Category Archives: First Aid Safety

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Uncategorized, Weather Protection

WE CAN ALL HELP HAITI!

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In the early evening of January 12th, an earthquake measuring 7 on the Richter scale struck the tiny Caribbean nation of Haiti. The epicenter of the quake was about 10 miles south of Port-Au-Prince, the country’s densely populated capital, and the damage was disastrous.

The U.N. headquarters and the Presidential Palace became piles of rubble, with persons buried underneath them, in addition to businesses, hospitals, schools, and homes.  Some buildings are still standing, but it is feared that they could come crumbling down at any time.  An estimated 200,000 people are dead, thousands more are injured and countless more are still missing.  Aftershocks continue to rock the capital.  Countries from all over the world have sent rescue and medical personnel to the aid of Haitians and others who live there – from babies to the elderly.  Medical professionals worry that many of the injured will not be able to survive their wounds, due to the risk of infection and disease, and lack of antibiotics and other badly needed medicines.  The arrival and distribution of medical supplies, water and food, has been slowed down due to the lack of sufficient landing space, as there is only a single-runway airport.

The United States plans to have around 16,000 troops in Haiti by the end of this week.  Heavy construction equipment will be used to clear pathways for transportation of food, water, clothing, and medicines to reach the people who so desperately need it. There are more than 2 million persons who have been left homeless.

Texas America Safety Company the parent company for www.blog4safety.com has donated respirators, gloves, and disposable clothing for use in the relief effort through FEED THE CHILDREN.  We encourage everyone to join us in giving to a reputable charity.  All donations will help these folks survive until they are able to rebuild their lives and their country.  Pray for the homeless, injured, those who have lost loved ones, and for the wonderful volunteers who are working so hard to help them.

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety

ARE YOU FAMILIAR WITH HOSPITAL ASSOCIATED INFECTIONS?

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The World Health Organization reports that at any given time, approximately 1.4 million people worldwide are suffering from infections they received at a healthcare facility.  I personally know of one of those persons.  Following his second hip surgery, a family member got an infection, which required several days in the hospital, surgery to take care of the infection, and six weeks of home health care providers who administered large doses of penicillin through a portable IV.  The process was successful; however, it caused a lot of pain and discomfort, as well as mental anxiety, as to whether the treatment would work, or if another surgery would be needed.

Three types of infections that can be received in hospitals or healthcare settings are:

1.    Ventilator Associated Pneumonia.  VAP has the highest morbidity and mortality of Hospital Associated Infections.  This type of infection will increase patient time in the ICU by 4-6 days.  Estimated costs for each incident ranges from $20,000 to $40,000.

2.    Surgical Site Infections.  Costs from these types of infection from invasive procedures amounted to $10 billion in the United States alone annually.

3.    Cross Contamination.  Patients and healthcare workers are better protected from cross contamination by consistent hand hygiene.  Clean hands are the most important factor in preventing the spread of dangerous germs in healthcare settings.  Hand contamination is reduced by 70-80% when wearing gloves.  The importance of personal protective equipment, such as masks, gloves, surgical gowns, and other medical clothing cannot be overstated.

Hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, dentist offices, and other healthcare industries work hard to provide excellent infection control.  However, due to growing public anxiety, more pressure is being put on state and local legislators in regard to hospitals’ responsibility of controlling, combating, and reporting hospital associated infections.  There are numerous types of infections that can occur, but patients deserve to have the peace of mind that their return home will be a healthy one.

Source: haiwatch.com

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

HAVE YOU TAKEN A TAXI LATELY?

If so, you may not be aware that taxi drivers in our nation’s cities are on the top ten most dangerous jobs list.  We aren’t trying to keep you from taking a cab, but only to point out the many hazards these persons whose occupations are driving people around day and night come face to face with.

The ratio of deaths per 100,000 workers is 24 annually.  In 2000, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration reported that 183.8 taxicab drivers per 1,000 were injured from assaults or other violent acts.
Safety training is crucial for potential drivers.  They get valuable advice from experienced drivers on how to reduce their risk of violence.  Working alone, drivers must learn how to read their customers, and never trust anyone, regardless of how well-dressed or well-mannered they may seem.

In New York City, only Yellow Cabs with medallions are allowed to pick up fares off the streets.  (This comes from the 1930’s, and is regulated by the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission.  Medallion numbers are on the side of the cab.)  Gypsy cabs are licensed, and will take customers to many isolated areas that other cabs will not.  The cabs and minivans may be any color but yellow.  Many drivers are from other countries, may have a problem with language, and are treated with hostility by some passengers.  Another “fun” part of drivers’ jobs is dealing with inebriated customers.

