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- Sleep and Safety
- Handling the Heat
- May: Electrical Safety Month
- Spring Alerts
- Winter Safety Driving Tips
- Dressing Smart when the Weather is BAD
Sleep deprivation is defined as the absence of sleep during a period of time that is determined by an individual's need. It is otherwise known as lack of sleep. Studies have shown that operating in a chronic sleep restricted state can cause fatigue, daytime sleepiness, clumsiness, and weight gain over time. Unfortunately, hectic work schedules and busy personal lives cause many people to occasionally - or worse regularly - sacrifice a good night's sleep.
Sleep deprivation can not only affect personal safety, but can also affect the safety of others by errors made in a lack of sleep zone. Loss of sleep is a safety concern because it can be found at the heart of many workplace incidents and injuries. Take a moment to consider this topic further as you read the following items:
* Increased incidents and injuries
* Increased work errors
* Decreased ability to solve and resolve problems
* Impaired math skils and memory
* Slower reaction times in psychomotor skils
* Negative impact on workplace, mood swings, and inability to cope with stress
* Aging more rapidly
* Being more susceptible to colds, flu, and other infections
The treatment for sleep deprivation is simple - get more sleep. Like most things, this is usually easier said than done. However, those among the ranks of the sleep-deprived can take steps to regain a normal sleep schedule and improve their safety and productivity.
First, gain family member support. Back shift employees must ensure they have a restful environment at home during their sleep hours. They have to have accomodations from family members to maintaina quiet atmosphere when non-traditional sleep times may be necessary rather than having a chaotic household at 10 o'clock in the morning.
Second, schedule sleep periods. Realistically, it may be difficult to readjust back to sleeping 8 hours all at once. But, that doesn't mean they should continue to function without enough sleep. An 8 hour sleep period can easily be split up into two sleep periods. For example, if you can only get a solid 6 hours of sleep at a stretch, then schedule a 2 hour nap at another time later in the day.
If the first two suggestions prove too difficult, then take a short nap. A short nap can lead to a significant recovery of function. There is evidence that naps are quite productive in restoring functionality. It only takes about an hour or more of napping to restore about 4 hours of improved functioning. Those who have young children can attest to just how powerful short naps can be.
Resources:
AORN Journal, Oct. 05 by Nancy Girard
EHS Today, May 08 by Laura Walter
Sleep deprivation is defined as the absence of sleep during a period of time that is determined by an individual's need. It is otherwise known as lack of sleep. Studies have shown that operating in a chronic sleep restricted state can cause fatigue, daytime sleepiness, clumsiness, and weight gain over time. Unfortunately, hectic work schedules and busy personal lives cause many people to occasionally - or worse regularly - sacrifice a good night's sleep.
Sleep deprivation can not only affect personal safety, but can also affect the safety of others by errors made in a lack of sleep zone. Loss of sleep is a safety concern because it can be found at the heart of many workplace incidents and injuries. Take a moment to consider this topic further as you read the following items:
* Increased incidents and injuries
* Increased work errors
* Decreased ability to solve and resolve problems
* Impaired math skils and memory
* Slower reaction times in psychomotor skils
* Negative impact on workplace, mood swings, and inability to cope with stress
* Aging more rapidly
* Being more susceptible to colds, flu, and other infections
The treatment for sleep deprivation is simple - get more sleep. Like most things, this is usually easier said than done. However, those among the ranks of the sleep-deprived can take steps to regain a normal sleep schedule and improve their safety and productivity.
First, gain family member support. Back shift employees must ensure they have a restful environment at home during their sleep hours. They have to have accomodations from family members to maintaina quiet atmosphere when non-traditional sleep times may be necessary rather than having a chaotic household at 10 o'clock in the morning.
Second, schedule sleep periods. Realistically, it may be difficult to readjust back to sleeping 8 hours all at once. But, that doesn't mean they should continue to function without enough sleep. An 8 hour sleep period can easily be split up into two sleep periods. For example, if you can only get a solid 6 hours of sleep at a stretch, then schedule a 2 hour nap at another time later in the day.
