Tag Archives: recovery

General Safety Issues, Head Protection, Respiratory Safety

REMEMBERING SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

September 11, 2001, was a day of infamy in the minds of Americans, the same as December 7, 1941, when Pearl Harbor was attacked by Japan.  For those who lost their lives, innocently going to do a day’s work, little children in day care, and for their families, this country still grieves.  We also grieve for the police, firefighters, emergency medical services, and all those who answered the call of duty.  It will be forever in our minds, that picture of those brave souls as they walked toward those huge towers, knowing they probably wouldn’t return. 

It is sad to feel that there was so much hatred for our country that this horrible deed happened, along with attacking our Pentagon, and trying to direct Flight 93 to the White House.  Most countries at one time or another have been victims of attack.  Americans are brave citizens who love their country and aren’t afraid to serve.  We owe those brave military personnel all over the world protecting us our utmost thanks. 

After the clean up of the World Trade Center, John Henshaw, Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA, U S Department of Labor stated: “On May 30, 2002, when the recovery was completed, not another life had been lost, and illness and injury rates were far below national average for industries involved in the recovery.”  This was a very dangerous time for all who gave their time and talents to the clean-up.   

Along with hundreds of suppliers and businesses in America, Texas America Safety Company immediately sent hard hats head protection and disposable respirators to protect the dedicated workers.  OSHA distributed more than 131,000 respirators, 11,000 hard hats, 13,000 safety glasses and goggles, 21,000 pairs of protective gloves, and identified more than 9,000 hazards. 

Texas America Safety Company, along with all Americans, salutes the workers for the difficult tasks performed during the 10 months of the recovery mission.  Let us never forget that terrible day, and may each and every one of us pledge to keep America strong! 

Source: OSHA

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

A MESSAGE ABOUT ALCOHOL AND DRUG ADDICTION RECOVERY

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Each September, National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month is sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT).  The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc., is a Planning Partner and has been a sponsor since it’s inception 22 years ago.  The observance is to educate Americans on the fact that addiction treatment and mental health services can enable those with a substance use or mental disorder to live a healthy and rewarding life.  The message of Recovery Month is that prevention works, treatment is effective, and people can and do recover.  

The vast majority of drug users are employed, and when they arrive for work, they don’t leave their problems at the door.  In 2005, there were 17.2 million illicit drug users aged 18 or older.  Seventy-five per cent of them were employed either full or part time.  Sadly, research has indicated that between 10 and 20 per cent of workers who died on the job tested positive for alcohol or other drugs.  Industries with the highest rates of drug use are the same as those at a high risk for occupational injuries, such as construction, mining, manufacturing and wholesale. 

Drug-free workplaces help improve worker safety and health and add value to American businesses.  Not only are those who abuse drugs and alcohol at risk for injury, either at work, home, or driving down the highway, they are endangering their fellow workers, families, or others on the roads.  A comprehensive drug-free workforce approach includes five components:

  1. An enforced policy.
  2. Supervisor training.
  3. Employee education.
  4. Employee assistance.
  5. Drug testing.  

One of the most significant challenges faced by NCADD and their affiliates is putting the problems of alcohol and drugs into a perspective that the general public can understand.  When alcohol is discussed along with other drugs, the general public, the media and policy makers tend to focus on the more dramatic issues of illegal drugs or just drinking and driving, as if it is the only alcohol-related problem.  

Recent results of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than 92% of adults aged 21 to 64 in the U.S. with alcohol problems – those that meet diagnostic criteria for either alcohol abuse disorder or alcohol dependence – do not see a need for treatment.  Through this survey, the following question was asked of those persons with alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence: “During the past 12 months, did you need treatment or counseling for your use of alcohol?”  Survey results for Alcohol Abuse: NO: 98.8%; YES: 1.2%.  Survey results for Alcohol Dependence:  NO: 92.2%; YES: 7.8%. 

Chances are we all know someone who has had or has a problem with alcohol, and won’t admit or accept that there is a need for help.  You may have heard the following: 

  • “If you had a job like mine, you’d drink, too!”
  • “The cops in this town have always been out to get me.”
  • “I don’t need help.  I can stop anytime I want to.”
  • “My husband will never admit that he has a problem, or seek help.”
  • ”It’s not that bad, I don’t drink every day and I have a job.”
  • “If you’d just get off my back, things wouldn’t be so bad.” 

