Recent Posts
Safetydude's Safety Tip of the Week
Tsunami Safety for Travellers
More proof that "Safety that is a Life event, not just a work event". Last month, the Safetyduette and I enjoyed our second honeymoon on the Big Island of Hawaii. The first night while we were driving to dinner, we noted the following sign that caused us some concern
We recalled seeing the news footage of the death and destruction that occurred in Japan, and Indonesia. Neither of us had the slightest idea as to what actions we should take. So I went investigating.
I found out that there is quite a complex and comprehensive warning system and Emergency Preparedness plan for such an event on the Big Island. These programs were implemented because the Island had already been devastated by several tsunami's in the last 75 years. School children are taught at a very young age what to do , when, and why. Brought back memories of the Tornado drills I went through as a young child growing up in St. Louis. The alarm system is checked regularly.
But what about us a travellers, what were we suppose to do and where are we suppose to go to? I was fortunate enough to have brought our laptop with us, so I was capable of doing some internet research. We also collected information from the phone book. Unfortunately, I wasn't that impressed with the information provided by, or the programs in place at the hotels where we stayed. So, I offer you the following Safety Tip
First before even leaving on vacation, (something that we will do in the future) check with your Travel Agent about any travel advisories, warnings, etc. that you should be aware of. If you didn't use a Travel Agent, do your own internet research. There are several websites available from both the Canadian and USA Government.
I also learned that you can register to get text messages to your phone for areas that you are travelling to. Click here to go to their website.
As it relates to a Tsunami, I learned to take the following precautions:
1) Establish a meeting place, outside of the tsunami area where family members will meet if they become separated. Our favourite large retail store works well for us.
2) Always pack a flashlight. The Safetyduette always packs the "kitchen sink", including flashlights.
3) Prepare for water shortages. We recently purchased Brita water bottles with the self contained filters for our vacation trips.
4) Pack a small first aid kit. Of course we had that.
5) Pack a N95 dust mask. Nope we didn't pack that, but they will be placed into the first aid kit.
6) Know the signs and symptoms of any possible natural disasters. In this case, the warning signs of a tsunami are:
a) reports of an earthquake
b) shakes or tremors under your feet
c) ocean receding below normal low tides
d) loud roar noise from the ocean
e) if you see locals leaving the beach suddenly, follow them
7) Read the information in the front cover of the phonebook. In this case, it provided us the locations to be worried about and the details of the local evacuation centres.
Actions to be taken if a tsunami hits:
1) Follow all directions of the local authorities
2) Evacuate the low lying areas and get to higher ground.
3) Leave your belongings behind. Accept for your first aid kit and medicines, if you can safely and timely get to them.
2) If you can't evacuate the area get inside a concrete building above the second floor
Picture of the Week
The picture below was sent to me by a friend. Apparently the man below was trying to protect the local citizens by shooting this bear that he noticed hanging around a local fast food outlet.
Ladder Safety
Ladders are an effective tool in many workplaces. Using ladders safely needs to be practiced to ensure the health and safety of employees and customers. Employees are expected to not leave ladders open and unattended, know how to use ladders appropriately, and ensure ladders are replaced in their brackets and are strapped down.
Tips About Ladders
How to Use a Ladder Safely
Video of the Week
Click here to check out a video how NOT ( repeat NOT) to use your ladder.
Ten things that every Employee should know
The following is a list of ten things that EVERY employee should know. Test yourself, your co-workers, Employees and Family members. In particular, challenge your teenage working children as this age group has an unacceptably high accident frequency rate.
From the Courts
Plumbling company fined $100k after worker is fatally injured
New Water Plumbing Inc., of Thornhill, was fined $100,000 for a violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act after a worker was killed.
On December 23, 2009, two workers from New Water Plumbing Inc. were in the mechanical room of a Toronto condo tower. They had taken a large exhaust fan out of its housing. As the workers were moving the fan, a light fixture they had swung out of the way swung back and hit the fan. Part of the light fixture was damaged, allowing its electrical charge to contact the fan. The worker who was holding the fan at the time was fatally electrocuted.
New Water Plumbing Inc. pleaded guilty to failing to ensure that the fan was lifted, carried or moved in a way that would not endanger a worker. Click here for addtional cases.
So much for safety first in this household.
