Category Archives: Health Issues

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Health Issues

PROTECTING HEALTH AND SAFETY WITH AED’S AND MEDICAL ALERT SYSTEMS (GUEST POST)

After a bad night working second shift, Joe feels too keyed up to go straight to bed – but a workout at his 24/7 gym sounds like a great idea! 
He swipes his member card, changes into gym clothes, and jumps on the treadmill.  It’s great to be there alone – until the chest pains start.  Joe staggers towards the locker room where his phone is safely tucked into his pants pocket – but he doesn’t make it.  By the time the early morning crew arrives, it’s too late to call for help.

This isn’t just a personal and family tragedy: it can be a legal liability issue for any business that fails to take adequate safety measures to protect employees and customers.

Prepare For Medical Emergencies
If there’s a medical emergency at your business, do your employees know what to do?  What if no employees are present – or someone working alone suffers a fall or other emergency?  It’s not enough to just point out the first-aid kit during employee orientation because the most serious (and common) medical situations require more than a band-aid solution.

Heart attacks, for instance, are quite common.  According to OSHA, almost 900 people per day die from coronary heart disease in locations other than hospitals.  The federal safety agency estimates that up to 60% of the 6628 workplace deaths during 2001-2002 could have been prevented if the proper equipment had been on-site to help the injured person.  That’s why many federal, state, & even local laws require that public buildings and some private businesses maintain automated external defibrillators (AED) on site and train employees to use them.

Health clubs and similar facilities are most often the targets of state and local AED regulations for the simple fact that people go there primarily to exert themselves – sometimes they over-exert and become ill.  For instance:

•        In 2011, Kara Kennedy, sister of the late Senator Edward Kennedy, died of a heart attack after a workout at her health club.
•        In 2007, Massachusetts required all health clubs to have AEDs.  Even before the law took effect, Planet Fitness in Weymouth purchased one – and soon used it to revive a 36-year-old member who collapsed during a workout.
•        In 2011, a personal trainer in Illinois revived two people in two years using an AED.

And yet, some health clubs resist regulations that they feel are too restrictive.  When the Kingston, MA Board of Health required all health clubs to have an employee trained in the use of AEDs on hand during all business hours, the owner of a local 24/7 facility protested.  His facility was open to members, but unstaffed overnight. The owner explained that customers knew they were exercising at their own risk because they “sign contracts saying they take personal responsibility for use of the gym after staffed hours.”

Those contracts may not be enough. Even in the absence of government regulations, health clubs would be wise to take precautions to protect employees and patrons.  A 2004 article in Trial magazine explained that federal regulations “make it difficult for health clubs to argue that AEDs are not yet recognized as necessary safety devices or that there are legal obstacles to having or using them.”  The article provides tips to help other attorneys litigate these types of lawsuits.

Solo Employees & Customers Are At Greatest Risk In A Medical Emergency
Still, the club owner in Kingston did point out a flaw in the over-reliance on AEDs for safety: you can’t use one on yourself.  That puts both employees and customers at risk if only one person is present.  Think of convenience stores and gas stations that have just one person on duty or a health club where someone exercises alone late at night. That’s why many businesses are installing personal medical alert systems.

Health clubs typically place the medical alert console somewhere in the center of the facility and provide alert buttons for the patrons to carry with them during their workout. Typically, the medical alert devices attach to a belt, wristband, or are worn as a necklace.  They don’t impede mobility but do allow the person to push a button and call for help.  Bay Alarm Medical has worked with many companies to install these systems.

Unlike AEDs, there are no regulations requiring medical alert systems, but they can provide an important element of safety and security for employees and customers.  Workplace safety requires a combination of training, infrastructure, and equipment.  Many companies now find that maintaining a safe and secure workplace also means keeping up with the latest technology.

Written by Danielle Garza

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

FIVE BENEFITS OF LAUGHTER AT HOME AND/OR WORK (GUEST POST)

Laughter and humor are far more contagious than any other things like cough or sniffle. It is the only effective weapon of human race. When laughter is shared, it connects you to others, inspires hopes and brings in confidence and intimacy. Laughter makes the environment around us much more pleasant. We can even use laughter to make our work day great. Although we need to be serious at our workplace, it is also essential to incorporate laughter and humor in your day-to-day routine. The great news is laughter can come in handy and is a priceless medicine to use at a workplace.  Here are the five great health benefits of laughter at home and workplace.

