Tag Archives: stress

General Safety Issues

DO YOU WORK WITH SOMEONE WITH THE “HOLIDAY BLUES?”

It’s a reality that some of us are just not in the best of moods during the holidays.  There can be many reasons for this, but sometimes, celebratory occasions bring out sadness in individuals.  I enjoy the holidays and look forward to being with my family, but at the beginning of the season, I always think of my parents, who passed away several years ago.  My dad loved Christmas; when we would decorate the tree, he put on the Christmas “records”, yes, records, and some of the Christmas music we listened to is still popular today.  He got so much pleasure out of doing all the things that made our Christmas special.  And, he could make delicious fudge!

It is normal to feel grief for those we have lost.  But there are those who suffer from depression all year long, and certain times of the year make them even bluer.  Depression is an illness; it can cause physical pain as well as emotional stress.  You and I can’t cure someone that suffers from this illness; it requires professional help.  But we can be more attentive to our surroundings and watch for signs that our work friend may be having a more difficult time in performing his/her duties.  They could be struggling with relationships or physical demands that we are not aware of.  Sometimes the season alone can be the reason their feelings are magnified.  If you know someone who may be depressed, do what you can to encourage him to trust his healthcare provider for professional help.  It is important that they stay on medications and call their provider if symptoms get worse.  

If there are parties after work for the employees to get together, don’t encourage anyone to consume alcohol if they are “down in the dumps.”  Alcohol is a depressant.  Excessive drinking only increases feelings of depression, so this is important for all of us to remember, whether we are with our work friends or other acquaintances. 

During these economic times, folks are doing their best to furnish what gifts they are able to give without extending their budget too far.  Keep track of holiday spending.  If you overspend, you will be pretty depressed when the bills arrive.  Most of the time, people are perfectly happy with the gifts they receive and don’t equate them with dollar signs.  Over-commercialization can be another reason for feeling blue.  Every year, we see the commercials about the brand new luxury car in the driveway, with a big, red ribbon on it!  Let’s get real, folks!  I know they want to sell cars, but I can’t help but think about families who don’t have a home or a job, or may be living in their cars. 

Please use some of these tips to help someone you know that may be struggling with the holidays:

  • Find some activities that are free, and take them out for an afternoon of just “window shopping” or treat them to a funny movie.
  • Take your lunch break together, and listen, if they just want to talk.
  • Volunteering is a great way to help and get to know others, and may be just “what the doctor ordered” to get him/her involved with something different.
  • Encourage them to look to the future with optimism.
  • Trying a new activity just might be the thing to make one feel better.
  • Suggest getting in touch with old friends or family members.
  • Enjoy the present.
  • Spend time with caring and supportive people. 

You are very blessed if you haven’t hit a low spot at one time or another in your lifetime.  For those who seem to be in that low spot most of the time, there is help.  If a person’s work is affected, if they are present in body but not spirit, if they show signs of fatigue or stress, we need to be their advocates.  We need to encourage them to seek professional guidance, in order to get better.  (They need to know they can get better!)  Many companies offer counseling for their employees, and want to help them cope.  They know that if their employees are in better mental and physical condition, there will be less risk of workplace injuries.  We all know the chance for accidents is greater when we feel fatigued or “just not ourselves.” 

Too many times we are so wrapped up in our own job, that we overlook someone who needs help but may be too proud to ask for it.  Don’t let anyone have a “Blue Christmas” without you.  Be there for your family, coworkers, and friends.  You may need a lift someday, too.

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

ARE YOU SUFFERING FROM WORK OVERLOAD?

In today’s busy, hectic world, it seems most people are burning their candles at both ends.  Because many companies have downsized, persons may be asked to perform their usual job, and have other duties added to it.  For our friends in the United Kingdom, “Stress Awareness Day” is observed on November 3rd.  Here, in the United States, it’s April 16th.  But what the heck, let’s go ahead and talk about stress in our lives both now and in April!  Maybe we’ll think of some pointers that will ease the stress in your life. 

