Category Archives: General Safety Issues

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

EXERCISE MAKE IT FUN!

How many times have you heard someone say “Oh, go fly a kite!” or “Take a Hike!”
We’ve probably all heard that from a disgruntled coworker.  But if you look at it in another way, it’s good advice!  We all need to be physically active in one way or another.  This is a good time to think about changing our lifestyle and that of our family, as well.  With all the video games and electronic gadgets, it seems that times of outdoor entertainment are over.  What happened to kids going out and playing freeze-tag, jacks, hopscotch, hide and seek, and other fun games?  At school, when kids get to go outside for recess, you can hear them squealing and yelling and having all sorts of fun.  When they get home, they are usually in front of the computer or television.   (We live in an age where safety is foremost in the minds of parents, so we aren’t encouraging them to go outdoors unless they are in a safe, fenced area or supervised.)

Health professionals recommend that adults participate in moderate physical activity most days of the week for at least 30 minutes.  Kids and teens need 60 minutes of physical activity every day.  Just some of the fun things families can do together are:

  • Play with pets outdoors, or take them for walks.
  • Go on bike rides.
  • Spend time at the pool or tennis court in summer months.
  • In winter months, build a snowman, go skiing or sledding.
  • Literally, go fly a kite or take a hike!
  • Go camping.

Many companies have exercise programs or weight-loss incentives to encourage their employees to concentrate on exercise while at the same time performing their work.  Just how far is it to the vending machine?  You’d be surprised by how many steps you take just walking from station to station at your place of employment.  Workers can participate in programs by wearing pedometers, and they can actually see how far they walk in their daily regular work regimen.  (Competition between groups could make this a fun effort, with the winners being treated for lunch by the others, or some other type of award.)  Other companies have facilities where their employees can exercise during lunch breaks or before or after work.

Walking can be a simple choice for creating a more active way of life.  The average person walks less than 6,000 steps a day, while the recommended number of steps is at least 10,000 per day.   Just 15 minutes of moderate exercise, such as walking one mile can burn approximately 100 extra calories a day.

Begin the process of becoming healthier and set the example for your family, friends, and/or coworkers.  Start by making a couple of small changes:  take the stairs instead of elevator, or parking at the back of the parking lot.  Anything that makes you take those extra steps will be to your advantage.

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

GELOTOLOGY

How many of you know what gelotology is, and what on earth it has to do with health or safety?  Gelotology is the physiological study of laughter.  If you will notice, there have been several articles published in magazines, newspapers, and on television describing health benefits from laughter.  Laughter is the physiological response to humor.

Laughter is our coping mechanism; it gives us a reason to feel good.  Thank goodness there are comedians whose job is to make us laugh.  We can enjoy a good chuckle when something unexpected happens, sometimes at the expense of someone else, but if it is in good spirit, and not belittling anyone, it’s good for everyone.

We can get an over-all body workout: laughter exercises the diaphragm, abdomen, respiratory system, and facial, leg and back muscles.  Have you ever laughed so hard you cried?  Laughter reduces stress hormones; it acts as a safety valve that shuts off stress.
More facts about laughter:

  • An adult laughs an average of 15 times a day.  A child, however, laughs an average of 400 times a day.
  • Clinical studies have shown that laughter strengthens the immune system.
  • Humor allows a person to forget about pains such as aches, arthritis, etc.
  • Frequent belly laughter empties your lungs of more air than it takes in, resulting in a cleansing effect, similar to deep breathing. This is especially beneficial for those who suffer from emphysema and other respiratory ailments.
  • According to a survey done by Match.com, “70% of 16,000 adults polled believe they’re more likely to fall in love with someone who makes them laugh than someone who makes them think.”  N.Y. Time Service, August 20, 2004

You never know how much you could touch someone by just making that person laugh.  Sigmund Frued theorized that laughter releases tension and “psychic energy”.  In the Universal Human Vocabulary, everyone speaks “laughter”!

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

STRESSFUL LIFESTYLE?