1.  Laughter helps to overcome challenges at workplace and your life

The ability to laugh and enjoy not only makes life more pleasurable but also helps you to handle tough situations and be more creative. People who use laughter in their daily lives discover that it strengthens their relationships.

You may have to face challenges in life and when you take those problems too seriously, it can be difficult for you to think outside the box and fix the problem. But when you handle the problem with fun, you certainly accept it as an opportunity for creative learning.

Just observe how children play with problems. When they are scared about any problem , they treat it as a game, and experiment it with different solutions. Using fun to interact with others helps you to develop this creativity.

Of course, laughter must have some limits. One must be more careful about what they speak or have fun so as not to hurt others in anyway. Crack a joke with your co-workers on your break or if you have a funny idea, pass it along to your seniors. Studies have reported that companies that allowed fun and enjoyment at work observed its employees to be more productive and motivated.

2.  Laughter is an effective medicine for mind and body

Laughter is an effective medicine that works faster than anything to bring down stress, pain and conflict. It reduces your sorrows, builds confidence, binds you with others and keeps you firm and active. It has tremendous physiological effects on your body.

  •  A good hearty laugh boosts immunity by reducing the release of stress hormones. It helps in keeping your muscles relaxed for up to an hour after.
  •  Laughter causes the production of endomorphins which are necessary to keep you happy.
  •  Laughter improves blood circulation thus protecting you from several heart disorders.
  •  It helps you in discharging all the air in your lungs that carries more carbon dioxide and moisture.
  •  It enhances teamwork among employees.
  •  It helps us to be more creative and explore the world in a different way.

3.  Social benefits of laughter

Laughter brings people together by fostering positive feelings and triggering emotional connection. When we share laughing, a positive bond is established. This bond helps you to overcome stress, disagreements and anxiety.

Sharing laughter is more effective than doing it alone. It is a great tool for making relationships strong and lasting forever. Laughter brings in emotional balance. Incorporating laughter and fun in your day-to-day tasks can improve the connections with your colleagues, family members and friends. Spice up your life with laughter, it does great wonders:

  •  It helps you to solve problems very easily.
  •  Laughter helps you get out of confusions, arguments and criticism.
  •  It takes off the fear from you.
  •  Exposes true feelings.

4.   Great internal workout

A good hearty laugh tones up your diaphragm, works out the abs and even exercises the shoulders, putting you to a more relaxed state later. It even provides a good cardio-workout. Laughing 100 times a day is the same as 15 minutes spent on a stationary bike.

5.  Increases life span

According to Psychiatry research, older optimistic people, those who though positively had a greater life span than those with negative thoughts.

The research included older individuals over the age of 65-85 years, who thought positively. Among them 55 percent lived longer than the most pessimistic people. In spite of their habits such as smoking, alcohol consumption and other health issues, these people who incorporated laughter into their lifestyle survived better and longer than pessimists.

We all have been gifted with this great weapon. So, what are you waiting for, whip out laughter to make your living great!

 

About The Author: Gianna is a writer/blogger. She loves writing about technology, gadgets and social media. She contributes to hometone (www.hometone.com).

Ergonomics, General Safety Issues, Health Issues

THERE’S MORE TO BEAUTY THAN MEETS THE EYE (PART II)

As stated in yesterdays’ post, there is more to the beauty business than meets the eye.  As in any profession, health risks are involved.  Our salon workers are exposed to certain chemicals as well as ergonomic issues.  We want to share with you a couple of more things to think about the next time you want to enhance your beauty! 

Nail Salons:  Note that the risk to chemicals is very low, because three OSHA-regulated ingredients – dibutyl phthalate (DBP , toluene, and formaldehyde ), have been eliminated from leading nail polish brands.  A European Union ban on these products is given credit for this action.  The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics contends that the U.S. ban was the result of a coalition of 160 organizations that organized salon workers and pressured polish makers to remove harmful chemicals.  The director of this campaign states that cosmetics requirements in this country have not been significantly updated since the late 1930’s.  Very little research on nail salon workers or customers has been done.  Due to this Campaign, several hundred cosmetics companies have taken a voluntary pledge to avoid chemicals banned by health agencies outside the U.S. and to fully disclose product ingredients. 

