Hazard Awareness - Little Things Matter

Did you know that of 124.9 million workers in private industry, there were 3.7 million OSHA-recordable cases in 2008*? This doesn't include the countless unreported cases. When I come across facts like this, I am reminded how worthwhile it is to take time to reinforce the importance for all of us to keep up with "the little things" for safety:

*National Safety Council Injury Facts 

• Make a quick cord inspection before you plug in a tool
• Clean the truck or forklift windshield before you drive
• Inspect and don your harness and/or anchor your lanyard securely every time you use a boom lift
• Check the accuracy of any documentation for your job and correct through on the errors
• Perform a thorough inspection each month

The "little things" do count, and each workers' initiative helps keep everyone safe!

Be safe, 

Julie

Flu Pandemic: Are You Ready?

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), an estimated 25-50 million cases of the flu are currently reported each year in the U.S., leading to 150,000 hospitalizations and 30,000-40,000 deaths annually.

You'll be best prepared if you follow the three steps below:

• Be Informed about the latest flu, where it is going, what to do if you or a family member becomes infected, what resources are available, what your school and/or business is doing to address it as far as rules of when to return, etc
• Be Prepared. Have a plan, and have an emergency safety kit.
• Be Involved. Your state's web site can link you to local organizations to help you and your neighbors learn more about how to cope with a pandemic and other emergencies. 

The CDC's web site. www.CDC.gov is your best source of information about each of these steps. 

Most importantly - get vaccinated! Supplies of the vaccine are robust this year, so there are no age or health restrictions on receiving the dose. Also, the H1N1 strain has been incorporated into this year's vaccine, so just one dose is required. Your primary physician is a good place to start, since it is often free of charge. Local pharmacies and supermarkets are also running flu vaccine clinics at the cost of about $30 per vaccine. 

Be safe, 
Julie
 
 

Flooding - Be Prepared

According to the National Weather Service, there were 53 fatalities and 26 injuries caused by flooding in the U.S. in 2009. In order to be prepared both at work and at home, be sure to do the following:

• Get an Emergency Supply Kit which includes items like non-perishable food, water, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries. You may want to prepare a portable kit and keep it in your car.
• Make a Family Emergency Plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency.
• Familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify a flood hazard:
• Flood Watch: Flooding is possible. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information
• Flash Flood Watch: Flash flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground; listen to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.
• Flood Warning: Flooding is occurring or will occur soon; if advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
• Flash Flood Warning: A flash flood is occurring; seek higher ground on foot immediately.

Be Safe,
Julie

Drive Safely: School's in Session

All public and private schools are finally back in session after a warm, fun-filled summer. Did you know that 10-25% of the more than 14 million unintentional injuries sustained by children 14 and under each year occur in and around school*? My oldest started first grade last week, and like all of us with kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews, and young neighbors, I have a vested interest in seeing him arrive home safely. With that in mind, here are some reminders:

• Anticipate more traffic congestion if you drive early in the morning and late in the afternoon. Allow extra time to get to work, appointments, etc.
• Obey bus laws! if you are not sure you know them check online for a refresher. The most important rule is do not pass a school bus in either direction until red (or yellow - which is signaling it is about to turn red) lights and signals are turned off.
• Anticipate sudden stops and children behaving unpredictably at school bus stops. Slow down in these areas and around schools, keep alert, and watch for kids darting into traffic
• Speed limits may change in school zones while school is in session. Be aware.
• Keep your cool! There will be more inexperienced drivers on the road and traffic conditions in general will be less predictable at certain times of the day.

Be safe,
Julie