Alcoholism is a chronic and progressive disease, getting help NOW and not waiting is important.  If you had heart disease, diabetes, or other health problems, you would be looking for medical treatment to help you recover.  The sooner one seeks help, the better chances for recovery.  Many individuals and family members do not seek help for different reasons.  Those who abuse their bodies with drugs and alcohol victimize their families, and if they won’t ask for help or change their ways, there are avenues of support for families or friends. 

The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that addiction is characterized by complex and intense cravings, along with compulsive behavior to satisfy those cravings.  This causes interpersonal distress to the user, family, friends and co-workers.  There are many types of recovery programs.  Certain persons may require several different types of programs, such as inpatient, outpatient counseling and support meetings.  Many times, support can be received through the employer.  With the lack of jobs in this country, those who are fortunate enough to have one should try to remain healthy, and draw on their strengths, rather than dependences. 

Source: OSHA, NIDA, NCAAD

General Safety Issues

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER – IT’S NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK!

My deepest apologies – I have almost let National Volunteer Week slip by!  The observance began on the 10th of April through April 16th.  Hopefully, you were already aware of this special time that is set aside to recognize those who give their time and service to various good causes in their communities.  According to FEMA Regional Administrator, Ken Murphy, National Volunteer Week is all about inspiring, recognizing, and encouraging people to check out imaginative ways to engage in their communities.  This year’s theme in the United States is “Inspire By Example.”  Canada is also observing their National Volunteer Week during this week, with the theme, “Volunteers: Passion. Action. Impact.” 

It would be hard to find the proper words to express the debt we owe those persons who do various kinds of volunteer work, and the many who volunteer for duties at more than one place.  In the case of FEMA, their concern is knowing that there will be volunteers to plan for disasters, plan for elderly, those who do not have transportation, and others that may not be prepared for storms, floods, or worse.  We have seen numerous earthquakes, floods, and tornadoes this year, and in each case, volunteers have rushed to rescue the stranded, and start the recovery process.  Wildfires have been rampant in several parts of Texas; professional firefighters would be in a terrible fix if it were not for the area volunteer fire departments that do all they can to join them in order to save land, homes, and animals for property owners.  

The next time you enter a hospital, nursing home, school, shelter, or similar facility, look around, and you will most likely see a volunteer.  It may be a person simply reading to an elderly person in a nursing home, filing in a hospital office, helping a teacher in the classroom, or serving food in a shelter.  Persons who deliver food to the elderly or disabled contribute a very valuable service.

How about young parents, who volunteer to coach baseball, football, soccer, or other sports for the children?  Positions on most school boards and hospital boards are unpaid.  Those folks give not only their time for meetings, but have to take phone calls from concerned citizens much of the time.  Hotlines also require volunteers to be ready to answer questions and guidance. 

I am sure I have overlooked many other aspects of volunteerism.  I only know that it is important that we help others by giving back.  I served as President of our hospital volunteers, a group of dedicated workers that got along very well and raised a lot of money for equipment for the hospital.  We had fun, and I got to know some of the best people in the world, that I probably would never have known had it not been for belonging to that group.  There are so many ways to serve, and I hope you will look for your place.  Believe me, you will be paid back in ways you can’t imagine. 

May 7th is “Join Hands Day,” which is established to promote youth and adults volunteering together to improve their communities.  We need to work with our young people.  There’s no better way to inspire each other than by working together for a good cause.  Finally, thank you to all who serve!

General Safety Issues

TRIPLE TRAGEDIES IN JAPAN

Japan, the country that gave the world the word tsunami, has suffered tremendously at the hands of Mother Nature, first with an earthquake that measured 8.9, and then followed by a tsunami that contained 23 foot waves, and devastated much of the northeast part of the country.  If that weren’t enough to contend with, officials are now battling the threat of nuclear meltdowns at the Fukushima Daiichi and Daini nuclear plants.  The death toll from the earthquake and tsunami keeps climbing, as the last reports showed around 10,000 persons feared dead; thousands more are missing.  Hundreds of thousands of persons in Japan are struggling to find food and water.   

