Category Archives: Eye Protection

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

HOME DEMO SAFETY TIPS FROM AN INDUSTRIAL DEMOLITION CONTRACTOR (GUEST POST)

Safety is the first priority of any industrial demolition contractor. When a project is safe, employees are happier and the work finishes on time. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets safety regulations for demolition contractors for a reason – the work is risky. With this in mind, homeowners should also keep safety in mind when embarking on a demolition, remodeling or building project.  

Look for environmental hazards. Some construction materials contain toxins such as mold, formaldehyde, lead or asbestos. If you’re not sure what went into the building materials you’re demolishing, hire a professional to figure this out. If there are toxins in the environment, let the pros handle it. 

Analyze the materials. A sledge hammer isn’t the go-to tool for every type of building material. Before starting a project, analyze the materials so you can pinpoint the right demolition tools. 

Make a plan. If there aren’t any hazardous materials in your home, plan to work from the top down. In your plan, include a safety checklist with items like sealing off the area, shutting off the utilities, where to place chutes and so on.   

Prevent fall hazards. If you are ever going to be four feet or more off the ground, implement these fall protection measures: 

  • Install stair rails, handrails and guardrails.
  • Cover holes will floor boards or toe-boards.
  • Keep the floors dry.
  • Use a harness and lines whenever you’re four feet or more off the ground.
  • Learn how to use a ladder safely. (A ladder is one of the most deadly items on a demolition site.) 

Demolition Tools  

Pry bars: Use a pry bar to pull out nails, remove tiles and loosen flooring. If you need something stronger to loosen flooring, give a San Angelo bar a try. 

Hammers: A standard claw hammer is great for removing nails and making small holes in drywall. Use a mini-sledgehammer for tougher tasks, like removing interior framing and wood support beams. Reserve the full-size sledge hammer for materials like bricks or concrete. As you work with nails, take the time to knock them flat so they don’t end up lodged in a foot – or better yet, keep the area clean so you don’t step on piles of debris. 

Excavators: Excavators can increase the efficiency of your project when an experienced operator is in the driver’s seat.

Demolition Safety Equipment & Best Practices 

Spend a little money and save a lot – including your life – with PPE personal protective equipment and other safety materials. You should also consider implementing the demolition best practices below. Recommended safety equipment includes: 

  • Safety glasses
  • Hard hat
  • Work gloves
  • Ear protection
  • Respirators or dust masks
  • Shatterproof goggles
  • Steel-toed boots or boots with shanks in the soles
  • Harness for work on the roof or around open holes
  • Electrical tester (to make sure power lines are dead)
  • Fire hose
  • First aid kit
  • Safety buddy 

Put safety first. Always use safety gear, and inspect it prior to starting work. 

Obtain permits. Before your project, verify whether you need a demolition permit. 

Handle hazardous materials wisely. The EPA has standards for handling environmental hazards. Work with a licensed company to remove them from your site. 

Be a good neighbor. As you work, be mindful of noise levels, dust levels and the debris produced. 

Consider a green demolition. Divert what you can from the landfill by salvaging usable building materials and reusing or donating them. Recycle what you can, and sell scrap metal to recoup some of your costs 

Demolition is all about forethought and logic. Never hesitate to talk to a demolition contractor if you have any questions or safety concerns about your project. 

Elder Demolition, a fully licensed demolition contractor located in Portland, Oregon, has provided safe, top-notch demolition services throughout the western United States since 1997. Elder Demolition

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety

WORK SAFETY TIPS FOR PRESSURE WASHING (GUEST POST)

Pressure washing is an excellent way to clean the exterior surfaces of a commercial building, keep parking lots looking nice and make the vehicles in a fleet sparkle. Power washing also helps commercial kitchens eliminate grease from hood/duct systems and deep-clean their entrances. If you choose to perform your own power washing in-house instead of having a professional service help you with your commercial cleaning needs, safety must be a top priority in order to keep your employees safe – and your property undamaged. 

