Tag Archives: gloves

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, High Visibility Safety

LOOKING FOR A DIFFERENT PRESENT FOR THAT “HARD-TO-BUY FOR” SOMEONE?

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Look no further, friends, for quality safety products than Texas America Safety Company.

No more shopping in malls, crowded stores, or searching the “net”, when you can catch some useful things that your friends or family will enjoy having.  Giving the gift of safety means you really care. 

For the hard-working lady, we have all kinds of pink protective gear, ranging from pink hardhats to pink headsets.  Who says Mechanix is just for men?  Our pink Mechanix gloves are perfect fits for your favorite girl, to protect those delicate hands!  There are also some pink safety glasses that would complete the look. 

If you know someone who has hobbies, such as woodworking, or yardwork, goggles are a must!  T.A.S.C.O. has all types of goggles that will keep the eyes safe from flying particles, or sawdust.  Goggles are also needed for those who need exceptional eye protection at work. 

For your friends who like to ride bicycles or motorcycles, goggles also come in handy, as well as high visibility vests or high visibility decals that warn motorists to move aside and let them by! 

Anyone who works in manufacturing, construction, or other heavy duty-type work needs a good hardhat.  Ranging from team hardhats, (NCAA, NFL, MLB, NHL, NASCAR) to patriotic hardhats, or Western-style hardhats, and, if the company allows them to have their own personal hardhat, this is an excellent way to ensure compliance.  It’s fun to show your personality and team spirit with the just-right selection, at a very sensible price. 

Another great gift is a set of brim LED lights that clip onto a hardhat or baseball cap.  This would be an excellent way to be seen while riding after sunset.  For do-it-yourself tree trimmers, a chainsaw safety kit would be an excellent gift, offering a safe cutting.  (Always keep a first aid kit on standby, just in case!)

You may want to check out our huge selection of safety glasses.  Many styles don’t have the old “safety glass” look – they are stylish , and best of all,  priced lower than most sunglass stores.  The good thing about it is, they not only look cool, but also protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. 

A nice pair of leather gloves would be a welcome gift.  We have all types to choose from.

What person couldn’t use a Personal First Aid pouch to keep in their car?  Flashlights are also a must-have for your car.  There are so many things to select that we invite you to check out our website, www.tasco-safety.com.   We have linked some of our suggestions to make your shopping easier.   Place your order early for a timely arrival. 

Last but not least, if you call Texas America Safety Company (1-800-646-5346)  to place an order between now and Christmas, you will receive “Free Shipping”!  Just be sure to mention this to our customer service personnel, so you can get that savings. 

Have a safe and very happy holiday season.

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Respiratory Safety

THE DANGERS OF PLUMBING AND HOW TO STAY SAFE (GUEST POST)

Sent by Jake

If you are planning to do your own plumbing work, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. There are many dangers associated with plumbing. Although this does not mean that you should not attempt your own plumbing repairs, it does mean that you should understand how to protect yourself when you are working on your plumbing project. Here are a few do’s and don’ts that you should follow when plumbing: 

1.       Always wear protective eyewear when doing anything that could cause damage to your eyes. Using certain power tools like saws and drills can be potentially dangerous so protect your eyes at all times. You should also wear protection for your eyes when using certain glues and other adhesives that contain harsh chemicals.

2.       Wear gloves to protect your hands, particularly if you are working with certain chemicals. Many chemicals can cause a harsh reaction when they touch the skin. If you are unsure of whether or not you are working with dangerous chemicals, wear gloves to be on the safe side.

3.       Read labels on all products that you use to ensure that they are safe for use. You should also follow the recommended usage directions to ensure safety.

4.       Wear a face mask if you are going to be breathing in any unsafe fumes from chemicals or other products. When using certain power tools like drills, saws or sanders you should also protect your lungs by wearing a face mask. 

These are the things that you should always ensure that you do. It is also important to ensure that you are avoiding certain actions when plumbing: 

1.       Never, ever use tools or other plumbing equipment improperly. You should always ensure that you are following directions when working with any chemicals or power tools.