This has been like watching a bad horror movie, only it is real.  The U.S. Government, private aid groups, and American business corporations were all being mobilized Saturday to support rescue and recovery efforts in Japan.  The U.S. Military assistance operation, “Operation Tomodachi”, meaning “friendship”, was the name chosen by the Japanese.  USS Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group, which includes a destroyer, cruiser, and combat support ship is headed to the east coast of Honshu to serve as a platform for refueling Japanese military and other helicopters involved in rescue and recovery. 

In regard to Japan’s nuclear problems – a meltdown means there has been a serious collapse of a power plant’s systems and its ability to manage temperatures.  A complete meltdown would release uranium and dangerous byproducts into the environment that pose serious health problems.  When there is a loss of power and damage to generators, cooling systems crucial to cool down nuclear fuel rods become crippled and unable to perform their function.  On Saturday, safety officials from Japan told the International Atomic Energy Agency that the release of radioactive material so far has been small; however, Japanese authorities have evacuated more than 180,000 residents within a 12-mile radius, and are distributing iodine pills to residents around the power plants involved.  Potassium iodide, in concentrated form, can help reduce the dose of radiation to the thyroid and thus the risk of cancer.  The Nuclear Regulatory Committee in the U.S. recommends that persons living within 10-mile emergency planning radius of nuclear plants be given the same dosage of concentrated potassium iodide. 

Although this is largest earthquake Japan has experienced, and the 5th largest in the world since 1900, Japan has routinely conducted earthquake and tsunami drills and probably is better prepared for this type of disaster than any other country.  Inside modern Japanese buildings are extra steel bracing, giant rubber pads and embedded hydraulic shock absorbers, making them the sturdiest in the world.  Building codes have long been much more stringent on specific matters like how much a building may sway during an earthquake.  Hopefully, lives were saved because of this planning.  Time will tell. 

The tsunami from Japan sent strong waves thousands of miles away.  Hawaii is thankful that there was no loss of life or injuries from the tsunami, but several hotels experienced waves pushed into their lobbies on the Big Island, and also there was damage to about 60 homes.  Further away, in Crescent City, California, a community that depends on the fishing industry, the tsunami caused approximately $17.1 million dollars of damage to the harbor and vessels, and about $4 million to private boats.  One young man from a community about 20 miles south of Crescent City, remains missing, when he was washed away by the waves. 

Aftershocks continue in Japan, making rescue and recovery even more difficult.  Many of these aftershocks measure 5 or greater.  Keep the citizens of Japan in your thoughts and prayers, as well as the brave people who always show up in times of crisis – volunteers from around the world that search, treat the injured, feed the hungry, and serve in ways we can’t begin to imagine.  Disasters always bring friends from afar, countries pulling together to help their fellow human beings.

Sources: NY Times, AP, Chicago Tribune, Ft Worth Star-Telegram

General Safety Issues

DO YOU KNOW THE SIGNS OF STROKE?

