Category Archives: Uncategorized

General Safety Issues, Health Issues, Uncategorized

MEDICATION SAFETY WEEK, APRIL 1 – 7

The Women’s Heart Foundation sponsors this April observance to promote awareness about the importance of keeping accurate records and understanding about the medicines that we take.  The U.S.F.D.A. estimates that $77 billion is spent annually on preventable medication-related illnesses.  Listed below are suggestions from the Women’s Heart Foundation for us to do on each of the seven focus days:

  • April 1: Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet
    Start with a clean slate. Discard outdated medicines and old prescriptions. Many drugs lose their potency over time. Store medicines in their original containers and in a cool, dry place. Locate medicines away from children and pets and from those who do not understand.
  • April 2: Know Your Medicines
    Know both the generic and trade names of your medicines. Know how to identify pills and what they are for. Make a list of all the medicines you are taking. Write down both the generic and brand names of medicines to prevent inadvertently double-dosing. Be able to identify pills by name. List prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, birth control pills, patches and supplements. Keep the list updated and keep it with you at all times.
  • April 3: Read Medicine Labels Carefully
    Are you taking what your doctor ordered and the way he ordered it? Note precautionary stickers on the label. Note the route, dose and frequency of your medicines. Keep medicines in their original containers. Pay attention to warnings. Note that some medicines can react with foods; others have to be taken on an empty stomach. Some lose potency quickly and must be kept in an air-tight container. The effectiveness of many medicines is dependent upon taking them at the correct times. How the medicine is to be taken ––the route–– is also important (i.e. by mouth, through the skin, under the tongue, inhaling. etc.)
  • April 4: Dietary Supplements Awareness
    Before you start taking a dietary supplement,  discuss it with your doctor or pharmacist.  Herbal medicines and other dietary supplements can react with medicines and have an unknown synergistic effect. All herbal preparations are contraindicated while pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • April 5: Organize Your Medicines
    Keep an updated record listing all medicines and supplements you are taking. Use of a medicine organizer box may be helpful, especially for those taking more than one pill several times a day, however, a medicine organizer box requires close monitoring, especially when there is a change in medicines. Also, be aware that use of an organizer box violates the rule of keeping medicines in their original containers. Managing pills with a medicine organizer box, while convenient, is not without risk. Take medicines as prescribed. New drugs with time-released action can offer some help with organizing with only once-a-day medicating. Ask your doctor about these newer medicines. Keep your medicine record up-to-date.
  • April 6: Transitional Care Awareness
    A change in medical regimen can be confusing and can place you at increased risk. Be diligent about communication with all healthcare professionals. Make sure you understand your medicines and how you are to take them before leaving the hospital or doctor’s office. Ask for written instructions. Be extra cautious whenever there is a change in your medical regimen. Double-check your medicines when picking up a new or refilled prescription. If in a hospital or nursing home, make sure the nurse checks your I.D. bracelet before giving you your pills. If a pill doesn’t look familiar, ask why. It may be a generic of the same drug you were taking however, if you don’t ask, you won’t know! Make sure you receive written instructions upon discharge from any medical facility and insist that both the generic and brand names of each drug you are to take is included.
  • April 7: Better Communication With Health Professionals
    Actively seek information from your pharmacist about the pills and the supplements that you are taking. Ask for print-out sheets on drugs and read them!  Discuss all risks and benefits with your prescribing practitioner. Share information about the medicines and supplements you are taking with all your prescribing practitioners and with your pharmacist. Discuss expected effects and possible side effects.  Report adverse drug effects promptly and never hesitate to ask questions when it comes your health and the use of medicines. Your doctor, healthcare practitioner and pharmacist are there to help…just ask!

We cannot be too careful when taking medications.   Communication is the key to the prevention of medication errors.  This excellent information is useful for individuals and sharing with co-workers.

Source: Women’s Heart Foundation

General Safety Issues, Health Issues, Hearing Protection, Uncategorized

WORKPLACE NOISE MAY DAMAGE YOUR HEART

It is a proven fact that persons who work in loud places for long periods of time can suffer loss of hearing, but researchers are now saying that they may also risk developing heart disease.  Can you imagine spending eight or ten hours per day working in an atmosphere where you have to yell at each other to be heard?  More than twenty million Americans work in noisy industrial settings. 

