Tag Archives: Safety

General Safety Issues

NEW EMPLOYEES

1 Comment

Do you remember your first day on the job, wishing you understood what everyone else was doing?  You want to fit in, and it seems as though there’s a mountain of information being tossed your way.  No one can absorb everything they are told, but the main thing one needs to pay attention to is safety on the job.  With the summer season beginning, a whole new workforce will begin.  Those younger employees need to have a mentor for a few months, just to ensure their safety and the safety of others.

It is the responsibility of the employer to provide proper training beginning from Day One.

Bureau of Labor Statistics show that 40% of on-the-job injuries are workers experiencing their first year of work.  The first thing employers should do is start orientation on the first day.  Co-workers can be of assistance if they notice the new employee is doing something unsafe; they need to speak up and warn them before they get injured.  They also can tell the new employee who to talk to if they have concerns about safety.  Personnel need to respect the equipment they are working with, and be aware that their wellness can be an issue if they don’t use caution.

In most of our experiences, we gradually find out what to do:  a good example is a Fire Drill.  Every company has their own policy and procedures and new employees should be told where the exits are and what to do upon exiting the building.  Many times, we don’t find out until there is a fire drill and then someone says, “Oh, yeah, do such and such, then return to work when the all clear is given.”

New employees, remember this:

  • Don’t take shortcuts
  • Use what you learn all the time
  • Be sure you understand; don’t hesitate to ask questions
  • Respect and follow warnings
  • Be sure you know what to do in emergency situations
  • As for safety materials and instructions if you have not received them

Remember the TEAM mantra applies to all of us:
Together Everyone Accomplishes More!

Think Safety and Work Safely.

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hearing Protection, Home Safety Products, Uncategorized

IS YOUR HOME “AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN”?

How closely have you checked your house for hazards?  Since June is “Home Safety Month”, this is an excellent time to remind you of the many chances for you or a loved one to be injured in your very own home.  According to the Home Safety Council, making a checklist is a good way to start.

Going room by room, you will be surprised at what’s lurking….. even your computer!  Yes, we said your computer.

New research has shown that more people are showing up in emergency rooms with computer-related injuries, according to Jennifer Thomas, reporter for HealthDay.

From 1994 to 2006, there was an increase in injuries of 732 per cent nationwide from 1,300 per year to 9,300 per year of persons tripping over computer wires or getting hit by falling equipment. Ms. Thomas reports that a study published in the online issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, stated that more and more people are using computers, and over a 13-year period, around 78,000 people had computer-related injuries.  The report suggests that computers should be kept on a wide work surface to ensure they won’t tip over, and cords need to be away from walking areas.  The study revealed that children under the age of 5 had the highest injury rate, with the leading cause of injury tripping or falling over computer equipment.

Here are some other areas you need to add to your checklist:

  • Bathroom:  For chemicals or poisons.  Also, are there mats on the floor so there’s no slipping?  Don’t leave medicines in drawers that are within reach of children.
  • Kitchen:  Also check for poisons, chemicals, cleaning solutions that are accessible to children.  Fire extinguisher.  Do you have one and know how to use it?
  • Stairways: Be sure rails are in good shape.  Is the area well lighted?  Check for loose carpet.  Also have safety gates installed at foot and top of stairs if there are toddlers in the home.
  • Living Room/Den/Dining Room: Be sure furniture is tip-proof.  Adults, as well as children, have been hurt by furniture that tips over.
  • Hallways: How often do you check your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors?  (A good rule of thumb is every spring and fall when the time changes.)
  • Windows:  In warm weather, be sure you have strong window screens.  Also, remember that cords from mini-blinds have been known to cause injury and death to small children.  Adjust them so there are no loops that might get into the wrong hands.
  • Outside:  Again, don’t leave chemicals or pesticides where pets or children will find them.

Keep your home clutter-free.  Chances are better that no one will get hurt if there’s no danger of tripping.  Take the time to look around to see just how many ways there are for you to keep your “Home Sweet Home” safer!

General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products

HOW SAFE ARE YOUR WINDOWS?

This may sound odd, but when it comes to child safety, the type of window coverings you select may play an important part in keeping your little ones safe.