Massage Salons:  Because spas are among the fastest growing elements of beauty business, massage is the main attraction.  A knowledge of ergonomics is important to massage therapists because many of them have experienced pain or musculoskeletal symptoms related to massage work.  Overuse syndrome and tendonitis affecting the neck, wrist and lower back have been reported.

 Massage therapists can prevent injury by keeping their bodies in a neutral posture.  An example of this is: head over the shoulders, shoulders over the hips, hips over the knees and knees over the ankles.  Keeping the body “stacked” in this way helps maintain the normal curves of the spine and it ensures that the muscles alone aren’t holding one upright.  It is also important for massage therapists to maintain good overall health. 

Through the information we have provided, last but not least, is the responsibility of the employer.  They have an important role to play in keeping their personnel injury-free and working longer.  Training is of vital importance and keeping the workplace free of clutter to prevent employees from tripping and falling are expected from the owners.

We all owe a debt of thanks to our beauticians, who not only serve as hair stylists, and more, but also have to be our therapists as well, listening to all our problems.  They are very patient and strive to please their customers, therefore building their clientele. 

Congress is currently considering two proposed laws to make safer cosmetics.  Let’s hope these laws will keep all workers in this field of service to the public safer.

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

General Safety Issues, Health Issues, Respiratory Safety

THERE’S MORE TO THE BEAUTY BUSINESS THAN MEETS THE EYE!

Beauty salons alone generate more than $60 billion in annual sales in the U.S. and employ about 1.5 million people.  It is reported that nail salons have experienced a nine per cent over-the-year growth rate, with cosmetology and barber schools the fastest growing industry in 2011.  Massage businesses are also popping up all over the country. 

As these industries grow, attention has increased about the risks for those who maintain American’s nail, hair, faces, and bodies.   Compliance Reports focus on the safety and health of massage and salon workers.  Even though their job tasks differ from other types of jobs, the familiar descriptions of other occupations apply: chemical exposure, ergonomics and hazards.  

Hair Straightener:  Headlines were made when it was discovered that some hair smoothing/straightening products may contain formaldehyde.  These products also may release formaldehyde at levels above OSHA’s permissible limits and could be mislabeled.  OSHA states that all three put workers at risk. 

Some of these products are advertised as formaldehyde-free and containing no harsh chemicals, and the Material Data Safety Sheets list no hazardous ingredients.  Stylists, however, reported symptoms similar to those of formaldehyde exposure, including burning nose, eyes, and throat, as well as respiratory problems.  These smoothing/straightening products may release formaldehyde at levels above OSHA’s permissible limits, and could be mislabeled.  All three put workers at risk. 

Here is a brief explanation of health effects of exposure to formaldehyde exposure:

Health Effects

Formaldehyde, a colorless, pungent-smelling gas, can cause watery eyes, burning sensations in the eyes and throat, nausea, and difficulty in breathing in some humans exposed at elevated levels (above 0.1 parts per million). High concentrations may trigger attacks in people with asthma. There is evidence that some people can develop a sensitivity to formaldehyde. It has also been shown to cause cancer in animals and may cause cancer in humans.  Health effects include eye, nose, and throat irritation; wheezing and coughing; fatigue; skin rash; severe allergic reactions. May cause cancer. May also cause other effects listed under “organic gases.” 

This article is not intended to prevent anyone from working in a salon, or being a client.  Its’ purpose is to convey the risks involved for persons who choose this type of work, as in any other industry.

Tomorrow we will look at other occupational hazards in the beauty world: Nails and Massage

OSHA/US Environmental Protection Agency

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

ANOTHER HOT SUMMER – DEFEND YOURSELF AGAINST WEST NILE VIRUS

One of the unpleasant parts of summertime are those blasted mosquitoes!   Not only do they bite you when you least expect it, if they carry the West Nile Virus, you may become very ill.  Less than one per cent of those bitten by infected mosquitoes are affected.  If you have symptoms that include high fever, stiff neck, or severe headache, contact your health-care provider immediately. 

