Tag Archives: Home

KEEP AN EYE OUT TO SAVE YOUR VISION!

There are many things that we take for granted in our every day life, and our vision is one of them.  We wake up each day, and are very fortunate to see everything around us.  We depend on our eyes to guide us as we go about our routine existence.  September is the month to observe Sports and Home Eye Safety Month, so here are some tips to help protect those peepers. 

First, sports and recreational activities cause more than 40,000 eye injuries each year, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.  Most of these accidents are preventable.  In fact, Prevent Blindness America reports that 90% of sports-related eye injuries can be prevented.  Two sports that cause the most eye injuries are baseball and basketball, followed by water sports and racquet sports.  Safety goggles are advised for children and adults who play softball and baseball.  Children are the most vulnerable, as they often have underdeveloped depth perception, and may find it difficult to judge the position of a flying ball, resulting in a blow from a flying ball.  It only makes sense that when professional athletes or others wear eye protection while playing sports, that we all should consider doing the same thing.  You can get a finger in your eye, a black eye, or things such a tennis ball, racquet, fist, or elbow can cause sudden compression of the eye.  Penetrating injuries occur when a foreign object pierces the eye; BB pellets are a common cause of this type of injury.  Warning signs of potentially serious eye injuries include:

  • Tears in the outer ocular walls;
  • A foreign body inside the eye;
  • Visual loss;
  • Bleeding on the surface or inside the eye.

In any event, it is important to see a physician or ophthalmologist as soon as possible.  First aid would be to place a protective cover over the eye to prevent more damage, or tape the bottom of a paper cup over the eye if no shield is available. 

Another source of eye injury is right there in your home.  Accidents involving common household products cause 125,000 eye injuries annually.  However, 90% of these eye injuries can be prevented through safety practices and using proper eye protection.  When you are painting or mowing, be sure to wear safety glasses or dust goggles.  Keep tools in good condition; flying pieces of damaged tools can be hazardous to the eyes.  Do not mix cleaning agents.  There are many chemical ingredients in cleaning products that can irritate the eyes.  Understand that regular eyeglasses don’t always provide enough protection. 

As the old saying goes, “the best treatment is prevention.”  The best prevention of eye injury while involved in sports or working at home is to wear specially designed protective eyewear.  Eye guards may not completely eliminate risks, but can greatly reduce the chance of ocular injury.  Different types of eye protection should be considered to match the sport or tasks involved, such as: 

  • The standard eye guard designed for use in sports such as baseball, racquetball, and basketball is made of polycarbonate (plastic) and has closed lenses and sports frames.
  • Total head and face protection is essential for any collision sport, such as a helmet in football and a facemask in hockey.
  • Non-prescription and prescription safety glasses.
  • Shooting Safety Goggles.
  • Face shields.

Be vigilant about what type of eye protection you choose for your young athlete, and grown-ups, wear eye protection whether at work, play, or at home.  It’s not worth taking a chance on losing the precious gift of vision.

WHAT IS THE REAL MEANING OF “ALERT”

When I first started thinking about work and fatigue, the word “alert” comes to mind.  When workers become tired, their capacity to be aware of risks and hazards of the job is altered.  Whether it is sleep deprivation, stress, boredom, or doing repetitive tasks, fatigue becomes a factor, and accidents may happen because we were not alert.

Then I began thinking about what “alert” really means.  If it’s a noun, it’s a warning.  the verb means to warn.  How many different alerts do we have in our lives?  Here’s a few:

  • Weather alerts
  • Traffic alerts
  • Amber alerts
  • Fire alerts
  • Emergency alerts
  • Scam alerts

We are told to be prepared.  We must be ready for any emergency that may arise, both at home and in the workplace.  That is what workplace safety managers do: they plan for escapes from the buildings, do practice drills on a regular schedule, and are responsible to see that employees participate in safety plans. 

Work responsibilities mean that we must be alert when we do our jobs.  Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, and we can’t let our guard down at any time.  If you observe someone who seems to be fatigued or not paying attention, be sure to ask them about it, see  if you can help with a problem they may be experiencing, and “alert” your supervisor.  One good way to get every employees’ attention, is to have colorful posters displayed throughout work areas that convey safety messages.