There are many safety precautions that drivers should take:  OSHA recommends having an open mike switch on the taxi; bullet-proof shield partitions, and on-board cameras.

Other safety ideas are:

  • Don’t carry a lot of cash; ask fare to use debit/credit cards if possible.
  • Don’t discuss that you have had a good shift with passengers.
  • If they need change for big bills, tell them you do not carry change- you will have to stop at a store before you can make change.
  • Know the city’s emergency procedures.
  • Know trouble call signals.
  • Practice defensive driving.
  • Don’t wear jewelry, especially necklaces.
  • Have a good relationship with your company dispatcher; they may be your lifeline.
  • Keep a flashlight and first aid kit in your taxi or van.
  • Keep windows rolled up, and doors locked.
  • GPS devices help your company track your whereabouts.

Many cabs are equipped with a danger light located beneath the rear license plate, on the left side of the trunk, or in the front grill of the vehicle, which can be switched on by the driver to alert the police to trouble.  Drivers learn through experience how to watch for threatening circumstances and make split-second decisions for self-protection.  They must be constantly vigilant, never letting their guard down.

The next time you need transportation to or from an airport, or another destination, remember the person behind the wheel has a big responsibility with each and every fare – getting them safely to their destination and staying safe himself in the process.

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

IT’S EASY AS A-E-D!

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Automated External Defibrillators (AED) play an important part in saving the lives of persons suffering sudden cardiac arrest.  Early defibrillation is one of the most crucial of all steps in restoring heart rhythm to normal.  Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when ventricular fibrillation begins, or when the heart stops beating altogether.  This may be caused by heart attack, electrocution, or asphyxiation.  More than 220,000 persons in the United States are victims of sudden cardiac arrest per year, with over 10,000 of the cases happening at work.

AED’s are medical devices designed to analyze heart rhythm and deliver electric shock to the victim.  The shock will restore normal heartbeat and possibly save their life during the time spent waiting on EMS personnel, or transfer to a hospital.  They are easy to use, compact, portable, lightweight, and safe.  It is now common for CPR certified training to include instruction on the use of AED’s.

AED’s are now found in workplaces, schools, ballparks, and many public facilities.  The key to success is having the proper training of their use and maintenance.  Professional medical emergency providers are accessible to train the company or community personnel that will be responsible for their upkeep and use.  The American Red Cross, Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada, and American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine in North America are strong supporters of the use of AED’s.

Large companies may purchase the devices from a vendor that will oversee the training, upkeep, and medical oversight of the AED’s.  Available at various prices, they are well worth their cost when it comes to saving the life of someone who just might not make it to an emergency room.  According to an OSHA report, Public Access Defibrillators (PAD), communities with volunteers in first aid training and use of AED’s, had twice as many victims survive, compared to those with only CPR training.

Being a former hospital employee (administrative, not medical), I got to see a demonstration of an AED, and found it to be something I think even I could do, with sufficient training!

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Protective Clothing

DO YOU WORK WITH CHEMICALS?

More than 32 million workers are potentially exposed to one or more chemical hazards; there are over 650,000 existing chemical hazards in more than 3 million workplaces, and new ones being developed annually.  OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) requires chemical manufacturers to evaluate hazards and furnish information through labels and more detailed Material Safety Data Sheets, which are to be included with shipments of their products.  Failure to do so is a serious violation of the standard.

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are also available at the workplace, and should be readily accessible to each work shift, as they are designed to instruct workers and emergency personnel on procedures for handling/working with certain substances in a safe way.  This system catalogues information on chemicals, chemical compounds and chemical mixtures that contain potential hazardous materials.    Labels, MSDS, and proper training are to be utilized to identify and prevent occupational injuries or health problems of workers.  Because more comprehensive information is contained in the MSDS, it is important that each employee understands how to use them.  Continuous training is also important, as there will be new employees, different chemicals, or different methods in use.  MSDS binders should be kept up-to-date.

Employers and workers should determine the correct PPE to be furnished, such as foot protection, medical protective clothing, etc., depending on the type of work environment.  Employees have the right to know what they are going to be exposed to, and the best way to avoid health or safety risks that apply.

At home, one should read labels on cleaning products or sprays, as they contain harmful chemicals, as well.  Carcinogens, volatile organic compounds and phosphates are three types of such chemicals.  They are contained in items such as oven cleaners, floor wax, laundry detergent, and air fresheners.  Each type of chemical is related to different health risks and environmental damage.

