Tag Archives: careful

Back Safety, General Safety Issues

HOW TO CLEAR SNOW OFF YOUR DRIVEWAY

GUEST BLOG

Today’s safety tips are sent from our friend from the United Kingdom, Matt Hornsby.  Although Matt acknowledges that we Texans aren’t facing this problem yet, our friends north of us will be soon.  Some parts of the panhandle of our state are more fortunate to receive more snow in the winter than others, but there will be plenty of snow to go around in many states, so get ready and to follow these instructions from Matt.

Although this topic may sound trivial at first, it is still important to take into consideration after a large downpour of snow.  A sudden downfall of snow can block everything from stairways to front doors, so it’s important to buy a decent snow shovel and ensure that your home is “Winter Proof”.  Clearing the white stuff off your driveway can be irritating, but here’s how to do it in a safe and methodical way.

1.  Do Some Stretches.

Before you go outside to dig your car out of a snow drift, be sure to do some warm up exercises.  Shovelling snow can be quite hard work in the cold, so always prepare your muscles for a good cardiac session.  Jogging on the spot, squats and star jumps should all help loosen you up and stretches should stop you from aching the next day.

2.  Use an Appropriate Show Shovel.

When clearing away snow, it’s important to use a snow shovel that’s not too heavy for you.  The last thing you want is a self-inflicted injury, so be sure to buy the right tools.  Bent-handle snow shovels are ideal, as they’ll save you from stooping too low and you’ll save yourself some energy.  There are many different snow shovel designs out there, so make your purchase carefully.

3.  Decide Where to Put the Snow.

Always decide where you’re going to move the snow before you start shovelling away.  You can’t just put it anywhere, so think of a suitable place.  Don’t block off fire exits or your neighbour’s drive and avoid piling it too high.  The last thing you want is a mini avalanche, so be extremely careful where and how you dump unwanted snow.

4. Push Snow.

Wherever possible, try to push rather than lift snow out of the way.  Those delicate little flakes that fall from the sky can become a heavy mass, so be sure to protect your back.  Always throw snow forward and avoid tossing it over your shoulder as this could cause an injury.  Why not also ask your friends to help you out so you don’t have to do all the work yourself?

5. Be as Thorough as Possible.

Try to remove as much snow from your driveway as possible so it has a better chance of thawing out.  Big piles of snow take longer to disappear, so if you want to keep your driveway in action, shovel the white stuff elsewhere.  Snow can thaw at its own time so long as it’s not blocking your way.  Always keep an eye out for icy patches, however, and keep grit spreaders nearby throughout winter.

Mother Nature can send a flurry of flakes falling at any time during winter, so it’s best to be prepared.

Thanks, Matt, for another great article that focuses on our safety!  You can read more of Matt’s articles on www.whatishealthandsafety.co.uk.

 

 

 

General Safety Issues, Protective Clothing

MAY IS HERE, AND THAT MEANS IT’S NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE SAFETY MONTH

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Sponsored by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, May is designated as National Motorcycle Safety Month.  Their main goal is to get drivers to understand that motorcyclists have the same rights and priviledges as any other vehicle on the road, and we all must “share the road.”  We should pay attention every time we approach a motorcycle and extend courtesy to them as they travel.  They don’t have all the protection that we in cars or trucks have; their driving abilities and gear are their main lines of defense.  I have posted a very similar list previously, but please pay attention to these ten things that all car and truck drivers should know about motorcycles and motorcyclists (from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation):

  1. There are many more cars and trucks than motorcycles on the road and some drivers don’t “recognize” motorcyclists. They ignore them, usually unintentionally. Look for motorcycles, especially when checking traffic at an intersection.
  2. A motorcyclist may look farther away than he or she is in actuality. It may also be difficult to judge a motorcycle’s speed. When checking traffic to turn at an intersection or into (or out of) a driveway, estimate that a motorcycle is closer than it looks.
  3. A motorcycle can be easily hidden in a car’s blind spots or masked by objects or backgrounds outside the car. Thoroughly check traffic, whether you’re changing lanes or turning at intersections.
  4. A motorcycle may seem to be moving faster than it really is. Again, don’t immediately rely on your perceptions.
  5. Motorcyclists sometimes slow down by downshifting or merely rolling off the throttle, thus not activating the brake light. Don’t tailgate motorcyclists. At intersections, anticipate that motorcyclists may slow down without any visual warning.
  6. Turn signals on a motorcycle are not often automatically self-canceling. Some riders, (especially beginners) sometimes forget to turn them off. Try to determine whether a motorcycle’s turn signal is for real. And if you’re driving a car, remember to use your turn signals too. They’re a great communication tool for riders and drivers when used properly.
  7. Motorcyclists often adjust position within a lane to be seen more easily, to avoid road debris, and deal with passing vehicles and wind. Understand that motorcyclists often adjust lane position for a purpose, and it’s not an invitation for a car to share the lane with them.
  8. Maneuverability can be one advantage for a motorcycle, but don’t expect that motorcyclist can always steer or swerve out of harm’s way. Please leave motorcyclists room on the road, wherever they are around you.
  9. Stopping distance for motorcycles can be nearly the same or better than that of cars. But wet or slippery pavement can put motorcyclists at a disadvantage. Don’t violate a motorcyclist’s right of way, especially in bad conditions.
  10. Don’t think of it as a motorcycle, a machine: Think of the rider; the person on board is someone’s son, daughter, spouse or parent. Unlike other motorists, protected by doors, roofs and airbags, motorcyclists have only their safety gear and are at greater risk from distracted drivers.

