Tag Archives: damage

General Safety Issues, Hearing Protection

EFFECTIVE HEARING CONSERVATION IN THE WORKPLACE (GUEST POST)

Occupational hearing loss is an important issue that employers must not only acknowledge but also take precautionary measures to prevent. When your employees work in a dangerously loud environment, without preventive measures in place, they are risking their health and safety on your watch. You may be surprised to know that an environment only needs to have a noise level of 85 db to begin causing damage to the human ear.

A kitchen blender, diesel truck, and city traffic all fall within this range; a noise level most of us don’t think twice about. It only takes a few hours of unprotected hearing before this range (or higher) begins to do irreversible damage. Here are a few examples of ways your company can promote hearing conservation in the workplace.

Provide Employees with Hearing Protection
Hearing protection should be compulsory for employees in all noisy areas. This is made easier when employers have ample hearing protection available that is conveniently located in an area proceeding a workplace with higher noise levels. Mark the area clearly with signs. Consider holding a safety class to educate employees on noise levels in their workplace, proper ways to use the hearing protection, and the risk they take if they choose not to use it.

Decrease Workplace Noise Level
As well as promoting hearing protection awareness in the workplace, you can also take steps to decrease the amount of noise as a whole. Setting a noise target will help your company create a plan, and you will be able to make adjustments accordingly. Consider upgrading older equipment and machinery to quieter newer models and purchase new machinery that has noise control as part of its intended design. Simpler, less expensive measures can also be taken to effectively lower noise in the workplace. Carpeting or other types of noise barrier between certain machinery and employees can be effective at reducing noise levels.

Create Hearing Protection Zones
By clearly marking zones with higher noise levels, workplace hearing awareness will be increased. As a responsible employer, hearing protection should be required in any marked zone. The hearing protection zone should have clear signs that not only mark the area as a dangerous noise area, but also remind employees to use their hearing protection before entering.

Initiate a Workplace Safety Code
To strengthen the importance of workplace safety within your company, you may wish to consider including an official addition on hearing conservation and safety in general in your company code of conduct. Not only does this reinforce safety protocol, but it shows that your company takes employee safety very serious.

Excessive noise does much more than cause hearing damage for your employees, studies have shown that working in a noisy environment increases stress levels, impacts emotional and psychological well-being, and lowers concentration. Chances are if  your company operates with a noisy workplace, employees concentrating on the job at hand is likely detrimental to job safety and the smooth running of the work environment. As an employer you are legally responsible for the well-being of the employees who work for you; hearing safety is vitally important for their safety and your own.

Jessica Galbraith is a writer who has worked in several workplaces under excessive noise. As an advocate for hearing conservation, she also runs a small business entrance mats enterprise.  Sent to us by Debbie Allen.

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection

TEN THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR WHEN DOING AMATEUR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS (GUEST POST)

The nature of construction means there’s constantly the potential for disaster. Heavy objects, sharp ends, powerful machines and more don’t mix well with soft human bodies.

Even when I work with experienced teams or am just doing a little job around the house on my own, I still occasionally come across dangerous situations and close calls. These instances are even more common in the world of amateur construction, where people without professional training often find themselves at odds with the tools and materials they’re working with.

There are plenty of reasons to consider amateur construction. It can save you money, especially on smaller-scale work. It gives people a sense of accomplishment and ownership, and lets them express their creative side exactly as they envision with their own hands. But such projects cause disasters every day. Mishaps can cause expensive damage to structures and severe injury to the builder. If you’re considering a DIY construction project, be sure to use extra caution and be on the lookout for these common mistakes:

1. Dehydration and Overexertion

Often it’s not a wild swing of a hammer or improper use of a table saw that causes mistakes, but physical fatigue and breakdown. Unless you’re a very active person on a regular basis, your body may not be prepared for the rigor of heavy construction work. Exhaustion and dehydration make people clumsy and cause them to make bad decisions. Only work when you’re rested and hydrated, and be sure to make time in your efforts for breaks and refreshment.