SafetyDude's Safety Tip of the Week
Cruise Ship Safety Tips
Last year, The Safetydudette and I had the pleasure of going on a two week cruise with Holland America. Upon our return, I sent out the Safety Tip below on Cruise Ship Safety.
With all the press that the Cruise Ship Industry is currently getting, I felt it timely to resend the tip out. People keep asking me if I will ever go on a cruise again. My response is that I just because a horrible accident has occurred, we shouldn't discount the whole industry. After all we still fly and drive. What about all the horrible accidents that occur there.
In my professional career, I have found that some Companies believe in Safety and honour their commitment to the safety of their customers. Unfortunately, at the same time I know of many companies that are just out to make the $$$$ and have little or no regard for the safety of anyone or anything.
I can assure you from our experience that Holland America is committed to their passengers safety. We had the opportunity of meeting with the ships Safety Officer and had a great discussion regarding the comprehensive in depth program they had on board. It impressed me that they were taking immediate action to address the findings of a fire that had recently occurred on another cruise line. While he couldn't provide me with full details of their terrorism plan, I learned enough about the Emergency Procedures to be very comfortable that is was quite extensive. At least on this cruise line, they don't take any chances when it comes to the safety of their passengers.
While on the Ship:
1. Read all of the emergency instructions and procedures provided. Check the back of the cabin door and for printed material provided within the cabin.
2. Know (and practise walk) at least two routes from your cabin to your assigned emergency assembly station. You will be scheduled to have a passenger safety briefing before departure, be in your cabin when the drill begins and use the stairways and passages as directed by the Ship's Crew Members to get to your assigned emergency assembly station.
3. If you are not required to actually put on your lift vest as part of the passenger safety briefing, when you get to your cabin practise putting your life vest on before ship departure. This is a good time to adjust the straps to your body.
4. When the ship is underway, use the handrails along the hall ways and stairs. Particularly when the seas are rough.
5. Outside decks and stairs should be treated as if they are slippery when they are wet. Expect that winds (possibly strong at times) and the motion of the ship will make keeping your footing difficult.
6. Regularly wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 30 seconds. Particularly after using the restrooms and before eating, drinking or smoking. Use the hand sanitizers if provided.
7. Contact the Medical Team if you experience any vomiting or diarrhea.
8. Be extremely careful with any smoking materials. Smoke only in authorized areas. Ensure that smoking materials are extinguished before leaving your stateroom.
9. Treat the Ship as you would a Hotel, know where your Fire Exits are from your cabin, main eating areas, pool areas, etc. in addition what to do in case of Fire. Know the difference between the Fire Alarm and the General Emergency Alarm.
10. If you don't use a bath mat in your tub/shower at home, here is a good time to use one. A slight motion of the Ship may be all all you need to lose your balance.
While on Shore:
1. Be food safety wise while on shore. Check out the visible sanitary conditions of the restaurant before ordering. If in doubt, better not! If there are animals and birds within the eating area, do you really think that the cooking area is treated any differently.
2. Limit the amount of jewelry that you wear while on shore. Don't advertise yourself to thieves as a profitable target.
3. Don't travel alone while on shore. The bigger the group the better.
4. Use the cruise line appointed shore excursion providers. Most cruise lines will wait for you if the excursion runs past the all aboard time if you use their provider.
5. Be careful when handling cash. Don't show large bills, or big wads of cash to anyone. Separate money into numerous "stashes". Have tip money readily available and separate from the large bills.
6. If confronted by a robber, remember that valuables and jewelry can be replaced.
7. When you return to the ship, wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 30 seconds. Use hand sanitizer if available.
Yes, I would still fly Nortwest Airlines.
Prepare your vehicle for Winter driving
For those of you who know me well; you know just how much I love snow. In my book it is a four letter word that isn't allowed to be used in my household.
For those of you who love the "stuff", I would be happy to request that my share gets dumped into your driveway instead of mine.
Unfortunately, though this great land of ours has four seasons. One of which provides us with the white stuff. Thus, representing a hazard to all of us when driving. Before the #$%@ hits the road, let's all get our vehicles prepared. Here are a few ideas:
1) Take your car to a mechanic and check out the following:
2) Install good winter tires.
3) Purchase winter wiper blades to cut through snow and ice instead of using regular ones throughout the year 4) Check the spray nozzles of your windshield-washer system.
5) Visually inspect your vehicle’s lights.
6) Keep a windshield scraper and small broom for ice and snow removal. 7) Maintain at least a half tank of gas during the winter season. 8) Plan long trips carefully.
