Tag Archives: warning

General Safety Issues

HALLOWEEN AND ZOMBIE SAFETY (GUEST POST)

By Jack Rubinger, www.DuraLabel.com, 503-469-3024, jarubinger@graphicproducts.com 

Hazard check for October: maintain walkways to eliminate soggy leaves; adjust outdoor lighting; get brake jobs for auto fleet; and most importantly—protect your workers from zombie invasions.

As the undead begin to encroach during the waning daylight hours, it’s critical to make sure your safety signs are OSHA-compliant. OSHA’s primary hazard classifications for danger, warning, caution, and biohazard are designed to be noticed—important when you want to ensure your employees show up for work alive the next day. Use the following information to keep your employees alive and safe, and at the same time avoid being fined by OSHA.

DANGER

Danger signs indicate an immediate hazard which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury. Danger signs should be reserved for the most serious hazards and signify special precautions are necessary.

The Danger signal word is printed in white letters on a red background and preceded by the safety alert symbol. The message panel, beneath the signal word, is where the safety message is printed, usually in black or red over white. You can also print in white over a black safety panel. Pictograms may be used to help workers recognize hazards sooner and from safe distances.  In the case of zombie hazard, we recommend the following:

DANGERKeep Clear: Zombie Hazard Imminent 

 WARNING

Warning signs are one hazard level below danger signs. They describe a hazard which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

The Warning signal word is written in black on an orange background header and proceeded by a safety alert symbol. The text in the message panel may be printed in white letters on a black panel or black letters on a white panel. Warning signs and labels can be any size and printed in a landscape or portrait format. Keep in mind, alternative design and color options should only be used to improve worker comprehension.

When warning of zombies, we recommend the following:

WARNINGAvoid Contact with Zombies. Always wear Personal Protective Equipment if contact is unavoidable. Contact with skin may result in zombification.

CAUTION

A caution sign indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury. Caution signs are used in areas where potential injury or equipment damage is possible, or to caution against unsafe practices. Caution signs should only be used if there is a risk of personal injury.

The Caution signal word is written in black letters on a yellow background and is preceded by a safety alert symbol, except when used for a non-personal injury. The message panel below the signal word contains the safety message and any additional safety symbols. Everything printed inside the message panel is black text on white or white text on black.

Here’s an example of a useful caution sign. Does your facility have a zombie evacuation plan?

 CAUTIONZombie Evacuation RouteKeep aisles clear.

 BIOHAZARD

OSHA 1910.1459(e)(4) states, “The biological hazard warnings shall be used to signify the actual or potential presence of a biohazard and to identify equipment, containers, rooms, materials, experimental animals, or combinations thereof, which contain, or are contaminated with, viable hazardous agents… presenting a risk or potential risk to the well-being of man.” The symbol design must conform with the example shown right and contain the word “Biohazard” or “Biological Hazard.”

The biohazard symbol can be black, fluorescent orange, or an orange-red color. Background color is optional as long as there is sufficient contrast for the biohazard symbol to be clearly defined. A biohazard can also be indicated on a danger or warning sign and may include the safety alert symbol.

If incapacitated zombies are strewn about your work area, they should be tagged with biohazard signs, as shown below:

 BIOHAZARD Avoid skin contact with contaminated tissue

 OSHA also has compliance standards for Notice, general safety signs, fire safety signs, and admittance signs. See the DuraLabel site for a selection of OSHA-compliant signs for zombie hazards and any other purpose.

Thanks, Jack, for these important warnings to protect our workers!  Safety posters placed in just the right spots may help, as well.

 

 

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

STAYING SAFE DURING SPRING BREAK

“The U.S. State Department maintained a cautious tenor on traveling to Mexico’s border region in a new travel warning that discourages travel to cities south of the Rio Grande.  Published Wednesday, the warning advises U.S. citizens against taking non-essential trips to Tamaulipas, noting carjacking attempts and the January 2011 slaying of Monte Alto missionary Nancy Davis, who died at a McAllen hospital after suspected carjackers shot her in the head.  The State Department claims that “no highway routes through Tamaulipas are considered safe,” emphasizing routes between Matamoros and Tampico as hotspots for carjackings and other crimes, according to an article written by Jared Taylor, of The Monitor.