If the first two suggestions prove too difficult, then take a short nap. A short nap can lead to a significant recovery of function. There is evidence that naps are quite productive in restoring functionality. It only takes about an hour or more of napping to restore about 4 hours of improved functioning. Those who have young children can attest to just how powerful short naps can be.
Resources:
AORN Journal, Oct. 05 by Nancy Girard
EHS Today, May 08 by Laura Walter
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Every year many people are injured or fires start because of potential electrical hazards in the surrounding environment. Recognizing electrical hazards at home or at work is pretty simple. It just takes a bit of time and dedication to looking at electrical devices. With May being “Electrical Safety” month, take time to review your surroundings for hazards associated with electricity.
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1. Check extension cords for damage. Do not run cords across doorways because this may subject the cord to stretch and tear or present a trip hazard to people passing through the door. Do not run cords under carpets because this will prevent you seeing any damage that might occur. If you must have additional electricity run to an area, consider having additional circuits or outlets added by a qualified electrician. Remember extension cords should only be used for temporary situations. The rule of thumb is, if you need something plugged in longer than 90 days, you should look at a hard wired solution not an extension cord.
2. Check electrical receptacles. If you find any that are cracked, chipped or otherwise broken-replace them. If the receptacle will not hold a plug securely, it feels hot to the touch, generates sparks, or makes some kind of noise when you plug or remove something-replace it. Receptacles are not very expensive, especially when compared to the cost of your home or workplace. Once again, get a qualified electrician to make the replacement.
3. Check for frayed wires and if you see any, get a qualified electrician to replace them. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
4. Check faceplates and replace any or all that are damaged. This prevents someone from accidentally coming in contact with electricity.
5. Check to make sure all three pronged electrical cords have the ground prong snugly attached. If the ground prong is missing, it is unsafe. Cut the cord in two and toss it. This will prevent someone from picking it up and trying to use it.
6. Check your GFCI receptacles. These are usually found in areas where water is used near electrical appliances such as kitchens, laboratory areas, shop areas, and bathrooms. To test, simply plug in a hair dryer or another appliance into the GFCI receptacle. Then turn on the appliance and press the test button. The receptacle should shut itself off. If it does not shut itself off, then press the test button again. If the appliance still does not shut itself off then the GFCI receptacle is unsafe and must be replaced. Contact a qualified electrician to get a new one.
7. Lastly, check all light bulbs in every room, attic and garage. Light bulbs can get very hot and pose an ignition source. Check them to make sure combustible materials are not being stored too close to it. Currently, light fixtures, lamps, and appliances are labeled with easy to read tags that show the wattage of the bulb which can be used in that fixture, lamp or appliance safely. Never use a higher watt bulb than the device is made for.
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Every year many people are injured or fires start because of potential electrical hazards in the surrounding environment. Recognizing electrical hazards at home or at work is pretty simple. It just takes a bit of time and dedication to looking at electrical devices. With May being “Electrical Safety” month, take time to review your surroundings for hazards associated with electricity.
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1. Check extension cords for damage. Do not run cords across doorways because this may subject the cord to stretch and tear or present a trip hazard to people passing through the door. Do not run cords under carpets because this will prevent you seeing any damage that might occur. If you must have additional electricity run to an area, consider having additional circuits or outlets added by a qualified electrician. Remember extension cords should only be used for temporary situations. The rule of thumb is, if you need something plugged in longer than 90 days, you should look at a hard wired solution not an extension cord.
2. Check electrical receptacles. If you find any that are cracked, chipped or otherwise broken-replace them. If the receptacle will not hold a plug securely, it feels hot to the touch, generates sparks, or makes some kind of noise when you plug or remove something-replace it. Receptacles are not very expensive, especially when compared to the cost of your home or workplace. Once again, get a qualified electrician to make the replacement.
