Tag Archives: supervision

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

PREVENT AND ARREST FALLS FROM HEIGHTS

This article is  from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety monthly newsletter that we subscribe to: 
An apprentice carpenter was severely injured when he fell through a stairwell opening and landed on the concrete floor 37 feet below. In another incident, a roofer unhooked his lanyard from the lifeline and then slipped on frost, falling to his death, 53 feet below.

Every year workers die or are injured as a result of falling from ladders, scaffolds, roofs or other elevations. Falling is a risk faced by construction workers, painters, solar panel installers, window washers, firefighters, live performance workers, and others who work at heights. Ideally it would be safest to eliminate the risk all together by eliminating the need to work at heights, however in many occupations such as construction and other trades, this is not practical, and working at heights is a part of the job.

There are however, steps that employers and workers can take to minimize the risk, and help prevent falls and the injuries that go along with them.

Risk Assessment
Any work at heights should be properly planned, supervised, and not carried out in dangerous weather conditions. Conduct a risk assessment to identify and address any hazards related to the work to be performed. This information can help you select the right equipment for the job, and take adequate control measures and precautions to ensure the safety of workers and others.

Fall Protection Plan
When workers are working over 7.5 metres (25 feet) in height and are not protected by permanent guardrails the employee must develop a written, site-specific fall protection plan. The plan should include the fall hazards and fall protection systems that are in place in each area, and the procedures for using, maintaining, fitting and inspecting fall protection equipment. The plan should also include procedures for rescuing a worker who has fallen, and is suspended by a personal fall protection system or safety net.

Training and Supervision
People working at heights must be trained in practical fall prevention and fall arrest techniques. Whenever personal protective equipment is used, the employer must ensure that workers know how to properly select, fit, use, inspect, and maintain the gear they will be using. The employer is responsible for providing appropriate training, and safety equipment that complies with safety standards, and ensuring that workers use the fall protection system provided at all times.

Fall Protection
If you are at risk for falling three meters (ten feet) or more, you should use the appropriate fall protection system when working. There are various fall protection methods and devices to protect workers who are at risk of falling. Each has their appropriate uses; depending on the situation, use one or more of these fall protection methods:

Guardrails should be installed at the edges of construction sites, roofs, and scaffoldings whenever possible to prevent falls. Standards for guardrails dimensions may vary from province to province.  Fall restraint systems such as work positioning devices that prevent workers from travelling to the edge of the building or structure must be provided if the use of guardrails isn’t practicable.

Fall arrest systems (full body harnesses and safety nets) are used to stop workers in mid-fall to prevent them from hitting the surface below. Full body safety harnesses attached to secured lanyards are widely used, however to be effective, they must be fitted properly to each worker. Although a poorly fitting harness will stop a fall, it can injure the worker who is dangling in mid-air if the straps and metal supports are not contoured to the individual’s shape.

The lanyard, or line that stops the fall, and the anchor point for the lanyard are just as important as the harness. Anchor points must be carefully planned, usually in consultation with an engineer, and the length of the lanyard must allow for the stretch in the material resulting from the fall. Manufacturers can provide information to help you choose the correct length and avoid contact with the ground or other objects.

Safety netting can be used effectively in construction of industrial framed buildings. Trained personnel are required to install, dismantle and inspect the netting, and no worker should work above nets without proper training.

Suspension Trauma
When fall arrest systems are used, the possibility of suspension trauma is a serious concern. This condition, which can be fatal, occurs when a person is suspended motionless in a vertical position in the harness while awaiting rescue. When a person is suspended vertically and perhaps in shock, blood tends to pool around the legs, putting extra pressure on the heart while it attempts to pump blood to the brain. The situation can be made worse by the constrictions of the harness. Suspended workers with head injuries or who are unconscious are particularly at risk. The person must be rescued quickly (under ten minutes) and gradually brought to a horizontal position to avoid potential cardiac arrest. This is why it is critical to have a rescue plan with procedures for rescuing a worker who is suspended by a personal fall protection system.

Preventing the fall, or rescuing the fallen, the best way to protect workers from injury is to create a culture of safety that values the input of both employers and workers.

