Category Archives: Health Issues

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Health Issues, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety

THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING CHEMICAL SAFETY

Look around your place of work or your home and you will be surprised by the number of chemicals you will find.  Chemicals that you use at home include gasoline, paints, fertilizers, lawn chemicals, bug spray, paint strippers, kerosene, bleach, other household cleaners, and even hair spray.  We must take care when cleaning to not mix cleaners with bleach, as the combination could cause unsafe fumes. 

Chemicals you may use at work are facility-specific solvents, laboratory chemicals, fuels, paint, office copier chemicals, correction fluid, lubricants and corrosives.  Other examples include toxics, corrosives, and solvents. As long as we understand and practise chemical safety and are provided the proper protection, these substances can be handled safely.

If your work requires you to come into contact with volatile chemicals on a daily basis, it can pose a risk to your long-term health. When new chemicals are approved for use on, in, or by humans, there has usually not been sufficient time allowed to determine whether they pose a long-term health threat. Daily exposure to chemicals has been associated with increased cancer risk, particularly when chemical particles are inhaled or ingested, even in tiny amounts. If your workplace provides on-the-job protection, such as protective suits, goggles, or masks, make sure you use them properly and daily to minimize the risk of chemical exposure.

Regardless of the type of chemicals you are around, there are various ways of being exposed.  (1) Ingestion, such as eating contaminated food; (having lunch in work area with airborne contaminants.)  (2) Inhalation: breathing in dusts, vapors or mists (i.e., mixing bags of concrete, cattle feed or similar chemicals without a respirator, or working in dusty environments. (3) Absorption: skin contact with a chemical affects eyes or can cause dermatitis. (4) Injection: forcing an agent into the body through a needle -needle stick or misuse of drugs.

By all means, protect yourself as much as you can!  Read container labels, material safety data sheets (MSDSs) and safe-work instructions before you handle a chemical; (How many times have you started a project that you didn’t read the instructions until after you failed to figure it out?)  Find eyewash stations before you begin working and know how to use them. 

As mentioned before, use personal protective equipment (PPE) for the task at hand; including chemical-splash goggles, a respirator, safety gloves, apron, steel-toed shoes, safety glasses with side shields, etc. Ensure the PPE fits properly and you are trained in its use.   Look for defects in the PPE such as cracks, missing parts, rips, etc.  Leave your contaminated clothing at work. If you wear the clothes home, you can expose your family to the hazards. (Better yet, wear disposable clothing where applicable.) 

These chemical hazard color codes and numbers on the labels are especially important for you to know: 

  • 1.      Red – Fire Hazard.
  • 2.      Yellow – Reactivity Hazard.
  • 3.      Blue – Health Hazard. 
  • 0 –Minimal Hazard
  • 1 – Slight Hazard
  • 2 – Moderate Hazard
  • 3 – Serious Hazard
  • 4 – Severe Hazard 

Other types of warnings on containers of chemicals include symbols, pictures with words, such as flammable, poisonous, etc.  Information on the white part of the label include National Fire Prevention Association labels – acid, radioactive, corrosive.  Hazardous Materials (HMIS) on the white section of the label recommends the type of personal protective equipment that should be used.  After you have READ labels first, consult the Material Safety Data Sheets if you are still unsure.  Chemical hazards can be very harmful to your body and health, and all those working around you.   If you suspect a chemical spill, call the National Response Center, toll-free, 800-424-8801 and report what you suspect has spilled and approximately how much is spilled.  The NRC also has an online reporting tool on their website.

Last, but not least, washing hands often is of the utmost importance.  Especially while you are working, before and after you eat, and before you leave your work.  Also, keep any chemicals (cleaning products, etc.) out of children’s reach and/or away from your pets.

 

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

MEDICAL INSURANCE PROTECTION FOR HIGH-RISK OCCUPATIONS (GUEST POST)

The importance of having a medical insurance is apparent to most employees who consider this as a factor in determining which company to work for. However, some occupations offer greater risks than regular jobs that require employees to report to the office at 9am to 6pm.