3. Check for frayed wires and if you see any, get a qualified electrician to replace them. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
4. Check faceplates and replace any or all that are damaged. This prevents someone from accidentally coming in contact with electricity.
5. Check to make sure all three pronged electrical cords have the ground prong snugly attached. If the ground prong is missing, it is unsafe. Cut the cord in two and toss it. This will prevent someone from picking it up and trying to use it.
6. Check your GFCI receptacles. These are usually found in areas where water is used near electrical appliances such as kitchens, laboratory areas, shop areas, and bathrooms. To test, simply plug in a hair dryer or another appliance into the GFCI receptacle. Then turn on the appliance and press the test button. The receptacle should shut itself off. If it does not shut itself off, then press the test button again. If the appliance still does not shut itself off then the GFCI receptacle is unsafe and must be replaced. Contact a qualified electrician to get a new one.
7. Lastly, check all light bulbs in every room, attic and garage. Light bulbs can get very hot and pose an ignition source. Check them to make sure combustible materials are not being stored too close to it. Currently, light fixtures, lamps, and appliances are labeled with easy to read tags that show the wattage of the bulb which can be used in that fixture, lamp or appliance safely. Never use a higher watt bulb than the device is made for.
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Storms can happen at any time, but especially during times when the seasons are changing. During these times, high winds are present and it is time to start thinking about where you can go and shelter during the storm. What type of area will work best?
Basically, there are three main types of storm shelters:
1. Underground
2. In-residence
3. Community
They are designed to offer protection when severe weather happens.
The underground type of storm shelter is a modern version of the old "storm cellar”. This type of shelter is safe from flying debris and high winds, but is less likely to be occupied if you have to go outside to get to it. Depending on the type of rock underground in your area and the water table, installing this type can be a big problem.
The “in-residence” storm shelter is more like a fortified closet. Advantages are that it is more accessible during high winds or a tornado because it is built into a new house with reinforced concrete, reinforced masonry or wood/steel combinations.
A community shelter is the third option; this is normally what people occupy when a family shelter isn't available. Community shelters can hold from 12 people all the way up to several hundred. This may be a local school, church, or sports complex. They are normally made above-ground, but are capable of saving many, many lives.
So which shelter is the best? Well, there's no government endorsement telling which one is the "the best." Safety standards for storm shelters have been established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to ensure you will be protected during most severe weather scenarios.
The National Storm Shelter Association has provided standard rules for storm shelter construction. FEMA provides many more including building plans and materials. Call 1-888-565-3896 and requesting the FEMA 320 publication "Taking Shelter from the Storm: Building a Safe Room Inside Your House" or go to the FEMA Safe Room Web site at http://www.fema.gov/mit/saferoom/.
TESTS AND REQUIREMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH STORM SHELTERS:
1. High Winds: Tested with a 3-second gust of 250 mph.
- Walls, doors and ceilings must be able to withstand the peak wind velocity without buckling or separating.
- The shelter cannot overturn or slide.
2. Debris: Tested with a 15 lb. two-by-four wooden board propelled at 100 mph (250 mph wind equivalent)
- The walls and ceiling of a shelter must resist penetration by a test object.
3. Other Storm Shelter Requirements:
- It must have a protected ventilation system.
- It should have at least one fire extinguisher, flashlights, a first-aid kit, 8 hours' supply of drinking water, and a weather radio.
4. Additional Requirements for Underground Shelters:
- It must be watertight and resist flotation due to saturated soil.
- It should contain a transmitter to signal its location should debris trap the shelter occupants. In some cases, location has been able to be pinpointed through the use of a cellular phone.
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- -Delicia Holland
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Storms can happen at any time, but especially during times when the seasons are changing. During these times, high winds are present and it is time to start thinking about where you can go and shelter during the storm. What type of area will work best?
Basically, there are three main types of storm shelters:
1. Underground
2. In-residence
3. Community
They are designed to offer protection when severe weather happens.
