Category Archives: Uncategorized

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

RETURN TO WORK PROGRAMS

Studies show that most employees that have been injured on the job want to go back to work as soon as they possibly can, following their recovery.  Businesses, large and small, should have Return to Work policies in place and be sure that all employees understand them.

Employers should consistently demonstrate concern for their welfare and treat all employees the same.  At the time an employee seeks medical attention, the physician should give him/her a prognosis as to when they can regain their full time employment.  Companies may set a limit on transitional periods, i.e., 90 days, that the employee can perform lighter duties in order to resume some type of work plan.

There are also studies that show the following:

  • The longer an employee stays off work, the less likely they are to return.
  • It is to the benefit of the employer to prevent replacing the worker, by offering transitional work to the injured worker, in order to avoid a possible lawsuit, and face increased workers compensation costs.
  • It is better to accommodate the person with on-the-job light duties than for them to work from home with restrictions.
  • Companies with good return to work programs reduce lost workdays and have employees that want to return to work.
  • Those employees who miss 6 months’ work are 50% more likely to not return.
  • One-fourth of employees who miss 1 year of work will probably not return.
  • If they are off 2 years or more, there is little chance of their return.

Companies that have disability programs that enable their employees to fulfill some form of duties prove to the employee that they are reliable and capable, and an asset to the employer, letting them know that their expertise makes them valuable employees.  This also enables employees be self-sufficient.

“Early” Return to Work Programs decrease temporary total disability payments, as employees that are back on the job are earning wages again.  The American Medical Association encourages their members to release employees to work as soon as they are medically able.  It is proven that employees heal more rapidly and their treatment time is reduced, if the doctor releases them as soon as possible.  This early return to work plan also serves as a cost reduction on Workers Compensation premium rates for the employer, and in certain cases, reduces legal costs.

Everyone needs to be on an even playing field in all walks of life.  Employers that treat their employees fairly when they have been injured on the job are rewarded by employees that want to get back to their job and will do a good job for them.  Successful safety programs and practices reduce injuries, making everyone happier, both the employer and employee!

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

EARTH DAY

The beginning of a modern environmental movement started on April 22, 1970, with the theme, Earth Day.  Approximately 20 million Americans participated to reach the goal of a healthy, sustainable environment.  At this time, separate groups that had been fighting against polluting factories, power plants, toxic dumps, oil spills, loss of wilderness and extinction of wildlife realized that they shared common goals.  Through the years and with the help of the internet, the efforts of those concerned with the environment have multiplied.  April 22, 1990, more than 200 million people in 141 countries mobilized to raise the status of environmental issues.  This led to the 1992 United Nations Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro.  Matters such as global warming and clean energy have now emerged, as well.

Earth Day is the only event celebrated simultaneously throughout the world by people of all backgrounds, faiths and nationalities.  There are now more than one-half billion people that participate in Earth Day network campaigns every year.

Earth Day 2009, April 22, will mark the beginning of The Green Generation CampaignTM, which will also be the focus of the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day in 2010. With negotiations for a new global climate agreement coming up in December, Earth Day 2009 must be a day of action and civic participation, to defend The Green GenerationTM’s core principles:

  • A carbon-free future based on renewable energy that will end our common dependency on fossil fuels, including coal.
  • An individual’s commitment to responsible, sustainable consumption.
  • Creation of a new green economy that lifts people out of poverty by creating millions of quality green jobs and transforms the global education system into a green one.

Are you doing your part to keep your little corner of the world green?  There are things each of us can do to preserve our country’s beauty, protect our wildlife, and keep our air clean.  In exchange, if we do the things required to improve our environment, won’t we also be making the world a safer place, as well?  It is our focus to ensure that persons whose jobs are to contend with cleaning up pollution or other acts of negligence of the earth remain safe as they do their job.

We are given the opportunity to keep our towns, states, and country beautiful and protect the environment. Let’s make every day a “Safe” Earth Day!

