Tag Archives: law enforcement

General Safety Issues, High Visibility Safety

SAFETY VESTS AREN’T JUST FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKERS (GUEST POST)

Safety vests are familiar sights in construction zones. A variety of reflective models, including lightweight, mesh and multi-colored versions, help workers increase their visibility and maintain on-the-job safety every day. While construction workers may first come to mind when thoughts turn to safety vests, this critical protective gear is also used in a number of other industries and activities.

On the Road
Between the ongoing need for highway infrastructure improvements and increased traffic construction due to population growth, night work is becoming increasingly prevalent on the roadways. While contact with construction vehicles, objects and equipment is the leading cause of death for workers in highway construction zones, these fatalities are preventable through the implementation of best safety practices, including safety vests.

Safety Vests Arent Just For Construction Workers 1

Whatever their shape and size, safety gear cannot be underestimated.

According to the National Safety Council’s 2011 Injury Facts report, there were just under 700 deaths and 29,000 work zone crashes in a single year period. Safety vests reduce traffic fatalities by helping drivers more easily see workers during the evening hours, when visibility is significantly impaired.

But it’s not just construction workers who are injured or killed on the highway. Traffic flaggers, as well as first responders, such as police officers, EMTs and firefighters, rely on safety vests for road safety. Additionally, federal regulations now require media personnel to don safety vests when working on federal rights-of-way because of struck-by accidents. Airline and traffic controllers don safety vests for the same important reason.

Emergency Situations
Police officers, security guards and other public officers face many hazards every day. Personal safety is a critical imperative, and safety vests are a critical component. Reflective safety vests help law enforcement personnel, as well as security and patrol officers, identify their presence during emergency situations, which can help protect them and prevent catastrophic accidents.

Safety Vests Arent Just For Construction Workers 2

You can’t see very well. The driver can’t either.

For the Sport of It
Safety vests aren’t just for members of the workforce. In fact, they are a valuable precautionary method for a number of different sports enthusiasts, including cyclists and joggers, who may otherwise be unseen by passing cars. Motorists aren’t the sole threat to humans, however: the majority of states require game hunters to don safety vests for increased visibility to other hunters. In fact, wearing a blaze orange reflective vest during game season has the potential to save lives, and areas which enforce blaze orange safety requirements have seen reductions in hunting accidents.

While a safety vest is just a safety vest to some people, it’s an invaluable safety precaution for others at work and at play. Many construction industry insurance policies prioritize their use, as does OSHA for flaggers and other workers in construction zones. In short, safety vests are a critical partner in increasing safety, reducing accidents and enhancing peace of mind for many members of society.

Joanna Hughes writes on all subjects, ranging from lifestyle to workplace safety.

General Safety Issues

A TRIBUTE TO HOLIDAY WORKERS

In the past, I have always thought of those workers whose jobs require that someone is on the job every day of the year.  There are benefits to working holidays, and many employees are happy to work and earn extra pay.  Some even volunteer to work so a co-worker can be off.  There are several types of work that this applies to, and here are some of them; maybe you will think of others:

  • Law Enforcement.  Prisons must be staffed 24/7, so correction officers and jailers must be there.  Also, police, sheriff officers, and of course, our State Troopers are out in full force, reminding us (by their presence)  to drive safely and observe the speed limit.
  • Nuclear Power Reactor Operators.  These require near-constant surveillance, and must be attended to.  They boast an exceptional safety record.
  • Electric power line and gas repairmen.  If your power goes out any day, you expect someone to answer the call.
  • Medical personnel.  We all know that illness and accidents never take a day off.  This requires staffing at hospitals, nurses, doctors on call, and emergency response teams to be on stand-by. 
  • How about telecommunication equipment repairers?  They may get called out in case of a shut-down emergency, and must have someone to respond.
  • Travel.  We take for granted that airplanes, air traffic controllers, pilots, and staff are flying every day to get us from Point A to Point B.  This includes luggage handlers, screaners, ticket operations, etc.  Trains don’t stop for Christmas, either.  Their conductors and yardmasters still must show up for work.  Buses make their usual runs, as well.
  • Water and wastewater treatment plant and systems operators are working around the clock to ensure that we have clean water.  Because this is non-stop, someone always has to be operating the system, even on holidays.
  • Our firefighters.  Fireworks are plentiful during holidays,  always causing the threat of fire.  Adding fuel to the fire is the possibility of someone “frying the turkey”, and having an accident.  Christmas trees and candles are also fire hazards.  But you can count on your fire department to be there day or night, any day of the year.
  • Last, but not ever least, the military.  They are ready 24/7.  Let’s hope for a more peaceful new year for the world, especially our troops.