9) Maintain your Cell Phone
10) If you must go out during a winter storm, use public transportation. 11) Dress warmly. Wear layers of loose-fitting, layered, lightweight clothing. 12) Prepare a Winter Car Kit by keeping these items in your car:
I think this is possibly the wrong Mechanic to take your Vehicle to!
Preventing Slips Trips, and Falls
Did you know that slips, trips, and falls are second only to automobile accidents in causing personal injury? On stairways alone, falls result in the majority of disabling injuries yearly, and there are thousands of minor injuries caused by slips, trips, and falls each year.
In Canada some sixty thousand workers get injured annually due to fall accidents. This number represents about fifteen percent of the "time-loss injuries" that were accepted by workers' compensation boards or commissions across Canada. Not mentioning a great economical loss, it amounts for a lot of pain and suffering and sometimes (much too often) even death.
Trips happen when your foot collides (strikes, hits) an object causing you to lose the balance and, eventually fall. Common causes of tripping are:
Slips occur when there is too little friction between a person's feet and the walking surface. Many factors can cause a slip, probably the most obvious causes are:
Falls can be caused by a number of things. Slips and trips frequently result in a fall. Falls also occur for other reasons, such as:
For the purpose of this Safety Tip, we want to focus on falls caused by slips and trips.
Good housekeeping is the first and the most important (fundamental) level of preventing falls due to slips and trips. It includes:
Changing or modifying walking surfaces should also be considered to prevent the potential of slip and trips from occurring.
Other actions to prevent slip and trips can include:
How to drive safely around wildlife
The Canadian Automobile Association claims that "In Ontario alone, one out of every 17 motor-vehicle collisions involves wildlife, and that number is on the rise due to climate change, human encroachment and an increase in some wildlife populations." These collisions between cars and wild animals can result in serious vehicle damage, personal injury or even death. 1) Expect the wildlife to be unpredictable Tosh Gierek, Wildlife Management Coordinator with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources says “While animal behaviour can be unpredictable, there are some precautions you can take while driving to help you steer clear of wildlife on the road.”
2) Watch for wildlife-warning road signs. These signs are posted where a history of wildlife collisions has occurred so reduce your speed. Drive as if you might encounter wildlife on the road at any moment • do not turn your interior lights • dim your instrument (speedometer, etc..) lights as low as possible • slow down when passing around any landforms or structures that animals could run out from behind • slow down around sharp turns • if driving at night, use high beams whenever possible • scan the road ahead for any kind of movement from shoulder-to-shoulder • watch for the glow of eyes
3) Exercise extra caution at dusk and dawn. Peak collision times are 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., when deer and moose are most active. “They stay relatively low-key during the day, sleep at night and move to and from their nighttime bedding areas,” Gierek explains. 4) Be mindful of the fall mating and migration season. Many animals look for mates in the autumn, thus they tend to travel and cross roads more frequently. Seasonal migration also means more critters are on the move. Peak times for collision in Ontario are the months of May, June, October, November and December 5) Reduce speed and stay alert. 6) If you spot wildlife while you’ re driving, slow down and pass carefully as precaution. 7) If you see one animal, expect more. As most animals travel in groups, driving slowly will give you the chance to stop in case other animals decide to follow. 8) Brake for moose. A 1,000 kg moose making contact with your vehicle might as well be a brick wall. These animals may escape the path of a vehicle by running along the road—a serious hazard for other drivers. If you encounter a moose while driving, if safe to do so, pull over to the curb, otherwise slow down to a very low speed until the animal leaves the road. 9) Stay in control. If wildlife is crossing or standing on the road, brake firmly. Do not assume an animal will move out of the way. Also, never swerve suddenly as this could cause your vehicle to veer out of control or head into oncoming traffic.
If it appears impossible to avoid the animal:
Sources and for more information http://www.wildlifeaccidents.ca/hints.htm http://caaneo.ca/about/blog/driving/tips-for-avoiding-wildlife-collisions http://www.caamagazine.ca/caadvice_articledetail.aspx?ContentId=988
Hopefully this nevers happens to any of you, or anyone who is dear to your heart.
