Tag Archives: education

General Safety Issues

Why Is Drunk Driving On the Rise? (Guest Post)

Drunk driving awareness campaigns in the UK are like the Coca-Cola truck commercial, the movie Home Alone, and pigs in blankets; They are at their most prominent over the Christmas period. The dangers of drunk driving clearly don’t need advertising to be obvious. So why are drunk driving-related deaths and incidents on an upward curve in the UK?

With yearly increases in drunk driving-related deaths since 2011, the statistics show that driving whilst intoxicated is on the rise and more and more motorists are admitting to have driven under the influence of drink and/or drugs at some point in their lives.

A recent survey of around 2,000 adults carried out by car insurance comparison giant Confused.com found that 19% of adults confessed to having driven under the influence. That equates to around seven million of Britain’s drivers. So why would so many people make this potentially fatal choice? There are a few possible explanations. 

The morning after the night before

An apparent lack of education and awareness regarding the longevity of the effects of drinking could have contributed to the recent hike in DD deaths.

So many crashes are occurring in the morning, suggesting that people think a few hours sleep is enough to shake off the effects of a heavy session the night before. The simple truth is, you can be over the limit and susceptible to consequential substandard driving skills for a long time after the drinking has ceased.

Authorities and police have backed this theory up and expressed a need for further education. The notion that a bacon sandwich and a night of broken sleep will suffice are way off the mark. 

Education

2011 saw the lowest drunk driving deaths since 1979, so the increase since has been viewed by many as an anomaly, a fluke. But if we dig a little deeper we may find that the increase has come due to a relaxation in the standard of drunk driving education and marketing in the wake of the previously successful years.

In the UK, the alcohol limit for drivers is 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, 35 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath or 107 milligrams per 100 millilitres of urine. This is across the board, irrespective of your height, weight, gender, metabolism or current mental situation. In other words, you can give two individuals the same amount of alcohol and they could react completely differently.

There should perhaps be a shift in the marketing and education of drunk driving awareness so that people become aware of what is safe for them. The general consumption statistic is broad and people think they can handle the maximum amount without any issues, and perhaps handle even more. The legal limit in the UK is actually higher than in the majority of Europe, so this is also another blindingly obvious possible reason. Should we head towards a zero-tolerance policy on drunk driving? I can see no logical counter-argument to suggest otherwise. 

Consequences

Amongst the young and perceived naïve exists a school of thought that a first offence will lead to minor retribution. They may consider themselves unlikely to get caught, and if they do get caught they consider the risk worthy of the possible consequences. All roads here point to a lack of fear amongst drivers. It seems to be the case that not enough people are scared of the consequences of drinking and driving.

Each accident, each death, has a devastating effect on the victim and his/her family and friends. The temptation to drink and drive would be greatly reduced if the possible consequences were rammed home with vigour at every available juncture.

Bio: This article was written by Suzanne Roberts, who works for YourParkingSpace.

Thanks, Suzanne, this is a very serious problem in the U.S., as well. pb

General Safety Issues

APRIL – ALCOHOL AWARENESS MONTH

CADD Announces 2014 NCADD Alcohol Awareness Month Theme –
“Help for Today. Hope For Tomorrow”
Alcohol Awareness – The Key to Community Change, Personal and Family Recovery
28 Years of Improving and Saving Lives Through Prevention, Treatment and Recovery

Each April since 1987, the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD) sponsors NCADD Alcohol Awareness Month to increase public awareness and understanding, reduce stigma and encourage local communities to focus on alcoholism and alcohol-related issues. This April, NCADD highlights the important public health issue of underage drinking, a problem with devastating individual, family and community consequences.

With this year’s theme, “Help for Today, Hope for Tomorrow,” the month of April will be filled with local, state, and national events directed toward educating people about the prevention and treatment of alcoholism. Local NCADD Affiliates as well as schools, colleges, churches, and countless other community organizations will sponsor a host of activities that create awareness and encourage individuals and families to get help for alcohol-related problems.

