Tag Archives: helmets

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, High Visibility Safety

HOW TO RIDE A MOTORCYCLE SAFELY (GUEST POST)

One thing is for sure that those who have ridden the bike once have become the fan of two wheelers forever because the fun and joy they get in riding a motorcycle is hard to get in any other type of vehicle. Therefore, it is often said that bikes are meant for people who do not like to go around in a steel cage, as they love to enjoy the thrill in the wind and embrace the natural beauty around them. However, let’s just face it -when it comes to safety, motorcycles do not offer the same protection that a four wheeler does. Moreover, a bike can go as fast as a car, but it doesn’t offer seat belts to the riders. On top of it, bikes do not have exterior frames like cars, so they cannot absorb the forces in case of a crash. 

Nevertheless, this does not mean that one should never ever ride a bike because today modern protective equipments and certain precautionary measures have made it possible to ride a motorcycle without endangering your life. The most important thing in this regard is wearing a helmet as it protects the most delicate part of the body, our head. For the reason that how dense our skull is, it still cannot protect our brain from getting damaged when it strikes against a footpath or concrete wall during a crash. Therefore, use of helmet for riders is a must, but alone it would not be enough to guarantee the safety of a rider. So professionals also advise people to wear right motorcycle gear that incorporates protective armours in it. 

In addition to  gear, motorcycle riders also need to wear proper gloves and boots for two wheels, which they can easily get from MotorcycleMegaStore.  They keep the skin of a rider from getting scratched and also save them from getting any serious injuries if a bike skids on the road. Apart from having all the personal protective equipment, a rider should also know about his or her riding skills, as it will define their limits. A riding skill is a thing which one cannot develop overnight because it evolves with the passage of time only. Therefore, riders should drive within their skills and do not test their luck by weaving in and out of the traffic or going through curves and turns at high speed. However, an advance riding course would definitely prove quite helpful in developing your riding skills.  

Besides improving riding skills a biker should also take care of the fact that they must look where they want to go otherwise they would either end up in a wrong lane or crash into a car or bike coming from the opposite side. One solution to avoid such a collision is that a rider must drop the speed before making a turn or leaning down because it will give them more control over the bike. Another big mistake that riders often make is that they do not leave enough space between their bike and the vehicle in front of them. As a result of that we often get to see bikers slamming into a vehicle from behind when the car or bike in front of them applies emergency brakes. 

For safe riding, bikers also need to look twice before switching the lane because cars can be easily spotted, but motorcycles are not that easy to spot. Therefore, a biker must keep his or her eyes open at all times, so they do not bump into another biker on the road. In this scenario, side mirrors on the bike would remain quite helpful, as they will give them a good view of any car or bike that is coming a from behind them at a high speed. Aside from taking these precautions, a rider should also take care of two more things, one – he should not drink and ride the bike; secondly, avoid all distractions. For instance, do not get lost in your little world, dream about tomorrow’s party or get busy on the cell phone with your friends or loved ones.

Hopefully, if a rider follows the aforementioned tips he or she would not only remain safe on the road, but they will also enjoy the ride more than anything.

Thanks to Gary Ardill for this information.  Many people prefer to ride their motorcycles to and from work, because they are more economic, as well as just getting the pleasure of being outdoors.  We highly recommend that if they do so, they add a high visibility vest over their regular safety gear and work clothes in order to be seen by drivers. pb

 
Back Safety, Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety

MICHAEL SCHUMACHER’S SKIING ACCIDENT – WHAT LESSON DOES IT TEACH? (GUEST POST)

Nothing is considered as a failure if you learn from your mistakes and stop repeating them over and over again. The human history is full of interesting incidents that teach us plenty of lessons. However, most people are unable to learn and continue suffering because of the blunders they make. 

Even if you are not interested in knowing about the past, you just have to look around and see what is happening everywhere. You can connect to the internet and find out everything about the world in order to become more knowledgeable. Although any sort of information will help, yet the most significant piece will be the one that aims at improving your personal safety. 