Similar cautions are placed against travel in Nuevo León and Coahuila states in Northeast Mexico, which along with Tamaulipas are hotbeds of drug cartel activity.  The State Department cited homicide figures from the Mexican government that showed 47,515 people killed in narco-violence between late 2006 and through the first nine months of 2011, with nearly 13,000 homicides through Sept. 30, 2011, alone.   As with past travel warnings, the State Department warned about Mexican border cities, which have seen prolonged battles between the cartels that control lucrative drug smuggling routes into the United States. Many battles between cartel members and authorities have featured grenades and other improvised explosive devices, sometimes leaving bystanders injured or dead, officials said.

“Gun battles have occurred in broad daylight on streets and in other public venues, such as restaurants and clubs,” the warning states. “During some of these incidents, U.S. citizens have been trapped and temporarily prevented from leaving the area.”  The warning does not specify the number of incidents in which U.S. citizens have been trapped, but a 2009 gun battle broke out in Nuevo Progreso that left dozens of Winter Texans fleeing for cover as shooters exchanged gunfire along the tourist spot’s main strip. No injuries to U.S. citizens were reported in that incident and no similar episodes of violence have been reported since.  The State Department noted the number of U.S. citizens slain in Mexico has risen from 35 in 2007 to 120 in 2011.  U.S. officials warned against carjackings that have occurred day and night on both free and toll (cuota) highways in Mexico, especially along the border, with criminals targeting newer and larger vehicles.  The travel warning published Wednesday replaces a similar advisory issued in April 2011.

The State Department’s more cautionary advisories have garnered skepticism and dismay from merchants and officials along the Tamaulipas border, who have claimed tourism business has been scared away.  The chamber of commerce in Matamoros raised eyebrows among officials in the Rio Grande Valley in August 2011, when it issued its own travel warning that advised Mexican visitors to be aware of possible extortions or cartel violence when visiting U.S. border towns.  

U.S. government employees continue to face travel restrictions and curfews because of the heightened security risks in Mexico.  In Tamaulipas, U.S. government workers are prohibited from traveling on highways outside Matamoros, Reynosa and Nuevo Laredo. The government has also imposed a midnight to 6 a.m. curfew, with employees prohibited from frequenting casinos and strip clubs in Tamaulipas. The new warning casts a dark taint on border areas, but says Mexico City and most tourist areas remain safe, as well as the states in the Yucatan Peninsula and far south of the country. ” 

The purpose of sharing this article with you is that March brings Spring Break, and we want our students who travel to come home safely.  There’s no rule that says Mexico is the only place to go to have fun.  With the cost of gasoline and travel, many families and students can find fun spots very near their homes.  The southern coast of the U.S. offers beautiful beaches and great food.  The state of our economy is another thing – many parents simply cannot afford to send their kids off for a week’s vacation. 

The last thing most of these students want to think about during spring break is safety. Unfortunately, the combination of youth, freedom and alcohol can have devastating consequences for young adults who just want to have a good time. Spring break revelries may expose students to risks of theft, sexual assaults, alcohol poisoning and more.  Marcia Peot, a full-time police officer and chief safety officer at StreetSafe, offers the following safety tips for vacation-bound college students:

· Don’t let your guard down. Being on vacation is not an excuse to go wild, do something out of character or dive into unsafe situations.
· Research your destination in advance, especially if it’s a foreign country. Learn about any dangerous areas you should avoid, familiarize yourself with local laws and customs and know where to go and what to do in case of an emergency.
· Stay in groups or use the buddy system. You are more of a target when you are by yourself.
· Be cautious with strangers. Do not accept a ride or go off somewhere alone with a person you don’t know.
· Use alcohol responsibly. Don’t drink excessively. When you are intoxicated, your physical reflexes, awareness of your surroundings and ability to make decisions become impaired, making you an easy target. Never leave your drink unattended and do not accept beverages from anyone other than the bartender or waiter.
· The beaten path is the better path. Stick to populated and well-lit areas, don’t take short cuts and familiarize yourself with the area before heading out.
· Be smart about hotel safety. Lock your hotel room at all times. Do not advertise your room number, open the door for anyone you are not expecting or bring strangers back to your room.

