groves Window Cleaning, established in 1985, has over 25 year’s experience of commercial window cleaning. More information on Working At Heights can be found on the following link – http://www.groveswindowcleaning.co.uk/working-at-heights.html.

 

General Safety Issues

HOW TO KNOW YOUR CHILD IS SAFE AT SCHOOL (GUEST POST)

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In the light of the Sandy Hook tragedy and a smattering of school shootings over the course of 2012, many parents are beginning to wonder in earnest if their children are actually safe in their schools. Fears of violent attacks aside, you may also be wondering if your little ones would be adequately protected and looked after in the event of a natural disaster or catastrophic weather conditions. While there is no surefire way to predict the future, there are steps you can take as a parent to ensure that the children in your child’s school are being protected and kept safe to the best of the administrators’ abilities.

Visit

The only way that you can actively observe your kids’ schools and the daily procedures that are in place is to visit. Be sure that you stop at the office to explain your presence, prove that you are the parent of a student and ask for a tour. Watching the children as they make their way to classes and seeing common areas and safety features for yourself will allow you to not only determine how the school is operated and if you feel that their practices are safe, it will also help you learn more about the layout of the school in case of an emergency. Taking the time to visit your child’s school will also provide you with the opportunity to do a bit more in-depth investigation.

Communicate With Administrators and Teachers

During a visit to the school, you’ll be able to see the daily operations and routines. More importantly, however, you’ll be able to meet with and talk to your child’s teachers, school administrators and others in positions of power. You can ask them about any procedures they have in place for managing a violent attack on the school, how they deal with violence between students, the official stance and repercussions for bullying and what procedures are in place for managing dangerous weather conditions. Sometimes speaking to administrators and getting the chance to become acquainted with them will be enough to ease your mind altogether.

Talk to Your Child

The best source of information at your child’s school is your child. He knows more about the daily goings-on than you could ever determine just by visiting, and also understands the inner workings of both the student body and school administrations. If he seems hesitant to discuss certain subjects or exhibits signs of fear, reluctance to go to school or frequently feigns illness, there may be a chance that he simply does not feel safe there. While it is wise to keep in mind that kids can be prone to exaggeration when they’re under stress or worried about world events, there could be some truth to your child’s statements. Administrators and staff can put on a convincing face for visiting parents, especially when they’re expecting them and have time to prepare statements. Kids that spend the majority of their days in the school, however, may have a more realistic view of them.

Examine Disciplinary Policies

In the hustle and bustle of the back-to-school rush, it can be easy to toss your child’s student handbook aside for later perusal and simply never get to it. Those documents, however, almost always contain valuable information about procedures and policies, including disciplinary actions. Knowing what the school is willing to subject a child to in the name of punishment and whether or not those disciplinary actions line up with your own parenting procedures can give you an even greater idea of the school’s safety level.

Consider Emergency and Disaster Plans

After a violent attack on schoolchildren is sensationalized in the news, it’s easy to focus solely on the possibility of violence. Because some areas of the country are more prone to some natural disasters and weather problems than others, you’ll need to know what the emergency and disaster plan is for severe weather in your area. Knowing what plans the school has in place for such situations and how well-prepared they would be in the event of a disaster striking your individual geographic area will help you be more informed when deciding whether or not your kids are safe in their schools.

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hearing Protection

MACHINING SAFETY (GUEST POST)

Sent by Jason, of riskatmedia.com. 

All work activities carry the potential to cause harm to our own and others’ health and well-being, but we sometimes forget how real and close to us these hazards are. Every year, a large number of people are killed at work, and an even greater number of people suffer work related injuries because they are unable to follow safe working practices.

There are particular hazards associated with machining activities, which includes both general machining activities and the use of magnetic based equipment. Some of these hazards accompany almost all types of work activity, such as handling and slips and trips. Others, such as contact with moving machinery and contact with hazardous substances are of particular concern to machine operators as they result in significantly higher rates of injury amongst these personnel than amongst other workers. 