Pressure Washing Safety Tips 

Personal Safety 

  • Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for equipment use and maintenance.
  • Wear protection like eye goggles, face masks, close-toed shoes with rubber soles, ear protection, long pants and long sleeves.
  • Do not use a pressure washer when other individuals are present, unless they’re also wearing safety gear.
  • Prepare for the power washer’s kickback by assuming a solid stance and holding the spray gun with both hands.
  • Do not use a gas power washer indoors.
  • Never spray water from a power washer onto yourself, others or animals.
  • Be aware of your surroundings before you spray, and be extra-careful around service feeds, power lines and electrical meters.
  • Always point the pressure washer’s nozzle in a safe direction, even when the equipment is off and the water is disconnected.
  • Do not use a pressure washer while standing on a ladder, scaffolding or other unstable surface.
  • As soon as you turn off the washer and the motor or engine stops, release the pressure within the gun by squeezing the trigger.
  • Avoid leaving a pressure washer unattended.
  • Do not spray windows or electrical wiring.
  • Do not allow minors to use a power washer. 

Equipment Safety 

  • Before using a pressure washer, always check the level of engine oil.
  • Avoid overfilling the engine crankcase when adding or changing the oil.
  • Test the power washer settings in an inconspicuous area before beginning work. This safety step will help you determine if you’re using the right pressure settings, nozzle type, water temperature, nozzle distance and cleaning solution.
  • Use only cleaners that are formulated for pressure washers. Never use products that contain bleach or are acid-based.
  • Do not use warm water in a power washer unless you are 100 percent sure the pump is designed for it.
  • Store the pressure washer in a room that’s climate-controlled and has good ventilation. If you’re storing the washer in an unheated room, winterize it so freezing temperatures don’t cause damage.
  • Make sure you use the appropriate nozzle for the cleaning job to avoid damaging the surface you’re cleaning.
  • Clean the chemical injector when you finish using the power washer to prevent the buildup of chemicals.
  • Connect and turn on the water supply before turning on the pressure washer.
  • Do not refuel the pressure washer while it’s running. Instead, turn off the machine and wait two minutes.
  • Turn off the pressure washer before adjusting the spray or spray pattern.
  • Turn off the power washer if you think you won’t pull the trigger for two minutes or more.
  • Regularly have an authorized service center maintain your pressure washer. 

Pressure washing is a cost-effective way to maintain the appearance and safety of a business. If you’ve never used a pressure washer, have a professional service provider teach you how to use the machine efficiently and safely. 

With more than fifty years of industry experience, Scotts Pressure Wash delivers high quality pressure washing results to improve a business’s bottom line. Scotts has seven locations in Canada, including Calgary pressure washing and Vancouver power washing services. Scotts is certified through the Power Washers of North America (PWNA) and is an “Environmentally Aware” Certified Contractor offering green pressure washing solutions.

Thanks, Guys, for this interesting info; I believe I will leave this task to you pros! pb

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

WHEN LIGHTING IS A SAFETY ISSUE IN THE FACTORY ENVIRONMENT: ALL THE TIME (GUEST POST)

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Modern factories—with their often-automated machinery, forklifts moving materials to necessary stations and loud mechanical noise levels that often prevent vocal warnings—are among the most potentially injurious places to work. According to a standard text on the topic, “Industrial Safety & Environment” by Amit Gupta, factory lighting is the single most important environmental variable effecting employees’ safety, comfort, satisfaction, efficiency and productivity.

Minimum OSHA Illumination Requirements in Machine Shops & Assembly Areas

Indeed, lighting in such industrial areas is so important as to be regulated by the Occupational Health & Safety Administration (OSHA). The organization mandates minimum levels of lighting in areas depending upon the complexity of bench and machine work in the area. Simple or rough assembly requires 20 to 50 foot-candles of illumination, moderate bench work needs 50 to 100 foot-candles, difficulty assembly work demands 100 to 200 foot-candles of lighting while very fine precision bench work requires 200 to 500 foot-candles to safely and properly perform the job.

