Category Archives: Home Safety Products

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products

ADVICE FOR PARENTS OF YOUNG ATHLETES

As we all know, physical exercise is good for us, at any age.  When our youngsters become interested in playing soccer, baseball, football, and other sports, it is important that we do all we can to ensure their safety.  There are more than 3.5 million children age 14 and under that receive medical treatment for sports injuries each year, according to Safe Kids USA.  The National Athletic Trainers Association reports that more than one-half of sports injuries occur at practices rather than games.  Parents should:

  • Ask if their child’s coach has received first aid training.
  • Be sure that there is a first aid kit at each practice and game.
  • Suggest that the parents group have a risk management committee.
  • See that their child doesn’t play the same type of sport year-round, causing overuse of the same muscles.
  • Inquire if the league does a background check of coaches.
  • Be pro-active about safety issues.
  • Be sure their child stays hydrated during games.  Gatorade is excellent for replacing electrolytes lost during activity.

Proper nutrition is very important to the physical fitness of our children.  Several studies have shown either low fat milk or chocolate milk are good recovery beverages because of the ideal 4:1 combination of carbohydrates and protein that replenishes and fuels our muscles.

If children choose not to participate in organized sports, Physical Education  (P.E.) Classes are a very important part of their school curriculum.  These classes promote physical fitness, motor skills, an understanding of rules, concepts and strategies.  In addition, children learn a spirit of competitiveness and teamwork.

Show your enthusiasm for whatever your child chooses to do, enjoy every minute of it, and teach them to be a good sport along the way.

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, Home Safety Products, Respiratory Safety

TIPS FOR DIY’ERS

“Do It Yourself” projects became popular in the 1950’s, when people decided to make repairs or home improvements without paying professionals to do the job.  Fifty-plus years later, there are many home improvement businesses that sell materials and tools for these projects, and even offer classes to “weekend warriors”.  Television launched the idea with “This Old House” with Bob Vila in 1979.  Today, there are so many Do It Yourself programs on television, that it all looks very easy!

Ambitious persons who tackle these jobs are to be admired.  They have a lot of determination and are willing to do the work involved, and take pride in their accomplishments.  These people are also aware that safety plays a big part in a successful project.

While planning the project itself, the safety aspect should be kept in mind as well.  Things to consider are:

  • Wearing the right types of safety gear for the job involved:
  • Respirators
  • Earplugs/earmuffs
  • Coveralls
  • Gloves
  • Shoe Covers
  • Kneepads
  • Never wearing jewelry or loose clothes when operating power tools

If the project is a large undertaking, you should be able to leave it for a while and return when you are rested.  Spare time jobs don’t turn out as well if you are tired from your regular job, so pace yourself.

General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products

MOSQUITOS ARE STILL HERE!

I was playing golf last night and, without thinking, left the mosquito repellent at home.  I spent most of the time out there swatting at the bugs.  Needless to say, it didn’t turn out to be one of my more relaxing games.

For those of us who live in warmer climates, the arrival of fall doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be on guard against mosquito bites.  Viruses that cause West Nile, dengue fever, eastern and western equine encephalitis, and St. Louis encephalitis are carried by these little pests. Tom Sidway, veterinarian and manager of Texas Department of State Health Services zoonosis control program, states that 30 per cent of the states’ 1,700 West Nile cases from 2002-2006 became ill after August 31.

To reduce the risk of mosquito-borne infection:

  • Cover as much skin as comfortable when outdoors.
  • Use insect repellents that contain DEET.
  • Change water in pet bowls, bird baths, and wading pools several times per week.  Drain standing water from around your home.
  • Make sure door seals are intact; mosquito-proof your house.

We know that all mosquito bites don’t cause illness, but we need to protect ourselves when we are outdoors.

Texas DSHS

Home Safety Products, Weather Protection

Just How Prepared Are You?

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With all the hurricanes and storms occurring, weather emergency plans are more important than ever.

Are you and your family prepared for weather emergencies, or other hazardous events?
Since we have no control over the weather, and can’t prevent disasters from happening, the best measure of protection we can have is preparedness.

We have a list of to-do tasks to help you get organized, just in case:

  1. Create a disaster supplies checklist:Storm Clouds
  • Food (non-perishable, for three days)___
  • Water (enough to last three days)___
  • Flashlights___
  • Basic Tools___
  • Personal Hygiene Supplies___
  • Battery-powered Radio___
  • Pet Needs___
  • Extra Clothes___

2.  Complete an emergency contact list for each member of the family.  List phone numbers,       out-of-town contacts, and important numbers.  Have each member keep this list in their wallet, purse or backpack.
3.   Keep photocopies of insurance and vital records in a safe place away from your home.  This would include copies of medications, insurance information, drivers license, ID’s, passports, bank and credit card information.