Manual Handling

Manual handling related activities are a major cause of occupational injury. Low back pain, joint injuries and repetitive strain injuries affect over a million people each year, and many of these injuries are the result of manual handling. Prior to carrying out any unavoidable manual handling activity, you should help to protect yourself from injury by following good manual handling practices. Consider the task to be carried out and the nature of the load, and be aware of your own capabilities and the environment in which you are working. In particular, machine attachments and work pieces can be extremely heavy and you should give consideration to safe manual handling practices before undertaking any job that involves lifting these items. 

Slips, Trips and Falls

Slips and trips represent a significant cause of work related injury. Slips and trips can result from contamination, obstacles, inappropriate footwear, reduced visibility, the environment and people’s attitudes. Good workmanship and good housekeeping are practices that can help to prevent accidents and fires. By removing debris, swarf, packaging and other waste materials to waste skips you can contribute significantly to good housekeeping. You can also reduce the risk of slips and trips by properly routing any cables or air hoses that you use, by appropriately storing materials, tools and other equipment and keeping walkways clear, by ensuring that you always wear appropriate footwear and by taking responsibility for your own and your colleagues safety and appropriately containing any spills that you might discover. 

Risk of Contact

Contact with moving or rotating machine parts is a significant hazard to personnel involved in machining activities, as well as to personnel working close by, and can result in serious injury. All personnel need appropriate training and experience to be able to use work equipment safely. Never use machinery unless you have received suitable training and are qualified and competent to do so. You should ensure that you are suitably qualified and are competent to use the particular type of equipment that you will be working on. Before you begin to use a machine, study it to make sure that you know which parts of the machine move, which parts are stationary and which parts are sharp. Make sure that all guards are in place. Remember to securely clamp both the machine and the work piece. To ensure Machine Safety make sure that you only use that piece of equipment for the job it was intended to perform. To protect others from the risk of contact with the moving or rotating machine parts, make sure that the appropriate warning signs and barriers are in place before you begin machining ensuring Authorised Personnel Only can gain access.” 

Electrical Safety

Electric shock from machinery can result in death or severe burns. Additionally, serious injury can result if the person falls as a result of the shock. To prevent the risks posed by electrical hazards, all electrical equipment should carry a valid test certificate or label. Testing should be carried out by suitably trained individuals. If an electrical appliance does not carry a test label, then please, do not use it. You should also carry out a visual pre-use inspection of all machinery, if you discover a defect or problem with the machine, it should not be used and you should inform your manager. 

Machine Malfunction

It is equally important to monitor the machine while it is running for possible signs of a malfunction. If you notice that the machine is vibrating abnormally, doesn’t sound right or is displaying signs of any other problem, switch it off and report to your manager. 

Machine Maintenance

Ensuring that equipment is appropriately cleaned and maintained is also central to machine safety. Inspect and sharpen cutting tools, lubricate machinery and check the alignment of milling machines as appropriate. Clean machinery after each use, as a dirty machine is unsafe and is difficult to use. When you are carrying out machine maintenance, make sure that you follow the appropriate lockout and tag-out procedures to ensure that the equipment is correctly isolated and cannot be turned on accidentally.

When cleaning machines after use, ensure that the machine is switched off and that the swarf has cooled before using gloves and a brush to remove swarf and clean the machine. If you need to remove swarf from a running machine, make sure that you are not wearing gloves and use a rod to remove the swarf. Never use a rag to clean a machine while it is running. Never use compressed air to clean a machine, your clothes or yourself. 

Risk of Entanglement

When conducting machining operations, it is extremely important that you take the steps necessary to reduce the risk of entanglement. Wear close fitting garments, do not wear a tie or jewelry and tie back long hair and long beards. Never wear gloves when operating a machine. If material is rough or sharp and you need to wear gloves to handle it, make sure that you place or handle the material while the machine is turned off and that you then remove your gloves before turning on or operating the machine. You should never attempt to measure a part that is moving. 

