Tag Archives: protection

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

SAFETY ADVICE FOR PARENTS OF YOUNG ATHLETES

All safety observances are important – one deserves as much attention as the other.  The month of April recognizes many, and today we want to focus on two of them.  April is National Youth Sports Safety Month, as well as Sports Eye Safety Month.  It seems fitting that we can talk about both of them today. 

Last September, the National Youth Sports Health and Safety Institute was launched.  The executive director of this institute is Michael Bergeron, Ph.D., FACSM.  Dr. Bergeron states, “there has been a disturbing trend in the youth sports industry – we are seeing an increase in injuries that have never been seen before in children and teens: over-use/stress-induced, and concussions.  Over the last two months, 14 kids have already died – half from heat-related causes, the other half from cardiac issues; it used to be that 2-3 kids died each year.  Something needs to change.”  The goals of this program include collecting research, developing new education strategies and educating parents, coaches, trainers, and physicians.  

Four “pillars” that will come under the Institute:

  • Unique Clinical Conditions in Youth Athletic Populations (e.g., Type 1 diabetes, eating disorders, sudden cardiac trauma)
  • Concussion/mild traumatic brain injury
  • Heat illness and injury
  • Overuse/overload and injury risk. 

Other Sports Injury Facts from the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and Safe Kids USA: 

  • More than half of all sports injuries happen at practice.  Despite this fact, one-third of parents often do not take the same safety precautions during their child’s practices as they would for a game.
  • More than 3.5 million children ages 14 and under receive medical treatment for sports injuries annually.
  • Injuries associated with sports and recreational activities account for 21 percent of all traumatic brain injuries among children in the United States.
  • Overuse injury is responsible for almost half of all sports injuries to middle and high school students.  Immature bones, insufficient rest after an injury and poor training or conditioning contribute to overuse injuries among children.
  • Children ages 5 to 14 account for almost 40 percent of all sports-related injuries treated in hospital emergency departments.  The rate and severity of sports-related injury increases with a child’s age. 

Sports Eye Safety Information: 

In the United States,  more than 100,000 physician visits per year are because of eye injuries from sports.  Basketball and baseball cause the most eye injuries, followed by water sports and racket sports.  The American Academy of Pediatrics and American Academy of Opthalmology strongly recommend protective eyewear for all participants in sports where there is risk of eye injury.  Appropriate protective eyewear for sports should be chosen after consultation from an ophthalmologist, optometrist, optician, physician or athletic trainer.  Only two types of eyewear are satisfactory for sports protective eyewear:

  1. Safety sports eyewear that conforms to the requirements of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard F803 for selected sports.
  2. Sports eyewear that is attached to a helmet or for sports in which ASTM standard F803 is inadequate; those include specifications for youth baseball batters and base runners, paintball, skiing, and ice hockey.  Other protectors with specific standards are available for football and men’s lacrosse. 

Parents and athletes should know about the risks associated with playing sports and the availability of a variety of certified sports eye protectors.  

Important Advice for Coaches and Parents: 

Most coaches in youth sports are volunteers.  It is important that at least one coach has training in CPR.  There should also be a first aid kit handy, just in case of an accident.  It is important for parents and coaches to remember that first of all, sports should be fun for the kids.  Many times, too much pressure is put on kids to excel in their choice of sport.  Ninety-five percent of youths who play sports in high school are through with sports when they graduate.  Only five percent of student athletes go on to play college sports.  

Nothing pleases a child more than having their parents and grandparents watch them participate in sports, music, or whatever their chosen activity is.  Support them and be sure that if they are playing sports, all safety measures are taken;  most of all, have fun!

Sources: Fox News; National Eye Institute (Unite for Sight); National Center for Sports Safety

General Safety Issues, Head Protection, High Visibility Safety, Weather Protection

MARCH 20TH – FIRST DAY OF SPRING

MARCH 20TH – FIRST DAY OF SPRING!

