Category Archives: Uncategorized

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

ON THE ROAD AGAIN…..

I just can’t wait to get on the road again!  Let me tell you why: as I am working my way down the list of “dangerous jobs”, truck drivers have one of the highest fatality rates among risky occupations.  Truck driving statistics show that 30 out of every 100,000 drivers die each year.  This statistic includes those driving buses and other large vehicles, as well.

So, the next time I drive down the highway, I will be more careful than usual.  My reason: reports show that many of the accidents that trucks are involved in are caused by other drivers’ recklessness.  Seventy per cent of truckers who crash do so because someone else got in their way.

The FMCSA has a “Share the Road Safely” website that explains how car drivers, motorcycle riders, and other vehicles can make our highways safer by creating a better highway situation with the larger vehicles on the roads.

Here are some of their suggestions:

  • Pay attention to the road. Stay off your cell phone.
  • When passing a truck, don’t pull in front of the truck until you can see it in your rear view mirror.
  • Do not misjudge the truck’s speed at an intersection.
  • Don’t drive between trucks.
  • When you pull into oncoming traffic and see a truck coming, be sure you have room to accelerate sufficiently.
  • Realize that when you are involved in a crash with a large truck, your chances of survival are low.
  • Be careful when you see a truck is making a right turn.  It needs more space to complete the turn.  Most trucks have that warning sticker on the back of the truck.
  • Trucks have “No Zones”, areas behind and beside the truck where the driver has limited or zero visibility.  You must be aware of this and keep yourself at a safe distance.

Big trucks are very intimidating.  Maneuvering those large vehicles can’t be easy; have you ever looked inside an 18-wheeler? The instrument panels and controls are pretty scary to a novice.  Most truck drivers are very skilled and extremely patient.  But when they need to stop their vehicle, it takes more time than a car.  That is why you must not risk causing them to have to stop abruptly.

There are many other reasons that truck drivers experience accidents: inadequate training, not enough sleep, fatigue, driving at night, and dangerous driving conditions, such as inclement weather.  Truck drivers are required to follow the regulations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association, which designates the HoS (hours of service) they may drive within each shift.

The next time you go to the store, think about how many different types of trucks brought the goods that you need for your family.  Let’s help them “keep on truckin” by driving safely ourselves!

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

DO YOU HAVE “HEIGHT-TRO-PHOBIA”?

Seriously, a fellow I worked with years ago, was telling some of us that he couldn’t stand heights!  There was no way he could climb, or stand on anything off the ground, and “height-tro-phobia” is the name he gave that fear.  I share “acrophobia” with him, as I don’t like heights, either. The weird thing is, I love to fly in planes and it doesn’t bother me at all, but I can’t stand to look down from the staircase at my daughter’s house!  Maybe you can help me figure that one out!

There are several occupations that require working at various heights, and these are considered some of America’s most dangerous jobs:

  • Electric Power Line Workers: These people work at high points and often have to position themselves at angles that make it hard to balance.  Power line workers wear special uniforms to keep from getting shocked and require special equipment to keep them balanced.  They also have to deal with a force to be reckoned with – electricity. Slipping, falling, and mechanical failure to equipment are just a few risks they have to contend with.  The next time your power goes down, think of what your friends at the power company are doing to restore electricity to the many homes that depend on them. Out of every 100,000 workers, 34 die each year.
  • Roofers: Some of the buildings and homes that they work on are extremely high.  In addition to the height, they have to carry heavy tools, walk and crawl to be where they can work.  Many times they must use safety harnesses to prevent them from falling, which may be restrictive for them to work to their full ability.  Risks they endure are high winds, skin cancer from too much sun, falls, and slipping off ladders. 35 roofers die each year per every 100,000 workers.
  • Steel/Iron Construction Workers: It makes me dizzy just thinking about walking on those steel beams while building skyscrapers!  It is extremely important that safety checks are stringent and performed often for these workers.  They wear protective gear, and depend on tethers and pullies, which must be maintained regularly.  Weather can be a dangerous factor for these guys.  Out of every 100,000 workers, 47 die annually.
  • Cell Phone Tower Workers: The statistics are very high: out of every 100,000 workers in this huge industry, 184 die each year. Cell phone companies are competing for higher towers and more towers to accommodate the demands of the public. Many times, the workers they hire are not fully trained and equipped to do the job properly.

Well, my hands are sweaty, just thinking about the jobs these folks do.  Most are experts in their fields and they all deserve our thanks.  Think of the things that wouldn’t be here without them!

Just please, while you’re up there looking down on us, work safely!

Source: Bureau of Labor

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

MEN DO LOOK GOOD IN PINK!