We have to be alert when we are driving.  Too many wrecks have taken place because someone was not watching what they were doing, or were too busy talking or texting on their cell phone.  You have to be alert to what the other driver is doing – drive defensively.  Another word for alert is “ready.”  You must be ready to prevent an accident at all times. I was driving a group of friends the other day, and couldn’t see a car in the lane to my left, where I was headed, as it was in my blind spot.  My friend in the back seat alerted me, at about the time that I saw the car in the mirror, and we avoided an accident.  It was great that she warned me in time.  We can always use an extra pair of eyes.

Another “alert” we want to issue is to be watchful of scams.  There are so many persons out there that try to scam you either on your computer, or on the phone.  Be constantly vigilant about those who try to steal your good name and assets that you have worked hard for.

We need to be watchful of our children all the time.  With our hectic lifestyles, we sometimes don’t pay as close attention to things they are telling us that we should.  Be attentive (alert) to some problem they may be dealing with that they may have a little trouble sharing with you. 

Be watchful, attentive, vigilant, aware, prepared, ready, and observant.  Those words describe “alert,” which we all should strive to be at work, home, and play.  A good lesson for our children is to teach them the same thing: to stay alert.

ARE YOU “WEAK IN THE KNEES?”

Our knees are very important joints in our bodies, as they allow us to walk, run, jump, kick, sit and stand.  But this weight-bearing joint is the cause of many problems and much pain.  We see athletes suffer from knee injuries- many that require surgery and long-term rehabilitation.  There are an estimated 19 million Americans annually who visit their orthopedic surgeons because of knee discomfort.  One cause of knee pain is osteoarthritis, a painful condition that happens when the cartilage in the knee wears away.  The description “bone on bone,” is the term used when the cartilage is gone.  There are over 10 million people in the United States that have osteoarthritis of the knee.  Rheumatoid arthritis is a debilitating disease that causes the same result, as well as joint deformities, especially in the hands and feet.

  Twisting, stretching, or straining the knees are common ways of injuring them.  There are ways that you can try to reduce knee  discomfort;  in case of an injury, try the RICE method of routine home care:

  • Rest
  • Ice
  • Compression
  • Elevation 

If this method doesn’t improve the condition, see your doctor.  Seek emergent care if the injury causes immediate swelling, bones appear to be deformed, pain is intolerable, inability to bear weight, or a loss of sensation below the injury site occurs.  You also need medical attention if the joint is warm and has fever. 

Exercise is an important way to build muscles  that stabilize the knees.  Strong and flexible quadriceps and hamstring muscles can prevent minor stresses to our knees.   Try ten minutes of stretching before your daily workout and see if that won’t help.  Also, wearing a good pair of running shoes that have shock absorption takes some of the stress away from the knees.  Low profile knee supports may be helpful to runners to stabilize their knees.   If you have weak knees, your best option may be walking rather than running.

Certain types of shoes (clogs or stiff-soled walking shoes) may cause your joints to carry loads up to 15% greater than shoes with flexible soles, according to a study from Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.  High heels may also increase the load on knees.

Protecting your knees is important, too.  If your job requires working on your knees, there are all types of knee pads that will make the work day much easier by taking stress off the joints.  They also serve the same purpose for at-home or garden chores. 

Maintain a healthy weight in order to help your joints stay strong.  Even ten pounds can put more stress on your knees.  One national survey stated that obese men had five times the risk of getting osteoarthritis of the knee than their lighter peers; and obese women had four times the same risk.  

One personal note:  for years, my husband suffered from severe pain in his knees and legs.  He saw several doctors who x-rayed his knees and said they were just fine.  Finally, we were sent to an internist, who repeated x-rays of the knees.  Later, after observing him walk, sent him back to have his hips x-rayed.  He had “bone on bone” in both hips.  Even though his hips never hurt during that time, the doctor explained that his pain was “referred pain.”  It is amazing that pain can fool us by traveling to another joint.  Following his hip replacements, the knee pain went away. 

Although sports and recreational activities cause many knee injuries, more knee injuries happen at home or work.  Regardless of your location, on the playing field, at work, or working in your house, yard, or garden, take precautions to protect your joints.  They can usually be repaired or replaced, but it’s a costly experience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

HOW SAFE ARE YOUR WINDOWS?

