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KIDS AND THE INTERNET

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Although October is almost gone, this month marks National Cyber Security Awareness Month.  Many kids have their own computers, and hopefully, parents monitor their behavior on the computer as well as any other activities they participate in.  There are online predators just waiting out there in cyberspace to prey on innocent children.

According to a Utah state press release: “Entertainment Software Association sponsored a pilot program called Web Wise Kids.  Quoting the Attorney General of Utah, Mike Shurtleff: “kids enjoy the games and parents and educators love the games featured because they can save lives.  Real actors in real storylines from actual crimes create a game that educates its players in Internet safety, as well as delivering riveting action.”

There are many programs that educate parents and their kids in Internet safety.  ChildNet International, Kid Smart, and Know It All are just a few.  The information is out there for all to take advantage of.  Why not take a few minutes to read up on how to avoid possible dangers that are lurking?

Children need to be taught to maintain a high standard of personal safety and responsibility online.  They can’t play it too safe!

A good idea is to have their computer in the kitchen, or somewhere else that provides the parents accessibility at any time; this lets your child know that you are interested in their safety at all times.

Remind your children:

  • Never post their full name, school, home address, phone number, etc. online.
  • Never post their picture.
  • All the information they post will be there forever.
  • Grownups that try to befriend kids on the Internet are losers; they have no life, so they go online, and should be avoided.
  • If your child receives communication from a suspicious person, tell them to not be afraid to tell you.  Then notify your local authorities.  It’s better to be safe than sorry.
  • Email only their real friends, not cyberspace ones!

Although computers are a wonderful tool for educational and entertainment purposes, it’s wise to let your kids know that they are fortunate to have a computer, but if they drift off into the wrong places, it could haunt them later when they are wanting to enter college, or get a job.  We all need to remember to post only things we would want seen in public the same way we display them in person.

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

WORKPLACE BULLYING AND HARASSMENT

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Do you remember when you were in school, there was always someone who picked on another kid because they were small or large for their age, had red hair and freckles, or some other trait that the bully enjoyed pointing out?  We’ve all had to deal with these types of persons: the ones who butt in line, cut in front of you driving down the highway, or pull some other annoying stunt just to get your fever up!
We have to prepare ourselves for these situations to happen and stay calm.  Realize that there is always someone who is going to make life a little more difficult, but if you are ready for it, things will go smoother.
In the workplace, we know that there are going to be bullies whether in the office or job location.  We also know they are going to upset us, sooner or later.
When you fall victim to a bully, hold up your hand and tell them to “STOP”.  If you repeat yourself every time they do this, it might get their attention.  If they continue, ask a co-worker to witness and provide you support in the situation.

Has your Workplace Bully:

  • Shouted at you in front of colleagues or customers/clients?
  • Nitpicked/criticized over trivial matters or mistakes?
  • Treated you with disrespect?
  • Called you names?
  • Made you feel unimportant?
  • Monitored you excessively?
  • Set you up to fail?
  • Withheld information that helps you do your job efficiently?
  • Excluded you from normal staff conversations and made you feel unwelcome?If you answered yes to any of these questions, consider:
  • Document details of incidents, where it was, what was going on, witnesses, any information you have.
  • Tell your family what is going on.
  • Talk to your supervisor; if they are the bully, go to a higher authority.
  • You are probably not the only one going through this.
  • When the person makes nasty comments, the best thing to do is walk away and say nothing.
  • Show them that you are not interested in their nonsense.
  • Don’t show just how angry and upset you are; this will only give the bully satisfaction.
  • Bullies are cunning and most of them bully when no one in authority is around.

Know that when you report bullying you are not telling tales; you and everyone else has the right to be happy, treated fairly, safe, and free from this kind of harassment.  Keep on speaking up until someone listens to you and takes you seriously.  It is not your fault and there is no excuse for bullying.
We all need to remember to treat people the way we want to be treated.  Life would be much simpler if we would practice this.