It’s hard to find anyone who isn’t stressed out in this hurry-up world of ours.  Signs of a stressful life that could be affecting your health are:

  • Feeling that your life is out of control
  • Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
  • Skipping meals or eating on the run because of lack of time
  • Frequent illness
  • Feeling run-down and/or too tired to exercise
  • Eating, drinking or smoking when you are nervous
  • Having difficulty saying No

Try these quick relaxation tips:

  • Laugh away your worries.  Keep humorous articles handy to read and share.
  • Massage your temples, shoulders and neck.
  • Get in a comfortable position.  Take a long, slow, deep breath to the count of 5.  Then exhale to the count of 5.  Imagine that you are breathing out excess tension and breathing in relaxation.  With each breath, say to yourself, “Relax”.  Repeat 10 times.

Do these simple stretches:  (You can even do them sitting or standing at your desk.)

  • Upper Back Stretch:  Sitting straight with your fingers interlaced behind your head, and keeping your shoulders down, lift your chest and bring your elbows back as far as you can.  Hold 10 seconds.
  • Overhead Reach:  Raise your arms over your head and interlace your fingers with palms facing up.  Stretch upwards, keeping your shoulders down.  Hold for 20 seconds.
  • Shoulder Rotations:  Sit up straight.  Bring shoulders up toward your ears and then back behind you.  Move them forward, making imaginary circles.  Roll shoulders forward 10 times, then roll shoulders in the reverse direction 10 times.
  • Waist Bend:  Standing, reach arms overhead with fingers laced together.  Face forward with shoulders down, bend to one side from the waist.  Hold for 20 seconds.  Repeat on the other side.  Repeat 10 times.

Now, don’t just read this; try it!  Hope it helps!

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Hearing Protection, Uncategorized, Weather Protection

SNOW BLOWER SAFETY

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Snow blower and lawnmower accidents account for loss of fingers, toes, cuts, burns, crushed and broken bones.  It is very important that the owners’ manual is read first before operating a snow blower.  If you have any doubts, go back to the manual again to be sure!

Please operate the machine with care, and do not let a young person operate it unless they are very responsible and mature, and you are certain they can.  Here are some tips to help ensure safety when operating a snow blower:

  • Be sure that there are no children and pets in the area.
  • Be sure the discharge chute is not aimed at passing motorists or pedestrians.
  • Debris should be moved away from the area to be cleared, as it would be thrown farther than the snow.
  • Never leave the snow blower running and unattended.
  • Always be sure safety guides, shields, or switch guards are in place, and do not remove them.
  • Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.
  • Never put your hands into the discharge chute or augers to clear stuck snow and ice.
  • Add fuel only when the engine is turned off and cooled down.
  • Do not wear loose clothing, as it might become entangled in the moving parts of the machine.
  • Be sure you know how to turn off the machine quickly.
General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS, ANYONE?

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Okay, how many of us are thinking about our promises for 2009?  As soon as we fill up on Christmas Eve and Christmas meals, all the goodies before and after, we will be sincerely ready to change our lifestyles.  But how long will it be before your “New Year’s Bubble” deflates?  Seriously, studies show that 52% of participants in a resolution study who were confident in the success of reaching their goals, only 12% actually achieved them.  Men were 22% more successful when they engaged in setting their goals where small measures are used: for example, losing one pound per week, than “lose weight”.  Women had 10% more success when they publicly expressed their goals and had support from their friends.

Here are some popular goals; see if any one or more are yours:

  • Lose Weight
  • Make a Difference
  • Save Money
  • Pay Off Debts
  • Eat Right
  • Exercise
  • Give Blood
  • Give More
  • Drink Less Alcohol
  • Quit Smoking
  • Reduce Stress
  • Take A Trip
  • Be More Green
  • Get A Better Education
  • Spiritual Improvement
  • Be A Good Friend
  • Appreciate Family More
  • Be A Better Listener
  • Volunteer
  • Be A Better Me!

You might want to print this list off and check off or add things that you hope to improve on.  Keep it in a place where you see it every day.

Another promise we ask you to make:  Live every day with safety in mind; your life and the lives of others depend on it!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized, Weather Protection

POWER FAILURE DURING WINTER STORMS

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Old Man Winter really had quite an opening act for his first day throughout the United States!
From the West to East coast, and all points in the Mid-west, he packed a pretty powerful punch.  Winter storms have blasted many parts of the country, with high winds, driving wind chills to as low as -25° below zero!  Hundreds of passengers have been stranded in airports, with flights cancelled.  There have been numerous traffic accidents across icy and snow-filled roads.

