Harvest Time Driving Safety

MAKE-IT-SAFE MONDAY

It’s that time of year again. The leaves are changing, and farmers are starting to harvest their crops. This increase in large equipment on roadways, leads to an increase in accidents in farming communities.  A study at Iowa State has shown that almost half of all collisions involving farm vehicles happen from October through November. 

The most common of these collisions occur when a distracted driver runs into the rear end of a farm vehicle, or when a passing motorist hits a farm vehicle trying to make a wide left turn. Data by the Iowa Department of Transportation shows that collisions involving farm vehicles are five times more likely to produce a fatality than any other type of motor vehicle accident. This is why drivers need to be on the lookout for farm vehicles.

Many motorists do not know the limitations of large farm vehicles. In order to make a wide enough left turn, the equipment operator might need to turn to the right slightly. Motorists see this slight right turn and assume the farm vehicle driver accidentally signaled to go left when they meant to signal right. This causes impatient motorists to begin to pass the farm vehicle only to have that vehicle start to turn left, and cause a collision. 

Farm equipment lighting may also not be very well maintained, especially the rear lighting. This may also contribute to rear end collisions. Motorists driving late at night might not notice the farm vehicles. 

Farm machinery travels slower than normal traffic, often at speeds of 25 miles per hour or less. Automobile drivers need to quickly identify farm equipment and slow down to avoid rear end crashes.  It is a good idea to stay back at least 50 feet so you remain visible to the equipment operator.

Vehicles aren't the only thing that drivers need to be aware of. The harvesting of crops like corn disturbs the habitat of wild animals. Deer are the leading cause of animal related car accidents. Motorists should be on the lookout for deer that are moving at this time of year.

To avoid accidents during the harvest season, keep an extra eye on the road, and always be patient when driving near farm vehicles.

Thank you for your time and attention.  Let’s make it safe this Monday.

Lucas Wertish
Demand Generation Specialist, Lift’n Buddy, a Southworth Company

National Recovery Month

MAKE-IT-SAFE MONDAY

Millions of people around the world deal with mental illness and substance abuse on a regular basis. Chances are you have a co-worker, family member or friend that has suffered from a mental illness or dependency issues with alcohol or drugs. Vincent van Gogh, Winston Churchill and Abraham Lincoln are just a few of a long list of famous individuals that have struggled with mental disorders. September is National Recovery Month and today on Make-It-Safe Monday we would like to raise the awareness of those suffering from mental illness and substance abuse.

Mental illness is not fully understood by the medical community but most believe that it is caused by a combination of genetics, brain injuries, infections, drugs or alcohol. An abnormal balance of chemicals in the brain will inhibit certain nerve cells from sending messages correctly from different areas of the brain. Drugs and alcohol can also temporarily and permanently change the chemistry and damage nerves in the brain. This can cause severe anxiety and social isolation which can lead to depression. If not treated, it can eventually lead to individuals harming themselves and others.

It may not always be easy to tell if some has a mental illness or substance abuse problem but if you see some of the following characteristics from someone you are around on a daily basis it might be in both of your best interest to approach the subject of seeking treatment.

• Social withdrawal
• Difficulty preforming familiar tasks
• Problems with concentration or memory
• Loss of initiative
• Dramatic sleep and appetite changes
• Mood swings
• Suicidal thoughts or tendencies

It is very important to seek help for a co-worker or friend that has suffers from mental illness.  It is extremely dangerous in certain situations to work with an individual that could cause serious harm to themselves or others. There are many organizations and professionals on the local and national level dedicated to helping with recovery.  The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a federal government organization dedicated to prevention, treatment and recovery. SAMHSA offers dedicated national helplines (1-800-662-HELP) and the SAMHSA.gov website provides multiple links to online resources and local treatment centers.

Mental health is a serious issue that needs our full attention. The recent increase in school and work place shootings is a reminder that it is of the utmost importance that we recognize the warning signs of the people around you. With proper care and treatment roughly 90% of adults are able to lead happy and fulfilling lives.

Thank you for your time and attention. Let’s make it safe this Monday.

Brad Lindemann

Sales Coordinator, Lift’n Buddy, a Southworth Company

There is NOTHING More Important Than Safety in the Workplace

MAKE-IT-SAFE MONDAY

In a couple short weeks (11 days to be exact at the time of this writing) Lift'n Buddy, A Southworth Company, will attend the National Safety Council Congress and Expo in Chicago, Illinois.  This event not only allows us to showcase our innovations, but to go shoulder-to-shoulder with what is new in safety, industry regulations and policies, and to get all the necessary inputs to be on the cutting edge of safety in the workplace.  Afterall, there is nothing more important than safety in the workplace.  It's about saving lives!  Check out the following youtube video on this event and see the info from the NSC website below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpC3x5IzvAo#t=42

About the event

The NSC Congress & Expo is the world's largest annual "must attend" event for safety, health and environmental professionals. For more than 100 years, professionals have turned to this event for industry-leading technology, education, networking opportunities and the tried and true products and services needed to stay at the forefront and remain competitive within the industry.