Information shared by Creative Commons License

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CLOTHES AND COLORS (NOT A FASHION STATEMENT!)

When you are driving down the highway, and you see construction workers, rescue workers, or persons picking up litter along the roads, have you noticed the bright colors they wear?  Those vests, hardhats, clothing with reflective stripes, etc. are there for their protection, to assure that they are conspicuous to oncoming traffic.

When you watch emergency personnel doing their job, notice those bright colors on their clothing, and remember that is just one of the many ways to help ensure their safety.

Primary Safety Colors are:

  • Safety Orange – Used for vests, traffic cones, hunting vests, barrels and other construction marking devices.
  • Fire Engine Red – Named mainly for fire engines and other emergency vehicles.
  • Chartreuse Yellow – Greater visibility at night; many cities now use this color for fire engines and emergency equipment.
  • Neon Yellow – Most visible color to the human eye, present on most vests.
  • High Visibility Yellow – Used for coveralls, rainwear, slush boots.

There are all types of safety wear, from reflective strips for hardhats, reflective gear for firemen, police, emergency responders, vests with various color stripes, to full body protection.  There are high visibility hardhat covers, hi-vis gloves, GloMega Glow in the Dark hardhats.  For work or travel, consider Pack and Pop cones with lights, Safety Flags (orange), and Safety Kits for Motorists, which have an orange and white triangle, reflective vest, and road flares.  Bikers, motorcyclists, and evening walkers need to have some sort of reflective gear (vests, stripes, etc.) to make motorists aware of their presence.

Source: Wikipedia

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

ABOUT THOSE LABELS………

For the past several years, food labels have furnished a lot of information regarding calories, carbohydrates, sodium, and other contents of its particular container.  Under the United States Food and Drug Administration, the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition regulates approximately $417 billion of domestic foods, $49 billion imported foods and $15 billion worth of cosmetics sold.  From the point of United States entry or from processing to their point of sale, the DFSAN ensures foods and cosmetics are safe.  Meat, poultry, and eggs are regulated under the United States Department of Agriculture.

The USFDA has been protecting the food safety of Americans for more than 100 years; we have one of the safest food supplies in the world.  In addition to foods for human consumption, they also safeguard foods for animals as well.  They ensure that food and cosmetics are accurately, honestly labeled, and protect consumers from economic fraud, in addition to promoting nutrition and economic originality.

Some communication methods with the public include:

  • Food labels that have been revamped to be easier to understand nutritional value
  • Warning labels for drugs that contain iron, to safeguard children
  • New regulations on seafood safety
  • Furnish scientific evidence by showing a link between food/nutrient and disease or health conditions, which can be used in labeling

The main elements of the FDA’s Food Protection Plan are advanced through prevention, intervention, response, and legislative proposals.

There’s a world of information on those labels.  Not only are they helpful to those who count calories, they also assist persons who need to limit their intake of certain ingredients.  So, read those labels!

USDA,
CFSAN

General Safety Issues

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS

The Hazardous Communication Standard under OSHA states that employees need to know and have a right to know hazards and identities of chemicals they are exposed to while working.  More than 30 million workers are potentially exposed to one or more chemical hazards.  There are over 650,000 existing chemical hazards and new ones being developed annually.
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) is a very important form designed to instruct workers and emergency personnel on procedures for handling/working with certain substances in a safe way.  This system catalogues information on chemicals, chemical compounds and chemical mixtures that contain potential hazardous materials.  MSDS are to be included with shipments of hazardous chemicals, and readily accessible to each work shift involved.  Labels, MSDS, and proper training are to be utilized to identify and prevent occupational injuries or health problems of workers.
Information included on MSDS forms in regard to chemicals:

  • Toxicity
  • Reactivity
  • Physical Data, i.e., boiling point, flash point, etc.
  • First Aid
  • Health Effects
  • Storage/Disposal
  • Spill Handling Procedures
  • Protective Equipment