As we said, companies are operating “lean and mean.”  This means you may be doing more than one job.  If you feel that your load is too heavy to handle, you need to think about how you can better deal with it.  No job in the world is worth losing your health over.  You may place too much emphasis on your career, and when that happens, you become stressed out.  Then, not only you, but your family and friends are affected. 

Some of the consequences of work overload can show up in many forms:

  • Physical – you may experience aches and pains, frequent colds or sickness, ulcers, heartburn, indigestion, hyperventilation, grinding teeth, weight loss or gain, blood pressure and heart problems, panic attacks, and fatigue, in general.
  • Physiological – you may become emotional to the point of mood swings, sensitivity, out of control, lack of motivation, easily irritated, tearful, angry, frustrated, or low self-esteem.
  • Psychological – you may develop a lack of concentration, memory lapses, be easily distracted, worried, depressed, anxious, or less creative. 

Have you experienced any or all of these symptoms?  Many persons can probably list quite a few of them.  When you get down to it, though, the most important thing to do to avoid any and all of these pressures is to figure out the underlying cause, and do something about it.  If you are trying to perform your work and/or duties at home at an unfavorable comfort level every day, you are under too much stress!   (You also may need to consult your physician for advice on preventing serious illness that possibly could be caused by your daily work experiences.)

We have talked previously about how fatigue causes accidents.  When a person is extremely tired or stressed, they become more prone to incidents where they or a coworker can be injured.  Most industrial work environments, such as manufacturing and construction require workers to be on their toes at all times.  An example of a stressful job that comes to mind is an air traffic controller.  He/she must be constantly alert in order to protect the safety of thousands of persons every day.  

If you feel that you have too much work to do, and too little time to do it, there are two things that will help you cope.  Plan and organize.  Take the time to write down exactly what you must do the next day.  Prioritize the important tasks that must be done.  Think about how much time you spend throughout the day on your computer checking emails, answering phone calls, and handling other interruptions.  Allow yourself a certain amount of time to do these things, and then concentrate on finishing the tasks that deserve the most attention.  You can’t avoid interruptions, but try to move on as quickly as possible. 

Stick to your daily plan, manage the time you are going to spend on the items at the top of your list.  Keep a calendar, either on your computer, or your desk, and mark down everything that you must do that day.  Check it off when it’s completed.   If you work in a situation where you feel outside interruptions cause you to lose time, talk to your supervisor about how you can manage your time more effectively.    If you work with someone who is very efficient, ask them to share ideas that can help you.  Know that you can only do so much during your shift.  When you have taken care of the work at the top of your list, chances are  the other tasks can wait until tomorrow.   

Make time for your family and friends, and enjoy life.

General Safety Issues

STRESSFUL JOBS EQUAL DANGEROUS JOBS

A short time ago, we presented an article that asked, “What Are the Most Dangerous Jobs in America?”   Some jobs that are stressful may not be as demanding as dangerous jobs; however, they can create so much pressure that they are as harmful to an individual than the ones that carry a lot of risk.

Based on a study done by CareerCast.com, listed below are the five top stressful jobs of 200 hundred occupations, and were based on 21 stress-causing factors and how significant these demands figure into the average workday.  Certain job demands are competitiveness, risk of unemployment, and the opportunity for advancement.  It’s interesting that some of the five were also on our list of America’s Most Dangerous Jobs, and reference will be made to our articles, in case you wish to review them.

1.    Firefighters – Stress Rank 200.  Whether they are professional or volunteer firefighters, these men and women are on call and risk their lives to protect our homes, businesses, and wilderness from devastating fires.  They experience smoke inhalation, heat exhaustion, and may be required to work outdoors for long hours, in all weather elements.

2.    Corporate executives – Stress Rank 199.  These people make decisions that are important to employees and their company’s success or failure on a daily basis.  They may work many more hours than their workers realize.  Their world is a very competitive one.