One of the many tasks we have when we buy a new home or move into an apartment is choosing window treatments.  Whether we have children, grandchildren, or an occasional toddler visit our home, we must be aware of certain hazards that are present.  If you select blinds to cover your windows, be sure they are the new type of cordless ones.
The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that on the average, once every two weeks, a toddler or infant dies from strangulation from window blind cords.  Blinds made prior to 2001 do not meet child safety regulations.
Little ones love to climb up to look out of the window, and if they slip and fall, they could become entangled in the cords.  Infants in cribs that are placed too near a window may grab a cord, place it in their mouth, and get it wrapped around their neck.
Here are some actions you may take to ensure safety regarding this hazard:

  • Never have furniture near dangling cords in windows.
  • Buy new cordless window blinds.
  • Consider other window treatments, such as shutters or curtains.
  • If you have older blinds, get retrofit kits to make them safe.
  • Never place cribs near windows.
  • Keep the child away from blind cords.

If you want to adjust the existing blind cords that you now own, the USCPSC recommends eliminating loops on 2-corded horizontal blinds by cutting the cord above the end tassel (looks like a small wood or plastic thimble).  Remove equalizer buckle and add new tassels for each cord, or replace it with a safety break-away tassel.  Do not retie the cords in a knot, as that only recreates a new loop.  Or, you can lower the blind all the way, cut cords as close to top of blind as possible and then re-install tassels.  Parents can reach, but the tots cannot!  Otherwise, use old-fashioned cord cleats, which are available at most window covering stores.

Recently, we learned of a tragic accident involving some type of cord hanging from a treadmill.  A little four-year old girl died after becoming strangled by this cord.  So, parents, you can’t be too careful when it comes to toddlers’ safety.

The Window Covering Safety Council provides free retrofit kits: cord stops, tassels, and tie-down devices.

Their toll-free number is 800-506-4636.  You can contact them at their website or give them a call for more information.

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

PET SAFETY FLEA & TICK MEDICATIONS

After seeing a disturbing report on the nightly news, and being an animal lover, if this information saves one animal and its owner from a bad reaction to flea and tick treatment, it will be worth writing.

The report was about spot on treatment for ticks and fleas used on dogs.  Dr. Steven Hansen, Veterinary Toxicologist and Director of Animal Poison Control Center at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says that in general,  most of these treatments have good safety records.  If used appropriately, in healthy animals, there are very few bad reactions.  The cases they see are where treatment is misused.

Topical pet treatments are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency.  The number of incidents stemming from spot on flea treatments (drops applied directly to pets’ skin) has increased 53% from the previous year to 44,263 cases in 2008.  The EPA is doing an intensified evaluation of these products.  There are many consumers that have avowed to never use these products again.

One of the common misuses of these products is that they are used on cats rather than dogs.  Dr. Mark Stickney, Director of General Surgery Services at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science says the chemical permethria, contained in spot on drops, causes cats’ nervous systems to go into overdrive.  This chemical may be found in flea powder, as well, so cat owners should be cautious.  A list of specific uses, as well as age and weight requirements are on the product labels; therefore, owners should read them carefully before using.

If you use one of these products and there are side effects:

  • Don’t double up on powders and sprays plus spot on treatment.
  • Immediately contact your vet.
  • Contact the product manufacturer and give product number.
  • Save the box, so the manufacturer can have information of the exact product used.

Greenpaws.org advocates ways to take care of fleas without chemical treatment.  They also furnish complete information on various chemicals and their side effects.

Suggestions to prevent fleas on your dogs include:

  • Give pet bath regularly.
  • Wash pets bed with hot water the same day you bathe them.
  • Vacuum carpets often, which helps eliminate flea eggs.
  • Consider using pills, as they are the safest options containing the least toxic chemicals.

This information is meant to help you decide what type of treatment you may choose for your animal.  The condition of the animal’s health has a lot to do with whether or not they will have a reaction to treatment that contains certain chemicals.  Our pets are part of our family, and we want them to have a safe summer, too!

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

MOTORCYCLE SAFETY AWARENESS MONTH

It’s not too late for us to remind you that May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration is encouraging all drivers to “Share the Road” with motorcyclists, and be alert when driving, to help keep them safe.