A new finding from animal research also shows evidence that too much noise can be bad for the heart; however, some scientists suggest that the changes may be no more than part of the body’s general response to stress.  Research over the past twenty years suggests that noise exposure contributes to high blood pressure, which has been apparent in studies.  It makes sense that the excessive noise can be as stressful to the body as extreme physical exercise or high-anxiety. Noise increases the body’s level of adrenaline and cortisol, (stress hormones), meaning that your heart could be affected.  Whether at the factory or on a construction site, noise at work is a known health hazard, with studies showing it increases hearing loss, sleep problems and psychological stress, but what about the heart? 

Currently, researchers have analyzed data on more than 6,0000 working adults, age 20 and older, to see if those working in a loud environment for at least three months have a higher risk of heart disease and related problems.  Data was taken from a large ongoing study called the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which included interviews of participants about their health and lifestyle, as well as work situation.  They were given medical exams, as well.  The findings were striking – after taking into account several factors that are known to increase the risk of heart problems, (age, smoking, and overweight), researchers discovered that workers in loud environments were twice as likely to have heart disease compared with those in quieter settings.  They were almost three times as likely to have chest pain (angina).  The link was particularly strong for people under 50, who were between three and four times more likely to have angina or heart disease.  These workers’ “bad” cholesterol levels were not particularly high, nor were their overall blood pressure readings.  However, they were twice as likely to have high diastolic blood pressure (the lower number on a blood pressure reading).  Raised diastolic pressure has been linked to a higher risk of heart disease. 

Workplace noise is an occupational hazard that managers and employers should be concerned about.  It should be discussed by workers with their managers for prompt corrective measures, not only because it could possibly lead to heart disease, but more importantly, it can cause hearing impairment.  There are not too many options to reduce noise hazards in the industrial setting.  The most straightforward is wearing of earplugs, which can lower noise intensity by 20-30 decibels.  Finding the connection between industrial noise and heart disease is perplexing; some researchers think that noise is the stressor, so maybe that is where it all starts.  More research is being done on this important subject, but in the meantime, this study provides extra incentive to take precautions, such as wearing earplugs or safety earmuffs, to minimize noise exposure.

General Safety Issues, Protective Clothing, Uncategorized

POISON – AN IMPORTANT SAFETY TOPIC FOR EVERY DAY!

It is time to announce that this week – March 20 – 26,  is National Poison Prevention Week.  In the United States, it is reported that sixty-one poison control centers receive more than four million calls each year regarding how to deal with poison.  The American Association of Poison Control Centers reports that the majority of non-fatal poison incidents involve children younger than six years old, and 90% of the time these incidents happen in the home.  The same association, (AAPCC) reports that poisoning is one of the leading causes of death among adults.  This is a warning to all of us that we should be constantly aware of the threat of poisoning on an every-day basis; hopefully, this week will bring more understanding of the threat of poisonous substances, and how to prevent it. 

Prevention is the key to keeping children safe.  Toddlers are especially curious, and they’ll try just about anything.  If you have children in your home, or visiting your home, you should have all medicines under lock and key.  Do not take medications in front of children – they learn by imitation.  Take your meds where children can’t watch.  Also, never refer to pills or liquid meds as candy when you are encouraging a child to take their medicine.  If you carry pills in your purse, be sure they are in a tamper-proof bottle; even so, they are not child-proof, so you should provide constant supervision. 

Children can also be unintentionally exposed to harmful pesticides and cleaning products.  These items should be locked up so they cannot harm youngsters.  Poison control centers receive many calls from adults who believe they may have exposed to hazardous chemicals contained in pesticides and/or household cleaners.  Be sure to read the directions and caution labels on these products, never mixing household and chemical products together, as this could create a poisonous gas.  Wear protective clothing, such as long sleeve shirts, long pants, shoes and socks, gloves, and eye protection, when spraying chemicals.  Pesticides can be absorbed through the skin and can be extremely poisonous.  

 A reaction to certain medications can cause a different type of poisoning.  Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are concerned about this, and also, don’t mix drugs and alcohol.  Certain drugs interact dangerously with food or other medicines.  Be sure your doctor knows all medicines, either prescription or over-the-counter, that you are currently taking.  Never give your prescription medicine to anyone else.  Dispose of old or outdated medicines safely.  

