Summer Safety

MAKE-IT-SAFE MONDAY

The weather is getting warmer, more people are getting outside, and overall everyone is seeming happier. Yes, it is indeed approaching summertime fast! With the sun staying out longer and the weather getting warmer, there are many things to do to enjoy the season of summer. However, just like any other season of the year, it is very important to make sure to always consider the safety aspect of any activities you do.

How about biking? Biking is a hobby of many people because not only is it a fun and efficient way to get around, but it is also very good for your health. However, just like jogging in the streets, there are safety precautions that should be taken to ensure that you have a fun and safe time while riding, these include:

• Wearing helmets to greatly reduce the risk of brain injury. 
• When riding at night, always wear reflective clothing, a headlight, and add a rear reflector to your bike.
• Ride with the flow of traffic, not against it.
• Follow the rules of the road, and obey all traffic signals and signs.
• Use directional hand signals when turning.

Swimming at pools or lakes is another very common summer activity. Swimming is a fantastic exercise, plus it is also very fun to get together with friends and family and soak up the sun while staying cool in the water. Here are some tips on staying safe when swimming:

• Swim at places that have lifeguards when possible.
• Always use the buddy system by swimming with a friend.
• Always check local weather conditions and warnings before swimming. Avoid dangerous conditions like thunderstorms or strong currents.
• Avoid drinking alcohol before and during water activities as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that among adolescents and adults, alcohol use is involved in up to 70 percent of deaths associated with water recreation.

Soaking up the sun is a very healthy thing as sunlight gives our bodies vitamin D. However, when in excess, exposure to the sun can cause sunburns which can in turn lead to skin cancer. Here are some tips on how to obtain just the right amount of sunlight to stay healthy:

• Wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Be sure to reapply your sunscreen as directed.
• Wear protective clothing such as hats and sunglasses to minimize the effect of the sun’s rays.
• Sweating in the heat of the sun requires you to stay hydrated so keep water or sports drinks on hand if you know you will be out in the heat for an extended amount of time.

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

Phil Kwitek

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

Listen Here

MAKE-IT-SAFE MONDAY

Loss of hearing is a very common occurrence in America. Approximately 30 million Americans are affected by hearing loss, and 1/3 of those cases are noise induced (NIOSH).  Also 50 million Americans also have tinnitus or ringing in the ears. This ringing is an early sign of noise related hearing loss. In 2008 around 2 million American workers were in working conditions that put them at risk for hearing loss. The most commonly affected group in 2007 was workers in the manufacturing sector (NIOSH).

Workers that are around loud machinery constantly are at a very high risk of losing their hearing. The highest amount of noise that and ear can be exposed to throughout an 8-hour workday is 85 dBA. When the noise level increases by 5 dBA the exposure time that a worker can handle is cut in half. When the average circular saw runs at 105 dBA it isn’t uncommon for workers using power tools all day to have issues with their hearing. This is why ear protection is so important to workers and their employers.

Hearing protectors come in five styles: muffs, foam, pre-molded, custom, and canal caps. Each type of hearing protectors has its advantages. One of the most common forms of ear protection, in the workplace, is the foam earplug. They are very inexpensive and very easy to use, but they aren’t good for daily use because they do not last for an extended period of time. Another option is using earmuffs. Earmuffs are better for jobs that require the user to remove their ear protection constantly because they are simple and quick. A few downsides are the fact that they cause sweating, and they can become uncomfortable after repetitive use or if the user wears glasses. When it comes to a comfortable fit the best option is to purchase ear molds. If someone uses ear protection everyday, and wants a comfortably fitting ear molds are a good match. They are easy to use, they last a long time, and they are adjustable for maximum noise insulation. The downside is that there is a fitting procedure required in order to make the ear molds, they need to be kept clean, and they must be tested every two year to make sure they are functioning properly.  In the long fun ear molds can be worth the extra money.

With hearing loss being such a common issue in the workplace, it is important that all workers are using the correct hearing protection. Hearing loss is 100% preventable, and there is no excuse for a worker not to be using any sort of ear protection especially with all the option available to them.

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 

Take the Extra Step to Safety

MAKE-IT-SAFE MONDAY

We've all heard the common saying, “the first step is admitting you have a problem.” We spend a substantial amount of time writing safety tips for you, but all of this is useless unless you can stop and identify the potential safety issues in your workplace or home that need to be addressed. It’s important to be able to identify safety and health issues that could be relevant for your situation. 

Some questions that OSHA recommends asking are:

• Do you or your co-workers have injuries or health complaints?
• Who has been hurt or affected? 
• Where do these complaints generally occur? 
• What could be causing these problems?