Please click here to read a
Public Safety Reminder from the Chief Coroner for Ontario
Getting to and from School Safely
When crossing intersections without signals or crossing guards, children should:
When crossing intersections with signals, children should:
When crossing intersections with a crossing guard, children should:
When driving kids,:
If your child bikes to school,
When children are taking a bus to and from school:
From the Courts (via Ontario Newsroom)
Kone Inc., an international corporation that installs and maintains elevators and escalators, was fined $55,000 for a violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act after a worker was injured.
On July 2, 2009, two crews of Kone Inc. employees were working in adjacent elevator shafts at 181-183 Wellington St. in Toronto. An upper crew worked at taking apart a temporary platform in one shaft while a lower crew cleaned the bottom of the other shaft. Part of a support post was dropped by a member of the upper crew and it struck a worker from the lower crew, causing arm injuries.
Kone Inc. pleaded guilty to failing to ensure that materials were moved in a manner that did not endanger a worker.
Time for Tact, not Attack
The following is a interesting Safety Talk on handling workplace conflicts that I found in the depths of my computer. Hope you can make use of the tips contained within.
Conflict is a normal part of human relationships, even in the workplace. How you handle conflict helps determine your success and even your safety on the job.
You aren’t going to agree with or like everyone you meet at work.
You might disagree seriously with a co-worker about the right way to do something. You might feel he or she is trying to undermine your position.
Or there could be somebody who makes you feel annoyed all the time. Situations such as these can lead to anger, accidents and even violence if you don’t handle them properly.
In trying to develop positive responses to conflict, it helps to identify some of the responses that can make the situation worse:
Now consider some of these strategies for handling conflict:
You are not going to get along with everyone. Your co-workers have their own agendas and motivations which aren’t necessarily to make things easy for you. Learn to handle conflict calmly and confidently.
Click here for more information on handling workplace conflict
From the Courts (From Ontario Newsroom)
A Brampton company that recycles metal, was fined $75,000 for a violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act after a visitor to its scrap yard was injured.
On August 28, 2008, a scrap dealer drove into the company's Brampton scrap yard to sell a manually operated lifting device as scrap metal. The device had tipped in transport so the scrap dealer asked for help removing it from the truck. A worker tried to use a lift truck to stabilize the device and remove it from the truck. During this process the device tipped over and pinned the scrap dealer, injuring the dealer's leg, hand and rib.
A Ministry of Labour investigation found that the device to be lifted required specific lifting instructions that were not provided to the lift truck operator before the attempt to move it. The method of stabilizing the device was inadequate and no precautions were taken to ensure that lifting the device would not endanger any worker.
The Compnay pleaded guilty to failing to ensure that the manually operated lifting device was lifted in a way that would not endanger any worker.
ALWAYS pre-inspect your equipment !
SafetyDude Safety Tip of the Week
Always read your prescription label
Learn from my mistake......Always double check and read the label of your prescriptions.
The following is a true and embarrassing story that just recently happened to me. After all, I am the one that continually preaches to "read the label of the chemicals before usin them."
What concerns me is that when I tell this story to others I am told of cases of people getting the wrong persons medication, the wrong medication all together, etc.
For about the last year, I have been taking medication for high blood pressure and high cholesterol. The medication appears to be working as the Doctor has kept me on the same pills and dosage for the entire period of time. Two pills in the morning, one at bedtime.
I last saw the Doctor in January, and again got the same script for medication. Went to the local large discount retail Pharmacy to get the prescriptions filled.
Over the past few months, I have been experiencing extreme fatigue, muscle aches and pains, falling asleep with little effort, and general malasie. I put in off to the winter time blues. Those of you whom know me, know how much I just adore the Canadian winter. After all snow is a four letter word in my vocabulary.
Two weeks ago, I noticed that one of the bottles of pills was becoming close to being empty. How could this be? Did they not give me all the pills? I've only been taking the same two pills in the morning and one in the evening.
When I read the bottle label to see how many pills I got, and if I could get a refill, I noticed that the label states...."Take half a pill daily".
After consulting my Doctor and investigating the matter with the local Pharmacy, I learned that I should have been taking 12.5mg of the drug. The prescription was for 12.5 mg. But the Pharmacy didn't have the dosage so they replaced it with the 25mg dosage pill. They claimed they told me, but I clearly was not told of the change.
There are serious side effects associated with this medication inclusive of all the signs and symptoms that I have been experiencing. And much worse.
After correcting the dosage that I had been taking, everything has returned to normal. I consider myself lucky as my research leads me to belive that overdosing on this particular medication can be very serious.