In 2010, NSC introduced the Journey to Safety Excellence philosophy, which can help you and your company answer the following questions regarding its current safety program:

• Where are you now – and where do you want to be?
• How will you move forward?
• How do you manage your improvement and measure your progress?

Congress is designed to build awareness of the tools available to you and your organization as you continue down the path to safety excellence.

The NSC Congress & Expo experience offers:

• Educational Opportunities
  Attendees don't have to hunt through blogs for perspectives on trends and best practices - they can choose from a host of carefully selected opportunities led by verified safety experts. And because safety challenges come in all shapes and sizes, presenters make time for Q&A at the end.
  • Keynotes
    Hear nationally recognized leaders and motivational s from both the public and private sectors speak about current and future issues affecting the industry.
  • Technical Sessions
    Participate in more than 130 technical sessions, selected by a team that has hands-on knowledge of the latest industry trends providing the most comprehensive information needed to face today's challenges.
  • Professional Development SeminarsParticipate in more than 30 seminars providing in-depth, hands-on opportunities to focus on continued professional growth.
• The Expo Floor:  With both employee safety and budget-friendliness in mind, attendees can compare vendors for a particular product in one place over the course of three days. The time and energy put into researching options is minimized - and face-to-face communication ensures questions are answered and needs are met.
• Explore the Expo floor offering 190,000+ net square feet of more than 900 companies showcasing the latest innovative products and services. You'll also find the New Product Showcase area, the Solution Center, OSHA's Top 10 most cited safety violations and solutions from the International Safety Equipment Association.
• Networking EventsNetwork and unwind with like-minded professionals during Rock 'n' Community: Connections for a Cause and the National Awards Celebration.

Who attends and why?

The NSC Congress & Expo attracts decision makers, end users and distributors from a wide variety of industries including: manufacturing, construction, petrochemical and utilities. Coming from the United States, Canada and more than 60 other countries, these individuals range in experience from entry level to seasoned safety professionals representing companies such as Boeing, Schneider Electric, BP, Industrial Scientific, Kimberly Clark, URS, RockTenn Norcross, Fruit of the Loom and more.

Who exhibits?

Hundreds of industry-leading companies from around the world exhibit offering products and services in the following categories: general safety products, personal protective equipment, hazard controls and fall protection. Additionally, vendors specializing in facility maintenance and operation, environmental protection, ergonomics and risk management are in attendance to showcase their latest safety solutions. The show not only features large companies such as Honeywell, 3M and Grainger but hundreds of small to mid-size companies.

Come and visit us at Booth #526, and see how Lift'n Buddy is an agent for change in the modern day workplace. In the meantime check us out at liftnbuddy.com and LIKE us on Facebook.

Thank you for your time and attention. Let’s make it safe this Monday.

Aaron Lamb
General Manager, Lift'n Buddy , a Southworth Company

Keep Your Eyes On Safety

MAKE-IT-SAFE MONDAY

Thousands of work related eye injuries occur every day in United States. 10% of these require at least one or more days off to recover from injuries. The financial burden placed on employees and employers costs hundreds of millions of dollars every year. The quality of life decline after the loss of sight in one or both eyes cannot be measured monetarily. 

Most eye accidents are caused by industrial equipment that can send particles of wood, metal or concrete into the eye. Small particles can cause abrasions to the eye while large objects staples or wood slivers can penetrate the eye causing permanent blindness. Ropes or chains can cause a whipping effect when released under tension. This can cause not only damage to the eye but to the eye socket. Falling tree limbs are another major concern, as it will cause splinters and you are typically looking up while working on a tall tree.

People working around welders must take extra precautions because of the multiple ways eye damage can happen. The bright light given off by arc welders consists of visible light, ultra violet radiation, and infrared radiation. Without the proper protection the arc flash can cause pain, irritation, scarring of the retina, and both temporary and permanent blindness.  Sparks from a welder or grinder that land in the eye can cause painful burns. The arc flash and sparks will not only effect the welder but standing nearby is also at risk. 