2.       Never ignore a gas smell. Gas leaks can be very dangerous so if you feel that you are smelling gas, it is best to stop what you are doing and notify the proper utility company. If you are certain that it is safe to turn off the gas, do so before you call the gas company. If you are not sure whether it is safe or not, simply contact the gas company and let them handle the potential leak.

3.       Never ignore safety codes and regulations. Plumbing codes are meant to provide a degree of safety and ignoring them could be very dangerous. If you are not sure of what these codes are, check before you begin your project.

4.       Never carry your tools in your pants or shirt pocket. Sharp tools can cause damage to you if you move suddenly or forget that you have them in your pocket. Tool belts can be purchased at virtually any hardware shop and are very inexpensive. 

This article was written by The Plumb Store. Visit us at www.theplumbstore.com to view our vast selection of high quality plumbing products.

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection

THE DANGERS OF WIRING AND HOW TO STAY SAFE (GUEST POST)

Sent to us by Jake @ CustardMedia.co.uk

Working with electrical wiring can be very dangerous. This is particularly true for those who have never worked with wiring before. If you are planning to complete a do-it-yourself wiring job, you need to understand the dangers of working with wiring and how you can avoid these dangers. Safety should always be your primary concern. Even though it may be a bit less expensive to do your own repair jobs and home maintenance, it is always a much better idea to call in a professional if you are not completely certain of what you are doing. Electrical shock can be fatal and is one of the most common incidents that occur when homeowners work on their own wiring. Aside from electrical shock, you also risk a fire hazard if your wiring is not done properly. That being said, here are a few tips that will help you to ensure your safety when working with electricity. 

1.       Know when you are in over your head. Again, if you are not a professional electricity expert, you should know when to call one. If at any time you realize that you are completely unsure of what you are doing, stop and call in an electrician. It is much better to pay a few extra dollars and get the job done properly than to risk electrical shock or fire.

2.       Make sure that all power is turned off before you begin working on any electrical wiring. You should turn off the power at the main and check to see that it is indeed turned off. You can turn off each individual circuit as needed as long as you check to ensure that the proper circuit is turned off before you begin. If you are not certain as to which circuit runs the electricity you need to turn off, turn off the entire main just to be on the safe side.

3.       Wear gloves when possible to protect your hands. When working with electrical wiring, there may be sharp points or edges that can cause you to cut yourself. Protect yourself from injury by wearing work gloves whenever you can.

4.       Rubber boots can help to protect you when working with electricity as well. Remember that water and electricity do not mix well so if you are working with electricity and there is any chance that water or dampness may be evident, wearing rubber boots can help you to avoid electrical shock. Rubber boots will stop an electrical current from reaching your body. Make sure that you check your rubber boots to ensure that there are no holes that could allow water to touch your feet.

5.       Safety glasses are very important when working with electricity. These will help you to protect your eyes from dust and debris as well as electrical sparks. If you are working with electrical wiring and you need to cut holes or otherwise drill into a wall or ceiling, safety glasses will ensure that you do not get debris in your eyes that could cause infection or in very extreme cases, blindness. 

This article was written by Electric Point, electrical wholesalers in the UK.

Back Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Respiratory Safety

CARPET FITTING SAFETY TIPS (GUEST POST)

After doing an apprenticeship in carpet fitting when I left college, I realised that there were so many things to be careful of when fitting a variety of flooring. I worked on domestic properties but, mainly worked on commercial contracts and building sites, so these safety tips are designed to cover all angles. I understand that you aren’t always in a position to have all safety gear and it can be so much quicker getting on with the job but, if you can use these tips, it will certainly give you a better standard of living. 