College life can be stressful, but there’s no need to add to that stress by putting yourself in danger during spring break. Have fun, be safe, and come home refreshed and ready to start those studies again!   If you plan to go to a beach, (preferably in the U.S.), take plenty of sunscreen, a good pair of sunglasses with UV protection, and a hat that offers some shade.  Call your parents often to let them know that you are ok.  Use common sense while you are having fun.  Remember, “let your conscience be your guide!”  If it feels wrong, it probably is.

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

WEEKEND OF DEADLY TORNADOES IN THE UNITED STATES

The “family of tornadoes” actually began their deadly trip across the southeastern U.S. last Thursday night.  This storm system struck parts of Oklahoma that night, and eventually traveled through 13 states, leaving 45 persons dead, and several others injured.  The tragedy was compounded by the destruction of homes and businesses.  A total of 241 tornadoes were reported, with 50 tornadoes confirmed.  These twisters were various sizes, with some as wide as a football field.  Communities that were hit are now facing the reality of what has happened, beginning with the huge task of cleanup. 

Because the National Weather Service continuously broadcasts updated weather warnings and forecasts that can be received by NOAA Weather Radios, it is recommended that persons who live in vulnerable parts of the country purchase one of them.  Having a battery-operated weather radio would be invaluable in the event of a dangerous thunderstorm or other natural weather occurrence.  You probably already understand these warnings, but we will review them, just in case: 

  • Tornado WATCH: Tornadoes are possible in your area. Remain alert for approaching storms.
  • Tornado WARNING: A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.  If a tornado warning is issued for your area and the sky becomes threatening, move to your pre-designated place of safety.
  • Severe Thunderstorm WATCH: Severe thunderstorms are possible in your area.
  • Severe Thunderstorm WARNING: Severe thunderstorms are happening. 

Tornadoes occasionally develop in areas where a severe thunderstorm watch or warning is in effect.  Stay alert to signs of an approaching tornado and seek shelter if threatening conditions exist.  Sometimes, tornadoes develop so quickly that advance warning is not possible.  Watch for signs of an approaching tornado, such as dark, often greenish sky; wall cloud; large hail; and loud roar – similar to a freight train. 

 It’s up to you!  Many people are killed or seriously injured each year by tornadoes despite advance warning.  Some did not hear the warning while others received the warning but did not believe a tornado would actually affect them.  Being prepared and having timely severe weather watches and warnings could save your life if a tornado threatens your area.  You must make the decision to seek shelter before the storm arrives.  It could be the most important decision you ever make! 

Certain citizens are more at risk than others.  This includes:

  1. Persons in automobiles;
  2. The elderly, very young, and the mentally or physically impaired;
  3. People in mobile homes;
  4. People who may not understand the warning due to a language barrier. 

In our next article, we will go over disaster plans for all scenarios: home, school, work, and other facilities, such as hospitals or nursing homes.  Start thinking of things you need purchase to build your supply kit.  It pays to be prepared!  Put the safety of you and your family first!

Source: NOAA

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

A WARM HELLO TO OUR FRIENDS IN THE MIDWEST!

After reading all the reports of the blizzard that has hit the Midwestern U.S., we Texans have nothing to complain about, when it comes to weather!  Our predicted low in the morning is around 27 degrees, (which I understand will be the coldest since February.)  Lest we forget our neighbors to the north, who include eight states that have been pummeled with 17” to 20” of snow, including: Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Missouri, and Michigan.  Forecasts for Sunday night (December 12) throughout the Dakotas and parts of Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin are below zero.  Several other regions have had winter storm warnings or hard freeze watches.  

In Minneapolis, Minnesota, the Metrodome roof collapsed under the weight of the heavy snow Saturday.  Workers were trying to clear snow off the Metrodome roof late Saturday night, but work was canceled, for safety reasons.  Those crews were back on the roof Sunday a.m., but workers were not allowed inside the facility as a safety precaution.  The New York Giants were scheduled to play the Minnesota Vikings, but because their plane was rerouted to Kansas City, Missouri, and the mishap at the Metrodome, the game was rescheduled.  Plans are now for the game to be moved to Detroit Lion’s Field, played Monday, December 13th at 7:30 p.m., ET. 