Because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, you will probably see a lot more people wearing pink.  For the past twenty-five years, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, has promoted awareness and education regarding breast cancer, which is the most common cancer in women, with the exception of skin cancers.  The estimate for 2009 is that 192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer in women, and 1,920 cases in men will be diagnosed.  Men have breast tissue, and can get breast cancer, even though it is not as common as in women.

National public service associations such as the America Cancer Society, medical associations, and government agencies have all joined together in promoting breast cancer issues.  Breast Cancer Awareness Month is also observed internationally during October, with many charities raising funds for research.  According to the National Cancer Institute, age is the single most important risk factor.  Other things to consider are:

  • Family history;
  • Body weight;
  • Lack of physical activity;
  • Alcohol consumption;
  • Smoking;
  • Consuming unhealthy foods;
  • Alteration of certain genes.

Women over 40 are urged to get an annual mammogram, and follow up every year.  Physicians or mammography centers can show women how to do self-exams, as well.

Surprisingly, one-half of breast cancer cases show up in women over age 65; therefore, they should continue getting mammograms through their 70’s.

You will see all types of benefits and activities in October, promoting this very important issue that affects thousands.  If you see a man wearing pink, tell him “thanks”.  Chances are he has a mom, grandmother, wife, or daughter that he hopes won’t have to face breast cancer, or that he knows someone who is fighting the battle.  There are over 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in our country, thanks to the hard work that cancer research and medical technology have provided.  These survivors are to be commended for their courage.

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety, Uncategorized, Weather Protection

ARE YOU SNEEZING YET?

With Fall approaching, several of us will have our fair share of either allergies or sinus problems.  Ragweed and all kinds of pollen are floating around like crazy right now!  It doesn’t really sound like a big deal, but either one can cause health problems.   Allergy symptoms are often confused with a cold or flu.  Allergies are the immune systems’ reaction to generally harmless substances and continue off and on, much longer than a cold.  Animal fur, fabrics, smoke, fragrances (candles or perfume), and many outdoor plants are just a few of the culprits that bother those with allergies. (I’m getting choked up, just thinking about it!) Allergic reactions to certain foods can often have serious results.

Symptoms of allergies are:

  • Sneezing
  • Watery eyes
  • Repeated ear and sinus infections
  • Loss of smell, taste
  • Hoarseness
  • Coughing
  • Wheezing
  • Cold symptoms that last more than 10 days without a fever

Sinuses are air-filled spaces behind the forehead, nasal bones, cheeks, and eyes, with openings to the nose, and serve as conditioners that filter and humidify the air.   If the sinuses become blocked, miserable headaches occur, as well as these other symptoms of acute sinusitis:

  • Nasal congestion
  • Greenish nasal discharge
  • Facial or dental pain
  • Eye pain
  • Night cough
  • Fever
  • Sore throat

Here are some suggestions if you are plagued by sinus or allergy problems:

  • Ask your doctor to prescribe the proper medication to keep allergy/sinus problems under control.
  • Avoid smoke and irritants that increase your chance of developing sinus/allergy difficulties.
  • Check the pollen counts in your area before you go outdoors.
  • Use a saline mist spray to keep sinuses healthy.
  • If you work in dusty environments, use a respirator.
  • If you are prone to allergies, protect your eyes with goggles or wraparound glasses.
  • Do not take antihistamines that could cause drowsiness while driving or working.
General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety, Uncategorized

HAVE YOU HAD YOUR SEASONAL FLU SHOT?

If you haven’t had your seasonal flu shot, it’s time!  In the latest reports from the Texas Department of Health Services, there is an increase in flu-like illnesses and lab-confirmed cases in one-half of the state’s regions.  This means that the state’s influenza activity is classified as “widespread”.  The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) flu activity classifications range from none to sporadic, local, regional, and widespread.

Here is information from the CDC, effective this week:

  • There are 26 states with widespread influenza activity, which is very unusual at this time.
  • Almost all of the viruses so far have been identified as H1N1.
  • Visits to physicians for flu-like illnesses have increased nationally.
  • For the past six consecutive weeks, influenza-like illnesses are higher than expected during this time of year.
  • Hospital rates for influenza illnesses in adults and children are similar to or lower than seasonal flu rates, but are higher than expected for this time of year.
  • There have been 49 pediatric deaths from H1N1 flu reported to CDC since April 2009, including three this week.

Early results from clinical trials, which began in mid-August for children’s H1N1 vaccine have been excellent, especially for the age group 10-17.  Experts feel that only one dose will be required to protect children from this virus.

Two separate vaccinations are required, one for seasonal flu and the other for H1N1.  One will not protect you from the other.  If you haven’t gotten your shot yet, please do so.  The H1N1 vaccine should be ready by early to mid-October; however, there will be special groups that will receive theirs first: children, pregnant women, healthcare workers, and those who are more susceptible to infection.  It won’t be long, though, so get the seasonal flu shot, and as soon as the new vaccine is available, get it.