Animals can fall victim to poison, as well.  Be sure if you spray your yard, to keep your animal in the house until the pesticide or chemical you have sprayed has dried or been watered into the ground.  Also, keep harmful products where they cannot get into them.  Our “grandpug” got into some medicine that was stored with the dog food in a lower cabinet, and the other four dogs in the family got into it after he scattered it all over the kitchen!  All five dogs had to have their stomachs pumped, and it was determined that three of them had ingested some of the meds.  Thankfully, they were all alright; but I am thankful that I didn’t have to pay that vet bill! 

Since it is the beginning of spring, we want to also warn you that snakes and other critters will start slithering around.  This is another type of poison that you don’t want to have to deal with.  Our daughter was bitten by a rattlesnake when she was 16; she spent a week in the hospital, followed by several weeks of physical therapy.  It was a very painful experience for her.  In the United States, venomous snakes that we have to contend with are cottonmouths/water mocassins, rattlesnakes, pit vipers, and copperheads.  If a person is bitten by a snake, they should seek medical treatment immediately, and try to remain calm.   There are antidotes used to treat snake bites, once testing for allergies is done.  Most hospitals are stocked with the appropriate anti-venom medicines. 

Hopefully, this message will help us all be more aware of the potential harm that can come to anyone, our children, grandchildren, and our pets if we are not cautious about dangerous substances in our homes.  We must be vigilant in watching the children, what they are putting in their mouths, and all the harmful products that are sitting around in our cabinets or storerooms.  If there is any question that someone has been exposed to or ingested a harmful ingredient, call the National Poison Center hotline at 1-800-222-1222.  Keep that number handy, just in case!

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

ELEVATORS, ESCALATORS, AND MOVING SIDEWALKS SAFETY TIPS

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Elevators, escalators, and moving sidewalks are very efficient mass transit systems.  Because we use them in museums, zoos, theme parks, airports, theatres, hotels, apartment complexes, office buildings, hospitals, and many other places, we probably take them for granted.  These ways of moving hundreds of people every day or night require continuous safety monitoring and are required to meet OSHA safety regulations and standards.  They must be inspected annually. 

Elevators began to appear in city buildings in the 19th century.  Although the fatality rate is very low – around 30 or so per year, here are some safety tips to keep in mind when you enter an elevator. 

  •          First, if you are uneasy about anyone on the elevator you are planning to enter, wait and catch the next one.  Never take an unnecessary chance.
  •          Use caution around closing doors.
  •          Never attempt to slide in at the last minute. 
  •         Enter and exit cars only at designated floor alignments.
  •          Be sure the elevator is lined up with the floor.
  •          Push the call button only once; you just slow down the service if you keep pushing the buttons.
  •         Should you become trapped inside the elevator, call for help.
  •          Never put your hand in between the doors to stop them from closing; there is a button that will do that for you.

Elevators have multiple safety features, such as platform sensors, backup power, manual systems (in case of power outages), emergency phone, alarms, and automatic controls.  Call for help and wait for crews to properly align the car, should it get stuck midway.   

Escalators are used about 120 billion times annually in the United States.  I have always been more careful when getting on or off an escalator since I got “popped” off one when I was a kid, and wasn’t paying attention when it reached the floor I needed to exit.  One tip is to make sure that your shoes are tied before getting on one.

Here are some other things to keep in mind when riding an escalator: 

  • Do not ride an escalator if you are wearing soft-sided flexible clogs or slides.
  • If you wear bifocals, take extra care stepping on and off the escalator.
  • Find the escalator emergency shut-off buttons in case you need to stop the escalator.
  • Never ride an escalator if you are using crutches or a cane.
  • Take an elevator rather than riding the escalator if you feel dizzy or have problems keeping your balance.
  • Hold your child’s hand firmly.
  • Don’t carry large packages, bags or rolling luggage onto an escalator.
  • Stand in the middle of the escalator step and don’t lean on the side.
  • Keep loose clothing clear of steps and sides. 

Information from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says that about 20,000 escalator-related accidents require emergency room treatment each year.  The majority of the incidents were from falls, but 10 per cent occurred when hands, feet or shoes became entrapped.  Many accidents could have been prevented by the use of basic safety precautions. 

Moving sidewalks are very helpful, especially in large airports when you need to get from one part of the building to another.  They require the same safety monitoring as elevators and escalators.  If you plan to ride only on the moving sidewalk, stand to the right side of it.  Those who are walking should stay on the left side, in order to pass those who prefer not to walk on the moving sidewalk.   As with escalators, hold onto the handrail. 