 

Well, we’re a “DAY LATE AND A DOLLAR SHORT,” but it’s never too late to acknowledge the arrival of Spring!  With warmer weather, American workers will start planning how to stay cool, especially those who work outside.  Our parent company, Texas America Safety Company (www.tasco-safety.com) has the very products to help you keep your cool.

Of course, we can’t talk about safety products without mentioning the all-important safety sunglasses with UV protection.  There are many fun styles to choose from that meet the ANSI Z87.1 standards for protecting your eyes.  Along with safety glasses, it’s very important to keep sunscreen on hand, especially if you work outdoors all day.   

In case you haven’t seen some of these products, we’d like to introduce them to you.  These are great for work, and many of them are good to wear playing golf, mowing the lawn, and other “fun” chores.  Let’s start out with the Miracool Bandannas.  Full of tiny crystals, these MiraCool Cooling Crystals encased within the 100% cotton fabric absorb and hold up to 1000 times their weight in cool refreshing water. MiraCool Crystals work in combination with the evaporation process. When worn against head, neck or body, cooling sensations are passed to pulse points and carried throughout the body….The only thing you need to do, is soak the bandanna in cold water for about 30 minutes prior to using it.  My husband and his friends wouldn’t go to the golf course without them! 

Next, there’s cooling pads for hardhats.  Here’s the information on these handy cooling pads:

  • Just Soak In Cold Water for 30 Minutes
  • Stays Hydrated For Several Days
  • Reusable Thousands Of Times
  • Works Without Freezing Or Ice
  • Increases Alertness & Productivity

Other head cooling products include absorbent sweatbands for hardhats, Velcro terrycloth headbands, and snap-on sweat bands for headgear.  The MSA V-G and Omega II hardhats allow for sunshields to be attached in order to provide extra shade.  A cloth neck shield is also available to attach to the hardhat and protect workers from sun and heat.  Also available for warmer weather (or anytime), is powdered Gatorade.  

Check out T.A.S.C.O.’s ERB Boonie hats!  Brightly colored in lime or orange, these mesh vented, high-visibility hats are great for walkers, workers, and anyone who works in their yard or garden.  Guys and gals will enjoy these wild little hats! 

Thanks for letting us take the time to tell you about some “cool” products for spring.  Summer is just around the corner, and now’s the time to stock up so your employees can be protected as much as possible.  Most of these are great for individuals at home, too!  Please work safely and take breaks as often as possible.  Drink plenty of water during the day.  Have a pleasant spring!

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection

PROTECT YOUR TEN BEST FRIENDS – YOUR FINGERS!

Our hands are very important parts of the success in performing our work correctly.  Regardless of the type of work – industrial, driving, or working in the healthcare field, our fingers essentially do the walking and talking for us many times.  Gloves play a very vital role in keeping our hands safe.  It would be hard to name the many types of gloves, but there is basically a glove for every task.  Cotton gloves work well for material handlers, chemical-resistant gloves protect those who work with chemicals, leather gloves for welders, metal-mesh gloves for meat cutters, and ballistic nylon gloves for chain-saw users.  Every occupation is considered in the design and manufacture of gloves.  All environments require certain gloves: for extreme cold in freezers or outdoors in winter, to extreme heat in welding, to lint-free, high technology areas, to radiation-protection in nuclear plants, wearing the correct type of gloves is very important.   In the United States, gloves that are used for food handling, food processing, and the medical industry are certified by the U.S. Drug Administration.  Many workplaces approve gloves by joint health and safety committees.  Some employers set their own standards to ensure their workers are adequately protected. 

There is a definite difference in the requirement of a good fit of work gloves between men and women.  Ill-fitting gloves are a great problem, because workers won’t use them if they feel awkward.  Some women have to make do with gloves that don’t fit – fingers too long or too wide, palm circumference too large, and gauntlet or wristlet too big.  One size does not fit all.  Texas America Safety Company has a choice of gloves for every hand – their manufacturers have ensured that the gloves they sell meet all needs – large enough for big hands, yet selections that fit the hands of smaller men, as well as all types of gloves for women.  Some of the gloves even come in pink, so guys, “hands off” her gloves! 

