Making Those New Year’s Resolutions? They often include health, finances, safety, and career.
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As we settle into the Holiday season and we celebrate with those holiday parties,
keep Safety a priority. Travelling with family and friends exposes everyone to risks of
bad weather, bad conditions, busy traffic, frustrated, and impaired drivers.
The cold and snowy winter weather is just around the corner and so is the need to
prepare and protect yourself during the hazardous winter driving. No one wants to
break down any time, but especially not in the cold or snowy weather. Now is a good
time to get your car serviced and your mind thinking and prepared for your travels
coming in the next few months.
Most employers require their employees to wear eye protection at all times while they are working. The “at all times” mandate for eye protection occurred after employers recognized that employees failed to use eye protection when required. Many times injury to the eye is not repairable and there is not a way to replace the eye if damaged beyond repair. Doctors can replace, sew back, and remove many body parts, but they cannot replace the eye. Eye protection is tested and must meet the standard ANSI Z87 or Z87+ which requires the following testing; basic and high impact lenses and frames, exposure to non-ionizing radiation, and chemicals and durability to flammable and corrosion. Additional markings on the frames and lenses will be for the following.
Criteria for the Traditional Hard Hat and New Helmet:
Hard hats come in several different types and are all rated under ANSI Z89.1. Type 1 is a top only impact protection. Type 2 offers both top and side impact protection.
Hard Hats are also broken into three classes relevant to possible electrical exposures under ANSI Z89.1.
Who is responsible for the creation of safety rules?
It was the guy we’ve all heard about who cut off two of his fingers after he removed the guard on a saw. He was helped by the machinist who didn’t have the time to go back to the lunch room for safety glasses and lost an eye when the bit broke in the drill press. They both got advice from a co-worker who had his head split open by a falling hammer because he “just plain didn’t like to wear hard hats.”
Thanksgiving is the leading day of the year for home fires involving cooking equipment. With an average of 455 daily fires, cooking is the leading cause of home
fires and home fire injuries according to NFPA’s Home Fires Involving Cooking Equipment Report & NFIRS data.
Here are some reminders during yard cleanup.
Daylight Saving Time has ended. Setting all the clocks, watches, and appliances to the new time is the easy part. The hardest part of ending Daylight Saving Time might be adjusting our “body clocks” to the time change. Studies have shown that it can take anywhere from a couple of days to a week for our bodies to adjust to the rapid change in time and daylight hours. So what does that have to do with safety?
Halloween is just around the corner! Here are some tips for trick-or-treating with your children as well as some scary safety statistics that are sure to make you shiver with fear.
If an emergency occurs, the need to communicate is immediate. An important component of the preparedness program is the Crisis Communication Plan. A Crisis Communication Plan is an established set of guidelines on how to communicate with employees, clients, and the media. Adhering to the plan protects the company and employees, and effectively allows the situation to be contained.
October has been designated “Fire Safety Month” to commemorate the infamous Great Chicago Fire that occurred in October of 1871. More than 300 people died in that fire and almost one-third of Chicago burned. Out of the Chicago ashes grew the realization that stricter building standards, with special attention to fire safety, should be included in future building construction. That was then….this is now: In 2017, fires caused 3,400 civilian deaths and 14,670 injured in fires across the US: 77% of those fires occur in residences.
October is National Fire Prevention Month, a time when we should all be aware of ways to help learn fire safety.
Annual Inspection Certification
Fire extinguishers must be certified annually in accordance with local, state, and national codes and regulations. This is a thorough examination by a licensed Fire
Extinguisher Inspector. The certification process requires inspectors to verify the extinguisher is fully pressurized, free from damage, and weighed appropriately. Annual inspections also require a pull test on the pin and seal replacement—this must be verified with a dated inspection tag. If the extinguisher fails to meet these requirements, it
must be replaced.
A concussion is a mild form of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump,
blow, or jolt to the head. Concussions can also occur from a fall or a blow to
the body that causes the head to move rapidly back and forth. After a concussion,
some people lose consciousness for a short time. However, most concussions do
not result in a loss of consciousness. Doctors may describe these injuries as “mild”
because concussions are not usually life-threatening. Even so, their effects can be
serious. Understanding the signs and symptoms of a concussion can help you get
better more quickly.
As the United States and Mexico prepare for the hurricane season, we already have a major storm approaching the east coast with others in the loom. In addition, China prepares as a monster typhoon approaches. Preparing for a hurricane / typhoon can be challenging securing your property and making plans but after things are secured, take shelter elsewhere. The best plan is to leave the area, with the advanced notice and hold up somewhere safe. During a hurricane there is usually very high winds, heavy rains, lightening and the creation of tornadoes. All these can cause serious injury and many times death!
