Category Archives: General Safety Issues

General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products

HOW SAFE ARE YOUR WINDOWS?

This may sound odd, but when it comes to child safety, the type of window coverings you select may play an important part in keeping your little ones safe.

One of the many tasks we have when we buy a new home or move into an apartment is choosing window treatments.  Whether we have children, grandchildren, or an occasional toddler visit our home, we must be aware of certain hazards that are present.  If you select blinds to cover your windows, be sure they are the new type of cordless ones.
The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that on the average, once every two weeks, a toddler or infant dies from strangulation from window blind cords.  Blinds made prior to 2001 do not meet child safety regulations.
Little ones love to climb up to look out of the window, and if they slip and fall, they could become entangled in the cords.  Infants in cribs that are placed too near a window may grab a cord, place it in their mouth, and get it wrapped around their neck.
Here are some actions you may take to ensure safety regarding this hazard:

  • Never have furniture near dangling cords in windows.
  • Buy new cordless window blinds.
  • Consider other window treatments, such as shutters or curtains.
  • If you have older blinds, get retrofit kits to make them safe.
  • Never place cribs near windows.
  • Keep the child away from blind cords.

If you want to adjust the existing blind cords that you now own, the USCPSC recommends eliminating loops on 2-corded horizontal blinds by cutting the cord above the end tassel (looks like a small wood or plastic thimble).  Remove equalizer buckle and add new tassels for each cord, or replace it with a safety break-away tassel.  Do not retie the cords in a knot, as that only recreates a new loop.  Or, you can lower the blind all the way, cut cords as close to top of blind as possible and then re-install tassels.  Parents can reach, but the tots cannot!  Otherwise, use old-fashioned cord cleats, which are available at most window covering stores.

Recently, we learned of a tragic accident involving some type of cord hanging from a treadmill.  A little four-year old girl died after becoming strangled by this cord.  So, parents, you can’t be too careful when it comes to toddlers’ safety.

The Window Covering Safety Council provides free retrofit kits: cord stops, tassels, and tie-down devices.

Their toll-free number is 800-506-4636.  You can contact them at their website or give them a call for more information.

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

National Safety Month Week 2 – Fall Prevention

Falls happen as a result of tripping, slipping, or falling from elevated places such as ladders, stepladders, roofs, trees, or many other hazardous places.  Both at home and the workplace, good housekeeping is a necessity to prevent such occurrences.  Carpets or floors should be in good condition, and the environment should be clutter-free.

When going to a shopping mall or hospital, many times we see the floors being mopped.  There are signs warning us of a wet floor; however, it’s so easy to just walk on through, disregarding the chance of taking a fall.  We need to be aware at all times just how simple it is to take a fall by merely not paying attention to our surroundings.

Falls are the most common cause of fatal injuries to construction workers.  All workers should take the time to ensure that their working conditions are as safe as possible.

Please take heed to these fall-prevention ideas:

  • Never stand on a chair on furniture to reach high places; use a stepladder or ladder.
  • When you are going up or down stairs, hold on to the rail.
  • If it is required for your job, wear personal fall protection.
  • Do not carry a load you can’t see over.
  • Walk, don’t run, and watch where you are going.
  • Wear non-skid, waterproof shoes if you work in an area where there are spills.
  • Be sure the work area has adequate lighting.
  • Ensure that your work area has enough working space to avoid collisions.
  • Avoid blind corners in workspaces.

Here is some information on ladders:

  • The ladder you choose for use should be in good condition.
  • Hold on while climbing the ladder.
  • While working, keep one hand on the ladder.
  • Be sure it is set up on a firm and level surface.
  • Construction ladders have duty ratings:

Type I supports up to 250 lbs.
Type IA supports up to 300 lbs.
Type IAA supports up to 375 lbs.

Be aware that the consequences of a fall can be very serious.  At home, work, or play, take the time to avoid injury.

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

FIRE ANTS!

There are several proper names for these tiny ants, but the stings of these critters burn like fire, hence the name.  The FDA estimates that in the United States more than $5 billion dollars is spent annually on medical treatment, damage and control in infected areas and more than $750 million in damage annually to agricultural assets, including veterinarian bills and livestock loss, as well as crop loss.  There are over 280 species of these pesky ants worldwide, and it’s amazing that something so small can cause so much misery!

These ants will attack anything that disturbs their nest (mound).  The sting of a fire ant develops into a blister-like sore very quickly.  These can become sites of secondary infection.  Severe reaction in hypersensitive individuals can occur, and they need to seek medical attention quickly.  Individuals need to use insect repellents and spray it on their clothing and footwear when outdoors in Fire Ant Territory.

