Tag Archives: Summer

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Home Safety Products, Weather Protection

TEN SMART TRICKS FOR SUMMER (Guest Post)

Ah, the warm summer months are here, which means more time spent outside running around enjoying the outdoors. It also means occasionally battling the bugs, the sun, and the heat.  To ensure that these and other common summer annoyances don’t derail your summertime fun, here are 10 smart tricks that can help make your summer a little sweeter:

1. Keep a dryer sheet in your pocket to keep bugs away.  You can spend tons of money buying bug spray, and you’ll most likely end up feeling sticky, smelling like bug spray, and getting bitten by bugs anyway. An easy solution is to carry a dryer sheet with you, which is something most people have at home already anyway. By carrying it in your pocket you can ward off bugs; something about the smell keeps the bugs away from you.

2. Sprinkle baking soda in sweaty shoes.  Running around in your shoes without socks is a regular occurrence during the summer time because everyone just wants to slip shoes on and go. Unfortunately, this also causes extra unwanted odor in your shoes.  To fix this problem sprinkle the inside of the shoes with baking soda to absorb the odors.  If you’d rather not have the powdery look in your shoes, you can create a sachet by using a rubber band wrapped around a few tablespoons of baking soda in a handkerchief.   Just put a sachet in each shoe and the odors will disappear.

3. Trap fruit flies with apple cider vinegar.  Did you bring home fruit flies from the farmers market?  Fill a glass jar half full of cider vinegar and screw the lid back on.  Punch several holes in the lid and leave the jar where you have seen the fruit flies.  They will be gone in no time.
4. Cool a sunburn with white vinegar.  Unfortunately, with the warm summer months comes the occasional sunburn.  To take the sting out of a sunburn soak clean soft cloths in white vinegar, wring them out and lay them on the sunburned skin.

5. Coat feet with petroleum jelly and cover with socks at bedtime.  This trick will keep your feet soft and sandal ready all summer.  A little petroleum jelly on your elbows and knees will make sure they stay soft and smooth for all of those revealing summer outfits.

6. Mix a can of cola with ketchup for a quick and easy barbeque sauce.  Figure out about how much sauce you want and add the cola to the ketchup to thin it out and add flavor and sweetness.  Brush on chicken or ribs during the last stages of cooking on the grill to avoid burning.
7. Use conditioner to shave your legs in a pinch.  Did you forget to pack your shaving cream for your vacation?  That’s okay; you can use the sample bottle of conditioner that most hotels give you.  This will leave your legs smooth and silky soft.

8. Apply coconut oil to bee stings and bug bites.  Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties and will help heal the sting or bite as well as soothe the pain.

9. Straws make great strawberry hullers.  Take a normal straw and push it up through the base of the strawberry and come up under the hull.  Keep pushing and the hull will usually come right out.  Practice makes perfect with this, but it really works well when you get the hang of it and you won’t have all those strawberry seeds under your finger nails.

10. Use cute cupcake papers to cover your drinks this summer.  When the weather turns nice, eating and drinking outside becomes standard, and almost mandatory.  The problem with eating and drinking outside is keeping the bugs away from your food and drinks.  Get yourself some cupcake papers and use them to cover your drinks.  If you’re having a party the cupcake papers can even match the theme.  To make a drink cover you just need to punch a hole in the cupcake paper and stick a straw through.  Just make sure there are no bugs inside the straw before you drink.

Carrie: may I add one last suggestion to help – wear polarized sunshades that block out UVA and UVB rays to protect your eyes, and a good hat for your head.  Anything that will keep us from burning is welcome in the summer!  Thank you for these good ideas, pb
Carrie Dotson, http://www.summernannyjobs.com/blog/10-smart-tricks-for-summer/

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

IT’S JUNE, AND THAT MEANS IT’S NATIONAL SAFETY MONTH!

It is hard to believe that another month of June has rolled around, meaning it is National Safety Month – time to focus on round-the-clock safety and health.  The National Safety Council emphasizes that June is the time to stress the urgent need to reduce unintentional deaths and injuries on the road, in the workplace and at home.  Week One’s focus is on “Summertime Safety” (June 1-4). “Preventing Overexertion” is the theme for Week Two (June 5 – 11).  A subject that is very important to parents and teens during Week Three – “Teen Driver Safety,” (June 12-18.) Week Four, (June 19 – 25), we will emphasize safety ideas for “Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls.”  Finally, “ON the Road – OFF the Phone,” is the topic of discussion for the end of the month, (June 26 – 30.)  These are all subjects that affect most all of us in one way or another.  