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety

General Safety Issues

PREVENTING SUMMER INJURIES (Guest Post)

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Summer is the time of increased activity and all-day outdoor fun, but it can also be the season of injury and mishap when excited kids become reckless in their enthusiasm. Parents and childcare providers can spend the dog days patching up contusions and rushing to the emergency room, or they can take a few simple steps to help prevent the most common summer injuries.
  • Ban Trampolines – Few backyard toys scream “summertime” quite like a big, bouncy trampoline. Unfortunately, kids run a significant risk of getting hurt every time they catch some air; The American Academy of Pediatrics even goes so far as to say that “parents should never purchase a home trampoline or allow children to use home trampolines.” Falls from the surface of a trampoline can cause impact injuries, springs can pinch, tear and cut delicate flesh, not to mention the inherent risk of injury due to collision when kids share a trampoline. Supervision only allows parents or caregivers to be present immediately following an injury; the nature of trampoline play makes it almost impossible to ward off an impending accident before it occurs. Installing a net and instituting a “one at a time” rule might prevent some injuries, but are by no means foolproof.
  • Use Sunscreen Religiously – Sunburns may seem like par for the kiddie summertime course, but parents should understand that they are, in fact, injuries. The Skin Cancer Foundation asserts that a single severe sunburn during childhood could double the risk of a skin cancer diagnosis in adulthood, not to mention the ease with which a “minor” sunburn can become one that blisters and causes serious discomfort. Sunburns that present with blisters are actually second-degree burns, and are absolutely preventable injuries. Apply sunscreen before kids go outside, and reapply frequently. Swimming and sweating heavily can wash away even “waterproof” formulas over time, so be sure to keep slathering it on kids that are particularly active or playing in water.
  • Be Vigilant About Pool Safety – The Consumer Product Safety Commission states that almost 75% of child drowning deaths occur in youngsters under the age of five, and that an annual average of 390 pool or spa-related drownings of children under the age of 15 drowned between 2007 and 2009. Kiddie pools are no exception. During summer months, 1 child dies every 5 days in a kiddie pool. Parents and childcare providers are urged to practice “touch supervision,” meaning that they are never out of reach of a child in water. Outlaw running in pool areas, horseplay and risky activities to prevent injury, and become certified in CPR to prevent tragedy when accidents aren’t avoided.
  • Keep Kids Cool and Hydrated – Sunshine and summer heat are part of what makes the outdoors appealing; free from restrictive layers of warm clothing that are de rigueur in winter, kids can climb, run and play to their hearts’ content. Unfortunately, the heat and increased activity also puts kids at risk for heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which they’re already more susceptible to than their adult counterparts. Little bodies generate more heat and sweat less, so parents and caregivers are urged to dress kids in light clothes, make sure that they stay hydrated and avoid prolonged and intense activity in the summer heat. Encourage kids to take breaks, provide plenty of fluids, such as water and Gatorade and keep your eyes peeled for signs of heat exhaustion, which include cramps, nausea, dizziness, vomiting and fainting. Kids suffering from heat exhaustion may also deny that they feel hot, so it’s imperative to watch for other symptoms.
  • Enforce Strict Helmet Rules – Older kids may like to shuck their bicycle helmets the moment they’re out of your sight, but it’s still important that parents and caregivers do their best to enforce those rules without exception. Head and brain injuries are common causes of hospital visits for children, often due to bicycle accidents in which the head is not protected by a helmet. Make it a policy never to let your child ride without a helmet.
  • Get a Mouth Guard For Summer Sports – Community sports leagues and teams are often formed during the summer months, allowing kids to play without worries about the demands of schoolwork and keeping them active during what could easily become a very sedentary, unhealthy time. Enrolling kids in these programs is a wise idea, but parents should always invest in a quality mouth guard to protect kids’ mouths. Not only does this help to prevent tooth loss; mouth guards also provide protection for the tongue, jaw and lips.

Some scrapes, cuts and bruises are simply inevitable; children at play have a tendency to trip, fall and run into things. However, the most common, serious injuries are almost always preventable, so adopt an active approach to supervision during the summer months.

Carrie Dotson, summernannyjobs.com

Please follow these tips, as summer as far from over in several parts of the world. pb

 

General Safety Issues

SAFE PLAYGROUNDS FOR OUR CHILDREN

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April 23 – 27 is National Playground Safety Week, a time to spread the word about the benefits of safe, free playgrounds.  A long-term study, published in early April, warns that half of American preschool-aged children are not getting enough daily, supervised outdoor play.  The International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA) and other play advocacy and safety organizations are building awareness this week in an effort to improve the health of children and increase activity on playgrounds nationwide.  If regular, physical play begins at a young age, chances are it will continue with regular exercise  through adulthood. 

The National Program for Playground Safety asks families to check their playgrounds for safety hazards and report them to owners or authorities.  National Playground Safety Week is the time to focus on children’s outdoor play environments.  Here’s what you can do:

  • Challenge your school to an injury-free week on the playground.
  • Have a guest speaker to discuss safety on the playground.
  • Check out local playgrounds.
  • Write to the editor of your hometown newspaper commenting on any playground safety issues in your community.
  • With children, have a maximum of five playground rules, ones that they will remember and follow.
  • Playgrounds don’t become safer all by themselves.  People should take action!   