The underground type of storm shelter is a modern version of the old "storm cellar”. This type of shelter is safe from flying debris and high winds, but is less likely to be occupied if you have to go outside to get to it. Depending on the type of rock underground in your area and the water table, installing this type can be a big problem.
The “in-residence” storm shelter is more like a fortified closet. Advantages are that it is more accessible during high winds or a tornado because it is built into a new house with reinforced concrete, reinforced masonry or wood/steel combinations.
A community shelter is the third option; this is normally what people occupy when a family shelter isn't available. Community shelters can hold from 12 people all the way up to several hundred. This may be a local school, church, or sports complex. They are normally made above-ground, but are capable of saving many, many lives.
So which shelter is the best? Well, there's no government endorsement telling which one is the "the best." Safety standards for storm shelters have been established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to ensure you will be protected during most severe weather scenarios.
The National Storm Shelter Association has provided standard rules for storm shelter construction. FEMA provides many more including building plans and materials. Call 1-888-565-3896 and requesting the FEMA 320 publication "Taking Shelter from the Storm: Building a Safe Room Inside Your House" or go to the FEMA Safe Room Web site at http://www.fema.gov/mit/saferoom/.
TESTS AND REQUIREMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH STORM SHELTERS:
1. High Winds: Tested with a 3-second gust of 250 mph.
- Walls, doors and ceilings must be able to withstand the peak wind velocity without buckling or separating.
- The shelter cannot overturn or slide.
2. Debris: Tested with a 15 lb. two-by-four wooden board propelled at 100 mph (250 mph wind equivalent)
- The walls and ceiling of a shelter must resist penetration by a test object.
3. Other Storm Shelter Requirements:
- It must have a protected ventilation system.
- It should have at least one fire extinguisher, flashlights, a first-aid kit, 8 hours' supply of drinking water, and a weather radio.
4. Additional Requirements for Underground Shelters:
- It must be watertight and resist flotation due to saturated soil.
- It should contain a transmitter to signal its location should debris trap the shelter occupants. In some cases, location has been able to be pinpointed through the use of a cellular phone.
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- -Delicia Holland
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Winter Driving Safety Tips
The Police urge motorists to be safe on the roads of the Commonwealth this winter. If possible, do not travel, or keep travel to a minimum during periods of winter weather in order to allow snow removal crews to clear the roadway. For those who need to drive in adverse winter weather conditions, the State Police recommend the following winter driving safety tips:
• Take Note of the Local Forecast:
The State Police encourage motorists to take note of local forecasts and plan accordingly for adverse weather conditions. Motorists are reminded that they can dial 511 on their cell phones for current traffic and road conditions on Massachusetts Highways.
• Vehicle Preparation:
With a forecast of inclement weather, motorists should ensure that their vehicles are well maintained and properly equipped for winter driving. Motorists should check the fluid levels of their vehicles, particularly washer fluid and anti-freeze, to make sure that they are at adequate levels. Tires should be inspected to ensure that they are properly inflated and have sufficient tread depth. Motorists should equip their vehicles with a snow shovel, ice scraper, jumper cables, flares, a flashlight and some warm clothing and blankets. Additionally, motorists are reminded to completely clear their vehicles of snow and ice prior to driving. Clearing vehicles of snow and ice enhances the safety of all motorists by providing an unobstructed view to the operator and prevents snow and ice from flying off vehicles at high speeds and posing a hazard to others on the road.
• Reduce Speed:
Most winter weather related crashes are caused by “spin-outs” and vehicles sliding off the road due to excessive speeds for the road and weather conditions. Speed Limits are set for driving under optimal, dry conditions. If road and weather conditions are adverse, it may be more reasonable and proper to operate at a speed that is well below the posted limit.
• Leave Extra Space Between Vehicles:
Under optimal driving conditions, motorists should leave at least one car length for every ten miles per hour between them and the vehicle in front of them. If the road and weather conditions are adverse, that distance should be significantly increased in order to afford for increased stopping distances.