Knee Pads

Ask any carpet fitter what he/she thinks needs the most protection when fitting carpets or vinyl and they’ll point straight to their knees and say “knee pads”. As a young lad I didn’t really feel the comfort of them on the carpet but older, wiser colleagues wore them all the time as they had seen the effects on their fathers and other workers. Investing in a comfortable and durable pair of knee pads will really make your day easier and later life more bearable. I eventually bought a pair and couldn’t live without them especially when working on hard floors and vinyl. Some safety trousers include them so get these if you can so you don’t ever forget your kneepads. 

Good Ventilation

Most flooring in industrial settings require the use of sprays and glues that help stick the material to the floor. These can have many harmful chemicals in them and give off some pretty wacky fumes so when possible, always open windows or doors to get the best ventilation. In situations where you can’t get great ventilation, try using a mask to prevent as much harmful fumes as possible. 

Dust Masks

Mainly needed for building sites, dust masks are a God send when you’re working in dusty settings. I lost count of the times I’d have to sweep, scrape, sweep then scrape again on my hands and knees covering my mouth and nose with my sleeve. It’s not professional, efficient or clever not to wear a mask and it’ll give your health a boost if you use one regularly. Some sprays and glues can be pretty nasty too which a mask will help reduce the levels that you inhale. 

Hygiene Gel and Gloves

I remember pulling old vinyl from some of the dirtiest toilets in old houses, offices and schools. This is probably the most disgusting aspect of carpet fitting however, having some gloves and/or hygiene gel will help kill the spread of germs and stop you getting any infections. 

Tough Footwear

Steel toe caps are a must for any carpet fitter and it’s not just heavy items that can crush your toes. On a building site there are many hazardous things you can step on or catch as well as sharp cutting knives and blades that could fall and cut through a standard pair of trainers. 

Most Importantly

Watch your back. So many aspects of fitting carpet require heavy lifting. Try to get help when you need it and be careful not to over-do it. A carpet fitter with a bad back is no use to anyone! 

Author BIO- 

This article was written by Alan Gregory.

Thank you, Alan for this good advice.  Many of the safety articles you mentioned can be found at http://www.tasco-safety.com. pb

Ergonomics, Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, Respiratory Safety

WORK SAFETY – HOW TO STAY SAFE ON THE JOB

Today’s Guest Blog is from Joseph Morris at http://www.buy-pepper-spray-today.com.  Here are his thoughts on how we can stay safe at the workplace. 

Most of us take our jobs for granted. We wake up, go to work, get paid and go home. The thought of an accident or injury is not one that crosses most people’s minds. However, almost all jobs involve some sort of risk – be it large or small – and the awareness of these hazards, and the proper use of safety equipment, is critical to mitigating the incidence of injury on the job. 

One of the most important aspects of work safety is training and awareness. New employees, especially those in industries which involve heavy machinery, heavy lifting, chemicals, noise, repetitive movement and heights, need to be trained properly. It is critical that they understand how the equipment that they operate works and what the dangers in their work environment are. 

However, training and awareness are not enough. Any industry and its workers would benefit from using the correct occupational safety products. These products can help to protect workers from physical injury, improving productivity and employee confidence, while decreasing employer liability. Let’s discuss some of the most important occupational safety products. 

Hearing Protection 

The ears are designed to withstand sound pressure levels up to a certain point. After that point, however, hearing damage can occur. The damage may take place over a long period of time, or may have a rapid onset after sudden exposure to loud noise. Ears can be protected with ear muffs or earplugs.   

Safety Earmuffs fit over the whole ear – they resemble large headphones.  Some ear muffs are adjustable; they can fit on any size of head. In certain industries, muffs which are made of dielectric materials – meaning that they are poor conductors of electricity – are important; they should not attract live currents to the workers head.  Some ear muffs offer special acoustic filters which provide an even attenuation of external noise, allowing the worker to hear everything around them at a reduced level, instead of muffling the sound, while protecting their hearing.  Ear muffs should be made of resilient material, be lightweight and allow the worker’s ears to breathe. 