Motorcyclists, as well, are reminded to make themselves visible in case other drivers aren’t looking out for them.  They are small vehicles and can be hidden in a blind spot.  More vulnerable than passengers in vehicles, research has shown that per vehicle per mile traveled, motorcyclists are 37 times more likely to die in a traffic crash than occupants in cars.  With that in mind, these tips from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation are well worth reading:

Ten Things All Car & Truck Drivers Should Know About Motorcycles

1. There are a lot more cars and trucks than motorcycles on the road, and some drivers don’t “recognize” a motorcycle; they ignore it (usually unintentionally). Look for motorcycles, especially when checking traffic at an intersection.

2. Because of its small size, a motorcycle may look farther away than it is. It may also be difficult to judge a motorcycle’s speed. When checking traffic to turn at an intersection or into (or out of) a driveway, predict a motorcycle is closer than it looks.

3. Because of its small size, a motorcycle can be easily hidden in a car’s blind spots (door/roof pillars) or masked by objects or backgrounds outside a car (bushes, fences, bridges, etc). Take an extra moment to thoroughly check traffic, whether you’re changing lanes or turning at intersections.

4. Because of its small size a motorcycle may seem to be moving faster than it really is. Don’t assume all motorcyclists are speed demons.

5. Motorcyclists often slow by downshifting or merely rolling off the throttle, thus not activating the brake light. Allow more following distance, say 3 or 4 seconds. At intersections, predict a motorcyclist may slow down without visual warning.

6. Turn signals on a motorcycle usually are not self-canceling, thus some riders, (especially beginners) sometimes forget to turn them off after a turn or lane change. Make sure a motorcycle’s signal is for real.

7. Motorcyclists often adjust position within a lane to be seen more easily and to minimize the effects of road debris, passing vehicles, and wind. Understand that motorcyclists adjust lane position for a purpose, not to be reckless or show off or to allow you to share the lane with them.

8. Maneuverability is one of a motorcycle’s better characteristics, especially at slower speeds and with good road conditions, but don’t expect a motorcyclist to always be able to dodge out of the way.

9. Stopping distance for motorcycles is nearly the same as for cars, but slippery pavement makes stopping quickly difficult. Allow more following distance behind a motorcycle because it can’t always stop “on a dime.”

10. When a motorcycle is in motion, don’t think of it as motorcycle; think of it as a person.

Source: Motorcycle Safety Foundation and NHTSA

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

CLICK IT OR TICKET!

Every year during this holiday period, law enforcement agencies join forces day and night, coast-to-coast, to deliver the most successful seatbelt enforcement campaign ever.  The “Click It or Ticket” National Enforcement Mobilization dates are May 18 – 31, and August 21 – September 7, 2009.  Started by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, most states are onboard in stressing the importance of wearing seatbelts and using proper child seat restraints.  Many persons who died in traffic crashes were not wearing seatbelts.  In the United States, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 15-20 year olds.

With the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, law enforcement agencies are launching campaigns to let drivers know, especially teenage drivers, that there will be tickets written for all persons under 18 who are not wearing seatbelts, whether they are in the front or back seat, and that children less than five years old and under 36” tall must be safely secured in a child seat.

Similarly, Texas law states that if any passenger under age 17 is not wearing a seat belt- front or back seat- the driver will be ticketed.  Since 1999, the Texas Department of Public Safety has had a Zero tolerance policy regarding seatbelts and child safety seats.  Violations can result in fines up to $200, plus additional court costs.

A September, 2008, report published by the NHTSA, showed that seatbelt use was 84% in passenger cars, 86% in vans and suv’s, and 74% by truck occupants, which indicates that seatbelt use is improving every year.  This followed daylight observations in 1800 sites nationwide.  States with primary seatbelt laws averaged 13% higher at 88% use of seat belts, than states with secondary seatbelt laws, which had 75% use of seatbelts.  Primary seatbelt law states allow citations for seatbelt violations alone.  Secondary law states are allowed to issue seatbelt tickets if the vehicle is stopped for another violation.

So, whether in your state it’s “Buckle Up, America, “Buckle Up, your state”), “Click It or Ticket”, it’s a good idea to follow the law and do all you can to keep yourself and your passengers safe.  Your holiday will end on a better note if you don’t have to go to court to pay a fine when you get home.  After you buckle up, drive carefully, watch for the other drivers, and have a safe holiday!

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

HAZARDS OF WORKING IN AN OFFICE!