It may seem simple to those who use these types of transportation on an every-day basis.  However, we cannot stress the importance that safety plays when using these means of transportation.  For those who own, operate, or service elevators, escalators, or moving sidewalks, liability is a major concern.  They all require certified inspections that meet federal safety regulations.  These types of heavy, moving equipment should be taken seriously.  We may take them for granted, but think about how many stairs you would have to climb or steps you would have to take if they didn’t exist.  Stay safe, and enjoy the ride!

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TIE ONE ON FOR SAFETY!

For the past 24 years, M.A.D.D. (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) have campaigned during the holiday season to make the public aware of the seriousness of driving sober and being buckled up.  Everyone knows that there are more drunk, drugged, distracted drivers on the roads during December than probably any other time.  

Originally named Project Red Ribbon, their campaign started in 1986, to heighten public awareness to drinking and driving during holidays.  Their goal was to get the public involved by tying a red ribbon to a visible place on their vehicle, such as an antenna or side mirror.  By doing so, you are pledging to drive sober and buckle up.  That is a pretty simple request; I hope to see lots of red ribbons on cars as we travel this Friday.

If you live in an area where there is a M.A.D.D. affiliate, you can pick up red ribbons – they are free!  If not, go buy some and do your part.  Anyone can promote this worthwhile cause.  There are easy ways to do so: leave a recorded phone message; display drunk driving statistics at work, distribute ribbons at meetings or parties, and most of all – be a responsible party host! 

Because this is such an important subject, I am going to re-post drunk driving statistics from an earlier article, “Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest:”

Statistics from National Highway Transportation Safety Administration show that during last year, a total of 10,839 persons were killed in alcohol-related vehicle accidents (that’s one person every 48 minutes!)  Of those:

        7,281 –  (67%) of the fatalities were drivers with a BAC of .08 or more;

       1,772 –  (17%) of fatalities were passengers with the impaired drivers.

        1,119 –  (10%) of fatalities were occupants of other vehicles.

           667 –   (6%) of fatalities were pedestrians or non-occupants of the vehicles.

That represents almost 11,000 persons who lost their lives because of alcohol abuse in 2009, many of them innocent victims. 

M.A.D.D. members are comprised of many parents and others who have lost loved ones because of the selfish act of irresponsible driving.  Not only does the public have to contend with drunk drivers, but those who are under the influence of drugs, and other distractions, such as texting and talking on a cell phone while driving.  Persons need to realize that the vehicle they are driving is a big piece of machinery that can’t drive itself!  (I wonder if we would drive more carefully if we pretended that the people in every car we meet or pass were our family members?)

Do your part this year, and go get a red ribbon to attach to your side mirror.  Let others know that you are going to be sober when you get behind the wheel and that you will buckle up before you start the car.  By displaying the ribbon, you are joining law enforcement and safety advocates in supporting M.A.D.D.’s cause.  Law enforcement officers will have a Zero tolerance for drinking and driving and will be checking seatbelt use, as well.

May you have safe and happy holidays this season!

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

“DRUNK DRIVING – OVER THE LIMIT – UNDER ARREST!”

United States Transportation Secretary, Ray LaHood, kicked off this important campaign on Monday: “Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.”    The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration sponsors this multimillion-dollar movement annually during the busy holiday season.  Their statistics reveal that in the month of December, 2009, 753 people were killed in crashes that involved a drunk driver or motorcycle operator with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher – above the legal limit.  That was for only one month! 

Further statistics from NHTSA show that during last year, a total of 10,839 persons were killed in alcohol-related vehicle accidents (that’s one person every 48 minutes!)  Of those:

        7,281 –  (67%) of the fatalities were drivers with a BAC of .08 or more;

       1,772 –  (17%) of fatalities were passengers with the impaired drivers.

        1,119 –  (10%)  of fatalities were occupants of other vehicles.

           667 –   (6%) of fatalities were pedestrians or non-occupants of the vehicles.

That represents almost 11,000 persons who lost their lives in 2009, many of them innocent victims. 

The Governors Highway Safety Association is in strong support of this “Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest” program.  Federal officials also want all states to use the “No Refusal” strategy when it comes to a suspected drunk driver rejecting a sobriety test.  Thus far, nine states are using this method – Louisiana, Florida, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Utah, Idaho, Texas, and Arizona.    Many other states have the necessary legal authority to conduct No Refusal initiatives including: Alaska, Alabama, California, Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia.   If the driver refuses, officers can obtain warrants immediately from “on call” judges in order to have blood samples taken from the suspected drunk driver. This will eliminate many suspected drunk drivers from trying to dodge arrests on the weekends or holidays. 