Alcohol use by young people is extremely dangerous—both to themselves and to society, and is directly associated with traffic fatalities, violence, suicide, educational failure, alcohol overdose, unsafe sex and other problem behaviors.

This year’s awareness campaign will place a special emphasis on underage drinking, a problem that costs $62 billion every year. The fact remains that alcohol is more likely to kill young people than all illicit drugs combined; even more startling: annually, over 6,500 people under the age of 21 die from alcohol-related accidents and thousands more are injured. 7,000 American kids are taking their first drink every day, all of whom are under the age of 16. One-fourth of children have alcohol-use disorders in their own family.

“Underage drinking is a complex issue,” says Greg Muth, chairperson of the NCADD Board of Directors, “one that can only be solved through a sustained and cooperative effort. As a nation, we need to wake up to the reality that for some, alcoholism and addiction develop at a young age and that intervention, treatment, and recovery support are essential for them and their families,” says Muth. “We can’t afford to wait any longer.” 

Of course, we understand that alcohol abuse is really a systemic problem affecting the entire country, including every demographic. To combat this, we must take strong preventive measures, but also be aware of the signs of alcohol abuse so as to identify and assist those with problems.

The signs are many, and not always apparent. Those that have an alcohol problem often neglect their responsibilities at home, work or school. They also drink while engaging in risky behaviors, such as driving. Abusers also commonly drink as a way to relax and “unwind,” all the while causing more problems because of their alcoholism. This abuse results in a high tolerance, and eventually can lead to physical/psychological addiction.

Alcohol abusers may become dependent on drinking. When they do stop, they often experience short-term withdrawal symptoms including anxiety, delirium, tremors and general difficulty performing tasks. For these abusers, alcohol goes from simply a way to relax, to a necessary activity in order to get through their everyday life. Some addicts become quite skilled at hiding their addiction until the inevitable unraveling takes place.

Whether a person decides to use alcohol or drugs is a choice, influenced by their environment–peers, family, and availability.  But, once a person uses alcohol or drugs, the risk of developing alcoholism or drug dependence is largely influenced by genetics.  Alcoholism and drug dependence are not moral issues, are not a matter of choice or a lack of willpower.  Plain and simple, some people’s bodies respond to the effects of alcohol and drugs differently. 

Research has shown conclusively that family history of alcoholism or drug addiction is in part genetic and not just the result of the family environment.  And, millions of Americans are living proof, based on personal, firsthand experience, that alcoholism and drug addiction run in families, plain and simple.

 Genes provide the information that directs how our bodies respond at the cellular level.  Research indicates that over 99% of our genes are the same and the 1% that are different account for visible differences (hair color, height, etc.) and invisible differences, such as our risk of diabetes, heart disease or addiction to alcohol or drugs.

Therefore, our health is the result of the interaction between genes and environment.  As an example, our risk of developing high blood pressure is influenced by both genetics and environment, including diet, stress, and exercise.   Certain diseases, like sickle cell anemia or cystic fibrosis, are caused by an error in a single gene.  However, most diseases, such as alcoholism and drug dependence, are considered genetically complex and involve variations in a number of different genes.

“Alcohol dependence and dependence on other drugs frequently co-occur, and strong evidence suggests that both disorders are, at least in part, influenced by genetic factors.  In recent years, researchers have identified numerous genes as affecting risk for dependence on alcohol and drugs.  These include genes involved in alcohol metabolism as well as in the transmission of nerve cell signals and modulation of nerve cell activity.”

Drinking alcoholic beverages affects different persons in different ways.  Some become very happy while others may see the “down side” of everthing.  Alcohol is a depressant, and certain genes in ones chemistry may indicate that they should not choose this as a way of relaxing.  Studies show that there are genetics involved, but I have known people who had problems with alcohol that had families that didn’t drink at all.  A physician once explained that some people enjoy drinking beer the same as others would enjoy a glass of tea.  

Many times you can’t get someone to seek help unless they want to get help.  Do what you can to encourage that person to find counseling or other programs; if it’s a young person, try to help them face the fact that they have a problem before they or someone else gets hurt. 