Types of Illumination

There are three major types of lighting required by OSHA to be available in the workplace. These include:

· General Lighting

Although experts in the field report that natural light is less stressful to the eye, it’s not an option for factories usually constructed over a large area that precludes natural light from reaching the interior of the workspace. Even if skylights are provided in a one-story factory to provide natural illumination, weather conditions can’t be controlled to ensure that the minimum degree of illumination required by OSHA is required.

For the typical factory, general lighting is that illumination provided by evenly spaced overhead light fixtures attached to the ceilings. Usually fluorescent, this lighting provides a consistent degree of illumination that can be measured by a light meter to ensure compliance with governmental regulations. The care and maintenance of this equipment is usually the responsibility of the plant maintenance department due to the equipment necessary to reach the lighting equipment.

· Task Lighting

Task lighting is illumination provided to spotlight aspects of workers’ specific job functions and is the most important type of lighting in terms of safety and injury prevention. This type of illumination can be provided by a number of different lamps, often attached to workbenches and moveable to allow employees to specifically adjust the light to their needs. Because of the strong association between adequate task lighting and injury prevention, replacement bulbs for these types of lamps or moveable bench lights need to be readily accessible to workers or floor supervisors in the event that a bulb expires during a worker’s shift.

· Emergency Lighting

Emergency lighting refers to illumination devices designed to turn on automatically in the event of a power failure or other emergency where workers’ vision can be challenged. These lights consist of illuminated emergency doors and may include lights along evacuation routes to the emergency doors.

Other Benefits to Proper Lighting

Benefits to the factory owner from provision of adequate lighting include fewer injuries, fewer loss days due to injury and increased productivity. The degree of improved efficiency and safety combined with the greater production output is said to offset the cost of providing proper illumination throughout the facility.

Sent by Maire Hunter.

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Protective Clothing

IF CAMO IS YOUR STYLE, YOU’RE GONNA LOVE THIS!

Living in Texas, we see many folks wearing camouflage-style clothes.  Why, I even have a camo t-shirt, and I don’t hunt, work with gloves or do anything that qualifies me to wear it, other than it’s prety cool!

This pattern has been popular for a long time, so what better chance than to display the variety of camouflage products that Texas America Safety Company offers than right now?  Be sure to check out the entire page, and see why these are too good to pass up.  The MCR gloves, as stated in the description, support the Wounded Warriors project.  Portions of your purchase go to that great group.

If you prefer wearing, say, patriotic hardhats to work, we have a bunch for you to choose from.

Look for yourself, and see what we have to offer.  If you like something, be sure to mention you read about it on the blog, and you’ll receive a 5% discount, as stated at the beginning of our blog. 

Thank you for your time, and all the folks at Texas America Safety Company wish you a safe Memorial Day.  We hope everyone who travelled  arrives safely at home, ready to get back to work tomorrow!

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Head Protection, High Visibility Safety

SIX TOP SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS FOR LAND SURVEYORS (GUEST POST)

In most countries, construction work represents the most dangerous industry in terms of injury and fatality rates per year. Though land surveyors aren’t necessarily classed as construction workers, they do carry out their jobs in similarly hazardous situations – mines, busy highways, mountainous areas and construction zones to name a few. Below are 5 major safety risks associated with land surveying, highlighting the truly diverse range of dangers to be wary of. 

Distracted motorists

Land surveyors will often spend time by roadsides, close to fast moving traffic. After driving for a while looking at nothing but the road in front of them, motorists can often become distracted if they suddenly see a person from the corner of their eye. This can and does often result in traffic collisions and can be dangerous for surveyors standing nearby. There are safety procedures to follow however – workers are advised to place safety signs and cones in the appropriate places. Most countries also have regulations relating to the minimum distance a surveyor should be from the roadside. 

Snakes and insects

It is not uncommon for surveyors working in places like jungles and deserts to come into contact with insects, spiders and snakes. To help prevent against bites and stings, workers should wear snake-proof boots and clothing that covers as much bare skin as possible. Also, carrying a first aid kit as well as a bite kit is a must. 

Unstable surfaces

Mountain ranges represent another varied terrain where surveyors carry out their work. Things to consider include unstable rock faces and frostbite for those who are nearer the peaks. Safety harnesses and cables should be used for the former group and appropriate thermal clothing should be worn for the latter. 