There are many businesses that operate 365 days per year – hotels, restaurants, etc.  Travelers would find it hard to have successful journeys without their services.

We wish everyone, at home or work during these holidays, a very Happy Holiday Season.  Stay safe.

General Safety Issues

WHY FESTIVALS AND CONFERENCES CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT SAFETY BARRIERS (GUEST POST)

The United States and United Kingdom both have policies when it comes to crowd control. Large and regulated events such as sports games are required to use safety barriers to discourage people from entering restricted areas. This includes places that must remain free of people for traffic and industrial equipment to move through. The public must be blocked from hazardous areas and from moving traffic. Sporting centers and even organizers might use additional barriers to help channel large crowds and keep them from overwhelming entrances and exits.

How Crowd Control Barriers Work

A barrier is a steel obstacle that rises to waist or chest height. It is similar to a fence except the construction material is a stainless steel pipe. These obstacles are heavy enough that an average person would have trouble moving one. Many barriers are chained together in order to form walls and lines that channel large crowds. When barriers are chained together, they become a single very heavy object that is difficult to move or tip over.

Police Use Them When No One Else Will

Law enforcement officers are allowed to install crowd control devices to contain any large crowd at any event where the people are gathered in the streets. While this practice at worst helps to prevent riots, it also keeps minors from playing in surrounding areas. It prevents people from being obstacles and also prevents accidents. Not all cities have laws that give a detailed list of when to set up blocks, except police are often allowed to use them at their discretion. Stadiums and other private services are entitled to use safety barriers on their property, and they make use of both soft strap directional and heavy steel barriers.

Reducing Costs By Reducing Walls

Barriers as simple as fabric tapes will provide a psychological barrier to movement. People are conditioned to moving within them and staying inside the line. Steel barricades are cheaper than building a permanent wall and they can be easily moved. This reduces costs for many institutions, because it eliminates the need to build permanent walls. There is less need to have security guards at every corner, because the mental impression of a block is typically sufficient.

Barriers for Festivals and Conferences

Festivals held in a public park can set up barricades with the park’s permission. Often organizing an event requires collaboration with the city and the police. Application forms are filled out and require information about how many people are expected to show up. Park managers may decide to put up barricades on their own or else the police will do it as a matter of policy. Different areas will have different rules, but major urban areas have policies that require some form of crowd control. They help police and organizers deal with a large crowd in the event of panic.

They are Useful and Often Necessary

Human beings are normally civilized and operate in a peaceful manner. They are not perfect, and unexpected events can cause a stampede in anger or panic. Festivals that could be considered family events will normally include children, and these smaller people are the ones most likely to wander off into dangerous areas. Barriers help large crowds direct their flow, and they also block off areas from being entrances and exits. In the event of a disturbance, police can use these barriers as management tools. The presence of barriers might cause an event to seem less family friendly, but the average person has typically seen them enough to regard them with neutrality.

Article donated by Robert Phillips who knows a thing or two about safety barriers.

 

 

 
General Safety Issues

BIG RIGS, BE READY FOR ROADCHECK, 2011!