Are you aware that stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States, and that approximately 137,000 Americans die each year, resulting from stroke?  Cause of stroke is usually either a clot blocking the blood vessels, or bleeding in the brain.  It is important to recognize the signs of stroke and get medical help immediately.  The faster a person can receive medical attention, the greater their chance of recovery.  Because death or serious disabilities can be caused by stroke, here are some important symptoms to watch for:
q Sudden numbness, paralysis, or weakness in face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
q Abrupt vision changes.
q Slurred speech, drooling, or feeling confused.
q A severe headache that feels different from normal headaches and comes on quickly.
If you are with someone whom you suspect may be having a stroke, call for help immediately.  Some signs of stroke may be that the person may not be able to smile, talk, such as speak simple sentences, or raise both arms.  A rule of thumb to remember is S-T-R, which describes things you may ask them to do while waiting for an ambulance.  But a doctor must diagnose and treat the person, and time is of the essence!
There are many factors that contribute to stroke.  Keep these in mind:
à High blood pressure, high cholesterol or triglycerides, diabetes, obesity.  These are conditions that should be monitored often.  Salt intake should be limited.
à Risky behaviors, such as smoking, drinking too much alcohol, or physical inactivity.
à Heredity also plays a role in the risk of stroke.
Because I lost both my parents and three of my grandparents to stroke, I have known that there are things I must do to try to stay healthy.  I love to eat sweets, and I would be fibbing if I told you I always eat healthy.  But I exercise every day, (I still walk my dog Buddy every day, as well as go to the fitness center), watch my blood pressure, and try to avoid stress if possible.
A stroke can be debilitating for an individual and their family, as well.  We are fortunate that physical and occupational rehabilitation can restore patients to their normal functions in some cases.  By paying attention to our bodies and living a healthy lifestyle as much as possible, we all must try to avoid being a victim of stroke.
Source:
Centers for Disease Control
Web M.D.
Are you aware that stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States, and that approximately 137,000 Americans die each year, resulting from stroke?  Cause of stroke is usually either a clot blocking the blood vessels, or bleeding in the brain.  It is important to recognize the signs of stroke and get medical help immediately.  The faster a person can receive medical attention, the greater their chance of recovery.  Because death or serious disabilities can be caused by stroke, here are some important symptoms to watch for:
  • Sudden numbness, paralysis, or weakness in face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
  • Abrupt vision changes.
  • Slurred speech, drooling, or feeling confused.
  • A severe headache that feels different from normal headaches and comes on quickly.
If you are with someone whom you suspect may be having a stroke, call for help immediately.  Some signs of stroke may be that the person may not be able to smile, talk, such as speak simple sentences, or raise both arms.  A rule of thumb to remember is S-T-R, which describes things you may ask them to do while waiting for an ambulance.  But a doctor must diagnose and treat the person, and time is of the essence!
There are many factors that contribute to stroke.  Keep these in mind:
  • High blood pressure, high cholesterol or triglycerides, diabetes, obesity.  These are conditions that should be monitored often.  Salt intake should be limited.
  • Risky behaviors, such as smoking, drinking too much alcohol, or physical inactivity.
  • Heredity also plays a role in the risk of stroke.
Because I lost both my parents and three of my grandparents to stroke, I have known that there are things I must do to try to stay healthy.  I love to eat sweets, and I would be fibbing if I told you I always eat healthy.  But I exercise every day, (I still walk my dog Buddy every day, as well as go to the fitness center), watch my blood pressure, and try to avoid stress if possible.
A stroke can be debilitating for an individual and their family, as well.  We are fortunate that physical and occupational rehabilitation can restore patients to their normal functions in some cases.  By paying attention to our bodies and living a healthy lifestyle as much as possible, we all must try to avoid being a victim of stroke.
Source:
Centers for Disease Control
Web M.D.
First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Uncategorized, Weather Protection

WE CAN ALL HELP HAITI!

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In the early evening of January 12th, an earthquake measuring 7 on the Richter scale struck the tiny Caribbean nation of Haiti. The epicenter of the quake was about 10 miles south of Port-Au-Prince, the country’s densely populated capital, and the damage was disastrous.

The U.N. headquarters and the Presidential Palace became piles of rubble, with persons buried underneath them, in addition to businesses, hospitals, schools, and homes.  Some buildings are still standing, but it is feared that they could come crumbling down at any time.  An estimated 200,000 people are dead, thousands more are injured and countless more are still missing.  Aftershocks continue to rock the capital.  Countries from all over the world have sent rescue and medical personnel to the aid of Haitians and others who live there – from babies to the elderly.  Medical professionals worry that many of the injured will not be able to survive their wounds, due to the risk of infection and disease, and lack of antibiotics and other badly needed medicines.  The arrival and distribution of medical supplies, water and food, has been slowed down due to the lack of sufficient landing space, as there is only a single-runway airport.

The United States plans to have around 16,000 troops in Haiti by the end of this week.  Heavy construction equipment will be used to clear pathways for transportation of food, water, clothing, and medicines to reach the people who so desperately need it. There are more than 2 million persons who have been left homeless.

Texas America Safety Company the parent company for www.blog4safety.com has donated respirators, gloves, and disposable clothing for use in the relief effort through FEED THE CHILDREN.  We encourage everyone to join us in giving to a reputable charity.  All donations will help these folks survive until they are able to rebuild their lives and their country.  Pray for the homeless, injured, those who have lost loved ones, and for the wonderful volunteers who are working so hard to help them.