Earplugs are much smaller than muffs. They fit directly in the ear, and are usually made of a pliable foam or silicone material. The advantages of plugs are that they are lightweight, easy to transport, inexpensive, discrete and easily replaced. Some workers may find them more comfortable than ear muffs. However, some earplugs do not offer sufficient attenuation of outside noise. It is important that the attenuation capabilities be compared with those of ear muffs. If the former cannot provide adequate hearing protection, then the latter must be chosen. 

Head Protection 

The skull protects the brain, and the head rests upon the neck. Injury to either one can have a serious impact on a person’s functioning and quality of life. Protecting the head on jobs where heavy objects in motion, and the risk of falling objects, are regular occurrences, is critically important. The “tried and true” method of protecting the head is the helmet. 

Helmets, most often referred to as ANSI hard hats, are made of hard, durable plastic, often high density polyethylene. Many hardhats include adjustable chin straps to ensure a snug fit. Inside, a suspension system evenly distributes the helmet’s weight over the head More recently, small sizes designed for women, children and men with smaller skulls have been made available, improving both worker compliance and confidence in the appearance of the hard hat. Hard hats should be made of a dielectric material, be able to withstand whichever impacts might take place within a given industry, and be resistant to chemicals which may be used on-site. Some hard hats include ventilation and attachment points for flashlights, radios and other tools. 

Work Gloves 

Virtually every activity we do, both on and off the job, involves our hands. Protecting the hands at work, from impact injuries, cuts, abrasions, caustic chemicals and repetitive stress, should be a priority. industrial work gloves help to keep the hands safe. Such gloves may range from the simple, rough leather style to more complex gloves, with elasticized cuffs, palm and finger grips, vent holes, knuckle reinforcements and flexible fabric. 

The characteristics found in the more complex gloves, such as the ones mentioned above, are an ideal choice for most work environments. They allow the worker to retain dexterity while protecting the hands from most injuries. Jobs which involve dangerous machinery or heavy items may dictate that  thicker gloves be used, sacrificing dexterity for the sake of protection. 

Ear muffs, earplugs and work gloves are not the only types of occupational safety products. Many others, including ergonomic office products, first aid products, protective clothing, respirators for environments with poor air quality, safety glasses, safety boots and shoes and lighting and communications systems, should be utilized when and where necessary. Remember, worker safety starts with training and awareness, and is completed by using the correct safety products.

Thank you, Joseph, for this great information regarding the important safety aspects of personal protective equipment and proper training in its use.

General Safety Issues

FRYING THE TURKEY AGAIN THIS YEAR?

If you see your neighbor sporting protective eyewear, safety gloves, and carrying a fire extinguisher, it’s a good guess that he’s not headed to a fire, but getting ready to fry the turkey!  It has become quite a tradition to fry Thanksgiving or Christmas turkeys instead of the old-fashioned way, baking them in the oven.  (Seems to be a “man” thing.)  Just in case, the aforementioned equipment might come in handy to keep the cook safe!  Despite the delicious outcome, make yourself aware that there are certain risks involved: 

  •          Most fryers do not have thermostats; therefore, temperature should be checked often because the oil could overheat to combustion. Never allow grease or oil to exceed 350°F.  Oil will ignite at 550°F to 700°F.
  •          Turkeys that are not completely thawed could also cause oil to splash, threatening burns.
  •          It is always important to follow manufacturer’s instructions and use extra caution when cooking with hot oil, which presents a fire hazard as well as a burn hazard.
  •          Do not overfill pot with oil.
  •          Never use inside an enclosed area (garage, patio) or under overhang of house.
  •          Cooker should only be used on a level stable surface, away from wood decks, dry grass, shrubs, etc.
  •          Keep propane cylinder at least 18” away from cooker while in use.
  •          Keep an operable type BC fire extinguisher within easy reach.
  •          Sides of pot can become extremely hot, so use mitts to prevent burns.  Goggles can protect ones eyes from oil splatters.
  •          Never leave cooker unattended.  Keep children/pets away from cooker, even when through cooking, as the oil will remain very hot for a long period of time.
  •          Cooker must not be operated in the rain.  Cover the pot immediately and turn it OFF.
  •          If parts to the cooker are damaged, missing, or improperly installed, do not operate it.

