Tag Archives: holidays

General Safety Issues

CHRISTMAS CANDLE SAFETY WARNINGS

 Candle  sales in the United States amount to an estimated $2 billion annually, not counting the accessories that accompany them.   Thirty-five per cent of annual sales of candles are during the Christmas holidays.  Candles are found in 7 out of 10 households.   The glow of candles gives a beautiful ambiance to any room in the house.  However, fires from candles can bring about serious damage and risks to all. 

A study done by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission suggests that eighty-five per cent of candle fires could be avoided if consumers followed three basic safety rules:

  1. Never leave burning candles unattended; keep them within your sight.
  2. Never burn a candle near anything that could catch on fire.
  3. Always keep candles away from children and pets. 

One-half of home candle fires start because they have been placed too close to combustible material.  The majority of candle fires are because of human error and negligence.  There are more than 15,000 residential fires in the U.S. annually that are caused by careless use of candles. The majority of fires start by candles left burning in the bedroom.  According to the U.S. Fire Administration, the hours between Midnight and 6 a.m. account for one-half of all deaths resulting from candle fires. 

A common-sense approach to the use of candles in your home is the best.  With that in mind, here are some added tips:

  •          Each time you burn candles, trim the wicks ¼” before you burn them.
  •          Don’t burn them all the way down.
  •          Carefully read and follow manufacturers use and safety instructions.
  •          Always use candleholders specifically designed for candle use.
  •          Place them in a well-ventilated room, and on a stable surface.
  •          Avoid vents, drafts, and air currents.
  •          Never use a candle as a night light.
  •          When putting the candle out, be sure it is completely out. 

A grim reminder:  December is the peak month for fires that are started by candles.  The top five most dangerous days for fires from candles are, in order: (1) Christmas Day, (2) Christmas Eve, (3) New Year’s Day, (4) New Year’s Eve, and (5) Halloween. 

There’s nothing more beautiful than candles to give your home that perfect atmosphere.  They emit special fragrances into the environment, which adds to a festive mood.  We encourage you to enjoy using candles to express hospitality or simply for your own pleasure; just use the same caution as you would with any open flame. 

Sources:

U.S. Fire Administration,  National Candle Association

General Safety Issues

DRIVING SAFELY IS LIVING SAFELY

The mission of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is to reduce the following statistics by getting drivers and motorcyclists to change their behaviors once they get behind the wheel or on the streets: approximately 1,700 fatalities and 840,000 injuries annually occur due to vehicle crashes off public highways in the United States.   

Their theme for the period of December 16th through January 2nd is “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”  Distracted driving accounts for many injuries and deaths each year.  If persons have parties to attend, they should always have a designated driver or know how they are going to get home and not get behind the wheel.  There are many causes of distracted driving, such as not paying attention to driving safely, cell phone use, driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, or letting the mind wander about other things, rather than driving. 

The National Safety Council estimates that there will be approximately 287 traffic fatalities and 28,700 medically consulted injuries that will occur during the Christmas holiday.  Their estimates for the New Year’s holiday are approximately 297 traffic fatalities and 29,700 medically consulted injuries.  The total of the two holidays add up to far too many accidents.  The NSC also states that seat belts are 45 per cent effective in preventing injuries.  So, please buckle up, drive sober and safely, and get to your holiday destination and back home safe and secure, and don’t become a statistic. 

Not only during the holidays, but during the winter, please think about following these tips:

  •          Keep your vehicles clear of ice and snow.  The key to good driving is good vision.
  •          Plan your stops and keep more distance between cars.
  •          Be extra alert.
  •          Always match your speed to the road and weather conditions.
  •          If you are not accustomed to driving in icy conditions, use extreme caution.  