Common issues in the workplace are: 

• Slips and falls,
• Injuries with moving machinery,
• Fire,
• Violence,
• Chemicals,
• Physical conditions (noise and temperature),
• Repetitive muscle strain (Carpal tunnel, back injuries, and knee injuries).

Strategies for finding and addressing any issues:

• It’s important to walk around your workplace and try to notice potential safety issues. 
• Be sure to ask the employees if they've noticed any potential dangers that need to be addressed. 
• Ask yourself if you can completely eliminate the hazards you find; if not, how can you control the risks so harm is less likely? 
• Once you finish assessing your workplace, make sure you keep records of your findings and what you did to solve any potential hazards. 
• Set up a plan to reevaluate your workplace safety at least twice a year. 

Here at Lift’N Buddy we value your safety and the safety of the people around you.  Safety isn’t something to put on hold; admit that you have a potential problem and do not wait to address it. Figure out what potential problems exist and do something to fix them. 

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

Christopher Feigal

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

Breathe Easy: Mold and Asbestos

MAKE-IT-SAFE MONDAY

How much do you know about the building you work in?  Have class in? Or even live in?  Many buildings are older or not taken care of very well and can pose serious health risks for those that spend time in them.   Older buildings are sometimes known to have asbestos in them and any building can have mold growing in it.

What is asbestos?  Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral and was commonly used as a building material from the 1940’s to 1980’s.  Asbestos was chosen because of its very good insulating properties, fire resistance and durability.  In the 1980’s however it was found out that asbestos poses serious health risks.  Asbestos has very small microfibers that it gives off and breathing them in can be very detrimental to one’s health.  These fibers have been proven to cause a buildup of scar-like tissue in the lungs of those who breathe it.  This scar-like tissue is called asbestosis and it can result in loss of lung function that often progresses to a disability and death.  This isn't the only problem asbestos poses.  Asbestos has been known to cause lung cancer and other diseases such as mesothelioma.  

Asbestos isn't the only thing that can be in your walls that can harm you.  Mold has been known to also cause serious health risks.  Mold can start growing in a building because of the tiny spores that the mold releases into the air.  These spores can travel anywhere the air does including indoors.  If the spores land on an area where they can grow they will.  Common areas are basements and walls, but it can grow anywhere.  The spores that the mold gives off are the root cause of the health risks that the mold has associated with it.  Once the spores are inhaled they can cause issues such as lung irritants, coughing, asthma attacks, and even permanent lung damage.  The mold spores are also known to cause other issues like itchy eyes, sneezing, and allergic reactions. 

Both mold and asbestos can be in the building you are reading this in right now.  It’s a little scary to think about, but being informed on what can be done will help.  Asbestos can be present in older buildings and you can contact the owner of the building or get an asbestos test.  Mold can be seen by the naked eye it is commonly in walls of damp areas.  For mold you can also contact the building owner and see if mold is growing in your buildings.  In really damp areas you can commonly smell the musty odor of mold.  

Getting rid of asbestos and mold is not an easy task.  In most cases it is necessary to hire a professional for the removal of both asbestos and mold. Contractors are recommended because they are trained to remove the hazardous materials without releasing more fibers or spores into the air.  

Asbestos and mold are both very dangerous. Take precautions and get them removed so you can breathe safely and stay healthy.    

Thank you for your time and attention! Let's make it safe this Monday!

Dale Bromenshenkel

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

Beat the Heat

MAKE-IT-SAFE MONDAY

With summer just around the corner, the weather is finally warming up and it’s important that we prepare for the heat that is coming. Heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke are all heat related emergencies that most people are uneducated about. During a heat wave, it’s important to know and understand the symptoms of heat related illnesses and what you should do should you see these symptoms in yourself or someone around you. 

The least threatening heat condition is called heat cramps. According to the Red Cross, heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms that usually occur in the legs or abdomen caused by exposure to high heat and humidity and loss of fluids and electrolytes. This is often an early sign that your body is struggling with the heat.  You should take immediate action to replenish your fluids and find a cooler place such as a shaded area until your body can fully recover. 

A more severe condition is known as heat exhaustion, this often occurs during strenuous activities and/or physical labor in high heat and humidity.  According to OSHA, signs of heat exhaustion are dizziness, headache, sweaty skin, fast heartbeat, nausea, general weakness, and cramps. If you see or feel any of these symptoms, immediately move the person with symptoms, whether it is yourself or someone else, to a cooler place, remove any tight clothing and apply wet towels to the skin. Make sure the person drinks small amounts of cool water and closely monitor their condition. If their condition worsens, contact medical personal immediately. 

