Category Archives: Fall Safety

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

WE’RE NOT THROUGH COUNTING OSHA VIOLATIONS!

It seems that the Top Ten List of Violations on OSHA’s Top Ten for 2009, were still on their Top Ten List for 2010, many of them just in different places.  The third highest on the penalties assessed list for 2010 was violation of (29CFR 1910.21), Safety Training and Education, Construction, Walking and Working Surfaces.  Serious, willful, or repeat violations can result in harm or death from hazards, and it seems that employers would do everything in their power to protect their employees from such hazards, rather than pay stiff penalties. 

Slips, trips, and falls constitute the majority of general industry accidents; fifteen per cent of all accidental deaths are caused by slips, trips, or falls – second only to motor vehicles as a cause of fatalities.  OSHA standards for walking/working surfaces apply to all permanent places of employment, except where only domestic, mining, or agricultural work is performed.  Annually, about 20 workplace fatalities happen, with another 3,700 injuries resulting  in lost workdays.   

As in any job, on-the-job training is first and foremost, with the accent on safety.  Employees who could be exposed to specific hazards related to walking and working surfaces, scaffolding, mobile elevated work platforms, and portable and fixed ladders, should have full knowledge of the safeguards and precautions to prevent injuries.  Retraining is imperative for affected employees whenever there is a change in the appropriate area, or when an employee is seen deviating from the prescribed safe work practices.  Training should be done by experienced and qualified persons.  Training should be certified with written training records, and actual work observations should verify the effectiveness of such training. 

  • Proper guarding should be provided for open pits, ditches, floor openings, and other open areas by covering or guarding with a standard railing.  If not guarded or covered, it must be protected by a temporary barrier on all exposed sides or attended by an assigned person.
  • Appropriate railings for stairways that are 30” – 34” to tread should be provided. 
  • A standard railing on all open sides should guard all open-sided platforms that measure four feet or more above the adjacent floor of ground level.
  • Six foot controlled access zones along pits, floors, and flat roof edges where fall protection is not feasible should be set up.  A controlled access zone must use control lines or other barriers to restrict employee access to fall hazards.  Warning signs must be posted at controlled access zones.
  • Employees working on steep slope roofs (greater than four inches of run per twelve inches of rise) that are four feet or more above a lower level must be protected from falls by a guard rail system, personal fall arrest system, or safety net system; and
  • Employees working on low slope roofs (less than or equal to four inches of run per twelve inches of rise) with unprotected sides and edges that are four feet or more above a lower level are protected by one of the following methods:

(1) A guard railing system; (2) personal fall arrest system; (3) safety net system; (4) combination of a “warning line” and any other of the above; or  (5) a combination of a “warning line” and a safety monitor. 

Walking and working surfaces should have the strength and integrity to support employees safely.  Floors should not be overloaded with materials and/or equipment over the approved load limits.  Elevated storage and other platforms should be marked with the load bearing weight.  Aisles and passageways should be clearly visible and allow space for both moving equipment and employees.  There should also be safe clearance room at all turns, doors, and passageways, and the areas should not be obstructed by physical barriers or stored materials.  Work environments should be kept neat and orderly, waste properly discarded, and floors kept clean.  Mats and grating could be used when appropriate. 

Hopefully, this year will bring fewer violations of this standard, as well as many others.  Training employees, protecting them from workplace injuries by better planning and housekeeping, and giving them the right PPE for each particular job will pay dividends for companies, along with the reward of a safe workday every day for each person.  That would be the best reward for everyone involved!

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Protective Clothing

GREEN JOBS ARE NOT NECESSARILY SAFE JOBS!

Green Jobs are defined as jobs that help improve the environment.  In addition to revitalizing the economy by putting people back to work, they help the public become more aware of the ways we can all help our planet, each by doing his part to keep Mother Earth in better shape.  Green jobs are not always safe jobs, as we will point out some of the hazards that workers face in two particular “green job” fields:  Biofuels and Green Roofs.  Other green jobs are Wind Energy, Solar, Geo-Thermal Energy, Weather Insulation/Sealing, Hydrogen Fuel Cells, and Recycling, which we will cover in different segments. 

