Tag Archives: Safety

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

WHO’LL STOP THE RAIN?

Many parts of the United States have had more than their share of heavy rain this spring.  Residents of Nashville, Tennessee, are still cleaning up after the devastating storm that hit their city and surrounding area, May 1st through May 2nd.

On June 11, a flash flood killed twenty campers and injured more in the Albert Pike Recreation Area, in Arkansas.  Located in a secluded valley where the Caddo and Little Missouri Rivers meet, heavy rains caused the waters to rise 8’ per hour.  By the time most of the people realized what was happening, it was too late for many to escape.  Forecasters had issued a flash flood warning for that vicinity; however, there was little chance of any type of cell phone or other method of communication in this remote location that could have warned them.

June 14th brought 10” of rain to parts of Oklahoma City, and several counties in Oklahoma.  Several persons were rescued from vehicles when rains swept them off the road.  A cab driver was drowned while trying to push his stalled cab out of floodwaters.  Officials said the car was in two feet of water; however, the current was so swift, it swept him away.  Many roads and bridges are heavily damaged and will take months to return to service.
Having known someone who was rescued after being stranded in their car during heavy rains, their first-hand advice, of course, is to try to get to high ground.  It was raining so hard during their experience it was difficult to know exactly where they were.  By the time the rescue team arrived, water was well inside their car, and they had to be taken out through the windows of the car.  A physician who was trapped in his vehicle in the recent Oklahoma City incident, reported that he was advised to roll down the windows because once the water got high enough to short out the electrical system, he would not be able to do so.  Events such as this remind us that sometimes things really are out of our control.

We want to repeat some earlier guidelines to protect those involved in flood clean-up:

  • Take precaution from insect and mosquito bites.
  • Extreme caution should be used with possible chemical and electric hazards; the fire or police department are better equipped to decide what should be done.
  • Be sure tetanus shot is current (within 10 years).
  • Maintain good hygiene during cleanup operations, wash hands with soap and running water as often as possible during the day.
  • Do not allow children to play in floodwaters, or with toys that have been in floodwaters.
  • Wear eyewear and head protection.  Sunscreen needs to be worn, as well.

These safety items, such as disposable clothes, respirators, goggles, gloves, and insect repellents can aid in protecting those who are involved in this or any other clean up operations.  Take precautionary measures, not chances on becoming ill.

General Safety Issues

BATTEN DOWN THE HATCHES!

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As if there’s not enough to worry about for folks on the Gulf of Mexico coastlines and off-shore drilling rigs, hurricane season began June 1st.  The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and many other reputable weather forecasters are predicting the worst hurricane season since Katrina hit in 2005.  They are predicting there will be between fourteen to twenty-three named storms, with eight to fourteen developing into hurricanes.  There were fifteen in 2005.  Katrina was the costliest natural disaster taking 1,500 peoples’ lives, and an $80 billion worth of damage.

Persons living in Eastern states to the Gulf of Mexico to North England will be watching all summer.  The water in the eastern Atlantic is warmer than usual, and warm surface temperatures bring more, and more powerful hurricanes.  If a hurricane forms before the spill in the Gulf of Mexico is stopped, it could add to an already devastating event.

People who live in hurricane vulnerable states have become complacent following milder seasons of the past few years, and are not prepared for a future occurrence.  Ron Sachs is executive director of National Hurricane Survival Initiative, a public education and safety outreach partnership with government organizations, relief agencies, as well as National Hurricane Center, FEMA, Salvation Army, State of North Carolina, National Emergency Management, and businesses such as Travelers, Plylox, and AT&T.  The NHSI launched an interactive website “The National Hurricane Survival Test”, which airs on more than 50 television and cable network affiliates.

Mr. Sachs feels that people wait until the last minute to leave their homes, even with advanced warnings.  It is advised to either get ready now or wait until disaster strikes, when it will be too late.  Failure to take the many options in being prepared can cost your home, livelihood, and possibly, your family.  It would be wise to follow these instructions:

  • Plan ahead;
  • Secure your home;
  • Have a plan that includes your family, elderly, and pets;
  • Be sure your insurance papers are in order;
  • You need to have a 3-day supply of food and water for each individual;
  • Have a first aid kit and flashlight;
  • Be sure you have all medicines;
  • Notify next of kin or friends that you may be needing to stay with them until the all-clear;
  • In the event of a hurricane hitting your town, do not go back until the authorities give permission.  Many times, downed power lines or other hazards cause injuries.