Sources:
Wikipedia, Earth.net

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

HAZARDS OF WORKING IN AN OFFICE!

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Yes, that’s right, most people think that working in an office is a pretty cushy job, but have you ever looked around?  There are potential accidents just waiting to happen, when you really check it out!

As a person who has worked in offices all my life, I think back to several things that I did that could have resulted in injury………..like, having a file cabinet tip over on me because it was top heavy and I was working out of the bottom drawer.  Or not using the correct posture when lifting heavy boxes, my back still hurts!   I’ve had many coworkers trip over a low file drawer that got left out.  (Once, I witnessed an engineer set fire to a wastebasket he was sitting on while talking to his secretary, dropping ashes from his pipe into the trash. Boy, did he get a hotseat!)

There are many simple things that can be done and don’t require a lot of extra time to keep our office employees safe.  Also, office workers should pitch in and report any potential risk hazard to their supervisor, whether it’s a slippery floor, too-dark area, or electrical problem, in order for it to be taken care of before someone gets hurt.

Here are several questions regarding office safety, and we want you to see how many apply to your office:

Office Safety

  • Are your file cabinets top heavy?
  • Are boxes, papers and books stored safely on top of files?
  • Are lights turned on in dark work areas?
  • Are there broken lights?
  • Are drawers left open on desks and file cabinets?
  • Do people tilt back in their chairs?
  • Are there signs to watch your step at elevators?
  • Are spills cleaned up promptly?
  • Do you see people standing on their chairs, desktops, to reach something high, rather than use a step stool?
  • Do electric cords stretch across floor?
  • Are power strips used correctly?
  • Are fire exits clearly marked, and are employees familiar with them?
  • Is there enough space under desk or workstation for employee to take cover in an emergency?
  • Are fire drills conducted regularly?
  • Are coffee makers, griddles, heating elements, safely placed and inspected on a regular basis?
  • Are storage areas clean and neat?
  • Are handrails and stairways well lighted?
  • Does your office have a good housekeeping program?
  • Do employees leave open food, i.e., cookies, crackers, in their desk?
  • Is the floor or carpet in bad condition? Uneven floors can be fall hazards.
  • Do people leave wastebaskets or boxes in walkways?
  • Do you see persons wearing dangling jewelry or floppy clothing while running a shredder?  Guys with ties shouldn’t try this.

We know part of your answers will be no and some yes, but hopefully they apply in a way that shows you have a safe office!  Typically, though, we all need to pitch in and keep our workspace clean, neat and safe for our fellow workers.  Try placing safety posters that relate to the work being done in each area to convey a good safety theme.   Posters work wonders!

Uncategorized

NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK

This week, April 19-25, is National Volunteer Week.

National Volunteer Week is a time to thank one of our nation’s most valuable assets — volunteers — and call the public’s attention to all that they do to improve our communities.

Sponsored nationally by the Points of Light Institute, National Volunteer Week began in 1974 when President Richard M. Nixon signed an executive order establishing the week as an annual celebration of volunteering. Every president since has signed a proclamation promoting National Volunteer Week. The theme, “celebrating people in action,” truly captures the meaning behind this signature week — honoring the individuals who dedicate themselves to taking action and solving problems in their communities.

What would small communities do without volunteers?  Persons who work on city councils, hospital boards, and many other types of community boards receive no pay, but do it because they want to serve.  Many places of entertainment utilize volunteers, such as museums, theatres, art shows and others.  Most cities have annual festivals or celebrations and depend on volunteers for to ensure their success.

Young students volunteer on summer projects; rather than spending their time going swimming, to the mall, or other fun things, they are swinging a hammer, painting, or performing other duties such as helping repair homes for folks that otherwise can’t afford them.  Students also volunteer in many ways by collecting for worthwhile causes, or running a race for financial pledges to help on special projects.