Do you take chances at home, work or play? Have you ever cut corners and done something at risk? Are you a gambler and willing to take chances? Safety policies and procedures are not suggestions. It is mandatory to follow all safety procedures at all times – no exceptions! No one can protect you more than YOURSELF and you must follow the rules, regulations, policies and procedures so that you are not exposed to a dangerous situation. Claiming ignorance is not an admissible defense. For Safety’s Sake, Do Something to prevent an incident or injury from occurring.
Part of a Safety Always culture is to be safe at work, home, and play. School is starting up and we want to remind everyone about taking extra precautions while traveling. Our kids need to be kept safe also! When driving behind a bus, allow a greater following distance than if driving behind a car. This will allow for more time to stop once the signal lights start flashing. It is illegal in all 50 states to pass a school bus that is stopped to load or unload children; there are exceptions depending on how many traffic lanes. Please visit http://www.schooltrainingsolutions.com/state-laws/ to find out about lane restriction laws in your state.
Wildfires can happen anywhere! Whether caused by humans or nature, wildfires can start and spread very quickly. If a wildfire started near your home or in an area you are traveling, would you know what to do?
Electrical hazards led to 82 construction worker deaths in 2016. By identifying these hazards, and understanding how they happen, we can take steps to protect ourselves.
According to OSHA, Electrical Hazards can be defined as a serious hazard that exposes
workers to burns, electrocution, shock, arc flash / arc blast, fire, or explosions.
Struck-by hazards led to 93 construction worker deaths in 2016. By identifying these hazards, and understanding how they happen, we can take steps to protect ourselves.
According to OSHA, Struck-by Hazards are defined as injuries produced by forcible
contact or impact between the injured person and an object or piece of equipment.
Caught-in or -between hazards led to 72 construction worker deaths in 2016. By identifying these hazards, and understanding how they happen, we can take steps to protect ourselves.
According to OSHA, Caught-In or -Between Hazards are defined as injuries resulting from a person being squeezed, caught, crushed, pinched, or compressed between two or more objects, or between parts of an object.
Fall Hazards led to 384 construction worker deaths in 2016 (38.7% of construction site fatalities). By identifying these hazards, and understanding how they happen, we can take steps to protect ourselves.
According to OSHA, Fall Hazards are defined as anything at your work site that could
cause you to lose your balance or lose bodily support and result in a fall.
Any worker exposed to hot and humid conditions is at risk of heat illness, especially those doing heavy work tasks or using bulky protective clothing and equipment. Some workers might be at greater risk than others if they have not built up a tolerance to hot conditions, including new workers, temporary workers, or those returning to work after a week or more off. All workers are at risk during a heat wave. Read more
Electric Shock Drowning happens more than we know about.
This is only a small portion of what you need to know. Please visit the websites below for more information. Be empowered, not electrocuted!
It’s the season for picnics, parties, and fireworks! Practicing common sense will make the festivities more enjoyable for you and those around you. Here are a few reminders about heat, food, alcohol, and firework safety to prevent sickness and injury, and help keep the fun going all summer long. Read more
Your body depends on water to survive. Every organ, cell, and tissue in your body needs water to work properly. Your body uses water to regulate its temperature, remove toxic substances, and help the absorb essential nutrients. Read more
Warmer weather and longer days are beckoning us to get out and be active. Your inner child may be telling you to run, jump, and play — but is your body ready? If you haven’t exercised in a while you can increase your risk for injury during physical activity. It’s important to have a realistic idea of your body’s condition. Your body may not be able to function the way it did ten years ago, three years ago, or even last season if you haven’t been staying regularly active. Here are few suggestions to help prevent injury during physical activity. Read more
Most of us spend a significant amount of time at work, rarely thinking about the precautionary measures in place to create our secure environment. Companies develop policies, programs, and committees to keep their employees and property safe. The primary security risks are theft, vandalism, and violence (random or targeted). Read more
Setting up workstations properly will prevent repetitive injuries and the potential for strains, sprains, and pains. Read more
Summer Time!! Yes folks, It’s that time again! Time for warm weather, grilling and picnics, water activities, travel, and outdoor fun! If you practice common sense and safety in all of your activities you will keep you looking good, feeling good, and you won’t miss out on any of the fun. Read more
For most of us, our vehicles are an essential part of our lives. What would happen if your car vanished without warning? Most automobile thefts or break-ins are either a crime of opportunity or a result of a thief canvassing a location or situation. Here are some common sense tips to help prevent automobile theft at home, work, and while traveling. Read more
You are notified that a tornado is heading toward your location, the fire alarm system in the building is activated, or there is a notification to evacuate the building you are in. These are just a few example situations where you should either evacuate a building or take shelter in a building. Read more
The American Cancer Society (ACS) advises everyone to get their hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen ready for the long, hot summer. Many of the 3.5 million yearly cases of skin cancer could have been prevented by using sun protection and avoiding indoor tanning. The ACS urges everybody to “Slip! Slop! Slap! & Wrap®.” Read more
After all the engineering and administrative controls have been exhausted, PPE is left to be the last line of defense against injuries. Choosing the correct Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and wearing it properly can go a long way towards preventing injury to yourself and to others. Read more
Workers’ Memorial Day is observed every year on April 28. It is a day to honor those workers who have died on the job, to acknowledge the grievous suffering experienced by families and communities, and to recommit ourselves to the fight for safe and healthful workplaces for all workers. It is also the day OSHA was established in 1971. Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their workers. Read more
On average, more than 700 people die in crashes that occur in construction and maintenance work zones. This includes more than 100 workers at these road construction sites.