When it comes to child safety, the type of window coverings you select may play an important part in keeping your little ones safe.  One of the many tasks we have in furnishing our home is choosing window treatments.  Whether we have children, grandchildren, or an occasional toddler visit our home, we must be aware of certain hazards that exist.  If you select blinds to cover your windows, be sure they are the new type of cordless ones.
Blinds made prior to 2001 do not meet child safety regulations.
Little ones love to climb up to look out of the window, and if they slip and fall, they could become entangled in the cords.  Infants in cribs that are placed too near a window may grab a cord, place it in their mouth, and get it wrapped around their neck.  One child died as a result of getting strangled by a loop attached to a treadmill.
Here are some actions you may take to ensure safety regarding this hazard:
q Never have furniture near dangling cords in windows.
q Buy new cordless window blinds.
q Consider other window treatments, such as shutters or curtains.
q If you have older blinds, get retrofit kits to make them safe.
q Never place cribs near windows.
q Keep the child away from blind cords.
If you want to adjust the existing blind cords that you now own, the USCPSC recommends eliminating loops on 2-corded horizontal blinds by cutting the cord above the end tassel (looks like a small wood or plastic thimble).  Remove equalizer buckle and add new tassels for each cord, or replace it with a safety break-away tassel.  Do not retie the cords in a knot, as that only recreates a new loop.  Or, you can lower the blind all the way, cut cords as close to top of blind as possible and then re-install tassels.  Parents can reach, but the tots cannot!  Otherwise, use old-fashioned cord cleats, which are available at most window covering stores.
UPDATE:  As of December 15, 2009, the USCPS Commission issued one of five of the largest recalls in the 35-year history of the agency.  Roman shades have killed five children and almost strangled sixteen others since 2006.  Since 2001, roll-up blinds have caused the deaths of three children.  More than 50 million roll-up blinds and Roman shades are involved in the recall, due to strangulation of children.  The space between the inner cord and shade fabric of the Roman shades, and the roll-up loop at the end of cords on blinds are very hazardous to children.  “The agency is considering setting federal mandatory standards, as repeated recalls are not the answer,” said Scott Wolfson, spokesman for USCPSC.  The Window Covering Safety Council is also backing the recall.
The Window Covering Safety Council provides free retrofit kits: cord stops, tassels, and tie-down devices.  Their toll-free number is 800-506-4636.  You can contact them at their website or give them a call for more information.
When it comes to child safety, the type of window coverings you select may play an important part in keeping your little ones safe.  One of the many tasks we have in furnishing our home is choosing window treatments.  Whether we have children, grandchildren, or an occasional toddler visit our home, we must be aware of certain hazards that exist.  If you select blinds to cover your windows, be sure they are the new type of cordless ones.
Blinds made prior to 2001 do not meet child safety regulations.
Little ones love to climb up to look out of the window, and if they slip and fall, they could become entangled in the cords.  Infants in cribs that are placed too near a window may grab a cord, place it in their mouth, and get it wrapped around their neck.  One child died as a result of getting strangled by a loop attached to a treadmill.
Here are some actions you may take to ensure safety regarding this hazard:
  • Never have furniture near dangling cords in windows.
  • Buy new cordless window blinds.
  • Consider other window treatments, such as shutters or curtains.
  • If you have older blinds, get retrofit kits to make them safe.
  • Never place cribs near windows.
  • Keep the child away from blind cords.
If you want to adjust the existing blind cords that you now own, the USCPSC recommends eliminating loops on 2-corded horizontal blinds by cutting the cord above the end tassel (looks like a small wood or plastic thimble).  Remove equalizer buckle and add new tassels for each cord, or replace it with a safety break-away tassel.  Do not retie the cords in a knot, as that only recreates a new loop.  Or, you can lower the blind all the way, cut cords as close to top of blind as possible and then re-install tassels.  Parents can reach, but the tots cannot!  Otherwise, use old-fashioned cord cleats, which are available at most window covering stores.
UPDATE:  As of December 15, 2009, the USCPS Commission issued one of five of the largest recalls in the 35-year history of the agency.  Roman shades have killed five children and almost strangled sixteen others since 2006.  Since 2001, roll-up blinds have caused the deaths of three children.  More than 50 million roll-up blinds and Roman shades are involved in the recall, due to strangulation of children.  The space between the inner cord and shade fabric of the Roman shades, and the roll-up loop at the end of cords on blinds are very hazardous to children.  “The agency is considering setting federal mandatory standards, as repeated recalls are not the answer,” said Scott Wolfson, spokesman for USCPSC.  The Window Covering Safety Council is also backing the recall.
The Window Covering Safety Council provides free retrofit kits: cord stops, tassels, and tie-down devices.  Their toll-free number is 800-506-4636.  You can contact them at their website or give them a call for more information.