In choosing safety gloves, here are some things to look for:

  • Follow manufacturer’s instructions to get a proper fit.
  • Select all exposed skin that is covered by gloves.
  • Ensure the glove’s finger length and width, and palm circumference are correct.
  • Ensure that the glove offers a safe grip, to prevent tools or materials from sliding from your hands.
  • Gauntlets or wristlets should fit over the clothing and be stream-lined to the arms to prevent gloves from catching on machinery or debris from falling inside.
  • Be sure that the gloves allow skilled and easy use of the hands.
  • Gloves should not be clumsy or awkward to wear. 

Ill-fitting equipment can detract from a worker’s ability to do his/her job.  It could lead to:

  • Less efficient work;
  • Slower work;
  • Greater number of errors;
  • Difficulty in doing certain tasks – jobs that require detailed movements. 

There’s no reason to purchase gloves that are not going to fit your employees, because now you have choices for every size and need.  Take the time to inventory all your employees’ hand sizes and order enough to cover those “ten friends” the best way to ensure safety, and a good job performance.

General Safety Issues

IT’S TIME FOR ANOTHER SUPER BOWL!

Now we know, it will be the NFC Champion New York Giants against the AFC Champion New England Patriots at this year’s Super Bowl, which will held in Indianapolis, Indiana.  The 46th annual Super Bowl will take place Sunday, February 5th.  In two hard-fought games Sunday, it was anybody’s guess which teams would come out on top.  All four deserve to move on, as they played their hearts out.  The Giants defeated the San Francisco 49’ers in overtime, 20-17.  The Baltimore Ravens lost out to the Patriots by a mere 23-20 score for the AFC title.  The last time I checked, there were 1,076 tickets listed in prices ranging from $2,314 to $60,519.  Luckily, we have a very nice high definition television that will furnish our Super Bowl experience!  If you are one of the lucky ones to go, why not order your team hardhats now, to wear to the game and work. Show your support for your team! 

The Indianapolis Host Committee has several fun things planned for the days leading up to Super Bowl Sunday.  You are invited to a HealthBowl, backed by the NFL, it is a free interactive health fair with fun activities for all.  Persons can have free health screenings, an Xbox virtual workout, or participate in the HealthBowl 5K run/walk.  The Legacy Loop 5K Run/Walk is one of the opening Super Bowl XLVI festivities.  Proceeds from the event will benefit NEWCO (Near Eastside Community Organization).  There’s also a “Snowman Challenge, where great prizes will be awarded to the top 5 snowmen along the 5K Run/Walk Route. Another fun activity is observing healthy cooking demonstrations with the Chef’s Academy.  (You might be lucky and get to be on stage with a Chef and possibly an NFL player!) 

The 2012 Indianapolis Super Bowl Host Committee is proud to partner with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Tissue Bank at IU Simon Cancer Center (“Komen Tissue Bank”), to develop Indy’s Super Cure.  The Super Cure initiative capitalizes on Indianapolis’ robust health and life sciences resources to propel the search for a cure.  In order to make Super Bowl XLVI More Than a Game, Indy’s Super Cure invites you to assist in this fight and make a difference.  Indianapolis is home to the world’s only known tissue bank (Komen Tissue Bank) that collects healthy breast tissue for cancer study and research. 

City inspectors are working on overtime and flex schedules.  The department will continue its routine inspections across the city.  In an article written by John Tuohy, for the Indy Star, security concerns and keeping order will be part of Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department’s job.  There will be 3,000 IMPD officers, firefighter and paramedics working from the Thursday before the game through Sunday, Feb 5th.  These will include 100 undercover officers, who will crack down on ticket and property counterfeiters, prostitutes, and pickpockets.  The FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Secret Service and Drug Enforcement Administration will join the local police departments.  There is nothing more important during this event than the public’s safety.  

S.A.F.E. Management Team is under contract to furnish trained staff for security in field and locker rooms, press box attendants, guest services, such as greeters, hosts, hostesses, and other guest services.  S.A.F.E. Management has been in the security business since 1994, and has security contracts with several NFL teams and other special events, such as large concerts. 

The Super Bowl Host Committee has brought in an independent inspector, as well.  Public safety is their number one priority, whether it’s weather-related or anything else.  The inspection of these structures is of the utmost importance.  Downtown Indianapolis will have a zipline attraction, as well as vendor tents of all sizes.  All of these tents must be inspected and the smaller ones must withstand winds of 45 to 50 mph, while the largest tents must be up to the code of a permanent building. Some of the tents will handle overflow crowds from bars and restaurants.  The city is working in tandem with the state fire marshal to ensure that businesses are not overcrowded and that customers have a way out in an emergency.  They want to make sure that everyone has an evacuation plan.  There is a lot going on behind the scenes now; residents are to be assured that the police will continue to their patrols in the rest of the city during the time of Super Bowl activities and the big game.

We hope for good weather and that all fans have a good time.  As with any other celebration, don’t drink and drive, stay safe in new surroundings, and have a good time!

General Safety Issues

OHSA Publishes New Information on Worker Safety

Today, we are featuring a guest blog written by Daphne Dunphy, a safety copywriter at Moneysupermarket.com, who majored in English. Daphne loves  to combine her creative streak and passion for the English language with her love of all things travel.  The following information was sent to share with our readers:

OSHA Publishes New Information on Worker Safety

The last month has brought with it new information on the rights of workers and employers, after documents were published in Washington that shed light on the protection offered to people who work outdoors.

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The Occupational Safety and Health Administration in Washington released a document that outlines the best ways to protect workers from hazards, particularly in the construction, general and maritime industries.
Two booklets have been produced, one called Workers’ Rights (here) and another entitled Employer Rights and Responsibilities (here).
Workers’ Rights goes into detail on the issues of workers’ conditions and making sure that environments comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Act. The OSHA standards on workers’ rights also come under the spotlight, along with information on how to file a complaint with OSHA, and the protections offered to whistleblowers under the law.
The other booklet, Employer Rights and Responsibilities, takes employers through federal OSHA inspections, covering violations that can occur, and the situations in which they may be cited.
Other documents have been published to give people who work outdoors a more detailed guide to the protections they stand to receive.
Managers of laboratories can consult the newly-published Laboratory Safety Document (here) and fact sheets for advice on how to protect workers from exposure to chemical, biological and physical hazards.
A new guide to what workers should do before entering a confined space, such as an underground vaults, tanks, storage bins, silos or manholes has been published in the form of a ‘QuickCard’, entitled Permit-Required Confined Spaces in General Industry (here).
Other guidance has been made available on how to protect workers when using aerial lifts, focusing on the potential injuries and death that can occur when aerial lifts fail, fall over or eject people.
There is equivalent regulatory information available in the UK, where the board that oversees workplace safety regulations is called the Health and Safety Executive. This board published the Health and Safety Information for Employees Regulations (HSIER), which offers guidance on the public liability insurance UK residents can purchase.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration in Washington released a document that outlines the best ways to protect workers from hazards, particularly in the construction, general and maritime industries.
Two booklets have been produced, one called Workers’ Rights and another entitled Employer Rights and Responsibilities.  Workers’ Rights goes into detail on the issues of workers’ conditions and making sure that environments comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Act. The OSHA standards on workers’ rights also come under the spotlight, along with information on how to file a complaint with OSHA, and the protections offered to whistleblowers under the law.
The other booklet, Employer Rights and Responsibilities, takes employers through federal OSHA inspections, covering violations that can occur, and the situations in which they may be cited.
Other documents have been published to give people who work outdoors a more detailed guide to the protections they stand to receive.
Managers of laboratories can consult the newly-published Laboratory Safety Document  and fact sheets for advice on how to protect workers from exposure to chemical, biological and physical hazards.
A new guide to what workers should do before entering a confined space, such as an underground vaults, tanks, storage bins, silos or manholes has been published in the form of a ‘QuickCard’, entitled Permit-Required Confined Spaces in General Industry.  Other guidance has been made available on how to protect workers when using aerial lifts, focusing on the potential injuries and death that can occur when aerial lifts fail, fall over or eject people.
There is equivalent regulatory information available in the UK, where the board that oversees workplace safety regulations is called the Health and Safety Executive. This board published the Health and Safety Information for Employees Regulations (HSIER), which offers guidance on the public liability insurance UK residents can purchase.

The topics that Daphne mentioned are very important requirements of being trained and prepared for outdoor work responsibilities, such as entering confined spaces, using aerial lifts, and other occupations that present special hazards.  Thanks, Daphne.  We look forward to hearing from you again.

Eye Protection

PROTECTING YOUR EYES WHILE WORKING OUTSIDE

1 Comment
We never know where our next story will come from.  I received this email today from my sister-in-law, who happens to be an owner-partner in Texas America Safety Company, our parent company.  This incident can happen to anyone who is working in the yard during this time of the year when leaves are falling and grass and other debris is blowing.  She writes:
“ I got a tiny speck in my eye from a dead tree branch that I pulled down.  It took me a long time to get it out, and my eye was red and hurting.  I thought I might have to go to the ER but I finally got it out.  Who would think that such a tiny speck would hurt so much!  I went to the optometrist the next day and he gave me some drops, but didn’t see any damage.  I immediately went to our office and bought some over-the-glasses safety glasses.  I’ll attach a picture.  Our receptionist said that they get many speck problems every Monday as people often work in their yards on the weekend.  Even mowing, we need to wear eye protection.”
We never know where our next story will come from.  I received this email today from my sister-in-law, who happens to be an owner-partner in Texas America Safety Company, our parent company.  This incident can happen to anyone who is working in the yard during this time of the year when leaves are falling and grass and other debris is blowing.
She writes:
“ I got a tiny speck in my eye from a dead tree branch that I pulled down.  It took me a long time to get it out, and my eye was red and hurting.  I thought I might have to go to the ER but I finally got it out.  Who would think that such a tiny speck would hurt so much!  I went to the optometrist the next day and he gave me some drops, but didn’t see any damage.  I immediately went to our office and bought some over-the-glasses safety glasses.  I’ll attach a picture.  Our receptionist said that they get many speck problems every Monday as people often work in their yards on the weekend.  Even mowing, we need to wear eye protection.”
judy glasses
The fact is, there are safety glasses made to fit right over your glasses, so you can not only protect them from debris, such as leaves and grass, but you’ll have better vision, as well, since you can wear your own glasses under them.
We hope those of you who enjoy your fall workouts in the yard will try a pair of these.  It just might save you a trip to the emergency room!
·                 Lenses provide 99% protection against harmful UV rays
·                 Exceeds ANSI Z87.1-2003 High Impact requirements
·                 Lenses are coated for superior scratch resistance
·                 Lightweight nylon temples that adjust for length and pitch
·                 Single lens protection encapsulates the eye for superb protection
·                 Designed to better fit today’s prescription eyewear
The Pyramex OTS safety glasses are a new style of over-the-glass safety glass. It is designed to fit over your prescription eyewear and still be comfortable. The OTS fits today’s smaller RX frame styles and does not have the size and bulk of most over the glass safety glasses. It’s a great alternative to prescription safety glasses.
Thanks, Judy, for sharing your experience with us.  These would be great for anyone who wears glasses and enjoys doing outdoor jobs.
Judy’s Picture. The fact is, there are safety glasses made to fit right over your glasses, so you can not only protect them from debris, such as leaves and grass, but you’ll have better vision, as well, since you can wear your own glasses under them. We hope those of you who enjoy your fall workouts in the yard will try a pair of these.  It just might save you a trip to the emergency room!
Lenses provide 99% protection against harmful UV rays
Exceeds ANSI Z87.1-2003 High Impact requirements
Lenses are coated for superior scratch resistance
Lightweight nylon temples that adjust for length and pitch
Single lens protection encapsulates the eye for superb protection
Designed to better fit today’s prescription eyewear
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The Pyramex OTS safety glasses are a new style of over-the-glass safety glass. It is designed to fit over your prescription eyewear and still be comfortable. The OTS fits today’s smaller RX frame styles and does not have the size and bulk of most over the glass safety glasses. It’s a great alternative to prescription safety glasses.
Thanks, Judy, for sharing your experience with us.  These would be great for anyone who wears glasses and enjoys doing outdoor jobs.  What a small investment to protect our valuable gift of vision.
Eye Protection