2. Disorganization

A poorly organized work space is the bane of construction workers everywhere. It decreases efficiency and makes the entire job take longer to complete. More importantly, though, it creates hazards. It’s difficult to be safe and effective if you’re navigating through a mess of lumber and machinery. Always make a point to keep your work place as neat as possible; the investment of time will pay itself off.

3. Working Alone

Doing anything strenuous on your own is rarely a good idea. If something happens, like a sudden injury, it can be tough to take care of yourself. Avoid doing heavy construction work without someone who knows where you are and what you’re doing in case an emergency arises.

4. Improper Safety Gear

It’s amazing how many do-it-yourselfers try to tackle a project without even the most basic of safety equipment. You don’t need a HAZMAT suit to stay protected in most situations. Even just investing in some good work gloves and decent safety glasses will prevent an astonishing amount of injuries.

5. Electrocution

When many people undertake large construction projects, they often overlook the difficulty and danger of working with and around established electrical systems. Improperly fiddling with the wiring in your walls and appliances can cause a deadly shock. Always be sure you know how to correctly handle electrical installation or removal before starting any projects that will require it.

6. Hazardous Materials

Some construction work might involve the use of hazardous chemicals that people aren’t used to handling. This could include something as simple as gasoline, or something a little more complex like an industrial cleaner. Always be wary of any dangers related to flammability, toxic fumes, and chemical reactions due to exposure.

7. Unwelcome Visitors

Even in a relatively safe work site, it’s easy for someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing to hurt themselves or someone else. I see this commonly in homes with children and pets where boundaries aren’t properly established. Be sure to make clear to any kids present that the construction area is dangerous, and take care to zone the area off from a curious dog or cat.

8. Excess Stress on the Body

A lot of construction work is physically taxing. There’s a high amount of pressure put on sensitive body parts repeatedly. Your shoulders, wrists, knees, and back are especially at risk. To reduce the danger, follow best practices for lifting and moving heavy objects and using tools.

9. Working from a Height

Some of the nastiest construction-related injuries I’ve witnessed were due to someone getting careless and falling from a roof or ladder. Always take extra caution when working from a position where a fall could happen, even if you’re just a few feet off the ground. Learn ladder and harness safety as necessary to prevent a fall.

10. Incomplete Tool Knowledge

As tempting as it may be to skip, you should always read the manual for any tool more complex than a hammer or screwdriver. Always know the ins and outs of all your power tools, from power drills to nail guns, so you’re never taken by surprise.

Doing a personal construction project is rewarding both personally and financially, but only if you avoid causing any damage to yourself or the area around you. Always be sure to follow all general safety precautions before getting started. Happy building!

 

Author Profile:

Author Profile: Mike Thomas is a private contractor and writer for HomeWarrantyDeals.com. He enjoys DIY projects, college football and is also deeply passionate about restoring antique homes.

 

Hearing Protection

TIPS FOR PROTECTING YOUR HEARING AT WORK (GUEST POST)

As you must already know, your hearing is integral to living an easy, high-quality life. Without your hearing, life would become significantly more problematic – not only would you be unable to hear things like your child’s first words or even just your favourite TV show, but you’d be putting yourself at risk when crossing the street or working in dangerous environments.

You’ll want to take good care of those ear drums; they’re precious, and there’s not a great deal you can do once you’ve lost them. When you work in a loud environment, you’re at a much greater risk of damaging your hearing. Thankfully, with a few simple precautions you can protect your ears from harm.

How Can Noise Damage Hearing?

Too much exposure to loud noises can hurt your ears. On the short term, you can temporarily lose your hearing, but prolonged exposure can lead to permanent hearing loss, tinnitus, or even deafness.

If you work around loud noises, exposure to a sound of over 85 decibels for eight hours a day can seriously affect your hearing. An idling tractor and a conveyor are two examples of 85dB noise.

Anything above this – like power tools, chain saws, and jet engines – are even more dangerous.

