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First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety, Uncategorized

HIGHEST PANDEMIC WARNING LEVEL DECLARED TODAY

It has been our goal to keep you informed of the progress of the H1N1 virus, formerly known as swine flu.  The World Health Organization raised the pandemic warning level from phase 5 to 6, which is its highest stage, which confirms that this new flu virus is circling the globe.

The mystery behind the H1N1 virus remains unsolved; it is an illness that is affecting young and healthy persons that are usually not susceptible to flu.  Also, it is continuing through warm weather, when flu usually subsides.  Although thousands become ill from flu annually, this strain is different, and scientists worldwide are continuing to develop a vaccine to prevent persons from becoming ill from it.

This is the first global flu epidemic in forty-one years.  Mexico, the United States, Australia, Europe, Asia and South America all are experiencing confirmed cases.  Most cases are mild, but because it is spreading, countries need to continue being prepared in order for health care providers not to be overwhelmed.

The United States has been increasing availability of flu medications, and the government has authorized $1 billion for developing a new vaccine.  Michael Osterholm, a flu expert at the University of Minnesota and adviser to the U.S. government on pandemic preparations, stated that this declaration of a pandemic is a wake-up call for the world.  He stated that “we don’t know what the next six to twelve months will bring.”

Source: AP

Back Safety, Ergonomics, General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products

Proper Lifting Techniques

We use our back every day, whether we realize it or not.  We twist, bend, push, pull, and lift all day long.  Most of us don’t pay much attention to the movements and back muscles involved in these everyday actions. That is, until we pull a muscle in our back and have trouble doing simple things like sitting, walking, or even getting in and out of bed.

According to the U.S. Dept. of Labor, there have been an average of nearly 270,000 reported back or spine injuries each year from 2003 to 2006.  Fortunately, these numbers are steadily decreasing(303,750 in 2003, down to 250,670 in 2006), so progress is being made.

Most injuries probably could have been avoided by paying a little more attention to what we are doing and how we are doing it.  Proper lifting techniques and using team lifting for heavier or awkward items help reduce the strain on your back muscles.

  • Keep objects close to your body: Carrying objects close to your body helps keep the “load center” in balance.  The farther from the body the item is, the more muscle strength needed to lift the item.  This forces the muscles to move in ways they are not designed to move, which can cause a strain or pull.
  • Bend your knees and keep your back straight: Focusing on keeping your back straight reduces the chances of twisting or bending in such a way that puts stress or strain on the muscles
  • Lift with your legs: Your leg muscles are designed to lift.  Using your leg muscles makes it easier to lift the item, as well as take the strain off your back.

Some jobs or hobbies require constant lifting and carrying.  In these situations, it may be helpful to utilize a back support. They come in many different styles and are fairly inexpensive($17-$36). When compared to the national average of around $9,000 per incident for non-surgery medical expenses ($30,000+ for injuries requiring surgery), $36 and a bit of prevention is well worth the time and cost.

Eye Protection, Hand Protection, Hearing Protection, Home Safety Products, Respiratory Safety

Mowing Safety

This summer, everyone will be outside working in their yards. Young people mow lawns to earn a little spending money while out of school. But did you know that in 1990, of the 87,000 people injured by lawnmowers, 20,000 were under 25 and 10,000 of those were younger than 15 years old.

Many injuries can be avoided by taking the proper precautions:

    >These products are readily available to you for your safety. Be prepared and be safe this summer.