These occupations include active duty military personnel, skydiving instructors, fishermen, offshore oil workers, flight instructors, civilian contractors in dangerous areas, firefighters, construction workers, police officers, pilots, and scaffold workers. Because these occupations are considered “high-risk occupations,” or occupations that carry higher risk in terms of death, disease, injury or disability occurrences, it could be difficult to get insurance for these positions, and insurance companies will usually charge higher premiums for these jobs as opposed to jobs that have less risks involved.

Although most insurance companies do not offer policies for high risk occupations, there are still some insurance companies that specialize in giving these occupations coverage. Here are some high risks occupations that some insurance companies provide special coverage for:

1.     Journalists

–          Some insurance companies provide international life and accident insurance with an international coverage for reporters, TV crew and production team who are stationed at remote areas, war zones and politically unstable locations that might be far away from areas that offer sufficient medical assistance. Journalists also get medical cost benefits for treatment, evacuation and repatriation if ever they should go through an accident, illness or a terrorist attack. Another insurance that journalists may avail of is the kidnap and ransom insurance for reimbursing ransom payments if this ever happens. Finally, a high risk travel insurance can protect journalists from accidents and can ensure that they get proper medical care when they’re travelling. The travel insurance can also ensure that possessions and flights of the insured are covered.

2.      Oil and Gas Employees

–          Similarly, suppliers, contractors and employees of oil and gas companies can benefit from international life and accident insurance, which can provide protection for death and give financial help for injured or permanently disabled employees. Oil and gas employees may also get the international disability insurance, which can provide income to the insured if they are temporarily disabled, or provide a lump sum for those who are permanently disabled. Meanwhile, the international medical insurance is also helpful in providing oil and gas employees or contractors with medical assistance near R&R stopovers and rigs. Since the oil and gas industry is prone to claims from the public for environmental accidents, it is also advisable to get the international liability insurance to protect companies from claims.

3.     Overseas Contract Workers

–          Employees who work overseas at remote locations where insurance is not valid should avail of the personal accident insurance, which can give them protection from death, dismemberment, and disability. As employees who work at high risk regions, overseas workers should also get international travel insurance to get coverage for areas where terrorism or political strife is prevalent. Another insurance plan ideal for overseas workers is the international medical insurance which may be used to cover medical costs of treatment, evacuation and repatriation brought about by either illness, accidents or terrorist attacks. It is also advisable to get a worker compensation scheme for local and expat workers.

4.      Security

–          Private security employees who are working in the Middle East and other areas where there are high risks of terrorism should get an international life and accident insurance able to provide coverage for death or give compensation to employees that are injured or permanently disabled while working overseas. It is also a must to get international medical insurance to get medical care right where the security employee is working overseas or at home where the risk is just as high. Another essential insurance coverage is the defense base act insurance, which can help out employees if their security company provides services to the US government.

5.     Logistics

–          For those involved in logistics work in areas that have wars, political strife, or possible terrorism, the primary concern is getting an international life and personal accident insurance that can cover disability as well as death protection for drivers, staff, and other members of the crew in transit. Just as importantly, medical expenses coverage should also be a must to get through accidents, illnesses or terrorist activities. It is also ideal to get a kidnap and ransom insurance for when logistics employees transport sensitive products and items.

After learning about the possible insurance options available for those who have high risk occupations, you are now ready to find the right insurance companies that offer these packages. Note that these specialized, high-risk occupation insurance policies could be more costly than regular insurance policies. To minimize costs for high-risk occupation medical insurance policies, try looking at group insurance policies.

 

Author Bio:  Article Written by Cristina Beltran – a blogger & writer at Compare Hero, Malaysia’s leading comparison website. This portal helps individuals in making the best decision by comparing rates from different finance and insurance providers.

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

“LOVE YOUR HEART” MORE THAN EVER THIS MONTH!

Our heart is the major organ that keeps our bodies going.  February is American Heart Month, the time of year that several organizations, such as the American Heart Association want to impress upon us the importance of taking care of our hearts.