Persons who have contacted the West Nile Virus have suffered debilitating health problems.  Just this week, our local news featured a man who was paralyzed from the neck down when he contacted the virus last year.  Through hard work and medical treatment, (a year later), he is barely able to pull himself up and stand for 20 seconds!  So this is nothing to ignore.  So if you are getting “buzzed” by a mosquito, get out the swatter and spray! 

Remember the Four D’s for your defense against exposure to mosquitoes: 

Dusk/Dawn are the times of day you should try to stay indoors.  This is the time infected mosquitoes are the most active. 

Dress in long sleeves and pants when you’re outside.  For extra protection, you may want to spray thin clothing with repellent. 

Deet (N/ N-diethyl-m-toluamide) is an ingredient to look for in your insect repellent.  Follow label instructions, and always wear repellent when outdoors. 

Drain standing water in your yard and neighborhood –  reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home by emptying standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires, and birdbaths on a regular basis.

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

  • Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes outside. Use your air conditioning, if you have it. 

Help Your Community West Nile Virus Surveillance and Control Programs

  • Support your local community mosquito control programs. Mosquito control activities are most often handled at the local level, such as through county or city government. The type of mosquito control methods used by a program depends on the time of year, the type of mosquitoes to be controlled, and the habitat structure. Methods can include elimination of mosquito larval habitats, application of insecticides to kill mosquito larvae, or spraying insecticides from trucks or aircraft to kill adult mosquitoes. Your local mosquito control program can provide information about the type of products being used in your area. Check with your local health department for more information. Contact information may be found in the blue (government) pages of the phone book. 

Texas Department of Health/CDC

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

SAFE AND EFFECTIVE WORKOUT EXERCISE PROGRAMS FOR WEIGHT LOSS (GUEST POST)

When you reach adulthood, you would notice that you are already on the stage where your weight problem is one of the main issues that you need to face. If you want to make sure that you will still have that perfect body condition when you reach your old age, you have to make sure that you are doing the right thing in order for you to achieve the normal weight for your body.With the goal to lose excessive weight, you have to make sure that you are performing the right exercise and fat burning workouts. There are those that are proven effective and safe for everyone. You just have to stick with that and you will surely get a positive result when you do it regularly. Here are some of the safe and effective workout exercise programs that can help you lose weight: 

·         Brisk walking and dumbbell exercise. If you are looking for the most effective way to lose weight, you can try brisk walking. This activity is one of those that are highly recommended because it can burn calories in just few minutes. After brisk walking for few minutes, you can do the dumbbell exercise where you can just hold a pair of dumbbells and lift your two hands in synchronized manner. This is going to be very helpful in toning the muscles in the upper part of your body in order to make sure that it is getting equal toning with the lower part as you did your brisk walking. This is a very safe and effective exercise. 

·         Bicycling and a little stretching. Aside from walking, you can go for an afternoon biking or you can just have that indoor bicycle that can be used by people who do not want to exercise under the sun. Before having your regular dose of biking, you can do a little warm up stretching in order to make sure that the muscles are prepared. Just like walking, you will be losing significant amount of unwanted fats when you go biking and you make it a regular habit. You can do this during afternoons after work. 

·         The Jump Rope Exercise. According to studies, slow cardio exercises are effective in losing weight. If you find jogging and walking too mainstream for you, the jump rope exercise can be perfect for you. All you need to do in order to make sure that you will become successful in this type of workout program is to do it regularly. There are a lot of people who have been doing this very simple exercise coupled with a little jog. The result of jump rope exercise is one thing that can help you get that lean body. 

·         Jogging and three sets of dumbbell rise. Here is a thing; dumbbell is a very important tool that can be perfect for people who are looking for the simplest and the safest exercise. When you are still starting, you have to make sure that you are conditioning your body to a more focused exercise workout program. You have this jogging and dumbbell raise workout program when you wake up in the morning. All you need to do is to start with the jogging and a little stretching and do the three sets of dumbbell raise. This is not really hard to do and it can also be very helpful in giving you the energy that you need for the day. 

When you are doing the given workout programs above, you have to make sure that you are also eating the right food in order for you to get a positive result. 