First Aid Safety, Respiratory Safety

H1N1 EMERGENCY WARNING SIGNS

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Hospital emergency rooms in cities are routinely full of sick persons; but these days they are overwhelmed.  Nightly news reports indicate that they are overrun, and many times the wait for persons to be seen is several hours.  People who are experiencing flu-like symptoms should first contact their physician if possible before going to an emergency room.  Sitting in a room full of sick people would seem to be more of a risk of exposure.

The first doses of H1N1 vaccine should be arriving soon; however, there are certain groups that will be first to receive it: children ages 2 to 3, pregnant women, healthcare providers, and persons with underlying health problems.  The H1N1 flu is mild for most individuals.  However, as advised by the Centers for Disease Control, watch for these signs that urgent medical attention is needed:

In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

  • Fast breathing or trouble breathing
  • Bluish or gray skin color
  • Not drinking enough fluids
  • Severe or persistent vomiting
  • Not waking up or not interacting
  • Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
  • Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
  • Sudden dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Severe or persistent vomiting
  • Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

By this time, hopefully, you have taken the regular seasonal flu shot.  It won’t prevent the H1N1 virus, but experts recommend that you take it before the H1N1 vaccine is distributed.

Source: Centers for Disease Control

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products

NATIONAL FIRE PREVENTION WEEK, 2009

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National Fire Prevention Month, which officially began in 1922, in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, has been the longest public safety and health campaign in United States history.  The National Fire Protection Association has designated the week of October 4 – 10, 2009, as National Fire Prevention Week, with its focus on burn awareness and prevention, as well as keeping homes safe from fires.  This year’s theme is “Stay Fire Smart! Don’t Get Burned!”

Here are some facts from the NFPA regarding home fires in 2008 in the United States:

  • There were 386,500 home fires, resulting in 2,755 deaths.
  • Fire departments responded to home fires every 81 seconds.
  • The kitchen is the leading area of origin for home fires.
  • Unattended cooking is one of the main causes.
  • Bedrooms and family/living rooms are the area of origin in home fires that result in death.
  • Smoking materials cause 1 in 4 fire deaths in the U.S.
  • One of four victims of fatal smoking-related fires is not the person who started the fire.
  • Furniture, mattresses, or bedding are usually the materials that catch on fire from someone smoking carelessly.
  • Space heaters cause far more fires and loss than central heat; the main reason is there are materials too close to them that can burn.
  • Electrical wiring, switches, outlets, lamps, light fixtures, and lighting equipment are also major causes of home fires.
  • Smoke alarms can cut your chances of dying in half in a reported fire.  It has been found that in more than one-half of responses to house fires, smoke alarms were present, but had no batteries, or had been dismantled because of their noise.
  • Not enough American households have a fire escape plan and practice it.
  • There were 320 deaths and $542 million in property loss last year as a result of intentionally set home structure fires.  One-half of the people arrested for arson were under age 18.

We hope these facts make you a little more aware of the danger and destruction of home fires.

I have seen first hand in our own neighborhood, the result of a person’s smoking and falling asleep: he died, as well as two innocent persons in the home, his wife and grandchild.  Many of the firefighters were young men, and had not had to deal with death from a fire before this happened.  It was a very devastating time for the family, firemen, and community.

Other articles you may wish to review are “Don’t Get Burned”, “Preventing Home Cooking Fires”, and “Fire Extinguishers”, which you may find helpful.

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety, Uncategorized, Weather Protection

ARE YOU SNEEZING YET?

With Fall approaching, several of us will have our fair share of either allergies or sinus problems.  Ragweed and all kinds of pollen are floating around like crazy right now!  It doesn’t really sound like a big deal, but either one can cause health problems.   Allergy symptoms are often confused with a cold or flu.  Allergies are the immune systems’ reaction to generally harmless substances and continue off and on, much longer than a cold.  Animal fur, fabrics, smoke, fragrances (candles or perfume), and many outdoor plants are just a few of the culprits that bother those with allergies. (I’m getting choked up, just thinking about it!) Allergic reactions to certain foods can often have serious results.