The most severe heat related illness is heat stroke, also known as sunstroke. According to Red Cross, this is a life-threatening condition in which a person’s temperature control system stops working and the body is unable to cool itself. Signs of heat stroke include hot, red skin, changes in consciousness, vomiting, and high body temperature. Quickly move the person to a cooler place, using rapid cooling methods by applying ice wrapped in cloth to their body. Also, immediately call 9-1-1, as heat stroke is a life threatening condition. 

The dangers of overheating are often overlooked. During a heat wave you should do your best to stay is cool, shaded areas. However, if you have to work outdoors make sure to drink plenty of fluids, wear light loose fitting clothing, and take frequent breaks from the heat. 

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

Christopher Feigal

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

Are You a Cell Phone Addict?

MAKE-IT-SAFE MONDAY

It’s a fairly obvious fact that Americans in today’s world love their cell phones. In fact, recent statistics from the website www.pewinternet.org show that over 91% of all adults have a cell phone, and of this 91%, 55% own smart phones in particular. It is definitely not uncommon in today’s world for people to consider themselves addicted to their mobile devices. Though these complex devices have managed to benefit our world in many ways, what many people don’t consider is the health risk of over-using their phones. 

There are a broad range of side-effects to over-using your cell phone. According to the website www.bostonglobe.com, some of these proven side-effects include sore hands and fore-arms from texting, sore and dry eyes, headaches, sore neck, and dizziness to name a few common ones. There are even side-effects such as “Nomophobia” which is the fear of having to go without your cell phone and “Phantom cell phone vibration syndrome” which is when you believe you feel a vibration from your phone when it really hasn't vibrated. 

So how does one avoid these symptoms? The website www.webMD.com advises these three techniques to help control your usage:

• Be conscious of the situations and emotions that make you want to check your phone. Is it boredom? Loneliness? Anxiety? Maybe something else would soothe you.
• Be strong when your phone beeps or rings. You don't always have to answer it. In fact, you can avoid temptation by turning off the alert signals.
• Be disciplined about not using your device in certain situations (such as when you're with children, driving, or in a meeting) or at certain hours ( for instance, between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m.). "You'll be surprised and pleased to rediscover the pleasures of being in control of your attention," Carr says.

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

Phil Kwitek

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

Staying Healthy at a Desk Job

MAKE-IT-SAFE MONDAY

Many Americans have jobs where they sit at a desk all day and there is nothing wrong with this, but these people are susceptible to certain health risks.  These jobs can facilitate in a sedentary life style and ergonomic health issues. 

If employees work in an environment that is mostly desk-bound it is important that the office is ergonomically designed with the employees in mind.  Without proper design workers could experience back issues after sitting improperly in chairs or have chairs that can hurt their backs over time.  When sitting in chairs for a prolonged period it is important to sit up straight, have your feet flat on the floor and hands out in a comfortable position.  It is also important for employers to provide chairs that appropriate for the job.  The chairs should be adjustable so they can be fit to the correct height for each employee.  The chairs should have lower back support to prevent lower back strain.  It is also important for desks to be ergonomically designed.  Not only should the chairs be adjustable, but the desks too.  Desks should be set at the correct height for each individual worker.  They also make desks that can be adjusted instantly and can even be raised high enough for a person to stand and work.  Switching between standing and sitting can help prevent skeletal and muscle issues.  

Workers that sit at a desk have a higher chance at living an inactive lifestyle.  This lifestyle can lead to anxiety, cardiovascular disease, deep vein thrombosis, depression, diabetes, colon cancer, high blood pressure, obesity, osteoporosis, and kidney stones. People should have 150 minutes of exercise every week. Although it can be difficult to find time it is important to stay find ways to stay active throughout the day. Every so often workers should stand up, stretch, and walk around a bit.  People are supposed to walk about an average of 10,000 steps a day.  For me personally 10,000 steps is equivalent to 4.5 miles.  Taking this many steps will keep you active throughout the day.  Most people have smart phones now and there are plenty of free apps that will track your step count.  My personal favorite is Pedometer++.  I encourage you to download one and see how many steps you take a day.   

There are some other issues facing workers that work in office settings.  One is eye strain.  Focusing on a computer can be very strenuous of the eyes, so it is important to take a break from the computer every once in a while.  If your job requires you to be on the phone a lot you should have a Bluetooth headset rather than using a phone.  When using a phone you have to either hold it up with one hand or kink your neck to hold it.  Kinking your neck several times a day could become strenuous on your neck.  The height of computer screens could also be an issue that could cause strain on your neck.  If the screens are placed too high or too low you may find yourself kinking your neck up or down.  The top of the computer screen should be eye level when the worker is sitting straight up.

Millions of people work at a desk every day and it is important to keep health and safety in mind.  Maintain good posture when working and take a break every once in a while to stretch your legs and give your eyes a break.

Thank you for your time and attention! Let's make it safe this Monday!

Dale Bromenshenkel

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