Category Archives: Uncategorized

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

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There are various opinions about the origin of this holiday, which is celebrated by the United States and Canada.   Some facts we have found are that the first Thanksgiving was celebrated in Texas, by the Spanish explorer, Francisco Vasquez de Coronado in 1541.  Pilgrims gathered in 1621 to celebrate a successful harvest.  In the United States, in 1939, the fourth Thursday in November was named as the official holiday.  The second Monday in October is Canada’s national Thanksgiving holiday.  There are probably many other theories about when and how the holiday began, but the main theme of today’s article is to have a Happy and Safe one!

This is the time of year when folks become rushed, getting ready for the big day!  The most dangerous and deadly time of the year is from now through the end of the year, according to traffic statistics.  Drunk drivers, drivers and passengers who are not wearing seatbelts, and those simply in a big hurry, account for accidents that can cause not-so-happy memories for all involved.  Even if you are going to save lots of money getting to that “Black Friday” sale the day after Thanksgiving, consider the consequences and slow down!

Here’s a few basic, common sense hints to make your holiday feast successful:

  • In planning your meal, keep in mind those who might have food allergies.
  • Childproof your home.
  • Prepare the meal safely; use protective gloves when handling hot dishes.
  • If you choose a fresh turkey, do not purchase it until 1-2 days before you plan to cook it.
  • Thaw your frozen bird in the refrigerator 24 hrs per each 5 lbs.
  • Lest you forget to thaw the turkey, you may thaw it in the microwave if it isn’t too big; be sure to use the power level for thawing, and cook immediately once it is thawed.
  • Leftovers should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking.
  • Use the refrigerated leftovers within 3-4 days.
  • Keep Fido or Tabby safe this Thanksgiving; a little turkey meat won’t hurt, but don’t give them bones from the bird, as they can splinter and be dangerous.  Foods that are spiced with garlic, etc., are not meant for animals.  Your beloved pets will be just as happy with their regular diet.

We hope that each and every one will travel safely, not eat too much, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

DON’T BE A TURKEY THIS THANKSGIVING BUCKLE UP AMERICA. EVERY TRIP. EVERY TIME.

This is the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s theme for Thanksgiving season, beginning November 16th and going through November 29th.   Law enforcement agencies will be cracking down, coast to coast, day or night, to enforce one of their main objectives: seat belt use.  During the 2008 Thanksgiving holiday period, (November 26 to December 1st) of the 231 passenger vehicle occupant deaths that occurred in crashes at night, two-thirds, or 67% did not have their seat belts fastened (where seat belt use was known).  Forty per cent of the 156 daytime fatalities during that period were not wearing their seat belts.  The NHTSA says that regular seat belt use is the single most effective way to protect people and reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes.

Several states have passed laws requiring passengers in back seats to also buckle up.  Drivers and passengers should be aware when they head out for the holiday (or any other time), that “Click It or Ticket” is a certainty if they are caught unbuckled.  Statistics show that nighttime is the most dangerous time on the road because seat belt use is lower.  Chances of death to front-seat passenger car occupants is reduced by 45% and the risk of moderate to serious injury is lowered 50% when lap and shoulder belt are used correctly, so why take the chance?

Along with the NHTSA, we want to share our hopes that you always use caution and follow the law when driving, especially during the holiday season, which begins November 16 and concludes January 3rd.  Don’t drive impaired, don’t speed, use cell phones with care, and please don’t text while driving.  Keep those youngsters buckled up properly and see that you all arrive at your celebrations safely.

We especially liked a couple of many posters the NHTSA has as part of their campaign:
“Forty-five million turkeys will die for Thanksgiving Day – Don’t be one of them!”
and  “Make sure the only belt left unbuckled this Thanksgiving is the one at the dinner table, not the one in your vehicle.”

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

NOVEMBER IS AMERICAN DIABETES MONTH

Before we let the month of November slip away, we want to remind you that for those who have some type of diabetes, every month is American Diabetes Month!  The American Diabetes Association works diligently to provide resources throughout the country to spread the word to help Stop Diabetes!  There are 24 million children in the United States that have diabetes; 57 million Americans are at risk for Type 2 diabetes.  If current trends continue, one out of every three children born today will face a future with diabetes.

