Category Archives: First Aid Safety

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

TEN THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR WHEN DOING AMATEUR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS (GUEST POST)

The nature of construction means there’s constantly the potential for disaster. Heavy objects, sharp ends, powerful machines and more don’t mix well with soft human bodies.

Even when I work with experienced teams or am just doing a little job around the house on my own, I still occasionally come across dangerous situations and close calls. These instances are even more common in the world of amateur construction, where people without professional training often find themselves at odds with the tools and materials they’re working with.

There are plenty of reasons to consider amateur construction. It can save you money, especially on smaller-scale work. It gives people a sense of accomplishment and ownership, and lets them express their creative side exactly as they envision with their own hands. But such projects cause disasters every day. Mishaps can cause expensive damage to structures and severe injury to the builder. If you’re considering a DIY construction project, be sure to use extra caution and be on the lookout for these common mistakes:

1. Dehydration and Overexertion

Often it’s not a wild swing of a hammer or improper use of a table saw that causes mistakes, but physical fatigue and breakdown. Unless you’re a very active person on a regular basis, your body may not be prepared for the rigor of heavy construction work. Exhaustion and dehydration make people clumsy and cause them to make bad decisions. Only work when you’re rested and hydrated, and be sure to make time in your efforts for breaks and refreshment.

2. Disorganization

A poorly organized work space is the bane of construction workers everywhere. It decreases efficiency and makes the entire job take longer to complete. More importantly, though, it creates hazards. It’s difficult to be safe and effective if you’re navigating through a mess of lumber and machinery. Always make a point to keep your work place as neat as possible; the investment of time will pay itself off.

3. Working Alone

Doing anything strenuous on your own is rarely a good idea. If something happens, like a sudden injury, it can be tough to take care of yourself. Avoid doing heavy construction work without someone who knows where you are and what you’re doing in case an emergency arises.

4. Improper Safety Gear

It’s amazing how many do-it-yourselfers try to tackle a project without even the most basic of safety equipment. You don’t need a HAZMAT suit to stay protected in most situations. Even just investing in some good work gloves and decent safety glasses will prevent an astonishing amount of injuries.

5. Electrocution

When many people undertake large construction projects, they often overlook the difficulty and danger of working with and around established electrical systems. Improperly fiddling with the wiring in your walls and appliances can cause a deadly shock. Always be sure you know how to correctly handle electrical installation or removal before starting any projects that will require it.

6. Hazardous Materials

Some construction work might involve the use of hazardous chemicals that people aren’t used to handling. This could include something as simple as gasoline, or something a little more complex like an industrial cleaner. Always be wary of any dangers related to flammability, toxic fumes, and chemical reactions due to exposure.

7. Unwelcome Visitors

Even in a relatively safe work site, it’s easy for someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing to hurt themselves or someone else. I see this commonly in homes with children and pets where boundaries aren’t properly established. Be sure to make clear to any kids present that the construction area is dangerous, and take care to zone the area off from a curious dog or cat.

8. Excess Stress on the Body

A lot of construction work is physically taxing. There’s a high amount of pressure put on sensitive body parts repeatedly. Your shoulders, wrists, knees, and back are especially at risk. To reduce the danger, follow best practices for lifting and moving heavy objects and using tools.

9. Working from a Height

Some of the nastiest construction-related injuries I’ve witnessed were due to someone getting careless and falling from a roof or ladder. Always take extra caution when working from a position where a fall could happen, even if you’re just a few feet off the ground. Learn ladder and harness safety as necessary to prevent a fall.

10. Incomplete Tool Knowledge

As tempting as it may be to skip, you should always read the manual for any tool more complex than a hammer or screwdriver. Always know the ins and outs of all your power tools, from power drills to nail guns, so you’re never taken by surprise.

Doing a personal construction project is rewarding both personally and financially, but only if you avoid causing any damage to yourself or the area around you. Always be sure to follow all general safety precautions before getting started. Happy building!

 

Author Profile:

Author Profile: Mike Thomas is a private contractor and writer for HomeWarrantyDeals.com. He enjoys DIY projects, college football and is also deeply passionate about restoring antique homes.

 

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

AID FOR THE PHILLIPINES

Following the most horrific typhoon to ever hit land anywhere,  last Friday, November 8th, almost two million people of the Phillipine Islands, were either killed, hurt, or left homeless, without food or clothes.  The hardest hit was Tacloban City, Leyte province in the central Phillipines.   The death toll remains unknown, because of the destruction and devastation thoughout the country.  President Benigno Aquino declared a state of national calamity.  Local military have been assisting citizens as best they can, passing out water and also trying to control looting. 