Beginning today, June 7 , through June 9,  the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) – a not-for-profit organization behind the annual Roadcheck 2011 CMV Safety Blitz, will be conducting vehicle inspections throughout North America – Canada, the U.S., and Mexico.  Many truck drivers will undergo a North American Standard Level I Inspection.  This 37-step inspection takes about an hour to complete and focuses on a variety of factors, including alcohol and drug use, driver logs, vehicle brakes, lights, and cargo securement factors. 

The most frequent citations include brake issues and lighting issues.  For drivers that travel many miles, the most frequent violation is going over their hours of service.  Any truck used in business with a gross vehicle weight rating over 10,000 lbs., or a truck and trailer combination with a gross vehicle weight rating over 10,000 lbs. is subject to this inspection. 

This year’s Roadcheck will also include the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) focus on motorcoach safety.  Passenger carriers should be ready for the increased likelihood of a comprehensive inspection during June 7-9.  Another target will be unscrupulous trucking companies that are suspected of moving household goods without the necessary authority. 

The result of Roadcheck 2010 in Texas was that of the 6,906 commercial vehicles inspected by the DPS, 25 per cent were taken out of service due to serious safety violations.  Troopers placed 160 of the drivers out of service for violations such as improper log books or having suspended, expired, or canceled licenses.  

Truck drivers experience roadside safety inspections at other times of the year; however, “Roadcheck is a good exercise for industry and law enforcement,”says John Conley, president of National Tank Truck Carriers.  “Hazardous materials carriers always score well, but improvement is the goal.  For a new wrinkle this year, I suggest that enforcement personnel focus on inspecting carriers with whom they are totally unfamiliar.  Pull over a carrier you have never heard of and make a new friend.  CSA requires quality inspections that will help get subpar carriers off the roads.” 

Last year, during Roadcheck 2010, 97.5% of hazmat drivers passed inspection, with 2.5% placed out of service.  Across the entire trucking industry, 95.6% of drivers passed the inspections, with 4.4% placed out of service.  Almost 84% of hazmat vehicles passed the Roadcheck inspections, with 16.3% placed out of service.  Eighty percent of all commercial vehicles passed the inspections, with 20% placed out of service.

Commercial carriers have a five-month notice prior to this exercise, allowing them time to fix the problems that they have either with the trucks or drivers.  One attorney surmises that many trucks are taken off the roads during this time frame, or certain drivers may be given time off during those days.  It has also been questioned whether some trucks find a back road to avoid inspections.  

Keeping vehicles in good condition is expensive, but it’s much better than having an accident and injuring someone.  Drivers of large vehicles know the skills that are needed to maneuver those big rigs, and understand the importance of keeping accurate records.  Every vehicle that is on the road owes it  to others to drive safe cars, trucks, pickups, buses, etc.  If these Roadchecks save lives, it is well worth the time and effort put forth.

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

YOU CAN STOP CRIME!

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Would you want to be a detective?  Watching a crime show or a re-enactment of a real-life robbery or murder makes it look pretty simple to figure out who the bad guy is.  But in the real world, it isn’t so easy.  It takes a village to bring about justice after a crime is committed.  Law enforcement personnel depend on the public to give them information that leads to solving the puzzle.

January is National Crime Stoppers Month.  Crime Stoppers began in 1976.  Albuquerque, New Mexico was a city with one of the highest per capita crime rates in the country.  Citizens were afraid to get involved.  But a gas station robbery/murder, and a Police Detective named Greg MacAleese changed things in that city.  A young college student was working an extra shift at a gas station, in order to give his co-worker a night off.  During this shift, there was an armed robbery and the soon-to-be married student lost his life.  There were no witnesses to the shooting.   Detective MacAleese knew he would need public involvement to help him and others find the killers.  Having previously worked for a newspaper, he felt it would take something original to persuade citizens to get involved.  He had a video re-enactment of the crime produced, promised anonymity and a reward (his own money) to those who called in.