Construction hazards

When land surveyors are called out to construction sites, they should be briefed on that site’s safety procedures. It is the worker’s duty to wear appropriate safety gear such as hard hats, tough work boots, high visibility vests and any additional gear that is required, such as eye and hearing protection. 

Heat exhaustion

Any outdoor work carried out in hot climates represents a number of health hazards, and surveying is no different – sunstroke, dehydration and sunburn to name a few. To protect against the sun’s effects, surveyors should wear hats, heat reflective clothing, apply sunscreen and drink plenty of water. An often overlooked consideration is to take regular break in the shade. Canvas umbrellas can be brought to places where shade is at a premium, such as deserts. 

Remote locations

For surveys to be carried out in barren locations, ensure all equipment is tested before the journey begins. Packing a spare tire, a first aid kit, food and water, GPS system and phones will come in handy in emergency situations. Vehicles should also be thoroughly tested before embarking on the journey. 

This guest post was brought to you by Technics Group,  an expert in land surveys and utility mapping, based in the UK.

 

 

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

FIVE BOAT SAFETY TIPS FOR SPRING AND SUMMER LAKE TRIPS (GUEST POST)

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Water sports are always popular during the spring and summer months, but any boat owner and operator understands there are many hazards associated with boating. Accident avoidance is crucial when on the water. It is important to prepare any water craft before launching by making a standard checklist of proper and legal gear for the vehicle. There also are some basic rules to follow that should be restrictive of, or limit, dangerous behavior. This includes the use of alcohol while occupying a boat, especially for the individual driving the boat. Alcohol intoxication can also be extremely dangerous for anyone on a boat due to the potential of falling overboard or getting into a fatal crash.  This Memorial Day weekend will be a busy one for getting out on lakes, rivers, etc., so pay special attention to these tips.
 
1. Double Check All Safety Gear
Always be aware of what safety equipment is required for the boat. Each occupant should have a life jacket, which should be worn at all times on smaller water craft. This also applies for a pontoon boat because of the flat boat deck. Significant wake from larger crafts can create problems for a pontoon as well as a fishing boat or ski boat. Safety equipment is still required on house boats or cabin cruisers, even though they are larger craft, and life jacket availability should still be determined by the number of individuals on the boat. Safety equipment should also include at least one fire extinguisher.

2. Do Not Overload the Boat
Technically, this is described as tonnage and applies across different boat sizes. Overloading a boat can result in instability and cause the craft to sit too low in the water. Both conditions can be problematic, so it is important to observe all capacity recommendations involving both people and supplies. Posting a float plan on board can also help in case the boat becomes capsized. Make sure everyone knows the procedure. 

 
3. Avoid Boating Under the Influence
Everyone knows that it’s illegal to drive a vehicle while drunk or be in a vehicle while drinking alcohol. These open container laws are slightly different for boating in many states though, including Florida, Georgia, and Texas. Passengers are allowed to consume alcohol on boats, however, the person driving the boat must be below the legal limit of .08 in Florida, or else they are at risk of being charged with a criminal offense. Knowing all of the alcohol safety laws for operating boats is important for having a good and safe time on the water, so it doesn’t hurt to consult a professional like Orlando DUI Lawyer, David Katz, especially if you have been charged with an alcohol related offense.
 
4. Maintain Safe Speeds and Distance
Sometimes, fun on the water can also include significant amounts of speed, such as when pulling skiers. The experienced boat operator will know when dangers lie ahead and will be constantly surveying the lake for other craft. The differential in craft size makes boating a dangerous activity in the wrong setting. It is important for all boats to be under control and making sure, well in advance of calamity, that all safety measures are in tact with regards to movement and collision avoidance. 

5. Secure All Anchors When Docking
Boats that are not docked properly can result in trouble for other boaters as well as anchored craft. This is as important when the boat is in a docking slip as it is in a temporary tie-up. Boats that are parked and not continually occupied can experience problems during inclement weather, especially if they are not anchored sufficiently. Additionally, always check the amount of fuel in the tank when left unattended, and remember that an empty tank is more vulnerable to explosion than a full tank. 