Author Bio: 

Marshal Gatlin is a health & fitness enthusiast. He writes on topics such as the fat burning workouts and cardio workout. Through the All Workout Routines site he strives to help everyone achieve their fitness and weight loss goals and provide access to the information and education they need to do to so.

Note: You might consider wearing a high visibility vest while walking or riding, in order for vehicles to easily spot you. pb

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

ARE HOSPITALS TRUE TO SAFETY STANDARDS? THE INSIDE SCOOP! (GUEST POST)

Hospitals are supposed to put rigorous safety measures in place to ensure that all of the patients, visitors and staff will be kept safe at all times, but this does not always happen. In fact, many hospitals are shockingly lax in certain areas. Sadly, the usage of safety measures is sometimes skipped because of time or money constraints, which in-turn directly affects the staff and has a big impact on how the hospital’s operations are run. 

Hospital Safety Issues – If you observe any of these safety issues at your local hospital, it is a good idea to consider reporting them to a high-level employee or compliance officer.
 
1. Lack of Visitor Screening – Hospitals are supposed to check visitors in and out so that they can control the level of access that is given to their floors and each individual patient. However, there are several hospitals that fail to put someone in place at the information desk, and this causes several people to wander in and out without any staff members being aware of it. Although visitors are usually harmless, it is possible that someone could enter the hospital with ill intentions, so there should always be a sign-in procedure to protect the patients.
 
2. Locking Down Waiting Areas – During flu season, the flu will impact millions of people, but young children and the elderly run a much higher risk of dying as a result of contracting the illness. Therefore, it is a good policy to prohibit children who are not sick from sitting in the waiting area at the hospital during flu season. By putting this simple safety measure in place, it is possible to greatly reduce the total number of flu cases that originate at the hospital.
 
3. Proper Labeling – Hospitals have a lot of dangerous items, and there are also tests being performed on patients on a regular basis. To keep everyone safe, it is necessary to ensure that everything in the hospital is properly labeled. After all, without labeling, it would be very easy for someone to be accidentally exposed to a virus.
 
4. Slip and Fall Hazards – It is necessary to keep a hospital as clean as possible, and this requires the janitorial staff to quickly clean up spills. However, this means that there will be areas of the floor that are wet, and it is essential to properly mark them with signs in order to prevent people from slipping and falling. 
 
5. Product Audits – In the medical world, equipment and medication recalls are often made. Although most people associate malpractice cases with physicians, it is not uncommon for injuries to occur due to medical device and equipment issues. A prominent personal injury attorney, West Palm Beach based, states this warning, “Medical malpractice happens more often than you think and the repercussions can be serious.” Therefore, it is important for hospitals to have an auditing procedure that ensures that all of the recalled products are removed immediately, and for patrons to be made aware of the risks.
 
Sadly, there are several staff members, visitors and patients who will end up with a personal injury claim each year as a result of the hospital’s negligence. However, if the staff becomes committed to following the necessary safety guidelines, they can easily reduce the hospital’s potential liability and protect everyone who enters the building.
 
Researcher and writer Nickey Williams contributes this article to those concerned with hospital safety standards. The personal injury attorney West Palm Beach based firm of Steinger, Iscoe & Greene is dependable and experienced in matters concerning negligence. They work hard to hold healthcare providers and hospitals responsible for negligence.
General Safety Issues, Health Issues

SAFETY COMPLIANCE IS ESSENTIAL DURING HAZARDOUS WASTE REMOVAL (GUEST POST)

This post was written Duane Neukom, Marketing Manager at WasteXpress, a hazardous waste removal company. The company provides on-site disposal, transportation and industrial services to businesses across Oregon and Washington. 

In 1999, the United Nations Environmental Program estimated that industrialized countries produce up to 400 million tons of hazardous waste each year. Hazardous waste is any type of waste that poses a threat to the environment or public health. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) states that hazardous waste falls into two categories: characteristic and listed wastes. Characteristic hazardous waste products are those that are corrosive, reactive, ignitable or toxic. Listed hazardous waste products are those that regulatory authorities deem as hazards, such as F, K, or P-listed. By applying proper hazardous waste removal transportation practices, you can remain compliant with the law while reducing waste and keeping the public and land safe.                