The people of the Phillipines are homeless, starving, and sick.  Twenty-one countries have pledged to send relief through food and sanitation products, as well as medical assistance, and money.  People are camping in the Tacloban City Astrodome, which brings back memories of the people of New Orleans, staying in the Superdome when Hurricane Katrina hit.  With thousands of people jammed inside the structure, one can only imagine the lack of sanitation.   Disease will take its toll on those who remain homeless. 

In Tacloban, a hillside mass burial was held Thursday, November 14th.  Bodies still remain in the streets.  Only few survivors have received water and food, due to the delay in reaching them.  Aid material is plentiful but because the airport was heavily damaged , planes couldn’t land, in addition,  destroyed and blocked roads had to be cleared.  Desperately needed aid has begun to reach some of the one-half million people that have been displaced by the disaster.  The U.S.S. George Washington aircraft carrier arrived on the Phillipine Sea near the Gulf of Leyte Thursday.  They will set up a position to assess damage and furnish needed food, water, and supplies.  Twenty-one helicopters aboard the carrier will be able to view and hopefully get to inaccessible places.  Six more U.S. ships are in the area, as well as the Marines.  

Over 4,000 persons have been confirmed dead, but those numbers are expected to far surpass the total.  It is going to take a long time to completely assess the damage and complete loss.  Medical aid and supplies are needed urgently.  Rescue workers and medical personnel will need personal protection, such as medical grade gloves, respirators, and other important gear to avoid disease. 

Worldwide charities will be gathering money, donations of food and clothing, and other items that can assist the typhoon victims.  Most of them have only the clothes they were wearing last Friday.  If you are able to help, please choose the charity you know will be dedicated to sending relief for the people of the Phillipines as soon as possible.

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

QUICK TIPS TO HANDLE FIRE ACCIDENTS AT YOUR WORKPLACE (GUEST POST)

first-aid-at-work-refresh1-615x210

“Safety never takes a holiday”. Truly, safety is the most important aspect of our lives. Following safety procedures is everyone’s responsibility. Can you imagine a day when someone knocks your door to inform that your loved one is in hospital in a serious condition, as the result of an accident? This is really heartbreaking news. Most accidents happen because they have not been prevented. So, taking health and safety training is very important to lead a safe and happy life. Employers must pay a lot of attention to manage health and safety at work to prevent accidents and ill health.

Fire accidents can strike anywhere and at anytime. Employees should undergo basic fire safety training because these accidents are expected to occur annually in most workplaces. Having ideas on fire safety tips is very important so as to prevent the likelihood of a fire that may result in injury, property damage or even death. There are many safety tips that employees should keep in mind which help them while fire accidents. Some of them are as follows:

  • After noticing a fire, you should immediately call to a fire department. The sooner they come to know the faster they approach

  • Employees should know exactly where the fire extinguishers are located, as well as how to use them

  • Shout for help loudly

  • Keep in mind that you should not use elevators during fire accidents. This is because if the power fails, you are stuck in the elevator with no means of escape

  • If you find any papers or any other clutter lying on the floor, immediately throw them out as they spread the fire more quickly

  • If your building is in fire check, you need to check before opening. If you feel any heat, then do not open that door

  • Switch off all the electrical appliances

  •  Do not disturb the fire team during fire fighting

  • Do not form into groups because it is difficult for the fire fighters to perform their tasks

Health and safety training effectively prevents the workplace accidents and injuries. Today, most of the business organizations are providing the best safety management systems as they understood the significance of the health and management that leads to:

  • Cost reductions

  • Improved employee relationships

  • Improved public image

  • Increase in the business productivity and reliability

Fire accidents are extremely deadly if you do not take proper precautions. As a business manager, you need to set up the health and safety notice board and keep it updated. Organize these health programs for your staff to reduce the hazards at your workplace and develop a safety action plan.

Author Bio: – Melvin is a medical student and is pursuing a firstaid course Glasgow. Apart from his studies, he likes to invest his time visiting patients in hospitals and clinics. He also likes to make general awareness on keeping health fit through his posts.

 

 

 

 
First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, High Visibility Safety

TIPS FOR AVOIDING ACCIDENTS WHILE DRIVING (GUEST POSTS)

Every day, thousands of people in the United States are involved in car accidents while driving. Fortunately, many of these accidents are nothing more than minor fender benders, but some are much more severe. Even a minor accident can cause a lot of problems.

By learning how to drive more defensively, you can help to reduce the chances that you will be involved in an accident. You can never completely remove the risk of being in a crash, but by keeping the following tips in mind, you can make yourself much safer while behind the wheel.