Hopefully we are all prepared for the winter season.  If you live where there is a threat of storms that continue for more than one day, and might cause power failure, here are some ideas to help you stay warm and safe:

  • Close off rooms to parts of the house that you don’t need to use.
  • Do not be short of staples such as food and water.  Stock high-energy food that doesn’t require cooking or refrigeration.
  • Have a flashlight and extra batteries.
  • Keep extra medicine and baby supplies.
  • A battery-powered NOAA weather radio can keep you informed of the situation.
  • Have a first aid kit.
  • Be sure you have extra heating fuel, as deliverers may not be able to come to your home for days.
  • Winterize your home by caulking and weather stripping doors and windows, insulating walls and attics and installing storm windows.  If necessary, cover windows with plastic.
  • Fireplaces, wood stoves, or space heaters are excellent alternative energy sources, but be sure your house has proper ventilation.

According to information from Electric Generator Direct, portable generators are ideal to help furnish power in times of emergencies, but they must be placed outside the house, not in the garage or near doors or windows, as they emit dangerous carbon monoxide gas.  Between October 1 and December 31, 2006, approximately 32 people died after severe weather knocked out power….not from the storms, but from carbon monoxide poisoning.  Persons using generators should have carbon monoxide detectors in their homes.

US Dept of Commerce
FEMA

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized, Weather Protection

WINTERIZING YOUR CAR

We depend on our vehicles to get us where we need to go, so it’s important that we winterize them properly.  Be sure that your vehicle is in good working order when you need it most.

There are many parts that should be checked by you or a mechanic, so let’s get started:

  • Battery.  Cold temperatures reduce cranking power; your battery is asked to do more to start the engine with low temperatures, so be sure it is in good working order.
  • Wipers and windshield wiper fluid.  Replace old wipers if they leave streaks on the window.  Normal life of wipers is one year.  Leave them in raised position to keep them from freezing to windshield if car is left outside.
  • Ignition system
  • Thermostat
  • Antifreeze
  • Lights
  • Belts and Hoses
  • Exhaust system
  • Flashing hazard lights
  • Defroster
  • Brakes
  • Oil level.  Make sure you use the right engine oil. (Consult owners’ manual.) Oil thickens as it gets cold.  Oil with (W) in the viscosity index is formulated for winter.
  • Heater

Some other things to consider:

  1. Be sure your tires have adequate tread.  If you live where there are heavy snow conditions, it might be wise to carry a set of tire chains in your vehicle.Keep your gas tank full or half-full at all times, if possible.
  1. Carry a cell phone with you, as well as a list of emergency numbers.
  1. Consider using non-toxic de-icing substances such as clean cat litter, sand, fireplace ash to prevent hazardous waste.
  1. When warming up your car, let it idle normally.  Revving a cold engine won’t warm it up any faster.

Consumer Reports
NYSEMS

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized, Weather Protection

WINTER WATCH, WARNING AND ADVISORY

Do you know the difference?

During winter, we hear these terms on the weather forecast somewhere in the United States.  Do you really pay attention and understand what they mean?

If your answer is “No”, READ ON:

WATCHES:  According to weather professionals, there is a 50% chance that severe winter weather will materialize:

  • Winter Storm Watch:  Possibility of severe life-threatening winter weather conditions that include: heavy ice and/or near-blizzard conditions, or heavy snow.
  • Blizzard Watch:  Blizzard conditions may happen.
  • Lake-Effect Snow Watch:  Heavy lake effect snow likely.
  • Wind Chill Watch:  Potential of wind chills of -25°F or less, causing risk of hypothermia and rapid frostbite.

WARNINGS:

  • Winter Storm Warning:  Winter weather is expected to cause life-threatening public impact from winter hazards that include ice, near blizzard conditions, heavy snow, drifting snow and dangerous wind chills.
  • Heavy Snow Warning:  When 7 inches or more of snow is expected in 12 hours or less, or 9 inches or more is expected in 24 hours or less.
  • Ice Storm Warning:  Issued for ½ inch or more of ice accumulation, which can cause damage to trees and power lines.
  • Blizzard Warning:  When blizzard conditions are about to happen or expected in the next 12 to 24 hours.  These include frequent gusts of or above 35 mph and falling, blowing and drifting of snow, reducing visibility to ¼ mile.
  • Lake-Effect Snow Warning:  Potential of 7 inches or more of lake effect snow.
  • Wind Chill Warning: Issued when the wind chill is expected to be -25°F or less.  In less than 10 minutes, frostbite can happen.