3.    Taxi drivers – Stress Rank 198.  Our article, “Have You Taken A Taxi Lately?” describes the risks that taxi drivers experience every day.  Their hours are erratic, which include nights and weekends.  Driving through heavy traffic, especially in bad weather and being responsible for passengers can create a very heavy stress load.

4.    Surgeons – Stress Rank 197.  It may take hours for a surgeon to perform one operation.   Add several more surgeries to that, or emergency surgery during odd hours, and their level of stress can be high.  In addition to the fatigue factor, the decisions they must make affects the lives of their patients.  Their job demands precision and perfection.

5.    Police Officers – Stress Rank 196.  Law enforcement officers face life-threatening  situations – sometimes on a daily basis.  They have to work long shifts, be ready for emergencies, and present physical and emotional strength to the public they serve.  Our article, “Want to Go Into Law Enforcement?” talks about the dangers our officers incur.

Other stressful and dangerous jobs we have discussed include “Dangerous Job: Coal Miners; (before the terrible explosion in West Virginia,), and “Timberrrr”-logging industry dangers.

A final note: any occupation that has to do with producing our nation’s energy is dangerous.  A current example is the tragic off-shore rig explosion in the Gulf of Mexico.  Whether drilling on land or in the water, persons working on drilling rigs respect the dangers that go along with their jobs.  Persons that work on well service rigs, in refineries, coal mines, and companies that contract with oil and gas companies are trained to be familiar with the risks involved in their particular duties.  Stress and danger seem to go hand-in-hand in many occupations.  We have named just a few today.

General Safety Issues

WORK AND FATIGUE DON’T MIX

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Right now you are thinking. “So, work and fatigue don’t mix, but my work tires me every day!”  Or do you get tired of your work?  Our mental outlook on our occupation plays a large part in how our bodies react to the demands of our jobs.  You certainly wouldn’t want to meet a drowsy driver on the road because he has driven too many hours.  Would you want a surgeon to operate on you if he’s already been in the operating room for several hours?  I want mine scheduled for the first thing in the morning!  If we have a good attitude about the work we plan to perform each day, we will see better results, and look forward to the next day.  Think positive thoughts.

There are many factors that play into workplace fatigue, such as:

  • Sleep-deprivation;
  • Lonely, boring jobs;
  • Shifts that are too long;
  • Demands to work extra shifts;
  • Dissatisfaction with job;
  • Heavy work loads;
  • Stress.

Studies have shown that because of workers’ lack of sleep, the costs of lost productivity range in the $350 billions-worldwide annually.  The best habit for anyone is to get 7.5 or 8.5 hours of sleep per night.  Persons who work night shifts have more difficulty adjusting to different sleep patterns and sometimes suffer from fatigue at work, even going to sleep on the job.

Employers should ensure that the workplace doesn’t promote fatigue.  One way to succeed is to require shorter shifts or change to rotating shifts, eliminate repetitive jobs by varying job duties, and train workers on how to get enough rest.  While on breaks, workers could try playing a quick game, or planning their next get-away, instead of thinking about their work duties.
Fatigue can cause poor judgment, lack of concentration, poor communication skills, less productivity, and the ability to do complex jobs.  Tired workers experience slower reaction time, loss of memory, the ability to recall details, and may take risks, which could lead to everyone being in harm’s way.  Most jobs require our complete attention, such as heavy equipment operators, handling dangerous chemicals, using sharp instruments, driving vehicles, taking care of patients; the list could go on and on.

If one always feels tired or depressed, it would be best to see his/her doctor, to be sure there isn’t a medical reason for their fatigue, at home and work.  Everyone can stay strong by eating healthy, avoiding junk and fatty foods, doing the right exercise regularly, and getting enough sleep.

So, don’t be “sick and tired of being sick and tired!”  It’s up to you to do something about it.

Try starting with A for Attitude.

