It is an individual’s choice whether to smoke or not.  However, exposing non-smokers and children to environmental tobacco smoke, (ETS), is a different concern.  ETS are particles emitted from a burning cigarette, pipe, or cigar and smoke exhaled by a smoker.  Did you know that secondhand smoke has been classified as a known human carcinogen by the United States Environmental Protection Agency?  This rating is used only for substances proven to cause cancer in humans.

Non-smokers: The following statistics (in the U.S. alone), from the American Cancer Society, are caused by second-hand smoke:

• About 3,400 lung cancer deaths in non-smoking adults occur annually.

• Each year an estimated 46,000 deaths from heart disease in non-smokers who live with smokers.

• Secondhand smoke causes breathing problems in non-smokers, such as coughing, chest discomfort and reduced lung function.

• In children under 18 months, there are approximately 150,000 to 300,000 lung infections (pneumonia and bronchitis), resulting in 7,500 to 15,000 hospital stays annually.

• Asthma attacks in children with asthma range from 200,000 to 1 million each year.

If your workplace doesn’t have a policy that protects non-smokers from exposure to ETS, try to get it to start one.  Either ban smoking indoors or designate a separately ventilated room that nonsmokers do not have to enter while performing their job responsibilities.

If you are a smoker, think about the effect this has on your body, as well as your family or friends.  Small children are unable to breathe fresh air while they are around smoke.  They are trapped while riding in a closed car with someone smoking.  Advice from many smokers is “if you haven’t started smoking – don’t!  It’s expensive and a hard habit to break.”  Think about it.  Everyone has the right to choose to smoke or not, just as in any other habit, but most of the time when they start smoking, they aren’t thinking about how it will play out in their health or the health of others later on.

June 1st marked the beginning of hurricane season for folks in the coastal areas of the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico.  More than 35 million Americans live in regions that are threatened by Atlantic hurricanes.

The best defense against hurricanes is public awareness and public preparedness.  Having just returned from Florida, it dawned on me that it would have been wise to seek advise about what to do in case of an emergency such as a tropical storm.  However, it was such a busy and fun time that we weren’t worried or prepared!  Maybe this message will reach some of you that are planning to visit areas where there is a real possibility of a hurricane.

According to NOAA, forecasters from their National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center call for a 50% probability of a near-normal season; however, there is more uncertainty this year due to global weather patterns.  Tropical storms are given names (Ana will be the first in 2009) when winds are sustained at 39 mph.  When those winds reach 74 mph, they become hurricanes and can develop into a major hurricane when winds reach 111 mph.  An average season produces 11 named storms, including 6 hurricanes with 2 major ones.  As if the high winds aren’t enough, other hazards that go along with hurricanes are flooding, storm surges, and tornadoes.

We hope that everyone who lives in these regions is prepared, but to be doubly sure, we want to remind you:

• Have a family disaster plan.  Be sure to check with family or friends who live out of the danger area in case you may need to stay with them for a few days.

• Be sure you have a disaster supply kit containing non-perishable foods, water, medications, manual can opener, first aid kit, flashlight and extra batteries.

• Secure your home.  Reinforce doors, garage doors, shutters, and windows.

• Listen to a NOAA weather radio.  Pay attention to forecasts.

• Have a pet plan.  They are important members of your family and must not be left behind if at all possible.  If you have to go to a shelter, most of them won’t accept pets, so please contact a veterinary clinic or make other arrangements for a safe place to leave your pet in case of an emergency.

• Be sure to keep your cell phone with you at all times.

If you are a tourist, find out what your options are to ensure your safety.  We hope that this season will be a breeze, and that the hurricanes might take this summer season off!

If you are thinking about buying a new boat, there are many things you should know.

Be sure to check with your state parks and wildlife department for important information  all seaworthy (or lake-worthy) persons should know.

Texas Boater Education teaches:

• How to choose the right boat for you and your family

• Docking, anchoring, and maneuvering the trailer

• Navigation rules and aids

• Legal requirements for boats

• Handling accidents and emergencies

• Weather

• Basic water safety

• What to do in case of a fire on board

• Basics of safety in regard to water sports

Other places that offer boater education are U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Power Squad, trained volunteer instructors, teachers, and game wardens.  Now hear this: it pays to be educated on boating skills and seamanship, as there are many insurers that offer discounts upon successful completion of boater education courses.

Rules of the water apply the same as on the highway: show courtesy to other drivers and have designated drivers for the boat.  Most boaters are willing to help a stranded boater by towing them to the shore if they are experiencing motor problems.  The main thing in boating (in addition to a safe driver) is extending courtesy to swimmers or skiers, and not come too close to them.