The GHSA and NHTSA met with a number of state officials last November to discuss best practice in putting into place alcohol ignition interlock programs.  Next year, the GHSA will begin a three-year NHTSA-funded research effort to determine the most effective elements in this type of program.  Alcohol ignition interlocks would prevent a convicted drunk driver to get behind the wheel of his/her vehicle unless they are sober.  Twelve states have already passed this law. 

In Texas, State Senator Jane Nelson has filed a bill to permanently revoke the driver’s license of any motorist in Texas that has been convicted twice of driving while intoxicated.  One reason she cited was an Easter-weekend car crash that left a mother and her daughter dead, involving an intoxicated driver who had been convicted of DWI three times.  Nelson has also filed a bill requiring first-time offenders to not drink alcohol and to wear an alcohol detection monitor for 60 days as a condition of probation.  More than 1,200 people died on Texas roadways in 2008, in crashes involving drivers with .08 or higher blood-alcohol content.  According to the Texas Department of Public Safety records, 78,000 Texans have three or more DWI Convictions.  M.A.D.D. (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) supports bills that allow Texas law officers to conduct sobriety checkpoints and require the ignition interlock devices for first-time offenders.  Research has shown that these measures have reduced drunk-driving deaths in other states, according to Bill Lewis, public policy liaison for the Texas Chapter of M.A.D.D.   Get involved by contacting your state lawmakers and let them know you want this problem dealt with. 

Get ready, because if you are traveling this holiday season, you will see more black and white patrol cars.  Through grants, the NHTSA helps fund extra saturation patrols and checkpoint stops during the three week, December 16th through January 3rd “Drunk Driving, Over the Limit, Under Arrest” campaign.  Sometimes we think they’re just out to catch us speeding so we get a big ticket.  They are there to save our lives.  Don’t speed, don’t text while driving, and don’t drive under the influence!  If you obey the law, you won’t get stopped.  If you plan to attend a party, have a designated driver. Don’t let your friends drive if they’ve been drinking.  Take their keys away and take them home, or call a cab. Driving under the influence or with someone who has been is not worth becoming a statistic.

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

A WARM HELLO TO OUR FRIENDS IN THE MIDWEST!

After reading all the reports of the blizzard that has hit the Midwestern U.S., we Texans have nothing to complain about, when it comes to weather!  Our predicted low in the morning is around 27 degrees, (which I understand will be the coldest since February.)  Lest we forget our neighbors to the north, who include eight states that have been pummeled with 17” to 20” of snow, including: Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Missouri, and Michigan.  Forecasts for Sunday night (December 12) throughout the Dakotas and parts of Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin are below zero.  Several other regions have had winter storm warnings or hard freeze watches.  

In Minneapolis, Minnesota, the Metrodome roof collapsed under the weight of the heavy snow Saturday.  Workers were trying to clear snow off the Metrodome roof late Saturday night, but work was canceled, for safety reasons.  Those crews were back on the roof Sunday a.m., but workers were not allowed inside the facility as a safety precaution.  The New York Giants were scheduled to play the Minnesota Vikings, but because their plane was rerouted to Kansas City, Missouri, and the mishap at the Metrodome, the game was rescheduled.  Plans are now for the game to be moved to Detroit Lion’s Field, played Monday, December 13th at 7:30 p.m., ET. 

We have recently done articles on having your car winterized, what to carry in your car in case of being stranded, and other winter safety reminders.  Those of you who are somewhat used to the colder temperatures can send us some good advice, we are sure!  We’d like to take a minute to mention other hints that might help you stay warm, from one of our earlier posts! 

Layering the right types of clothing with a waterproof top layer is a smart way to protect yourself from the elements, and will allow you to remove a layer as needed.  This is a good idea, especially for those workers who must be outdoors on a daily basis.  Stretching and warming up the muscles before work will also help one avoid muscle cramps in cold weather. 

Eating small, hot, and even spicy foods give the nervous system a warm signal that encourages blood flow to the extremities.  Drinks with caffeine constrict blood vessels, making the extremities colder.  Alcohol is dehydrating and suppresses shivering, the involuntary muscle contractions that help the body warm itself.  Tobacco also constricts blood vessels and cools the body by reducing circulation.  (It goes without saying that alcohol shouldn’t be consumed while working, anyway, but if you are outdoors for hunting or sports,  this won’t warm you up!)  

