Tag Archives: risks

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Health Issues, Hearing Protection, Respiratory Safety

WHAT’S FOR DINNER? A SALUTE TO AMERICA’S FARMERS

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As we go through our busy days, and think about what we’re going to prepare (or buy) for dinner, how many of us consider how that food got to the grocery store,  into our kitchens and onto our tables?  We have our farmers to thank for the blessings of  food.  Agriculture is a big business, and our farmers, dairymen, and ranchers, who grow our vegetables, fruits, beef and pork, as well as produce milk products, work hard to make a living. 

There are all types of farmers – from older ones who learned the hard way, to younger ones who utilize technology to improve agriculture on a larger scale, to part-time farmers who also have other occupations, to niche/boutique farmers who produce specialty products.  They all have different needs when it comes to safety and health.  Certain hazards for those on the farm are exposure to noise  from tractors and other equipment.  Many have hearing loss from years of running heavy equipment.  They are exposed to too much sun, which can cause skin cancer, and they breathe dust, and chemical fumes that can cause lung damage (farmers lung.) 

Children who grow up on farms learn at an early age  chores that they are expected to do to help their parents.  They are taught to be careful around livestock, as even the little animals can kick if the mood strikes them.  Two of the main hazards for youngsters who live in rural areas are machinery and drowning.  Drowning rates for all age groups are three times higher in rural regions than urban areas.  There are rivers, ponds, lakes, and canals that may be tempting for kids to jump into on a hot day.  Other causes of injuries to children on farms are livestock and falls. 

Future Farmers of America and 4-H Clubs are groups that young people interested in agriculture can join.  Many extension groups exist for women in farming, as well.  Our government has established many programs to help protect our farmers, such as agricultural-occupational health services.  Rural emergency services should be specially trained to treat injured farmers, ranchers, and their workers for injuries specific to their occupations.  Tractor-related injuries and deaths are hazards that most farmers face every day.  Pesticides that are needed to control crop damage are health-related risk factors, too.  

The National Safety Council estimates that approximately 160,000 agricultural workers suffer disabling injuries each year.  This may be a conservative estimate, as many accidents go unreported.  The National Agriculture Safety Database covers many of the risks farmers face, and recommends the proper use of personal protective equipment that meets the particular need: 

  • Head protection – For protection from falling objects, hard hats are the best.  Bump caps can also be worn for protection from ordinary scrapes and bumps, but do not protect from impact.
  • Eye protection – Wearing goggles, face shields, or safety glasses can prevent rocks, soil, crop materials, or foreign objects from being thrown into the eyes.  Chemicals from spray cans can also cause serious damage to the eyes. 
  • Foot protection – Safety footwear doesn’t have to look like it; there are types of  lightweight work boots that are designed for comfort and protection from dropped objects, stepping on sharp rocks, or maybe even being stepped on by an animal.
  • Hand protection – Gloves that are chemical-resistant should be worn anytime pesticides are being used.  Other work gloves protect the hands from hazards associated with most farm duties.
  • Breathing protection – dust from livestock or equipment can cause breathing problems.  Dust masks or respirators will help alleviate discomfort from trying to breathe under these conditions.
  • Protection from sick animals – Whenever treating a sick animal, wear eye protection and gloves, and cover open wounds on your body, as some diseases can be transmitted from animals to humans. 

We understand that almost every occupation has some risk of injury; however, September is Farm Safety Month, and this is our way of saying thanks for all they do, and to let them know how much we appreciate their hard work and the hazards they face to grow the products we all need.  “Thank You” to all of you who work in agriculture.  Stay safe!

Back Safety, Ergonomics, General Safety Issues

HOW TO PREVENT MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS

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The science of fitting the job to the worker is called Ergonomics.  When the physical capacity of the worker is mismatched with the physical requirements of the job, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) can happen.  Ergonomics is the practice of designing tasks and equipment to fit the capabilities of the worker in order to prevent injuries before they occur.

Workers can be injured doing repetitive work, such as lifting for a full shift.   MSD’s can affect the back, legs, necks, wrists, shoulders, muscles and joints.  Think about our soldiers, how they are trained to withstand the weight of all that they must carry every day.  Supervisors of our military and emergency personnel, such as firefighters, must identify the risks of musculoskeletal problems  that could possibly be caused from wearing heavy gear for long periods of time.  

All work environments should have an ergonomics and training program  in order to prevent injuries.  Whether it is a workstation, warehouse, construction, or office ergonomics, the climate of the workplace should reflect the best way that employees are protected  from acute or chronic injuries. 

One example of preventing injury is to provide mechanisms such as conveyors, vacuum lifters, or other means to assist  those who must lift heavy objects. 

Healthcare workers face the risk of back injury while lifting patients, a regular part of their job.  This is the time when training in lifting methods is very important.  Some very small people can help manipulate nonambulatory patients with ease, because they know how lift, while at the same time keeping the patient safe.   

We can also suffer from musculoskeletal disorders while doing routine jobs at home.  Gardening, yard work, cleaning house, or sitting at a desk in the home office, can create problems the same as  at work.  We need to plan how we will work on a special project, or use stepladders rather than chairs when reaching for things.  Also, practicing good posture at all times is very important.  Maintaining the proper body weight for our height and age, eating healthy,  stretching before the start of work, and getting enough exercise are also  important factors in preventing injuries.

Whether you drive a truck, sit at a desk, work in construction, healthcare, military, or any other occupation,you have the right to be properly trained in order to perform your duties without the risk of pain and injury.

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.