If noise is causing damage, there are some tell-tale signs you should watch out for. If you hear a ringing in your ears, or have trouble following a conversation with more than one person, or struggle to hear high-pitched sounds, you should get your hearing checked out.

The best way to do this is to see a trained audiologist. You can book your hearing test online, and the test is quick and painless.

How Can You Protect Your Hearing on the Job?

Thankfully, it only takes a bit of common sense and a few simple preparations to stop your hearing from suffering harm as you work. One of the best – and easiest – methods is to just wear safety ear plugs
whenever you are exposed to loud sounds; so, before using that jackhammer, for instance.

If you are, for whatever reason, averse to putting things inside your ears, a great alternative is to wear safety earmuffs. These sit over your ear, covering the entire thing, thus blocking out most noise.

Both ear plugs and ear muffs are measured in terms of effectiveness in cancelling out noise – this is known as the NRR or Noise Reduction Rating. As you’ll be around loud noises for long periods of time, you’ll want to make sure you get your hands on ear plugs or ear muffs with an NRR number of 25 or above.

This number means that it reduces the total noise level by 25 decibels, thus bringing that 85dB tractor engine down to a comfortable 60dB.

If you’re using reusable ear plugs, make sure you wash them with warm water and soap after each use. That’s all the maintenance they need, so there’s really no reason to shy away from using them – your hearing is valuable!  If you feel that your hearing is already damaged then it would be wise to get a hearing test done. You can book one for free at Boots Hearingcare just to put your mind at ease.

 

 

 

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS FROM VIOLENT WEATHER (GUEST POST)

 Written by Saam Banai.

As a business owner, it’s important to protect your investments. Unfortunately, one potential hazard that many business owners fail to plan for is bad weather. No matter where a business is located, it can be at risk for damage due to violent weather, and the damage caused by such weather can extend far beyond just the physical. If you’re a business owner and you haven’t thought of the potential for damage due to threatening weather, consider the following five issues you may face if you don’t plan accordingly:

1. Premises Liability

Violent weather can also lead to premises liability lawsuits being filed against your business. For instance, if hail has recently fallen on your business and you fail to clean the stones from customer and employee entryways, slips and falls could occur, and this may mean that your business could be hit with a major lawsuit. To avoid this, always have a plan in place to cleanup after bad weather moves through. 

2. Data Loss

These days, virtually all businesses use some type of data. Whether it be customer information, sales figures or new product research, data is an incredibly important commodity within the world of business, and loss of it can lead to big trouble. In order to protect your business from data loss due to bad weather, you may consider using off-site data storage like our Miami data centers that are rated to protect against hurricane weather. 

3. Structural Damage

Bad weather can also cause structural damage, and this can lead to the potential for further problems. When certain materials, such as exposed wood, become soaked with rain, rot may set in, and this can cause your business’ structural integrity to be in jeopardy. To combat this, always have a professional inspection of your business’ structure completed after a major weather event.

4. Higher Insurance Premiums

Additionally, if you haven’t taken the time to protect your business against weather threats, your insurance company may charge higher premiums. An insurance company may also choose to charge higher premiums if your business repeatedly sustains damage due to your failure to protect your business’ assets. To avoid this, speak with your insurance agent to discuss what needs to be done in order to alleviate the potential for higher weather-related premiums.

5. Code Enforcement Issues

Finally, failing to repair weather damage in a timely fashion may lead to various code violations, and this could mean large fines. If you receive too many code violations in a certain time period, your business may even be required to shut down until repairs are completed. One way to fight against this is to always make repairs that are affected by your local or state building codes quickly after weather-related damage occurs. If you’re unable to do so, at least contact your local officials to let them know of your situation.

Despite what your local TV weatherperson tells you, no one can predict exactly how weather events will play out, especially violent weather events. As a business owner, it’s up to you to take the proper steps to protect your business, its assets, its customers and its employees. By remaining prepared with a plan in place, you and your business can avoid the potential for lost time, lost wages and more. 