Biofuels have become a fast growing part of the energy sector, because demand for low-carbon impact, domestically produced fuels has increased.  These are created from renewable resources, such as plant biomass, vegetable oils, grains, and treated municipal and industrial wastes.  They can involve potentially dangerous situations, because they are combustible or flammable.  Workers must be protected from hazards of these fuels during their production processes.  The two types of biofuels that are currently being produced in the United States are Ethanol and Biodiesel.     

  • Ethanol is a flammable liquid that is readily ignited at ordinary temperatures.  Renewable ethanol is produced by fermented grains, or by using advanced technologies, from cellulosic materials such as waste paper, wood chips, and agricultural wastes.  The production process can involve other hazardous materials, such as bases, gasoline, and acids.  Up to 10% ethanol is blended with gasoline in most automotive fuel currently sold in the U.S.  Higher ethanol blends up to “E85” (85% ethanol blended with gasoline) are available in some parts of the country.
  • Biodiesel is a combustible liquid that burns readily when heated.  Blending with petroleum diesel fuel or contamination by materials used in manufacturing can increase its flammability.  Biodiesel is produced by combining organic materials, such as vegetable oils, with an alcohol (typically methanol), and using a strong base, such as a caustic, as a catalyst.  Glycerin, a combustible liquid, is produced as a by-product.  The caustic is neutralized with acid, typically sulfuric acid.  All of these materials may require careful management to protect workers.  Biodiesel is widely available.

This type of work will require extensive safety planning and training and the correct type of personal protective equipment (PPE), for workers who are exposed to the making of these biofuels.  From eyewear and face protection, to protective clothing and gloves, employers must  provide PPE to their employees. 

Green Roofs are steadily growing in popularity throughout urban areas in the United States.  The oldest Green Roof in the U.S. is on top of Rockefeller Center in New York.  Although the Rockefeller rooftop garden was built in 1930, interest in Green Roof technology has only occurred within the last 15 years.  Chicago, New York, and Portland are leaders in implementing Green Roof technology in the U.S.   Landscapers and roofing contractors are becoming more involved with installing green roofs, which are most often installed by green roof specialty companies.  Maintenance of a green roof falls under OSHA’s general industry standards.  The safety challenges associated with this growing industry have some new and often familiar safety issues.  In addition to wearing the proper type of PPE that fits the job, fall-arrest systems are very important. 

We will talk more about other green jobs soon.  In the meantime, if you are sipping a cool one on your “green roof” or driving to your favorite pub in your ethanol-burning new vehicle, have a safe and Happy St. Patrick’s Day!   If you aren’t doing either of those things, have a good time celebrating with the Irish!  (Don’t forget to wear green.)

Fall Safety

COUNTING DOWN FOR SAFETY!

Yesterday, we began a series about OSHA’s Top Ten List for violations and citations for fiscal year October 1, 2009 through September 30, 2010.  Number One on the violations list was Scaffolding, Construction (29 CFR 1926.451).  Topping the list for citations and coming in second for violations is Fall Protection, Construction (29 CFR 1926.501).  Because construction is often done at elevated heights, the risk of injury and death from falling is greater than almost any industry in the United States.  The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in a 7-year period, more than 4,500 American workers died as a result of falls.  Many workers  fall through existing openings in roofs, floors, skylights, temporary staircases, and off edges of roofs.

pplcantfly

There are many examples of persons losing their lives because they were not using the proper safety equipment.  One man was thrown from the bucket of a cherry picker when it was hit by a delivery truck.  Two other men were in the bucket with him, but were wearing harnesses.  Witnesses said he wasn’t even wearing a hardhat, let alone a harness.  Another worker fell from the 10th floor of a hotel that was under construction.  He was not wearing a harness, and climbed on the outside of a rail, despite being warned not to do so.