It’s the law that persons wear life jackets or PFD’s  (personal flotation devices).  Here’s a brief explanation of the five types:

• Type I – Floats best, but bulky;

• Type II – Good for calm inland water where there is a chance of quick rescue;

• Type III – Same as above, and generally most comfortable for continuous wear.  Type III furnishes more freedom of movement for active water sports;

• Type IV – Throwable device – can be tossed to person, serves as a back up to PFD, can be used as a seat cushion, but not suitable for rough water manageability;

• Type V – An inflatable type.

You must know the type of jackets that are required for the particular size boat you choose.

Things to remember:

(1) Wear life jackets – they save lives!

(2) Have that designated driver!

(3) Have a safe boat – it can save your life!

(4) Be sure to take along sunscreen, and

(5) have a first aid kit on your boat.

See if you can say this ten times without tripping up: “You better be a sober boater!”  It pays to play it safe, whether on land or at sea!

Source: Texas Parks and Wildlife

Our farmers and ranchers are a hard-working society; we owe them our thanks for all they do to feed our country.  At times, we may wish we lived on a farm or ranch, away from city life and its’ congestion, noise, and stress.  But our farm and ranch workers are also exposed to many types of hazards:

• Machinery and equipment, causing hearing loss; hearing loss is prevalent among farmers who are exposed to loud and continuous noise from equipment, or when hearing protection is ignored.

• Ultraviolet rays from the sun;

• Respiratory problems caused by toxic gases and dusts from silos, livestock confinement facilities.

• Agricultural chemicals, such as pesticides and anhydrous ammonia, which can cause health problems.

• Safety and health standards are not enforced on family farms, due to special exemptions provided to agriculture. Therefore, as unregulated small businesses, farmers and ranchers are unintentionally exposed to hazards.

Even though they face these and many other hazards, farmers and ranchers have immense pride in what they do.  Many work land that has been in their families for generations; they have consumers depending on them to furnish food and dairy products and animals that depend on them to keep them healthy.  They don’t punch a time clock – their schedule usually goes from sunrise to sunset.  Long ago, windmills were the farmers’ way of pumping water, and they used solar energy long before it became the “green” thing to do.

Recently, there was a news report that a group of dairy farmers were in danger of losing their farms due to the economic situation.  They created a new co-op type of farm, working together to keep things going.  That’s they way our American farmers are, determined and tough. We need to think about their contribution to our way of life and let them know they are very much appreciated.

In almost all occupations, electrical hazards exist in some form.  Those hazards are multiplied for workers involved in cleanup and recovery efforts following major disasters.  A particular life-threatening danger exists around downed and low-hanging electrical wires caused from high winds, ice storms, or other weather-related troubles.

Some Safety Tips:

• First, contact appropriate utility personnel.

• Do not assume that a downed conductor is safe simply because it is on the ground, or not sparking.  Always consider all equipment, lines and conductors to be energized.

• The circuits don’t always turn off when a power line falls into a tree or on the ground.  These downed power lines can kill you if you touch them, or the ground nearby.

• Low-hanging wires still have voltage potential even if they aren’t touching the ground.

• Never go near a downed or fallen electric power line.  Always assume that it is energized.  Fences, water pipes, bushes and trees, buildings, telephone/fiber optic cables, aluminum roofs, siding, sheds, etc., can also be energized by downed wires.

• Some sources that create electrical backfeed are: circuit ties/switch points, lightning, generators, and downstream events.

• Remember that electricity can travel away from its source.

• Don’t touch anything that is touching the wire.

• Never touch a person injured by a downed power line. Call 911 immediately.

• If you are in your car, stay inside and use a cell phone for help.  Do not touch the outside of the car.

• Finally, never drive over downed power lines.

OSHA

“Prevention through Design” is a national initiative for preventing and controlling occupational illnesses, injuries and fatalities being led by The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).  Several national organizations have partnered with NIOSH in promoting this process of recognizing the hazards of each industry and designing more effective prevention measures.

Partners in this process are:
American Industrial Hygiene Association, the American Society of Safety Engineers, the Center to Protect Workers’ Rights, Kaiser Permanente, Liberty Mutual, the National Safety Council, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, ORC Worldwide, and the Regenstrief Center for Healthcare Engineering. The list is expected to grow.

Stakeholders whose input is needed in this process are:
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, Mining, Construction, Manufacturing, Wholesale, Retail, Transportation, Warehousing, Utilities, Services, Healthcare and Social Assistance.

The ultimate goal of PtD is: Prevent or Reduce occupational injuries, illnesses, and fatalities through:
1.    Research
2.    Education
3.    Practice
4.    Policy
Through the inclusion of prevention deliberations into all designs that impact workers, intermediate goals will be identified to provide a path toward achieving the ultimate goal.