One of the most common causes of automobile accidents is excessive fatigue. Too often, people head out on the road early in the morning or late at night when they are feeling tired and groggy. Trying to drive while you are tired is almost as dangerous as driving while intoxicated.  Be sure to get plenty of sleep the night before you have to drive anywhere. If you have a long commute to work every morning, do yourself a favor and go to bed early. This way, you will be much sharper and more alert when you are driving to work.

Avoid all distractions when you are behind the wheel. Your cell phone should be off. Do not try to eat, apply makeup, shave, or do anything else while you are driving. Listening to the radio is okay, but turn it on the station you want before you start your engine.  Even a momentary distraction, such as changing a radio station or picking something up, is enough to cause an accident. Keep your hands on the steering wheel and your eyes on the road at all times.

Give yourself a space cushion while you are driving. Never tailgate other cars, even if they are going more slowly than you find comfortable. You need to keep as much space as you can on all sides of your car while you are on the road. This way, if you need to swerve, brake or accelerate suddenly to avoid an accident, you will have room to do so.

Your eyes should be moving while you are driving. This does not mean that you should be staring at your feet or looking at your passengers. You need to check your rearview mirror, your side mirrors, and the space on all sides of your vehicle in a regular pattern. To drive safely, you should always be aware of what is in the immediate vicinity of your car, as well as conditions farther down the road.

The most important part of driving safely is developing self control. It can be hard to resist the urge to pass a slow driver, or to speed up for a yellow light. Remember that in the long run, the important thing is to make it safely to your destination. If you have to wait a few extra minutes to get there, that is a lot better than getting into an accident.

Developing safe driving habits helps you ensure that you and the other drivers on the road do not get into accidents. Use these tips to avoid any trouble while you are on the road.

Michael has been working in safety supplies and emergency kits industry for more than five years. As a product manager for  EDisasterSystems, he knows his merchandise and all the requirements from OSHA. He likes to write and share his ideas about the importance of safety and emergency prevention.

Note: Thank you, Michael for this information on driving safety.  Our parent company,  Texas America Safety Company, has been in business for the past twenty + years, providing the same type of safety products and understands the importance of safety gear. pb

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

FACTS ABOUT MOST ESSENTIAL CAR SAFETY PRODUCTS (GUEST POST)

There are many types of products for car safety and security. When it is about the safety of car, you cannot risk the safety factor. There are many things that ensure ones safety in a vehicle. Seat belts are one of the most important parts of a vehicle. It has been proved after numerous experimentations that seat belts ensure maximum safety in a person’s life. Adjustable upper belts ensure better positioning with respect to the person’s size. The adjustable belts might encourage more and more people to wear seat belts, since they ensure that they enjoy more comfort than the usual ones.

Pretensioners: Another exemplifying part of seat belts are pretensioners. Now, you might be thinking how does a pretensioner can help you to get safety? The answer is that pretensioners help a seat belt to retract for removing excess amounts of slack in an instantaneous moment, especially when you are in an accident.

Management Features: During severe and critical accidents, energy management features ensures that seat belt yields to prevent pressure from the shoulder straps to concentrate on areas like the chest. They are present in the form of load limiters  built within the shoulder belt retractors and allow it to extend in need.

There are many vehicle safety product manufacturing companies that come with different types of products. Now, some of the manufacturing companies equip seat belts with center lap option or an additional shoulder belt. This added feature is very valuable for children to maintain their booster seats and when they are made to seat in the rear center position.

Air Bags: One of the main reasons which inflicts maximum amount of damage to a person when they do come across accidents is hitting with the front dashboards. Now, there are many different ways in which a person can prevent from getting hit with it and one of them is seat belt and another efficient one is air bags.

 Side airbags always make sure that you don’t get hit when a car gets hit from the side. But, don’t think that with air bag products, you can say bye to seat belts. No way. Actually air bags work efficiently when your seat belts are in the right position. It is always necessary to keep about a certain distance between children and air bags.

Head Injury Protection

Usually, when an accident occurs, people do suffer from tremendous head injuries. Now, for head protection, special kinds of equipments are manufactured, such as energy absorbing material or foam. You can always opt for head air bags, which significantly absorb the speedy movements and ensure that the head received minimum blow from the surroundings.

Conclusion

There are many ways in which a person can ensure maximum safety inside a vehicle. There are pet animal and child seat options. Buy car seats that absorb maximum adverse jerks and speedy movements. It is also essential that you keep a safety emergency kit with yourself to ensure that you attend to any sort of injury right after the affected collision.

Alex Mathew is a proficient author writing articles on car safety product, safety product and other similar topics. He contributes regularly for Well maintained used vehicles safety product. 