Accidents happen every day of the year, regardless of whether it is at work, traveling, or at home.  It seems that summertime does bring some unusual accidents, and one reason may be because there are so many more outdoor activities going on.  Summer is the time for boating, fishing, waterskiing, canoeing, bicycling, skateboarding, swimming, and many other fun actions that may cause injuries if we aren’t careful.  (For the past two weekends, we heard of two different boating incidents where young persons drowned.  None of them were wearing life jackets.)  Playgrounds are inviting to little ones, so there should always be adult supervision when they play on the different types of equipment.    

Heat is a threat to workers who must become acclimated to the change in temperatures; many times, it is a drastic change from what they are used to.  They must stay hydrated and get some rest breaks in the shade during long work shifts.  Teens new to working in the outdoors should be sure to drink plenty of water orpowdered drink mix, and everyone should wear sunscreen and light colored clothing.  Student athletes should also stay hydrated while working out for sports. 

Those who work in agriculture always face extreme weather conditions – dry, hot, windy, and sunny.  Farm children need to be supervised by adults, especially while they are around water, such as ponds or tanks, and animals.  There are lots of ATV riders in summer weather, as well as motorcyclists, who should know the safety rules regarding their vehicles, and wear the right gear for protection.  

We hope this summer brings everything you are planning for: vacation time, relaxation, fun in the sun (don’t forget the sunscreen and sunglasses), safe trips, and the other things that many families plan for during summer months when they have school-age children.  It seems there are always some types of accidents, associated with hot-weather activities, that we can’t encourage everyone enough to be extremely careful when planning vacations, trips, and yes, even work.  For most of us, work marches on, so we need to make the necessary accommodations to stay cool and safe during each workday, too. 

One way for young people to be safe is to have a “buddy” system.  It is always better to have a friend along just in case there is a problem.  One extra important reminder about summer: there will be more children playing in their front yards (and possibly the streets).  So keep a watch out for them when you are driving in neighborhoods. 

Have a fun and safe summer!

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety, Weather Protection

IMPORTANT SUMMER SAFETY REMINDER

Sooner or later, all of us have to drive on busy freeways.  Those who live in small towns find it a little intimidating to drive in heavy traffic, (at least, I do!).  While visiting my daughter in Georgetown, Texas, last week, I asked her for some topics to feature in our safety blog.  Her daily route to and from work is on Interstate 35.  She mentioned that debris on the highway is a problem and causes very serious accidents.  She and her husband watched a tire and wheel from an 18-wheeler going the opposite way, cross the median, and roll across four lanes of traffic before it came to a stop beside the highway.  Luckily, no vehicles were hit, but a very serious accident could have resulted.  She also said she sees ladders, tools, boxes, and other debris often during her commute.
This is a common problem throughout the U.S.  California reports that approximately 25,000 accidents per year are caused by debris.  A Los Angeles County deputy sheriff died when he swerved to dodge a stove that had fallen off a truck in front of him.  (The driver who didn’t secure the stove has been charged with murder and may face twenty-five years to life if convicted.)  Officials responsible for road clean up in California say that they collect enough junk from their state highways alone to fill up the Los Angeles Coliseum 8’ deep.  You can find similar stories from every state in the U.S.
Recycling is becoming big business, and there is more demand for scrap metal, cardboard, and scrap paper.  Many persons fill up their pickup beds to the max to haul junk to recycle stations.  Failing to secure their loads can be costly in some states.  California and ten other states are increasing penalties for losing loads on the roadways.  Fines may be as much as $5,000; if the lost debris causes an accident, persons can be jailed up to one year.
Overfilled gravel trucks can also cause accidents.  Examples of debris include, rocks, boulders, grease, engine oil, plants and their branches, etc., furniture, mattresses, garbage, nails, screws, glass, auto parts, lumber, tires, construction supplies, and animal corpses.  You can probably name other things you’ve seen on busy freeways.
Drivers that are hauling things should inspect their loads before they begin their journey.
There are littering laws and penalties that all travelers should follow.  If you see an unsafe load, get the license number of the vehicle and notify authorities.  It might help prevent an accident.
This is a difficult subject to even think about, but a very important one to pass on to our readers.  We are getting into the hottest time of the year, and so far, eighteen children have died of hyperthermia, eight of them since June 13th.  Hyperthermia is a rapid and often fatal rise in body temperature.  These young victims were left in cars.  We read about a parent or family member that simply forgot about the little passenger in the back seat.  We also read about children that climbed into unlocked cars in the driveway to play and then couldn’t get out, only to later be found dead.  Keep your parked car locked at all times.
July is known as the most deadly month for children to be trapped in cars.  Their respiratory and circulatory systems can’t handle heat the same as adults.  Hyperthermia is the third-leading cause of death in non-traffic related incidents involving children and vehicles.  It takes only 10 minutes for the temperature inside a car to spike 19 degrees, and then can go up to 29 degrees in 20 minutes.  On a 78° day, the temperature inside a car can climb to 97° in just ten minutes.
Organizations such as the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, KidsandCars.org, and PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) are among several others that warn parents not to leave their kids or animals unattended in or near vehicles.  PETA and KidsandCars urges “the most vulnerable beings among us– children and animals, need and deserve our protection.  Never leave a child or animal in a parked car on hot or even warm days.  Always leave dogs and cats at home, especially during a heat wave.”
It’s hard to understand how anyone can become so distracted that they would forget about a child in the back seat of their vehicle.  But it happens, and happens often.  It is suggested by the experts that drivers should place a purse, briefcase, or cell phone near the child’s seat as a reminder to retrieve the child.  Don’t become so overwhelmed by everyday pressures that you forget the most important person in the world, your child.
Get involved.  If you see a child or animal that has been left in a car, call 911.
  