Did you know that heart disease is preventable and controllable?  It seems that we wait until something happens, such as a scare with heart problems before we do anything about it.  Barring predisposed heart disease, most of us are born with healthy hearts.  Exercise and proper diet are very important things to keep our entire body healthy, beginning in childhood. 

Each year, around 715,000 Americans have a heart attack.  About 600,000 people die from heart disease in our country every year, averaging one out of every four deaths.  Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that it is not too late to start your journey to better heart health by taking one step at a time.  Here are their recommendations:

  • Don’t become overwhelmed, or go it alone.  Get your friends and family involved and you will all be healthier for it.
  • Take one day at a time; if you fail to follow heart healthy rules today, start over tomorrow.
  • Reward yourself.  Do fun things, such as taking a walk with a friend, rather than sit on the couch eating snacks. 
  • Eat a healthy diet.  Choose fruits and yogurt rather than candy and ice cream.
  • Watch your weight. 
  • Monitor your blood pressure.
  • Don’t smoke.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Don’t overdo alcoholic beverages.
  • Keep a check on your cholesterol and triglycerides.
  • If you are diabetic, monitor your sugar levels faithfully.
  • Follow your doctor’s instructions and take your medicine as directed.

Here are the warning signs for heart attack from the American Heart Association:

  • Chest discomfort.  This usually last more than a few minutes, and may feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
  • Discomfort in other areas of the upper body.  Some persons who have had heart attacks reported symptoms in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
  • Shortness of breath.  This could happen in addition to or without chest discomfort.
  • Breaking out in a sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness.

The American Heart Association also shares warning signs for stroke:

  • Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
  • Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
  • Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
  • Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination.
  • Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.

If you or someone you know has any of these signs (either heart attack or stroke), call 9-1-1!  Check the time so you will tell the EMS team what time the symptoms first appeared.  If given within three hours of the start of symptoms, a clot-busting drug can reduce long-term disability for the most common type of stroke.  In the event of symptoms of heart attack, call EMS or have someone drive you to the nearest hospital immediately.  Do not drive yourself, unless there’s no other option.

The best Valentine you can give your family is to take care of your heart every day.  My husband had a quadruple heart bypass seven years ago, which was a very scarey event for him and our family.  Thankfully, he takes better care of himself and exercises regularly. 

Last, but not least, remember this Friday, February 7th is National Wear Red Day to remind everyone to love their hearts!

Sources: CDC, American Heart Association

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

WORLD CANCER DAY, FEBRUARY 4TH – INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT CANCER (GUEST INFOGRAPHIC)

Suzanne Yates, with Asons Solicitors, has asked me to give you the following information, due to the worldwide response to World Cancer Day, in case you have questions

http://www.asons.co.uk/medical-negligence/cancer-misdiagnosis/cancer-misdiagnosis-compensation-claims/?utm_source=IG&utm_medium=Blog4Safety&utm_campaign=Suzanne

have questions:  Print

have questions:  Print

http://www.asons.co.uk/medical-negligence/cancer-misdiagnosis/cancer-misdiagnosis-compensation-claims/?utm_source=IG&utm_medium=Blog4Safety&utm_campaign=Suzanne

 

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

WORKER SAFETY IN HOSPITALS INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE ON NEW WEBSITE!

Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Worker Safety in Hospitals website.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has introduced a suite of online resources to support hospitals in fostering a safer workplace for employees and patients. The extensive materials include fact books, self-assessments and best-practice guides designed to help hospitals prevent worker injuries and illness, assess workplace safety needs, enhance safe patient handling and implement safety and health management systems. “These new materials can help prevent hospital worker injuries and improve patient safety, while reducing costs,” said Dr. David Michaels, assistant secretary of labor for occupational safety and health. In a teleconference held on Jan. 15, Dr. Michaels was joined by Dr. John Howard, director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; Dr. Lucian Leape, chairman of the Lucian Leape Institute at the National Patient Safety Foundation; and Dr. Erin S. DuPree, chief medical officer and vice president of the Joint Commission Center for Transforming Healthcare.

