Author: Randy

Adult Seat Belt Use Saves Lives

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for people age 5 – 34. Adult seat belt use is the single most effective way to save lives and reduce injuries in crashes. The percentage of adults who always wear seat belts increased from 80% to 85% between 2002 and 2008. Even so, 1 in 7 adults do not wear a seat belt on every trip. Primary enforcement seat belt laws make a big difference in getting more people to buckle up.

In 2010, 19 states–where 1 in 4 adult Americans live–did not have a primary law.

via CDC Vital Signs – Adult Seat Belt Use in the US.

How Men Can Increase Health and Energy

An active lifestyle increases your health and energy. Engaging in fitness activities for men improves your moods, sleep, flexibility, balance, endurance, strength and sexual performance. Belly fat in men “increases your risk of heart disease, stroke, some types of cancer and type 2 diabetes,” says Dr. Michael Jensen at MayoClinic.com. Activities popular with men, such as hiking, running, team sports, surfing, cross-country skiing, circuit training and handball, help maintain your metabolism to prevent weight gain — or encourage weight loss.

via How To Increase Human Health & Energy With Activities For Men | LIVESTRONG.COM.

Preventing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Preventing sexual harassment in the workplace, though difficult, is critically important. Fortunately, federal and state courts that have wrestled with the complex issues present in sexual harassment litigation have identified three steps an organization should take to prevent sexual harassment as well as liability for incidents that may nevertheless occur.

Step 1—Develop a Written Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedures.

Step 2—Distribute the Sexual Harassment Policy.

Step 3—Educate the Workforce and Train Supervisors.

An organization that diligently takes these three steps will significantly reduce sexual harassment complaints and protect the organization from costly litigation.

via Risk Managers’ Forum—Preventing sexual harassment in the workplace 08/08.

Effect of Obesity on Workers Comp

There is mounting evidence of obesity contributing to the cost of workers compensation. Longitudinal studies by Duke University of its own employees—and by Johns Hopkins University of employees of a multi-site U.S. aluminum manufacturing company—point to substantially higher odds of injury for workers in the highest obesity category. Further, a 2011 Gallup survey found that obese employees account for a disproportionately high number of missed workdays, thus causing a significant loss in economic output. Finally, earlier NCCI research of workers compensation claims found that claimants with a comorbidity code indicating obesity experience medical costs that are a multiple of what is observed for comparable non-obese claimants.

via NCCI Releases New Research on Indemnity Benefit Duration and Obesity.

Walking Safely

Safety is a shared responsibility for all road users, including drivers and pedestrians. The following are some tips to improve road safety for pedestrians.

Safety tips for pedestrians

Be safe and be seen: make yourself visible to drivers

  • Wear bright/light colored clothing and reflective materials.
  • Carry a flashlight when walking at night.
  • Cross in a well-lit area at night.
  • Stand clear of buses, hedges, parked cars or other obstacles before crossing so drivers can see you.

Be smart and alert: avoid dangerous behaviors

  • Always walk on the sidewalk; if there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.
  • Stay sober; walking while impaired increases your chance of being struck.
  • Don,t assume vehicles will stop; make eye contact with drivers, dont just look at the vehicle.
  • If a driver is on a cell phone, they may not be paying enough attention to drive safely.
  • Don,t rely solely on pedestrian signals; look before you cross the road.
  • Be alert to engine noise or backup lights on cars when in parking lots and near on-street parking spaces.

Be careful at crossings: look before you step

  • Cross streets at marked crosswalks or intersections, if possible.
  • Obey traffic signals such as WALK/DONT WALK signs.
  • Look left, right, and left again before crossing a street.
  • Watch for turning vehicles; make sure the driver sees you and will stop for you.
  • Look across ALL lanes you must cross and visually clear each lane before proceeding. Just because one motorist stops, do not presume drivers in other lanes can see you and will stop for you.
  • Dont wear headphones or talk on a cell phone while crossing.

via walkinginfo.org: Walking Safely.

Managing Human Capital Risk

The potential for risk in human resources can negatively affect entire business organizations — yet only half of organizations say they have a formal plan to assess such risks. It’s up to HR leaders to better understand the risks and the potential costs they represent to the business.

via Human Resource Executive Online – Managing Human Capital Risk.

Technology – Keeping Children Safe

As technology advances, communication needs and habits change as well. Children are becoming consumers of electronic information at earlier ages. Their skills at navigating digital media can even overwhelm some parents. And their access to questionable content increases as well. This is why safe practices are paramount for television viewing, video game playing, and movie watching

via Media Safety | PTA.

Prevent Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders

Ergonomics is the scientific study of people at work. The goal of ergonomics is to reduce stress and eliminate injuries and disorders associated with the overuse of muscles, bad posture, and repeated tasks. This is accomplished by designing tasks, work spaces, controls, displays, tools, lighting, and equipment to fit the employee´s physical capabilities and limitations.

via CDC – Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders – NIOSH Workplace Safety and Health Topic.

Getting Blood Pressure Under Control

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, both of which are leading causes of death in the US. Nearly one-third of all American adults have high blood pressure and more than half of them don’t have it under control. Many with uncontrolled high blood pressure don’t know they have it. Millions are taking blood pressure medicines, but their blood pressure is still not under control. There are many missed opportunities for people with high blood pressure to gain control. Doctors, nurses and others in health care systems should identify and treat high blood pressure at every visit. Blood pressure control means having a systolic blood pressure less than 140 mmHg and a diastolic blood pressure less than 90 mmHg, among people with high blood pressure.

via CDC Vital Signs – Getting Blood Pressure Under Control.