Here are three types of diabetes:

  • Type 1 – Body does not produce insulin, which helps the body use glucose from food for energy.  This type is mainly developed during childhood or adolescence, but adults can also develop Type 1 and require insulin replacement therapy.
  • Type 2 – Body does not make or is resistant to insulin.  Often preventable, this type of diabetes can be handled with exercise, healthy diet, and overall lifestyle change.  Blood sugar levels must be checked regularly, with use of medicines if needed.  This type of diabetes is preventable in many cases.
  • Gestational Diabetes – Occurs in pregnant women who otherwise do not have diabetes.  This type usually goes away after pregnancy.  Mothers-to-be are monitored closely to be sure their blood glucose levels stay at a safe level.  Those who have experienced this type of diabetes usually need to watch their weight, exercise, and make healthy food choices before and after delivery.  They do have a higher chance of developing Type 2 diabetes later, so it is wise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Diabetes can be a devastating illness.  Persons with diabetes are at greater risk of heart attack, stroke, amputation, and kidney failure.  Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in adults. Those with diabetes should not smoke.  Persons with diabetes need to keep blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol under control.  They should also wear a medical ID necklace or bracelet so medical personnel will know they have diabetes, in case of an emergency.  The average medical expenditure to those with diabetes is 2.3 times higher than those without it, with $1 out of every $5 they spend going toward healthcare.

We urge everyone to get the word out that we need to give money, share stories, and do whatever we can do to help stop this serious disease, and find ways to prevent it for future generations.  Check out the American Diabetes Association’s site to gather more good information on this serious disease.  Most of us either have family members or friends who have diabetes, and we need to be more involved in the challenge of stopping this disease.

Source: American Diabetes Association
National Diabetes Education Program

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

WATCH FOR COPPERHEAD SNAKES!

Because there are many hunters and other adventurers out in the forests at this time of year, we’d like to warn you about a certain little critter that just may not have hibernated yet – the copperhead snake.  Copperheads heavily occupy the eastern United States, but are in several southern states, as well. They also live in parts of Mexico, such as Coahuila and Chihuahua.   North Carolina has the distinction of the most venomous snakebites in the United States.

“Copperhead bites are typically not fatal,” says Dr. Peter Bromley, North Carolina Cooperative Extension Specialist in Zoology.  Most bites from copperheads are not as serious as from other venomous snakes, such as rattlesnakes and cottonmouth water moccasins because they do not inject as much venom in their bites.  However, bites from copperhead snakes are extremely painful and may cause extensive scarring and loss of use of limb where bitten.  Don’t take chances; avoid these snakes.  Seek prompt medical attention.  Bites may be fatal to small animals, so if you suspect that your pet has been bitten, get him/her to the veterinarian as soon as possible.

Copperheads are distinctively marked with hourglass shaped bands on their bodies, and so-named because of the copper color of their heads.  Young copperheads have bright yellow tail tips.  These snakes normally hibernate in October, but in warmer climates, be sure to watch for them, as they are easily camouflaged by their markings, and may still be rustling around.  Take care when you are strolling through the leaves or forests!

If you live in one of the states where copperhead snakes (or any venomous snakes) reside, keep these tips in mind:

  • Keep your lawn cut low;
  • Remove rocks, limbs and other debris from the yard;
  • Wear shoes when you go outside;
  • Use extra care when you are around rocks, logs, creek banks, etc;
  • Watch for snakes to visit your garden, porches, and decks.  (They enjoy sunning, too!)
  • Keep a First Aid Kit handy  – you never know when you may need it!

Experts say that most times copperhead snakes will avoid humans; they usually freeze when they feel threatened.  Persons who try to catch or handle them risk being bitten.

It isn’t uncommon for those who live around copperheads to be bitten while doing some simple outside task.  I had a friend that got bitten when she reached into a bucket in her yard.  It took a long time for her hand to heal.

When in your yard, watch for uninvited guests; when it’s in the snake’s yard (forest, etc.), watch even closer!

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

A VERY HAZORDOUS JOB…REFUSE COLLECTORS

In our series about dangerous jobs in America, one particular job keeps popping up on several “top ten” lists: refuse collectors.  Also known as garbage collectors, these folks are waste management professionals.  Their job not only includes collecting refuse for disposal, but also for recycling, which has become a very important plan in keeping our planet green.

This occupation is probably one that we take for granted: we know they are going to make their stop by our house regularly.  One thing for sure – they face many hazards in their job performance.  Statistics from the Bureau of Labor show that for every 100,000 workers, 43 in this occupation die annually.

Some of the dangers they face are:

  • Getting hit by passing cars;
  • Falling off trucks;
  • Getting compressed in equipment;
  • Handling chemicals, toxic materials, or contaminated needles that haven’t been disposed of properly;
  • Working in all kinds of weather;
  • Getting cut by glass.
  • Experiencing strains and sprains, and overexertion from jumping off and on trucks.

Recycling is the secondary smelting and refining of nonferrous metals and used scrap.  Workers in recycling also risk being struck by objects, getting caught in equipment, and being exposed to hazardous materials.

When a little boy I knew was about 9 years old, we asked him what he wanted to be when he grew up.  His answer was very sincere: he either wanted to be an airplane pilot or a garbage man.  While being a garbage man or refuse collector may not be as glamorous as a pilot, the person doing the job is a very important part of the waste management community.

