Safety at Home – Page 6 – Risk Management 365

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

What is carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide, or CO, is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death.

Where is CO found?

CO is found in combustion fumes, such as those produced by cars and trucks, small gasoline engines, stoves, lanterns, burning charcoal and wood, and gas ranges and heating systems. CO from these sources can build up in enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces. People and animals in these spaces can be poisoned by breathing it.

What are the symptoms of CO poisoning?

The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. High levels of CO inhalation can cause loss of consciousness and death. Unless suspected, CO poisoning can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms mimic other illnesses. People who are sleeping or intoxicated can die from CO poisoning before ever experiencing symptoms.

How does CO poisoning work?

Red blood cells pick up CO quicker than they pick up oxygen. If there is a lot of CO in the air, the body may replace oxygen in blood with CO. This blocks oxygen from getting into the body, which can damage tissues and result in death.

via CDC – Carbon Monoxide Poisoning – Frequently Asked Questions.

Slips, Trips and Falls Prevention

Most people have a friend or relative who has fallen, or maybe you’ve fallen yourself. Falls are the second-leading cause of unintentional death in homes and communities, resulting in more than 25,000 fatalities in 2009. The risk of falling, and fall-related problems, rises with age and is a serious issue in homes and communities. Take the time to remove slip, trip and fall hazards to keep your family safe.

Common locations for falls:

Doorways
Ramps
Cluttered hallways
Areas with heavy traffic
Uneven surfaces
Areas prone to wetness or spills
Unguarded heights
Unstable work surfaces
Ladders
Stairs

Fall prevention tips:

Secure electrical and phone cords out of traffic areas
Remove small throw rugs or use non-skid mats to keep them from slipping
Remove tripping hazards (paper, boxes, toys, clothes, shoes) from stairs and walkways
Periodically check the condition of walkways and steps, and repair damages immediately
Never stand on a chair, table or other surface on wheels
Clean up all spills immediately

via Slips, Trips and Falls Prevention, Fact Sheets & Statistics.

Minimizing the Risk of Ladder Falls

Falls are the leading cause of nonfatal, unintentional injuries, affecting nearly 8 million individuals in 2005, according to the National Safety Council’s “Injury Facts.” Many of these falls involve ladders. Because a ladder is considered a basic tool, some people may discount the dangerous nature of them. However, if proper safety precautions are not taken, ladder users can easily fall and suffer serious injuries or even death. According to the Chicago-based American Ladder Institute, the safest way to climb a ladder to avoid slips or falls is to maintain three points of contact. This means that during both ascent and descent, a climber should have either a hand and two feet, or two hands and one foot, in contact with the ladder at all times. This way, if one hand or foot slips, the climber will still be secure.

The following tips can also help minimize the risk of a fall:

Unless the ladder is specifically designed for such a purpose, do not allow more than one climber on a ladder at one time.
Never jump or slide down a ladder more than one rung at a time.
Regularly clean the soles of shoes to maximize traction.
Use towlines, a tool belt or an assistant to supply materials and tools.
Climb ladders slowly and deliberately, avoiding sudden movements.
Climbers should keep the center of the stomach between the ladder side rails when climbing.
Do not overreach or lean to the side while working, as this could cause the ladder to tip.

via Safety Tip Minimizing the risk of ladder falls.

Protect Children From Falls

We all want to keep our children safe and secure and help them live to their full potential. Knowing how to prevent leading causes of child injury, like falls, is a step toward this goal.

Thankfully, many falls can be prevented, and parents and caregivers can play a key role in protecting children.

Prevention Tips

Play safely. Falls on the playground are a common cause of injury. Check to make sure that the surfaces under playground equipment are safe, soft, and well- maintained (such as wood chips or sand, not dirt or grass).
Make your home safer. Use home safety devices, such as guards on windows that are above ground level, stair gates, and guard rails. These devices can help keep a busy, active child from taking a dangerous tumble.
Keep sports safe. Make sure your child wears protective gear during sports and recreation. For example, when in-line skating, use wrist guards, knee and elbow pads, and a helmet.
Supervision is key. Supervise young children at all times around fall hazards, such as stairs and playground equipment, whether you’re at home or out to play.

via CDC – Injury – Safe Child – Falls.

Prevent Medication Poisoning in Children

Each year more than 60,000 children are treated in emergency departments due to accidental medication poisoning. That’s about 165 kids – or roughly four school busloads of children – per day.

Parents, grandparents and caregivers can prevent unintentional medication poisoning in children by being vigilant about safe storage and safe dosing of medications.

via Medication Safety Guide.

Keeping Your Family Safer with Fire Extinguishers

In addition to working smoke detectors, every family should have UL certified fire extinguishers strategically placed in rooms such as the kitchen, garage or workshop. Fire extinguishers are your second line of defense behind a smoke detector and can be the difference between a small inconvenience and a life-changing event.

via Keeping Your Family Safer with Fire Extinguishers | Safety at Home.

Protecting Your Eyes at Work

Eye injuries in the workplace are very common. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reports about 2,000 U.S. workers sustain job-related eye injuries that require medical treatment each day. However, safety experts and eye doctors believe the right eye protection could have lessened the severity or even prevented 90% of these eye injuries.

via Protecting Your Eyes at Work | American Optometric Association.

Vacation Safety

Before Leaving, Secure Your Home

Have good locks on all doors and windows and double check them before you leave.
Ask a neighbor to watch your home while you are gone. Leave as much information about your vacation with them as possible, including emergency contact information in case something happens.
Arrange for a neighbor or family member to gather your mail and newspaper deliveries.
Plug in timers to turn lights on and of to simulate that the house is being used.
Create the illusion that someone is home. For example, attach a television or radio to a timer to occasionally turn on and off.
Ask a neighbor to park in your driveway if you will be taking your vehicle with you. If you leave your car at home, park it as you normally would.
Arrange for someone to mow your lawn and maintain the yard should you be gone for a long period of time. During winter, make arrangements to have your snow shoveled.

While On Your Trip

Trust your instincts and speak up if you think or feel something is dangerous.
Confirm your reservations before leaving home.
Keep a record of all traveler’s check numbers and your credit card numbers in a safe place. Have a record of all of hte numbers to your credit card companies in case they become lost or stolen.
Do not carry large amounts of cash. If you must carry large sums, do not display it openly to others.
Be aware of your surroundings and do not advertise your travel plans to strangers.
Do not carry your airplane tickets or passport in open view. Secure these important documents in a safe place. FEMALES – if you carry these in a purse, place your purse across your body rather than just over your shoulder. MALES – carry these documents in a safe container or in the front pocket of your pants instead of your back pocket.

via Vacation Safety.

Danger – Falling Ice

Right now in our area there are huge problems with ice forming on the eaves of buildings. These ice monstrosities are formed when the roof warms up from the sun or from heat loss inside the living space. Then water runs down and cools at the overhangs, or eaves. The water freezes and forms an ice dam. This backs up water that may be running down the roof, thus providing potential water leakage and damage to the interior of the building. It can be very dangerous to remove these hanging ice sickles or even walk underneath them. They can be extremely heavy and falling from the height of a building can injure or even kill people below.

An Emergency Exit Strategy is Critical

What is an Exit Strategy?

An Exit Strategy is a plan for exiting a building or structure in an emergency. When entering a building, it is critical that you locate at least two ways out, keeping in mind that the way you came in (usually the front door) may not be the best way out.

via Frequently Asked Questions.