Sources: NCADD;  TheGazette 

 

Ergonomics, Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection

HOW TO TEACH WORKPLACE VIOLENCE SAFETY (GUEST POST)

Workplace safety involves a few topics such as personal hygiene, and personal safety against physical violence to name the most important ones. These apply to almost all fields of work whereas accidents by materials happen only in certain industries. Proper orientation and awareness and also education toward workplace safety need to be taught to all employees in order to avoid any hazard in the workplace.

Personal Health Safety: All companies should educate their employees on the relevance of personal hygiene, diseases and the most probable causes of such diseases. People working in laboratories and industries regularly come in contact with chemicals which could be allergens or irritants. Therefore, employees need to be aware of the use of protective gloves, masks and skin cream etc. in order to safeguard themselves from these health issues.

How to Teach Personal Health Safety: · Posters can be hung at places where workers wash their hands, at rest rooms, and where they change their uniforms and all. A seminar or some talks can be arranged to make the employees aware of the risks involved in their workplace in case they do not take care of themselves properly.  Tours to such other companies can be organized in order to show the workers how other companies manage to be risk-free.

Slip and fall safety: This is one of the most common causes for workplace accidents. Several steps can be taken to prevent these accidents. It is highly essential to be aware of the possible spots of danger namely water spills, spots of grease or oil. Every employee needs to know these spots and be on alert when negotiating these places.  Slopes or low-lying areas pose dangers and employees should wear proper foot wear which would save them from the possible mishaps.   Hanging posters or holding meetings, or awareness programs would help a great deal in protecting oneself from workplace accidents.

Workplace Violence Safety: Workplace safety is a point of serious concern since violence could happen due to misbehavior’s of other employees let alone the accidents that happen by environmental conditions.

How to Teach Workplace Violence Safety: · Pamphlets and seminars would be of a great help to employees. Since workplace violence is a sensitive issue workers should have a provision to complain  anonymously about the issues they face at the workplace.  Employees could also hold group discussions on these issues and share the possible remedies that they can think of.  Visuals always give extra effect to all things. Showing videos on workplace violence would have a great impact on workers.

Ergonomics: Ergonomics is the scientific discipline which concerns with the understanding of humans and other systems. In simple terms, this would involve keeping things at the proper heights in the workplace to prevent muscular, skeletal and other injuries. Ergonomics could also be taught to employees by way of distributing pamphlets, by holding talks and seminars for workers etc. Companies could also bring ergonomic experts to personally teach the employees how to take care of themselves while at work.

This article was sent to us by Christy Nelson of buyessays.us.

General Safety Issues

GROUND REQUIREMENTS FOR SAFETY IN THE WAREHOUSE (GUEST POST)

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Another great article sent to us by Maree Kyle.

Safety in the workplace is at the top of any company’s list because risks that aren’t accounted for and dealt with accordingly have the potential to cause the loss of life, limb and livelihood. No matter what rules and guidelines you put in place, you still have to exercise caution when using power supplies and tools. To avoid unnecessary harm or danger, it’s important to make sure you are on top of safety compliance issues, communicate safety rules to your employees and ensure they are using every precaution possible to prevent hazardous situations from arising. Here are some tips for promoting safety.