Personal Protective Equipment PPE

Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE, is an important means of reducing the risks associated with projectile particles during machining operations. At least standard PPE with safety sun glasses should be worn. It may be necessary to screen the work area if projectile particles pose a hazard to individuals working or passing nearby. Only PPE in good working condition will reduce the hazards associated with your work, so it is important to remove, clean and store your PPE correctly. 

Noise at Work

Hearing loss caused by exposure to noise at work is a significant source of occupational disease, with many people suffering deafness, tinnitus or other ear conditions as a result of exposure to excessive noise levels at work. The level of noise and how long people are exposed to noise at work both contribute to potential hearing damage. Noise can be reduced to harmless levels by using ear plugs and ear defenders while conducting machining operations, and these items of PPE should therefore be worn unless local measurements indicate that noise levels are below the level at which such action is necessary. 

Human Factors

Human factors also play a role in increasing the risk of injury while conducting machining operations. Never come to work in possession of, or under the influence of, alcohol or drugs. These substances expose everyone to risks that are unnecessary and easily avoided. You should also not conduct machining operations if you are overly tired or unwell, as concentration is important to operating machines safely. Behave sensibly in the machine shop. Don’t run and don’t walk behind someone who is operating machinery as you may bump in to them. 

Hazardous Substances

Substances such as coolants and other metal working fluids, hydraulic, lubricating, gearbox oils and cleaning agents can cause dermatitis if they come into contact with your skin. Fluid systems containing water or water mixes can cause bacterial infection on contact.

If you need to use these or other potentially hazardous substances, ensure that you follow the procedures outlined in your hazardous substance assessment, which may include the use of additional PPE. Try to avoid getting these substances on your skin, but if you do, pre-work or barrier creams will make your hands easier to clean. Rehydration creams will also replace lost skin oils after washing, and help to keep your hands in good condition. Wash, eat and drink away from your work area, and always wash your hands before eating, drinking or smoking. Avoid breathing in metal working fluid mists by using machining procedures which reduce the amount of mist produced, by using extraction and by using appropriate PPE. Remember that all hazardous chemicals can be identified by their warning signs, and should be stored in suitable containers that are clearly labelled and which identify the hazards associated with their use. Information on the substance as well as an assessment of the hazards associated with its use should also be available. 

Magnetic Based Equipment

There are additional hazards relating to the use of magnetic based equipment. It may well be unsafe to use magnetic based equipment if you have an active implantable medical device fitted. Make sure that you have informed your manager if you have an implanted medical device and talk to your doctor about the safety of using magnetic based equipment. Particular safe working practices are necessary to prevent injury should the electrical supply to the magnetic base fail. You should label the relevant electrical supply sockets and switches to prevent someone accidentally turning off the supply. 

Emergency Procedures

In the event of an emergency while conducting machining operations, isolate any machinery that you have been using and evacuate the area according to the site emergency procedures. If you are involved in an accident, seek immediate assistance. You should never operate machinery while alone unless specific lone working procedures are in place.

 

Riskatmedia – Safety Videos

General Safety Issues

SAFETY AND SECURITY IN YOUR VAN (GUEST POST)

Sent by Chris Grasso  

The size and shape of vans lend to some particular safety issues, and since many people assume that vans are carrying something valuable, security becomes an issue, as well. It’s important that your vehicle is not an easy target for those hoping to cash-in on some easy-to-steal valuables. Protection of your family and possessions is an aspect of travel that cannot be overstated. Whether you’re using your van around town or driving it across the country, always keep these safety and security issues in mind.

Mind Your Speed

Conversion vans are high-profile vehicles, and susceptible to flipping over at high speeds. It’s always important to mind your speed on busy highways and unfamiliar roads. Reducing your speed isn’t only a safer way to drive your van, it lowers fuel costs and protects you from speeding tickets. Fewer tickets and accidents also save you money on insurance premiums. Stay at the speed limit, and take care around steep curves, unfamiliar, icy and wet roads. Watch for signs indicating low shoulders, steep curves and slippery conditions.