Each year over 200,000 children are injured on America’s playgrounds.  Although some measures have been taken in recognition of this need, the National Program for Playground Safety was created in October, 1995, to help create a safe playground atmosphere.  This week also serves as an opportunity for play advocates, parents, organizations, manufacturers and professionals to band together and spread national awareness of the importance of both play and play safety as necessities for healthy living. 

In conclusion, here are some considerations  from S.A.F.E.:

  • Playground equipment should be properly maintained.
  • The design of playgrounds should be age-appropriate.
  • Fall surfacing under and around playgrounds should be furnished.
  • Always provide proper supervision of children on playgrounds. 

My daily walking route brings me by our local elementary school, and the playground is always full of children, playing games, using the equipment, and having a great time.  I always thought that the squeals of happiness they make during this time resembles the same sounds you’d hear if they were at a carnival.  The difference is that playgrounds are free and probably much safer – so let the kids enjoy them by keeping them safe, 52 weeks per year!  If it’s a public playground, be sure to stay with your child.

General Safety Issues

PREVENTING DOG BITES

As an animal lover, especially dogs, it is sad to hear when someone has been bitten or mauled by a dog.  The most effective ways to reduce dog bites are responsible breeding and ownership, public education, and enforcement of existing laws.  The American Humane Association supports local legislation to protect communities from dangerous animals, but does not advocate laws that target specific breeds of dogs.  We have owned both large and small dogs from time to time.  The largest dog we owned was a German Shepard, and he had a very gentle nature.  Pit bulls and Rotweillers are sometimes outlawed in communities. 

It is up to the owner to understand the nature of the breed of dog they choose.  Our last choice was Buddy, a Jack Russell Terrier, (almost 12 years old now), and if we had researched the very nature of this breed, we might have thought twice!  Since we didn’t, however, he has been a great companion and we wouldn’t trade him for anything.  But, I could write a book on all of his escapades in the past.  He is not to be trusted unless he is penned up or on a leash; if he sees a squirrel or cat, he’s gone, and very hard to catch.  He’s slowing down now, much to our relief! 

Here are some statistics from the American Humane Association, regarding dog bites:

  •          An estimated 4.7 million dog bites occur in the U.S. annually.
  •          Nearly 800,000 dog bites require medical care.
  •          Approximately 92% of fatal dog attacks involved male dogs, 94% of which were not neutered. Neutering reduces aggression,      especially in males.  Un-neutered dogs are more than 2.6 times more likely to bite than neutered dogs.  It is not that expensive to have your dog spayed or neutered.
  •          Approximately 25% of fatal dog attacks involved chained dogs.  Tethered dogs are 2.8 more times likely to bite.  Chaining dogs increases their stress, protectiveness and vulnerability, thereby increasing the potential for aggression.  Fences are better solutions, and certainly less cruel.
  •          Approximately 71% of bites occur to the extremities (arms, legs, hand, feet.)
  •          The insurance industry pays more than $1 billion in dog-bite claims each year.
  •          Approximately two-thirds of bites occurred on or near the victim’s property, and most victims knew the dog.
  •          At least 25 different breeds of dogs have been involved in the 238 dog-bite-related fatalities in the U.S. 

Many of the victims of dog bites are postal service workers, meter readers, salespersons, and delivery workers.  Fifty per cent of dog attacks involve children under 12 years old.  Bite rates are dramatically higher among children 5 to 9 years old.  Here are some important rules to follow, as well as teach our children:

  1. Supervise your dog.
  2. Train and socialize your dog.
  3. Restrain the dog.  Dogs that are allowed to roam loose outside the yard may think the whole neighborhood is their “territory” and defend it aggressively.  It’s a better way to keep your dog safe from getting run over by a car, as well.
  4. Don’t tease your dog.
  5. Never pet a dog without permission from its owner.
  6. Don’t back them into a corner or bother them when they are sleeping. 
  7. Know the warning signs: growling, backing up or curling its lip.
  8. Never treat a dog unkindly.
  9. Don’t approach a dog that is tied up.
  10. Stay calm, and be still. 

If you feel threatened by dogs in your neighborhood, call an animal control officer or local law enforcement; don’t wait until something bad happens.  Animals deserve to be treated with respect and kindness.  Dogs love us unconditionally, even though some don’t get the attention they deserve.  Pay attention to their behavior and keep things on an even keel, and you’ll have a great companion.

 

Source: American Medical Veterinary Association, American Humane Association

General Safety Issues

SAFETY THOUGHTS ABOUT POOLS AND TRAMPOLINES

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There is a debate among some parents about which is safer, a pool or trampoline?  They are both fun for children, but they also both pose dangers.  The key to safety with either is supervision by parents.  When children are taught safety and are given rules to follow that are enforced, they can have fun and be safe at the same time. 