• Dial 911 in Roadway Emergencies:
In any weather conditions, motorists who become disabled or encounter an emergency on the roadways should dial 911 and report their location and the nature of the emergency. Motorists should always be aware of their location, noting the route they are traveling on and the number of the exit they most recently passed.
Article courtesy of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security
Winter Driving Safety Tips
The Police urge motorists to be safe on the roads of the Commonwealth this winter. If possible, do not travel, or keep travel to a minimum during periods of winter weather in order to allow snow removal crews to clear the roadway. For those who need to drive in adverse winter weather conditions, the State Police recommend the following winter driving safety tips:
• Take Note of the Local Forecast:
The State Police encourage motorists to take note of local forecasts and plan accordingly for adverse weather conditions. Motorists are reminded that they can dial 511 on their cell phones for current traffic and road conditions on Massachusetts Highways.
• Vehicle Preparation:
With a forecast of inclement weather, motorists should ensure that their vehicles are well maintained and properly equipped for winter driving. Motorists should check the fluid levels of their vehicles, particularly washer fluid and anti-freeze, to make sure that they are at adequate levels. Tires should be inspected to ensure that they are properly inflated and have sufficient tread depth. Motorists should equip their vehicles with a snow shovel, ice scraper, jumper cables, flares, a flashlight and some warm clothing and blankets. Additionally, motorists are reminded to completely clear their vehicles of snow and ice prior to driving. Clearing vehicles of snow and ice enhances the safety of all motorists by providing an unobstructed view to the operator and prevents snow and ice from flying off vehicles at high speeds and posing a hazard to others on the road.
• Reduce Speed:
Most winter weather related crashes are caused by “spin-outs” and vehicles sliding off the road due to excessive speeds for the road and weather conditions. Speed Limits are set for driving under optimal, dry conditions. If road and weather conditions are adverse, it may be more reasonable and proper to operate at a speed that is well below the posted limit.
• Leave Extra Space Between Vehicles:
Under optimal driving conditions, motorists should leave at least one car length for every ten miles per hour between them and the vehicle in front of them. If the road and weather conditions are adverse, that distance should be significantly increased in order to afford for increased stopping distances.
• Dial 911 in Roadway Emergencies:
In any weather conditions, motorists who become disabled or encounter an emergency on the roadways should dial 911 and report their location and the nature of the emergency. Motorists should always be aware of their location, noting the route they are traveling on and the number of the exit they most recently passed.
Article courtesy of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security
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You have often heard it said, “When it rains, it pours”. But when have you ever heard it said, “When it rains, make sure you wear the right shoe.”? Chances are that you haven’t. Most of us tend to think, we will only get wet for a minute then we will be inside all day. If it just happens to be snowing, then we think we will only be out there for a bit, then we will be inside and we do not want to be too warm. Then we move on to the debate about the right shoes for the outfit we are wearing.
Unless you are privileged with covered parking, everywhere you go, think again. You will probably be walking from where ever your car is parked into your place of work, your apartment, the store, or into any other place you need to get into during bad weather. Then, once your business is completed then you will have to walk back out to your car again.
What you choose to wear on your feet can certainly be one of the most important factors of whether you will suffer an injury or not during bad weather. According to an article from the University of Florida, Preventing Injuries from Slips, Trips, and Falls, slips are primarily caused by the presence of a slippery surface and by wearing the wrong footwear. The article discusses two types of slips that can occur in normal walking. The first of type of slip/fall occurs as the heel of the foot moving forward hits the walking surface. Then, the front foot slips forward, and the person falls backward. The second type of slip/fall occurs when the rear foot slips backward. The force to move forward is on the sole of the rear foot. This foot slips backward and the person falls.
Everyday you walk without slipping using a force called "traction". According to the article mentioned above, “common experience shows that dry concrete sidewalks have good traction, while icy surfaces or freshly waxed floors can have low traction. During bad weather, areas such as sidewalks, building entry ways, and steps are normally covered with rain or ice taking away any traction they might normally have.