Contractors must identify all potential fall hazards in the workplace before work is to begin.  Any time a worker is at a height of six feet or more, he is at risk and needs protection from falling.  Some of the precautions to be taken are:

  • Proper training of employees in the use of the safety system.
  • Proper supervision of workers.
  • Compliance with safe work procedures at all times.
  • Selection of proper fall protection systems appropriate for each building site.
  • Proper construction and installation of safety system.
  • Being sure that everyone understands.  Language barriers have been known to be at the root of many accidents.

As with any job, each worker is responsible for his own safety.  Set an example by taking a few extra minutes to be sure that your safety equipment is going to work correctly.  Wear your harnesses or other fall protection equipment!  Others will follow suit, when they see that you are serious about safety.

Many persons are hurt by falling off ladders.  It is important to choose the right ladder for the job.  The ladder should extend three feet above the surface, and for every four feet in height of the ladder, the base should be one foot away from the wall.  There are three types of ladders:

1)      Type 1, which supports 250 lbs.

2)      Type 1A, which supports 300 lbs.

3)      Type 1AA, which supports 375 lbs.

Be sure to tie the ladder to fixed points – this will take about 5 minutes total for you to do at the beginning and end of the day, and could keep you safe.  One other thing, when working on a ladder, don’t carry materials or tools while climbing the ladder.  Use a tool belt, or install a rope and pulley system, or tie a rope around materials and pull them up when you reach the work surface.

Anyone who works in high places has my greatest admiration – I can’t even climb three feet off the ground!  It is obvious that when the same violations occur year after year, it’s an indication that employers and employees are making the same mistakes every year about compliance with OSHA standards.  This is a very serious threat to the safety and lives of thousands of construction workers.   So, we are repeating for all those who are involved in working in high places: Fall Protection, Construction, (29CFR 1926.501) was #1 in highest penalties assessed by OSHA for fiscal year 2010, and #2 in Top Ten Violations, fiscal year 2010.

Source: OSHA, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

STAY OFF THE “TOP TEN” LIST!

The Number 1 most frequently violated standard on OSHA’s list for fiscal year October 1, 2009, through September 30, 2010 was: Scaffolding, general requirements, construction (29 CFR 1926.451).  Working with heavy equipment and building materials on the limited space of a scaffold is difficult.  Without fall protection or safe access, it becomes hazardous.  Falls from such improperly constructed scaffolds can result in injuries ranging from sprains to death. 

Scaffolds must be constructed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.  Guardrail systems should be installed along all open sides and ends of platforms.  If workers on a construction site are exposed to vertical drops of 6 feet or more, OSHA requires that employers provide fall protection in one of three ways before work begins: 

  • Placing guardrails around the hazard area.
  • Deploying safety nets.
  • Providing personal fall arrest systems for each employee. 

Most times the nature and location of the work will dictate the form that fall protection takes.  There are several types of scaffolding: 

  • Suspended scaffolds – Those that are suspended with ropes or other non-rigid means from overhead structures equipped with methods to permit platform to be raised and lowered.
  • Supported scaffolds – Those with one or more platforms that are supported by beams, brackets, poles, legs, frames, or similar rigid supports.  Frame scaffolds are the most common type.
  • Other scaffolds such as hydraulic scaffolds on bucket trucks. 

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has strict provisions in place for scaffolding use, but when construction companies are more concerned with producing quick results than ensuring the safety of their workers all too often they try to work around these regulations.  Depending on the size of the scaffolding, OSHA requires that:

• Scaffolding be moved, constructed, and altered by a competent person who has had significant training in the erection of scaffolding.
• A frame must be able to support four times its weight.
• Guard rails be used to block access to areas where the plank extension over the end support is less than 12 inches.
• Horizontal security and vertical tie-ins be placed every 20 feet.
•  The space between scaffolding planks not go beyond one inch.   The use of ties, bracers, and outriggers.  