Saam Banai is a freelance writer, editor, and small business owner.  He contributes this article for Quality Technology Services, a provider of custom data centers, collocation services, and cloud computing access. Their Miami data centers are Category 5 rated facilities designed to protect against flood damage and winds of 185 MPH.  

 

General Safety Issues

ELECTRICAL SAFETY PRACTICES FOR INSPECTING AND PROTECTING YOUR HOME (GUEST POST)

We received this very informative article written by Tom Gillece of Gillece Services, and hope you pay attention to this and other posts that have warned us about possible electrical hazards in our homes. pb

A licensed electrician can conduct a thorough electrical inspection of your home to look for possible hazards, signs of damage, proper electrical capacity, and more, to ensure the safety and efficiency of electricity throughout your home. An electrical inspection is important especially in older homes and in cases where the electrical capacity is not great enough to meet the demands of a home’s electrical needs. Having your home inspected and inspecting what you can on your own, as well as taking steps to avoid possible electrical danger, can help to prevent potential electrical damage and fire.

While you may not be a professional, licensed electrician, there are still some basic signs you can look for and rules to follow when it comes to electrical security in your home. Detecting red flags ahead of time and utilizing your electrical connections appropriately can help you to keep your home safe and functioning properly.

What to look for:

Outlets and Switches:

Are your outlets or switches hot to the touch? Or do you notice a tear-shaped dark mark forming above an outlet? If so, you will want to stop immediate use of either. High heat and discoloration could indicate a serious problem with internal electrical wiring. Unplug anything in the outlet and turn off the coordinating switch. Outlet and switch cover plates, as well, should not be cracked or broken, as this could lead to exposed wiring. A professional electrician can fix or replace wall plates in addition to upgrading outlets, if suitable, from two-prong to three-prong outlets.

Power Cords and Power Strips:

Electrical cords need ventilation so that they don’t overheat. This means that cords around your home should not be placed under rugs or on furniture, nor nailed or stapled onto walls. Nails, staples, etc. can damage cords. Extension cords may be a good solution for extending electrical use, but only on a temporary basis. If your home is in need of more outlets or electrical capacity, consult with an electrician to address these problems for a permanent solution that is safer and more sufficient. Power strips fall under the same situation; they only provide more access to one source of electricity rather than increasing the power supply. So there is still a risk of a power surge or shortage occurring, which can lead to damage or fire.

Light Bulbs and Appliances:

Light bulbs and appliances should be used according to directed instructions and with proper size and operation in mind. Light bulbs should not exceed the unit’s wattage requirements in which they are being used. Bulbs should also be firmly screwed into place as loose bulbs can overheat. Other appliances that consistently blow a fuse or cause an electrical shock should be replaced as well as unplugged and turned off if in operation.

For further electrical protection and fire prevention, consider these solutions:

  • Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter:

A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) automatically turns off power to a circuit when any problem or difference in electrical flow is detected. They prevent possible deadly shock that can occur from contact with a leakage current. GFCI’s are recommended for rooms with high water usage such as the bathroom or kitchen, and they should be tested monthly to ensure their operation.

  • Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors:

Each of these detectors is highly important in any home to alert occupants of impending danger. Smoke alarms are recommended to be installed in every bedroom and on every level of a home. It is best if they are all connected so that when one sounds, they all sound. They should be tested monthly and replaced typically every ten years, though sometimes sooner. Carbon monoxide detectors are designed to sound before life-threatening levels of carbon monoxide are reached in a home. They are recommended to be placed in hallways outside of bedrooms or in each of a home’s sleeping areas.

A professional electrician can inspect your home in all areas to address your concerns, provide options and solutions, or to reassure you of your home’s safe electrical condition. Upgrades may be necessary where more electrical capacity is needed or if electrical sources are damaged, outdated, or otherwise unsafe. Both a professional and personal evaluation of your home can help to prevent electrical damage and fire and to keep your home’s electricity secured and sufficient for ongoing use.