One last interesting fact:  (especially to female readers).  Roles played by fire ants:

  • There’s the famous Queen.  She may live 6 to 7 years, producing up to 1,500 eggs per day.
  • Males – Mate with Queen and defend her when mound is attacked.
  • WORKERS –     Sterile female ants whose responsibilities include: build/repair nests, care for young, defend nest and feed both young and adult ants.

There are many chemicals used to kill fire ants.  Other experts recommend using non-toxic methods.  If you choose the chemical route, be sure to understand the side effects on other wildlife, i.e., birds.  Some persons believe in using natural methods such as boiling water, dry ice, or lye, but if you try that process, you must understand exactly how to properly use them without injuring or burning yourself.

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

PET SAFETY FLEA & TICK MEDICATIONS

After seeing a disturbing report on the nightly news, and being an animal lover, if this information saves one animal and its owner from a bad reaction to flea and tick treatment, it will be worth writing.

The report was about spot on treatment for ticks and fleas used on dogs.  Dr. Steven Hansen, Veterinary Toxicologist and Director of Animal Poison Control Center at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says that in general,  most of these treatments have good safety records.  If used appropriately, in healthy animals, there are very few bad reactions.  The cases they see are where treatment is misused.

Topical pet treatments are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency.  The number of incidents stemming from spot on flea treatments (drops applied directly to pets’ skin) has increased 53% from the previous year to 44,263 cases in 2008.  The EPA is doing an intensified evaluation of these products.  There are many consumers that have avowed to never use these products again.

One of the common misuses of these products is that they are used on cats rather than dogs.  Dr. Mark Stickney, Director of General Surgery Services at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science says the chemical permethria, contained in spot on drops, causes cats’ nervous systems to go into overdrive.  This chemical may be found in flea powder, as well, so cat owners should be cautious.  A list of specific uses, as well as age and weight requirements are on the product labels; therefore, owners should read them carefully before using.

If you use one of these products and there are side effects:

  • Don’t double up on powders and sprays plus spot on treatment.
  • Immediately contact your vet.
  • Contact the product manufacturer and give product number.
  • Save the box, so the manufacturer can have information of the exact product used.

Greenpaws.org advocates ways to take care of fleas without chemical treatment.  They also furnish complete information on various chemicals and their side effects.

Suggestions to prevent fleas on your dogs include:

  • Give pet bath regularly.
  • Wash pets bed with hot water the same day you bathe them.
  • Vacuum carpets often, which helps eliminate flea eggs.
  • Consider using pills, as they are the safest options containing the least toxic chemicals.

This information is meant to help you decide what type of treatment you may choose for your animal.  The condition of the animal’s health has a lot to do with whether or not they will have a reaction to treatment that contains certain chemicals.  Our pets are part of our family, and we want them to have a safe summer, too!

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

JUNE, 2009

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So far, this year has had its fill of ups and downs.  From bankruptcies, a bad economy, to Swine Flu (H1N1), we’ve pretty much seen it all in the first five months.  We’ve witnessed miracles, from the U.S. Airways’ safe landing on the Hudson River, to the landing back on earth of the Space Shuttle Atlantis, following their 13-day mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope.  Sports fans have had their annual thrill of watching the Super Bowl, March Madness, the Masters Golf Tournament, and the Indianapolis 500.

The National Safety Council announced that June is National Safety Month, and they are encouraging companies to get their employees involved in preventing injuries.  Good information and free materials are on their website.  Safety is always on our minds, and especially as the weather gets hotter, we must remember to use the proper precautions at work to stay as hydrated as possible, and wear hats, sunscreen, safety glasses with U.V. protection, and take all other measures to stay cool.  At work or play, keep safety in mind.

June 14th is Flag Day in the U.S.  June 21st marks Father’s Day, as well as the beginning of summer!

In thirty more days, we will be half-way through the year.  Make the most of every minute of every day.  Look forward to the good times and be thankful for what we have.  Let’s all do our part to make the rest of 2009 a year we can look back on with pride.  In closing, we’d like to share some ideas written by a 90-year old woman:

1.    If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back!
2.    No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, and show up.
3.    Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift.
4.    Don’t compare your life to others.  You have no idea what their journey is all about.

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

JUNE – NATIONAL SAFETY MONTH WEEK 1 (June 1 – June 7) FOCUS ON TEEN DRIVING

Most of us began driving when we were teenagers………what a powerful feeling to finally get behind the wheel!  How great it was to see and be seen by our peers as we drove up and down the streets, by the high school, and pulled up to the local drive-in.  Many of us learned, as most kids do today as well, by the examples our parents set.  If their driving behaviors consisted of speeding, running stop lights, yelling at some other driver, not wearing seatbelts, drinking while driving, and letting personal upsets get in the way of safety, chances are their teenagers will have learned the same bad traits.  So, parents, think about what type of role model you are.