If you choose to furnish this scrumptious main course for the holidays, just keep these safety tips in mind.  If you prefer to “play it safe”, bake the turkey in the oven.  The bird should be completely thawed (in the refrigerator), which may take a day or two, prior to cooking.  Either way, cook with care, and enjoy your feast!    Oh, by the way, a gentle reminder: please drive safely if you are on the road this holiday season.  Happy Holidays!

Eye Protection, Fall Safety, Hand Protection, Head Protection, High Visibility Safety, Protective Clothing

DO EMPLOYEES KNOW THE IMPORTANCE OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT?

Many employees are not trained properly in the use, care and maintenance of personal protective equipment (PPE).  Companies are required to furnish the type of PPE that is based on the potential hazards of each particular job.  Many workers are required to wear several types of PPE at the same time, such as construction workers, who must wear protective footwear, gloves, safety glasses, and hardhats.   Research has found that some workers have a rather cavalier attitude toward protective clothing, but that little was being done in terms of training or education to correct this situation.  During this research, some health and safety managers interviewed admitted to a lack of knowledge about different PPE product specifications and which clothing is the most suitable for their workplace. 

Anyone who must wear PPE will tell you that the choices made for their particular needs should fit well and be comfortable.  Some say that the PPE hinders their ability to do their job.  They explain that they would prefer to have clothing that is stylish and functional.  If the safety advisors include the workers in the choices they make, whether it is to protect from fire to freezing cold temperatures, working in areas with poor visibility, or handling of hazardous materials, chances are the results will be a more respectful attitude toward compliance. 

Safety officials of companies may confer with various suppliers and manufacturers to work out which types of clothing and particular products will be most suitable.  Products must meet the standards that are set by OSHA, ANSI, or other countries’ minimum health and safety requirements.  For workers who must wear more than one type of protective clothing, the different types of work wear must be compatible.  Many factors must be considered, such as, will the clothing get tangled up in equipment, (i.e., gloves that are too large), or does it increase slips and falls (wrong foot protection)?  

Safety glasses that are offered now are stylish; some of them look better and cost less than those purchased at an optical shop.  (And safer, too!)  All types are offered – from goggles to those with UV protection, wrap-around, over-the-glasses, to readers.  If companies don’t require a company logo on their hardhats, team hard hats or patriotic ones improve worker morale and compliance, by allowing them to show their support for their favorite team, be it NHL, NCAA, NFL, NBA, NASCAR, or MLB.  There are work gloves especially designed for women’s smaller hands, and they even come in “cool pink!”  Many jobs require PPE that is not as flashy as other types, but the main thing is that they fit the bill for the task at hand. 

Training employees on the correct use of their PPE, how to wear it, and care for it, and know when to replace it, is one of the most important ways a company can protect their employees.  It may not take a rocket scientist to figure some of it out, but when there’s doubt about PPE, there should be someone who can explain why they are required to wear it and how important it is to be worn during the entire work period.

 

 

 

General Safety Issues

WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE FOR NOT WEARING YOUR PPE?

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It seems that things haven’t improved in the past few years regarding employees getting injured because they were not wearing their personal protective equipment on the job.  Surveys of safety professionals, conducted by Kimberly-Clark Professional at the National Safety Council Congress in 2006, 2007, and 2008, found high levels of non compliance with PPE protocols.  In 2006, there was 85% non-compliance; 87% in 2007, and 89% in 2008.  

The headline in the latest Kimberly Clark survey of 132 attendees at the American Society of Safety Engineers show in Baltimore, Maryland, conducted via the Internet between June 9, and 13, 2010, reads: U.S. Workers Risking Injury By Not Wearing Safety Equipment.   Almost all safety professionals in this survey reported that workers in their companies had at some point failed to wear the necessary safety equipment while on the job.  According to this survey, the top workplace safety issue by all respondents was worker compliance with PPE protocols. 

