Tag: safety

The Dangers of Diving Into Shallow Water

thomas-harrisjpg-a392be49e3b794ddIt’s so tempting on a hot day to want to just plunge into the nearest pool or other body of water.

But before you do, remember: feet-first.

Diving into shallow water is one of the major causes of spinal cord trauma, according to the National Institutes of Health. Although anyone could sustain a spinal cord injury, the group most commonly affected are young, healthy people, particularly men between the ages of 15 and 35.

via The Dangers of Diving Into Shallow Water | Kendall Regional Medical Center.

Hazardous Drug Exposures in Health Care

HazardousDrugs_072711ayfHealth care workers who prepare or administer hazardous drugs (e.g., those used for cancer therapy, and some antiviral drugs, hormone agents, and bioengineered drugs) or who work in areas where these drugs are used may be exposed to these agents in the workplace. About 8 million U.S. healthcare workers are potentially exposed to hazardous drugs, including pharmacy and nursing personnel, physicians, operating room personnel, environmental services workers, workers in research laboratories, veterinary care workers, and shipping and receiving personnel.

via CDC – Hazardous Drug Exposures in Health Care – NIOSH Workplace Safety and Health Topic.

The Keys to Defensive Driving

defensive-drivingDriving is risky business. As a defensive driver, you can avoid crashes and help lower your risk behind the wheel.If youve been out on the roads, you know that not everyone drives well. Some people speed aggressively. Others wander into another lane because they arent paying attention. Drivers may follow too closely, make sudden turns without signaling, or weave in and out of traffic.

Aggressive drivers are known road hazards, causing one third of all traffic crashes. But inattentive driving is becoming more of a problem as people “multitask” by talking on the phone, texting or checking messages, eating, or even watching TV as they drive.

via The Keys to Defensive Driving.

Heat Stress Risk

heat_stressWorkers who are exposed to extreme heat or work in hot environments may be at risk of heat stress. Exposure to extreme heat can result in occupational illnesses and injuries. Heat stress can result in heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, or heat rashes. Heat can also increase the risk of injuries in workers as it may result in sweaty palms, fogged-up safety glasses, and dizziness. Burns may also occur as a result of accidental contact with hot surfaces or steam.

Workers at risk of heat stress include outdoor workers and workers in hot environments such as firefighters, bakery workers, farmers, construction workers, miners, boiler room workers, factory workers, and others. Workers at greater risk of heat stress include those who are 65 years of age or older, are overweight, have heart disease or high blood pressure, or take medications that may be affected by extreme heat.

Prevention of heat stress in workers is important. Employers should provide training to workers so they understand what heat stress is, how it affects their health and safety, and how it can be prevented.

via CDC – Heat Stress – NIOSH Workplace Safety and Health Topic.

Coping with a Disaster

Disaster Mental Health|CDCThe effects of a disaster, terrorist attack, or other public health emergency can be long-lasting, and the resulting trauma can reverberate even with those not directly affected by the disaster. This page provides general strategies for promoting mental health and resilience that were developed by various organizations based on experiences in prior disasters.

via Disaster Mental Health|CDC.

The Dangers of Mixing Cleaning Products

cleaningkit3It is no surprise that mixing cleaning chemicals can be a deadly business.  But why exactly is it so dangerous, and what specifically should not be mixed?  The main cleaner that can NOT be mixed with other cleaning agents is chlorine bleach.  The active ingredient in bleach is sodium hypochlorite, which can be corrosive to the skin and mucous membranes and can even cause severe injury to the eyes.  Chlorine bleach is basically chlorine gas in water.  When it is mixed with other chemicals, deadly gases can be produced.

via The Dangers of Mixing Cleaning Products – Heits Building Services Cincinnati Northern Kentucky DaytonHeits Building Services Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Dayton.

Follow Safe Grilling Tips

Family having a barbecue partyGrilling and picnicking often go hand-in-hand. And just as with cooking indoors, there are important guidelines that should be followed to ensure that your grilled food reaches the table safely.

  • Marinate safely. Marinate foods in the refrigerator – never on the kitchen counter or outdoors. In addition, if you plan to use some of the marinade as a sauce on the cooked food, reserve a portion separately before adding the raw meat, poultry, or seafood. Don’t reuse marinade.
  • Cook immediately after “partial cooking.” If you partially cook food to reduce grilling time, do so immediately before the food goes on the hot grill.
  • Cook food thoroughly. When it’s time to cook the food, have your food thermometer ready. Always use it to be sure your food is cooked thoroughly.
  • Keep “ready” food hot. Grilled food can be kept hot until served by moving it to the side of the grill rack, just away from the coals. This keeps it hot but prevents overcooking.
  • Don’t reuse platters or utensils. Using the same platter or utensils that previously held raw meat, poultry, or seafood allows bacteria from the raw food’s juices to spread to the cooked food. Instead, have a clean platter and utensils ready at grill-side to serve your food.
  • Check for foreign objects in food. If you clean your grill using a bristle brush, check to make sure that no detached bristles have made their way into grilled food.

via Consumers > Eating Outdoors, Handling Food Safely.

Keep Kids Safe Around the Campfire

img_camp_fire_kids_150The warmth, light and smells of an outdoor campfire make it an especially memorable activity for children. Anyone who has ever told ghost stories or roasted marshmallows outdoors knows how much fun it can be. While you enjoy the campfire, always keep watch over the site and never let children alone while the fire is burning. Use long sticks or skewers to roast frankfurters or marshmallows. Do not allow any running or roughhousing near the fire.

via Campfire Safety for Kids | Everyday Life – Global Post.

Fireworks Safety Tips

5-Fireworks-Safety-Tips-mdnFireworks can result in severe burns, scars and disfigurement that can last a lifetime.

Fireworks that are often thought to be safe, such as sparklers, can reach temperatures above 1000 degrees Fahrenheit, and can burn users and bystanders.

Families should attend community fireworks displays run by professionals rather than using fireworks at home.

via Summer Safety Tips.