In the meantime, take the precautions that healthcare professionals have been advising all along: wash your hands often, keep hand sanitizer with you for when you can’t wash your hands, cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough, and stay away from crowds if possible.  If you become ill, don’t go to work or school.  It’s going to take individual awareness to overcome these viruses that are lurking.

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

WHAT ARE THE MOST DANGEROUS JOBS IN AMERICA?

Have you ever thought about how dangerous many of the jobs are that people perform every day?  When a thunderstorm hits and the electricity goes out, there are qualified repair persons out there restoring the power, no matter how bad the weather is.  There are fishermen that furnish the delicacies such as crabs and other seafood that you enjoy.  Pilots who get you to your destination seem to have glamorous jobs, but they are on the dangerous jobs list.  Miners come to mind; it seems we don’t appreciate their hard work until we hear of a disaster, and then we realize how it takes special skills to perform their job.  Oil field workers also have jobs that are very demanding; there are many dangers in the oil fields, and workers are taught to respect those risks.

In looking for the ten most dangerous jobs, one finds many lists that are similar, but not the same.  So I am going to list more than ten jobs, including the ones above.  It is my plan to go into more detail later on these risky endeavors.

  • Fishermen
  • Military
  • Logging, timber workers
  • Pilots, flight engineers
  • Structural steel and iron workers
  • Refuse recyclable material collectors
  • Farmers and ranchers
  • Electrical power installers and repairers
  • Truck drivers
  • Construction workers, roofers
  • Miners
  • Oil field workers
  • Law enforcement
  • Firefighters
  • Bodyguards
  • Bomb Squads
  • Coast Guard search and rescue teams
  • Armored car guards
  • Emergency Medical Services

There are many other jobs that I have overlooked; however, your input is needed.  If you know of something I have missed, please let me know.  As time allows, I will write about the risks involved in the occupations mentioned.  It is a very interesting subject, and hopefully, it will be a way of showing the people who perform these jobs how much they are appreciated.

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

SMALL TOWNS HAVE THEIR SHARE OF DANGER, TOO!

As I was jaywalking to get across the street to my car this week, a lady in the car parked next to mine almost mowed me down!  I happened to notice she was starting to back out, so I hurriedly stepped out of her way.  Standing there, as I waited for her to see me, I realized that she didn’t even noticed what had happened.  She never looked back or to the side, but drove straight ahead and faced forward once her car was in the street.  There were a couple of witnesses, who agreed that I was very lucky, as she would not have known what happened until I was probably a goner!  I live in a very small town, and just about everyone in this town jaywalks most of the time, but I was wrong in walking behind that parked car.

Here are some excellent tips that I will definitely follow, from now on:

  • Cross only at intersections.  Do not jaywalk!
  • Do not cross between parked cars.  Drivers are not expecting this, and you are more likely to get hit.
  • Don’t take the “No Right Turn on Red” signs for granted.  Always check for vehicles that may be turning, as the motorists may not be watching for you, either.
  • Stop and look, left, right, and left again before you step onto the street.  Evaluate the speed and distance of oncoming traffic.
  • Wear bright colors or reflective clothing if you are walking near traffic at night.
  • Always look for signs of a moving car, (rear lights, exhaust smoke, motor noise, wheels turning) and never walk behind a vehicle that is backing up. (I won’t!)
  • Always hold your child’s hand.  Do not let a child under 10 cross the street alone.
  • If you walk on a road that has no sidewalks, walk facing the traffic.
  • Don’t dash into the street. (I can’t dash anymore!)
  • If you are in a parking lot of a big store, pay attention to vehicles that may start backing out.

And, drivers:

  • Keep a look out for pedestrians any time, but especially at night or in inclement weather, as they may be hard to see.
  • Stop for pedestrians who are in a crosswalk, even unmarked ones.  Stop well back enough so that other drivers may see the pedestrians, too.
  • Some pedestrians may be physically or mentally impaired, unfamiliar with how to cross safely, or simply not paying attention, so don’t assume that they will act predictably.
  • Especially be careful when driving in neighborhoods and school areas.  Drive there like you would want people to drive in your neighborhood.

Accidents happen anywhere, all the time.  We have to play it safe, walking or driving.  If an item gets broken, most of the time it can be fixed.  When a vehicle hits a pedestrian, it may not be easily “fixable”, so we all must pay attention.  I know I am going to.

Source: getstreetsmarts.org

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

ARE YOU GOING THE RIGHT WAY?

More and more deadly crashes are happening on our highways, especially freeways, as the result of wrong-way collisions.  On the Dallas North Tollway, (a 33-mile expressway), there have been five wrong way crashes this year, some of them deadly.  In Fort Worth, there were two wrong-way crashes in two days.  These stories and more are repeated in every state.

There are many pieces of the puzzle that need to be shaped differently in order for them to fit.