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, Hand Protection, Hearing Protection

TOP SAFETY TIPS WHEN WORKING WITH GLASS (GUEST POST)

Working with glass can be hazardous, but there are several safety tips you can follow to protect yourself and others from injuries. If you don’t take the proper precautions, you may face lacerations, punctures and cuts to your eyes, skin and even tendons and arteries. Working with glass is nothing to mess around with, but you can know that you are safer in the workplace by remembering the following safety tips by heart every time you work with glass.

Wear Eye Protection

Wearing proper eye protection is essential any time you enter a workspace where you or machinery handle glass. Be sure to always wear good quality goggles or safety glasses whenever you are cutting or grinding glass and spend a few extra pounds (dollars) on a high quality pair of goggles or safety glasses to provide protection for all areas of your eyes.

Wear Ear Plugs

Protect your sensitive ears by wearing ear plugs when working around loud noises. These will protect your sensitive ear drums and also prevent shards of glass from entering your ear canal and causing serious damage to your inner ear.

Handle Glass Breakage Correctly

Always use a dustpan and brush or another approved method of collecting broken glass. Never use your bare hands or materials such as sponges, napkins or towels to pick up broken glass as tiny glass particles can get stuck in them. It’s also important to post a warning sign in the area of the glass breakage to alert others about the potential danger.

Wear Closed-toe Shoes

The best way to protect your feet against damage from glass is to wear closed-toe shoes that completely cover your feet. Never wear sandals or other open-toe shoes whilst working.

Keep covered up

Keep the rest of your skin protected by wearing long sleeves. Tank tops and shorts are not proper attire for a glass workspace. Broken glass can cut the skin on your arms and legs, and dangerous chemicals and solder can burn and damage your skin.

Keep Long Hair Secured

If you have long hair, always ensure it is tied up into a ponytail or otherwise secured. Bending over and getting your hair caught in a glass grinder can be very painful. A hat or protective hair net is also helpful for those with shorter hair too.

Don’t Smoke or Eat Around Glass

Never smoke or bring your food around your glass workspace. You may be handling chemicals that can be easily transferred to your cigarettes or food. If tiny glass particles end up in something you are about to put to your mouth, they can cause serious internal damage to your body.

Keep a Well-stocked First Aid Kit

It is important to have a well-stocked first aid kit nearby and to know where it is and how to use all of the items in the kit. A well-stocked first aid kit should include bandages, burn ointment, alcohol, scissors, antiseptic wipes and gloves. Ideally, a glass workplace will also include an eyewash station.

Wear Protective Gloves

You should wear thick protective gloves whenever you have a piece of glass in your hand. Be sure that the gloves have a cuff and that they are at least as thick as a typical pair of gardening gloves.

Keep Untrained People Out of Workspace

Even if you know how to protect yourself when working with glass, injuries can still occur if untrained people enter the glass workspace. They can touch things they shouldn’t, which can cause serious injuries to both themselves and to you.

You do not need to panic when working with glass, but it is essential that you follow these safety tips to prevent injuries to yourself and others in the workspace.

Laura writes for Britannia Glass & Glazing who are expert emergency glaziers in Croydon, London, UK. They provide glass replacement and window repair in all areas of London from Glaziers in Enfield and Camden, to Hackney and Hounslow. 

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Health Issues, Respiratory Safety

WESTERN UNITED STATES STILL BATTLING WILDFIRES

This year, the Western United States has been charred by several wildfires, many still burning.  Droughts, less spring snowpack, and higher summer temperatures are the main causes of these fires.  Firefighters from all over the United States have helped in the battles in these eleven states:  Washington, Oregon, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, New Mexico and Arizona. 

When wildfire threatens, you won’t have time to shop or search for supplies. If ordered to evacuate, assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit with items you may need. Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers such as backpacks, duffle bags, or trash containers. Include:

  • Keep important family documents in a waterproof container. Assemble a smaller version of your kit to keep in the trunk of your car.
  • A three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food that won’t spoil.
  • One change of clothing and footwear per person and one blanket or sleeping bag per person.
  • A first aid kit that includes your family’s prescription medications.
  • Emergency tools including a battery-powered radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries.
  • An extra set of car keys and a credit card, cash, or traveler’s checks.
  • Sanitation supplies.
  • Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.
  • An extra pair of eye-glasses.
  • Pet food.  Make arrangements to get your pets to a shelter, if possible.