NIOSH will serve as a catalyst to establish this Plan, but in the end, the partners and stakeholders must actively participate in addressing these goals to make PtD business as usual in the 21st century.

If this is successful, all workers will benefit from the planning that is put into it; however, it will take teamwork from all industries.

Those who work in the field of healthcare, i.e., medical, dental, nursing homes, EMS, and others such as law enforcement, are trained to take Universal Precaution: the approach to infection control with regard to human blood and potentially infectious materials as if they were known to be infectious.  It is estimated that 5.6 million workers in the health care industry are at risk of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens, such as:

• Hepatitis B, which is more transmittable than HIV; affects liver.

• HIV; Human Immunodeficiency Virus;

• Hepatitis C.  This is the most common chronic bloodborne infection in the United States, most often caused by needlestick injuries.  If not treated properly, it can lead to active liver disease.

Employees with occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens must receive proper training.  The appropriate use of personal protective equipment is mandated by the Bloodborne Pathogens Standards.

Gloves, masks, gowns, lab coats, face shields, goggles, and glasses with sideshields should be utilized as needed, as they drastically reduce health risks to workers.  An OSHA standard covering bloodborne disease requires employers to provide appropriate personal protective equipment and clothing free of charge to employees.  Hand washing facilities should be readily available to employees, and designated areas should be assigned for washing, storage or discarding of PPE.

Employers must have Exposure Control Plans and provide post-exposure prophylaxis and follow-up treatment of workers’ exposure incidents.

Source: OSHA

Since we have talked about distracted drivers, we thought it might be fun to share this email we got today from a friend.  True or not, isn’t it amazing the stories we humans come up with?  Here goes…….
People who experienced automobile accidents were asked to explain what happened in a few words or less on insurance or accident forms. The following quotes were taken from these forms and were eventually published… ·

• Coming home, I drove into the wrong house and collided with a tree I don’t have.
• The other car collided with mine without giving warning of its intentions.
• I collided with a stationary truck coming the other way.
• A truck backed through my windshield into my face.
• A pedestrian hit me and went under my car.
• The guy was all over the road; I had to swerve a number of times before I hit him.
• I pulled away from the side of the road, glanced at my mother-in-law and headed over the embankment.
• In my attempt to kill a fly, I drove into a telephone pole.
• I had been driving my car for forty years when I fell asleep at the wheel and had an accident.
• As I approached the intersection, a stop sign suddenly appeared in place where no stop sign had ever appeared before.
• I was unable to stop in time to avoid the accident.
• To avoid hitting the bumper of the car in front, I struck the pedestrian.
• My car was legally parked as it backed into the other vehicle.
• An invisible car came out of nowhere, struck my vehicle, and vanished.
• I told the police that I was not injured, but on removing my hat, I found that I had a skull fracture.
• I was sure the old fellow would never make it to the other side of the roadway when I struck him.
• The pedestrian had no idea which direction to go, so I ran over him.
• The indirect cause of this accident was a little guy in a small car with a big mouth.
• The telephone pole was approaching fast. I was attempting to swerve out of its path when it struck my front.

Can you top any of these?  All joking aside, we really need to take our driving seriously and pay attention to the road!

According to OSHA, statistics show that more than 145,000 people work in over 7,000 warehouses.  The fatal injury rate for the warehousing industry is higher than the national average for all industries.  Some of the potential hazards for workers in warehousing are: unsafe use of forklifts; improper stacking of products; failure to use proper personal protective equipment; inadequate fire safety provisions; and poor respiratory protection.

• Docks are locations where products fall on employees, forklifts run off the dock, or equipment strikes a fellow worker.

• About 100 employees are killed and 95,000 injured every year while operating forklifts in all industries.  Operators should be properly trained, and anyone under 18 years old should never be allowed to operate a forklift.

• Injuries happen when workers are caught in pinch points when working around conveyors.  Proper lighting and working surfaces assist in providing safety in the conveyor area.

• Improperly stored materials may fall and injure workers.

• If hazardous materials are present, chemical burns are possible.  Provide proper personal protective equipment and enforce its use.  All chemicals should be stored safely and securely.

• Charging Stations need to have fire extinguishers available and ready; prohibit smoking.  PPE, such as nitrile gloves, and eye and face protection should be worn around charging stations, and an eyewashing and safety shower facility should be provided for employees exposed to battery acids.

• Improper lifting, repetitive motion or poor design of operations can cause musculoskeletal disorders in workers in warehouses. Floors should be kept clean and free from trip/slip hazards.  Provide general ergonomics training.

The jobs that are performed in warehouses require skill in lifting and observing safety procedures at all times.  Employees should have proper training and be aware of the many hazards lurking in warehouses.

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!