Every morning at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, staff from each department gather together in a conference room to begin the day the way they always do – by talking about workplace safety.  One staff member is designated the new “safety officer of the day,” and the agenda includes, as always, a review of recent safety inci­dents and concerns. As Health Director Alison Muth explains, “Starting the day without these meetings would be like pulling out of the driveway without your seatbelt on.”  What a unique idea – starting each day with a safety meeting.

It’s no coincidence that Cincinnati Children’s is generally acknowledged as one of the very best pediatric hospitals in the country. Both the current and previous CEOs have run non-health care companies and recognize the value of a safe workplace – to workers, to customers and to the bottom line.  There are many other hospitals across the country that do it right. There are even 14 hospitals – such as University Medical Center at Brackenridge in Austin, Texas, and Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital in Nashville, Tenn., who participate in OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Programs, an elite group of companies whose proactive approach to injury and illness prevention have resulted in dramatic decreases in workplace injuries, accompanied by a transformed workplace culture that leads to higher productivity and quality, reduced turnover, reduced costs and greater employee satisfaction.

It’s important for all hospitals to follow suit. In 2012, U.S. hospitals recorded 248,100 work-related injuries and illnesses, nearly 58,000 of which caused employees to miss work. The good news is that injuries and illnesses can be prevented.

Hospitals have seen an unusual amount of flu this season, with many resulting in pneumonia, and even death.  Hospital employees are the first ones to be exposed to many illnesses, and are given preventive vaccines  to help them stay well.  By using face masks, gloves, and other protective clothing to combat the spread of germs, workers try to remain healthy.  Washing hands is important to healthcare givers and anyone else who has touched the surfaces or door knobs, pens, or anything else that a sick person has been in contact with.

The mission of all hospitals is to give the best patient care possible.  Handling patients in a safe way, having fall prevention on their beds (bed alarms), and monitoring them often is very important.  That is why holding daily safety meetings with department staff makes sense.  Their employees may report any incidents to them in order that they discuss this in the meetings and together come up with better solutions.

Nurses, aides, and other hospital employees that help patients to their wheelchairs or bathroom, should use a lift if the patient is too heavy, in order that the caregiver not be injured.  There are many ways that hospital employees must stay as healthy as possible;  management should ensure that they do.  Personal protective equipment is a big part of hospital attire. Lab coats, shoe covers, face shields, examination gloves, hair covers, surgical gowns, and other clothing you  see hospital personnel wearing is considered personal protective equipment.

Anyone connected with a hospital should check out this informative website. 

Source: Department of Labor

 

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

MENTAL SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE (GUEST POST)

 
Safety in the workplace is paramount. Too often we focus on physical safety. We must not let the emotional and mental safety of our coworkers and employees fall to the wayside. Depending on the workplace, we might need to pay more attention. As much as all companies might want to deny it, some work places are more likely to lead to depression. Flipping burgers, sitting in front of the computer, or burrowing down in a cubicle can be mind-numbingly boring. These types of jobs are repetitive and are often incredibly alienating. One minute blends into another, and another, and another. It’s all too easy to succumb to the black hole of depression. Especially if our personal lives are not what they should be.

Depression in the Workplace

Depression is a serious factor that could affect the safety and productivity of the workplace. It’s so prevalent that we see instances of depression in our situational comedies like Friends and The Office. In “Performance Review” Michael Scott, the self-involved manager, pulls out a suggestion box that hasn’t been touched in a year to impress his boss. One of the first suggestions that he pulls out is “we need better outreach for employees fighting depression.” Michael breezes over this suggestion as a joke. “Nobody in here is suffering from depression,” he says. 

Employees Do Suffer From Depression

Studies have shown that up to 6% of employees experience depression every year, so depression is a little more serious than Michael Scott would believe. The episode of the office, as blasé as it is about the topic of depression, demonstrates how we must help employees who are suffering from depression. When Michael asks what joker wrote the suggestion, a coworker supplies the information. “Tom? He worked in accounting up until about a year ago,” she explained. When no one recognized the name, she pantomimes shooting herself. Suicide is a very serious possibility of depression in the workplace. 