Health Threat From Wildfire Smoke

Smoke from wildfires is a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees and other plant materials. Smoke can hurt your eyes, irritate your respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases.  When smoke levels are high enough, even healthy people may experience some of these symptoms, caused by smoke:

  • Stinging eyes
  • A scratchy throat
  • Irritated sinuses
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Headaches
  • A runny nose
  • Coughing
  • Asthma exacerbations

Smoke may worsen symptoms for people who have pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as respiratory allergies, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), in the following ways:

  • Inability to breathe normally
  • Cough with or without mucus
  • Chest discomfort
  • Wheezing and shortness of breath

If you have heart or lung disease, smoke might worsen your symptoms.  People with heart disease might experience—

  • Chest pain
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue

In cases such as this, you should contact your physician as soon as possible.

Wildland Fires: Fire-Adapted Communities

How the Fire Service, local officials, and the public can work together to withstand the devastating effects of a wildland fire.  They are called grass fires, forest fires, wildland fires, or by a variety of names. Yet, no matter the name, they pose an evolving threat to lives and property in an increasing number of communities across the United States. 

Homes near natural areas, the wildland/urban interface (WUI), are beautiful places to live. These pristine environments add to the quality of life of residents and are valued by community leaders seeking to develop new areas of opportunity and local tax revenue, but these areas are not without risk.  It is up to each home owner to build their home with the right kind of landscaping, away from the house, and have a water supply available to wet down the home and surrounding area, in order to protect it. 

Because fires are a part of the natural ecology, living adjacent to the wilderness means living with a constant threat of fires. Fire, by nature, is an unpredictable and often uncontrollable force.  Firefighters will always give their best effort, but with wind and weather changes, it may be a puzzle to outguess the fire. 

The concept of fire-adapted communities (FACs) holds that, with proper community-wide preparation, human populations and infrastructure can withstand the devastating effects of a wildland fire, reducing loss of life and property.  This goal depends on strong and collaborative partnerships between agencies and the public at the State, Federal, and local levels, with each accepting responsibility for their part. 

Your Role in Fire-Adapted Communities frames the FAC concept and current efforts to define its scope, explain the roles that groups can adopt to improve their fire safety, and provide leadership for future steps. The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) believes that by reviewing the roles and responsibilities each group can adopt now, communities will become better prepared to realize the FAC goal in the future.

 

Sources: U.S.F.A.; FEMA

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

WATCH OUT FOR SNEAKY SNAKES!

It’s really not their nature to be so sneaky, because snakes are usually as afraid of us as we are of them.  They like to hide in tall grassy areas and cool places.  If they are residing in outdoor workers’ terrain, it’s wise to know what they look like in order to identify the ones that are venomous.  Rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouth/water mocassins, and coral snakes are common venomous reptiles.  

While playing on the high school golf team, our daughter was bitten twice by a rattlesnake, approximately 4 ½ feet long.  She was in the hospital for a week, with the possibility of surgery to relieve the swelling around the muscles.  Thankfully, surgery was not required, but physical therapy was, in order to straighten out her foot.   If you know anyone who has had this experience, it is certainly not a pleasant one. 

The American Association of Poison Control Centers receives reports of about 5,000 snakebites per year.  Some persons can have an allergic reaction to a bite from a non-venomous snake.  Outdoor workers should be extremely cautious while working in grassy areas, or in desert terrains, where rattlesnakes dwell.  Copperheads live in certain areas in our location, and they may hide in a bucket, under a step, or just about anywhere they choose, their color blending in with rocks. 

The symptoms of venomous bites vary by each individual, and may not show up at first.  Because the types of venom from various snakes are different, listed below are signs to watch for:

  • Severe localized pain;
  • Fainting;
  • Dizziness;
  • Blurred vision;
  • Fang marks in the skin and extreme swelling at the site of the bite;
  • Discoloration, redness and bruising;
  • Nausea and vomiting;
  • Breathing difficulties 

There should be a quick response for medical treatment; treat all snakebites as venomous, just to be on the safe side.  Get to an emergency room as soon as possible.  Antivenin, also called antivenom, is an antitoxin specific to the venom of a particular animal or insect.  Care should be given to test for an allergy to the antivenom before administering the drug. 

While waiting for medical assistance, wash the bite with soap and water.  Keep the bitten area lower than the heart.  Do not use a tourniquet.  Remove all watches, rings, and constrictive clothing, because the area is going to swell.  Try to keep the patient calm. 

When working outdoors, and especially in tall grass, wear thick leather boots and carry some sort of stick.  Whether you are an outdoor worker, or hiker, it is wise to keep a first aid kit with supplies handy.  Having communication with your supervisor or someone could possibly save your life, so keep your cell phone charged.  If you are working alone, or hunting or hiking, it is imperative that you have some sort of communication device with you at all times.