Most parents don’t understand that trampolines require the same amount of supervision as pools.  When children are unsupervised, most injuries occur.  Serious accidents can occur when children of different weights are double  jumping, and the smaller child becomes a missile and is thrown from the trampoline.  Serious neck injuries may occur.  Letting children jump alone is as dangerous as swimming alone.  Falling from a trampoline improperly can cause sprains or broken bones.  Sometimes children land on the trampoline edge.  The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends trampolines should be used as training devices, not toys.  Injuries that can occur are spinal injuries, falling the wrong way, head lacerations, or colliding with other jumpers.  Children under 17 should be supervised at all times.  Between 2000 and 2005, there were an estimated 88,563 emergency room visits by injured trampoline participants.

Persons who own swimming pools must supervise their children at all times.  Between 2000 and 2009, more than 675 preschoolers drowned each year.  Another 2,000 preschoolers almost drowned, the majority of them in their own pool.  Parents can be out of sight for less than five minutes, and their little one may drown.  

Pools should have a 4’ high fence on all four sides, with a self-closing gate and latch out of the reach of children.  Alarms can alert parents if someone enters the pool area.  Parents or caregivers should take every thing they might need while their toddler is swimming: towels, snacks, sunscreen, phone, so they will never have to leave the pool.  The phone is also handy in case of an emergency. 

Drowning continues to be the second leading cause of death for children ages 1-19.  Drowning is silent!  Think about the cunningness of a toddler.  They watch us and learn how to open a door, or take a stool out to reach something.  They are more than capable of figuring out how to reach a door handle even with a lock, and head straight for the pool.  There’s no screaming or yelling with drowning.  The child quietly goes beneath the water and sinks.  The consequences of drowning are devastating.   Even those children that have had swimming lessons and are capable of swimming should have some sort of flotation device with them. 

Please take time to think about making your back yard as safe for your children as possible.  Whether it’s a trampoline or swimming pool, you can’t be too careful.  Teach them how important it is to not get on a trampoline or into the water unless mom or dad or a caregiver is present.  Having a swimming pool or trampoline ensures that your home will be the “fun” place for your family and your kids’ friends to gather.  Just remember: the biggest issue surrounding children playing in pools and jumping on trampolines is parental supervision!  It only takes seconds for an accident to happen.

 

 

Source: KidsDr.com, WFAA.com

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

NATIONAL TEEN DRIVER SAFETY WEEK

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Since 2007, the third week of October has been designated as National Teen Driver Safety Week.  This week, October 17 through 23, to stress the importance of driving safely, schools and other organizations will be sharing information with teenagers about safe driving.  Car crashes are the #1 killer of teens.  Teaching teens that along with the privilege of driving a vehicle, there are rules that must be respected and followed.

 Research has shown that parents are the single greatest influence on their teen’s driving.  Parents must set the example early on, by buckling up every time they get behind the wheel, slowing down, and focusing on the road.   You’ve heard the old saying, “Practice makes perfect.”  This is certainly true when it comes to teen drivers.  Even though parents have busy schedules, the more time they spend letting their teens drive gives them the advantage of experience.  They need to drive in different road situations and at various times of the day with adult supervision.    Letting your child operate a motor vehicle without supervision is taking a terrible risk.  Give them as much supervised driving time as possible – thirty to fifty practice hours over a six-month period is recommended.  

Several states offer Graduated Drivers Licensing, which is a three-step plan:

  1. There is a minimum supervised learner’s period.
  2. After passing the driver’s test, they receive an intermediate license, which limits the amount of unsupervised driving time.
  3. Full privileges license after completion of previous stages.

The Centers for Disease Control make the following suggestions to parents:

  • Set rules for your teen drivers.  Set limits to keep them safe.  Be sure they know they must abide by the laws of the state, limit nighttime driving, and wear seat belt.
  • Restrict the number of passengers they may have in the car.
  •  Talk about signing a Parent-Teen Driving Contract (on the CDC website).  Discuss how important it is to follow the rules, and the consequences for breaking them.  Hang this contract on the refrigerator door as a reminder that you want him/her to stay safe, and that when the rules of safe driving are followed, greater driving privileges will result. 

Have you seen the commercial where the dad is leaning into the car, giving his little daughter all the right instructions that she must follow while driving, and then gives her the car keys?  In his mind, she is about 6 or 7 years old, but in reality, the next scene reveals she is a teen.  This serves as a reminder that in our hearts, although they are teenagers, we still think of them as little ones.  We all must emphasize safe driving to the teens in our families – children or grandchildren.  One of the most important things to help them stay safe is to tell them to forget about their cell phone and focus on the road.  If we can get teens and every other driver to ignore those electronic devices, the highways will be much safer for everyone!

Good luck to parents of new drivers.  Let’s all do our part to keep the roads safe for them.  Help them to know that not only during Teen Driving Safety Week, but all the time, they need to “handle that car with care.”