So learn from my mistake..........Always double check and read the label of your prescriptions.
A Large retail grocer, was fined $350,000 last week for a violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act that caused a young worker's death.
In August of 2009, at the one of this company's stores in Mississauga, a young worker was helping the assistant store manager clear materials from the top of a cooler beside the meat department. The meat department was covered by a drop ceiling made up of acoustic tiles. The drop ceiling was accessible from the top of the cooler but it was not meant to be weight-bearing.
While removing materials from the top of the cooler, the assistant store manager indicated that a box needed to be removed from on top of the drop ceiling. The young worker stepped onto the drop ceiling to remove the box and fell through. The young worker suffered a fatal head injury.
A Ministry of Labour investigation found that there was no guardrail separating the drop ceiling from the area above the cooler.
The Company pleaded guilty to failing to ensure that a guardrail was in place to prevent workers from accessing the drop ceiling.
OOPs! I forgot to do my Pre-Use Inspection.
Good Housekeeping
Regardless of whether you are in the workplace, at home, or "at play", you need to follow standard Good Housekeeping principles.
Below is a Good Housekeeping Tip that I have used throughout my career. Your challenge is to consider your home as your workplace.
Think about your work bench at home, your kitchen, the mess you make while your cooking, even your clothes closets, etc. A clean and orderly workplace is more likely to be a safe workplace than an area full of dirt, debris and clutter. Less junk means fewer things to fall over, set fire to or get poisoned by. With less dirt there are fewer places for hazards to hide. Jobsite housekeeping is everyone's responsibility each day. Cleaning up spills and scrap, returning tools to their storage locations and keeping materials safely arranged are on-going tasks requiring your co-operation. When you think about it, once an area gets untidy or messy it takes longer to find the things you are looking for than it would be to clean it in the first place. How is the housekeeping in your work area? Try this checklist: • Is the area free of trash and scrap? Are trash receptacles emptied regularly? • What about dirt? Are work surfaces cleaned frequently to remove dust, grime and grease? • Are windows kept clean for good lighting? Is there enough light in the first place? • Do you report burned-out lights so they can be replaced promptly? • Do you clean up after yourself in the lunchroom and washroom, helping keep these areas dry and sanitary? • Do you help keep unnecessary materials, tools and equipment removed from the work area to reduce clutter? Damaged tools should be tagged so they can be repaired or discarded. • Are traffic lanes kept free of obstructions such as stored materials, cords and cables? • Do you watch for damage to steps and stairways? Report any hazards such as torn carpet, slippery treads or shaky handrails. • What about ladders? If defective, they should be tagged and removed from service. • Does everyone keep an eye on the condition of electrical equipment? Frayed cords, damaged insulation and other defects can result in shock or fire. • Is a regular maintenance schedule followed for equipment to prevent breakdowns? • Are there enough fire extinguishers of the correct size and type for your workplace. Are they serviced regularly? Is firefighting equipment easily accessible and not blocked by materials or equipment? • Are stairwells and exits kept free of flammable and combustible materials which could prevent escape in case of a fire? Keeping your work station clean and orderly is more than a matter of personal pride. It is an important measure for protecting your safety and that of your fellow workers.
A construction company, was fined $65,000 for violations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act after a routine inspection. Additonally, a supervisor with the company, was fined $2,000 in relation to the same inspection.
The company was constructing a hotel and retail space when a Ministry of Labour inspector conducted a routine inspection of the project. The inspector noticed that the entranceways to and from the work area were obstructed and issued an order to keep the routes clear. When the inspector visited the site the next day, the entranceways were still not clear.
The company was found guilty of failing, as a constructor, to keep the routes to and from the work area clear of obstructions and fined $40,000. The supervisor was found guilty of failing, as a supervisor, to ensure the same and fined $2,000.
The company was also found guilty of failing to comply with an order or a requirement by an inspector and fined $25,000.
Knew I shouldn't have parked my truck here.
Protect yourself at a Vehicle Accident Scene
A serious vehicle accident is a terrible, often traumatic situation to come across. Some people not directly involved in the accident drive right by and don't want to get involved or help. Sometimes, it is simply not safe for you to stop.
Others like myself, have that instinct to immediately jump into action to provide first aid for those injured. Most of the time, those drivers that do stop put themselves and others in harms way without realizing it.
Experts suggest that our first thoughts should be: "What can I do to protect victims from sustaining additional injuries?" The goal should be to make the scene as safe as possible.