4.   Check radio and television for weather alerts.  Know the difference between Watch and Warning.  Watch means that dangerous weather is possible; Warning means that dangerous weather is about to happen.  Seek shelter.

Texas DSHS

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products

TAKING THAT BIG STEP – COLLEGE!

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Thousands of students will soon start moving to the college of their choice, and there will be many things on their minds.  We have a few tips that will help make the move into that apartment or dorm room a little easier and safer:

  • Plan ahead.  Organize your move and take only the things you really need.
  • Get help:  most parents and friends will be happy to help you with your move, and any extra hands will get you settled in sooner.
  • Know how to lift properly, and don’t pack boxes too heavy.  Avoid back injuries.  No one wants to start new classes with a bad back, let alone miss all the campus activities!
  • Wear comfortable shoes.  It may sound funny, but when you get older, you will understand!
  • Don’t forget to take important records.  Having your medical information is important.
  • Take old phone numbers so you can still get in touch with folks back home.
  • If you are on medication, ask your physician to transfer your prescriptions to the pharmacy of your choice.
  • Visit the city of your school early if possible, in order to familiarize yourself to new surroundings.
  • Be sure to pack a Survival Kit!  Non-perishable food, paper plates, bottled water, a few towels, linens, and pen and paper to list things you forgot, will come in handy until you have time to purchase groceries, and other items you need.
  • Remember to take a tool kit with the basics: hammer, nails, screwdriver, etc.  Pack flashlights, one for your room and one for your car.

One last thing, be sure to use the “Buddy System” when walking on campus at night.  Stay safe, and have a wonderful school year!

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, Home Safety Products, Respiratory Safety

Dangers Of Woodworking

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Whether it is in your shop at home, or your regular job is woodworking, there are many hazards to be considered.  Proper protective equipment must be utilized to minimize danger.  Most woodworking machines now have guards that come as standard equipment.  If yours does not, install one.  There are fixed, adjustable, and self-adjusting types of guards.  Each one has its own advantages and limitations.  It is always important to provide a guard or barrier that prevents access to the danger area.

In industries, workers should be trained to understand controls on machines, how to stop equipment in emergencies, and taught safety procedures for special set-ups.

Good housekeeping must be practiced to keep dust from collecting in order to control fire and explosion hazards.  Engineered control technology is proper exhaust ventilation and correct use and storage of flammable materials.

Dangers of woodworking include:

  • Lacerations
  • Amputations
  • Severed fingers
  • Blindness
  • Respiratory problems
  • Hearing problems
  • Skin disease from exposure to finishing chemicals

Utilizing personal protective equipment, such as hardhats, gloves, earmuffs, earplugs, safety shields, and goggles will help reduce or eliminate the dangers of woodworking.

OSHA

Home Safety Products, Uncategorized, Weather Protection

SUMMERTIME AND THE SUN

Maybe because it’s so hot, we just can’t seem to say enough to warn everyone about the harmful effects of the sun!  Too many Americans don’t protect themselves from the sun’s damaging rays, according to the Center for Disease Control, (1998), even though they are aware that the burns from the sun increase their risk of skin cancer.

Many people who have been diagnosed with basal cell cancer, squamos cell cancer or melanoma, have been told by their dermatologists that sunburn during their childhood is likely a major factor that may have caused their problem as adults.  Children must be protected from sunburn, beginning at an early age.

The American Academy of Dermatology has established the Shadow Rule: No Shadow – SEEK SHADE.  If your shade is shorter than you are, the sun is at its highest intensity.

For those who must work or play outdoors, wear wide brim hats, hard hats w/sunshields, sunglasses, long sleeves, and use sunscreen that has a minimum of 15 SPF.  Reflective surfaces such as water and sand can add to the burning effects of the sun.  So play it safe, stay out of the sun as much as possible.  (And hope for an early Fall!)

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.

Eye Protection, Hand Protection, Hearing Protection, Home Safety Products, Respiratory Safety

Mowing Safety

This summer, everyone will be outside working in their yards. Young people mow lawns to earn a little spending money while out of school. But did you know that in 1990, of the 87,000 people injured by lawnmowers, 20,000 were under 25 and 10,000 of those were younger than 15 years old.

Many injuries can be avoided by taking the proper precautions:

    >These products are readily available to you for your safety. Be prepared and be safe this summer.