Gillece Services has been in business for over 30 years. They’re Pittsburgh’s one-stop-shop for Pittsburgh Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electrical, Indoor Air Quality, Water Quality, and Waterproofing services.

Find out more at http://www.gillece.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

2012 TORNADO SEASON BLOWS IN TOO SOON!

If it’s a tornado or severe thunderstorm – NEVER is too soon!  It seems very early for twisters, but on the last day of February, into the morning hours of March 1st, at least 18 tornadoes left their aftermaths in the states of Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Kentucky, Tennessee, Illinois, and Indiana.  These terrible tornadoes were spawned by a powerful storm system that blew in from the Rockies on Tuesday.  The latest death count was 12 persons, with more expected, as several severe injuries were reported; rescue efforts are being made throughout the hardest hit places, whether small towns or cities.  Branson, Missouri, was ravaged, as hotels and theaters were hit just days before their tourist season starts.  According to news sources, Branson would be host to around 60,000 visitors on any given day during their busy season. Harrisburg, Illinois, experienced an EF4 tornado, the second-highest rating given to twisters based on damage.  Scientists say it was 200 yards wide with winds up to 170 mph.  According to the National Weather Service, more tornado watches are in effect today for Kentucky and Tennessee.  Last year, tornadoes killed 550 people in the United States, and caused $28.7 billion in damages.  Mississippi and Alabama were hit especially hard. 

In an article written last April by Bryan Walsh, about “The Hows and Whys of A Possibly Record-Breaking Tornado Month”, the focus was on April, 2011, going down as a record-breaking month for tornadoes, even worse than April, 1954, when an estimated 407 tornadoes struck. April 27, 2011, saw 139 separate tornadoes being reported on that one day, ripping through Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Georgia and Virginia, killing at least 200 people.  April 3, 1974,  a tornado that killed 315 people was reported.  Walsh continues: “Those statistics don’t convey the sheer terror and destruction brought on by these storms.”

Everyone wants to know: What Is Causing It? 

Andrew Freedman of the Washington Post’s great Capital Weather blog, explains the conditions behind monster tornadoes.  “In order for tornadoes to form, several factors have to combine in just the right way:

  • warm and humid atmosphere;
  • strong jet stream winds;
  • atmospheric wind shear;
  • a mechanism to ignite this violatile mixture of ingredients –a cold front.

 Many folks want to know is if climate change plays a role in those tornadoes, and if the world continues warming, will we see more destructive cyclones like these?  As Bryan Walsh states, even scientists don’t know.  Many of the tornadoes would have been missed by meteorologists in earlier days before Doppler radar and the Weather Channel.  Now, experts could almost never overlook an actual tornado touchdown, no matter how weak or brief.  Warmer temperatures and more moisture will give storm systems  much more energy to play with, like adding nitroglycerin to the atmosphere.  Waters of the Gulf of Mexico are warm, and feed moisture northward to storm systems as they move across the country, and when that moisture meets cold, dry air from the Plains, can result in some powerful weather conditions.

We have previously talked about being prepared by having a home safety kit ready.  Last year, I subscribed to a weather alert system from a Dallas TV Station, and it works great.  This system provides us with a timely alert by email, landline, and cell phone.  When both phones start ringing at the same time, we know a familiar meteorologist is giving us warning to seek shelter with information as to a severe thunderstorm watch or warning, or tornado watch or warning.  We must be as prepared as possible, although there may not be time to take anything out of your home but yourself and your pets.  Please do not get in a car to try to outrun a tornado.  Find a safe spot in your home, away from windows, either in a hallway or bathroom.  For any emergency, it’s a good idea to have medications and nonperishable food, along with three days supply of water, ready in a container if you must leave your home.  Keep first aid kits, in your home and car.  If you are outdoors, experts advise you to seek shelter, (storm cellar or basement.)  If that isn’t possible, get in a ditch, or the lowest place you can find, and not under an underpass. 