Pausing for a few seconds, literally, and looking over the situation, you'll probably see several things that should be done before caring for victims.
Please keep these tips in mind the next time you stop at an accident scene to protect yourself and others.
· Probably the hardest thing to do is to ....remain calm. If others see you in control and calm, they will remain cool and calm.
· Pre-plan buy having the appropriate items in your vehicles emergency kit
o First aid kit
o Flashlight
o Flares (or strobe light)
o Reflective triangles
o Reflective clothing or vest
· It's best if possible to park your car safely out of the traffic lanes, and turn on your emergency flashers and head lights.
· If there are injured persons on the roadway, position your vehicle to protect them. Turn on your emergency flashers and headlight.
· If you have a reflective vest in your emergency car kit put it on, FIRST.
· Use road flares to alert on coming vehicles ONLY AFTER you have secured that there is no gas or fuel hazards.
· Instruct drivers of other vehicles to position their vehicles in such a way as to:
o Protect injured persons on the roadway
o Alert oncoming traffic of the accident scene
o Don't forget to tell them how to do this safely!
· Instruct several bystanders or passengers to call for Emergency Services.
o Make sure they know exactly where they are and how to relate it
o If the following information is known at the time that the call is being made, ensure that it is provided to the Emergency Services
o number of injured persons and their conditions
o number of persons trapped
o number of vehicles involved
o if power lines, fuel spills or other serious hazards exist
o Have them report back to you when they have completed the call
· Those persons not involved in assisting directly at the accident scene should be told to remain in their vehicle or well off the highway (not just on the shoulder of the road)
· Keep well clear if power lines are down and touching the damaged vehicles
· As safety permits, ensure that the motors of the vehicles involved are switched off.
· Don't allow anyone to smoke within 1000 feet of the accident scene.
· It is safer to leave injured persons in their vehicle secured by their seat beat than to have them walking or laying about the accident scene. Only remove those injured persons that have to be immediately removed to protect them from any chances of further injury.
A Toronto company that produces plastic auto parts using injection and blow moulding, was fined $50,000 for a violation under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, after a worker was injured.
A worker was working at the company's plant, where parts were assembled and spray painted. The worker was working indoors near a loading door.
Outdoors, a lift-truck operator was bringing in three stacks of large plastic containers into the plant. The operator was attempting to secure the third, and final, stack of containers on a forklift when the stack became unbalanced due to a build-up of snow and ice. The stack tipped and crashed into the loading door, injuring the worker inside.
A Ministry of Labour investigation found that the company failed to keep the ground in the area clear of accumulated ice and snow.
The Company was found guilty under the Occupational Health and Safety Act for failing to keep the floor or other surface that are used by workers free of obstructions, hazards and accumulation of refuse, snow or ice.
Not the best place to park your car
Apparently, your NOT ALLOWED to have an emergency at this location!
Heart Safety Tips
Please don't forget to ensure that the TWO Fire Hydrants closes to your house have been dug out from the snow.
I usually spend a couple of hours researching material that I have on file and the internet for information on my selected Safety Tip.
Last week at our BNI networking meeting, Anna Finlan the Registered Massage Therapists in our group presented the following as part of her 60 second informercial. I felt it very fitting to pass it along at this time, particularly as it relates to stress. Which does have a negative impact on your heart.
MASSAGE THERAPY (Immune System and Stress)
Regular massage therapy (every 4 – 6 weeks) can provide significant benefits beyond relaxation.
People who experience high levels of stress tend to get sick more often than others.
Combine stress with a lack of sleep, lack of exercise and poor nutrition, our body’s natural ability to protect against bacteria and infection is greatly reduced.
Massage therapy through increased circulation may increase the number of white blood cells while enhancing their ability to function.
They are your “killer cells” protecting you from invading bacteria. An increase in white blood cells will help to strengthen your immune system which have a positive impact on your health.
Consider following the path of prevention and have regular massage therapy to manage stress and boost your immune system
Ten Tips to a Heart Safety
1. If you don't already know the signs and symptoms of a heart attack, then you need to investigate and learn them. Regardless of your age. It could be someone you love that needs your help.
2. Same thing goes for the signs and symptoms of a stroke. What you learn now may save yourself or some one you love in the future.
3. See your Doctor for a full medical or physical every year without fail. Work with your Doctor to reduce your Blood Pressure or Cholestrol levels if they are high.