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

HOW ABOUT A PAT ON THE BACK?

Everyone deserves a pat on the back at one time or another.  If you brag on a child for good behavior or good grades, chances are he will continue working hard for your praise, or even a little reward!  Many times a few kind words will go a long way.  When I worked for an oilfield construction company, our customers would let me know whether or not our crews had done a good job for them.  I always made it a point to pass that information on- first, to the boss, and then, to the workers.  They deserved to know each time they had pleased the customer.

Safety awards are excellent motivational tools that reward workers for consistently performing their jobs safely.  Companies should include their workers in the planning of their safety program. After all, they are the ones that know the hazards they encounter every day.

Frequent repetition of safety goals as outlined will bring good results.  Posters placed in common places also serve as great safety reminders.  Depending on the size of the company, it should be determined exactly what the choices of the awards will be, such as pizza parties, gift certificates, discounts for certain products, first aid kits, etc.

It’s been said that 93% of all accidents happen because people were not paying attention to what they were doing while they were doing it!  Workers must be trained to be constantly aware of risks they may experience, and focus on doing their job safely.  Proper training and accountability are important characteristics of a good safety plan.  Wellness initiatives could also be worked into a safety awards program.  Individual recognition plays a valuable roll, as well.  If your company has a newsletter, feature pictures of those who were shown appreciation; if not, put their picture in the newspaper.  This would be a way of acknowledging  that your company appreciates those employees who act responsibly.

Promoting daily safety goals will produce long-term safety awareness.  Work safely, and give your co-workers words of praise when they play by the rules.  That way, everyone’s a winner!

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

THERE’S MUCH TO APPRECIATE ABOUT OUR FARMERS AND RANCHERS!

There’s nothing like the view of a beautiful farm that stretches out among rolling hills.  (I always think I’d hate to have to mow all that land!)  But there’s much more behind those peaceful scenes.  Farming and ranching are on the list of America’s most dangerous jobs.  The consensus is that farmers and ranchers perform their routines in the same way, every day, every year, they sometimes become complacent about hazards that exist.  Bureau of Labor statistics show that on a per capita basis, out of every 100,000 workers, 38 die annually.

The family farm/ranch offers the opportunity to work out in the fresh air, keep the hours you wish (usually sunup to sundown), and often involves the entire family doing their share of work.  Children may be vulnerable to certain risks on a farm, such as playing around unattended equipment, ponds or tanks, or handling tasks that are not age-appropriate.  It’s recommended that the farmer/rancher check out any hazards that exist around the farm that could cause injury to youngsters or themselves.

It’s hard to list every danger that farmers/ranchers face, but here are just a few:

  • Injuries from equipment: augers, mowers, tractors, combines, grinders, balers;
  • Chemicals;
  • Sun exposure;
  • Heat and cold stress;
  • Hearing loss from equipment noise;
  • Livestock;
  • Gun accidents;
  • Storage bin accidents.

Farm animals that produce wool, eggs, milk and meat are considered livestock; they are not pets.  Although farmers and ranchers work with livestock every day and understand their temperaments, visitors, especially those with children, should be aware that even baby animals can kick or bite, and watch out for Momma!  (I learned my lesson when I tried to hold a cute little baby pig – he squealed, and here she came, Hell Bent for Leather!)

There are eleven uniform hand signals that The American Society of Agricultural Engineers recommends that farm families, employees and visitors should know in order to better communicate with each other.  Many times workers are far apart or there’s so much noise, it’s hard to hear each other.  Workers should be educated in first aid and know what to do to respond to an accident.  It is very important that the correct safety equipment is used, according to the risks involved: weather, pesticides, drills, sharp objects, grinders, etc.

We salute our farmers and ranchers for their hard work and dedication to furnishing America’s food and much more.

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

THOSE DARING YOUNG MEN/WOMEN IN THEIR FLYING MACHINES!

Flying is such a glamorous profession.  I have a friend who is a retired commercial airline pilot, and he has flown all over the world.  He has many interesting stories to tell, and I have always been proud to know he and his crews took their passengers safely to their destinations.

In our series on Most Dangerous Jobs, flying is always on the top ten list.  Statistics show that most often commercial pilots are at less risk than those who fly small aircraft, such as crop dusters, banner planes, fire-fighting planes, air-taxi’s, etc.  Our skies are full of both large and small aircraft, and the future brings even more planes to transport us across the country, and world.  Reports indicate that for every 100,000 pilots, 88 perish annually.

Fifty per cent of active aircraft are considered small, and seventy-five per cent of pilots are licensed to fly only small aircraft.  Many times these pilots are landing in airports that do not have control towers.  Crop dusters work for long periods of time, fly low to the ground, and are exposed to chemicals.  Helicopters and medical flight crews provide air rescue services to stranded adventurers, or to ill patients who must be carried to specialized facilities.  All of these pilots of both large and small aircraft furnish needed transportation to the public.