Lately, there have been many fires in Texas and Oklahoma; news reports revealed that the only ones fighting part of these devastating fires were volunteer firemen and women.  In some cases, there was assistance from professional support teams.  However, most of the time, smaller communities rely on their volunteer firemen and first responders.

Hospital volunteers help their hospital meet budget by doing all types of clerical work at no charge.  They also hold fundraisers in order to buy needed equipment, thereby freeing up the hospital to make other purchases.  Church members are permanent volunteers, doing all they are able to do to help out their communities in times of troubles.  And what on earth would we do in times of destruction: fires, tornadoes, hurricanes, just to name a few, if it weren’t for the Salvation Army, Red Cross, and many other groups that depend on their volunteers to help them provide needed relief?

Whether doing a small thing, such as reading to someone in a nursing home, running errands, or cooking a meal for a family with a sick member, one can never know what that act of kindness means to others.  Anyone who can spare an hour or so any time should give volunteering a try.  The best reward a person can receive is knowing that they have given a part of themselves to make the world a better place.

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

LET’S GO FISHING!

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Football and basketball are over, and if you are one that doesn’t enjoy watching golf, what better way to spend time than fishing with a friend, your kids or grandkids?  Warm weather is almost here, so start getting that tackle box ready, clean up the boat, get your license, and let’s go!

Fishing, as well as any other sport, can be hazardous if you don’t keep safety in mind.  We have some common-sense reminders for you, just in case you have forgotten:

  • Always consider safety factors when you are choosing your fishing spot.
  • If you are in a boat, you and everyone else must wear a life jacket.
  • Know the weight restrictions of your boat, and do not overload it.
  • Whether in a boat, or fishing off the bank, stay away from areas that are marked “off limits.”  Their purpose is to protect wildlife, vegetation, and/or your safety.
  • Remember, “don’t drink and drive” applies to boats as well as cars or trucks.
  • Be sure to check out weather forecasts.
  • Carry a flashlight, water, cell phone, and portable radio.
  • Be sure to wear safety glasses and a hat.
  • Also take sunscreen with at least 15 SPF.
  • It’s important to wear tennis shoes, (old ones), to not slip, or get cut by rocks, hooks, glass, or other items that may be in the water where you are wading.
  • Look before you cast.  There have been many trips to the emergency room by folks that have gotten hooked.  (Another good reason to keep those safety glasses on!)
  • Use caution when baiting and removing hooks.
  • Handle fishing tackle responsibly.  Don’t leave any of it lying on the ground, dock, or boat.
  • Lastly, take along some insect repellent.  Our pesky little friends always like to go along on fishing trips, too.

Have a great fishing trip, whether it’s a lake, pond, or river.  There’s no better way to enjoy the outdoors and relax a little.  Just always play it safe.

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

NATIONAL ALCOHOL AWARENESS MONTH

As promised, we want to pass on some information regarding April being National Alcohol Awareness Month.  One of the reasons for this month being chosen is that many schools hold their proms in April, and the consequences of underage drinking need to be stressed to both parents and students.
Addiction to alcohol and drugs is not limited to young people, however.  Drug and alcohol dependence are America’s #1 health problem.  There are more deaths and disabilities each year in the United States from substance abuse than any other cause: more than eighteen million Americans have alcohol problems and between five and six million have drug problems.

Statistics from the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence show that almost one-half of all traffic fatalities are alcohol-related.  Costs of more than $276 billion per year in lost productivity, crime, traffic crashes, health care expenses and other conditions are attributed to these addictions.  Untreated addiction is more expensive than diabetes, heart disease and cancer combined.
Families and coworkers play an important in convincing persons with these types of problems to get help.  Treatment improves health, job performance, and family cohesiveness.  When persons work with or live with someone who abuses alcohol or drugs, their safety and well-being are at risk.