HOW SAFE IS YOUR HOME?

Not only is the month of June National Safety Month, but also National Home Safety Month, as designated by the Home Safety Council.  We know that “a man’s home is his castle,” but how many of us have looked around to see how many hidden dangers are lurking in our castles?
For example:
q Does your family have an evacuation plan in case of fire?
q Do you know how to use a fire extinguisher?
q Do you know how to extinguish a fire on the stove or oven?
q Have you ever left your house with the washer or dryer running?
q Do you leave candles unattended?
q Do you unplug appliances such as toasters, coffee makers, waffle irons, after using them?
q Do your stairs have ample lighting at top and bottom to prevent falls?
q Are there hazards in your house that might injure a child?
q Have you installed electric plug outlets, locks on medicines, and door latches?
q Are emergency numbers such as fire department, police, etc. posted in easy-to-find places?
q Do you have an emergency supply kit that will provide water, non-perishable foods, flashlight, medications, first aid kit, etc. in case of a natural disaster?
q Is your water heater set for 120° F or less?
q Do you check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly?
q Do you have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors?
q When you leave for a period of time, do you make arrangements with friends, family, or neighbors to pick up your mail, papers, etc., in order to not tempt burglars?
q Have you done a check of an elderly friend or parent’s home to make sure there are no fall hazards, and that they have an alert device if they live alone?
q Do you use non-slip mats in the bathtub or shower?
q Do you constantly supervise children in or near water, such as bathtubs or pools?
These are just a few questions that everyone needs to be sure they can answer.  According to the Home Safety Council’s State of Home Safety in AmericaÔ reports, there are more than 21 million medical visits and almost 20,000 deaths that result from home injuries each year.  The Home Safety Council’s goal is to educate and empower families and businesses to take actions that will make homes safe.
We feel sure that we all can look around and see things that we could do to make our homes safer.  Those who work in the yard and gardens need to take precautions when working with machinery.  Wearing eye protection, such as wraparound safety glasses or goggles, and gloves, are necessary to protect our eyes and hands.  By keeping both the inside and outside of our homes safer, we can avoid those medical visits!
Not only is the month of June National Safety Month, but also National Home Safety Month, as designated by the Home Safety Council.  We know that “a man’s home is his castle,” but how many of us have looked around to see how many hidden dangers are lurking in our castles?
For example:
  • Does your family have an evacuation plan in case of fire?
  • Do you know how to use a fire extinguisher?
  • Do you know how to extinguish a fire on the stove or oven?
  • Have you ever left your house with the washer or dryer running?
  • Do you leave candles unattended?
  • Do you unplug appliances such as toasters, coffee makers, waffle irons, after using them?
  • Do your stairs have ample lighting at top and bottom to prevent falls?
  • Are there hazards in your house that might injure a child?
  • Have you installed electric plug outlets, locks on medicines, and door latches?
  • Are emergency numbers such as fire department, police, etc. posted in easy-to-find places?
  • Do you have an emergency supply kit that will provide water, non-perishable foods, flashlight, medications, safety kit, etc. in case of a natural disaster?
  • Is your water heater set for 120° F or less?
  • Do you check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly?
  • Do you have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors?
  • When you leave for a period of time, do you make arrangements with friends, family, or neighbors to pick up your mail, papers, etc., in order to not tempt burglars?
  • Have you done a check of an elderly friend or parent’s home to make sure there are no fall hazards, and that they have an alert device if they live alone?
  • Do you use non-slip mats in the bathtub or shower?
  • Do you constantly supervise children in or near water, such as bathtubs or pools?
These are just a few questions that everyone needs to be sure they can answer.  According to the Home Safety Council’s State of Home Safety in AmericaÔ reports, there are more than 21 million medical visits and almost 20,000 deaths that result from home injuries each year.  The Home Safety Council’s goal is to educate and empower families and businesses to take actions that will make homes safe.
We feel sure that we all can look around and see things that we could do to make our homes safer.  Those who work in the yard and gardens need to take precautions when working with machinery.  Wearing eye protection, such as wraparound safety glasses or goggles, and gloves, are necessary to protect our eyes and hands.  By keeping both the inside and outside of our homes safer, we can avoid those medical visits!