OCTOBER IS HOME EYE SAFETY MONTH

2 Comments

Guest Blog
America’s oldest volunteer eye health and safety organization, Prevent Blindness America, reminds us that October is designated as Home Eye Safety Awareness Month.  Of the 2.5 million eye injuries that occur every year, more than half happen within or around the home.  According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Ocular Trauma, the most common place of injury is the yard or garden.  Home repair and/or the use of power tools in the home cause one in four eye injuries, as well.

“When doing everyday chores around the house or repair work in the garage, we can become complacent about remembering to use the proper eye protection,” said Hugh R. Parry, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness America.  “But, we must remember that an eye injury that can occur in a split second can have lifelong impact on vision.”  Protective eyewear that has been approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) should always be worn before doing any home or car repair, or during any other activity that could be potentially dangerous to the eyes. 

  
Another tip for avoiding eye injuries is to provide effective lighting in your home.  Better light reduces eye strain and also improves safety in the home, especially when stairways are well lit, or in areas where good light can reduce the risk of falls and other injuries.  Rehabmart offers a wide variety of table and floor lamps to help you better illuminate your home.  The Daylight Slimline Magnifying Lamp is a perfect choice for those who may have already suffered some vision loss as well as for those who want to help prevent vision loss.     

The Daylight bulb technology in this uniquely stylish lamp helps to reduce eye strain and improves the contrast of what you are looking at, helping you to see more clearly.  The flicker-free and low-heat technology soothes you and your eyes for hours, while you use 80% less energy compared to conventional lighting choices.  You additionally have the option of adding on a table base or floor stand, converting this lamp to your own needs and specifications.  The Daylight Slimline Magnifying Lamp also includes two easily changeable 5 inch glass magnifying lenses to help you see tiny details more clearly, making this the perfect choice for anyone who does beading, sewing or other detailed crafts.

 Many people may be familiar with ‘Eye Wash Stations” in their workplace, but few think about the importance of having this available in their homes as well.  Yet keeping eye washes on hand and ready to use at home can mean the difference between a temporary eye problem and lifelong vision loss, especially considering how more than half of all eye injuries occur in the home. 
Vision and eye health are important and everyone should take care of their eyes by getting regular eye check ups and screenings with their ophthalmologist.  The Prevent Blindness America organization also sponsors many screenings and vision programs for low-income children and adults who might not otherwise have access to this health care and prevention.  Rehabmart celebrates Home Eye Safety Awareness Month by continuing to offer a wide and varied choice of the best products to help prevent eye injuries in the home and elsewhere…because prevention of an eye injury is so much better than living with the long-term effects of an eye injury, especially when it could have easily been prevented.   

We at BLOG4SAFETY wish to thank:
Carol Koenigsknecht, Medical Consumer Writer and Hulet Smith, OT, Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO for this great article and sharing their concern with us and our parent company, Texas America Safety Company, about the importance of eye protection both at home and work.