Documentation from the Comprehensive Assessment Treatment Outcomes Registry in Ohio shows the following drastic results in occupational problems after treatment:

  • Tardiness decreased by 92%
  • Problems with supervisor decreased by 56%
  • Mistakes in work decreased by 70%
  • Incomplete work decreased by 81%
  • Absenteeism decreased by 89%

There are many places one can turn to for help.  Call: Substance Abuse Treatment Locator, 1-800-662 HELP, or www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov.  If you or someone you know needs to deal with this issue, this may be the best call you or they ever made.

Sources:
NCADD
USDHHS
SAMHSA

Home Safety Products, Respiratory Safety, Uncategorized, Weather Protection

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM WILDFIRE HAZARDS

The recent Texas and Oklahoma fires and their smoke created several health dangers, including serious respiratory ailments.  Smoke from wildfires contains a mixture of fine particles and gases from burning trees and plant materials.  Smoke irritates eyes, the respiratory system, and can aggravate heart and lung disease.

Protective actions are:

  • Limit exposure to smoke,
  • Pay attention to air quality reports,
  • Consult your physician if you have asthma or lung disease.

Other health problems include: coughing, scratchy throat, irritated sinuses, chest pain, shortness of breath, headaches, runny nose, and stinging eyes.  At risk are older persons, especially those with heart and lung problems, and children, who breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults, and are outdoors more frequently.

It is advised that you do not depend on the paper dust masks commonly found at hardware stores, which are designed to trap large particles.  Particulate respirators (N95) are “air purifying respirators” because they clean particles out the air as you breathe, and offer more protection, if properly worn.
Chemical cartridge/gas mask respirator, powered air purifying and self-controlled breathing apparatus are more sophisticated types of respirators.  SCBA is the respirator used by most firefighters, which use their own air tank to supply fresh air.

If you plan to build/remodel your home located in a wild land area, be aware there is a very real threat of wildfires.  Protecting your home is your responsibility.  You need to know the fire resistance of your home, topography of your property, and nearby vegetation.  FEMA suggests that you consult your local fire department, emergency management office, forestry service for information about fire laws, building codes and protective measures.  You should be familiar with these codes and weed abatement ordinances for structures built near wooded surroundings.

Everyone living in these areas should know what their community’s ability to respond to wildfires will be, and plan several escape routes in case roads become blocked.  Every person should be ready at all times to evacuate in an emergency.

Source: US Dept of Health & Human Services
CDC
FEMA

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

LOOKING OUT FOR THE CHILDREN

We want to wish a Happy 50th Anniversary to a wonderful organization, ChildhelpÒ.
Two ladies, Sara O’Meara and Yvonne Fedderson, founded this group in 1959, with a goal of meeting the physical, emotional, educational, and spiritual needs of neglected, abused and as-risk children.  As we often see on the nightly news, there is some innocent little child missing, injured, or killed, with results later being disclosed that they fell victim to a family member.  From 2006, statistics show that four children die every day, from child abuse, and three out of four of them are under the age of four years.  Reports of child abuse are called in to authorities every 10 seconds.

In children under the age of 12, 90% of them knew their perpetrator.  They come from every socio-economic background, and chances are that 1/3 of abused/neglected children will later abuse their own children, keeping the horrible circle of child abuse unbroken.

Signs of child abuse are:

  • Anti-social behavior, problems in school
  • Unexplained marks, burns, cut, bruises
  • Bite marks
  • Fear of adults
  • Eating disorders
  • Fear of particular person or family member
  • Drastic appetite changes
  • Apathy, depression
  • Hostility
  • Unsuitable clothing
  • Unkempt, dirty
  • Extreme hunger
  • Lack of supervision

Evidently, in this world, it does take a village to raise a child!  We need to be responsible enough to report things that we suspect as child abuse to the proper authorities.  Neighbors are often reluctant to get involved until it is too late.  Calls are anonymous, and toll-free.

Call 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453) it the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline.