  • Provide training and education: Good communication is one of the most important safety tools you can use in your workplace. Regular workshops sponsored by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration should be a consistent part of your warehouse safety plan. As technology in the warehouse increases, new information must be passed on to the workers so old, outdated practices don’t inadvertently cause a safety issue.
  • Avoid electrical accidents: Machinery and tools that use electricity place everyone in the warehouse work environment at-risk for accidents. Power supplies for heavy duty industrial equipment are an important addition to your warehouse tools and supplies. When new supplies are introduced into the workplace, be sure to provide on-the-spot training so employees are aware of the new supplies and how they function. Daily electrical safety checks should be a part of every morning to ensure your employees are starting the day in a safe work environment.
  • Provide emergency kits: Your local fire department will work with you to ensure you’re in compliance with your emergency kits, which may include first aid supplies, a light source, batteries, a radio, water pouches and food rations. Follow the directives put forth by the fire department to ensure each emergency kit contains what it should and is placed where it’s easily accessible by you and your employees.
  • Post evacuation plans: Evacuation during an emergency is an essential component of your warehouse safety plan, and it’s something you and your employees should practice. Even though workers in a large warehouse may have assigned emergency exits and shutdown procedures to follow, make sure they know safety comes first and it’s okay to use a closer or safer exit when necessary. Likewise, discuss when equipment shutdown practices should be followed or abandoned in an emergency.
  • Be diligent with cleanups: This simple-but-effective tip will make the warehouse a safer place to be for anyone on the floor. Even small spills from water, oil or other slippery component can pose a hazard in the workplace. Avoid accidents that can become serious issues by being mindful of messes.

The time and training invested in promoting workplace safety is well worth the cost when compared to the time and money you’d have to expend to recover from a workplace accident. Keep communication lines open and convey every new safety tip to your employees. Make sure they’re following through with safety measurements, even if it involves a little extra work and time. Some companies try to save time and dollars by cutting corners on safety; not only is the practice unsafe, but it places little value on the company and those who keep it going. Follow these and other safety tips to make your warehouse a safer place to work.

 

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

WORKPLACE EYE WELLNESS MONTH

Each day, about 2,000 U.S. workers sustain job-related eye injuries that require medical treatment, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).  The National Eye Institute estimates that 90% of those workplace eye injuries could be prevented through the use of proper protective eyewear.  Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards require employers to see that workers have suitable eye protection.  Yet the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that nearly three out of every five workers injured were not wearing eye protection at the time of the injury, or were wearing the wrong kind of eye protection for the job.

NEI, the AOA Eye Safety Project Team, and safety eyewear manufacturers all say optometrists can play a critical role in bringing proper safety eyewear to workers-particularly the employees of small and medium-size businesses.  While most of the nation’s larger employers have established formal safety eyewear programs for workers, relatively few smaller employers have such programs, the AOA Eye Safety Project Team notes.  To assist AOA members in conducting public education efforts on safety eyewear during Healthy Vision Month (March), and in developing safety eyewear practices, the AOA Eye Safety Project Team has compiled the follow materials:  Eye Safety — You Can Make the Difference – an Optometry: Journal of the American Optometric Association from the AOA Eye Safety Project Team.  Eye Safety is Everyone’s Business – a comprehensive practice management tutorial on the development of a safety eyewear practice, from the Practice Strategies section of Optometry: Journal of the American Optometric Association.  The Importance of Eye Protection for Work and Recreation – a PowerPoint presentation. And, Eye Safety Fact Sheet – a handout for use in presentation to employers, workers or public education efforts.  Please follow the instructions below to protect your workers:

Eye Safety Fact Sheet (Share these with your employees)

  • Approximately 60 percent of workers sustaining eye injuries were not wearing proper protective eyewear, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. “I didn’t think I needed them” should never be the answer as to why safety glasses were not worn.
  • Under the Healthy People 2010 program, the nation’s official public health agenda, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services hopes to cut workplace eye injuries by almost a third over the course of this decade.
  • Industry standards now recognize two classes of industrial safety lenses: traditional basic impact lenses and high impact lenses, shown in ballistic tests to offer improved protection against flying particles. Basic impact protectors can only be worn in situations where known or presumed hazards are low impact in nature. High impact protectors (Z87+) provide protection to hazards of high velocity and/or high mass.
  • Safety eyewear is now available in a variety of new styles and materials that make it more attractive and comfortable to wear.
  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards require employers to ensure workers have suitable eye protection.
  • To that end, OSHA requires employers to formally assess workplace eye hazards, select the appropriate type of eyewear to use, train and certify employees in eye protection, and plan for eye emergencies. (See the OSHA Eye and Face Protection eTool, a step-by-step guide to OSHA requirements, hazard assessment and safety eyewear selection at www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/eyeandface/index.html)
  • Workers who wear prescription glasses must also wear required eye protection.
  • Protective eyewear must be properly fitted to be effective. Don’t let lack of comfort be a barrier to full-time safety eyewear use.
  • The American Optometric Association recommends that supervisory officials in the workplace, in schools, and at recreational events should mandate wear of eye protection in all activities in which a risk of eye injury exists.
  • The National Eye Institute (NEI) has dedicated Healthy Eyes Month to workplace eye safety. Now is an appropriate time for employers to ensure that all workers have proper eye protection.