People related to racing, especially on two wheels, are always at a risk of sustaining serious head injuries, thus it is extremely crucial for them to wear the right kind of protective gear that can at least prevent the brain from damage. You can easily find some high quality helmets at JS Accessories and find some other useful gear as well. 

However, racing is not the only activity that puts your life at a risk, as there are numerous other fields of life in which you have to take precautionary measures. For example, working at a construction site or a mine requires you to be fully equipped with protective helmets, goggles, boots and different other things that are necessary. 

While working at such a workplace, you should always be prepared for the worst, as there are things that are simply out of your control. Simply by wearing a helmet, you can reduce the risk to a greater extent, as this wonderful head gear saves you from direct impact. Then of course you have the skull that can also shield your brain to some extent, but that alone will not work in most of the situations. 

Recently, a legendary sportsman was involved in an accident in France that left him fighting for his life. He was neither racing someone at that time nor was he at a work station, yet you can learn an important lesson from the accident that he encountered. 

If you have not guessed it by now, the person involved in the accident was the seven-time Formula 1 champion, Michael Schumacher, who fell on his head while skiing with his son in the French Alps and sustained serious head injuries.

Luckily for the 44-year-old, he was given immediate medical attention by some of the best neurosurgeons in the world. He was initially thought to be perfectly fine, as he was conscious and talking after being brought to the hospital. However, he soon went into a coma, which indicated that something was terribly wrong. 

Looking at the condition of the former Ferrari and Mercedes F1 driver, the doctors decided he needed an operation. By this time, his brain has been operated twice and there has been a slight recovery, which is positive news for his fans worldwide. However, no one is really sure whether what will happen to the legendary figure, who has been in an induced coma since the day he hurt his head. 

Despite that, the doctors made one point quite clear that Schumacher could not have made it this far, had he not been wearing a helmet. Although people do not take this quality head gear seriously, yet it has numerous benefits and it certainly does work. 

So, the message is quite clear for everyone out there regardless of what field they belong to. If you are involved in any sport or work at a place where your head can be exposed to any danger, you should always wear a helmet or any other protective gear available. Nothing is more precious than your own life, so value it as much as you can. 

Even if a helmet cannot give you 100 percent protection, it can offer the most amazing thing that a person can have – hope. It is the same hope that millions of people worldwide have kept alive for Schumacher that he will be fine and smiling once again like he used to in the past. 

Author Bio:

This Guest post is written by Randy Martin. He is a bike racer and blogger who like to write on safety tips while riding Motorbikes. 

 

General Safety Issues

ALL SET FOR KARTING – GET SAFEGUARDED FIRST (GUEST POST)

Many kids and young adults are into karting. Go karts are very popular today. This vehicle has four wheels and is available in different forms and shapes. Some models are motor-less while others are designed to run and compete on extended circuits. There are high-powered models which can be pricey, and if you are shopping around, it is important that you consider safety and your overall budget. 

The Yamaha go kart, along with other go kart models are widely available. You can find these vehicles in local and online stores. By simply doing your homework, you can purchase a suitable go kart vehicle that you can use to have fun at amusement parks or at the local neighborhood. 

You can find tracks designed for indoor and outdoor use.  Some go karts are available for rent and are commonly called concession or recreational karts.  Driver safety is a major concern, and so the karts usually have sturdy chassis. It is up to you to invest on a go kart without motor or one with electric/4-stroke engine. For the racing kart enthusiasts, there are also 2-stroke engines and 15Hp 4-stroke models. 

You have to make sure that you are set for karting. There is a need to safeguard the driver and one way to do this is to invest or rent Yamaha go kart or other quality karts. Once you get involve in go kart racing, you should purchase chest or rib protectors, racing suits, helmets, and neck (foam) protectors. Flipping over happens very frequently and with the protective gear, serious injuries can be avoided. 

Most go karts don’t come with a roll bar or seat belt. The riders get thrown out when the kart flips. Safety is a great concern, but you have nothing to worry about as long as you have the required racing kart gear. Never allow a rider to get in the Yamaha go kart without safety gear.  