There are products made especially to help keep you warm.  Keep these in mind when looking for just the right thing:

Many of us in the south don’t have a clue what you folks up north must contend with in winter months.  We see accidents on icy highways, often caused by people that don’t know how to drive on ice.  You can teach us a thing or two about how to survive these conditions.  We wish you safe driving and traveling when your job demands it, but please drive with care, and stay warm!

Uncategorized

SHOP SMART AND SAFELY THIS SEASON!

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We are counting down the days until Christmas!   We’ve survived Black Friday, and Cyber Monday, when retailers offer deals we just can’t live without!  For those who braved the cold waiting for stores to open their doors, and spent countless hours on the computer, well done!  For the rest of us, good luck! 

Online shopping is a wonderful way to shop if you  have neither the time or desire to get out there and search for the best bargains, but either way, in person, or online, buyers beware!  You must be sure you are cyber-safe!  Before you decide to make online purchases, you should have good antivirus software.  If you get suspicious emails or pop-ups with bargains that are too good to be true – they are!  The Better Business Bureau advises us to make sure each online purchase is made on a secure website.  It is best to shop with reputable businesses; when you place your order, look for the “s” in “https//” and in the lower right corner of the browser, there should be a padlock.  This ensures you that that your personal information is safe.  

Some stores offer credit cards that promise huge incentives with a large one-time only discount.  If you plan to make large purchases, it might be worth taking advantage of this offer.  However, some stores add higher interest to balances, so it would be best to pay it off right away.  Be sure you keep all receipts.  Some electronic items and special orders may require a re-stocking fee.  It could cost you from 10% to 25% if not returned in a factory-sealed box.  

Do your homework.  Plan ahead by doing comparative shopping before buying.  Avoid impulse buying.  Be sure the gifts you choose will be used, and not just put away in a closet.  Getting a “wish list” from your family members ensures that you are giving them something they really would enjoy.  We hope you have also given some thought to some “cool” safety items that would be put to good use by workers who wear hardhats, safety glasses, safety gloves, and other protective products.

When you are out there in the “real” shopping world, take extra precautions.  There are some persons just waiting to switch your purse with an empty one, or pick someone’s pocket.  It’s best not to carry a large purse, but keep your money, checks and credit cards concealed in a small purse or bag under your sweater or coat.  Don’t wear expensive jewelry when you are shopping in large crowds, and always be aware of your surroundings.  If you have several packages, take them to your car, rather than risk leaving one of them in a store.  Be sure that they are in the trunk or out of sight in your locked vehicle.  Carry some wet wipes or small hand sanitizer with you to be able to clean your hands when a restroom isn’t handy for washing hands.  There are plenty of germs out there, too, and no one wants to get sick during the holidays. 

Please do your shopping during the day.  If you must go at night, take a friend with you.  If you must go alone, have a security person at the mall walk you to your car, which is parked in a well-lighted space.  The one thing that we all know is not to leave our small children unattended while shopping anytime. 

For those who are hard to shop for, a personal gift can’t be beat!  Cookies, candy, and home-made goodies are always appreciated, as well as showing that you care enough to take the time to do something nice for them.  Please don’t forget those whose holiday won’t be bright; give to your favorite charity or a family that needs some help. 

Good luck with your holiday plans.  Full speed ahead, shop and drive with care!

Uncategorized

PROTECTING OLDER WORKERS

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According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 330 baby boomers turn 60 every day!  There are almost 78 million persons who are considered baby boomers – those born from 1946 to 1964.  Estimates are that all but the youngest ones will reach retirement age by the year 2018.  With the state of our economy, however, older workers are still going strong, well past retirement age. 

Manufacturing companies and other industries may have trouble filling the jobs held by many types of skilled workers due to the fact that younger workers are looking for white-collar (non-manufacturing) positions.  It is imperative that companies look ahead and support their current base as well as attract new workers.  Companies that can meld all ages into their work- force will be successful with productivity, competitiveness, and safety.  Knowledge that can be passed on from older workers to younger ones in ample time is very important. 

Although older workers normally don’t sustain injuries as often as less-experienced ones, recovery time may take longer.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers 65 and older may experience an absence time of 16 days, compared to 6 days for workers ages 25-34.  Of course, this depends on the extent of the injury.  An older worker may fracture a bone, rather than experience a sprain or strain, at an earlier age. 