Stephen Wallace, National Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of S.A.D.D. (Students Against Destructive Decisions) say that high school drivers say they talk on cell phones while driving, and that they speed.  They probably text on their cell phones, as well.  It is the mission of S.A.D.D.  to provide students with the best preventative tools to deal with issues of underage drinking, other drug use, impaired driving and other destructive decisions.  Originally founded as Students Against Driving Drunk, the group realized there are so many other issues facing teenagers that must be addressed.

Most states require some type of formal drivers education or training programs.  However, this is just a small part of the experience of driving that teenagers get.  Parental supervision furnishes more practice, and open conversations between parents and new drivers go a long way toward building a foundation of safe driving.  Parents should also consider the type of person their teenager is: one that is willing to take risks, or one that shows good judgment.  Will they also obey rules set down by their parents, and follow the regulations of driving?

It’s a great feeling for parents to be able to furnish their teenagers’ first car, but they need to let them know that if the rules are broken, grounding will be in effect.  It would be better to park the car for a week or so, than live with the results of a bad accident that could take their life, or the life of someone else.

We hope that this summer will be a safe one for everyone, especially our teens!  Drive friendly, and keep the roads safe.

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety, Uncategorized

PANDEMIC INFLUENZA

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Note:  We originally posted this article on February 19, 2009.  Ironically, we are now in the middle of a Swine Flu virus, that has caused the World Health Organization to raise the pandemic threat level to Phase 5, the second-highest level in the worldwide warning system.

Pandemic Influenza is when a new influenza virus emerges for which there is little or no immunization in the human population- a global disease outbreak, which causes serious illness and spreads person to person worldwide.  Planning for Pandemic Influenza by business and industry is essential to minimize the impact of a pandemic.  It is essential to have a contingency plan.

Employers should develop a Pandemic Preparedness Plan by:

  • Knowing Federal, State, and Local Health Department Pandemic Influenza Plans.
  • Preparing for operations with reduced workforce.
  • Ensuring their suppliers/customers that they will continue to operate.
  • Developing a company policy that does not penalize employees for being sick; thereby encouraging them to stay home when they have symptoms such as fever, runny nose, muscle aches, or upset stomach, rather than exposing other employees.
  • Understanding that their employees may need to take care of other ill family members.
  • Considering enhancement of technology and communications equipment in order to allow employees to work from home.
  • Cross-training employees in order to be prepared for absence of workers.
  • Keeping their employees informed of their preparations in case of a widespread disease, making them feel safe about their work, and able to be off if necessary due to illness.

It is also important that employers educate their employees on coughing etiquette, hygiene, and using personal protective equipment when necessary.  This could mean gloves, goggles, respirators, and other means of preventing the spread of germs.  Hand sanitizer, tissue, and soap should be provided.  Employees should be discouraged from using each others’ computers, phones, and equipment.  Washing hands often is one of the most important ways to keep down the spread of germs.

Another important measure of prevention is the flu vaccine.  Sometimes it takes a few months for the proper vaccine to be developed after there is an outbreak; however, whatever flu vaccine is available should alleviate the severity of the illness.  Note: there is no vaccine for this type of flu; scientists are working round-the-clock to prepare a vaccine to be ready for human testing.  In the United States, thousands of courses of Tamiflu and Relenza, have been sent to states reporting confirmed cases of swine flu.  The government has a stockpile of the courses ready as needed.  These two anti-viral medications are the best known to treat influenza.
OSHA

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

MOTORCYCLE SAFETY AWARENESS MONTH

It’s not too late for us to remind you that May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration is encouraging all drivers to “Share the Road” with motorcyclists, and be alert when driving, to help keep them safe.

Motorcyclists, as well, are reminded to make themselves visible in case other drivers aren’t looking out for them.  They are small vehicles and can be hidden in a blind spot.  More vulnerable than passengers in vehicles, research has shown that per vehicle per mile traveled, motorcyclists are 37 times more likely to die in a traffic crash than occupants in cars.  With that in mind, these tips from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation are well worth reading:

Ten Things All Car & Truck Drivers Should Know About Motorcycles

1. There are a lot more cars and trucks than motorcycles on the road, and some drivers don’t “recognize” a motorcycle; they ignore it (usually unintentionally). Look for motorcycles, especially when checking traffic at an intersection.