The Yamaha go kart offers a line of powerful engines, along with other well-known brands like Aixro, Biland, and KTM. The go karts have 15 to 48Hp and can run as fast as 11,000 rpm. These karts require proper care and maintenance. If you want a go kart that requires low maintenance, a good option is the electric go-karts. These are usually used indoors or in controlled environments.

 Go kart racing is a safe activity, but to ensure the rider’s optimum protection, you have to buy the necessary gears. Though it may seem that these protective gears are additional cost, the money that you are going to spend is nothing compared to the amount that you can save in case an accident happens. The helmets and protective covering will prevent potential serious injuries. Now, you can ride without worries and have fun with family and friends. 

Safety should be your main concern when you ride a go kart. The Yamaha go kart is a powerful 4-wheeler, so you have to gear up. Never ride this vehicle without wearing any kind of protection. Enjoy and have fun with a go kart! 

Author Bio:

Wil Lee works at Killer Motorsports. Everyone employed with Killer Motorsports is personally involved with the motor sports industry. Killer Motorsports hire people who have a passion for riding, teaching and helping other riders get into vehicles that will fit their needs. It provides stock replacement parts, performance parts, and customer work done. Killer motor sports is fully committed to provide Best Customer Service. It provides free shipping, multi vehicle discounts, pit bikes, dirt bikes, go karts.

Track owners might want to stock up on some good driving gloves,  to relieve driver fatigue! pb

 

General Safety Issues

NEW WEBSITE HIGHLIGHTS INTERNATIONAL DIFFERENCES IN ROAD SAFETY (GUEST POST)

It may not seem like the most cheerful of subjects, but a website is available that highlights just how dangerous roads can be.

Not just in America, not just in Europe and not just in Africa; roads are deadly places wherever you are in the world. This research, courtesy of The Pulitzer Centre, looks at the problem in brilliant detail – allowing you to see just how many people meet their match on the roads in a single year.

Gruesome yes, but fascinating reading none the less; as not only are you presented with an interactive map that allows you to scroll over the various nations, but also a multitude of facts and figures about the road traffic accidents that occur in that particular nation.

As well as being given a statistical breakdown of the different types of fatal accident that occurred in that country in the past 12 months, you are also presented with a final percentage of the death toll. Reasons for the fatalities are also given – such as failing to wear a seatbelt, helmet and even alcohol intake and high speed.

One thing that is startlingly obvious when looking at the figures is that the former Soviet states have certainly paid the price for higher vehicle ownership and a greater number of drivers over the past decade. The death toll on Russian roads, for example, is still about five times higher than what is seen in most European Union countries and about double the number for the United States.

This may act as a stark warning to the likes of China, who have seen sales of motor vehicles rocket in recent years.  The site also highlights that it’s not just drivers of vehicles who suffer in road accidents; pedestrians make up a large amount of the total in most counties.

In New York City for example, pedestrians account for 12 percent of all traffic fatalities in the U.S. Not a shocking amount considering the density of the population – but still a huge number. This is despite attempts by several mayors to reduce the risk of accidents by outlawing activities such as “jay walking” for example.

For all the bad news there are some pieces of good news regarding road deaths that certainly make for happier reading.

Take Sweden. The Scandinavian country had only 266 road fatalities in 2010, a rate of 3 deaths per 100,000 citizens, and the lowest among industrialized nations. Though an explanation is not given, this impressive figure can only be put down to greater road safety awareness among drivers and pedestrians.

And what about the one-time bad boys when it came to motoring offences, Australia? They have cleaned up their act too. With some of the most reckless drivers in the world and highest death rates going some 50 years ago; strict enforcement of safe driving laws has resulted in an 80 percent decline in road fatalities since.

For a little lighter relief and general road traffic trivia there are some more educational facts on display other than just what country has the most road deaths and which nations have improved.

Like who knew that in Nigeria, the Federal Road Safety Commission only recently made it compulsory for new drivers to take driving lessons and pass a test before obtaining a licence; in the past you could simply buy a licence?

Read this site at your own risk, but don’t let it put you off; driving is undoubtedly safer now than it ever was.

If nothing else, this research shows the contrast in attitudes towards motoring and road safety across the globe and how those attitudes can be changed with greater awareness and education.