It seems the main cause of these accidents is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.  Many of the accidents that result in death happen in the early morning hours, after bars close.  Other reasons are people that are unfamiliar with the highways and become lost.  Theories are that some distraught drivers were on a suicide mission and in their moment of desire to end it all, may have taken the lives of innocent persons as well.  Other drivers have made U-turns in the road, only to deliberately invite disaster.

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration has many options to try at various locations, some of which include:

  • Modify lighting
  • Install high-intensity reflective sheeting
  • Add more signs
  • Paint more wrong way pavement arrows
  • Put up larger “DO NOT ENTER” signs
  • Mount larger and highly reflective signs that would help

elderly or confused drivers

Installing red pavement lights that are activated by wrong way drivers is one idea.  There are other suggestions being considered to give drivers a second chance to realize that they are going the wrong way before entering the freeway.   Certain automakers are working to develop information technology through GPS systems that will warn drivers of the location and direction of a vehicle that is in their path.

Highway officials are asking M.A.D.D. (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) to get involved in their efforts for more sobriety checkpoints.  M.A.D.D. also suggests ignition interlocks be placed on cars of convicted D.U.I. drivers.   Most states have laws that prohibit restaurants and bars from serving too many drinks, but many times this has not worked.  How many times have accidents been caused by someone who has been convicted of several D.U.I. violations?

Driving an automobile is a huge responsibility; one that requires constant attention at all times.  If you are planning to drive in an area that is unfamiliar to you, (especially heavy traffic), check maps and get other information so you will be prepared.  It even pays to stop and ask someone, rather than drive for miles and possibly take the wrong turn.  If you spot someone that is approaching a one-way lane going the wrong way, get involved! Get their attention, and call 9-1-1.  Here’s our advice:  PAY ATTENTION and DRIVE SAFELY!

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

CRIME ON CAMPUS

After hearing the recent news of the arrest of an animal service technician who worked in a laboratory at Yale University for the asphyxiation death of a young woman who was part of the University medical research team, we all wonder if anything could have been done to prevent this horrible crime?

New Haven Police Chief James Lewis classified this crime as workplace violence: not urban, university, or domestic crime, but workplace violence.  According to ABC News, Yale University President, Richard Leven said the accused has worked there since 2004, and his work history did not indicate that his involvement in a crime might be possible.  President Levin went on to say that this is more about the “dark side of the human soul than the extent of security measures”.

Upon reading the statement Chief Lewis made, I reviewed our article, “Violence in the Workplace”, which talks about many of the causes and solutions that could possibly reduce situations that arise in our places of work.  Security cameras play an important part in    It seems that we have come to the place where security cameras should be placed in every work area, especially those that may be secluded, and where persons work alone at times.

Here are five key components recommended by OSHA that can benefit employers and employees alike:

  • Administrative commitment and employee (student) involvement
  • Worksite analysis
  • Hazard prevention and control
  • Safety and health training
  • Evaluation

No single strategy solution that will work for all types of businesses and places of education, but potential risks of workplace violence should be identified and corrective measures implemented.  Colleges and universities should investigate threatening situations reported by students, regardless of how trivial they may seem.  Students should be encouraged to be observant and cautious as they go about their everyday activities.

Sources:
AP
ABC News
OSHA

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

WARNINGS FOR HUNTERS!

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As fall approaches, so does hunting season!  Sportsmen and sportswomen who enjoy hunting, camping, hiking or other activities need to be prepared for disease-causing bacteria that may be waiting for them.  According to Guy Moore, a wildlife biologist with Texas Department of State Health Services, “Outdoor activities bring a greater risk of exposure to diseases transmitted by fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and other animals.”

Some of these diseases and their carriers are:

  • Brucellosis, a bacterial disease, which can be carried by wild hogs.
  • Anthrax, a bacterium that can cause a severe, life-threatening disease in both animals and humans, sometimes carried by deer.
  • Plague, which is sometimes transmitted by squirrels, rats, prairie dogs, fleas, and mice.
  • Hantivirus infection to people can sometimes be spread from the excretions from mice. These may be spread in the air on dust particles.
  • Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia can be caused by bites from infected ticks.
  • West Nile Virus and encephalitis are diseases transmitted by mosquitoes.
  • Rabies can be carried by all warm-blooded animals- such as skunks, bats, coyotes, and foxes.

If you are still determined to go out and face these critters, we encourage you to do so.  Most of these illnesses are rare, with the exception of West Nile.  Just keep these reminders handy:

  • Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer after handling game.
  • Use insect repellents containing DEET.
  • Wear protective clothing, and light colored clothes so you can see ticks on your clothes.
  • Stay away from overgrown brush and tall grass if possible.
  • Do not touch antlers, bones, hides or other parts of dead animals.

Texas DSHS