Companies must be mindful that as bodies change, accommodations to their jobs can be made.  Cross-departmental risk assessments can be beneficial, as different groups working together can  furnish fresh pairs of eyes that are able to spot safety issues in new ways.   The training process of new workers is of the utmost importance.  Including the experienced workers into that training process will afford the new employee a “first-hand view” of the job involved.   If it is felt that the older worker has some physical problems, the company can offer him/her alternate tasks, especially those that require repetitive movements during a full shift.  Another option is to ask older workers if they are interested in part-time shifts or job-sharing. 

Annual health screenings are very important, both to companies and employees alike.  Those companies who strive for 100% participation in these screenings will benefit from them.  Especially if they are held during work time, employees will be more likely to participate.  On-site exercise equipment is also a great way to encourage workers (young and old) to stay in shape. 

We all know the importance of wearing the right Personal Protective Equipment.  Experienced workers could be asked to demonstrate to new employees the types of equipment that are required in their particular job, and stress the importance of wearing and maintaining their PPE.  They can explain that they wear it every day – whether it’s goggles, earplugs, OSHA safety glasses, gloves, or any other type of PPE, in order to protect themselves.  They, along with safety leaders, can give details of the hazards that exist.   Sometimes, hearing it from someone who has seen incidents or been involved in accidents, can make a greater impact on a new employee. 

As mentioned earlier, we see more and more of the “chronologically-gifted workforce,” and are thankful for it.  There are many folks well past the baby boomers that get up and go to work every day.  There are many reasons – some simply enjoy staying active and others work because they can use the extra money, or both!  Older workers bring knowledge and experience to businesses.  They are dedicated to their work, and have positive attitudes toward their work and coworkers.  They set a good example to keep the “youngsters” going!  We must keep them and all workers safe!

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CAN YOU ANSWER THESE EIGHT QUESTIONS WHILE LOOKING FOR A JOB?

For those of you who are seeking employment, our guest author, Marie Duprey asks the following questions:
1. Have you reached out to your 50 warmest buddies to update them on what you’re currently doing ? 

Otherwise, send an email to your 50 closest friends, family, old clients and ex-colleagues to update them. Don’t contact them simply to send a “with your resume” seeking job leads, simply update them in order that they know your position.

2. If I glanced your Linked-In profile, would I understand you are
searching for job opportunities? Would I know what you are looking to do?

3. Are you currently posting some type of update on Linked-In at least one
time a week? (i.e. so that you are subtly on people’s radar.)  

Otherwise, get into the habit of posting something of value once per week.  Post status updates which would be valuable in your network, answer a question inside the answers section to demonstrate your expertise or put  in a valuable comment in a discussion within one of the groups you’re part  of.

4. Are you ‘out and about’ at least one time a week meeting people one on
one?
Otherwise, schedule time within the next week in order to meet with
ex-colleagues, clients and friends over coffee – lunch – drinks only to
get up to date.  You’ll stay on people’s radar for potential opportunities, often receive
some useful advice, laugh and usually feel much better about yourself than
you would sitting at home looking through project sites all day every day.

5. Do you get in touch with at least two of your fellow job seekers once a
week to share with you ideas and help one another?

6. Have you got a spreadsheet to trace each and every lead, contact or job
you’re pursued?
If not, setup a straightforward spreadsheet to aid to follow progress and
ensure you don’t neglect to follow up on a potential opportunity.

7. Do you religiously and systematically follow up almost every contact,
lead or loose conversation about an opportunity within a day? (two days at
the very latest.)
If not, how may you get more organized and disciplined in your follow-up?

8. Can you have permission to have a bad day or perhaps a bad week?

If not, go easy on yourself. It’s absolutely normal to become a little ‘up
and down’ emotionally when going through a career search or change
process.

Who am i ?: Marie J. Duprey writes for the <a
href=”http://www.humanresourcescareer.org/”>human resources career
planning</a> blog. Her mission should be to offer free info to help people
take control of the job search, build confidence and advance their careers
by connecting people looking for work with all the best minds in career
counseling, resume writing, personal branding and recruiting.

We thank Marie for this excellent advice for all the persons out there who are looking for work.  Check out her website listed above for more ideas.  Being organized in pursuing employment is very important.  Good luck to everyone who desperately needs a job!