Take a look for yourself at www.roadskillmap.com.

Written by journalist and blogger Matthew Crist in association with TSR Injury Law, the Minnesota auto accident attorney. For more information on TSR Injury Law please visit our website at www.tsrinjurylaw.com.

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

PROTECTING TEETH DURING SPORTS (GUEST POST)

Sports injuries are a leading cause of dental problems and tooth loss; flying balls, heavy objects, body contact and unpredictable surfaces can all spell danger for one’s teeth, but there are some simple and effective ways of reducing the risk of injury and preventing accidents when participating in sport. 

Sport participation is a great way of keeping fit and healthy, meeting new people and getting rid of pent-up stress and energy. But, though you may not immediately think so, it can be dangerous too. Thankfully, there is a great deal of safety equipment available for sports players of all abilities. 

Ways to protect your teeth 

If you play sport on a regular basis or play a contact sport a mouth guard is essential. Mouth guards can be purchased from sports shops and you can take them home and mould them using hot water to fit your mouth. However, a dentist-made mouth guard is the best option as they are designed to fit your mouth perfectly. They can take a little getting used to, but if your mouth guard fits well it should be relatively comfortable and it will protect your teeth from damage from balls, falls and contact with other people or objects. 

This kind of equipment is generally recommended for people who play rugby, hockey, lacrosse, ice hockey and boxing. They are also available in a range of colours and designs. You can even buy models that use the latest sports science technology to improve your sporting performance. Additional safety equipment such as helmets can also help to prevent head and facial injuries. 

Reducing your risk of injury 

Sport has many benefits, but it is often a cause of injury. You can reduce your risk of suffering a mishap by following these tips: 

  • Always warm up before you start exercising
  • Wear protective clothing and use protective equipment
  • Follow the rules of the game
  • Wear suitable and supportive footwear
  • Cool down after exercising
  • Increase the intensity of exercise gradually

Raising awareness of sporting injuries 

Many people know about the risks associated with playing sport, but if you only play sport now and again or if you assume that because you’re just an amateur you don’t need to wear protective clothing, you are putting your safety at risk. Dental injuries may seem like unlikely if you just play an hour of sport now and again, but accidents can happen at any time, in any place and there is as much chance of you suffering an injury in that hour as any other hour. Wearing a mouth guard will protect your teeth and potentially save you from losing one or more teeth; your teeth create your smile, which most people regard as their most important feature, so losing teeth can have a significant impact on your confidence, as well as the appearance of your smile. 

If you don’t know much about safety in sport or you think others would benefit from leaning about playing sport safely and preventing dental injuries and other potential hazards, why not organise a sporting event at work to raise awareness of the importance of taking safety measures when playing sport? You can combine fun, team work and getting fit with informing people about safety in sport. 

This is a blog article from the good folk at www.dentalimplant.co.uk where there is more info on protecting your mouth and finding solutions for dental health problems.

Head Protection

HEAD INJURY: MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE (GUEST POST)

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By Michael Pines 

There’s no doubt that occupations such as construction, manufacturing, utilities, and transportation can increase the risk of head injury in the workplace. But no matter what kind of job you hold, you can strive for safety in the workplace with the right kind of equipment and proper training.

Here’s what you need to know about head injuries and how to stay safe. While it’s up to the employer to provide a safe working environment – from protective gear to safety policies and procedures – you can take extra steps today to help reduce your risk for personal injury.

Head injuries are difficult to diagnose

One of the problems with diagnosing head injury is that imaging tests don’t provide the total picture. Medical diagnosing can be difficult, which can cause more stress on the injured individual. And because brain injuries can be unique person-to-person, taking the time to identify an injury can also cause delays in treatment. An MRI and CT scan might appear completely normal, while the individual suffers from pain, confusion, dizziness, and even memory loss. That’s why doctors often rely on a combination of factors to diagnose a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

But even then, it isn’t so simple. Those who experience severe brain injury pain can go years without a medical diagnosis.

