Category Archives: General Safety Issues

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, Respiratory Safety, Uncategorized

Working with Power Tools?

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When using power tools, the proper personal protective equipment should always be worn.

These tools are classified by their source of power: electric, pneumatic, liquid fuel, hydraulic and powder-actuated.
Safety tips when using the types of tools listed are:

  • Electric – Electric shock is the most hazardous threat, and proper grounding is extremely important. Wear gloves and safety footwear when using electric tools.
  • Pneumatic – Powered by compressed air, i.e., drills, hammers, sanders, require that eye, head and face protection be used.   When operating jackhammers, safety glasses, shoes, face shields and hearing protection from noise are necessary.
  • Liquid Fuel – Usually powered by gasoline, which sometimes creates vapors that can explode or burn.  If using this type of equipment in inside areas, respirators should be worn.
  • Powder-Actuated – These tools operate like a loaded gun, and should be operated only by specially trained persons.  Face, ear and eye protection need to be worn.
  • Hydraulic – Fire-resistant fluids must be used to run this equipment, with the exception of insulated sections of derrick trucks, aerial lifts and tools used on or around energized lines.  Jacks, lever and ratchet jacks, screw jacks and hydraulic jacks should be properly inspected before use and immediately after.  Appropriate personal protective equipment should be worn.
General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products

THOSE PESKY SUMMER BUGS, PLANTS!

We all know that one of life’s unpleasant experiences we all have to contend with in the summertime, whether we go on vacation or stay home, are those pesky insects and poisonous plants!

Poison Ivy:  Did you know it grows almost everywhere in the US except Hawaii, Alaska, and some parts of Nevada?  They differ in looks according to the places they live.  Poison Sumac is basically the same plant.
One needs to research the plant and how it looks according to their location.  Urushiol is released from the plants, and sticks to just about anything it comes in contact with.  The best way to deal with these plants is to stay away from them!

Bee Stings:  Most of the time, bees are as afraid of you as you are of them!  Bees are attracted to bright, floral patterns of clothing, fragrances, and food.  Bees will land on soda cans, or spilled food, so beware!  Plan to wear proper clothing (long sleeves, hats, leather work gloves, etc.) if you are going to be outside and know you are in “Bee Territory”!

Spider Bites:  Summer is the prime season for mating and laying eggs for Brown Recluse spiders.  This spider has a very toxic venom.  These non-aggressive spiders only bite when they are caught in a situation, such as being in shoes, bedding, or clothes.  One of their hiding places is cardboard boxes, under the flaps.  So use extreme caution when cleaning; shake out shoes and clothes before donning them.  They also like woodpiles, so check your gloves for spiders before you pick up the wood.

Back Safety, Ergonomics, General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products

Proper Lifting Techniques

We use our back every day, whether we realize it or not.  We twist, bend, push, pull, and lift all day long.  Most of us don’t pay much attention to the movements and back muscles involved in these everyday actions. That is, until we pull a muscle in our back and have trouble doing simple things like sitting, walking, or even getting in and out of bed.

According to the U.S. Dept. of Labor, there have been an average of nearly 270,000 reported back or spine injuries each year from 2003 to 2006.  Fortunately, these numbers are steadily decreasing(303,750 in 2003, down to 250,670 in 2006), so progress is being made.

Most injuries probably could have been avoided by paying a little more attention to what we are doing and how we are doing it.  Proper lifting techniques and using team lifting for heavier or awkward items help reduce the strain on your back muscles.

  • Keep objects close to your body: Carrying objects close to your body helps keep the “load center” in balance.  The farther from the body the item is, the more muscle strength needed to lift the item.  This forces the muscles to move in ways they are not designed to move, which can cause a strain or pull.
  • Bend your knees and keep your back straight: Focusing on keeping your back straight reduces the chances of twisting or bending in such a way that puts stress or strain on the muscles
  • Lift with your legs: Your leg muscles are designed to lift.  Using your leg muscles makes it easier to lift the item, as well as take the strain off your back.

Some jobs or hobbies require constant lifting and carrying.  In these situations, it may be helpful to utilize a back support. They come in many different styles and are fairly inexpensive($17-$36). When compared to the national average of around $9,000 per incident for non-surgery medical expenses ($30,000+ for injuries requiring surgery), $36 and a bit of prevention is well worth the time and cost.