Hopefully, the forecasters will miss their mark and there won’t be as many hurricanes as anticipated.  Until then, be ready to batten down the hatches.  This saying has a nautical origin – battening down was done on ships getting ready for bad weather.  A batten is a strip of wood. (Just a little trivia for today.)

General Safety Issues

AN IMPORTANT JOINT TO PROTECT

We’re not talking about the local bar and grill here, but the shoulder!  Have you ever thought about how much we take our bodies for granted, and the shoulder carries much of the burden.

It is one of the most sophisticated and complex joints of the body.  Some thirty muscles provide movement and stability to the shoulder complex.  Did you know that our shoulders have a 360° range of motion?  Because the ball of the arm is larger than the shoulder socket that holds it, muscles, tendons and ligaments serve as anchors to hold it together.

Shoulder injuries are common in athletes: baseball, basketball, tennis and football players, as well as golfers.  Persons who use their arms to work overhead such as construction workers, and painters often complain of shoulder pain.  Injuries to the shoulder are classified as sprains, dislocations, bursitis, tendinitis, arthritis, torn rotator cuffs, and general aging.

Shoulder problems are usually treated with RICE:

Rest – take breaks from the activity that is causing the problem.

Ice – to reduce pain and swelling.

Compression – wrap the area with Ace bandage, and use a sling for the first 48 hours.

Elevation – rest the injured/sore area on a pillow while applying ice anytime you are sitting or lying.

If symptoms occur such as numbness and tingling, range of motion decreases or does not return to normal after using this process, see your physician.

While using your arms for gardening, painting, or work, try alternating your hands if possible, and take frequent breaks.  Use correct lifting methods and avoid overuse of your arms.

Other tips that apply to protecting the rest of the body, as well as the arms and shoulders:

  • Keep your bones strong by doing weight-bearing exercise (such as walking), and including plenty of calcium and Vitamin D in your diet.
  • Don’t smoke.
  • If you are in sports, wear protective gear.
  • Don’t carry objects that are too heavy.
  • Use a stepladder rather than standing on an unstable chair.
  • When riding in a car, always fasten your seatbelt.
  • Cut down on caffeine, which can increase loss of calcium.

Someone may need to cry on your shoulder someday, so keep it strong!

General Safety Issues

NATIONAL SAFETY MONTH WEEK TWO: TEEN DRIVING SAFETY

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Guest Blogger: Pat Brownlee

This week’s topic as part of National Safety Month is Teen Driving Safety.

Just one of the many challenges of rearing teens is teaching them to drive.  As parents of three grown children, our kids went through their share of accidents, some more serious than others that were little minor fender-benders.  It is important that we as parents and grandparents teach our kids the consequences that can occur if they are not serious about careful driving.  The first time they are allowed to take the car by themselves, usually on short errands, they sometimes face the temptation to make a few extra blocks, hoping that their friends see them.

Now, we have two teenagers that are almost fifteen, and when they come to visit, we get to give them driving lessons, the same as we did when their parents were growing up.  (Hopefully, they will remember how much fun it was to get to drive on a country road.)  Maybe there will be something that we have demonstrated or mentioned that will jog their memory to be careful drivers.

Even after they have taken driver’s education and passed their state licensing requirements, it is still normal to worry about teenagers getting behind the wheel.  There are too many distractions for all drivers now.  Parents should start setting a good example for their children years before they are of driving age.  If kids see parents exhibit temper fits when they are cut off in busy traffic, speed, or use their cell phones or text while driving, the youngsters are probably going to do the very same thing, when they become drivers.  The best policy is to not use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free ones.  Anyone engaged in conversation is not paying close enough attention to the road.  Teenagers have enough distractions: loud music, too many passengers, and too many gadgets to contend with instead of focusing on driving.

So, parents, a word to the wise: teach safe driving by example.  Drive safely, show courtesy to fellow drivers, and don’t let other things take your mind off the task at hand – getting to your destination safely.  Allow plenty of time, so you aren’t rushed, and keep reminding your teens that driving a car can be fun, but that they are expected to recognize the fact that they are responsible for themselves and anyone with them.  Lastly,  drive defensively and watch for the other person, as he may not be watching for you!  There are bad drivers of any age, but let’s teach our kids to appreciate the freedom driving affords them, by encouraging them to be safe at all times.