But, the medical community is working towards finding a solution. Recent studies point to brain fibers, also called axons, which link nerves in the brain together that, when severed, can cause a TBI. When these nerves are jolted, or stressed in any way, the brain can suffer damage including symptoms ranging from headaches to swelling and permanent disabilities.

When brain fibers are damaged, “the neurons are not structurally altered but electrophysiologically they’re dysfunctional,” said John T. Povlishock, lead researcher at the Virginia Commonwealth University where the study is undergoing. “Does a repeat injury in a specific time frame … lead to an exacerbation of this or dramatic exacerbation? We don’t know. That’s the next step.”

It’s never been more important to protect your head in the workplace, especially if you work in an occupation with an increased risk for injury. While the medical community works toward better treatment, you can stay safe at work by considering the following tips. Don’t let traumatic brain injury happen to you – the quality of your life depends on it!

Workplace injury: take action

As personal injury attorneys in San Diego, we work with injured people every day. And it goes without saying that severe injury is devastating for the individuals and families who are affected. Brain injuries are some of the most unyielding injuries that can often last a lifetime. We’ve worked with people who lead perfectly normal lives until — in a split second moment — an accident changes their outlook forever. And even more disheartening is the fact that many of these brain injuries could have been avoided with the right safety equipment. That’s why we urge workers in construction, utility, transportation, manufacturing or any other laborious job to strongly equip themselves with the best safety gear possible, especially with regard to proper head gear. Consider the following tips to help reduce accidents in your workplace. And remember: always wear a helmet or other protective head equipment at work.

Speak up at work

If your workplace is unsafe, or has poor policies and procedures in place, do not hesitate to talk to your supervisor about the issue. You can prevent serious injury today by identifying unsafe working conditions. If your employer refuses to hear your concerns, you may take your complaints to OSHA – the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Replace old equipment

If you are already using proper head gear, we applaud you for your safety efforts. Take your concern for safety a step further by replacing old, worn, or recalled equipment. Generally speaking, most individuals who work in laborious environments can expect to replace equipment on a yearly basis.

Get the safety training you need

While most employers do a good job of training employees in safety and precaution, there are some workplaces that do not sufficiently provide safety training. Consider being your workplace spokesperson for safety: ask you supervisor about ongoing safety courses, especially if any new products or procedures have been implemented.

Helmets: you need them!

There’s no doubt about it: you need to protect your head if your occupation poses injury risk. Get the equipment you need, and never consider going to work without your safety gear. Your life depends on it.

About the Law Offices of Michael Pines, APC

As San Diego’s most trusted personal injury law firm since 1992, we are the legal experts people turn to first when injured in any kind of accident. Because we work with accident victims on a daily basis, we have a unique lens into the devastating world of brain and head injury. Mike, our firm’s founder, is an Accident & Injury Prevention Expert and is on a campaign to end senseless injury and death one blog at a time. Follow him on Twitter and join the conversation on Facebook.

 

General Safety Issues, Head Protection

WHAT DO FOOTBALL HELMETS AND HARDHATS HAVE IN COMMON?

The answer: protecting our hard heads!

If you have waited all summer for football season to begin, it’s here!  My husband loves this time of the year, scoping out every football game that he plans to watch, while at the same time, switching channels to Texas Rangers baseball games, and week-end golf tournaments.  His remote trigger finger has to move pretty fast.  (He prefers to surf channels rather than watching two events at once!) 

Chances are, he’s not the only one who is in a great mood, now that NCAA and NFL  football is here.  Are you wondering where the hardhats come in?  Well, most guys and gals that are required to wear hardhats in their line of work have the opportunity to sport their favorite team hardhat!  Can you think of a better way to support your team than showing off their logo for an 8-hour shift?  Chances are, you will see some fans wearing their team hardhats at the games.  

Not wanting to slight any other sports, there are hardhats that display the MLB, NHL, NBA, and NASCAR logos.  The main function of hardhats is to protect our heads, either from getting hit by falling objects or bumping into things.  Hardhats have come a long way since they were first created, being made of leather and shellac.  There are all types of attachments that hardhats can contain, such as protective neck shields from the sun, sunshield that fit around them, earmuffs, headsets, and pencil holders. 