 

Hazardous Waste Removal Transportation Process 

All companies that produce hazardous waste must follow the hazardous waste removal guidelines outlined in the RCRA and Hazardous Materials Transportation Uniform Safety Act (HMTUSA). The first step in the professional waste removal process is classification. Waste classification, or characterization, helps determine if waste is hazardous or non-hazardous, as well as whether it is a characteristic or listed hazardous waste product. The classification process helps businesses reduce waste, promotes recycling and conserves resources. 

After the waste is classified, a hazardous waste removal company creates a shipping name during the waste profiling process. Waste profiling is the process of describing the characteristics of hazardous and non-hazardous waste so professionals can confirm the appropriate treatment methods or the recyclability of the materials.  

Before transport, a waste removal company affixes the shipping names to the containers holding waste products; prepares the shipping papers; and mark the containers with the appropriate warning labels. 

Hazardous Waste Removal DOT Compliance 

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) created the Hazardous Waste Materials Transportation Act to ensure the safe transport of all hazardous materials. Hazardous waste transporters are subject to DOT, EPA and RCRA regulations, including: 

Obtaining an EPA identification number. This ID number helps keep track of hazardous waste and its transporters. 

Compliance with the manifest system. Hazardous waste transporters cannot transport waste unless a manifest accompanies the materials. The manifest must stay with the hazardous materials at all times. When the waste arrives at its destination, the recipient must sign and date the manifest. 

Use of DOT shipping papers and labels. The shipping papers created during the waste profiling process help the transporter and public know how to combat a spill or exposure if there’s an accident. The labels placed on the outsides of the containers should contain the name of the shipment, EPA ID number, United Nations number, packaging specifications and the appropriate handling guidelines or warnings. 

The proper handling of hazardous waste discharges. Even when waste is removed and transported safely, it can still be dangerous, especially if there’s an accident. In the event of an accident, the waste transporter must notify the appropriate authorities, such as the National Response Center. 

Hazardous Waste Removal Documentation and Manifests 

To help make filling out shipping papers and manifests simpler for transporters, the EPA and DOT created a Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest that complies with the RCRA. This uniform manifest helps eliminate variability among different states, as well as the need to fill out state-specific manifests, and it makes shipment tracking easier. As of September 2006, the use of the uniform manifest is mandatory in all 50 states. 

Under the RCRA, the shipping papers or manifests that accompany hazardous waste must provide the following information: 

  • Details about the company that generated the waste.
  • Details about the facility that will receive the waste.
  • Description of the quantity of waste, including the number of containers and the container types.
  • Details about how the waste will arrive at the receiving facility. 

After a shipment of hazardous waste arrives at its destination, the client and transport company should receive copies of the signed manifest for their records. 

The proper removal and transport of hazardous waste is vital to public and environmental health. By working with an established waste removal company that’s licensed by local DEQ, EPA and local DOT, you can rest assured knowing your company is in compliance and the transport company is up-to-date on the latest waste removal laws.

Workers who are involved with hazardous materials must have the proper personal protective clothing for the particular risks involved in their job.  When cleaning up following an accidental spill of hazardous materials, it is imperative that all safety precautions are taken. pb

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Health Issues, Weather Protection

THINGS ARE HEATING UP, AND IT’S ONLY MAY!

During the summer months, workers who are exposed to extreme heat should recognize symptoms of heat stress, and how it can be prevented.  The month of May is more than half-gone, and things are heating up already.  May is Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection Month, and May 25th is Heat Safety Awareness Day.  So we hope you will take heed: 

Things that can lead to heat stress are: inadequate water intake, physical exertion, direct sun, high temperature or humidity, and some medicines.  Workers should stay hydrated and maintain a safe core body temperature, which should never exceed 100°F.  Ingesting fluids on a regular basis also puts less strain on the cardiovascular system. 