We have recently done articles on having your car winterized, what to carry in your car in case of being stranded, and other winter safety reminders.  Those of you who are somewhat used to the colder temperatures can send us some good advice, we are sure!  We’d like to take a minute to mention other hints that might help you stay warm, from one of our earlier posts! 

Layering the right types of clothing with a waterproof top layer is a smart way to protect yourself from the elements, and will allow you to remove a layer as needed.  This is a good idea, especially for those workers who must be outdoors on a daily basis.  Stretching and warming up the muscles before work will also help one avoid muscle cramps in cold weather. 

Eating small, hot, and even spicy foods give the nervous system a warm signal that encourages blood flow to the extremities.  Drinks with caffeine constrict blood vessels, making the extremities colder.  Alcohol is dehydrating and suppresses shivering, the involuntary muscle contractions that help the body warm itself.  Tobacco also constricts blood vessels and cools the body by reducing circulation.  (It goes without saying that alcohol shouldn’t be consumed while working, anyway, but if you are outdoors for hunting or sports,  this won’t warm you up!)  

There are products made especially to help keep you warm.  Keep these in mind when looking for just the right thing:

Many of us in the south don’t have a clue what you folks up north must contend with in winter months.  We see accidents on icy highways, often caused by people that don’t know how to drive on ice.  You can teach us a thing or two about how to survive these conditions.  We wish you safe driving and traveling when your job demands it, but please drive with care, and stay warm!

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

STORM SAFETY TIPS

Because our area of the United States has been hit by thunderstorms and tornadoes lately, we decided it might be a good idea to review some safety tips, just in case.  The first lesson, of course, is to be prepared for any disaster.  We think we are prepared, but are we really?  Have you taken these precautions?

BEFORE THE STORM:

  • Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, local television or radio for the latest  alerts.
  • Remember: WATCH: means conditions are right for a weather incident; WARNING: means a tornado or dangerous thunderstorm has been sighted.
  • Unplug electrical appliances and equipment.
  • Prepare an emergency kit with non-perishable food, medicines, baby supplies, pet food, flashlights, battery-operated radios and extra batteries, water, your cell phone and first aid kit.
  • Evacuate immediately, if told to do so by the authorities. If you can’t leave, seek shelter or call local authorities for assistance.
  • If someone in your home is dependent on electric life-sustaining medical equipment, make arrangements to relocate quickly.
  • Keep your pets with you.

DURING A STORM:

  • Stay tuned to the local radio stations, using battery-operated radios, to know when it’s safe to re-emerge from shelter.
  • Use flashlights or battery-operated lamps. Do not use candles or open flames.        
  • Don’t attempt to reset circuit breakers.

BEFORE AND DURING A TORNADO:

  •  Know the danger signs – dark, greenish sky, low-lying clouds.                 
  •  If there is a tornado warning, and you are in a mobile home or vehicle, leave and go to the lowest floor of a nearby sturdy building or storm shelter.
  • Stay indoors if you are in a structure with a safe room, storm cellar, or basement.  Otherwise go to the lowest level and have as many walls as possible between you and  the outside.  Get in a closet or hallway.
  • Stay away from windows and doors.
  • If you are outside, lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression, cover your head with your hands.  You will be safer in a flat location. Do not try to outrun it if you are in a vehicle.  Find safe shelter, and leave your vehicle. 
  • Do not stay under an underpass.
  • Watch for flying debris, which causes many fatalities and injuries.

AFTER A STORM:

  • Be patient. Local utility crews will be activated to restore power immediately after the storm.
  • Stay away from downed or sparking power lines. And be sure to report them immediately.
  • Check appliances for water damage and ensure all cords are dry before plugging them into wall sockets.
  • Do not stand in water when operating switches or plugging and unplugging appliances.

Families should have a plan of action.  If they have school-age children, they need to contact their schools and find out what plans they have for emergency situations, how they will contact parents, and where parents can pick up their children, if time allows.

Our weather forecasters do their best to predict storms by warning us in time to take shelter.  However, sometimes Mother Nature sneaks up on us, so be prepared.