The most challenging PPE category, (eye protection and safety glasses), according to 42 per cent of respondents,  was that nearly three out of five workers who experienced eye injuries were found not to be wearing eye protection at the time of the accident or were wearing the wrong kind of eye protection for the job.  This information comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.  NIOSH reports that around 2,000 U.S. workers each day have a job-related eye injury requiring medical treatment, and the U.S. Labor Department says that thousands are blinded each year from work-related eye injuries that could have been prevented.  What is so hard about putting on a pair of safety glasses, goggles, or side shields?  

Hearing protection was the next highest category for noncompliance.  Occupational noise-induced hearing loss is 100 per cent preventable when proper preventative measures are implemented.  Coming in next were gloves, followed by head protection.  Some of the complaints from workers were: uncomfortable, too hot, unavailable near the task, poor fit, or unattractive looking. 

We all know that every business must have a strong safety culture, beginning at the top.  It is important for managers and upper level bosses to wear safety products that apply to their workers any time they are on the shop floors, or other areas where their employees can see them.  They and the floor supervisors should set the example and be consistent with it. 

Personal protective equipment is more effective if it fits well and is comfortable.  Persons in charge of purchasing these products should keep in mind the different sizes and shapes of their employees.  Good training is necessary, as well.  Whether you have young workers who think they are never going to get hurt, or more experienced ones that have had the good fortune to not be in an accident, stating “it’s never going to happen to me,” may sadly be fooled one day. 

Supervisors who have seen employees get hurt on the job, say it is helpful if an employee can tell his/her co-workers how it happened and how it has changed his/her life, if the injury was serious.  Wearing PPE should be a condition of employment.  If a worker is not complying with that rule, they should be reprimanded just the same as any other violation of their work agreement.  They need to understand that they can lose their job by failing to wear equipment that could possibly save their limbs or even their life.  Contractors should comply the same as regular employees and ensure their employees follow the same safety protocols.  If a job gets shut down because of non-compliance, and there is no pay for time that they are shut down, it may get everyone’s attention pretty fast. 

If your excuse was “I didn’t have time to put it on,” was it because you were late getting to work?  “I won’t get in an accident” or “I’ve been doing it that way for years, and so far, so good!” are just reasons that really don’t fly.  You have to be responsible for your safety, and your employer buys you that equipment to keep you safe.  It is important that you keep up with it, take care of it, and wear it at all times on the job. 

There’s been much discussion about safety incentives.  Some companies give safety awards when their employees go for a year without a lost-time accident.  At one place I worked, we got pizza for going a month without a lost-time accident; however, there were people that got hurt, but wouldn’t report it because they didn’t want the others to lose their pizza party!  One good suggestion was from a manager that gave “on-the-spot” rewards.  If he observed an employee using safe work practices, he would hand him/her small treats such as movie tickets, dinner gift cards, fuel gift cards, some nice safety glasses, gloves, or glove clips.  

Whether you get a reward for safe actions at work or not, the main prize is staying safe throughout your entire career.  Having a supervisor that watches and observes like a “mother hen” really is the key.  Supervisors know a lot more than we think they do, sometimes.  They are responsible for your safety and seeing that you do everything you can to work safely. One of the most important things you can do is to wear your PPE, whenever it is required.

If it doesn’t fit or there’s another problem, tell your supervisor or manager.  Otherwise, no excuse is good enough when you take a chance with safety.

First Aid Safety, Protective Clothing

HUNTING SEASON IS ALMOST HERE!

As fall approaches, so does hunting season!  Sportsmen and sportswomen who enjoy hunting, camping, hiking or other activities need to be prepared for disease-causing bacteria that may be waiting for them.  According to Guy Moore, a wildlife biologist with Texas Department of State Health Services, “outdoor activities bring a greater risk of exposure to diseases transmitted by fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and other animals.”