A fun escapade on the water can turn into a tragedy quickly if proper safety measures are not taken. Because of this potential, it is always important to ensure that the craft complies legally with all aspects of boating, including the amount of alcohol consumed by the occupants. This applies to passengers as well as operators. Boating under the influence can result in huge fines for all involved when the maritime authorities intervene.


Saam Banai is a freelance writer and editor and avid boater, offering tips for safe, fun boating excursions. Orlando DUI Lawyer, David Katz, is an experienced Florida attorney, eager to help in all DUI defense cases. One-time mistakes shouldn’t be devastating in the way that a DUI charge can be. Don’t assume that you’re up against something you can’t beat; experienced attorneys like Katz will go to bat for you, to protect your rights in any alcohol related boating incident.
 
Saam, I’d like to add, for those planning on being on the water, plan to carry along their cell phone, plenty of sunscreen, and wear a good pair of safety sunglasses that prevent UV damage.  pb
Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection

PAY ATTENTION TO TORNADO WARNINGS!

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As residents recover from the damage caused by the recent storms in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration urges recovery workers, employers and the public to exercise caution during cleanup efforts. OSHA will be providing on-site compliance assistance to workers and the public about the hazards they may encounter, as well as the steps they should take to stay safe. Hazards involved in cleanup work may include exposure to contaminated water or food; heat exhaustion; downed electrical wires; carbon monoxide poisoning and electrical shock from portable generators, and dangers while tree-trimming or working at heights. 

According to the NOAA Satellite and Information Systems, here are the classifications of wind speeds: 

  •        EF-1 =   86-110 mph
  •        EF-2 =  111-135 mph
  •        EF-3 =  136-165 mph
  •        EF-4 =  166-200 mph
  •        EF-5 =  over 200 mph 

It is hard to imagine how anything remains standing in winds that strong. According to experts, there’s no wind on earth stronger than winds inside a tornado.  It’s amazing that more people escaped injury; they had advance notice that allowed them to be better prepared, due to correct weather warnings.  This serves as a reminder to all of us to do the following: 

  1.       Know the hazards of dangerous weather.
  2.       Pay attention to forecasts.
  3.       Have a plan to stay safe.  Think about what you will do in case of a natural disaster and be prepared. 

The storms that produced several tornadoes Sunday in Oklahoma and Kansas prompted an unusually blunt warning from the central region of the National Weather Service, which covers 14 states: 

“You could be killed if not underground or in a tornado shelter,” it said. “Complete destruction of neighborhoods, businesses and vehicles will occur. Flying debris will be deadly to people and animals.”   

Pat Slattery, National Weather Service spokesman for the U.S. Central region, said the advisory was part of a new warning system being tested after a violent tornado that struck Joplin, Missouri on May 22, 2011, killing 158 people and injuring hundreds. 

Slattery said the new advisory was reserved for severe tornadoes with the potential to form into “supercell” storms, which produce powerful winds and flash flooding. Supercells are considered to be the most dangerous of four categories of storms because of the extreme weather they generate. 

A recent National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration assessment of the Joplin storm found that “when people heard the first tornado warning, they did not immediately seek shelter. They looked for a secondary source to confirm the tornado,” Slattery said. “That got some people killed.” 

For those emergency response workers and volunteers, be sure that you are wearing the appropriate safety equipment, for the hazards involved.  Have a good supply of fresh drinking water, hand sanitizer, and first aid supplies in case of cuts or scratches.  May Mother Nature slow down a little bit on introducing us to spring tornadoes.  We would prefer that they stay away completely.  It is doubtful that this will happen, so be prepared, and pay attention to warnings from your weather system.  They know what they are talking about!

Please note: I prepared this article yesterday, probably during the same time that the horrible tornado was rumbling toward Moore, Oklahoma.  Search and rescue workers and volunteers were scrambling to try to locate school children, as the tornado devastated two elementary schools.  Work continued through the night. The County Medical Examiner has released the number of dead, and then revised it, so through the day, we will have more accurate figures.  My article was  intended to help us pay attention to weather warnings.  Our county was in a tornado warning for several hours last night, but we escaped any damage in our small town. I don’t know about the other part of the county.