 Men and women’s dress shoes, which are designed with a smooth leather sole, are equally notorious for causing injury in bad weather conditions. These types of shoes are made to look fashionable, but are not approved by the manufacturers to offer any kind of traction to prevent slipping when worn in challenging environments.
The best way to help provide “traction”, when it is not available in the environment, is to wear a shoe that has an appropriate rubber sole and tread. What this really means is that a shoe with a rubber sole will provide better traction than a smooth, leather sole used in a wet, oily or icy environment. This is especially true when a rubber sole is used for walking on icy concrete, polished floors, or wet surfaces.
In order to improve your personal safety and to prevent slips, trips, and falls in bad weather or challenging environments is to wear rubber soled shoes with a good tread to provide traction you need not to slip or fall. Even if you are only going to wear the good treaded shoes from you car through the elements and into the building, you have still improved your safety. You can always change once you reach your desk or workstation. And, it is far better to change your shoes whenever you wish, than to have to wear a foot or leg cast due to an injury. Those usually have to be worn with every outfit you select until the injury has healed.
By Delicia Holland, CSP
You have often heard it said, “When it rains, it pours”. But when have you ever heard it said, “When it rains, make sure you wear the right shoe.”? Chances are that you haven’t. Most of us tend to think, we will only get wet for a minute then we will be inside all day. If it just happens to be snowing, then we think we will only be out there for a bit, then we will be inside and we do not want to be too warm. Then we move on to the debate about the right shoes for the outfit we are wearing.
Unless you are privileged with covered parking, everywhere you go, think again. You will probably be walking from where ever your car is parked into your place of work, your apartment, the store, or into any other place you need to get into during bad weather. Then, once your business is completed then you will have to walk back out to your car again.
What you choose to wear on your feet can certainly be one of the most important factors of whether you will suffer an injury or not during bad weather. According to an article from the University of Florida, Preventing Injuries from Slips, Trips, and Falls, slips are primarily caused by the presence of a slippery surface and by wearing the wrong footwear. The article discusses two types of slips that can occur in normal walking. The first of type of slip/fall occurs as the heel of the foot moving forward hits the walking surface. Then, the front foot slips forward, and the person falls backward. The second type of slip/fall occurs when the rear foot slips backward. The force to move forward is on the sole of the rear foot. This foot slips backward and the person falls.
Everyday you walk without slipping using a force called "traction". According to the article mentioned above, “common experience shows that dry concrete sidewalks have good traction, while icy surfaces or freshly waxed floors can have low traction. During bad weather, areas such as sidewalks, building entry ways, and steps are normally covered with rain or ice taking away any traction they might normally have.
Men and women’s dress shoes, which are designed with a smooth leather sole, are equally notorious for causing injury in bad weather conditions. These types of shoes are made to look fashionable, but are not approved by the manufacturers to offer any kind of traction to prevent slipping when worn in challenging environments.
The best way to help provide “traction”, when it is not available in the environment, is to wear a shoe that has an appropriate rubber sole and tread. What this really means is that a shoe with a rubber sole will provide better traction than a smooth, leather sole used in a wet, oily or icy environment. This is especially true when a rubber sole is used for walking on icy concrete, polished floors, or wet surfaces.
In order to improve your personal safety and to prevent slips, trips, and falls in bad weather or challenging environments is to wear rubber soled shoes with a good tread to provide traction you need not to slip or fall. Even if you are only going to wear the good treaded shoes from you car through the elements and into the building, you have still improved your safety. You can always change once you reach your desk or workstation. And, it is far better to change your shoes whenever you wish, than to have to wear a foot or leg cast due to an injury. Those usually have to be worn with every outfit you select until the injury has healed.
By Delicia Holland, CSP
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| Risk and Safety Miscellaneous Links
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| Hot Weather Safety Advice |  |
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| Ladder Check List | |
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| MVR Driving Form 2009 | |
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| OPS Safety Manual | |
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| Seasonal Safety | |
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| Shop Safety Checklist | |
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