Beyond the worst case scenario, depression can have other negative effects on the workplace. Depression leads to

  • Aches and pains which could distract employees from giving their best.
  • Easily irritated employees who might complain more often. 
  • Unproductivity caused by listlessness. (Studies suggest that around 18 work days are lost each year).
  • An increase in the number of sick days requested. (Studies suggest that around 8 work days are lost each year).

Pin Pointing Cases of Depression

In order to prevent depression or help employees, we must first be able to identify if an employee is suffering from depression. Here is a list of possible symptoms to look out for. 

  • Employees seem to carry a pervasive stress, even when doing simple tasks.
  • Vocal self-loathing.
  • Loss of energy. 
  • Inability to sleep or oversleeping.
  • Loss of appetite or overeating.
  • Anger. 
  • Reckless behavior or an increased dependence on drugs or alcohol.

Helping Employees with Depression

Depression is such a problem because only about 57% of employees suffering from depression seek mental health treatments. While companies and employees cannot forcefully restore employees to mental health, but they can go a long way to ensure that employees receive the help that can put them on the right path. Here are a few suggestions to kick depression out of your office. 

  • Encourage employees to visit human resources if they need help personally or they believe a coworker might be depressed.
  • Offer health insurance that cover psychologist, psychiatrist, doctors, and medicine.
  • Have mandatory seminars about depression and how to deal with it. 
  • If the work is mind-numbing, drudging, or repetitive, give employees frequent breaks and encourage employees to go off task every once in a while.

As a company or employee, helping others cope with depression may not seem like your business, but it should be. Both companies and employees can benefit from a depression-free workplace. Employees have a more stable place to work. Companies receive more productive, stable, and safe employees.  

Author’s Bio: 

“This article provided by the people at Bennerotte & Associates” and Samantha Hopkins”
  
Note: Thank you, Samantha for this excellent article that hopefully will help workers who know someone suffering from depression find help, and give them the support they need. pb
General Safety Issues, Health Issues

HOW TO FIGHT STROKE AND OTHER HEART DISEASES (GUEST POST)

Cardiovascular diseases include all the diseases of heart like coronary heart diseases,  stroke, heart failure and congenital heart disease,  etc. Coronary heart diseases also include congestive heart failure,  angina and heart attack. Circulatory system diseases are hence a part of this category.

Every year thousands of people die each year die due to these cardiovascular problems.  The highest numbers of death reports are due to coronary heart disease followed by stroke.

The different types of heart diseases are as follows:

  • Coronary heart disease:

This type of disease include blockage of the vessels that carry blood to the heart. The major risk factors are high blood pressure, high cholesterol, inactive life style,  unhealthy diet, tobacco use and ageing.

  • Stroke:

Strokes are the result of disruption of the blood to the brain. This is either due to vessel rupture or due to blockage. This sometimes causes chest pain or angina.  Most stroke victims can wind up in a coma.

  • Cardiomyopathy:

It is also called heart muscle disease; it results in stiffening of the heart muscles that result in the less efficient pumping of the heart.

Heart failure

Heart failure does not mean that heart is no longer working. But it means that the heart is pumping and supplying oxygen to the body at much slower rate.

  • Rheumatic heart disease

Heart and its valves are damaged due to a rheumatic fever, caused by streptococcus.

  • Congenital heart disease

These are the malformation in the heart structure or function since birth: holes in heart, abnormal chamber/valves of heart.

  • Peripheral arterial disease

This is caused when fat and cholesterol deposits results in the buildup of plaque in the arteries supplying blood to the peripheral areas.

The decrease in the blood flow to the heart causing heart attack or stroke have the following symptoms:

  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pain or discomfort in arms, shoulder, neck and jaw
  • Feeling weak
  • Fatigued

The symptoms seen that of heart problem in women are slightly different from males. They may have the following symptoms:

  • Indigestion
  • Fatigue or nausea
  • Sleep disturbances or insomnia
  • Shortness of breath

How to fight cardiovascular diseases?