This is a very frightening season for those who live in areas prone to develop tornadoes.  Please pray for the parents, grandparents, children and all citizens of Moore, Oklahoma, many who have lost loved ones, and their possessions.  pb

 

Department of Labor; Reuters News Service

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Health Issues, Weather Protection

THINGS ARE HEATING UP, AND IT’S ONLY MAY!

During the summer months, workers who are exposed to extreme heat should recognize symptoms of heat stress, and how it can be prevented.  The month of May is more than half-gone, and things are heating up already.  May is Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection Month, and May 25th is Heat Safety Awareness Day.  So we hope you will take heed: 

Things that can lead to heat stress are: inadequate water intake, physical exertion, direct sun, high temperature or humidity, and some medicines.  Workers should stay hydrated and maintain a safe core body temperature, which should never exceed 100°F.  Ingesting fluids on a regular basis also puts less strain on the cardiovascular system. 

Signs of heat disorders are:

  • Heat Exhaustion – This is the result of a combination of dehydration and excessive heat.  Headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, giddiness, and thirst are symptoms.  Workers with heat exhaustion should be given fluids, and encouraged to rest.  Workers can stay hydrated by keeping containers of fluids handy at all times.
  • Heat Cramps – Caused by an electrolyte imbalance caused by sweating and lack of water replenishment.  Workers in hot environments should drink water every 15 to 20 minutes and drink carbohydrate-electrolyte replacement liquids (e.g., sports drinks).
  • Heat Stroke – This is the most serious heat related disorder.  Confusion, irrational behavior, loss of consciousness, lack of sweating (usually), an abnormally high temperature are primary signs of heat stroke, resulting in a medical emergency.  The worker should be doused with cool water and given fluids.  Drinks that contain alcohol, caffeine or large amounts of sugar can cause workers to lose body fluid, and very cold drinks can cause stomach cramps.  Cool fluids are easier to drink and more easily absorbed into the body.
  • Heat Rashes – Most common problem where skin is persistently wetted by sweat.  Creams or ointments should not be used as they keep the skin warm and moist, and may worsen the condition.  Powders may be applied. 

A reminder to workers: be sure to drink fluids before becoming thirsty; if you wait, your body is already dehydrated.  Wear a wide brimmed hat if your work doesn’t require a hardhat, use sunscreen, and wear polarized safety eyewearthat have the proper UV protection.  Be sure to protect your body with a sunscreen with a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rate.  Protect your children from sunburn, because many times skin cancer shows up at a later age, waiting all that time from childhood to adulthood to become a serious problem.  Children’s eyes should also be protected from the UV rays of the sun; it is important that they wear sunglasses , just as their parents do.

Source: OSHA, CDC

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

SPRING CLEANING: A FEW DO’S AND DON’T’S (GUEST POST)

It’s springtime! Aside from being the time of blooms, it’s also the time when you suddenly realize your house needs a fresh coat of paint, or your lawn needs mowing, or your furniture needs a little bit more than just dusting.

If you’re planning to haul out the cleaning equipment and clean every nook and cranny of your home, take note that there are certain risks involved. Unless you want to end up injured and in the emergency room, like some 21 million people every year (source: Home Safety Council), here are a few DOs and DON’Ts for safer, happier, and productive spring cleaning.

Do use common sense in climbing and using ladders
When using the ladder to wash windows or reach something high, use extreme caution. Follow weight limits on ladders and if possible, wear non-skid shoes. Don’t lean too far to either side as well. To be sure, have someone at the base to hold the ladder steady.

Do wear a mask or safety gear
Wearing safety goggles to clean the house may feel weird, but it can do you good in so many ways. Aside from glasses, you can also wear appropriate gloves, hearing protections and other products to prevent injuries. If you are allergic to dust, by all means, wear a mask when dusting.