General Safety Issues

PRESCRIPTION DRUG OVERDOSE PREVENTION

It’s a sad fact that almost twenty per cent of Americans have used prescription drugs (mostly pain killers) for non-medicinal reasons.  Some prescription painkillers have now surpassed heroin and cocaine as the leading cause of fatal overdoses.  According to a report by the Baltimore Sun, “drug use accounts for billions of dollars per year in health care costs.  Drug overdoses rank second only to motor vehicle crashes as the leading cause of accidental death.”  Adverse drug reactions from legally prescribed drugs cause about 106,000 deaths per year.

Hospitals have reported that poisonings by prescription sedatives and tranquilizers jumped 65% from 1999 to 2006.  One-third of addicts questioned report that their first drug experience was from prescription drugs.  Mixing multiple drugs is a serious health risk.  Ask your physician if you question the interactions between medicines you are taking.  Patients should read the label and information provided with a new prescription drug.  Your pharmacist can also advise you on drug interactions, if you take more than one.

We’re certainly not telling you to not take medications that were prescribed for you by your physician; however, you should report to your doctor any side effects you may have from a new medicine.  The main thing to keep in mind is to keep your prescription medications in a safe place.  If you have small children, of course, you will.  But if there are teens in your house, you should also take precautions.  If you are taking a pain killer, your teen may think it’s o.k. to experiment with it.  Many times they prefer to use a prescription drug recreationally, thinking it is safer than street drugs.  Don’t let your medicine cabinet become a “free” pharmacy!

June is National Safety Month.  This first weekly theme is “Prescription Drug Overdose Prevention.”  It is hoped that you will consider how serious this matter is.  Senior citizens may be confused about their medications and need help monitoring them.  We should be vigilant about prescription drugs in our homes and keep them in a place where they aren’t accessible to others.  The abuse of prescription drugs is as serious as abusing street drugs or alcohol.  That abuse can lead to serious illness, or death.

General Safety Issues

COMING ATTRACTIONS: CERTAIN ENFORCEMENTS ON OSHA STANDARDS

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Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, OSHA’s role has been to assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women.  OSHA has the authority to enforce standards developed under the Act, assist and encourage States in their efforts to carry out such conditions.  Working under the Department of Labor, OSHA provides research, information, education and training, focusing on keeping America’s workers safe.

Through the years, the role of OSHA has been diverse, but here are some of the changes in industrial safety standards brought about in past years:

  • Making sure there are guards on moving parts of machinery.
  • Permissible exposure limits to hazardous chemicals.
  • Confined space regulations.
  • Lockout/Tagout procedures.
  • Workers’ exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
  • Safety restrictions when involved with excavations and trenches.
  • Asbestos exposure standards.
  • Using Personal Protective Equipment, as required.

According to Hilda Solis, current United States Secretary of Labor, “We are strengthening our efforts to be vigilant in protecting the rights and safety of workers by hiring additional enforcement personnel, and revising and improving our regulatory efforts.”  Employers would be wise to take note of the following current considerations being addressed by OSHA:

  • If the Protected American Workers Act (now pending before Congress) passes, there will be enhanced civil and criminal penalties, changes in abatement requirements, expansion of victims’ rights, and revision to whistleblower structure. This may result in significant repercussions for American employers.
  • The national employer record program was announced by OSHA on October 1, 2009, requiring more scrutiny of the company’s ability to properly prepare OSHA logs, reporting workplace incidents, injuries and illnesses.
  • Another mandate from OSHA is requiring uniformity in the language of ALL settlement agreements- language that uses the settlement process as a way to get employers to agree to undertake more obligations.
  • OSHA issued a final rule allowing citations be given employers on a “per employee basis” for failure to wear/use required Personal Protective Equipment.
  • On April 29, 2009, OSHA announced it would initiate rulemaking on combustible dust hazards.
  • The issue of ergonomic hazards will be revisited by the Obama administration.
  • OSHA is seeking to align its Hazardous Communication Standard with the provisions of the United Nations Globally Harmonized Standard of Classifying and Labeling of Chemicals.