Friday, May 6th, is the Fifth Annual International Female Ride Day.  Women riders are encouraged to ride that day, with the purpose of bringing awareness to women motorcyclists.  It says, “Just Ride” as its’ theme.  This is a global, synchronized day that reaches out to women from all parts of the world.  This idea was presented to women five years ago, and women of all ages, styles of riding, and motorcycle brands have made this a phenominal day, according to Vicki Gray, of MOTORESS, and founder of International Female Ride Day. 

I admire those who enjoy riding motorcycles, and have several friends who do so.  They have even given me a ride, (in my younger days) , and it was fun to enjoy that smooth glide down the highway.  However, when you look down at the pavement, you don’t want to wind up there.  Let’s all do our part to “share the road” with our fellow travelers, regardless of how many wheels they have. 

Tomorrow, we will talk about the protective gear that motorcycle riders wear, or should wear.  It always makes me uneasy to see a rider without a helmet.  Until then, ride friendly and safely!

Sources: NHTSA, Motorcycle Safety Foundation, Powersports Business

Hand Protection, High Visibility Safety

WORK GLOVES: FUNCTIONALITY AND STYLE

Company health and safety experts know that selecting the right gloves for their workers is a vital part of ensuring the success of keeping their employees hands’ protected.  Depending on the particular hazards of the job, much thought must go into making the right choice.  Style is also important to workers and helps ensure compliance.  Some PPE (personal protective equipment) may be unattractive, but leading glove manufacturers have gotten the message from retail and athletic clothing markets and developed fashionable, yet functional styles that workers will wear. 

Health and safety experts also know that wearing a pair of gloves will not protect the hands of workers unless those workers are careful in performing their work duties, which includes being aware of the dangers their hands are exposed to, even while wearing gloves.  Because gloves are made of materials that protect from abrasions, nicks, vibrations, and other hazards, some employees may think they are invincible.  They are required to wear their PPE at all times on the job.  If there are periods that they do not have to wear gloves, glove guards are handy to attach the gloves to clothing, where they are readily accessible. 

Of course, as in any setting where PPE is required, training is mandated before the person starts his/her job.  They must understand how important their personal protective equipment is, how to take care of it, and the need to report and replace any damaged or worn product.  Workers that must wear gloves as part of their PPE must remember that unsafe conditions and acts cause injuries.  The most important thing a worker can do is to keep those gloves on at all times, while working carefully.  Be sure they fit and are comfortable, and if they look good, that’s a plus, too.  There is no one type of glove that will prevent all hand injuries, and no glove will help avoid injury if it is not worn.  Individuals must continually think about how he/she is handling the product he is working on, lifting, or running a particular type of equipment.  He doesn’t want to go home missing a finger, or worse. 

There are gloves that are high-visibility, others for furnishing good grip and protection.  Women want to wear gloves that are made for their smaller hands.  Gloves must fit properly to help the hands do their job.  If they are too large, grip is lost.  Some gloves furnish better ventilation than others, and there are fingerless gloves for mobility, yet they still allow good grip.  Then there are gloves for the gardeners, for ranchers and farmers, and drivers.  We see football players wearing gloves, as well as golfers (a golf glove).  Why not look as sharp as they do, when we are working?  I plan on getting some hi-vis gloves to wear this winter when taking walks with Buddy.  

Gloves furnish dexterity, sensitivity, durability, and tactility.  Each type excels in one or more of these descriptions.  Some medical and industrial grade gloves may not meet the “style” factor, but play a very important part in protecting healthcare, food processing, and other types of workers’ hands.   Leather gloves are soft and supple, yet are protective.  One glove  that even helps “do” the job in dark areas (such as under the hood of a car), has a light on the back of it!  

Employees must be taught to know that PPE is the last (but very important) line of defense for their protection.  Workers are the front line.