Signs of heat disorders are:

  • Heat Exhaustion – This is the result of a combination of dehydration and excessive heat.  Headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, giddiness, and thirst are symptoms.  Workers with heat exhaustion should be given fluids, and encouraged to rest.  Workers can stay hydrated by keeping containers of fluids handy at all times.
  • Heat Cramps – Caused by an electrolyte imbalance caused by sweating and lack of water replenishment.  Workers in hot environments should drink water every 15 to 20 minutes and drink carbohydrate-electrolyte replacement liquids (e.g., sports drinks).
  • Heat Stroke – This is the most serious heat related disorder.  Confusion, irrational behavior, loss of consciousness, lack of sweating (usually), an abnormally high temperature are primary signs of heat stroke, resulting in a medical emergency.  The worker should be doused with cool water and given fluids.  Drinks that contain alcohol, caffeine or large amounts of sugar can cause workers to lose body fluid, and very cold drinks can cause stomach cramps.  Cool fluids are easier to drink and more easily absorbed into the body.
  • Heat Rashes – Most common problem where skin is persistently wetted by sweat.  Creams or ointments should not be used as they keep the skin warm and moist, and may worsen the condition.  Powders may be applied. 

A reminder to workers: be sure to drink fluids before becoming thirsty; if you wait, your body is already dehydrated.  Wear a wide brimmed hat if your work doesn’t require a hardhat, use sunscreen, and wear polarized safety eyewearthat have the proper UV protection.  Be sure to protect your body with a sunscreen with a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rate.  Protect your children from sunburn, because many times skin cancer shows up at a later age, waiting all that time from childhood to adulthood to become a serious problem.  Children’s eyes should also be protected from the UV rays of the sun; it is important that they wear sunglasses , just as their parents do.

Source: OSHA, CDC

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Health Issues

UNDERSTANDING DEFIBRILLATORS (GUEST POST)

 A defibrillator is a life saving device that issues a electrical shock to the heart in some cases of cardiac arrest. This process is called defibrillation and can help save lives. Cardiac arrest happens when the heart stops pumping bloody around the body. At this time it is critical that defibrillation happens as soon as possible.

This electrical shock depolarizes a critical mass of the heart muscle, terminates the arrhythmia, and allows the natural rhythm  of the heart to be re-established by the body’s organic pacemaker, in the sinoatrial node of the heart.

According to the British heart foundation for every minute that a patient is not giving defibrillation their chances of survival decrease by 14 per cent. In fact research also show that’s providing a shock within five minutes of the patient collapsing provide the best chance of survival.

Defibrillators can come in many forms and sizes. These can be external, transvenous, or implanted. This will all depend on the device used. The most common devices are called automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and because they automate the defibrillation process, by automation of the treatable rhythms, meaning that bystanders or people with very little or no training at all can use them.

Because of the importance of the defibrillators and the low numbers available, it is vital that these devices are strategically placed within an area. These are often placed where an ambulance would find it difficult to get to –  i.e.,  placed with traffic congestion, poor infrastructure, or where large crowds gather.

Defibrillation was first successfully performed in 1899 by two physiologists in Switzerland. It was found that small electrical shocks could induce ventricular fibrillation in dogs. However, it wasn’t until 1933 that a serious alternative to injecting powerful drugs straight to the heart. Dr Albert Hyman came up with the invention of a hollow needle, an insulated wire to the heart to deliver the electrical shocks.

These days Defibrillators have come a long way from the Hyman days. In order to use the AED, the machine is turned on and then a voice prompt will instruct the rescuer on what to do. The voice prompts the rescuer to place the pads into position on the chest and these then detect if a shock is needed by reading activity in the heart.

Defibrillation should never be seen as an alternative to to CPR, which can help by time before defibrillation is needed. The British Heart Foundation state that if more GP surgeries were equipped with defibrillators that survival could be increased by up to 60 per cent if the patient is treated immediately after entering cardiac arrest.

AED’s are often placed in highly visible areas and it is not recommended that these should be placed in locked or code restricted cabinets as this makes them inaccessible in time of emergency where the time taken is of essence. AED’s are often brightly coloured, and are often encased in protective cases. When these protective cases are opened nearby staff are alerted by a buzzer. 

Neil Maycock is a writer for Martek Medical. Focusing on topics such as health and safety and first aid at work.

Thanks, Neil, for this information about defibrillators.  After having seen an AED demonstrated in a CPR class, the verbal coaching that it gives makes it easy for most persons to use.  As stated in your article, CPR should be the first attempt of life-saving.  Hopefully, AED’s are becoming more prominent at many venues, from sports, to school activities, to churches.  A heart attack can happen any time, any where. pb