Healthy Eyes are required for a Productive Workforce. 

In a recent article from About.com, we learned that according to the AOA’s American Eye-Q survey, nearly half of all Americans (46 percent) spend five or more hours per day using a computer or a personal digital assistant.  While technology improves work productivity, the prolonged use of electronic devices may lead to problems such as eye strain, headaches, dry eyes, fatigue, blurred vision, and loss of focus.  Here are five steps to vision care, as recommended by the AOA: 

Give It A Rest: Remember the 20-20-20 rule.  At least every 20 minutes, take a 20 second break and look at something 20 feet away.  The survey found that the majority of Americans don’t follow this rule.   

Size Up: Smaller screens on hand-held devices usually favor tiny type that challenges your vision.  Increase the font size so the device can be used at a distance more comfortable for your eyes. 

Sharpen Up: Better resolution offers greater clarity and creates more comfort.  Keep the brightness of the screen at a comfortable intensity, not too bright or too dim. 

Reduce Glare: Try to make sure lighting is not directly behind the head or in front.  Hand-held devices present challenges in various lighting conditions. 

Look Down: It’s easier on the eyes to focus on reading material that is below eye level; therefore, the AOA recommends a computer monitor or hand-held device be positioned slightly below eye level. 

Hopefully, most employers include vision insurance for their employees and dependents in their benefits package.  If this is not the case, vision education and testing should be done.  Day and evening seminars (sponsored by the company) that cover vision information can educate workers on the need for eating proper foods for healthy vision, and changes in vision as people age.  Providing initial vision testing for family members on vision day could be an added perk.  It is important that employers encourage compliance in eye protection. 

Source: AOA; About.com

 

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

NATIONAL HANDWASHING AWARENESS WEEK

We learned many lessons during the H1N1 Flu Pandemic in 2009, but one of the things that stayed with us is the importance of keeping our hands clean.  Germs spread easily, and everything we touch – at home, work, or traveling, contains germs.  Our bodies are built to resist many of them, but for those that we can’t, we can wash them away with a good hand scrubbing.   December 4 – 10 has been set aside as the week to make everyone aware of the importance of washing our hands.

When we are ill, we sometimes have to be hospitalized.  We go there to get well; however, many times patients acquire what are known as HAI’s – healthcare-associated infections.  These infections represent a public health issue requiring many people and organizations working together in a comprehensive effort to attack these largely preventable infections.  The Centers for Disease Control is working with partners and states to implement infection prevention tools toward the elimination of HAI’s.

One of the most important things patients can do (if they are aware), is to be sure that their caregivers keep their hands clean.  If you or a family member notices they haven’t washed their hands when they enter the room, don’t be afraid to remind them to do so.  Most rooms are equipped with hand sanitizers at the entrance of each room.  You don’t know what the patient in the next room has, so their germs are not welcome in other patient rooms.

Kimberly-Clark sponsored a study in which 1,000 adults in the United States were interviewed about healthcare-associated infections.  This study revealed that over half of the respondents had little or no awareness of HAI’s.  About fifty-six per cent of the respondents were not familiar or not at all familiar with HAI’s.  When asked to identify the contributors to HAI’s, less than one per cent were able to distinguish accurately between those that do and those that do not contribute to these infections.

After learning what HAI’s are, nearly two-thirds of all people (63%) were interested in learning more about this type of infection.  This is good news, because patients and family members, along with caregivers, have an important role to play in reducing the risk of this type of infection.  Had I not previously worked in a hospital, I am sure I would be among the many who were not aware of the seriousness of this problem.  (Hospitals strive to keep their infection rates as low as possible.)