While employers face many challenges in their daily operations, the safety and well-being of their employees should come first.  Organized safety meetings, planning, hazard assessments, risk management, and ensuring compliance are just part of the steps to be taken to create a safe work environment.   In the event of a company mishap, OSHA will be knocking on the door to make sure that all safety policies and procedures were followed.

General Safety Issues

NORTH AMERICAN OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH WEEK MAY 2-8

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NAOSH Week occurs every year during the first full week of May and is aimed at raising awareness about occupational safety, health and the environment and safety, health and engineering  professions.  The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) joined with the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering (CSSE) and partners in Mexico to promote awareness in North America during NAOSH Week. This is one tool the almost 100-year-old ASSE and its 32,000 SH&E members use throughout the year to promote occupational safety, aimed at preventing injuries and illnesses. Several organizations representing thousands of businesses have partnered with ASSE and CSSE to support NAOSH Week, including U.S. federal agencies such as the Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

NAOSH Week began in 1997.  Canada originally began observing Occupational Safety and Health Week in 1986.  During the NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) talks in 1997, the representative from Canada suggested that Mexico and the United States become involved in a similar endeavor.  Hence, this continent-wide event got its start.

Monday, May 3rd, NAOSH week was launched in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, in Canada, and in Washington D.C.  Businesses are encouraged to participate in all types of contests to promote safety and wellness.  Some companies even have personal protective equipment “fashion shows!”  Poster contests involving employees’ children, and other fun events get everyone involved.  Persons who are interested in becoming health or safety professionals are able to find out more about becoming involved in those occupations.  There are all types of affairs that involve communities and businesses.

NAOSH Week Logo

NAOSH

Three hands forming an equilateral triangle portrays the three participating nations – Canada, the United States and Mexico – and symbolizes joint venture, cooperation and the commitment to the common goals shared by all occupational health and safety partners. The three sides stand for partnership of the three countries in this joint occupational health and safety venture, as well as all tripartite partnerships between business, labor and governments. The connected hands illustrate assistance and cooperation on many levels – from interpersonal relationships in the workplace to international exchange.

Let’s get behind this annual observance and continue to work hard to prevent injuries all year long.

Source: NAOSH.org
Canadian Society of Safety Engineers

General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

BLACK LUNG ON THE RISE

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Almost one-half of the power used in the United States is generated by coal; more than 130,000 miners put their lives at risk to provide it. Coal Workers Pneumoconiosis (CWP) is caused by prolonged breathing of dust in coal mines.  Another name for CWP is Black Lung Disease.

Years ago, Congress ordered Black Lung to be eradicated from the coal industry, under the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969.  This act was to protect miners by posing limits on exposure to dust, as well as adding increased benefits for families of coal miners.  For several years following this legislative enactment, the proportion of coal miners with Black Lung Disease went down.  However, in the last ten years, it is again on the rise.  Approximately 10,000 miners have died with CWP in the past decade, with younger workers developing severe and advanced cases.

Black Lung is a deadly, but preventable occupational disease.  It causes chronic coughing and shortness of breath.  Coal operators are required under the law to adhere to dust standards.  They have the necessary tools to control each miner’s exposure to respirable dust and silica.  Industries and miners must both ensure that control measures are applied and dust levels are accurately measured.

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, possible reasons that this disease is once more increasing are:

  • Inadequacies in mandated coal mine dust regulations;
  • Failure to comply with regulations;
  • Lack of disease measures to accommodate changes in mining practices brought about by depletion of richer coal reserves;
  • Effects of working longer hours in recent years;
  • Missed opportunities by miners to be screened and take action to reduce dust exposure.
  • New mining techniques and machinery that create more hazardous exposure to dust.

NIOSH also has set up mobile screening units that travel to locations where mining takes place and offer free x-rays, and other free health evaluations to miners.  When early disease is suspected, miners should request transfer to a job where there is less dust exposure.

A set of rules is being considered by the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) that would require some miners to use a new technology, the continuous personal dust monitor.  These real-time monitors would allow the miners to know what they are exposed to and respond to it right away.  The cost is $10,000 per monitor, so it’s a pricey proposition.  However, mining-industry representative Bruce Watzman says the industry supports MSHA’s efforts.  “The statistics concern us.  We need to understand and address this problem.”  NIOSH states that the first priority to all men and women miners is their health and safety.