4. If you smoke, stop. Or at least reduce the amount by 50% in the next 3 months. Then another 50% in the next 3 months. and so forth.
5. Reduce your stress levels. Don't let people rent space in your head for free! Learn to leave work at work. Try Massage Therapy or Yoga.
6. Exercise and become physically active. 30 minutes daily is your target.
7. Limit your alcohol use. They don't say stop just limit it to reasonable levels.
8. Eat healthy, low fat. low cholesterol foods. Foods rich in Omega-3 are great for your heart.
9. Get at least 8 hours of slepp every night.
10. Maintain good oral health.
Don't forget Valentines Day is coming next week.
Shouldn't we show our love and admiration
to our precious loved ones everday?
Over the Christmas Holiday season, the Safetydudette and I had the opportunity of going on a 15 day Cruise on the Holland America Eurodam.
We were VERY impressed with the Safety Excellence demonstrated by the Officers and Crew of this ship. From "people safety" to "food safety" to "the safety of the environment" they continually impressed us with their level of commitment and knowledge.
We took advantage of the Kitchen tour, where we questioned the Crew Members as if we were auditing the workplace. Not only did they know all the right answers, but more importantly they were proud to offer explanations as to exactly why they take the steps that they do. They had no idea that we were Food Safety or Health & Safety Professionals. If only all organizations would care so much about their customers.
While on the Ship: 1. Read all of the emergency instructions and procedures provided. Check the back of the cabin door and for printed material provided within the cabin.
4. When the ship is underway, use the handrails along the hall ways and stairs. Particulary when the seas are rough.
5. Outisde decks and stairs should be treated as if they are slippery when they are wet. Expect that winds (possibly strong at times) and the motion of the ship will make keeping your footing difficult.
6. Regularly wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 30 seconds. Particularly after using the restrooms and before eating, drinkingg or smoking. Use the hand sanitizers if provided.
8. Be extremely careful with any smoking materials. Smoke only in authorized areas. Ensure that smoking materials are extinquished before leaving your stateroom.
While on Shore: 1. Be food safety wise while on shore. Check out the visible sanitary conditions of the restuarant before ordering. If in doubt, better not! If there are animals and birds within the eating area, do you really think that the cooking area is treated any differently.
5. Be careful when handling cash. Don't show large bills, or big wads of cash to anyone. Seperate money into numerous "stashes". Have tip money readily available and separate from the large bills.
For my Ice Fishing friends....Be careful where you park you vehicles.
Halloween Safety Tips
While researching for this week's Safety Tip of the Week, I came across countless excellent websites with safety tips related to Halloween Safety.
I encourage you to take the time to explore these websites if you have "little ones", or teenagers that are going out trick or treating.
Below are some of the more unique Safety tips that I found and thought important to pass on.
Nope ! Wouldn't catch me doing this.
He should be wearing a cut resistant glove (body suit???)
The WSIB Workwell program works with companies and organizations that have consistently maintained less-than-satisfactory safety records. The cost of failing a Workwell audit can be substantial.
Consider the following questions – if you relate to any or all, maybe the support of OperationSafety is just what your workplace needs.
Your answer: OperationSafety
As safety compliance experts, we are well-prepared to help you comply with the WSIB Workwell Audit. In fact, clients who have received our help have experienced a very high success rate.
Our most effective service, which will increase the culture of safety within your organization, is known as Safety24-7. The Safety 24-7 online health and safety program is designed to support the Employer in passing the WSIB Audit. We’ve experienced an extremely high success rate for those businesses that have followed what the program says.
Contact OperationSafety for WSIB Workwell support and guidance. Learn more about the programs we provide by contacting us as well.
Need a little more convincing that we are the best option for you? We are happy to offer a free Workwell assessment as well as a mini seminar on improving your culture of safety. Feel free to pursue one of these helpful options before taking your next steps.
We recognize the emotional and financial impact a workplace incident has on employees and their families, as well as the employer. In light of this, we believe that an extraordinary safety opportunity, designed to reduce the severity and frequency of workplace accidents, is worth investing in.
Through a variety of different programs and services, OperationSafety demonstrates commitment to helping employers protect their company reputation, their due diligence and, most importantly, their employees from injury.
Our workplace safety services specialize in understanding the inner workings of an organization and teaching employers how to implement an active and effective safety program. Our programs bring the meaning on safety to life and include:
