Tag Archives: Quality

General Safety Issues

CHOOSING TOYS FOR BABY: FOUR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS YOU NEED TO FOLLOW (GUEST POST)

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Selecting toys for your baby or toddler can be a difficult task. It is common to select a toy on impulse because it looks cute or seems to be age appropriate. However, when you are selecting toys for children this small, there are several things that you should take into consideration to protect your child, ensure their fun, and save you money.

1. Small Parts. As you already know, babies and toddlers have the tendency to stick everything in their mouth. It does not matter what the object is, or how dirty it is, or even if you tell them no, they still stick it in their mouths. Toys with small parts, such as button eyes on stuffed animals, can be very dangerous. If they stick it in their mouths and it comes off the product, there is a risk of choking. Additionally, small parts also fit into nostrils, ears, and have the tendency to be jammed into other household items.

2. Quality of Manufacture. While going to the dollar store can be a big adventure for a small child, it is also filled with dangerous toys. Many of these imported toys are poorly constructed and break easy; leaving sharp edges or small parts that can present a problem. These toys also have a tendency to contain harmful chemicals. Some overseas manufacturers do not adhere to the same health and safety regulations that manufacturers in the U.S. are held to, and these toys may have paint that contain lead or are made from plastic with high levels of PCB’s. Purchasing toys from trusted brands such as products by Babyeinstein, will give you the piece of mind that baby’s toys are manufactured to the highest standards.

3. Age Appropriate. Even though you may think your child is mature for their age or advanced in their development, it is always wise to stick with age appropriate toys. No matter how smart we think our children are, they are still small and inexperienced. Safety guidelines help dictate what is age appropriate based on the ability of a child to get hurt from using the toy, not based on their advancements. Try to always purchase within their age limits to keep your child safe.

4. Entertainment Value. Look for toys that will actually keep your child amused. It does not necessarily have to be a large or complicated item; it can be something as simple as a ball that they can roll across the floor. It is easy to get consumed with toys that are educational, but many children will have the ability to learn from any toy if they are interested enough to play with it. Look for something that you can do together or possibly something that involves your other children. Toys can also be a way to bond and bring everyone in the family closer.

When you are out shopping for toys, give yourself a little extra time to examine the product and make a choice that is most beneficial to your child and yourself. Children need to play, it helps them to develop and grow. Parents need to make sure that when they do play, they will remain safe, which is easy to accomplish when you review a product before you buy.

As a mom of 3, author Georgina Clatworthy knows the importance of choosing toys from reputable manufacturers such as products by Babyeinstein. Kids II is global leader when it comes to trusted brands for baby toys and products. For 40 years they have been inventing innovative, award winning toys under its flagship brands.

General Safety Issues

FINDING THE RIGHT WORK BOOTS (GUEST POST)

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For those working in a field like construction, proper footwear is not only recommended, but it’s a requirement to ensure comfort and protection. The key, however, is to get shoes that suit both your needs and the needs of your particular job. So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at what you should keep in mind when selecting work boots.

Know Your Needs
Different jobs require different types of boots. Some will require slip resistant soles, while others will demand steel-toes. While getting an all-around boot protects you in a variety of work situations, knowing what the job you’re doing absolutely requires ensures that you have a boot that will protect you in your specific situation.

Get Professionally Sized
While it’s pretty obvious when the boot you have is too small, it may be less obvious if the boot is too big. Bill Gardner, owner of Red Wing Shoes, offering http://www.redwingrichmond.com, says that “many of us are walking around in the wrong size, leading to unnecessary discomfort.”

Bill recommends being sized at your boot store to make sure you get the size you actually need. You may think you’re a size, but in a particular boot you may be a 12.5 or 13 with socks and inserts. It’s worth the time to make sure the boots fit correctly and comfortably since you’ll be spending a lot of time in them.

Invest in Quality
Ask anybody and they’ll tell you the same thing – quality work boots are expensive. There is, however, a reason for the price. Quality construction and materials cost more, and investing in a boot that will protect your feet, ankles, and knees is worth it in the long run. Quality boots will have soles that won’t fall apart, construction that won’t pull apart, and will use materials that while needing regular upkeep, will be durable for years to come.

Don’t Forget the Accessories
Extra laces, boot socks, and perhaps most importantly, insoles, are all things to consider as part of your boot purchase. These items help contribute to the comfort and durability of the boots. Your sales specialist should be able to help you choose the accessories you’ll need for your specific feet and boots.

Sent to us by George R. Perry

For any of your other safety needs, check out Texas America Safety Company  for all types of personal protective equipment, from hardhats, gloves, to first aid products!

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

DON’T TAKE WATER FOR GRANTED!

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Because so many parts of the United States are in a severe drought, water is a precious commodity.  Lakes, creeks, and rivers are low or completely dry, and many cities have begun restricting the amount of water citizens may use to keep their lawns alive.  It is a very serious situation, and from all reports, relief may still be in the far future. 

 Take a few minutes to think about how water is used in your home.  Whether it’s for drinking, bathing, cooking, or doing laundry, an abundant supply of clean water is an important part of a healthy home.  If you know where your water supply comes from and are aware of the most common water supply problems in your area, you will know if the water you are using is safe.  Public water supplies are tested for more than 100 different contaminants.  Public utilities can give you information about the quality of your drinking water.  Some water departments send out annual reports on the quality of water they supply.  Groundwater is in the soil and underground rock formations.  Private wells and many public water supplies use groundwater as a water source.  Other communities use water that is drawn from nearby lakes. 