General Safety Issues

DEALING WITH STRESS

When you think of stress in the workplace, what type of work do you think of, other than your own?  I think of stressful situations in emergency services, medical, rescue, fire, and law enforcement.  Then there’s delivery people, who are rushed to get all their deliveries done on time, regardless of the miles they must drive in order to do so.  Whether you are at the top of the corporate ladder, or not, working under stress is a common part of the job description.  We know that some stress creates productivity, but too much is not a good thing.  Effective communication between supervisors and workers is the key to keeping things calm.

A tense part of a new employee’s job orientation is becoming acquainted with the culture of the workplace.  In addition to performing a new job, it’s difficult to learn the patterns of co-workers,.  Office politics or gossip in the workplace can lead to stressful conditions. Sophisticated technology that exists now – computers, cell phones, faxes, pagers, and the internet have created added expectations for fast and efficient productivity.  Employees are expected to learn new software often. Persons who operate heavy machinery or drive trucks are under constant pressure to be alert at all times.

Research has shown that it is as dangerous to be stressed or fatigued as to be legally intoxicated.  The current economic situation is one of the major reasons for stress in today’s workplace.  Companies have merged, restructured, or downsized, resulting in putting more demands on their workers.  Sometimes unhealthy and unreasonable pressures are put on workers who are expected to do the job of two persons instead of just one.  Some workplaces have persons who constantly harass other workers.  This should not be tolerated, and the person who is the victim should report it to their supervisor without fear of retribution.

We see “burnouts” in every walk of life.  Signs of burnout are when one can’t say “No” to added responsibilities, can’t delegate part of their work to others, (because they think only they can do that particular task), are under intense pressure most of the time, or are trying to do too much for too long.  Many workers can’t help but take their personal or family problems to work.  Living in a fast-paced world, it’s no wonder there are so many employees that just can’t take time to “stop and smell the roses”.

There are many ways to try to keep stress away: find a hobby that’s fun to do, that makes you forget about work.  Get some type of exercise.  Getting seven or eight hours of sleep regularly and eating healthy foods can help keep you in shape and ready for your days’ work.  When you need support, talk to family or friends.  Sometimes, just getting your worries off your chest will make you feel much better.

Take those appointed breaks while you are on the job!  Walk outside and get a whiff of fresh air! Think about it: in most workplaces, there’s no one that can’t be replaced.  Someone was there before you, and someone will replace you when you leave.  No job is worth ruining your health for; so try to chill out, be thankful that you have a job, and make it a pleasant experience each day.  By doing so, you may ease someone else’s stress, as well.

Uncategorized

TWELVE TIPS FOR COPING WITH STRESS

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Our world is simply spinning too fast!  Most of us are trying to walk a straight line (or keep our lives straight), but instead, we are hanging on to life’s treadmill!   A little stress is a good thing- it can enhance your productivity.  However, too much stress can create or worsen physical and emotional problems.  Try to manage your stress levels through a healthy lifestyle and simple tension-reducing activities.

Try these twelve tips. Hopefully, you will be able to balance your busy schedule a little better:

1.    Develop a positive attitude.

2.    Exercise regularly; aim for 30 minutes every day.

3.    Eat right.  Protein-containing foods and those that contain Vitamins A, B, and C protect us from stress.

4.    Manage time efficiently.

5.    Warn your family when you are feeling especially tense; if they are causing the pressure, it will help them to understand how you are feeling and hopefully calm things down.

6.    Talk things out; don’t hold feelings in.

7.    Understand that every crisis gives you an occasion to grow and learn.

8.    Get sufficient sleep.

9.    Have a support network of people you can count on for help, at home and/or work.

10.    Stretch away tension; there are stretching exercises that can even be done at your desk.

11.    Give yourself a break – time alone to calm down, even 20-30 minutes, may be enough to help you focus on taking the proper time to concentrate on tasks at hand.