When the safety requirements put in place by OSHA are not followed, injuries can easily occur.   The most common causes of scaffolding accidents are:

• Improper construction of the scaffolding.
• Improper inspection of the scaffolding.
• Inadequate securing of the scaffolding deck.
• Inadequate guard rails, toe boards, screens, and safety netting. 

These oversights can lead to injuries from being hit by falling objects, to slipping and falling off the scaffolding,  to planking or support giving away.   According to a Bureau of Labor Statistics study, 72 per cent of workers were hurt  in scaffolding accidents in one of these ways.  The study also reports that an average of 88 deaths occur each year as a result of scaffolding accidents.  Regretably, these injuries and deaths could have been avoided if only proper safety regulations had been followed. 

Tomorrow’s “Top Ten List to Avoid” subject is the #2 violation and #1 highest penalties assessed: Fall protection, construction (29 CFR 1926.501).  In the meantime, stay safe! 

Source: OSHA

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

CAN YOU FIND HIDDEN HAZARDS IN YOUR WORKPLACE?

1 Comment

Do you know of any workplace that is totally safe?  Hazards exist in just about every vocation there is.  There are safety professionals that identify those hazards and train their employees to be mindful of the risks that are involved in their particular industry; most of these hazards are easy to control.  However, there are hidden hazards that can cause damage, illness, or injury to workers. Have you noticed any of these at your place of work? 

Occupational Health and Safety legislation outlines standard equipment controls that must apply to every type of equipment that is in operation: machine guards, light sensors, warning devices or other safety devices, lockout systems, good houskekeeping and general work safety rules.  Safety devices are classified as engineering controls – the best form of control when running equipment.  You can observe the guards on the machinery, but there may be hidden hazards around equipment, such as dust, fumes, particles in the air, or possible flying objects.  That’s where PPE comes in.  Companies furnish goggles, respirators, gloves, safety glasses, and any kind of personal protective equipment that fits the needs of the employees.

Here’s a few “hidden hazards” that you may have spotted:

  • Poor housekeeping.  Clutter,  trash, tools left out. Cleanliness should be a requirement at all workplaces.
  • Fumes, exhaust, toxic fumes, chemicals, cleaning products, pesticides, toners, office products – these can cause certain persons to have allergic reactions, or other health-related illnesses.
  • Poor ventilation.  Working in a too-cool or too-hot environment can cause illness.
  • Second-hand smoke.
  • Loose carpet.
  • Slick floors.
  • Loose steps.
  • Poor lighting.
  • Poorly stacked materials in storeroom.  Be sure to use a stepladder before reaching up to remove something from a shelf.  There could be lots of stored energy just waiting to fall on you.
  • Windowless doors.  In high-traffic areas, persons can have serious collisions by not watching for someone coming from the other side.
  • Computer screens – cause dry eye if stared into too long.
  • Repetitive motions can cause carpal tunnel, tennis elbow, or tendonitis.
  • Drug/alcohol abuse by coworker.  This can cause serious problems for all workers.  It is best to report this to your supervisor before someone gets hurt.
  • Bullying or harassment is a hazard to other workers, especially the one who is being bullied or harassed.

You can probably name several hidden hazards that we haven’t thought of.  Correcting hazards before illnesses, accidents or allergic reactions occur is a winning strategy.  Be a fanatic about health and safety, and show your supervisor that you believe it should be a top priority.  Fortunately, most hazards are situations that managers and supervisors can do something about.  But it begins with awareness.  One thing may be a threat to someone’s health but it  doesn’t affect others.  However,  all employees deserve to be protected all the time.  You can make your office, shop or factory a safe place to work.  Don’t assume that it is until you become aware of what has been and is being done to keep it safe.  Do your part, and always stay alert!  We would appreciate hearing your ideas about hidden hazards in the workplace!

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

DECORATING CAN BE DANGEROUS!

By now, many of you already have your homes beautifully decorated, with the tree trimmed and glowing lights outside the house.  If we’re too late for you, this warning is for those who haven’t done their decorating yet, and/or all of you who will be taking them down in a few weeks.  According to the U.S. Consumer Safety Products Commission, around 12,500 people each year are treated in emergency rooms for cuts, shocks, and other holiday decorating-related injuries.  Four in ten accidents are reported to be falls from ladders, with men being the ones hurt more often than women.  