Bacteria and viruses are the most common water supply problems.  Pollutants found in private wells are coliform bacteria.  Most bacteria won’t make you sick, but it can indicate the possibility of disease-causing bacteria, viruses, or parasites.  Chemicals such as gasoline, solvents and pesticides can enter groundwater as a result of their use and disposal.  Natural substances such as iron, arsenic, manganese, and radon can affect the quality of your drinking water. 

Ways that you can help keep your water supply safe are to follow any water-use advisories issued by your water supplier.  Dispose of pesticides, motor oil, and other toxic chemicals properly.  Think about reducing your use of lawn and garden pesticides and fertilizers, because these chemicals often find their way into drinking water supplies.  Call your water utility office if you notice any changes in your water supply, such as in the taste, odor, or appearance of the water.  Install backflow devices on all outdoor faucets.  These will prevent water from a garden hose from flowing backwards into your drinking water system. Conserve water.  Don’t waste it.  Use water-efficient fixtures and fix plumbing leaks promptly. 

Americans spend billions of dollars per year on spring, mineral, and other bottled brands of drinking water.  Although you think it tastes good or is more convenient, it’s not always better for you.  Some bottled water does come from mountain streams or artesian wells; however,  most of it is nothing more than treated tap water.  Bottling can breed bacteria and other germs, such as a parasite called cryptosporidium, which can cause digestive illnesses.  If you have a weakened immune system, look on labels for these protective processes:

  • Reverse osmosis
  • Distillation (distilled water)
  • Filtration with an absolute 1-micron filter 

Water filters usually use one of the above terms.  Not all bottled water has enough fluoride for optimal oral health, but tap water is treated with fluoride to protect teeth.  It pays to know more about the water you are using in your home.  Please conserve and protect this precious commodity, and don’t ever take it for granted.  When you see water in natural locations all around you disappearing, it makes you appreciate rain, and the lakes, rivers, and streams that make our environment beautiful.  So, let’s drink (water, of course) to good health with clean, pure water and plenty of it!

 

Source: dhs.Wisconsin.gov; CDCP; FDA

General Safety Issues

DO YOU GET ENOUGH SLEEP?

Most of us have our own little quirks about sleep.  I seem to snooze the best after dinner, when I can stretch out on the couch and watch t.v., only to wake up wondering how my program ended!  Then when I go to bed, I have trouble going to sleep!

Getting the correct amount of sleep affects the way we look, feel, and perform our daily duties.  Current studies have shown that in the past eight years, Americans are getting less than six hours of sleep per night.  Many are losing sleep over financial concerns, according to a National Sleep Foundation poll.  It seems that when you are trying to relax and get some rest, worries become amplified. 

Here are some of the risks of sleep deprivation:

  • Chances of having an accident are increased.  Drowsy drivers are as dangerous as drunk ones;
  • Health – risk of diabetes and heart problems;
  • Becoming depressed;
  • Ability to pay attention decreases;
  • Inability to react to sudden happenings;
  • Inablity to remember details;
  • Obesity from increased appetite.  Lack of sleep causes a rise in the hormone ghrelin, which increases hunger, and a decrease in leptin, our body’s appetite suppressant.

A good rule of thumb is to not exercise at least 3 hours before bedtime.  Also, avoid caffeine, and understand that some alcoholic drinks act as stimulants rather than relaxants. 

It’s been shown in current studies that students perform better when they start classes a little later in the mornings, around 9 a.m.  The National Sleep Foundation recommends that teens get between 8 and 9 hours of sleep per night.  We adults should get between 7 and 9 hours, on week days, if possible. 

For safety’s sake, everyone should be conscientious about doing their job well and in a safe manner for their coworkers.  (Have you seen one of your coworkers fall asleep on the job?) If you have reason to think you need help with being able to sleep, see your physician.  There could be a medical reason you aren’t getting your rest, or he/she may feel you need a  prescription for a non-habit forming medication.  Do the same for someone you feel is not able to function as well as normal, possibly due to lack of rest.  A word of encouragement may be all they need to seek medical attention.

If all else fails, try my method: eat a good supper, and get interested in a good program or ballgame, and doze off!  Later, if you can’t go to sleep when you go to bed, try going back to the couch, or reading a book till you feel sleepy.  For a better quality of life, try to get a good quantity and quality of sleep.

General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

INDOOR AIR QUALITY

As we become more health conscious and think about the quality of the air we breathe, here is some information about what we can do to improve indoor air quality.  Listed below are sources that may create poor air quality:

  • Carbon Monoxide
  • Asbestos
  • Pressed Wood Products/Formaldehyde
  • Lead
  • Pesticides
  • Radon
  • Secondhand Smoke/Environmental Tobacco Smoke
  • Bilogical Pollutants
  • Chimneys, Stoves, Heaters, Fireplaces
  • Respirable Particles

The best way to improve air quality is to remove the sources of pollution or reduce emmissions, such as sealing or enclosing asbestos and adjusting stoves to decrease their emmissions.  Ventilation systems should be installed that bring in and circulate the required amount of outside air.  In your home, opening windows when possible to allow fresh air to come inside is a great way to freshen things up.  High quality air cleaners are built into whole house systems, but can be very expensive.  Sometimes there are factors outside our place of work that contribute to unhealthy air being brought into buildings.  Engineers or builders have guidelines on ways to eliminate such problems when designing or remodeling offices or other workplaces.

Sources that cause many health problems in the workplace may be dust, fragrances, or smoke.  Good housekeeping practices, ventilation systems, managing pesticide applications and microbal contamination are very important for schools, offices, and other workplaces.  Workers may complain of asthma, allergies, or headaches, and report chronic issues to their managers.  For serious concerns, The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducts an Health Hazard Evaluation at the request of employees or employers to determine if any substance normally found in the place of employment has potentially toxic effects, including air quality.

Source: EPA