Tag Archives: behavior

General Safety Issues

NETS KICKS OFF DRIVE SAFELY WORK WEEK

October 1 – 5 is designated as Drive Safely Work Week.  This years’ campaign is “Back to Basics – Your Keys to Safe Driving” and is sponsored by the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety.  (NETS) This is the perfect time for employers to look at their policies, especially those that cover issues such as mobile device and safety belt usage, and update them in order to bring more attention to their employees exhibiting safe driving behavior. 

This is the 16th year of Drive Safely Work Week – a reminder that 16 is also the age that most teenagers get to try their “wings” behind the wheel.  There is so much emphasis on distracted driving that we sometimes forget that responsible driving enforces the wide range of skills needed to be a safe, dependable driver. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control, 40,000 Americans die on our highways every year.  Every twelve minutes someone dies in a vehicular accident on U.S. Roads.  Every 10 seconds someone is injured and has to be taken to an Emergency Room.  It is also estimated that in addition to the 40,000 Americans who die annually, another 270,000 are hospitalized, resulting in costs to states and our nation exceeding ninety-nine billion dollars.  Even though the NHTSA (National Highway Transportation Safety Administration) says vehicle fatalities have declined in recent years due to newer vehicles having better safety features, and seat belt use has improved, the number of traffic deaths caused by distracted driving has increased. 

The agency reports that distracted drivers cause 4 out of 5 motor vehicle crashes in the U.S.  The main causes are cell phones and gadgets. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration reports that more than 150,000 persons are injured in accidents caused by drivers either texting or talking on their cell phones each year.  

The DSWW campaign focuses on the following issues:

  •          Driving distraction-free;
  •          Safe parking and backing;
  •          Fine-tuning the fundamentals to avoid some of the most common types of crashes;
  •          Buckling up all the time and encouraging others to do the same;
  •          Recognizing and preventing fatigue-impaired driving. 

NETS furnishes a toolkit that is packed with tips and information to refresh some of the skills for drivers that may have become a bit rusty, and possibly teach some new ones.  It also has some good information for those who have a new driver in the family, which could help the driving coach.  This toolkit can be downloaded on the NETS website. 

U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood, says, “Employers are able to reach up to half of the American people and their support in promoting safe driving habits both on and off the job is critical.  I applaud NETS for making this toolkit available to companies and organizations across the country, and I hope it serves as a reminder for drivers to keep their eyes on the road, hands on the wheel, and focus on driving.”

 

 

 

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General Safety Issues

WORKPLACE VIOLENCE IS A MAJOR CONCERN

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Almost two million American workers report having been victims of workplace violence each year.  Do you feel safe in your workplace?  Workplace violence is any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening disruptive behavior that happens at the worksite.  Currently, homicide is the fourth-leading cause of fatal occupational injuries in the U.S.  We know from the past that violence can happen at any time.  Factors that may increase the risk of violence for some workers include exchanging money with the public and working with volatile people.  Those who work alone, especially in isolated areas are more vulnerable to robbery or assault.  Working where alcohol is served may also lead to fighting or aggressive behavior.  

Some occupations that may be susceptible to violence include:

  • Social care workers
  • Employees of late-night establishments: bars, restaurants, convenience stores
  • Taxi drivers
  • Law Enforcement personnel
  • Delivery drivers
  • Public Service employees
  • Healthcare Professionals 

Of course, we never know where workplace violence may happen.  These are just a few of the occupations that come to mind when thinking of the risks that are involved.  Healthcare professionals, especially those who must enter a home to care for someone, have the right to refuse to enter the home, if they feel it is unsafe.  Emergency room staffs are prepared to see almost all types of violent behavior, and should have adequate security.  Sadly, tragedies happen in the least expected places, as well, such as public schools, colleges, and military bases.  

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), more than 3,000 people died from workplace homicide between 2006 and 2010.  Their data also shows that more than 15,000 nonfatal workplace injury cases were reported annually during this time.  BLS statistics show that in 2009, there were 542 workplace homicides and 15,450 workplace assaults, resulting in lost days.  

WHAT CAN BE DONE?