General Safety Issues

NATIONAL ANIMAL SAFETY & PROTECTION MONTH – OCTOBER

This is the time to celebrate our animals, and all they mean to us.  If we have had a bad day or good day at work or school, our pets are there to greet us with their unique personality, not judging us by how we greet them.  This is our chance to repay them for the pleasure they give us by taking extra good care of them.

There are thousands of abused and abandoned dogs, cats, and other animals in our country.  Many rescue foundations have taken these animals and nurtured them back to good health, hoping that some family will see how special they are, and give them a home.  During the month of October, animal shelters and rescues throughout our country hold special events to raise awareness about animal safety and protection, encouraging us to celebrate and respect animals by making a difference in their lives.  If you suspect an animal is being ignored or abused, call your local animal control officer, or ASPCA.

Several ways you can protect your pet are through feeding them healthy diets.  Too many snacks can make them sick.  Obesity can be a problem with cats or dogs, just the same as people.  Make sure their shots are current.  Have them neutered or spayed.  See that your dog gets exercise every day – taking them for a walk is a gift.  Just getting to sniff out a different territory means the world to them!

Because of the drought and wildfires in many parts of the U.S., we are still seeing more and more wildlife coming into populated areas.  They are desperate for food and water. It’s hard for deer, foxes, coyotes, and other wildlife to come that close to homes, but they are in dire need.  Hopefully, with rain and cooler weather, they will find ways to survive.  The good will of people can help by filling containers nearby with water or food.

The love and devotion of dogs toward their humans is most evident when observing a service dog in action.  It is fascinating to learn how much time is spent on training service dogs.  Golden Retrievers make excellent therapy dogs; those persons who wish to train their dogs to visit patients in hospitals, etc., must be certified and insured.  Guide dogs are the “eyes” for their owners.  Search and rescue dogs, as those used to find missing, injured, or dead, bomb and drug detection dogs, that work for the military and law enforcement play vital roles in the job for which they are trained.  They are considered their trainers’ partners, and carry out their responsibilities with no fear.  How wonderful to see these “teams in action.”

Most of us don’t own a “wonder-dog” or “wonder-cat,” but do you ever wonder what you’d do without them?  We have to give them up sometime, but while we have them, it’s up to us to see that they are cared for as any other member of our family.  Trips to the vet, being included in the “family fire escape plan”, or any other evacuation plan are just some of the things that little four-legged friend deserves.

I made a comment one day that I had to go let our “grandpups” out, and a friend replied, “why do you people want so many dogs?”  I replied, well, we only have one, but our entire family loves animals.  I feel sad for her that she doesn’t know how rewarding it is to have a “best friend” that gets to live with you every day.  Please be especially thoughtful to your pets this month; probably you already are.  If not, just look into those eyes and wonder what they think of you!  “Thanks, Buddy!”

Buddy

General Safety Issues, Protective Clothing

WHERE DO YOU STAND ON FOOT PROTECTION?

Every year, OSHA cites a handful of companies for violations of its foot protection standard, but about 200,000 workers experience toe or foot injuries annually, as reported by the National Safety Council.  OSHA’s personal protective equipment (PPE) standard dealing with footwear (29 CFR 1910.136) requires protection “where there is danger of foot injuries due to falling or rolling objects, or objects piercing the sole and where exposed to electrical hazards.”  Part of the problem is that employers and employees may not know how to select the proper foot protection. 

Employers should go beyond OSHA’s sketchy guidelines, according to Michael Ziskin, a consultant who specializes in PPE in industry and on hazardous waste sites.  Ziskin, Chairman of the American Industrial Hygiene Association’s Protective Clothing and Equipment Committee, states, “The more you know about the limitations of the products, the less you know about how they will perform in specific work situations.”  It’s up to employers to determine how the products will be used and how effective they will be for the tasks.  Foot-related risks can include everything from chemical hazards and heavy objects to slippery or uneven surfaces that can cause slips and falls. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 329,000 lost workdays from slips and falls in 1994.  This proved the need for shoes that provide good traction.  When working in the healthcare or chemical industries, boots and shoes made of rubber, PVC, or neoprene (depending on the chemical) are needed.  Needless to say, if you’ve been in a hospital, you see all types of workers – doctors, nurses, lab techs, etc. wearing those funny looking shoe covers.  They protect everyone – you, the patients, the surroundings, and objects that may be touched.  Medical personnel are also able to protect themselves against splatters, liquids, and chemicals that may be dangerous.   