Be Aware of Surroundings

Dark parking lots aren’t the only time to have your guard up. Sometimes, to prevent being a victim you have to think like a criminal. What target would you pick? Someone distracted loading or unloading a van, people walking to or from the vehicle with their head low, drivers who don’t lock their doors – all these are signals to the would-be criminal that you’re an easy target. Keep your head up and stay alert, even when you’re busy loading and unloading.

Keep Valuables Out of Sight

Many crimes are opportunistic and would probably never happen if the victim hadn’t “tempted” the perpetrator. When you have equipment, packages or other items of value, keep them out of sight. One way is to get a van with tinted windows, like many of the selections at Dave Arbogast Vans. Another option is to keep old blankets or sheets in the vehicle to cover items while you’re away from the van. Someone might not risk breaking in the vehicle if it looks like nothing, but they might risk it if they see electronics, tools or valuable equipment.

Use Smartphone Apps to Stay Safe

One of the neatest security devices we own is in our pocket. There are tons of apps to issue alerts in case of emergency. Some automatically dial emergency numbers if you don’t respond at a designated time. Other apps alert emergency response teams or sound an alarm. Apps range in price from free to about $6, but many of the free apps are actually the highest rated by users.

When it comes to safety and security in your van, there simply isn’t a substitute for common sense. If a situation looks dangerous, listen to your gut. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Chris is a UNC Chapel Hill grad, now residing in Tampa.

General Safety Issues

HOW TO SECURE YOUR CONSTRUCTION SITE AGAINST WINTER CONDITIONS (GUEST POST)

Winter can bring some challenges for construction contractors throughout the country. Even in warmer climates like Florida, it is important to know when you need to protect your site and equipment from freezing temperatures and winter conditions. From securing an empty worksite to keeping machinery in working condition, here are a few ways to make sure that your construction site is ready for late winter. 

Don’t Overwork Your Engines

Heavy equipment and machinery can require some extra attention to keep them running in premium condition. First, you should make sure to follow all manufacturers’ guidelines regarding use and lubrication, but here are a few easy steps to make sure you keep your engines running smoothly. 

  • Always use a winter fuel blend, which will help run at lower pressures and actually be a little cheaper.
  • Allow your machines to warm up before using them to full effect. Idling the engine is not that effective at warming the engine, so just operate the machine at low speed until everything is running smoothly.
  • Don’t allow diesel engines to idle for long periods. Idling in the cold lets water build up in the exhaust that can cause problems later.
  • Make sure to fill your gas tanks at the end of the day to avoid condensation and rust in your fuel tanks.

Control Winter Erosion

Winter erosion and runoff is one of the biggest problems facing most construction sites. Between snow melt and winter rain storms, it can be difficult to control sediment and dust throughout winter and into early spring. Depending on your location, there are a number of tactics you should employ to make sure that your site does not leak pollutants or sediment into the neighborhood. 

  • Precipitation is the most important factor in preparing your site. Understand how much rain or snow you can expect and work direct any snowmelt into a manageable area.
  • Erosion control blankets should be placed over dirt piles to prevent precipitation from washing them away.
  • Know your soil. Clay and organic soils are resistant to erosion, while silt and sugar sand will erode very quickly.
  • Dirt roads are very susceptible to runoff, but there are a number of ways to mitigate winter precipitation. Hydrogels like Soil2O absorb and trap up to 400 times their weight in water, which can help slow or arrest erosion and sediment runoff.
  • Adding woodwaste mulch and vegetation to the borders of your site can increase soil integrity and help trap any sediment in runoff water, adding a natural filter to any water that leaves your site.

It’s important to remember that the start of spring does not mean that you can relax, even if you have had a mild winter. Spring thaws produce a lot of water from melting snow and thawed ground. Make sure to maintain all drainage routes and the keep your erosion control methods in place throughout early spring. 

Securing Your Site

Keeping your site safe is important throughout the year, but winter conditions can make construction sites even more hazardous. Your site should always be secured with safety fences, but in winter unstable ground conditions can affect workers and visitors to the site. Make sure to have clearly marked, reinforced pathways for work and stabilize all equipment and heavy machinery prior to beginning work. 