Alaskan bush pilots have an even higher fatality rate than those who fly in the lower states.  They have to contend with weather conditions that can suddenly lower visibility, and fly in dangerous, mountainous terrains.

Other risks involved in flying are:

  • Pilot error;
  • In-flight icing;
  • In-flight instrument failure;
  • Improper loading;
  • Negligent maintenance;
  • Air traffic controller mistakes;
  • Defective onboard computers or software;
  • Poorly maintained equipment.

We don’t even have to think twice about the risks our military pilots and crews take in their careers.  How would you like to land one of those big helicopters in battle sites, or a guide a jet onto an aircraft carrier?  No, thanks, I will just stay behind my desk!

We have outlined just some of the risks that pilots face in their occupations. We’ve heard the saying, “flying in a plane is less dangerous than driving in a car.”  Those men and women who maneuver an airplane, either large or small, have my respect.

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

HAVE YOU TAKEN A TAXI LATELY?

If so, you may not be aware that taxi drivers in our nation’s cities are on the top ten most dangerous jobs list.  We aren’t trying to keep you from taking a cab, but only to point out the many hazards these persons whose occupations are driving people around day and night come face to face with.

The ratio of deaths per 100,000 workers is 24 annually.  In 2000, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration reported that 183.8 taxicab drivers per 1,000 were injured from assaults or other violent acts.
Safety training is crucial for potential drivers.  They get valuable advice from experienced drivers on how to reduce their risk of violence.  Working alone, drivers must learn how to read their customers, and never trust anyone, regardless of how well-dressed or well-mannered they may seem.

In New York City, only Yellow Cabs with medallions are allowed to pick up fares off the streets.  (This comes from the 1930’s, and is regulated by the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission.  Medallion numbers are on the side of the cab.)  Gypsy cabs are licensed, and will take customers to many isolated areas that other cabs will not.  The cabs and minivans may be any color but yellow.  Many drivers are from other countries, may have a problem with language, and are treated with hostility by some passengers.  Another “fun” part of drivers’ jobs is dealing with inebriated customers.

There are many safety precautions that drivers should take:  OSHA recommends having an open mike switch on the taxi; bullet-proof shield partitions, and on-board cameras.

Other safety ideas are:

  • Don’t carry a lot of cash; ask fare to use debit/credit cards if possible.
  • Don’t discuss that you have had a good shift with passengers.
  • If they need change for big bills, tell them you do not carry change- you will have to stop at a store before you can make change.
  • Know the city’s emergency procedures.
  • Know trouble call signals.
  • Practice defensive driving.
  • Don’t wear jewelry, especially necklaces.
  • Have a good relationship with your company dispatcher; they may be your lifeline.
  • Keep a flashlight and first aid kit in your taxi or van.
  • Keep windows rolled up, and doors locked.
  • GPS devices help your company track your whereabouts.

Many cabs are equipped with a danger light located beneath the rear license plate, on the left side of the trunk, or in the front grill of the vehicle, which can be switched on by the driver to alert the police to trouble.  Drivers learn through experience how to watch for threatening circumstances and make split-second decisions for self-protection.  They must be constantly vigilant, never letting their guard down.

The next time you need transportation to or from an airport, or another destination, remember the person behind the wheel has a big responsibility with each and every fare – getting them safely to their destination and staying safe himself in the process.

Uncategorized

A BRIEF HISTORY LESSON – VETERAN’S DAY

Wednesday, November 11 will be Veterans Day.  We aren’t history teachers, yet we want to share some information about this important observance.  Originally known as Armistice Day, it was set aside as a day to honor the military servicemen who fought so valiantly in World War I.  Here is part of a resolution made by Congress on June 4, 1926:

“Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations;”

At the time this was written, WWI was called “the end of the war to end all wars”.  In 1938, Congress made Armistice Day a legal holiday.  Then World War II was declared, which required the greatest mobilization of military in our history.  Next, we entered the Korean War.  The name was changed in 1954 to Veterans Day in order to honor veterans of all wars we have been engaged in.  Since then, we have been engaged in the Vietnam War, Desert Storm, Desert Shield, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

Veterans Day focuses attention to its important purpose: a celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

Our forefathers who wrote the above quote from 1926 had no idea what the future would bring.  They only thought WWI was the Big One.  We are a great nation and we need to look back on those words and try to follow their hopes for us.  We owe a huge debt of gratitude to all the brave men and women who have fought so courageously.  Let’s hope someday, somehow they will be able to serve our country in a safer, more peaceful world.

Source: US Department of Veterans Affairs