Just as helmets and pads protect our football players from injury, hardhats serve the same purpose for workers.  It’s surprising just how many types of hardhats exist: ones that are aluminum, high visibility Glow-In-The-Dark, and even Cowboy style hardhats that furnish the same safety functions.  The key to a successful safety program is to protect employees from head injuries.  The easiest and most important way is by wearing safety hard hats.  These protect workers from the shock of a blow to the head, and penetration.  The shell should be 1 to 1 ¼” away from the head to cushion impact, and the hardhat should have instructions for proper adjustment and replacement of suspension and headband.  Proper fit is of the utmost importance. 

While your employees are wearing their hardhats to be compliant with safety requirements, allow them to support their favorite teams by wearing their logo on their hardhat.  Make compliance fun!

General Safety Issues

PREVENTING SUMMER INJURIES (Guest Post)

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Summer is the time of increased activity and all-day outdoor fun, but it can also be the season of injury and mishap when excited kids become reckless in their enthusiasm. Parents and childcare providers can spend the dog days patching up contusions and rushing to the emergency room, or they can take a few simple steps to help prevent the most common summer injuries.
  • Ban Trampolines – Few backyard toys scream “summertime” quite like a big, bouncy trampoline. Unfortunately, kids run a significant risk of getting hurt every time they catch some air; The American Academy of Pediatrics even goes so far as to say that “parents should never purchase a home trampoline or allow children to use home trampolines.” Falls from the surface of a trampoline can cause impact injuries, springs can pinch, tear and cut delicate flesh, not to mention the inherent risk of injury due to collision when kids share a trampoline. Supervision only allows parents or caregivers to be present immediately following an injury; the nature of trampoline play makes it almost impossible to ward off an impending accident before it occurs. Installing a net and instituting a “one at a time” rule might prevent some injuries, but are by no means foolproof.
  • Use Sunscreen Religiously – Sunburns may seem like par for the kiddie summertime course, but parents should understand that they are, in fact, injuries. The Skin Cancer Foundation asserts that a single severe sunburn during childhood could double the risk of a skin cancer diagnosis in adulthood, not to mention the ease with which a “minor” sunburn can become one that blisters and causes serious discomfort. Sunburns that present with blisters are actually second-degree burns, and are absolutely preventable injuries. Apply sunscreen before kids go outside, and reapply frequently. Swimming and sweating heavily can wash away even “waterproof” formulas over time, so be sure to keep slathering it on kids that are particularly active or playing in water.
  • Be Vigilant About Pool Safety – The Consumer Product Safety Commission states that almost 75% of child drowning deaths occur in youngsters under the age of five, and that an annual average of 390 pool or spa-related drownings of children under the age of 15 drowned between 2007 and 2009. Kiddie pools are no exception. During summer months, 1 child dies every 5 days in a kiddie pool. Parents and childcare providers are urged to practice “touch supervision,” meaning that they are never out of reach of a child in water. Outlaw running in pool areas, horseplay and risky activities to prevent injury, and become certified in CPR to prevent tragedy when accidents aren’t avoided.
  • Keep Kids Cool and Hydrated – Sunshine and summer heat are part of what makes the outdoors appealing; free from restrictive layers of warm clothing that are de rigueur in winter, kids can climb, run and play to their hearts’ content. Unfortunately, the heat and increased activity also puts kids at risk for heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which they’re already more susceptible to than their adult counterparts. Little bodies generate more heat and sweat less, so parents and caregivers are urged to dress kids in light clothes, make sure that they stay hydrated and avoid prolonged and intense activity in the summer heat. Encourage kids to take breaks, provide plenty of fluids, such as water and Gatorade and keep your eyes peeled for signs of heat exhaustion, which include cramps, nausea, dizziness, vomiting and fainting. Kids suffering from heat exhaustion may also deny that they feel hot, so it’s imperative to watch for other symptoms.
  • Enforce Strict Helmet Rules – Older kids may like to shuck their bicycle helmets the moment they’re out of your sight, but it’s still important that parents and caregivers do their best to enforce those rules without exception. Head and brain injuries are common causes of hospital visits for children, often due to bicycle accidents in which the head is not protected by a helmet. Make it a policy never to let your child ride without a helmet.
  • Get a Mouth Guard For Summer Sports – Community sports leagues and teams are often formed during the summer months, allowing kids to play without worries about the demands of schoolwork and keeping them active during what could easily become a very sedentary, unhealthy time. Enrolling kids in these programs is a wise idea, but parents should always invest in a quality mouth guard to protect kids’ mouths. Not only does this help to prevent tooth loss; mouth guards also provide protection for the tongue, jaw and lips.