Since this article was written on June 28 of this year, according to statistics from San Francisco State University, the total of children that have died from hyperthermia has reached 36 - double what we reported in late June!  The total for the entire year of 2010 was 33.  They also furnished statistics on the circumstances of these deaths, totaling 443 from 1998 through 2009.  Here are the terrible facts:
  
  
51% were forgotten by care giver or parent
  
  
30% were playing in an unattended vehicle
  
  
18% were intentionally left in a vehicle by an adult
  
  
This is one safety product that is advertised on the internet.  If you have a child passenger, you may want to check into this or a similar one.
  
  
Here’s how it works:
  
  
The seat pad is placed under existing car seat cushion.
  
  
Baby is placed in car seat, which activates the safety system,
  
  
This activates receiver, located on the driver's key ring.
  
  
If driver exits the car without removing baby from car seat an alarm sounds on driver's key ring.
  
  
If the driver does not hear or respond to the alarm within a predetermined elapsed time, a louder alarm, using a voice synthesizer, saying  ''Baby in Danger'' will activate from the seat pad itself, hopefully alerting passers by to the dangerous situation.
You may save a life.
General Safety Issues

SUMMER’S HERE!

As the month of June is closing, our final installment for National Safety Month is “Summer Safety.”  What better time to pass on to you many safety issues that this time of the year brings.  We hope you will have a great summer, and maybe some of these ideas will help you avoid some of the pitfalls that hot weather brings.
v First, the sun:  most of us spend more time outdoors during summer months.  Exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer, especially for those who have fair skin and freckles.  Be sure to wear sunscreen with a high SPF, and apply it often.  Wear a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses to protect your eyes.
v Heat: You need to gradually become used to being in the heat, especially those who must work outdoors.  Drink lots of water or sports drinks, and stay hydrated.  Take breaks as often as possible.
v Another heat issue: summer athletics.  This is the time of year when baseball and other sports are taking place.  Those who are working out for football are also exposed to conditions they are not used to.  Be sure that your summer athlete stays hydrated and is allowed to take breaks.
v Fireworks: even sparklers can cause burns.  Don’t allow children to use fireworks unattended.  The best idea would be to watch a fireworks display and let the professionals handle it.
v Water: many boating and swimming accidents happen because of alcohol or drugs.
v Summer is a high-risk time for child drownings, the 2nd leading cause of unintentional deaths in children ages 1-14.  Remember, no one watches your child as closely as you.  A child can drown in 20-30 seconds.  Don’t be distracted by cell phone calls or reading a magazine while supervising young swimmers.
v The driver of a boat should be as responsible as when he/she is driving a car.  Be sure                all children wear life jackets in a boat, and adults should wear them, as well, to set the example for the kids.  Swimmers should not go out alone, but use the “buddy system.”
v ATV’s:  Those who are not licensed to drive a car or under age 16 should not operate off-road vehicles.  It’s safer to not carry a passenger, and always wear eye protection and reflective clothing.
v Camping: always tell somewhere where you plan to camp.  Take along insect repellant, a first-aid kit, cell phone, and plenty of water.
v Picnics: keep cold foods cold.  Avoid dairy products; mayonnaise spoils quickly.  Throw out foods that are left out for more than one hour.  Remember: “if in doubt, throw it out!”
v Traveling: if you are driving, watch for motorcycle and bicycle riders. They are entitled to their place on the road, too.  If you are on a motorcycle or bike, watch for cars, and don’t get too close.
v Traveling, again: if you are traveling by plane or ship, be sure to wash your hands frequently and have hand sanitizer with you.  You are exposed to more “bugs” when you travel and you don’t want to take them home with you.
v Weather: always be aware of approaching changes in the weather.  Pay attention to forecasts, and find a safe place to retreat if the need arises.