One of the key things we can do to prevent infections, not just in hospitals or home healthcare, but in public situations, such as work, schools, shopping malls, airports, and at home is to keep our hands clean.  A little thing like warm water and soap can go a long way, according to our safety poster:

Handwashing

In addition to the poster, use a paper towel to open the door after you have washed your hands in a public restroom.  I also keep hand sanitizer in my car, so I can clean my hands after shopping.  Get your children in the habit of washing their hands often. (Easier said than done!)  Anything we can do to keep the spread of germs down, the healthier we will all be.

General Safety Issues

SEPTEMBER IS CAMPUS FIRE SAFETY MONTH

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There is nothing more important to a parent than knowing that their children are going to live in a safe place when they go off to college.  Most  college students are currently in the process of moving into on-campus or off-campus housing.  The month of September is a good time to remind all of us of campus fire safety.  There are many things to know about fire safety, when it comes to relocating your student.   

In its’ seventh year, Campus Fire Safety Month reminds us that since January, 2000, 144 persons have died in campus-related fires, with four out of five of the fires occurring in off-campus housing.  Nationwide colleges and universities must make teaching their students about fire safety a high priority.  In a survey prepared by the Michael Minger Foundation in 2009, most schools showed a lack of a coordinated approach to fire safety.  Michael Minger was a college student who lost his life in a residence hall arson fire.   The survey showed that schools were inconsistent in how they educated their students on fire safety, and what would be done to ensure that students, faculty and staff, as well as disabled students were evacuated safely from campus buildings.  A number of fires on campus or in apartments started on porches where couches and other combustible furniture caught fire, either through carelessness, smoking materials, or impaired judgment from alcohol, which lead to ignition or inability to escape the fire. 

Parents need to ask these questions when helping their student choose where they will live: 

  •          Are there two ways out of the house?
  •          If they live on the upper floor, is there a way to escape, such as a working window?
  •          Do they have an escape ladder?  If not, purchase one.
  •          Ask the same question if it is a basement apartment: are there two ways out, and is there a window that works?
  •          Are there smoke alarms and do they work?
  •          Tell your student never to disable a smoke alarm!
  •          Are there automatic fire sprinklers?
  •          Find out about cooking safety rules, either in a dorm, or in an apartment. 

When it comes to fire safety on campus, there are three entities involved: (1) the school must ensure that the campus and building environment meets the applicable codes and requirements of state and local building codes.  Also that it meets the policies and procedure requirements regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), relating to fire safety for all students, faculty, and staff.  (2) The local Fire Department should be familiar with the floor plans of the campus and conduct inspections and fire prevention and training.  (3) Each student should be responsible for himself by having a basic awareness of his/her surroundings, and what to do in case of fire or other emergency.  One of the most important lessons all college students must learn is fire safety.  This lesson will stay with them the rest of their lives.  

Source: campus-firewatch.com

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

NATIONAL SAFE BOATING WEEK – MAY 21 – 27

 Many of you who have probably gotten out those dusty boats and launched them already.  It’s time for some fun and sun on the water!  There’s nothing more fun than going fishing, skiing, or for a leisure ride in a boat.  Some of the best memories we have were teaching our kids and their friends to waterski.  We even had a life jacket for our Cairn terrier, Willie.  A game warden was very surprised to see that little dog wearing it, and commented that in all his years of work, he had seen only one other dog wearing a life jacket.  Willie had a bad habit of getting on the bow of the boat and falling in, so all we had to do was pick him up with a dip net to rescue him, while his jacket kept him afloat! 