If employers take the appropriate precautions, the risk of assault can be prevented or minimized.  The best protection employers can offer their workers is to establish a zero-tolerance policy toward workplace violence.  This should cover all workers, patients, clients, visitors, contractors, and anyone else who may come in contact with company personnel.  Employers should identify methods for reducing the likelihood of incidents  by assessing their worksites.  It can be a separate workplace violence prevention program or  incorporated into an injury and illness prevention program.  All workers should know the policy and understand that all claims of workplace violence will be investigated and remedied promptly.  Employers should develop additional methods as necessary to protect employees in high-risk industries. 

Employees should receive workplace violence safety education and know how to avoid or defuse a situation.  They should also be encouraged to report and document all incidents.  Many incidents go unreported.  In case of an incident, the police should be called immediately.  Those workers who work alone or all night should be provided a hand-held alarm or noise device that sounds an S.O.S.   Their supervisors should be kept informed if they have noticed any suspicious activity.  We need to be more vigilant in watching for abnormal activity in our surroundings.  If workers are aware there is a personal problem with a fellow worker, they should be extra cautious.  Any security that can be provided may help prevent a tragedy. 

Source: OSHA, NIOSH

General Safety Issues

LET’S START THE NEW YEAR OFFF WITH A GOOD ATTITUDE – TOWARD LIFE AND WORK!

 What better time to make a promise to change the way we look at things than the beginning of a brand new year?  Both research and common-sense tell us that we can enjoy better health when we have a good attitude.  We’ve all heard of the optimist that sees the glass “half-full” and the pessimist that sees it “half-empty.”  How much fun is that?  It’s a lot more pleasant to try to look at our life – both at work and home with a good outlook.  Things can’t be that bad if we don’t make them that bad!  Besides, negative emotions can be detrimental to long-term health issues.  

For young people starting out on a new job, the best advice is to go into that occupation full-steam ahead.  Show your new employer that you are interested in what the company does and stands for, not just in getting a pay check every two weeks.  If you start a job with the knowledge that you may make mistakes, which is expected, but that you are willing to work hard and not “talk the talk”, but “walk the walk”, your chances of advancement are much better that someone who just shows up every day, and doesn’t bring that positive personality with them. 

You don’t have to go around with a grin on your face all day, but understand that there are no shortcuts to success.  You have to do the job you are hired to do and do it safely.  Do you know people in your workplace that complain all the time?  Their complaints affect the morale of their co-workers.  Maybe they need some encouragement to complete the tasks they are assigned to do.  Workers can “feel” the negative or positive “vibes” a co-worker puts out.  

Safe and happy work environments have to be cultivated both by management and workers alike.  It takes time to cultivate friendships; things just don’t happen overnight.  Training is the first step, and employees should take advantage of the work-related lessons they are taught. Do you know any workers who ignore the safety rules, or take a chance on their own, or co-workers’ safety and health?  Do they wear their personal protective equipment, and take care of it?  Do they run machines without guards, or throw tools around?  If so, they are displaying a lack of respect for both themselves, other workers and the company they work for.  

If you need to think about your attitude, now’s the time.  Concentrate on your behavior, both at home and work.  Figure out how to fix problems and don’t give up.  Be willing to help others.  Share ideas with them, but also show that you are able to work independently.  Watch out for your fellow man.  If you witness a near-miss at work, report it and see that it gets corrected.  All of us need to be on the alert for safety hazards.  Pay attention to the many motivational safety posters  posted all around your workplace, and heed their warnings. 

I hope this little “pep talk” will help some of you go into work with a better outlook on things.  I want to share something I read the other day about “well-being,” and after all, isn’t that what we are all looking for?  Concentrate on this good advice, and have a great 2011 at work, home, and play! 

  • PHYSICAL WELL-BEING: Maintaining healthy and energetic bodies by making healthy choices about exercise, diet, and stress management.
  • EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING: Peace of mind, confidence and self-respect that we achieve by coming to terms with our full range of feelings.
  • SPIRITUAL WELL-BEING: Purpose, fulfillment and meaning that comes with having a sense of connection to those things that are larger than ourselves.
  • INTELLECTUAL WELL-BEING: Mental acuity that results from keeping our minds active, alert, open, curious and creative.
  • SOCIAL WELL-BEING: Camaraderie that comes from maintaining a rich web of relationships, with family, friends, and colleagues.