Tag Archives: safety month

Back Safety, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Weather Protection

NATIONAL SAFETY MONTH WEEK 3: OVEREXERTION

What better time to focus on overexertion than at the beginning of warm (hot) weather?  Those who haven’t been exercising during the winter season may have decided to start working out to get back into shape.

Usually the first thing we think of is “no pain, no gain”.  But this is not the correct way to reach our goals.  Going beyond what our bodies can do usually brings about harmful results.  If you are working out at home or a fitness center, get some good advice from a trainer and pace yourself.  When exercising, if you are breathing heavily for a lengthy time, stop, and try something else.  Know your limits.  Swimming is an excellent aerobic activity.

Health problems can also be brought about because of overexertion.  Heat stroke can occur when a persons’ body cannot control its temperature.  If you are exerting yourself physically, there is a danger of heat stroke at a temperature as low as 75°, if the humidity is high.  Although not as serious as heat stroke, heat cramps and heat exhaustion also can pose threats when a person perspires heavily and becomes dehydrated.  One needs to get in the shade, drink non-caffeine or non-alcoholic drinks, and if possible, take a cool shower or sponge bath.  Because the body loses salt through perspiration, cramps happen.

Other forms of overexertion, such as back strain, are a leading cause of workplace injuries, resulting in almost 3.5 million injuries per year.  Overexertion is sometimes linked to overachievement.  Doing a physically exhausting job too long harms our bodies.  Employers should consider the temperature extremes their employees are exposed to.

The following ideas are usually included in safety training of employees, but let’s review them:

  • Proper lifting techniques.
  • Have carts, wheelbarrows, or other equipment available.
  • Use of gloves for better grip.
  • Push, don’t pull load.
  • Good footing.
  • Don’t reach too far for something.
  • Don’t try to jump.

There are many other suggestions to help avoid overexertion.  The main thing is to use common sense.  Your body has a great warning system, and will let you know when you are overdoing it.  Pay attention!

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

JUNE, 2009

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So far, this year has had its fill of ups and downs.  From bankruptcies, a bad economy, to Swine Flu (H1N1), we’ve pretty much seen it all in the first five months.  We’ve witnessed miracles, from the U.S. Airways’ safe landing on the Hudson River, to the landing back on earth of the Space Shuttle Atlantis, following their 13-day mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope.  Sports fans have had their annual thrill of watching the Super Bowl, March Madness, the Masters Golf Tournament, and the Indianapolis 500.

The National Safety Council announced that June is National Safety Month, and they are encouraging companies to get their employees involved in preventing injuries.  Good information and free materials are on their website.  Safety is always on our minds, and especially as the weather gets hotter, we must remember to use the proper precautions at work to stay as hydrated as possible, and wear hats, sunscreen, safety glasses with U.V. protection, and take all other measures to stay cool.  At work or play, keep safety in mind.

June 14th is Flag Day in the U.S.  June 21st marks Father’s Day, as well as the beginning of summer!

In thirty more days, we will be half-way through the year.  Make the most of every minute of every day.  Look forward to the good times and be thankful for what we have.  Let’s all do our part to make the rest of 2009 a year we can look back on with pride.  In closing, we’d like to share some ideas written by a 90-year old woman:

1.    If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back!
2.    No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, and show up.
3.    Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift.
4.    Don’t compare your life to others.  You have no idea what their journey is all about.