The National Safe Boating Council, Inc. (NSBC) was organized in September of 1958.  The NSBC has a current membership of over 330 U.S. and Canadian organizations, all interested in boating safety and education, by promoting Safe Boating Week.  I have included a sample pledge card in this article, which is a common-sense agreement regarding the responsibility that you owe yourself and your friends and family any time you operate a boat.  If you wish to sign this pledge, you can go to the National Safe Boating Council website.   Beginning boaters and experts alike should be familiar with boating safety rules of operation.  State boater education requirements vary by state.  Be educated, aware and prepared for every circumstance that may arise.  The U.S. Coast Guard offers free Vessel Safety Checks.  They offer complimentary boat examinations to verify the condition of certain safety equipment that is required by State and Federal regulations.  They also offer virtual online safety checks as well.

In a previous article, “Before You Make That Big Splash,” shares other information about boating, including the five types of life jackets (PFD’s) – personal flotation devices.  There are many other resources that one should check out before taking off in that new boat.  Safety is the big thing when it comes to operating a boat.  Many lives are in the hands of the driver, the same as a vehicle on the road.  And don’t be surprised when a  local game warden checks your boat out to ensure that there are plenty of life jackets and other required equipment onboard.

Regardless of where you are boating – in fresh or salt water, on a river or a lake, the one common point  throughout this article is the importance of wearing a life jacket.  In about 80% of all fatal boating accidents, the cause of death is drowning.  In 90% of those drownings, the person wasn’t wearing a life jacket.  Each person on your boat should have a life jacket on; it won’t help if it’s under the seat when they fall in.  Life jackets are not as bulky as in the past; there are many styles that are comfortable and easy to put on.  It may be hot, but it sure beats the risk of drowning.  Accidents have been known to happen to good swimmers.  If Willie wore his, you can, too!

Check the weather conditions before  starting  your boating trip.  If the water becomes rough, get to the shore as soon as possible.  Be sure you have a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit on your boat.  It is also a good idea to have a second person that knows how to operate your boat, just in case.   The most important part of boating safety is using common sense.  Operate at a safe speed, stay clear of large vessels, and be respectful of other boaters.  Staying safe in a boat (everyone) is accomplished when drinking alcohol is saved for later (on land).  Chances of being involved in a boating accident are doubled when alcohol is involved.    

Here is a sample of the National Safe Boating Council pledge card:

I,
pledge to boat safely each and every time I go out on the water, keeping myself, my family, my friends and fellow boaters from harm’s way.  I will always boat responsibly by (please check each line)
Wearing my life jacket and ensuring that everyone on board wears their life jacket (when in a small boat, or operating in rough water or threatening weather conditions)___  
Remaining sober and alert – remembering that the use of alcohol contributes to accidents on the water___  
Staying in control of my craft and respecting the right of others enjoying the waterways___  
Knowing and obeying navigation rules, operating at a safe speed and maintaining a proper lookout___  

______________________________

______________________________

(signature)

(date)

 

 

Please make the decision to honor the rules of boating safety for yourself, family, and friends.

 Sources: NSBC, discoverboating.com

General Safety Issues

NATIONAL SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS AND PREVENTION MONTH

Designated by the National Sexual Violence and Research Center as National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, April represents a very serious subject of concern to everyone.  Serving as the nation’s principle information and resource center regarding all aspects of sexual violence, the National Sexual Violence Research Center provides national leadership, technical assistance, and consultation by generating the development and flow of information on sexual violence intervention and prevention strategies.  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is funding unique prevention campaigns that engage bystanders to get involved and to help reduce sexual assault, and the Department of Education is working to combat sexual violence at schools and universities.  Any public or private school, college or university that receive Federal funds must comply with Title IX.  Title IX of the Educational Amendment  of 1972 is a Federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education and activities. 

Sexual harassment is unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, and should not be tolerated.  It happens in the workplace, at school, in public places, and is against the law, and can lead to more violent acts.  “It’s Time….To Get Involved” is a campaign by the CDC and NSVRC that educates potential witnesses in safe and positive ways they can act to prevent or intervene when there is a risk for sexual violence.  This program teaches how to stop situations that could possibly lead to sexual assault.  Also, it gives individuals the skills to be an effective and supportive ally to survivors after an assault has taken place.  Research shows that this technique is a promising way to help prevent the widespread problem of sexual violence across campuses and other communities. 