Do be careful when moving large pieces of furniture
Improper pushing and lifting can cause major injuries that can last for several weeks. To stay safe, use proper lifting technique: bend and lift from the legs rather than the back. Seek the help of a partner when moving heavy objects and furniture.

Do keep paths clear
As you move things around, the entire house may turn into an obstacle course. Make sure to leave clear paths for you unless you want to end up slipping or stepping on something that may hurt your foot. One tip is to put them into boxes or bags away from steps and stairs.

Don’t rush because you’re tired
Most people want to get things done at the shortest time possible. However, this mostly leads to breaking things or accidents. If you’re exhausted, stop and take a break. Drink a glass of water and rest instead of being unsafe. Work can resume when you’re re-energized.

Don’t carry too much stuff at once
…especially on stairs. If you are taking things from your bedroom to the living room, make sure you have a free hand to hold onto the railing of the stairs. Also, even without having to go up and down the stairs, you should make sure the load you are carrying is enough so that you won’t trip.

Don’t mix and match cleaning products
When mixed with others, some chemicals can be toxic and flammable. Even virtually mild chemicals have a way of reacting. Since low cost health insurance is difficult to come by nowadays, better read labels and follow instructions properly if you want to stay safe. To be sure, use eco-friendly cleaning solutions instead!

Don’t leave water buckets unattended
Mopping the floor or washing the windows usually require a bucket of water. If you need to take a quick break, make sure to empty the bucket or put it in an inaccessible area, at the very least. Spilled water can increase the risk of slips and falls, as well as drowning for the little ones.

Have a happy and safe spring cleaning everyone!

About the author: Based in California, Melissa Page is a professional writer with over 4 years of professional writing experience. Despite being a safety-conscious health buff, she still believes in the importance of health insurance. She also loves travelling and bowling.

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

MARCH ROARED IN LIKE A LION; GOES OUT LIKE A LION! WHAT’S UP?

This winter has been an unusual one, and that is an understatement!  According to ABC News, “It’s been more than seven weeks since Punxsutawney Phil failed to see his shadow, (haphazardly) signaling an early spring. Last Friday, an Ohio prosecutor jokingly indicted the famous weather-rodent on one count of fraud, claiming he “did purposely, and with prior calculation and design, cause the people to believe that spring would come early.” The prosecutor said he would seek the death penalty for the groundhog.

None of us want to see poor Phil face the death penalty, but across the U.S., folks are very unhappy with his prediction.  Those in the Northeast are still under snow – there have been many highway accidents because of inclement weather, and frankly, enough is enough!

Just today, my husband said the weather prediction for N. Central Texas is a high of 80 degrees on Monday, followed by a high of 48 degrees on Tuesday.  Mother Nature has been blessing us with a few cold days, (some extremely cold), then warmer weather, then overnight a drop of 30 degrees.  This is mild, compared to what many others across the U.S. face on a day-to-day basis.

Hopefully, April will glide into our lives with those April Showers that so many areas desperately need.  Let’s anxiously await the wildflowers that decorate the roadsides, and feel that release of tension that Spring brings.  (Should have been here March 20th!)  Another unwanted gift arrives in the spring, and that is allergies!  Stock up on the medications that work for you, and be prepared.  Also watch for the bees, mosquitoes, and other critters that sometimes bring so much misery, we will be ready to face fall again before you know it.  Are we ever sastisfied with the weather?

On another subject, in previous years, our Blog4Safety has mentioned Safety Observances for the month of March.  This year, we received so many wonderful guest contributions that our schedule has been full.  We thank all the authors that have sent in wonderful safety tips, and hope they will keep them coming!

March is National Nutrition Month, Workplace Eye Wellness Month, Save Your Vision Month, National Patient Safety Awareness Week, and National Poison Prevention Week – topics we have touched on from time to time.  Every one of these is important to all of us – each month of the year!  When we are at work and experience hazardous conditions that endanger our vision, our employers should see to it that proper eyewear is furnished, according to the particular risk, along with any other protection you may need in performing your tasks.

Happy Easter!  Let’s look forward to baseball, spring activities, and everything that takes place during a safe month of April.