Source: FEMA, TXU

General Safety Issues

WHAT IS THE REAL MEANING OF “ALERT”

1 Comment

When I first started thinking about work and fatigue, the word “alert” comes to mind.  When workers become tired, their capacity to be aware of risks and hazards of the job is altered.  Whether it is sleep deprivation, stress, boredom, or doing repetitive tasks, fatigue becomes a factor, and accidents may happen because we were not alert.

Then I began thinking about what “alert” really means.  If it’s a noun, it’s a warning.  the verb means to warn.  How many different alerts do we have in our lives?  Here’s a few:

  • Weather alerts
  • Traffic alerts
  • Amber alerts
  • Fire alerts
  • Emergency alerts
  • Scam alerts

We are told to be prepared.  We must be ready for any emergency that may arise, both at home and in the workplace.  That is what workplace safety managers do: they plan for escapes from the buildings, do practice drills on a regular schedule, and are responsible to see that employees participate in safety plans. 

Work responsibilities mean that we must be alert when we do our jobs.  Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, and we can’t let our guard down at any time.  If you observe someone who seems to be fatigued or not paying attention, be sure to ask them about it, see  if you can help with a problem they may be experiencing, and “alert” your supervisor.  One good way to get every employees’ attention, is to have colorful posters displayed throughout work areas that convey safety messages.

We have to be alert when we are driving.  Too many wrecks have taken place because someone was not watching what they were doing, or were too busy talking or texting on their cell phone.  You have to be alert to what the other driver is doing – drive defensively.  Another word for alert is “ready.”  You must be ready to prevent an accident at all times. I was driving a group of friends the other day, and couldn’t see a car in the lane to my left, where I was headed, as it was in my blind spot.  My friend in the back seat alerted me, at about the time that I saw the car in the mirror, and we avoided an accident.  It was great that she warned me in time.  We can always use an extra pair of eyes.

Another “alert” we want to issue is to be watchful of scams.  There are so many persons out there that try to scam you either on your computer, or on the phone.  Be constantly vigilant about those who try to steal your good name and assets that you have worked hard for.

We need to be watchful of our children all the time.  With our hectic lifestyles, we sometimes don’t pay as close attention to things they are telling us that we should.  Be attentive (alert) to some problem they may be dealing with that they may have a little trouble sharing with you. 

Be watchful, attentive, vigilant, aware, prepared, ready, and observant.  Those words describe “alert,” which we all should strive to be at work, home, and play.  A good lesson for our children is to teach them the same thing: to stay alert.

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

A WORD TO THE WISE….NEVER TRUST A THREE-YEAR OLD!

I recently went to stay with our daughter, recovering from surgery, to help out with the meals and kids.  However, I think I did more harm than good.  Here’s the story, and yes, there is a safety message: 

Because I am always looking for good safety topics to write about, my daughter had told me to feel free to use her laptop while I was there.  As I was diligently searching the web, our three-year-old (almost four) asked her dad for her scissors.  Dad told me where they were, and I handed them to her, and continued reading.  (I’m supposed to be focused on safety, after all!)  He asked her what she planned to cut, and we later saw a flower stem cut into tiny pieces on the cabinet, so we assumed that was the answer. 

A little later, she went into the bathroom near where I was still working.  I noticed that she seemed to slam the door a little firmly, but after a short while, she emerged, with a very proud look, saying “Look, it won’t be hot on my neck anymore!”  (Sometime earlier during a conversation with my daughter, I had mentioned that I had gotten my hair cut, so it wouldn’t be so hot on my neck.)  You can imagine my horror, even though she was so proud of what she had done.  I immediately knew where she got the idea.  And I have failed to mention that her parents prefer long hair, and hers was long, and curly.

After taking her to a salon to have it styled, she was very pleased with her new “do”.  Her parents took it pretty well, and are still speaking to me.  Friends and family have assured us that this has happened to their kids, as well.  It happened on my watch, though…. me, the one that focuses on safety, and here she was, plotting what she was going to do with those scissors. (The scissors were not pointed).  But it’s a good idea to keep them from toddlers unless you are planning to watch whatever action is involved.   So here’s the warning to all parents and grandparents: be sure to pay attention to what those little angels are up to, because they can be sneaky! And maybe keep an eye on grandmothers, too!