We must remember that tornadoes and other stormy seasons have always been with us.  We can keep people from being killed by those storms through better forecasting, better building and better emergency preparation.  We have actually improved over the years through National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration statistics showing that the number of Americans killed by tornadoes  per capita has steadily declined since the 1920’s.  A warmer world may cause us to experience more severe weather, and a more populated world will mean more people at risk from those events.  Therefore, we need to encourage lawmakers to support vital agencies like the NOAA and National Weather Service in disaster preparation and response, rather than impose budget cuts.  For people in the south and Midwest, these entities’ remaining strong is of the utmost importance.  The entire country needs to know they can count on these important warning services. 

Source: Bryan Walsh,  ABC News, Ft Worth Star-Telegram

Eye Protection

PROTECTING YOUR EYES WHILE WORKING OUTSIDE

1 Comment
We never know where our next story will come from.  I received this email today from my sister-in-law, who happens to be an owner-partner in Texas America Safety Company, our parent company.  This incident can happen to anyone who is working in the yard during this time of the year when leaves are falling and grass and other debris is blowing.  She writes:
“ I got a tiny speck in my eye from a dead tree branch that I pulled down.  It took me a long time to get it out, and my eye was red and hurting.  I thought I might have to go to the ER but I finally got it out.  Who would think that such a tiny speck would hurt so much!  I went to the optometrist the next day and he gave me some drops, but didn’t see any damage.  I immediately went to our office and bought some over-the-glasses safety glasses.  I’ll attach a picture.  Our receptionist said that they get many speck problems every Monday as people often work in their yards on the weekend.  Even mowing, we need to wear eye protection.”
We never know where our next story will come from.  I received this email today from my sister-in-law, who happens to be an owner-partner in Texas America Safety Company, our parent company.  This incident can happen to anyone who is working in the yard during this time of the year when leaves are falling and grass and other debris is blowing.
She writes:
“ I got a tiny speck in my eye from a dead tree branch that I pulled down.  It took me a long time to get it out, and my eye was red and hurting.  I thought I might have to go to the ER but I finally got it out.  Who would think that such a tiny speck would hurt so much!  I went to the optometrist the next day and he gave me some drops, but didn’t see any damage.  I immediately went to our office and bought some over-the-glasses safety glasses.  I’ll attach a picture.  Our receptionist said that they get many speck problems every Monday as people often work in their yards on the weekend.  Even mowing, we need to wear eye protection.”
judy glasses
The fact is, there are safety glasses made to fit right over your glasses, so you can not only protect them from debris, such as leaves and grass, but you’ll have better vision, as well, since you can wear your own glasses under them.
We hope those of you who enjoy your fall workouts in the yard will try a pair of these.  It just might save you a trip to the emergency room!
·                 Lenses provide 99% protection against harmful UV rays
·                 Exceeds ANSI Z87.1-2003 High Impact requirements
·                 Lenses are coated for superior scratch resistance
·                 Lightweight nylon temples that adjust for length and pitch
·                 Single lens protection encapsulates the eye for superb protection
·                 Designed to better fit today’s prescription eyewear
The Pyramex OTS safety glasses are a new style of over-the-glass safety glass. It is designed to fit over your prescription eyewear and still be comfortable. The OTS fits today’s smaller RX frame styles and does not have the size and bulk of most over the glass safety glasses. It’s a great alternative to prescription safety glasses.
Thanks, Judy, for sharing your experience with us.  These would be great for anyone who wears glasses and enjoys doing outdoor jobs.
Judy’s Picture. The fact is, there are safety glasses made to fit right over your glasses, so you can not only protect them from debris, such as leaves and grass, but you’ll have better vision, as well, since you can wear your own glasses under them. We hope those of you who enjoy your fall workouts in the yard will try a pair of these.  It just might save you a trip to the emergency room!
Lenses provide 99% protection against harmful UV rays
Exceeds ANSI Z87.1-2003 High Impact requirements
Lenses are coated for superior scratch resistance
Lightweight nylon temples that adjust for length and pitch
Single lens protection encapsulates the eye for superb protection
Designed to better fit today’s prescription eyewear
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The Pyramex OTS safety glasses are a new style of over-the-glass safety glass. It is designed to fit over your prescription eyewear and still be comfortable. The OTS fits today’s smaller RX frame styles and does not have the size and bulk of most over the glass safety glasses. It’s a great alternative to prescription safety glasses.
Thanks, Judy, for sharing your experience with us.  These would be great for anyone who wears glasses and enjoys doing outdoor jobs.  What a small investment to protect our valuable gift of vision.
Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Health Issues, Weather Protection