General Safety Issues

HAPPY 40TH ANNIVERSARY, EARTH DAY, APRIL 22

With the beginning of the April 22, 1970 movement, approximately 20 million Americans participated to reach the goal of a healthy, sustainable environment.  Up until this time, separate groups who had been fighting against polluting factories, power plants, toxic dumps, oil spills, and extinction of wildlife began to realize that they shared common goals.  Through the years and with the help of the worldwide web, the efforts of those concerned with the environment have multiplied.  Other concerns such as global warming and clean energy have now emerged, as well.  People all over the world celebrate Earth Day either on March 20th or April 22nd.  This year marks the 40th Anniversary of the Earth Day movement, started in 1970.

The Earth Day Network has more than 20,000 partners and works with 190 countries to promote building a healthy, prosperous clean energy economy now and for the future.  We must produce a green economy around the globe, in every corner of our world, by making it cleaner.

Air pollution is one of the main causes of harmful health effects.  Coal-fired electric power plants release tons of sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxide and mercury into the air each year.  These were built before clean air laws were passed in the 1970’s.  Some trucks and vehicles produce harmful emissions, and traces of gas are in the air around gas drilling.

Our homes need to be healthy homes.  Dust and mold can build up, and cause respiratory problems.  Affordable housing should be available to everyone, and they should not have to worry about lead paint, bad drinking water, and other things that contribute to health problems.

The average age of U.S. Schools is 42 years.  Over sixty per cent report there is at least one serious maintenance problem in their campus buildings.  (Our community is just now rebuilding the local high school, which was built in 1953.)  Just imagine the asbestos and other materials that were in the building!

We applaud everyone who participates in Earth Day!  If every single person would use less electricity, not print everything they do on their computers, and pick up trash thrown out by some careless person, it would add up to better health for us all.  Do your part to spruce up our planet!

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety

HOW TO PREVENT WORKPLACE INJURIES

April is designated as Injury Prevention Month.  However, every month should carry the same theme.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics(BLS), in 2008, 5,071 Americans lost their lives as a result of workplace accidents.  This was down from 5,657 in 2007, but only because of the slowing economy.  About 3.6 million Americans suffer serious work-related injuries annually.

Because of the recent devastating coal mine explosion in West Virginia, we are reminded of how dangerous this industry is.  The BLS states that these employees are more likely to be hurt, suffer illness, or be killed than workers in private industries.  Coal mining companies should ensure the safety of their workers through many means, such as proper ventilation, firefighting equipment, air monitor systems, safe places they can escape to, etc.  It is suspected that many violations will be discovered once a Federal investigation is complete, as that particular mine had been issued over 100 citations, just this year.

Every company owes it to each and every employee to be assured that their safety is the Number One Priority.  Next, each employee should do all they can to ensure their safety and that of their fellow workers.  Here are some suggestions for workers’ security:

  • Heavy machinery/equipment operators know how their machines perform better than anyone, so their supervisors should work with them daily to ensure the machinery is checked often, and running safely at all times.
  • Workers should have an active role in company safety programs, by submitting safety suggestions, serving on safety committees, and participating in safety training.
  • Slippery floors, loose carpet, or other hazardous conditions should be reported to supervisors and taken care of as soon as possible.
  • First Aid training is a must.  There should be first aid kits in designated work areas, along with employees who know how to administer basic first aid in case of an accident.
  • Eyewash stations should be available and kept in clean, working condition.
  • Wearing the proper personal protective equipment as required is extremely important.  PPE is designed to protect specific parts of the body that are exposed to hazards.  It should fit properly and be worn at all times while working.  Employees should know how to care for their PPE and ask for its replacement when needed.
  • Companies should warn employees against improper behavior, such as horseplay.  Persons who like to play pranks on their co-workers may be endangering them.  Work environments should be pleasant, but not to the degree of being reckless.
  • Lifting objects that are too heavy is another source of injury.  If this is the case, lifting aids should be used in order to prevent back injury.

It’s hard to find many types of work that don’t carry a chance of injury.  From Anthropologists  to Zoo Keeper, all occupations present some sort of danger.  The best lesson for each individual is to be aware of the risks involved in their occupation and stay alert in order to remain safe each day.