ADVISORIES:

  • Winter Weather Advisory: Hazardous combination of ice and snow that exceeds warning criteria.  These may be significant and/or life-threatening if proper precautions are disregarded.
  • Snow Advisory: When forecasters are confident that the entire event will be snow and an average of 4-6 inches of snow is expected in 12 hours or less.
  • Freezing Rain Advisory: These advisories are issued only when there is a high probability that the whole event will be freezing rain, resulting in very slippery roads.
  • Snow and Blowing Wind Advisory:  Prediction of frequent gusts or sustained wind of 25 to 34 mph, accompanied by falling and blowing snow, which can occasionally reduce visibility to ¼ mile or less for three hours or more.
  • Wind Chill Advisory: Given for wind chills of -15°F to -24°F.

Source: NYSEMS

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

RISKY BUSINESS!

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While researching risky behavior, it seems the most popular websites featured adolescents, and the risks they take.  Whether it’s driving too fast, drinking too much, participating in violent crime, there are thousands of theories about causes of the problems.  Young people have either had too much or too little in their lives – money, supervision, or guidance.
But what’s going to happen to them when they are all grown up, and still take chances?
All persons, young and old, who engage in risky behavior have a negative impact on society; they affect their health and safety and the health and safety of those around them.

In the workplace, companies need to identify risk-taking behavior.

  • Are workers who routinely take risks rewarded for the wrong reason?
  • Are shortcuts taken, regardless of the outcome?
  • Are unsafe conditions recognized?
  • Are unsafe actions addressed?
  • Are safety procedures ignored to save time?
  • Are workers checked to be sure they are wearing their PPE at all times?

There are many behavior based training programs that assist companies in teaching and monitoring their employees to ensure the safety of all.  One example is a Driver Risk Management program, which is used by companies that employ large numbers of truck drivers.  This program has a video event recorder on board that is triggered at the time of an incident and allows drivers to later review the event, working closely with management.  The key to a successful DRM program is the coaching and training that takes place by someone with whom they have open communication as a result of watching the captured instances of risky behavior. Not only is the coaching session an opportunity to provide drivers with positive reinforcement in a manner that will reduce at-risk behavior and increase good driving behaviors, it also allows for positive encouragement (and potential incentive) when good driving behaviors are observed.  In addition, it also helps drivers in cases where they are not at fault.

Studies show that there are just some people who have that “dare-devil” personality.  Can anyone truthfully say that they haven’t done a little something to take that risk, whether it was going through that stoplight that had already changed from green to red, breaking speed limits, cut corners at work to get through, or done any number of things that could have resulted in a negative way?   Also, we take chances with our health, by not exercising, eating too much junk food, smoking, or drinking in excess, or allowing too much stress into our lives.

Don’t gamble with someone else’s life or your own.  Play it safe!

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

TOY SAFETY

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We all know how busy Santa must be right now!  He’s probably checking that list for the last time!    If you know any of his helpers, these are a few tips they might consider:

  • Buy age-appropriate toys.  Even though some children are exceptionally bright, most toys’ designs are suited for their age.
  • Be aware of toys that may contain lead paint.
  • Check labels and do not assume that all toys are safe.  They must be properly labeled.
  • If you purchase toys on the internet, be careful, as hazard warnings are not always given.
  • Avoid toys with cords or long strings, as they could cause strangulation in small children.
  • Toys for tots should not have sharp edges or points.
  • Be sure soft, plush animals are washable and have secure eyes and noses that won’t come off.
  • You can be assured that little ones are going to put anything they can in their mouths, so be careful in choosing the size of squeeze toys, rattles, etc.
  • Paints and crayons should have ASTM D4236 on the package (American Society for Testing and Materials).
  • For grade school children, helmets should be given along with bikes, scooters, skateboards, or inline skates.
  • Purchase arrows or darts with soft tips.
  • BB or pellet guns should not be purchased for children under age 16.

The holiday season brings joyous times for families.  Our purpose is to remind you of things you already know:  the Number 1 priority is selecting toys and games that are fun and safe.