1 Comment

Yes, that’s right, most people think that working in an office is a pretty cushy job, but have you ever looked around?  There are potential accidents just waiting to happen, when you really check it out!

As a person who has worked in offices all my life, I think back to several things that I did that could have resulted in injury………..like, having a file cabinet tip over on me because it was top heavy and I was working out of the bottom drawer.  Or not using the correct posture when lifting heavy boxes, my back still hurts!   I’ve had many coworkers trip over a low file drawer that got left out.  (Once, I witnessed an engineer set fire to a wastebasket he was sitting on while talking to his secretary, dropping ashes from his pipe into the trash. Boy, did he get a hotseat!)

There are many simple things that can be done and don’t require a lot of extra time to keep our office employees safe.  Also, office workers should pitch in and report any potential risk hazard to their supervisor, whether it’s a slippery floor, too-dark area, or electrical problem, in order for it to be taken care of before someone gets hurt.

Here are several questions regarding office safety, and we want you to see how many apply to your office:

Office Safety

  • Are your file cabinets top heavy?
  • Are boxes, papers and books stored safely on top of files?
  • Are lights turned on in dark work areas?
  • Are there broken lights?
  • Are drawers left open on desks and file cabinets?
  • Do people tilt back in their chairs?
  • Are there signs to watch your step at elevators?
  • Are spills cleaned up promptly?
  • Do you see people standing on their chairs, desktops, to reach something high, rather than use a step stool?
  • Do electric cords stretch across floor?
  • Are power strips used correctly?
  • Are fire exits clearly marked, and are employees familiar with them?
  • Is there enough space under desk or workstation for employee to take cover in an emergency?
  • Are fire drills conducted regularly?
  • Are coffee makers, griddles, heating elements, safely placed and inspected on a regular basis?
  • Are storage areas clean and neat?
  • Are handrails and stairways well lighted?
  • Does your office have a good housekeeping program?
  • Do employees leave open food, i.e., cookies, crackers, in their desk?
  • Is the floor or carpet in bad condition? Uneven floors can be fall hazards.
  • Do people leave wastebaskets or boxes in walkways?
  • Do you see persons wearing dangling jewelry or floppy clothing while running a shredder?  Guys with ties shouldn’t try this.

We know part of your answers will be no and some yes, but hopefully they apply in a way that shows you have a safe office!  Typically, though, we all need to pitch in and keep our workspace clean, neat and safe for our fellow workers.  Try placing safety posters that relate to the work being done in each area to convey a good safety theme.   Posters work wonders!

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

LET’S GO FISHING!

2 Comments

Football and basketball are over, and if you are one that doesn’t enjoy watching golf, what better way to spend time than fishing with a friend, your kids or grandkids?  Warm weather is almost here, so start getting that tackle box ready, clean up the boat, get your license, and let’s go!

Fishing, as well as any other sport, can be hazardous if you don’t keep safety in mind.  We have some common-sense reminders for you, just in case you have forgotten:

  • Always consider safety factors when you are choosing your fishing spot.
  • If you are in a boat, you and everyone else must wear a life jacket.
  • Know the weight restrictions of your boat, and do not overload it.
  • Whether in a boat, or fishing off the bank, stay away from areas that are marked “off limits.”  Their purpose is to protect wildlife, vegetation, and/or your safety.
  • Remember, “don’t drink and drive” applies to boats as well as cars or trucks.
  • Be sure to check out weather forecasts.
  • Carry a flashlight, water, cell phone, and portable radio.
  • Be sure to wear safety glasses and a hat.
  • Also take sunscreen with at least 15 SPF.
  • It’s important to wear tennis shoes, (old ones), to not slip, or get cut by rocks, hooks, glass, or other items that may be in the water where you are wading.
  • Look before you cast.  There have been many trips to the emergency room by folks that have gotten hooked.  (Another good reason to keep those safety glasses on!)
  • Use caution when baiting and removing hooks.
  • Handle fishing tackle responsibly.  Don’t leave any of it lying on the ground, dock, or boat.
  • Lastly, take along some insect repellent.  Our pesky little friends always like to go along on fishing trips, too.

Have a great fishing trip, whether it’s a lake, pond, or river.  There’s no better way to enjoy the outdoors and relax a little.  Just always play it safe.