MSDS should be country-specific and supplier-specific, as the same product may have different formulations in different countries.  A generic named product may have formulation and degree of hazard that varies between different manufacturers in the same country.
Other countries utilize MSDS with various titles:

  • Canada – Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System
  • European Union – Risk and Safety Management
  • Germany – German Federal Water Management Act
  • Netherlands – Milieu (Environment) Safety Data Sheets
  • United Kingdom – CHIP Regulations (Chemicals Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply)
  • United Nations – Defines certain details on MSDS, i.e., U.N. numbers that identify hazardous materials while in international transit.
  • United States – OSHA mandates MSDS are available to employees who may handle potentially harmful substances in the workplace.  It also requires MSDS be made available to local fire departments and local and state emergency planning officials.

OSHA
Wikipedia

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, High Visibility Safety, Protective Clothing, Weather Protection

A’ Hunting We Will Go!

If you are getting ready to exercise your right to bear arms, whether it’s against deer, turkey, moose, or waterfowl, here are some reminders for your safe hunting:

  • Always treat your firearm as if it were loaded.
  • Be certain of your target and what is beyond it.
  • During daylight hours, be sure to wear a hat or cap, vest, rain wear, or outer garment that is Hunter Orange and visible from all sides.
  • Some states allow camouflage vests if they are 50% Hunter Orange.
  • Keep control of your emotions.
  • If you are in an elevated deer blind, wear a fall resistant device, when climbing, sitting, or descending from position.
  • Maintain your weapon properly.
  • Carry flashlight for dim situations, so that you may be seen.
  • Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot.

Waterfowl hunters should wear waterproof, warm clothing, and take spare clothes.  Chemical hand warmers come in handy when hunting in cold conditions.

Be sure to tell someone where you plan to hunt and when you plan to return.  Take your cell phone for added security.  Happy Hunting!

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

TIPS FOR DIY’ERS

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

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

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

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

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

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

COLD STRESS EQUATION – PART II

When the body is unable to warm itself, serious cold related illnesses and injuries may occur, and permanent tissue damage and death may result.  These illnesses can slowly overcome a person who has been chilled by low temperatures, brisk winds, or wet clothing.  The result can be frost bite or hypothermia; listed below is information on what happens to the body, and what should be done:

Frost Bite:  Freezing in deep layers of skin and tissue; pale, waxy-white skin color; skin becomes hard and numb; usually affects the fingers, hands, toes, feet, ears, and nose.

What Should Be Done: (land temperature)

  • Do not leave the person alone; move him/her to a warm dry area.
  • DO NOT rub the affected area, because rubbing causes damage to the tissue and skin.
  • Remove any wet or tight clothing that may cut off blood flow to the affected area.
  • Gently place the affected area in a warm water bath and monitor the water temperature to slowly warm the tissue.  Do not pour warm water directly on the affected area because it will warm the tissue too fast, causing tissue damage.  Warming takes about 25-40 minutes.
  • After the affected area has been warmed, it may become puffy and blister.  The affected area may have a burning feeling or numbness.  When normal feeling, movement, and skin color have returned, the affected area should be dried and wrapped to keep it warm.  Note: if there is a chance the affected area may get cold again, do not warm the skin.  If the skin is warmed and then becomes cold again, it will cause severe tissue damage.
  • Seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Hypothermia: (Medical Emergency) Normal body temperature (98.6° F) drops to or below 95°F; fatigue or drowsiness; uncontrolled shivering; cool bluish skin; slurred speech, clumsy movements; irritable, irrational or confused behavior.

What Should Be Done: (land temperatures)

  • Call for emergency help
  • Do not leave person alone; move person to a warm dry area.
  • Replace wet clothing with warm, dry clothing or wrap person in blankets.
  • Have person drink warm, sweet drinks (sugar water or sports-type drinks), if they are alert.  Avoid drinks with caffeine (coffee, tea, or hot chocolate) or alcohol.
  • Have person move their arms and legs to create muscle heat.  If they cannot do this, place warm bottles or hot packs in the arm pits, groin, neck and head areas.  Do Not rub the person’s body or place them in warm water bath.  This may stop their heart.