The American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons advises that when working on a ladder, position the ladder close to the area you plan to work, and keep materials near-by, in order to not to have to reach too far.  They also advise to take your time in order to avoid risks.   More good advice from the AAOS: place some nightlights in rooms where you’ve had to rearrange furniture to accommodate decorations.  This will hopefully help your family avoid falling by lessening nighttime confusion. 

If you choose a fresh Christmas tree, be sure to keep it watered frequently.  Artificial trees should be marked “fire resistant”, indicating the tree will likely not catch on fire.  Hundreds of fires are attributed to dried-out Christmas trees each year, resulting in approximately 17 deaths, and an average of over $13 million in property loss and damage.  Be certain that any lights you put on your tree are tested in recognized labs that show they meet safety standards.  Many imported lights may not meet those safety standards.  Christmas trees are things of beauty, but there are other hazards involved, in addition to the lights on them.  Avoid decorating with breakable or sharp decorations.  If using “angel hair” (spun glass), be sure to wear string knit gloves to avoid cutting your hands. Also, art snow sprays can contaminate the lungs and cause skin irritation, so read the container’s directions carefully. 

Candles also start numerous fires each year, resulting in an average of 150 deaths, 1,200 injuries, and approximately $385 million in property loss.  Please be sure to never leave your home with candles burning.  Of course, you would never leave burning candles in the reach of children or where they could be tipped over by pets.  Many times we have seen persons dislocated from their apartments because of the carelessness of a tenant that left a burning candle unattended.

We hope your holiday decorating goes by without incident.  The emergency rooms are standing by, just in case, but let’s keep them quiet this year by staying safe and healthy for the holidays!

Back Safety, Fall Safety, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

LET’S GET COOKING!

 Do you think you would be successful as a chef or a cook?  The responsibilities that are associated with this profession are very challenging.  Whether you go to a tiny cafe with only one cook, or a large restaurant, the success of that business primarily rests on the shoulders of the “kitchen commandos!”

The chef or cook in charge has to plan and oversee that their menus are prepared correctly, and also determine the quantity of food needed for each day.  It is their responsibility to order all the needed supplies and see that the kitchen is keep running in tip-top condition at all times.  If they are in charge of a hospital or other healthcare facility kitchen, they must also ensure that special dietary needs are met. 

Keeping foods safe in the kitchen are of the utmost importance.  We are  late in mentioning that September was National Food Safety Month.  The Centers for Disease Control estimates there were 80 million reported cases of foodborne illness, with 325,000 persons hospitalized, and around 5,000 deaths from this sickness in the U.S. alone annually.  One wonders how many illnesses from food poisoning go unreported. 

The person in charge of a kitchen must ensure that the kitchen is clean at all times, as bacteria can be harmful.  Many times there are only one or two persons working in the kitchen of a restaurant, and it is up to them to be sure the work area is kept spotless.  Professional cooks know that washing hands before and during cooking is a very important part of keeping foods safe for their patrons.  Large kitchens have people dedicated to keeping the food preparation area clean.

Cooks or chefs must be alert to the many hazards that are connected with working in a kitchen –  sharp knives, how to handle and store them, and the risks that other types of equipment  they use impose.  Cooks have to do repetitive manual tasks, such as chopping, mincing, and slicing.  Lifting heavy produce or carrying  heavy trays are parts of their duties, as well, and they must practice good lifting techniques.  They also must avoid getting burned from deep-fat fryers, steam, or stove fires.  Kitchen areas have to be kept free from clutter.  Many times, cooks must maneuver quickly, and shouldn’t have to worry that they might take a fall.  There should be a person who works in the kitchen that is trained in first aid in case of accidents.  First and foremost, fire extinguishers should be readily available, and a first aid kit, as well.