12.    Relax……take three or four deep breaths and loosen all of your muscles as much as possible.

Life is too short to spend worrying about things you can’t control.  Much of the tension in our lives is self-created.  We have many responsibilities, both to our families and our employers.  But if we make ourselves sick because of not taking care of ourselves, both emotionally and physically, we are going to not only let them down, but ourselves, as well.

Enjoy every day that you wake up and have events in your life that keep you busy and focused.  As the saying goes, “Stop and smell the roses!”  Life will be much sweeter when you do!

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, Weather Protection

“SUMMERTIME, AND THE LIVIN’ IS EASY”

Employers know that their personnel face year-round hazards, but summer brings extra ones, such as heat stress, exposure to pesticides, and venomous insects and snakes, just to name a few.  Workers in parks, recreation, highway departments, forestry, construction, paving, painting, and agriculture must deal with all the hazards that hot weather brings while performing their job duties.

Employers should train their workers well; they should be given the chance to acclimate to the heat gradually.  An estimated 46% of reported heat illness cases occurred the first day on the job; 80% reported cases of heat illness within 4 days of beginning a job.  Persons that are physically fit become acclimatized 50% faster than those who are not in good shape. However, during a heat wave, even previously acclimatized employees are at risk.  The body must have time to adjust to sudden, abnormally high temperatures or other extreme conditions.

There are many ways companies can help make the workers better able to do their job comfortably.  Furnishing shade in rest/break areas is very important.  Portable canopies or umbrellas can be set up, and use misting machines, or spray them with water.  Employers should be sure they wear hats, safety glasses (sunglasses), and proper protective clothing.  During heat waves, it would be best to work early morning or evening shifts, and avoid overtime and double shifts.

Other important ways that employers can ensure the health and safety of their workers are:

  • Educate them on ways to prevent heat stress.
  • Be sure they know what to do if a co-worker seems to be experiencing heat-related illness.
  • Provide plenty of water.
  • Adjust work schedule to provide workers rest from the heat.
  • Rearrange nonessential duties.
  • Supervisors should monitor workers and be sure they are staying hydrated.

Employers are required by OSHA to provide that workplaces are free from recognizable hazards, both indoors and outdoors.  It is up to the companies to know in advance what their employees will confront and guarantee that their environment is a safe one.

Source:
NIOSH
CAL/OSHA

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

STRESSFUL LIFESTYLE?

It’s hard to find anyone who isn’t stressed out in this hurry-up world of ours.  Signs of a stressful life that could be affecting your health are:

  • Feeling that your life is out of control
  • Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
  • Skipping meals or eating on the run because of lack of time
  • Frequent illness
  • Feeling run-down and/or too tired to exercise
  • Eating, drinking or smoking when you are nervous
  • Having difficulty saying No

Try these quick relaxation tips:

  • Laugh away your worries.  Keep humorous articles handy to read and share.
  • Massage your temples, shoulders and neck.
  • Get in a comfortable position.  Take a long, slow, deep breath to the count of 5.  Then exhale to the count of 5.  Imagine that you are breathing out excess tension and breathing in relaxation.  With each breath, say to yourself, “Relax”.  Repeat 10 times.

Do these simple stretches:  (You can even do them sitting or standing at your desk.)

  • Upper Back Stretch:  Sitting straight with your fingers interlaced behind your head, and keeping your shoulders down, lift your chest and bring your elbows back as far as you can.  Hold 10 seconds.
  • Overhead Reach:  Raise your arms over your head and interlace your fingers with palms facing up.  Stretch upwards, keeping your shoulders down.  Hold for 20 seconds.
  • Shoulder Rotations:  Sit up straight.  Bring shoulders up toward your ears and then back behind you.  Move them forward, making imaginary circles.  Roll shoulders forward 10 times, then roll shoulders in the reverse direction 10 times.
  • Waist Bend:  Standing, reach arms overhead with fingers laced together.  Face forward with shoulders down, bend to one side from the waist.  Hold for 20 seconds.  Repeat on the other side.  Repeat 10 times.

Now, don’t just read this; try it!  Hope it helps!