Here are five steps toward taking action:

  1. Notice the event along a range of actions;
  2. Consider whether the situation demands your action;
  3. Decide if you have the responsibility to act;
  4. Choose what form of assistance to use;
  5. Understand how to implement the choice safely. 

One victim of sexual assault, whether it is a child or an adult, is too many.  In the case of children, parents should watch for signs that something is not quite right.  Many victims are afraid or ashamed to speak out, but they must, in order for perpetrator to be stopped before there are more who fall prey to them.  We all have an important role in changing community knowledge, attitudes and behaviors.  

Social marketing campaigns or outreach campaigns use the bystander approach to preventing dating and sexual violence.  Two such campaigns are:  Know Your Power Campaign – www.know-your-power.org and The Red Flag campaign – www.theredflagcampaign.org).

Programs that have been evaluated and found to be effective in changing attitudes or behaviors are listed:

  • Bringing in the Bystander, which teaches college students appropriate and safe ways to intervene before, during and after a sexual assault.
  • Men’s Program/1 in 4: focuses on building empathy with college men.
  • Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP): focuses on student leaders and athletes in high school and college about men’s role in gender violence prevention, which uses sports metaphors and framework.
  • MyStrength Club: provides a multi-session club for high school boys, providing them a place where they can explore ways to help prevent sexual violence. 

We must remember that every victim of sexual assault is someone’s daughter, sister, mom, grandmother, son, nephew, or friend.   Take part in educating others about this devastating act that occurs in all realms of society.   Get involved and you may protect someone from a terrible situation. 

Source: NSVRC.org

General Safety Issues

SEPTEMBER – CAMPUS FIRE SAFETY MONTH

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The safety of our students is a major concern for universities and colleges across the nation.  One of these  issues is campus fire safety.  Since January, 2,000, 135 persons have died in campus-related fires, with 84 per cent of the fires occurring in off-campus housing.   This year marks the sixth year for Campus Fire Safety Month being observed in September, as students are returning to campus.

A letter written by parents of students who lost their lives in campus-related fires was sent to every state governor and the mayor of Washington, D.C. this past January.  So far, 31 states have issued proclamations supporting the promotion of fire safety between schools and fire professionals.  Both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives have issued proclamations, as well.

A portion of the proclamation from Governor Rick Perry of Texas, reads : “For many young people, going away to college marks the first time they have been away from home for an extended period of time.  It is important to remember that the freedom of living away from home comes with strings attached.  When out from under their parents’ roofs, students are responsible for themselves and others.  It only takes a moment of forgetfulness or carelessness to start a fire.  Fires on and near campuses still result in the loss of valuable property and historic buildings.  In the worst outcomes, they result in injury and even death.  September is a time when students across the nation will be settling into new residences on and off campus.  Recognizing the importance of fire safety, I urge all Texans to learn more about the steps they can take to prevent fires.  With preparation and planning, you can make a difference.”  s/Rick Perry

Each state that has issued a proclamation may word theirs a little differently; however, as Governor Perry points out, there are simple safety precautions that students can take to minimize the threat of fire.  By working with the State Fire Marshal’s Office, hazards can be identified and corrected.  Most fires are preventable.

Colleges are encouraged to start the semester off by teaching their students about fire safety.  Students living on campus should know what is expected in regard to cooking in their dorm room, use of candles, smoking safety (if permitted), and  determine the location of two exits in case of an emergency.  Off-campus student-residents should also be familiar with emergency escape routes in their apartments, check for working smoke detectors, ask about sprinkler systems in their building, cooking safety, alcohol and fire safety, and decide to “party safely.” 

One of the keys  to making this a successful year is to highlight the importance of fire safety – it must be a priority.  Schools can contact their local Fire Marshall or fire department and work together to educate all students in the importance of knowing how to prevent fires.  This could be one of the most important lessons that they learn; one that will remain with them the rest of their lives.

For additional information, go to ecomeau@campus-firewatch.com.