In industrial settings, steel-toed boots are a must.  They protect the foot from impact and compression injuries; sixty per cent of all foot injuries are caused by falling objects.  If there are electrical hazards, a fiberglass toe should replace a typical steel toe.  Plastic shoe covers protect the shoes in dirty work environments. 

Having a successful foot protection program depends on the employer doing their homework on assessing all of the hazards involved in the workplace, and using engineering controls, work practices, and providing the proper safety footwear.  Workers should also be trained to mark spills until they can be cleaned up.  They should ensure that the footwear is comfortable; otherwise, it might not be worn.  Take the “right steps” to see that everyone walks away from the job safely at the end of the day!

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Hearing Protection, Respiratory Safety

NATIONAL FARM SAFETY WEEK, SEPTEMBER 18 – 24

An important September observance in the United States is National Farm Safety Week, sponsored by the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety.  Working in the agricultural field ranks among the most hazardous industries in our country.  Farmers and family members who work side by side are at high risk for fatal and non-fatal injuries.  Most farmers have made their living by working the soil generation after generation.  They are aware of the hazards their occupation presents.  Accidents happen, though, and we want to share with you some of the things that might happen on a farm or ranch. 

Every day, approximately 243 agricultural workers suffer lost-time injuries, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, (NIOSH).  Young people are particularly susceptible to injury, if precautions are not taken.  Many young persons are injured by machinery (including tractors) and motor vehicles (including ATV’s).  

  • PTO’s (power take-off) devices are extremely dangerous to workers, especially children.  These are pieces of farm equipment, such as augers, that are attached to tractors.  They rotate at 540 to 1,000 revolutions per minute.  Loose clothing could get caught in one of these, and there is simply no time to get out of this situation without serious injury.  
  • Tractors should be equipped with a rollover protective structure (ROPS.)  There should not be extra riders on tractors or other farm equipment.  The person driving the tractor should always use handholds and care when getting on or off the tractor; slips and falls cause injuries.  A friend of ours who has farmed all of his life fell off his tractor one day, breaking his collarbone.  
  • ATV’s are very popular on farms and ranches; they are designed for a single rider.  There is a risk of overturn when riding an ATV.  Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when operating machinery, such as a helmet when riding an ATV. 
  • Animals present certain obstacles, as most farmers and ranchers will tell you.  Avoid quick movements and loud noises when working with animals.  One should know their characteristics.  Movement in an animal’s blind spots may startle it.  Be sure there is a quick escape if you go inside an animal pen.  The same goes for having a good escape route when working with animals in close quarters, such as chutes and stalls. 
  • Hired farm workers should be aware of farm safety; they should have training and direct communication to ensure that they understand what they are expected to do.  Direct supervision when they are performing dangerous duties, particularly when the worker is new to the job.  Be sure there are no language barriers limiting the effectiveness of training or supervision. 

There are many other obstacles included in farm work.  Pesticide exposure could cause pulmonary disease.  Hearing loss from operating loud equipment over a long period of time, stress, and musculoskeletal disorders may result from this occupation.  The use of personal protective equipment is important when working outdoors.  Safety sunglasses, good work gloves, and respirators for working in dry, dusty environments are just part of the necessary protective measures to use. One never knows when that first aid kit will be needed, either. 

As always, we salute those who work in the agricultural field.  Without them, we’d be pretty hungry!  We wish for safety for all of them; and empathize with those who have lost their crops this year due to drought, flooding, wildfires, or other natural disasters.