v Pets:  your pets are family members, too.  Be sure they have plenty of fresh water throughout the day, and a shady place if they are outside.  Never leave an animal in a car.  It only takes a short time for them to be overcome by heat.
v It goes without saying: never leave children in a car!
Hopefully we have covered some of the hazards of summer.  For kids, it’s the best time of the year – no school, no waking up early, and just having fun in general.  For adults, it’s carrying on as usual.  But when vacation or week-end outings roll around, always keep safety in mind.
As the month of June is closing, our final installment for National Safety Month is “Summer Safety.”  What better time to pass on to you many safety issues that this time of the year brings.  We hope you will have a great summer, and maybe some of these ideas will help you avoid some of the pitfalls that hot weather brings.
  • First, the sun:  most of us spend more time outdoors during summer months.  Exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer, especially for those who have fair skin and freckles.  Be sure to wear sunscreen with a high SPF, and apply it often.  Wear a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses to protect your eyes.
  • Heat: You need to gradually become used to being in the heat, especially those who must work outdoors.  Drink lots of water or sports drinks, and stay hydrated.  Take breaks as often as possible.
  • Another heat issue: summer athletics.  This is the time of year when baseball and other sports are taking place.  Those who are working out for football are also exposed to conditions they are not used to.  Be sure that your summer athlete stays hydrated and is allowed to take breaks.
  • Fireworks: even sparklers can cause burns.  Don’t allow children to use fireworks unattended.  The best idea would be to watch a fireworks display and let the professionals handle it.
  • Water: many boating and swimming accidents happen because of alcohol or drugs.
  • Summer is a high-risk time for child drownings, the 2nd leading cause of unintentional deaths in children ages 1-14.  Remember, no one watches your child as closely as you.  A child can drown in 20-30 seconds.  Don’t be distracted by cell phone calls or reading a magazine while supervising young swimmers.
  • The driver of a boat should be as responsible as when he/she is driving a car.  Be sure                all children wear life jackets in a boat, and adults should wear them, as well, to set the example for the kids.  Swimmers should not go out alone, but use the “buddy system.”
  • ATV’s:  Those who are not licensed to drive a car or under age 16 should not operate off-road vehicles.  It’s safer to not carry a passenger, and always wear eye protection and reflective clothing.
  • Camping: always tell somewhere where you plan to camp.  Take along insect repellant, a first-aid kit, cell phone, and plenty of water.
  • Picnics: keep cold foods cold.  Avoid dairy products; mayonnaise spoils quickly.  Throw out foods that are left out for more than one hour.  Remember: “if in doubt, throw it out!”
  • Traveling: if you are driving, watch for motorcycle and bicycle riders. They are entitled to their place on the road, too.  If you are on a motorcycle or bike, watch for cars, and don’t get too close.
  • Traveling, again: if you are traveling by plane or ship, be sure to wash your hands frequently and have hand sanitizer with you.  You are exposed to more “bugs” when you travel and you don’t want to take them home with you.
  • Weather: always be aware of approaching changes in the weather.  Pay attention to forecasts, and find a safe place to retreat if the need arises.
  • Pets:  your pets are family members, too.  Be sure they have plenty of fresh water throughout the day, and a shady place if they are outside.  Never leave an animal in a car.  It only takes a short time for them to be overcome by heat.
  • It goes without saying: never leave children in a car!
Hopefully we have covered some of the hazards of summer.  For kids, it’s the best time of the year – no school, no waking up early, and just having fun in general.  For adults, it’s carrying on as usual.  But when vacation or week-end outings roll around, always keep safety in mind.
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

Eye Protection, Hand Protection, Home Safety Products

YOU’VE GOT THE POWER! (FOR THOSE SUMMERTIME JOBS)

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Tool manufacturers just keep coming up with more powerful tools for doing those outdoor jobs, whether at home, doing landscape work, or in the field. Lawn Rangers, listen up!