When traveling through construction zones, remember…we’re all in this together. Read more
Although we spend 80% of our day communicating, 50% of that time is spent listening, while retaining only 25% of what we hear!
Communicating effectively is not always easy, but it helps us avoid conflicts, reduce errors, promote a positive environment, and eliminate misunderstandings with others. Poor communications can be a safety hazard since the message may not be clear or understood. As professionals, we all have an obligation to protect others. If there is a hazard or if someone is at risk – SAY SOMETHING! Read more
Heredity, aging, and exposure to loud noises are the main factors that contribute to hearing loss. Chronic exposure to high levels of noise can cause permanent hearing loss that cannot be reversed. Much of the hearing loss suffered later in life is related to damage caused at a younger age. Now is the time to prevent and protect. Read more
Many people are concerned about the possibility of a public health emergency such as a natural disaster, act of terrorism, or disease outbreak. You can take steps now to help you prepare for an emergency and cope if an emergency happens. To help you prepare, we’ve provided step-by-step actions you can take beforehand to protect yourself and your loved ones. Read more
According to OSHA…An Electrical Hazard can be defined as a serious workplace hazard that exposes workers to burns, electrocution, shock, arc flash / arc blast, fire, or explosions. By identifying these hazards, and understanding how they happen, we can take steps to protect ourselves. Read more
Poor posture and equipment placement can negatively impact your health. There is no single “correct” posture or arrangement of office components that will fit everyone. However, there are basic concepts and design goals to consider for your particular situation. Read more
What is SPA? Safe Plan of Action, or SPA, is an easy to follow system that is designed to reduce injuries by providing a method for analyzing the task at hand, and then making a safe plan that eliminates the potential safety hazards associated with that work to be performed. Read more
Our safety goal is “0” Lost Time Accidents. We need 100% participation. But what is your responsibility to achieve this goal? Read more
The following attributes and characteristics are the result of a nearly 10 year study and countless hours of personal interviews with employees who have worked their entire careers injury free. Read more
Do you text? Read emails on your phone? Look at social updates? View your calendar? Browse the internet? I know, you may be thinking…”Well I don’t do that while I am driving!” If that’s the case, then I cannot be more proud of you and the decision you have made regarding safety! However, this is not a message regarding phone usage while driving, This message is about the dangers of texting and walking. By the way, the article on the newspaper is a true story! Read more
There are many different kinds of heart disease. The most common is atherosclerosis (ath-uh-roh-skluh-roh-sis), the buildup of fatty deposits or plaques in the walls of arteries. As plaque builds up, there is less space for blood to flow normally and deliver oxygen throughout the body, including to the heart. Depending on where the buildup is, it can cause a heart attack, leg pain, or a stroke. Atherosclerosis is not part of normal aging and can be serious. Read more
These little tricks may help keep you healthy, or start you in the right direction of becoming healthier. The healthier you are, the safer (and happier!) you will be. Read more
Are you a gambler? Are you willing to risk it all?
What happens when we “knowingly” commit an unsafe act or risky behavior? Ask yourself – Who loses the most? Who is affected by YOUR actions? Read more
This winter has been particularly harsh with the cold and snow. Your car needs to be mechanically fit and you need to be mentally prepared when you travel. Read more
Making New Year resolutions? Here’s a few tips for success. Read more