What if you were trapped on the road because of weather conditions?  Here are tips to follow:

  •          Keep your cell phone charged so you can call for help.
  •          Stay in your car and wait for help.
  •          Run the engine for short periods of time to stay warm.
  •          Make sure your exhaust is clear of snow.
  •          Turn on the dome light at night when running the engine to signal rescuers.
  •          Hang a brightly colored piece of cloth or piece of clothing from your car.
  •          Exercise from time to time by moving arms, legs, fingers and toes to keep blood circulating and to keep warm.
  •          Always carry blankets and a supply of water and snacks, just in case. 

Please use care when driving during this season, as traffic will be heavier than usual; allow plenty of time to travel and take frequent stops.  We at Blog4Safety and Texas America Safety Company wish everyone a safe and Happy Holiday season.

General Safety Issues

DO YOU WORK WITH SOMEONE WITH THE “HOLIDAY BLUES?”

It’s a reality that some of us are just not in the best of moods during the holidays.  There can be many reasons for this, but sometimes, celebratory occasions bring out sadness in individuals.  I enjoy the holidays and look forward to being with my family, but at the beginning of the season, I always think of my parents, who passed away several years ago.  My dad loved Christmas; when we would decorate the tree, he put on the Christmas “records”, yes, records, and some of the Christmas music we listened to is still popular today.  He got so much pleasure out of doing all the things that made our Christmas special.  And, he could make delicious fudge!

It is normal to feel grief for those we have lost.  But there are those who suffer from depression all year long, and certain times of the year make them even bluer.  Depression is an illness; it can cause physical pain as well as emotional stress.  You and I can’t cure someone that suffers from this illness; it requires professional help.  But we can be more attentive to our surroundings and watch for signs that our work friend may be having a more difficult time in performing his/her duties.  They could be struggling with relationships or physical demands that we are not aware of.  Sometimes the season alone can be the reason their feelings are magnified.  If you know someone who may be depressed, do what you can to encourage him to trust his healthcare provider for professional help.  It is important that they stay on medications and call their provider if symptoms get worse.  

If there are parties after work for the employees to get together, don’t encourage anyone to consume alcohol if they are “down in the dumps.”  Alcohol is a depressant.  Excessive drinking only increases feelings of depression, so this is important for all of us to remember, whether we are with our work friends or other acquaintances. 

During these economic times, folks are doing their best to furnish what gifts they are able to give without extending their budget too far.  Keep track of holiday spending.  If you overspend, you will be pretty depressed when the bills arrive.  Most of the time, people are perfectly happy with the gifts they receive and don’t equate them with dollar signs.  Over-commercialization can be another reason for feeling blue.  Every year, we see the commercials about the brand new luxury car in the driveway, with a big, red ribbon on it!  Let’s get real, folks!  I know they want to sell cars, but I can’t help but think about families who don’t have a home or a job, or may be living in their cars. 

Please use some of these tips to help someone you know that may be struggling with the holidays:

  • Find some activities that are free, and take them out for an afternoon of just “window shopping” or treat them to a funny movie.
  • Take your lunch break together, and listen, if they just want to talk.
  • Volunteering is a great way to help and get to know others, and may be just “what the doctor ordered” to get him/her involved with something different.
  • Encourage them to look to the future with optimism.
  • Trying a new activity just might be the thing to make one feel better.
  • Suggest getting in touch with old friends or family members.
  • Enjoy the present.
  • Spend time with caring and supportive people. 

You are very blessed if you haven’t hit a low spot at one time or another in your lifetime.  For those who seem to be in that low spot most of the time, there is help.  If a person’s work is affected, if they are present in body but not spirit, if they show signs of fatigue or stress, we need to be their advocates.  We need to encourage them to seek professional guidance, in order to get better.  (They need to know they can get better!)  Many companies offer counseling for their employees, and want to help them cope.  They know that if their employees are in better mental and physical condition, there will be less risk of workplace injuries.  We all know the chance for accidents is greater when we feel fatigued or “just not ourselves.” 

Too many times we are so wrapped up in our own job, that we overlook someone who needs help but may be too proud to ask for it.  Don’t let anyone have a “Blue Christmas” without you.  Be there for your family, coworkers, and friends.  You may need a lift someday, too.