Some scrapes, cuts and bruises are simply inevitable; children at play have a tendency to trip, fall and run into things. However, the most common, serious injuries are almost always preventable, so adopt an active approach to supervision during the summer months.

Carrie Dotson, summernannyjobs.com

Please follow these tips, as summer as far from over in several parts of the world. pb

 

General Safety Issues, Head Protection

HELMET SAFETY MONTH

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Somewhere in one of our past articles, I noticed that October is  HELMET SAFETY MONTH.  Every month is a good time to have the opportunity to encourage riders or workers of all types to protect those noggins.  If you stop and think about it, head protection is required in many recreational activities, as well as occupations. 

First, the world of sports:

  •         During research, I found that horseback riding, such as equestrian events, carries a higher injury rate than motorcycle riding.  Most head injuries happen when the horse being ridden spooks, bucks, or bolts.  Of the seventy thousand who had to be treated in emergency rooms last year from horseback riding injuries, twelve thousand had head injuries.  Helmets work.  Damage from a head injury can help be prevented by wearing ASTM/SEI approved helmets that are correctly fitted and have the harness firmly applied.
  •          Motorcycle helmets save lives.  I cringe every time I see someone riding a motorcycle down the road, not wearing a helmet.  These helmets differ greatly from the equestrian helmets.  Riders that wear helmets have a 28% better chance of not being injured than those who don’t.  Motorcycle helmets should meet the FMVSS 218 standard to be certified.
  •          ATV helmets should have DOT approved helmets, that are vented, and chin strap fitted properly.
  •          Bicycle riders should understand that their bike helmet is an essential part of their safety gear that should be worn every time they ride, regardless of the distance they plan to go.  Helmets can reduce the risk of severe brain injuries by 88%; however only 15 to 25 per cent of kids 14 and under usually ride a bike helmet.  Bike helmets should be approved by the USCPS. (Safe Kids Kenosha-Racine).
  •          Football helmets are also an essential part of gear for players of that sport.  Newer ones are made with extra padding and provide more safety for athletes than the older types of helmets.  And, thankfully, the rules of the game protect players from receiving head injuries, through penalties for those who purposely aim for the helmet. 

Now, from our outlook on providing safety helmets or hardhats: OSHA requires that construction workers, and all others who run the risk of bumping into things, or having items dropped on their heads, wear hardhats.  If you could see a hardhat that had been hit by something heavy, you wouldn’t mind wearing one at all.  There are many types, including patriotic ones, glo-in-the-dark ones, those that are suitable for persons who work around electricity, western hardhats, and the ever-popular team hardhats.  Workers can support their favorite NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NCAA and other teams, all the while being compliant with safety regulations of their company.  Hardhats can be customized with company logos, as well.  Work hardhats must meet ANSI standards for compliance.  When you buy hard hats, look for any statements that ensure those you consider are “OSHA-compliant” and/or comply with current ANSI standards of manufacture and protection. Once you are satisfied your choices meet these recommendations, you can pick out the style and color that fits your requirements and preferences.

You certainly don’t want a tree limb to come crashing down on your head, so when you get out the chain saw, wear your safety helmet!  I am sure I haven’t covered all the helmets out there, especially the ones our military wears.  You would never see a soldier go out into the field without wearing all of his/her protective gear, so think of wearing head protection the same way.  Use your head – wear that helmet or hardhat!