Some of these germ carriers are:

  • Wild hogs, which can carry brucellosis, a bacterial disease.
  • Deer, which can transmit anthrax, a bacterium that can cause a severe, life-threatening disease in both animals and humans.
  • Fleas and some animals such as squirrels, cats, rats, prairie dogs, and mice can transmit plague to humans. 
  • Mice can spread hantavirus infection to people.  They shed the virus in droppings, urine and saliva, and upon drying, these excretions can spread in the air on dust particles.
  • Ticks – an infected tick can cause Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia.
  • Mosquitoes, of course, are a nuisance and can carry organisms that cause encephalitis and West Nile infection.
  • All warm-blooded animals are susceptible to rabies.  Skunks, bats, coyotes and foxes are known carriers of rabies.

If you are still determined to go out there and enjoy the outdoors, don’t let us discourage you.   Most of these illnesses are rare, with the exception of West Nile.  Just keep these reminders handy:

  • Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer after handling game.
  • Wear latex-type gloves when dressing game.
  • Wear eye protection when dressing game.
  • Use insect repellents containing DEET.
  • Wear protective clothing, and light colored clothes so you can see ticks on your clothes.
  • Stay away from overgrown brush and tall grass if possible.
  • Do not touch antlers, bones, hides or other parts of dead animals.

Now, more safety tips for hunters:

  • Be sure you take your cell phone and tell someone where you plan to hunt and when you plan to return home.
  • Don’t hunt alone.
  • Wear hi-visibility vest  and cap – hunter orange.
  • Keep your equipment in good condition.
  • Be sure of your target before you pull the trigger.
  • Watch for snakes, and keep your distance.
  • Be sure to carry a first-aid kit.
  • Never wave to another hunter; shout loudly and clearly.
  • Be sure treestands are in good condition; use a harness to climb in and out of stand.
  • Unload your rifle when you get back to camp; assume that every gun in the camp is loaded until you can see the action is open and  it is safe to handle.

Remember: Your safety is your responsibility! 

 

Texas DSHS

USDA Forest Service

General Safety Issues

REMOVING ROAD DEBRIS IS A HAZARDOUS JOB

Do you ever wonder who picks up the trash along the highways?  There are many thoughtless travelers that toss out items too numerous to mention.  Because of litterbugs, unsecured items being transported, or accidents, our roads become unpleasant to look at, and dangerous, as well.  We owe a debt of thanks to those whose job it is to clean them up.

According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, each state should have a program that provides for rapid, orderly, and safe removal from roadways wreckage, spillage, and debris from accidents.  State Highway Department maintenance workers are available day or night to flag motorists, operate equipment, drive trucks, and remove litter and debris in the event of an accident.

Volunteers in the Adopt-A-Highway, and other programs, do their fair share of maintaining the shoulders of the roads.  Contractors and prison labor also furnish workers that assist in this effort, as well.  Persons who undertake these jobs should have full knowledge of the risks involved and take safety measures.  They should wear personal protective equipment such as work gloves, boots, high visibility vests, hardhats,  and safety glasses.  Their training should include knowledge of biological hazards, which things may be recycled, and how to use good lifting techniques.   Their work area should have signs posted along the road, as well as safety cones in place.   A communication system must be used between the workers, and first aid kits should be available.  Whether they are paid or volunteer workers, they possibly could come in contact with snakes, poison ivy, insects, as well as contending with traffic passing close by.

According to an Eagle-Tribune (N.Andover, Maine) newspaper article, back in 2007, an artist from Florida created a sculpture made from plastic buckets, traffic barricades, sheet metal, pieces of pipe, and other debris from roadways to offer this opinion, “road debris is dangerous, and it’s everywhere.”  What a unique way to send this important message.

We Texans have had the theme “Don’t Mess With Texas,” for years; unfortunately, some do anyway.  Let’s all do our part to keep the highways safe and litter-free.