TOO MUCH SUN, TOO LITTLE SUNSCREEN?

It seems that the U.S. is behind Canada and Europe when it comes to labeling sunscreen products.  In the past, manufacturers were not required to disclose how well their products protect against cancer-causing ultraviolet A, (UVA) rays.  Only the amount of protection against ultraviolet B was required to be on the label.  Both types of UV rays cause skin damage, including premature skin aging and skin cancer.  UVB primarily causes sunburn while UVA light is more damaging because it penetrates the skin farther, causing wrinkles and other problems. 

A beautiful tan is very attractive, but if the one who is working on that tan could only realize the results that might be caused later in life, they might forgo the tan and protect their skin.  A Sun Protection Factor (SPF) doesn’t offer insights into UVA protection.  

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States.  Each year, 3.5 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed and treated.  According to the American Academy of Dermatology, almost 20% of Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.  While most skin cancers are curable, squamous cell carcenomas kill 2,500 Americans each year, and melanoma kills 8,700 Americans annually, according to the American Cancer Society. 

It is important that we protect our youngsters now, because these cancers are developing while they are young.  My best friend has had all three types of skin cancers, and she must consistently go for biopsies and treatment.  She is very fair, and has blue eyes;  her dermatologist told her that this all began when she was a child.  

The labeling of sunscreen as sun block implies inaccurate information that makes claims the protection will offer more than 2 hours of protection, or is water-proof or sweat-proof -without indicating the length of time of full protection.  Experts recommend using a sunscreen of at least 50 SPF.  Studies show that some of the sunscreens that are most protective are not necessarily the most expensive ones.  

Until the new labeling is available, it is recommended that you slather on a glob of sunscreen the size of a golf ball and do so very often.  (You’ll go through a tube quickly, but it’s worth it!) Having to deal with skin cancer is not something you want to face, or for your children to have to go through.  If you have to be outside, wear a hat, protective clothing, and even take along an umbrella.  When swimming, apply that protective lotion religiously.

Safety sunglasses are manufactured that offer 99.9% protection from UVA/UVB/UVC rays.  Our eyes must also be protected from the sun at all times; even small children need that protection.  Thankfully, glasses have been designed to take care of the risks of exposure to UV rays.  Maybe next year we will have full disclosure of the protection we can expect from sunscreens. 

Source:ABC News

General Safety Issues

WILDFIRES TAKE A HUGE TOLL ON TEXAS

2 Comments

For several weeks, the Texas Forest Service, volunteer fire departments, and firefighters from other states have been fighting fires that have been rampant in several areas of the state.  Last week, devastating fires in far West Texas burned much of the Fort Davis area.  A fire that started north of Marfa, Texas, took only 20 minutes to reach Fort Davis, located 21 miles away.  As of today, the Texas Forest Service reports at least 800,000 acres have burned.  Several homes, businesses, property, and a church have been destroyed by fire.  A firefighter from Eastland, Texas, lost his life when he and others exited their truck; he was hit by either a vehicle or a piece of equipment.  Visibility was limited because of heavy smoke, so at this time, the Texas Department of Public Service is classifying this incident as a traffic fatality, pending further investigation.  