Construction workers and welder are not the only ones that need to be concerned. Medical providers, lab technicians, and animal handlers need to be protected against chemical burns and bodily fluids that can spread disease. Infectious material can be transferred into the body through the mucous membranes of the eye. Rubbing your eyes with dirty hands, spraying bodily fluids or coughing can easily spread diseases such as Hepatitis, HIV, or the flu. Acidic or alkaline chemicals can cause severe burning and permanent damage to your eyes. 

Many options exist for eye protection depending on the application. Safety glasses with impact-resistant lenses are the most common type of protection. These are usually the most comfortable and unobtrusive making them the most likely to get used.  Goggles are the most effective form of eye protection because they create a seal to keep out dust, liquids, and vapors. Face shields are often used by welders and medical staff to protect the entire face. It is suggested to use a face shield with goggles as a face shield is not a primary form of eye protection. Be sure to install an eye wash station in an area where caustic chemicals are used. 

Always take advantage of any safety devices available because you only get one body and you need to take care of it the best you can. Keep both eyes on your future and don’t get caught without your safety glasses.  

Thank you for your time and attention. Let’s make it safe this Monday


Brad Lindemann
Sales Coordinator, Lift’n Buddy, a Southworth Company

Here's to you, Laborers!

MAKE-IT-SAFE MONDAY

After a refreshing Labor Day, it is a good time to reflect on what this occassion is all about, and frankly, to keep the celebration and recognition going.  

Indeed, this day is about you, the worker.  Nice, right!  It is a time to thank those magical hands that toil, and build, and create, and do.  However, we get the day, the singular day, off.  Most of us anyway.  Let's take a look back on this much deserved day's historical meaning.

According to Wikipedia, labor Day in the United States is a holiday celebrated on the first Monday in September. It is a celebration of the American labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of their country.

Labor Day was promoted by the Central Labor Union and the Knights of Labor, who organized the first parade in New York City. After the Haymarket Massacre, US President Grover Cleveland feared that commemorating Labor Day on May 1 could become an opportunity to commemorate the affair. Thus, in 1887, it was established as an official holiday in September to support the Labor Day that the Knights favored.

The equivalent holiday in Canada, Labour Day, is also celebrated on the first Monday of September. In many other countries (more than 80 worldwide), "Labour Day" is synonymous with, or linked with, International Workers' Day, which occurs on May 1st.

In 1882, Matthew Maguire, a machinist, first proposed the holiday while serving as secretary of the CLU (Central Labor Union) of New York.  Others argue that it was first proposed by Peter J. McGuire of the American Federation of Labor in May 1882, after witnessing the annual labour festival held in Toronto, Canada. Oregon was the first state to make it a holiday on February 21, 1887. By the time it became a federal holiday in 1894, thirty states officially celebrated Labor Day.

Following the deaths of a number of workers at the hands of the U.S. military and U.S. Marshals during the Pullman Strike, the United States Congress unanimously voted to approve rush legislation that made Labor Day a national holiday; President Grover Cleveland signed it into law a mere six days after the end of the strike. The September date originally chosen by the CLU of New York and observed by many of the nation's trade unions for the past several years was selected rather than the more widespread International Workers' Day because Cleveland was concerned that observance of the latter would be associated with the nascent Communist, Syndicalist and Anarchist movements that, though distinct from one another, had rallied to commemorate the Haymarket Affair in International Workers' Day.  All U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and the territories have made it a statutory holiday.

Obviously, as Wikipedia goes on, this day is about YOU the worker.  Putting the normal safety jargon aside, here are some fun Labor Day facts:

Labor Day has come to be celebrated by most Americans as the symbolic end of the summer. In high society, Labor Day is (or was) considered the last day of the year when it is fashionable to wear white or seersucker.

In U.S. sports, Labor Day marks the beginning of the NFL and college football seasons. NCAA teams usually play their first games the weekend of Labor Day, with the NFL traditionally playing their first game the Thursday following Labor Day. The Southern 500 NASCAR auto race was held that day from 1950 to 1983 in Darlington, South Carolina. At Indianapolis Raceway Park, theNational Hot Rod Association hold their finals to the U.S. Nationals drag race. Labor Day is the middle point between weeks 1 and 2 of the US Open Tennis Championships held in Flushing Meadows, NY.

In the U.S., most school districts that started summer vacation 1-2 weeks into June will resume school the day after this day, while schools that had summer vacation begin on the Saturday before Memorial Day in late May will have already been in session since late August. However this tradition is changing as many school districts end 1-2 weeks into June and begin mid-August.

Thank you for your time and attention. Let’s make it safe this Monday, or Tuesday ;).

Aaron Lamb
General Manager, Lift’n Buddy, a Southworth Company