  • Quit smoking or at least start with small initiatives
  • Exercise
  • Eat healthy
  • Lower stress

Heart disease can be prevented up to a large extent (about 50%) by quitting tobacco use and also through taking medications ordered by your physician, correct diet, and exercise.   Aspirin is recommended as an immediate medicine to take if you think you are having a heart attack.  Some doctors put their heart patients on a low-dose aspirin daily regimen.

  • Eat healthy(heart-healthy foods)

Boost your omega 3 fatty acid count from the food items like salmon, walnut, canola oil, cod liver oil, whole grains, and flaxseeds. This will help you fight heart problems better.

  • Get proper sleep to relax your mind and body
  • Avoid stress triggers as these are lay a lasting impression and can bring a person down to depressive stage. This further can be a big risk for heart.
  • Medicines like Crestor 10 mg are well recommended by doctor for cardiovascular diseases. Crestor is manufactured by IPR Pharmaceuticals, a pharmaceutical giant contains Rosuvastatin as an active ingredient in it. Crestor acts by interfering in the synthesis of cholesterol and steroids. Crestor is an ideal drug for the treatment of heart diseases and is the fifth highest selling medicine in U.S.A.

Our thanks to Meggie Haneckow for submitting this article.  Stay heart healthy at work, play, and home.  If you have a chance to exercise at work, take advantage of one way to keep your heart at its top performance!

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General Safety Issues, Health Issues

ACCIDENTS AT WORK KILL EIGHTEEN IRISH FARMERS IN 2013 (GUEST POST)

Thomas Fairclough, with Asons Solicitors, sent this information regarding agricultural accidents.  Farming can be a hazardous job; no matter what part of the world we live in. pb 

According to Agriland, statistics from the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) indicate that 18 Irish farmers lost their lives working on their farms in 2013. The HAS also estimates that approximately 2,500 serious farm accidents took place last year. (1)

agriculture-graphic1

The HSA highlighted that a recent study, indicates that farmer’s health is poorer than any other occupational group. (1)

With these statistics in mind, a new Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between Teagasc (The Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority) and the HSA. The document outlines that the organisations will cooperate, in an attempt to promote improved health and safety standards, in Irish Farms. (1)

Martin O’Halloran, Chief Executive Officer, of the Health and Safety Authority said:

“Research carried out by the organisation provides us with a better understanding of what influences people’s behaviour leading to an accident occurring. (1)

“There is a constant need for vigilance on farms in relation to safety and we urge all farmers to take time to assess the risks on their farms and take corrective action. The work of other organisations through the Farm Safety Partnership in promoting health and safety on farms is also acknowledged.” (1)

However, the issues that those employed in Agriculture face, in reference to health and safety is not isolated to Ireland. Fatalities in the farming industry plague most of the United Kingdom and Europe.

agriculture-graphic3Agriculture has one of the worst fatal accident, and occupation ill health records, of any major employment sector. Only construction has a comparable incidence rate of fatal accidents at work. However, there has been a steady decline in fatal accidents in construction, but this is less so for agriculture.

Less than 1.5% of the working population is employed in agriculture, yet the sector is responsible for between 15% and 20% of fatalities to workers each year.

The industry also has a rate of self-reported illness, which is typically higher than the average for all industries.

agriculture-graphic2According to the HSE, in the decade between 1999/2000 and 2008/09, a total of 436 people were killed as a result of agricultural work, and many more have been injured or are suffering from poor health due to their employment. (2)

The fatal injury rate in agriculture for 2010/11, was 8.0 deaths per 100,000 workers. This compares to an average for 9.6 per 100,000 workers from the previous 5 years; the highest of any industrial sector. In agriculture, the area for particular concern is the self-employed workers. (2)

 

Of the 436 people killed over the past ten years in the UK 56% (245) were self-employed. (3)