This is a very disturbing topic, and we salute this group and all the others that focus on child safety.  We also acknowledge all the dedicated parents and grandparents that do everything in their power to protect their little ones.  However, there’s no better safety message than to ask you to watch out for all of our young people, and future generations.

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

PAMPER YOUR FEET: THEY TAKE YOU EVERYWHERE!

Too many times we take our feet for granted.  How many times have you asked your doctor to check your feet?  It’s a good idea, even though you probably haven’t done so.  Just think about it: how many miles we put on them, both at work, and those early morning or late afternoon walks.  It pays to take good care of them, especially if you are diabetic. The foot has as many moving parts as a complicated machine, and it works just as hard.  An average day of walking delivers hundreds of tons of pressure to your feet.

Foot injuries that occur at work may be punctures, crushing, sprains, slips, trips, and falls.  Lack of attention to foot safety plays an important part to many disabling injuries to either the feet or other body parts.  Other work-related foot problems can be caused by standing for long periods of time on hard floors, and poorly fitted footwear.  High heels, pointed toes, no arch support are all contributors to foot problems.  Designers of footwear have come up with some very stylish shoes that are more suitable for those women who wish to look great and be comfortable, as well.

Some ideas for choosing good footwear for work are:

  • Understand that most footwear will not stretch
  • Measure both feet when buying shoes
  • Buy shoes that fit the bigger foot
  • Try to shop in the evening, when your feet are largest
  • Choose shock-absorbing insoles if you walk, or stand on very hard floors

Companies should identify relevant hazards that cause foot problems or injuries and eliminate them.  Padding or matting on floors can serve as a cushion, as long as they are anti-slip and securely anchored.  Signs should be posted wherever there are slippery floors.

April is Foot Health Awareness Month.  We hope this will serve as your reminder to take good care of this important part of your body.

Sources:
Canadian Center for Occupational Health & Safety
NIA

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

IT’S IN THE MAIL

Your ticket, that is, for running that red light and getting caught by a red light camera!
Another controversial subject, there are pros and cons of having this type of camera situated on poles at busy intersections.  According to the US Department of Transportation, running red lights is a major cause of crashes, deaths, and injuries at traffic crossroads.  These cameras take a picture of the perpetrator running through the red light, and then record the time, speed, and license number. Soon, the driver receives his/her citation in the mail.

Positive features of red light cameras are:

  • Improving overall safety of busy intersections
  • Furnishing an economic impact through reducing cost of crashes
  • Financial gain for municipality, if they are found to be accurate, reliable, and applied fairly
  • Cost effective tool to reduce violations

Causes of red light crashes may be:

  • Driver behavior: talking to passengers, using cell phone, other distractions
  • Poor intersection design and operation
  • Vehicles with heavy loads failure to slow down and stop in time
  • Poor visibility due to weather, or surroundings that impair vision
  • Misjudging signal change by driver

Negative features of red light cameras are:

  • Studies done by University of Southern Florida College of Public Health determined that cameras actually increase the severity and number of crashes, as drivers slam on their brakes to avoid going through the yellow light.
  • Increase in rear-end collisions
  • Design flaws in camera systems furnish incomplete data

Six cities in the U.S. that have been guilty of adjusting the traffic lights with shorter yellow settings, in findings by Motorists.org are:  Universal City, California, Dallas and Lubbock, Texas, Nashville and Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Springfield, Missouri.  These citations bring in revenue to cities, but they need to play fair when it comes to controlling traffic.

If the yellow light is set for a shorter time, drivers from different areas, as well as locals, are caught unaware, therefore misjudging the timing of the light.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety states that 22% of all traffic accidents in the U.S. occur because someone ran a red light.  Statistics from these wrecks indicate that more than 800 people have been killed, costing an estimated $7 billion in property damage, medical bills, lost production, and insurance hikes.

Whether or not there is a camera looking down on us, we must focus on our safe driving habits and obey the law.  It is up to each driver to handle this responsibility with all seriousness, and not become a statistic.