Kitchen workers need personal protective equipment, such as non-skid shoes, certain eye protection, and cut-resistant gloves, as well as gloves for processing and handling foods.  They also know to not wear loose clothing around the stove.  Persons handling foods must wear hair nets.

Catering services are very popular and are responsible for preparing, delivering, and serving foods at a chosen location.  Caterers know that they must transport the foods in a safe manner in order to keep them fresh.  Another choice for those who live in cities, is to visit certain markets where there are chefs who have prepared gourmet foods for you to serve at your dinner table.  Your guests will think you whipped up that amazing meal!

Thank goodness for those talented and skilled persons who enjoy preparing the foods we so enjoy!

Back Safety, Fall Safety, First Aid Safety, High Visibility Safety

FALL IS HERE!

In some parts of the country, it comes earlier than others, but September 23rd  is the first day of fall!   The northern states are already feeling cooler temperatures and seeing the changing of  colors.  It takes a little longer for those of us in the southern states; however, the early mornings are beginning to feel somewhat cooler.  For most of us, it’s a favorite time of the year.  Kids are back in school, football is in full swing, baseball playoffs are around the corner, and in general, it’s a great time.  

Fall brings a reminder of tasks that must be done to get ready for winter.  As the leaves begin to fall and cover the yard, the pleasure of raking them up is ahead.  Be sure to wear some good work gloves to avoid rubbing blisters.  Pruning trees is another chore, and should be done with extreme care.  Standing on a stepladder to prune trees isn’t a safe idea.  When you are lifting boxes full of trash and debris from the yard, remember to lift with your legs and don’t strain your back.  

Taking a drive on a beautiful fall day is a great idea.  There’s nothing better than seeing the array of colors.  Use extra caution, though, as there may be more animals crossing the roads during cooler days and evenings.  Deer, raccoons, skunks, and many other little critters are out and about, and not watching for you, so you must watch for them.  Those pretty leaves that fall from the trees can build up on the roads and create a driving hazard, if they are wet.  When wet, they become the same hazard as puddles or standing water.  They also may be covering potholes or other holes in the road.  Early cool mornings can also be foggy.  Fog is the single most dangerous condition a driver can encounter, so slow down. 

If you choose to take one last fall hike or outing, please consider using the same precautions that we have passed on to you before:

  • Take your cell phone.
  • Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return.
  • Watch for snakes, as they prepare for hibernation, they may be more restless.
  • Take along plenty of water, food, a first aid kit and supplies and flashlight.
  • Keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot while you are camping.
  • Don’t attempt to get close to wild animals.
  • Wear high visibility vests and caps.
  • Stay alert to weather changes. 

Seasonal allergies also plague some of us in the fall.  Be sure you have some over-the-counter medication to take before they get the best of you; if necessary, ask your doctor to prescribe allergy medicine so you can enjoy the season. 

As you are driving to work, be sure to watch for children on their way to school.  Allow driving time to reach your destination without rushing.  As you go home, remember the days will be becoming shorter, meaning darkness will come earlier.  Enjoy every day of the season, and stay safe and well.  Be sure to get your flu shot if you haven’t done so already. 

One last reminder: your pets will notice the changes in the weather, too.  Be sure that those who live outside have good shelter, water, and extra food when the days get cold.  They are family members, too, and deserve to be well cared for.

Fall Safety

AVOIDING FALLS IN THE WORKPLACE

1 Comment

According to the Centers for Disease Control, every day, four construction workers in the United States die on the job, and falls are the leading cause.  Also, the top ten most frequently cited OSHA violations are for improper fall protection, scaffolding safety, and ladder safety, resulting in the highest penalties, as well. 

The Bureau of Labor statistics classify falls as: falls on the same level of work, falls to lower level, and jumps to a lower level, when a worker jumps voluntarily to avoid a fall or other injury.  Construction workers have the highest number of fatalities from falls.  Falling from roofs is one of the main types of falls.  