Symptoms of allergies are:

  • Sneezing
  • Watery eyes
  • Repeated ear and sinus infections
  • Loss of smell, taste
  • Hoarseness
  • Coughing
  • Wheezing
  • Cold symptoms that last more than 10 days without a fever

Sinuses are air-filled spaces behind the forehead, nasal bones, cheeks, and eyes, with openings to the nose, and serve as conditioners that filter and humidify the air.   If the sinuses become blocked, miserable headaches occur, as well as these other symptoms of acute sinusitis:

  • Nasal congestion
  • Greenish nasal discharge
  • Facial or dental pain
  • Eye pain
  • Night cough
  • Fever
  • Sore throat

Here are some suggestions if you are plagued by sinus or allergy problems:

  • Ask your doctor to prescribe the proper medication to keep allergy/sinus problems under control.
  • Avoid smoke and irritants that increase your chance of developing sinus/allergy difficulties.
  • Check the pollen counts in your area before you go outdoors.
  • Use a saline mist spray to keep sinuses healthy.
  • If you work in dusty environments, use a respirator.
  • If you are prone to allergies, protect your eyes with goggles or wraparound glasses.
  • Do not take antihistamines that could cause drowsiness while driving or working.
First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

LIGHTNING!!!

One of the most fascinating things a thunderstorm contains is lightning.  One never knows when it is going to happen; this brilliant illumination that dances among the clouds.  Those bolts of lightning cause an average 80 deaths and 300 injuries in the United States every year.

Just recently, a young pregnant woman was hit by lightning as she exited her car during a thunderstorm to run into a house.  She remains in the hospital, but doctors were unable to save her unborn child.

Weather warning devices such as NOAA weather radio furnish information to make the public aware of approaching thunderstorms.  The best possible advice is: If you hear thunder, it is time to take precautions.

Places you don’t want to be if this threat occurs:

  • Open spaces, such as ball parks, golf courses
  • On the water: wading, in a boat, swimming, etc.
  • Outside, period
  • In the shower or running water
  • Talking on a corded telephone
  • In a group of people

Do you know:

  • Lightning can travel sideways, up to ten miles?
  • Lightning can strike someone swimming or scuba diving in water and travel a great distance away from the point of contact?
  • That you are safe in a car, as long as you have the windows up and do not touch any metal?  Contrary to theory, rubber tires do not offer protection from lightning.  The car’s metal conducts the charge to the ground.
  • Lightning hits the tallest point?  Therefore, if you are outside, crouch as low as possible, and touch as little of the ground as necessary.
  • Ten per cent of lightning occurs without visible clouds?  Even if the sky is blue, you need to take cover when you hear thunder.
  • If the time delay is 30 seconds or less between lightning and thunder, you need to seek shelter immediately?

If someone is struck by lightning:

  • Call 9-1-1 for immediate assistance
  • Give First Aid
  • Check for burns.
  • You are not at risk to touch someone who has been hit by lightning; the victim does not carry electric charge that can shock you.

Lightning can cause broken bones, damage to the nervous system, loss of hearing or eyesight.  The next time clouds gather, and thunder starts to rumble, play it safe, and stay inside!

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

I’M LEAVING ON A JET PLANE….

But before I go, I am going to pack some flat fold N95 face masks, hand sanitizer, and some other goodies to try to be well when I get to my destination.  Airlines have taken notice of the threat of H1N1 virus and stocked up on disposable medical gloves, alcohol wipes and face masks, as well as more frequent cleanings of surfaces in an effort to keep germs from spreading.  Katherine Andrus, assistant general counsel for Air Transportation Association says air on planes is probably cleaner than in most enclosed spaces, as air systems are designed to minimize the risk of germs spreading.  Air flows across rows of seats instead of front to back, and is constantly changed with combinations of fresh air and circulated air going through several filters.

Dr. Tim Johnson, ABC News chief medical editor offers these five tips for persons traveling by plane:

1.    If a person next to you is coughing or sneezing, ask to switch seats, if possible.

2.    Take a face mask.

3.    Use alcohol-based sanitizer often, and antibacterial wipes on surfaces.

4.    Bring your own pillow and blanket.

5.    Bring your water and stay hydrated.

Be alert to people who may be sick, and keep your distance.  If you are sick, stay home.

Which brings us to another topic:  why not be ready for this or the regular flu bug, just in case?  If you get sick, you don’t need (or won’t feel like) a shopping trip for things you will need to fight it.  Also, you won’t be exposing others to your germs.  Here’s some suggestions for you to stock up on, just in case:

  • Cough medicine, in case what you already have is out of date.
  • Gatorade, or other drinks to replace electrolytes.
  • Fever reducer, such as ibuprophen, aspirin or acetaminophen
  • Soup
  • Other non-caffeine drinks for hydration
  • If you have children, be sure their medicines are not out of date

Whether you are traveling, working out in the public, or staying at home, we hope this winter will bring good health to you and yours.  Just pay closer attention this time, as there’s a new bug lurking, and until the vaccine is ready, do all you can to stay well.