What Should Be Done: (water temperatures)

  • Call for emergency help.  Body heat is lost up to 25 times faster in water.
  • Do Not remove any clothing.  Button, zip, buckle, and tighten any collars, cuffs, shoes, and hoods because the layer of trapped water closest to the body provides a layer of insulation that slows the loss of heat.  Keep the head out of the water and put on a hat and hood.
  • Get out of the water as quickly as possible or climb on anything floating.  Do Not attempt to swim unless a floating object or another person can be reached, because swimming or other physical activity uses the body’s heat and reduces survival time by about 50 per cent.
  • If getting out of the water is not possible, wait quietly and conserve body heat by folding arms across the chest, keeping thighs together, bending knees, and crossing ankles.  If another person is in the water, huddle together with chests held closely.

Hopefully, this will never happen to you or anyone you are with, but this information from OSHA is too important not to pass on.

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

COLD STRESS EQUATION – PART I

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With winter coming up on us soon, we want to share important information regarding the dangers of working in the elements, such as extremely cold weather.  The combination of low temperatures, wind speed, and wetness can add up to injuries and illness.  Our first installment describes how to protect workers from the hazards of weather-related illnesses, and the second installment gives instructions on what should be done in cases of hypothermia and frostbite.

Protection for workers includes:

  • Understanding workplace and environmental conditions that can lead to potential cold-induced injuries and illnesses.
  • Training the workforce about such illnesses and injuries.
  • Allowing frequent short breaks in warm dry shelters to let body warm up.
  • Working in pairs (buddy system).
  • Wearing layered clothing to adjust to changing temperatures.  Wearing proper clothing for cold, windy, and wet conditions, including hats and gloves.
  • Performing work during the warmest part of the day, if possible.
  • Because energy is needed to keep muscles warm, avoiding exhaustion or fatigue.
  • Eating warm, high-calorie foods like hot pasta dishes.
  • Drinking sports-type drinks, sugar water, warm sweet beverages.  Drinks with caffeine (coffee, tea, or hot chocolate) should be avoided, as well as alcohol.
  • Knowing the symptoms of cold-induced illnesses/injuries; recognizing what to do to help the worker.

If workers have predisposing health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension or cardiovascular disease, they are at an increased risk.  Also, if they take medications that would affect them while working in cold environments, they need to check with their doctor or pharmacists.

OSHA

Eye Protection, Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety

PPE: A Summary

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Last week, we covered different types of personal protective equipment and the applications for each.  With all of the technological advances and machinery used in today’s world, understanding and using proper PPE is more important than ever before.

In determining the proper PPE for industries, a walk-through survey should be done by employers to develop an organized safety program.  Both workplace physical and health hazards must be analyzed.  Employers then would determine what types of PPE would be needed.  It is suggested that a higher level of protection than the minimum be chosen to ensure employees are protected from hazards.  Written certification is required which includes the Hazard Assessment Date, Company Identification, and Name of the Document.

Personal Protective Equipment is available to protect you from such hazards as:
¨    Chemicals – Coveralls, Gloves, Face Shields, Goggles
¨    Heat/Cold- Gloves, Earmuffs,
¨    Biologic (blood, infected materials)-Lab Coats, Disposable Gloves, Coveralls
¨    Light Radiation-Safety Glasses, Goggles, Welding Hoods
¨    Harmful Dust-Respirators, Goggles, Side shields
¨    Sharp Objects-Cut Resistant Gloves
¨    Falling Objects-Hard Hats

Take the time to determine what hazards are present in your particular situation.  Once determined, take the steps to supply yourself and your employees with the needed equipment.

Source:
OSHA

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