Author Bio:
Mike Poslaiko is the Director of Marketing for GelTech Solutions which focuses on bringing environmentally friendly solutions to homeowners and industries alike.

General Safety Issues

TEACHING YOUR CHILD PHONE ETIQUETTE (GUEST POST)

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When I first received this post from Martina Keyhill of BecomeANanny.com, I thought, what does this have to do with safety? Then I read the article, and saw that it has some very good safety advice.   As parents and grandparents, we can set the example for them by using our cell phones in a way that they will understand: please pay attention to the advice Martina shares with us.

Back when landline phones were a fixture in every household, kids were taught proper phone etiquette as a standard skill. Conversely, in 2010,  USA Today reported that one in four American homes had only wireless phones, with that figure steadily climbing. As a result, more of today’s kids are growing up in homes without landline telephones altogether, simply receiving their own mobile devices when they reach an age that their parents determine is appropriate. Teaching your children proper phone etiquette at an early age can help them understand the best ways to politely and appropriately use both the decreasingly popular landline telephone and their own cell phone, when they receive it.

Safety First

Children often have a tendency to give out more information than is strictly necessary over the phone. While these over-shares can range from mildly embarrassing to downright hilarious, that lack of discretion can be dangerous. Kids should be taught from a young age that certain information should never be shared with a stranger, which can help ensure that they never give out information that’s better kept quiet. To guarantee that your youngster understands what is considered appropriate sharing, role play a variety of hypothetical phone conversations and talk about the right way to handle certain questions. If you live in a home with a landline that is still regularly used, these conversations and exercises should start taking place before your child is allowed to answer the phone on his own.

Model Good Phone Behavior

Kids learn much about what is and is not acceptable behavior by observing parents and other trusted adults, then modeling their own behavior after those observations. You can start teaching your child good cell phone etiquette long before he ever gets his own mobile device by simply practicing good phone manners yourself. To provide your kids with a good phone-etiquette role model, don’t take non-essential calls in quiet, public settings or use alert tones that disturb others around you. If you want to raise a child who doesn’t text or talk on his cell phone while driving, it’s vital that you don’t either.

Discuss Appropriate Behavior

When it’s time for your child to get his first cell phone, it’s also a good time for you to discuss your family policy regarding accessing and sharing inappropriate content. If applicable, let your child know that his phone may be subject to random searches or that you’ve installed monitoring software to keep tabs on his phone use, and that he should never send messages or share photos that they would be embarrassed for anyone other than the intended recipient to see. Explaining that content is easily shared, both inadvertently and deliberately, and can never be retrieved may help to prevent him from sending potentially embarrassing content.

Declare “Phone Free” Time During Certain Hours

Banning cell phone use during dinner or landline use after a certain time will help your children learn that it’s not appropriate or polite to send messages or make calls at all hours of the day or night. Enforcing the rule and explaining why your family has such a policy also presents a great opportunity for discussion regarding other times and situations where using a cell phone or placing a traditional landline call might not be acceptable.

Talk About Bullying

Bullying and peer harassment is a very real problem for today’s youth, and it extends far beyond the boundaries of school property. Modern technology allows cruel kids to reach their victims through social networking sites, email and text messages for what often amounts to round-the-clock torment. Talking about cyber-bullying, how to handle it and why it’s wrong before giving your child his first cell phone can also help to open a dialogue about the subject of bullying in general, which can offer you some valuable insights. Explain to your child that even sharing a message with cruel content written by someone else is cyber-bullying, and that it’s never okay to participate in pranks that cause other people pain. It’s also wise to teach him how to deal with any cyber-bullying that he might encounter, so that he’s prepared in the event of this all-too-common occurrence.

In addition to teaching your children the rules governing public cell phone use, inappropriate content, and the basics of cyber-bullying, you should take the time to explain the proper methods for addressing someone after they answer the phone, asking to speak with a member of the household, and answering the phone in a polite, friendly manner.