Tag Archives: poison prevention

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

UNDERSTANDING THE IMPORTANCE OF POISON PREVENTION

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Last week was Poison Prevention Week, as mentioned in an earlier post regarding March safety observances.  We decided to look into this subject more in-depth, as poison is a very life-threatening hazard.  Information from the American Association of Poison Control Centers states: “In 2012, America’s 55 poison centers received over 3 million calls. Of those, about 2.2 million were calls about poison exposures ranging from carbon monoxide to snake bites to food poisoning. The rest were calls for information. These prevention tips can help you or your loved ones avoid poisonings. For more tips and information, call your local poison center at 1-800-222-1222.”

Always keep that number handy; you never know when a poisoning accident may happen, and they can answer your questions quickly and refer you to a hospital or doctor if necessary.

Our workplaces contain all types of poisonous materials that workers may become exposed to.  Those who work outdoors must be vigilant to watch for venomous snakes.  Venomous snakes found in the United States include rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths/water moccasins, and coral snakes. They can be dangerous to outdoor workers including farmers, foresters, landscapers, groundskeepers, gardeners, painters, roofers, pavers, construction workers, oil field workers, laborers, mechanics, and any other workers who spend time outside. Although rare, some workers with a severe allergy to snake venom may be at risk of death if bitten. It has been estimated that 7,000–8,000 people per year receive venomous bites in the United States, and about 5 of those people die.

The number of deaths would be much higher if people did not seek medical care. It is important for employers to train their workers about their risk of exposure to venomous snakes, how they can prevent and protect themselves from snake bites, certain venomous spider bites, and what they should do if they are bitten.(It is very important to keep the victim calm until they reach a treatment facility.)

Other poisonous hazards in the workplace can be chemicals, cleaning products, carbon monoxide, or lead poisoning. Workers in the following industries could be subject to inhaling lead dust and fumes, or swallow lead dust while eating at break time:

  • Radiator, battery, automotive repair;
  • Painting, remodeling, or renovating;
  • Welding;
  • Soldering, cutting metal;
  • Bridge construction or repair;
  • Making jewelry;
  • Demolition of old buildings;
  • Foundry and scrap metal operators.

Wearing the correct respiratory protection and leaving your protective clothing at work can prevent bringing the hazardous lead dust home and exposing it to the family.

There are many other types of poisonous substances, from certain energy drinks, to over-the-counter drugs, social drugs, that citizens should take every precaution to not expose themselves, either at work or on free time.

Employees should check their MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) information to ensure they understand what hazardous materials they are dealing with.  Exhibiting safety posters is another beneficial way to get your message across.   If you have questions, call the number listed above and they can answer your inquiries.

Source: AAPCC, CDC

 

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

MARCH – IN LIKE A LION OR LAMB?

Everyone in the United States will agree that this has been a very unusual, and very cold winter for a majority of states.  Talk about your mood swings – Mother Nature has really suffered from them this winter!  In North Central Texas, the high temperature for the final day of February was 81 degrees, and another unseasonably warm day is in today’s forecast!  So, the beginning day of March for those of us who live in this area is rather confusing, coming in like a lamb.  But, hold on – weather experts say our low on Monday, March 3rd will be 19 degrees.  Here comes the lion, and experts say there’s a lot more winter left to come this month. 

Texas America Safety Company and Blog4Safety want to remind our readers of the following March safety observances: 

  • March 1-31:     National Nutrition Month
  • March 1-31:     National Eye Wellness Month
  • March 2-8:       National Patient Safety Awareness Week
  • March 2-9:       National Sleep Awareness Week
  • March 16-22:  National Poison Prevention Week

For those who want to promote these safety issues at work, please mark these important dates on your calendar. 

We all know that nutrition is very important, so try to encourage your employees to keep their bodies healthy by eating well-balanced diets, and getting plenty of exercise, beginning this month (if they are not already doing so).

Eye wellness if very important to everyone.  When those working in industries that could be harmful to their eyes, the correct eye protection is required.  Eyewash stations should be available and accessible to employees.

Keeping patients  safe is the Number One priority of hospitals, home healthcare, and other facilities.  Healthcare providers strive to offer the safest possible services to their patients.  If you work in this type of environment, you are aware just how important this is.  Most hospitals will observe this week by offering free wellness screenings and other incentives of patient safety to the public.

This first week of March also serves as National Sleep Awareness Week.  Most persons know the right amount of sleep that they need to be able to perform their job responsibilites.  If one tries to work without the proper amount of rest, serious injuries could occur, either to themselves, or to a co-worker.  Take care of your body by getting enough sleep the night before.

March 16-22 is National Poison Prevention Week.  This is another observance that should be a daily one, especially in homes with children.  It’s also a good time for employers to remind their employees that this is a very serious threat – specifically for those who work in hazardous conditions where they may become exposed to toxic fumes. 

Every month there are safety observances that we need to be reminded of.  We wish for each of you a safe March!