Power grass/weed trimmers have enough power to sling sticks, rocks, and other debris, which can get in the operator’s eyes, or injure someone standing by.  Goggles should be worn when operating trimmers.

A newer type of tool is the brush cutter, which use rigid cutting blades, rather than plastic string lines that are used on trimmers.  In addition to cutting through heavier brush, etc. they can also cut arms, hands, and legs.  Persons operating this tool should wear protective clothing in addition to eye goggles, and others need to stay away while the brush cutter is being operated.

Riding mowers are the remedy for cutting grass in larger yards.  Persons purchasing their first riding mower should become familiar with all its features before taking off.  Only responsible persons should use riding mowers.  The area to be mowed should be cleared of limbs and things that could possibly be thrown by the blades of the mower.  Riding mowers are capable of amputating hands and feet, so extreme caution should be used.  It’s not a good idea to carry passengers on the mower. Again, goggles protect your eyes.

Power mowers are another type of tool that the operator needs to understand before starting it. Be sure there are no young children in the area, and remove objects such as big sticks, etc.
Make certain it is full of fuel before starting; never refuel while it is running or the engine is hot.  Wear good shoes, not flip-flops.  Also, don’t cut grass while it is wet, as it can bunch up and damage the mower. (Remember, the goggles!)

It’s great to have these great tools, but please don’t be a part of the thousands in the “power parade” that march, (or limp) in to the emergency room!  Play it safe!

Uncategorized

Teenagers and Summer Job Safety

This summer, as every summer, brings a new work force, called “teenagers”!  Employers must provide training for their new employees, in order to make them aware of the hazards of their jobs.  Parents need to also be informed of exactly what their teenager will be expected to do, and what the employer is doing to ensure the utmost safety.

Restaurants
For many young workers, their first job may be working in a restaurant or fast food establishment.  Almost 30% of the 11.6 million people in the United States that work in restaurants are under the age of 20.

Note:

  • Employees younger than 16 are not allowed to cook, with the exception of lunch counters, snack bars, soda fountains, or serving counters at cafeterias.  This is according to the Fair Labor Standards Act.
  • State Child Labor Laws may even be more stringent.
  • Teens need to ask questions of their employer in order to fulfill the demands of the job.  These type jobs provide an excellent learning experience for youngsters.
  • Hazards include slips, falls, cuts, spills, etc.
  • Teens need to have protective clothing and equipment furnished by their employer.  These may include hairnets, disposable gloves, hot pad gloves, back supports for those who lift heavy supplies.

Construction
OSHA, which enforces work place safety, says that workers age 16-17, are allowed to work in construction only in limited capacities.

Restrictions include:

  • Operating Equipment:  The law is that no one under age 18 may operate equipment, i.e. forklifts, and other heavy equipment used in construction.
  • Hardhats, safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and easily visible clothing should be furnished.
  • Workers under the age of 16 cannot work on ladders or scaffolds.

Landscaping/Farms/Parks
If your teenager chooses to work in landscaping, farming, or parks and recreation, theses are also considerations:

  • Exposure to sun will require protective safety glasses, which provide 99% security from the sun’s harmful rays.
  • Knowledge of handling of chemicals, (whether pool treatment chemicals, farm or other hazardous substances.
  • Items to help relieve heat stress.  (Bandannas or other cooling products can help cool the body’s heat by about 10 degrees!)

These are just a few of many types of jobs teens will want to try this summer.  Just remember, parents and teens have the right to know what to expect and how they will be protected on the job!

Our source for this information: OSHA Teen Summer Job Safety

Uncategorized

TOO MUCH SUN

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Most Americans believe they can start their summer tan a little faster by going to tanning beds, however, they don’t realize that without proper protection, those tanning beds can cause serious burns not only to the skin, but to the eyes.  Research shows that UV radiation levels of a tanning bed are 100 times that of the natural sun.  The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) requires tanning facilities to furnish clean, UV-blocking goggles to all consumers.  Without these protective eye goggles, the New Jersey Society of Optometric Physicians warns that using a tanning bed without protective goggles is the “equivalent to staring at the sun.”