Companies are required to train workers in how to avoid falls.  They must understand how to use fall protection equipment, such as harnesses, lanyards, rope grabs, roof anchors, roofers’ kits, tie-off slings and ladder safety systems.  Workers should know not to carry other objects while climbing a ladder.  There are certain procedures that meet the legal requirements for working in heights.  A very important daily habit to have is to be sure their equipment is in good shape, each time they get ready to use it. 

Platforms should be used correctly.  It’s easy to get off balance while standing on scaffolding or other types of platforms, and the results could be devastating.  Supervisors should set a good example for their workers, and never allow them to take shortcuts.  The workplace should have guardrails around floor openings and take other measures to keep their employees safe.   There are many sources of falls, and not all falls are fatal, but can lead to injuries, and lost time.  Workers can slip on floors, stairs, escalators, steps, parking lots, and chairs (yes, standing on chairs to change a light bulb or retrieve something is a big no-no.)  Weather conditions can also become a hazard for those working in heights. 

A  friend of mine recently bought a bike.  She fell the first time up, and broke her shoulder.  Now, she is getting ready for surgery in a few days, and will miss work for a few weeks.  Another friend fell off her back steps and broke her arm!  (I am really being careful now.)  We can fall anywhere, anytime, but the main concern is that we try to be careful and keep our bones intact!  

Bureau of Labor statistics also report that the cost to the company of a workplace fall can be around $40,000, with additional costs ranging four to ten times that amount.  The way things are these days, it will pay to encourage all employees to be very, very careful!

Eye Protection, Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

THERE’S STILL LOTS OF TIME FOR SWIMMING!

Even though school bells are going to be ringing soon, there’s still plenty of time to take a dip before the swimming pools close.  Persons who live in cities or communities with swimming pools are very fortunate, and may not realize what is involved in keeping them safe.  Swimming pools are regulated by several federal and state agencies.  OSHA has issued standards regarding pool employees’ exposure to chlorine and bloodborne pathogens.  Employees’  training must be documented, and personal protective and safety equipment should be furnished.   Swimming pools must also assure patrons that locker rooms and showers are safe from predators and ensure that the decks around the pool are safe, preventing slips and falls. 

The following tips apply to swimmers at  swimming pools, and also in and around rivers and lakes:

  • Always swim with a buddy; never swim alone.
  • Watch out for the “dangerous too’s” — too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun, too much strenuous activity.
  • Swimming and alcohol do not mix.  Alcohol impairs your judgement, balance, and coordination, affects your swimming and diving skills, and reduces your body’s ability to stay warm.
  • Protect your skin: Sunlight contains two kinds of UV rays — UVA increases the risk of skin cancer, skin aging, and other skin diseases. UVB causes sunburn and can lead to skin cancer. Limit the amount of direct sunlight you receive between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.; wear a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 15.
  • Drink plenty of water regularly and often even if you do not feel thirsty. Your body needs water to keep cool. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them. They can make you feel good briefly but make the heat’s effects on your body worse. This is especially true with beer, which dehydrates the body.
  • Obey all rules and posted signs.
  • Wear eye protection: Sunglasses are like sunscreen for your eyes and protect against damage that can occur from UV rays. Be sure to wear sunglasses with labels that indicate that they absorb at least 90 percent of UV sunlight.
  • Wear foot protection: Keep in mind that your feet can get burned from the sand on a beach, or cut from glass in the sand, or pavement at the pool.
  • Watch the weather: Stay tuned to local weather conditions and prepare for electrical storms. Watch local news programs. Get out of the water as soon as you see or hear a storm.  Stop swimming at the first indication of bad weather.

If your children don’t know how to swim, be sure to see about getting swimming lessons for them.  Many pools offer free lessons. You never know when someone is going to need help around the water, and it’s important for you to be able to rescue them.  Even if you swim, it’s a good idea to take a refresher course.  A panicked swimmer can pull down a seasoned swimmer trying to rescue him.  If you know anyone who can’t swim, encourage him/her to learn.  It might just save a life.

Source: American Red Cross