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

NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE SAFETY MONTH MEANS “WEAR THAT GEAR”

Yesterday, we talked about May being National Motorcycle Safety Month, and how motorcyclists and vehicle drivers must “share the road.”  We know that there are careful drivers and careless ones; but the roads need to be free from distracted drivers and/or riders.  Today, we want to mention the several types of gear that motorcyclists need.  It’s advised that upon purchasing that long-dreamed of “bike”, one allows another $500 to $1000 to outfit themselves with the appropriate gear – gear that will keep them safe, while looking cool!  In the past, motorcyclists wore all black; however, studies have shown that by wearing reflective or fluorescent clothing, risk of a crash was reduced by 37%, by using headlamps all the time, the risk was reduced by 27%, and by wearing white helmets compared to black, the chance of collision was reduced by 24%.   Vests that are high visibility may be worn over jackets to increase being seen. 

Here are some other items of “personal protective equipment” for safe riders:

  •          Gloves.  Choose gloves that have surfaces that help maintain grip and control.  Some have a carbon fiber shell over the knuckles and padding on the palm.  Some gloves are designed specifically for riders.
  •          Pants.  These should be made of Kevlar, cordura, or a thicker leather than  popular leather jackets.  Ones made of Kevlar, ballistic nylon or cordura are cheaper than leather and easier to maintain, waterproof, and cooler in warm weather.  Also, some pants come with padding, removable liners, and reflective materials.
  •          Jackets.  Choose a quality jacket, preferably one with some type of reflective material, and that has special padding for spine, elbows, and shoulders.
  •          Boots.  Boots come in lightweight styles, but are very tough.  They should have rubber soles, reinforced and plastic caps on ankles and toe area.
  •          Goggles or Full Face Visors.  Be sure to choose excellent eye protection.  Goggles or visors keep bugs and debris out, and you need that added face protection that visors offer.
  •          Earplugs.  After you ride for a while, the noise from the wind, etc. can possibly damage your hearing.  You will still be able to hear horns, sirens, etc. while wearing earplugs.
  •          Vests.  Vests are made from sturdy and reflective materials that deflect light in all directions. 
  •          Off-road neck protection.  Although this is something new, these devices offer the possibility of prevention of or may reduce severe spinal column injuries from spills involving head compression.  On-road testing has not been as successful as off-road due to the fact that the devices limit head rotation, and therefore, visibility.  Someday they may become more popular among off-road riders.
  •          Helmets.  Now, for a very important piece of every rider’s gear!  It is a proven fact that helmets save lives.  The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requires that all helmets sold in the U.S. meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218.  This standard meets the minimum levels of performance that helmets must have to protect the head and brain in the event of a crash.  You can even customize your helmet with some high visibility decals!

We’re not through about helmets, yet.  Do not purchase novelty helmets.  Many riders know that they are unsafe, but wear them anyway.  Helmets that meet the minimum Federal safety standard have an inner liner usually about one-inch thick made of firm polystyrene foam.  You should be able to feel its thickness. Unsafe helmets normally contain only soft foam padding or a bare plastic shell with no padding at all.  Helmets that meet the DOT standards have sturdy chinstraps with solid rivets, and they generally weigh about three pounds.  Be sure to check the manufacturer’s label and look for the DOT sticker on the outside back of the helmet.  Labels inside the helmet showing that it meets the standards of private, non-profit organizations such as Snell or the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) are good indicators that the helmet also meets the Federal safety standard.  To date, the NHTSA has not seen a novelty helmet that has a phony DOT sticker in addition to a phony Snell or ANSI label, but always check for those labels.   And remember, helmets won’t protect your noggin if you don’t wear them! 

This last message applies to all drivers and riders – do not drive or ride and drink alcohol!   Alcohol affects skills essential to ride a motorcycle, such as balance and coordination.  Alcohol abuse plays a big role in motorcycle fatalities; the percentage of intoxicated riders in fatal crashes is greater than the percentage of intoxicated vehicle drivers on the roads.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration encourages all who drive or ride, to be smart and sober riders/drivers.  

Last, to all our motorcycle-riding friends, the rule-of-thumb: “ALL THE GEAR, ALL THE TIME!”  Ride safely, and watch for the traffic, as it watches for you.