2. Because of its small size, a motorcycle may look farther away than it is. It may also be difficult to judge a motorcycle’s speed. When checking traffic to turn at an intersection or into (or out of) a driveway, predict a motorcycle is closer than it looks.

3. Because of its small size, a motorcycle can be easily hidden in a car’s blind spots (door/roof pillars) or masked by objects or backgrounds outside a car (bushes, fences, bridges, etc). Take an extra moment to thoroughly check traffic, whether you’re changing lanes or turning at intersections.

4. Because of its small size a motorcycle may seem to be moving faster than it really is. Don’t assume all motorcyclists are speed demons.

5. Motorcyclists often slow by downshifting or merely rolling off the throttle, thus not activating the brake light. Allow more following distance, say 3 or 4 seconds. At intersections, predict a motorcyclist may slow down without visual warning.

6. Turn signals on a motorcycle usually are not self-canceling, thus some riders, (especially beginners) sometimes forget to turn them off after a turn or lane change. Make sure a motorcycle’s signal is for real.

7. Motorcyclists often adjust position within a lane to be seen more easily and to minimize the effects of road debris, passing vehicles, and wind. Understand that motorcyclists adjust lane position for a purpose, not to be reckless or show off or to allow you to share the lane with them.

8. Maneuverability is one of a motorcycle’s better characteristics, especially at slower speeds and with good road conditions, but don’t expect a motorcyclist to always be able to dodge out of the way.

9. Stopping distance for motorcycles is nearly the same as for cars, but slippery pavement makes stopping quickly difficult. Allow more following distance behind a motorcycle because it can’t always stop “on a dime.”

10. When a motorcycle is in motion, don’t think of it as motorcycle; think of it as a person.

Source: Motorcycle Safety Foundation and NHTSA

General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

TODAY’S UPDATE – WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION

At today’s (May 22) closing session of the World Health Organization’s week-long annual congress, WHO chief Margaret Chan stated that countries need to be prepared for the H1N1 flu virus.  It is being closely watched in the southern hemisphere, where winter season is starting.

She stated that because it is a subtle, sneaky virus, it could mix with seasonal flu and mutate in “unpredictable ways”.  It is an airborne virus the same as the common flu, and is still showing up in new countries on a daily basis.  The latest totals show approximately 11,000 people have contacted the virus in 42 countries.  The largest groups now are Japan – 294; Spain – 113; and Britain – 112.

In a related press release, the CDC in Atlanta, Georgia reported that various tests have shown that persons over 60 seem to have a built-up immunity to the virus.  Cases in the United States have affected younger persons, up to ages 50+.  Much more research will need to be done regarding the theory about the over-60 age group.

The CDC says we are not “out of the woods” yet, and still need to be vigilant in watching this virus.

Source: Reuters
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

CLICK IT OR TICKET!

Every year during this holiday period, law enforcement agencies join forces day and night, coast-to-coast, to deliver the most successful seatbelt enforcement campaign ever.  The “Click It or Ticket” National Enforcement Mobilization dates are May 18 – 31, and August 21 – September 7, 2009.  Started by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, most states are onboard in stressing the importance of wearing seatbelts and using proper child seat restraints.  Many persons who died in traffic crashes were not wearing seatbelts.  In the United States, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 15-20 year olds.

With the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, law enforcement agencies are launching campaigns to let drivers know, especially teenage drivers, that there will be tickets written for all persons under 18 who are not wearing seatbelts, whether they are in the front or back seat, and that children less than five years old and under 36” tall must be safely secured in a child seat.

Similarly, Texas law states that if any passenger under age 17 is not wearing a seat belt- front or back seat- the driver will be ticketed.  Since 1999, the Texas Department of Public Safety has had a Zero tolerance policy regarding seatbelts and child safety seats.  Violations can result in fines up to $200, plus additional court costs.

A September, 2008, report published by the NHTSA, showed that seatbelt use was 84% in passenger cars, 86% in vans and suv’s, and 74% by truck occupants, which indicates that seatbelt use is improving every year.  This followed daylight observations in 1800 sites nationwide.  States with primary seatbelt laws averaged 13% higher at 88% use of seat belts, than states with secondary seatbelt laws, which had 75% use of seatbelts.  Primary seatbelt law states allow citations for seatbelt violations alone.  Secondary law states are allowed to issue seatbelt tickets if the vehicle is stopped for another violation.

So, whether in your state it’s “Buckle Up, America, “Buckle Up, your state”), “Click It or Ticket”, it’s a good idea to follow the law and do all you can to keep yourself and your passengers safe.  Your holiday will end on a better note if you don’t have to go to court to pay a fine when you get home.  After you buckle up, drive carefully, watch for the other drivers, and have a safe holiday!