Some tips if you choose a tanning bed:

  • Request goggles when using tanning beds;
  • Use proper skin care.
  • Don’t overdo it!

According to a recent ABC News report: persons are still very complacent when it comes to using sunscreen.  According to a survey done by Consumer Reports National Research Center, 31% of Americans don’t use sunscreen, while 69% are occasional users.  Dr. Doris Day, Skin Cancer Foundation spokeswoman says there are many places on the body that are frequently overlooked when using sunscreen: back of neck, neck and chest area, side of face, tops of feet, and top of head.  Sunscreen with at least 15 SPF should be applied an ounce at a time before getting in the sun, and reapplied hourly.  The American Cancer Society states that more than 1 million skin cancers are diagnosed annually in the U.S.  It is of the utmost importance that children’s skin is protected from the sun.

When you go outdoors for work or play, remember to wear ultra-violet absorbing eyewear, (auto darkening safety glasses), which provides the greatest measure of UV protection when outdoors; wear a hat; and plenty of sunscreen.

Source: Prevent Blindness America
ABC News
CRNRC
Skin Cancer Foundation

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

Summer Safety

Because we are all trying to help make our world a safer place, it’s great when we hear from friends in other parts of the world that share the same goal.  The following article was sent to us from the United Kingdom.  We know you will enjoy these helpful reminders, and we appreciate their wanting to participate in our project: bringing safety to the forefront.

As the summer gets closer and closer, we need to be aware that the sun and the subsequent increased time spent outdoors could mean more risk of an accident happening.
At the end of last summer, British company, National Accident Helpline conducted research that suggest those outdoors took extra care not to put themselves in danger during sunny pursuits.

National Accident Helpline, the UK’s leading personal injury claim firm, surveyed more than 100 of its customers to gauge their attitudes to activities which in the past have prompted people to take unnecessary risks.

The results were happily reassuring – for example few people resorted to using lighter fluid or petrol to try and give their barbecue an added boost.

Of those surveyed, 89 per cent said that they would never do so.

Beach lovers were also mindful of safety lessons. Almost everyone surveyed – 99 per cent – said they would not set foot in the sea for a swim if they had consumed any alcohol at all.

And drivers knew that they should also be careful when the sun comes out – 96 per cent of those surveyed maintained that they would change out of their summer flip-flops and into sensible shoes before they got behind the wheel of a car.

National Accident Helpline Legal Director John Campbell said: “Most people, as our research shows, are careful and sensible with what they do – and they deserve their employers, government and private firms to take the same care.”

This concern for safety is surely not just a British thing. As long as everyone, regardless of where they are in the world, stays mindful of being safe then accidents have a much reduced chance of happening. Just by following a few simple safety tips, such as the above; driving in sensible shoes, not putting lighter fluid onto a lit barbeque etc, will put you in a safer environment with less chance of a personal injury.

It probably isn’t surprising that a lot of injuries and accidents occur due to silly mistakes, so ensure you stay safe this summer.

General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products

THOSE PESKY SUMMER BUGS, PLANTS!

We all know that one of life’s unpleasant experiences we all have to contend with in the summertime, whether we go on vacation or stay home, are those pesky insects and poisonous plants!

Poison Ivy:  Did you know it grows almost everywhere in the US except Hawaii, Alaska, and some parts of Nevada?  They differ in looks according to the places they live.  Poison Sumac is basically the same plant.
One needs to research the plant and how it looks according to their location.  Urushiol is released from the plants, and sticks to just about anything it comes in contact with.  The best way to deal with these plants is to stay away from them!

Bee Stings:  Most of the time, bees are as afraid of you as you are of them!  Bees are attracted to bright, floral patterns of clothing, fragrances, and food.  Bees will land on soda cans, or spilled food, so beware!  Plan to wear proper clothing (long sleeves, hats, leather work gloves, etc.) if you are going to be outside and know you are in “Bee Territory”!

Spider Bites:  Summer is the prime season for mating and laying eggs for Brown Recluse spiders.  This spider has a very toxic venom.  These non-aggressive spiders only bite when they are caught in a situation, such as being in shoes, bedding, or clothes.  One of their hiding places is cardboard boxes, under the flaps.  So use extreme caution when cleaning; shake out shoes and clothes before donning them.  They also like woodpiles, so check your gloves for spiders before you pick up the wood.