We live in a small rural area in North Central Texas, and wildfires have come within 30 miles of us.   A community eleven miles west of our town was evacuated on Friday as a result of nearby fires.  Because this has hit very close to home, it makes us aware of  how seriously we must prepare for the safety of our families.  We should have emergency supplies (water, flashlight, non-perishable foods, medicines, important papers, etc.) on hand, and know what we will  take with us if we have to leave quickly. 

If Mother Nature would wave her magic wand and send rain, while stopping the gusty winds for a while, both firefighters and homeowners would be very grateful.  The dry terrain and low humidity levels combine for fires just waiting to happen.  Ranchers have lost livestock ,and much wildlife is gone.   In an article in today’s (Sunday) Ft. Worth Star-Telegram, writer Bud Kennedy’s headline is “Just one cigarette is all it takes to inflict a world of damage.”  According to the Texas Forest Service, humans start 9 in 10 wildfires.  Kennedy goes on to say that any spark can burn a town, taking with it homes, dreams, and sometimes, firefighters’ lives.  In Texas, the punishment for tossing a lit cigarette is only a littering ticket.  However, Texas’ arson law includes felony punishment for anyone whose cigarette recklessly sets fire to a building or injures anyone.  Arson is a second-degree felony in Texas, punishable by two to 20 years in prison, but if a person is hurt or killed or if the fire involves a church, arson is a first-degree felony, and the arsonist can face up to life in prison. 

 Many firefighters are volunteers – they risk their lives every time they are called out.  They are trained to use their equipment to save lives, homes, and  properties of their neighbors.  When things become as serious as they are right now, other firefighters step in to help.  The Texas Forest Service reports that  there are around 1,250 personnel on the ground  now, including firefighters from 34 states.  Our firefighters will do the same for them when they are called.  We, as citizens, must be vigilant in preventing fires when weather conditions create dangerous situations.    We appreciate the hard work they are doing.   The next time you see a firefighter, give him or her a big THANK YOU!  (And, pray for rain!)

 

Sources: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram, Texas Forest Service 

 

 

 

 

 

General Safety Issues

AN IMPORTANT JOINT TO PROTECT

We’re not talking about the local bar and grill here, but the shoulder!  Have you ever thought about how much we take our bodies for granted, and the shoulder carries much of the burden.

It is one of the most sophisticated and complex joints of the body.  Some thirty muscles provide movement and stability to the shoulder complex.  Did you know that our shoulders have a 360° range of motion?  Because the ball of the arm is larger than the shoulder socket that holds it, muscles, tendons and ligaments serve as anchors to hold it together.

Shoulder injuries are common in athletes: baseball, basketball, tennis and football players, as well as golfers.  Persons who use their arms to work overhead such as construction workers, and painters often complain of shoulder pain.  Injuries to the shoulder are classified as sprains, dislocations, bursitis, tendinitis, arthritis, torn rotator cuffs, and general aging.

Shoulder problems are usually treated with RICE:

Rest – take breaks from the activity that is causing the problem.

Ice – to reduce pain and swelling.

Compression – wrap the area with Ace bandage, and use a sling for the first 48 hours.

Elevation – rest the injured/sore area on a pillow while applying ice anytime you are sitting or lying.

If symptoms occur such as numbness and tingling, range of motion decreases or does not return to normal after using this process, see your physician.

While using your arms for gardening, painting, or work, try alternating your hands if possible, and take frequent breaks.  Use correct lifting methods and avoid overuse of your arms.

Other tips that apply to protecting the rest of the body, as well as the arms and shoulders:

  • Keep your bones strong by doing weight-bearing exercise (such as walking), and including plenty of calcium and Vitamin D in your diet.
  • Don’t smoke.
  • If you are in sports, wear protective gear.
  • Don’t carry objects that are too heavy.
  • Use a stepladder rather than standing on an unstable chair.
  • When riding in a car, always fasten your seatbelt.
  • Cut down on caffeine, which can increase loss of calcium.

Someone may need to cry on your shoulder someday, so keep it strong!