SAFE AT HOME!

No, we’re not talking baseball, even though the season is getting pretty interesting, if you’re a fan.   August 24 – 30th is National Safe at Home Week.  We all consider our home our castle; we are tucked away securely there when we get home from work, school, or other activities.  Did you know that more than 1.1 million Americans are injured yearly just from tripping while walking across their floors?  Other information from the U.S. Census Bureau states that nearly that many more are hurt on stairs or stairways at home.  Approximately 490,000 Americans are hurt annually riding bikes, as well.  Adding to the statistics from Safe at Home™, an organization that focuses on home safety, more people are hurt in their own home than at work.

So, what are we going to do about these troubling numbers?  There are many areas to focus on to ensure that our home is safe.  You may want to take a room-by-room survey to see what “home remedies” you can find.

Here are some of our ideas:

  • Childproof all cabinets.
  • Don’t leave medicines or cleaning products where children or pets can get into them.
  • Be sure to have smoke alarms and carbon dioxide monitors in the home, and change batteries as necessary.
  • Keep the house free of clutter, which poses a danger of tripping.
  • Use a stepladder rather than chair to reach something.
  • Be sure rails on stairways are secure.
  • If there’s someone who needs a little help, install handrails in the bathroom or elsewhere that can help them get up or down.
  • Check for loose carpet, which is a tripping hazard.
  • Keeping nightlights in the bathroom or bedroom help prevent falls.
  • A flashlight by the bedside comes in handy if there’s a power failure.
  • Wipe up spills on tile floors, another fall hazard.
  • Fire extinguishers in the kitchen can be extremely helpful when needed.
  • Outside lights ensure you won’t stumble in the dark.
  • And, bike riders, wear helmets!

In case some of these tips haven’t crossed your mind, this may be of help to you.  Keep your Home Sweet Home, Home Safe Home!

GIVE YOURSELF A HAND!

Tools are such a common part of our lives that it is east to forget that they pose serious hazards.  Hand tools range from axes to wrenches, and we need to keep them in top working condition in order to keep ourselves in good working condition, as well!  We need to protect ourselves with goggles, safety glasses, gloves; in other words, choose the right personal protection when using hand tools.

  • Wooden handles on hammers or other tools that are split or splintered should not be used, as the head of the tool could fly off, possibly resulting in pain for someone!
  • If wrench jaws are sprung, the wrench could slip.
  • Saw blades, knives, should always be turned away from employees working close by.
  • Mushroomed heads on impact tools, such as hammers, may cause shattering on impact.
  • Dull knives and scissors are more unsafe than sharp ones.
  • Pliers should not be substituted for wrenches.
  • Use the correct size of tool.
  • Store tools in safe places.
  • Iron/steel hand tools may produce sparks that could possibly be an ignition source close to flammable substances.
  • Employees and individual do-it-yourselfers should be properly trained in using hand tools.
  • Be aware that working with certain hand tools pose risks to fingers, hands and eyes.

These four basic rules can prevent hazards:
1.    Keep all tools regularly maintained and in good condition.

2.    Use the right tool for the job.

3.    Check each tool for damage before use, and don’t use tools that you find are damaged.

4.    Use the right personal protective equipment.

So, when you are do-it-yourself-ing: remember these tips!  If so, you will deserve to give yourself a hand, and a pat on the back!

OSHA

‘TIS THE SEASON…FOR HURRICANES, THAT IS!

June 1st marked the beginning of hurricane season for folks in the coastal areas of the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico.  More than 35 million Americans live in regions that are threatened by Atlantic hurricanes.

The best defense against hurricanes is public awareness and public preparedness.  Having just returned from Florida, it dawned on me that it would have been wise to seek advise about what to do in case of an emergency such as a tropical storm.  However, it was such a busy and fun time that we weren’t worried or prepared!  Maybe this message will reach some of you that are planning to visit areas where there is a real possibility of a hurricane.

According to NOAA, forecasters from their National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center call for a 50% probability of a near-normal season; however, there is more uncertainty this year due to global weather patterns.  Tropical storms are given names (Ana will be the first in 2009) when winds are sustained at 39 mph.  When those winds reach 74 mph, they become hurricanes and can develop into a major hurricane when winds reach 111 mph.  An average season produces 11 named storms, including 6 hurricanes with 2 major ones.  As if the high winds aren’t enough, other hazards that go along with hurricanes are flooding, storm surges, and tornadoes.

We hope that everyone who lives in these regions is prepared, but to be doubly sure, we want to remind you:

  • Have a family disaster plan.  Be sure to check with family or friends who live out of the danger area in case you may need to stay with them for a few days.
  • Be sure you have a disaster supply kit containing non-perishable foods, water, medications, manual can opener, flashlight and extra batteries.
  • Secure your home.  Reinforce doors, garage doors, shutters, and windows.
  • Listen to a NOAA weather radio.  Pay attention to forecasts.
  • Have a pet plan.  They are important members of your family and must not be left behind if at all possible.  If you have to go to a shelter, most of them won’t accept pets, so please contact a veterinary clinic or make other arrangements for a safe place to leave your pet in case of an emergency.
  • Be sure to keep your cell phone with you at all times.

If you are a tourist, find out what your options are to ensure your safety.  We hope that this season will be a breeze, and that the hurricanes might take this summer season off!

IS YOUR HOME “AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN”?

How closely have you checked your house for hazards?  Since June is “Home Safety Month”, this is an excellent time to remind you of the many chances for you or a loved one to be injured in your very own home.  According to the Home Safety Council, making a checklist is a good way to start.

Going room by room, you will be surprised at what’s lurking….. even your computer!  Yes, we said your computer.

New research has shown that more people are showing up in emergency rooms with computer-related injuries, according to Jennifer Thomas, reporter for HealthDay.

From 1994 to 2006, there was an increase in injuries of 732 per cent nationwide from 1,300 per year to 9,300 per year of persons tripping over computer wires or getting hit by falling equipment. Ms. Thomas reports that a study published in the online issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, stated that more and more people are using computers, and over a 13-year period, around 78,000 people had computer-related injuries.  The report suggests that computers should be kept on a wide work surface to ensure they won’t tip over, and cords need to be away from walking areas.  The study revealed that children under the age of 5 had the highest injury rate, with the leading cause of injury tripping or falling over computer equipment.

Here are some other areas you need to add to your checklist:

  • Bathroom:  For chemicals or poisons.  Also, are there mats on the floor so there’s no slipping?  Don’t leave medicines in drawers that are within reach of children.
  • Kitchen:  Also check for poisons, chemicals, cleaning solutions that are accessible to children.  Fire extinguisher.  Do you have one and know how to use it?
  • Stairways: Be sure rails are in good shape.  Is the area well lighted?  Check for loose carpet.  Also have safety gates installed at foot and top of stairs if there are toddlers in the home.
  • Living Room/Den/Dining Room: Be sure furniture is tip-proof.  Adults, as well as children, have been hurt by furniture that tips over.
  • Hallways: How often do you check your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors?  (A good rule of thumb is every spring and fall when the time changes.)
  • Windows:  In warm weather, be sure you have strong window screens.  Also, remember that cords from mini-blinds have been known to cause injury and death to small children.  Adjust them so there are no loops that might get into the wrong hands.
  • Outside:  Again, don’t leave chemicals or pesticides where pets or children will find them.

Keep your home clutter-free.  Chances are better that no one will get hurt if there’s no danger of tripping.  Take the time to look around to see just how many ways there are for you to keep your “Home Sweet Home” safer!