The re-enactment of the crime worked – it triggered the memory of a man who had passed by the station and recalled hearing a loud bang and seeing a car taking off.  He recognized the car and told police that the person who owned it lived in a nearby apartment complex.  Detective MacAleese and other detectives arrested two men within 72 hours and charged them with the murder, as well as other previous armed robberies.

The first Crime Stoppers program was started by the Albuquerque Police Department soon after.  Since adopting this program, Albuquerque’s crime rate has dropped significantly.  It is no longer among the 20 cities with the highest per capital crime rate.  Detective MacAleese was named one of the persons in the 70’s that changed the country, and received the U.S. Police Officer of the Year Award.

Crime Stoppers is not a law enforcement agency.  They encourage you to contact your local law enforcement agency or local Crime Stoppers program with information that can lead to the arrest of someone you suspect has committed a crime.  Governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, Crime Stoppers programs are located in the U.S., Europe, South Africa, Canada, United Kingdom, Central America and many Pacific and Caribbean nations.

The objective of the group is worldwide grassroots gathering of information, with the guarantee of anonymity to anyone who can assist law enforcement agencies.  In the United States alone, Crime Stoppers programs have been responsible for taking millions of tips that have led to nearly 514,000 felony arrests, and the recovery of almost $4 billion in stolen property and drugs.  Their impact across America is amazing.

Recently, Crime Stoppers has been asking the public for assistance in preventing crime during the Winter Olympic Games in British Columbia, Canada, slated for February.  The Canadian government is working diligently to keep everyone:  athletes, trainers, staff, and the public safe.

If you have any relevant information, call Games 1-800-222-TIPS(8477) or text keyword “BCTIP” to 274637 crimes, or go to website: www.solvecrime.ca.

We commend Crime Stoppers for the success this program has had worldwide.  They have brought the importance of crime prevention to the forefront, followed by news media and programs such as “America’s Most Wanted” that ask for the public’s help in apprehending criminals.  Now it’s time we do our part to help keep our world safer.  Instead of being an “armchair detective” at home, we must pay closer attention to what’s happening in our neighborhoods.  If you haven’t considered joining your local Crime Stoppers program, think about it.  It’s time to get involved!

Source: Crime Stoppers International

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

WANT TO GO INTO LAW ENFORCEMENT?

As we continue talking about dangerous jobs, protective service occupations are very hazardous.  The middle word, service, is just that.  Men and women in law enforcement are there to serve the public 24-7.  Fatalities in their professions are high, with homicide being the leading cause, followed by highway crashes.

Television shows that depict the many types of law enforcement are popular for a reason.  There’s just something about the thrill of the chase that catches our attention, whether in real life, on the news, or a television program.  When we hear a siren, most of us are curious as to what it’s all about.  If you are looking for an exciting career, there are many types from which to choose:

  • Police Officer
  • Undercover Officer
  • Border Patrol
  • Drug Enforcement Agency
  • F.B.I.
  • Customs Service
  • Secret Service
  • Security Officer
  • SWAT Team
  • Border Patrol
  • U.S. Forest Service
  • Parole Officer
  • Prison Guard
  • Sheriff
  • Air Marshal
  • Departments of Public Service (Highway Patrol)

There have been almost 800 violent assaults against Border Patrol agents in the last year, an increase of 108% from the year before.  Being a Federal Park Ranger has become one of the most hazardous jobs in law enforcement.  Since September 11, 2001, rangers have shifted their focus to drug smugglers and other fugitives.  They are 15 times more likely to be killed in the line of duty than a DEA agent.  Two of the most dangerous parks (among the top ten list of dangerous parks in our country, according to the US Park Ranger Fraternal Order of Police) are Amistad National Recreation Area, near Del Rio, Texas, and Big Bend National Park, also located in Texas.  There are so few people and too many miles to patrol for criminals bringing in loads of drugs, as well as illegal aliens, which makes it difficult for law enforcement.

We owe a big debt of gratitude to the men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting our communities and our country.