1.2% of workers in agriculture and fishing also suffer from long standing health problems, or a disability, caused by an accident at work. 3.2% of workers have been diagnosed with industrial

(1)   18 lives lost on Irish farms so far this year – http://www.agriland.ie/news/18-lives-lost-on-irish-farms-so-far-this-year/ – Agriland December 2013

(2)   About health and safety in agriculture – http://www.hse.gov.uk/agriculture/hsagriculture.htm – HSE December 2013

(3)   Agriculture – http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/industry/agriculture/ – HSE December 2013

(4)   Agriculture in the EU: Statistical Information –  https://osha.europa.eu/en/sector/agriculture/eu_stats – European Agency for Safety and Health at Work December 2013

Thanks, Thomas, for bringing safety needs of farmers and ranchers to our attention.   We will follow up soon with some statistics from the United States. pb

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Health Issues, Respiratory Safety

DO YOU HAVE THE FLU BLUES?

We are smack-dab in the middle of flu season, and unless sick people stay at home until they feel much better, we are all potential candidates to catch this “bug.”  There are several types of influenza;  the seasonal flu activity usually peaks in January or February.  However, it can sneak up on you as early as October, until the month of May.  There are many precautions we can take to avoid being ill from this virus.  The best preventative measure is to get the flu vaccine.  

Vaccines vary according to the strain of flu that is prevalent every season.  However, the Centers for Disease Control provide the vaccine that is deemed proper for the expected type of flu that is anticipated to be widespread.  Everyone six months of age to the elderly should get this vaccine.  Those age 65 and older and children younger than age 2 are more likely to have complications from the flu. 

Flu viruses are a contagious respiratory illness.  It can cause mild to severe illness, and sometimes, the flu can lead to death.  At last report, in our state of Texas, twelve persons have died from complications of the flu.  One of those persons  lived in my small hometown, and was only 47 years old.  She had the swine flu.  Complications from the flu may be pneumonia and dehydration.  

When you are around someone who is sneezing, coughing, or talking to you, experts say that you are exposed to the flu because their germs land in your mouth or nose.  Yuk!  If you touch a surface or object that has the flu virus on it, and then touch your mouth, eyes, or nose, you hve found another way to contact the virus.  That’s why it is important to keep your hands clean.  Keep some hand sanitizer in your pocket or purse, and another container in your car.  Remember, when leaving a public restroom or any other public place, elevator, escalator, or using shared equipment in your place of work, watch what you touch,  and wash or clean your hands often.  (And stay away from anyone who is sick as much as possible.) 

Flu and the common cold have similar symptoms.  We want to help you understand the differences.  First, flu symptoms: 

  • Fever, body aches, cough, and fatigue.
  • A 100°F or higher fever, or feeling feverish (some persons with the flu do not run fever).
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Headaches and body aches
  • Cough or sore throat
  • Almost never causes upset stomach, except:
  • Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea (most common in children)
  • Chills. 

Cold symptoms: 

  • Colds rarely cause fever or headaches.
  • Runny nose.
  • Stuffy nose.
  • Sneezing, coughing. 

The flu can be much worse than the common cold.  Seek medical attention immediately if you have any of the following: 

  • Sudden dizziness;
  • Confusion;
  • Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen;
  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath;
  • Seizures;
  • Purple or blue discoloration of the lips. 

If you think you have the flu, go to your doctor, who can test to see if your illness is the flu.  Please stay at home until you are completely over it.  Some of the flu-like symptoms can improve, but later come back with fever and a worse cough.  Avoid contact with your co-workers until you are well.  Your family members can use antibacterial spray and wipes to help avoid catching the flu, and if they have been vaccinated, this will be most  helpful.  Face masks can help both the patient and caregiver avoid those germs floating around in the air.  Face masks and latex gloves  are also very useful for persons with underlying health problems to use when traveling.

One additional clarification:  Stomach “flu” is really gastroenteritis, not the flu. 

Source:  Flu.gov                  NIH National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases