Too Hot to Handle: Gas Grill Safety

MAKE-IT-SAFE MONDAY

Summer and grilling go hand and hand, and you want to make sure you’re doing it safely. When grilling with a gas grill, things can get dangerous in an instant. Here are a few steps to ensure that your meal won’t come out smoking. 
         

Step 1 It is very important to read and follow the manufacture instructions that came with your grill. Often the instructions that come with the grill with have a few safety tips of their own and they can be very helpful.

Step 2 A well-maintained grill is key to having a safe and delicious meal. Cleaning and replacing any worn out parts are the best ways to maintain your grill. Cleaning your grill can make a huge difference when it comes to preventing a fire. Grease and left over food particles can ignite and cause a grease fire. Empty and clean out the grease tray in your grill regularly to ensure it never causes a fire. Cleaning your grill thoroughly once or twice a year is highly recommended. While cleaning your grill make sure all the major parts are working like hoses, burners, and valves. 

Step 3 Make sure you are using gas or propane correctly. While hooking up the propane tank make sure to connect all of the fittings while following the manufacturers instructions. It is important to check for leaks every time that you connect the propane. An easy way to test this is to coat the fuel line with soapy water and then turn on the propane.  Coat the fuel line again, and if you see any bubbles check for worn part or tighten the connections. Then repeat this process until you can’t find any bubbles.

Step 4 When lighting your grill keep the lid open. This will prevent the gas from building up and stop it from flashing off. Then turn on the gas, and open a valve. Then proceed to igniting your grill. If the burner doesn’t ignite close the valve, leave the grill open, and wait five minutes before trying to ignite the grill again. If your burners go out while you are cooking turn all of the burners off. Then shut off the gas and wait five minutes before trying to relight your grill.

Step 5 When grilling always keep a safe distance from the grill to avoid being burned. Grease can drip from your food and cause a flare up that can burn you. It helps to use grill utensils that are made for grilling. They will help prevent you from burning yourself. It is always a good idea to keep a fire extinguisher close by, and incase of emergencies, have a burn kit close by your side. 

Step 6 Finally, now that you are done grilling, and you have made a delicious meal with out burning yourself it is time to close all the valves and turn off you propane.  Enjoy yourself! Have a wonderful time in the beautiful warm weather, and the great outdoors! 

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 

Tree Trimming

MAKE-IT-SAFE MONDAY

Does your home or business have a large tree or bush that needs to be pruned? Most people will find themselves in a situation at least once every couple of years when an overgrown shrub or tree may need to be trimmed for safety and aesthetic purposes. Most people aren't aware of the many hidden dangers than can accompany this simple task.

Tools- Always check for dull blades. An unsharpened clippers or saw is more likely to cause an injury due to the excessive force that needs to be applied when operating. There is an increased chance the tool will slip off the cutting surface or the tool could be damaged from using excessive force. Remember to turn off power tools when not in use. Sharp tools should be stored in a safe place out of the reach of children.

Protective gear- You should always were safety glasses and gloves when pruning. Long-sleeved shirts, long pants, hard hats, and steel-toed shoes are recommended for larger jobs with risks of falling limbs or being cut by sharp thorns. A dust mask may be necessary to prevent sawdust from being inhaled. 

Surroundings- Check bushes or trees for poisonous foliage like poison oak and dangerous insects such as bee’s nest before you begin working. Never turn your back to a falling tree and be on the alert for flying debris. Always be aware of the people and property in your work area. If a falling branch or tree might put a house or fence at risk it is best to call a professional. 

Climbing- If you need to climb a tree to get to a specific branch begin by checking the strength and stability of any limbs that will be supporting your weight. Make sure to use appropriate fall protection and never climb with tools in your hands.

Electrical lines- Never trim branches near a power line! Always assume that any power line is live even if it was taken down by a storm. Your utility company will send out a trained technician to remove these branches. The power company’s phone number can usually be located on your electric bill or on their website.

Follow this simple tips and both you and your yard will be looking happy and healthy this year.

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

Brad Lindemann

Sales Coordinator, Lift’n Buddy, a Southworth Company 

Stop Sitting, Start Moving

MAKE-IT-SAFE MONDAY

Are you’re sitting down to read this? Don’t, it’s time to get off your chair and move around. Sitting is now considered one of the major causes of chronic disease in America. Researchers have discovered that prolonged sitting has a direct link to the disruption of our metabolic functions. Even people who have vigorous exercise routines will significantly shorten their lifespan by sitting at a desk for 8 hours a day. 

When you’re sitting, major muscle groups such as your legs and your core are not using energy. This causes your metabolism to slow down and increases the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity. Sitting stationary for 40 hours a week and then extrapolated over months and years will take a huge toll on your health and well-being. 

There are actions you can take at work to prolong your life:

• Go for a walk instead of having a meeting in your office or conference room. Walking meetings give you a chance to get some fresh air, they get the creative juices flowing, and successful CEOs such as Steve Jobs swore by them. 
• Stand up while talking on the phone. Motion creates emotion; you’ll be more energetic and passionate about what you’re doing.
• Is there an elevator or escalator in your office? If your answer is yes, then there are also stairs. Taking two flights of stairs daily helps you burn enough calories to lose 6 pounds a year. 
• Take a 15 minute walk on your break instead of sitting in the break room. You can also do body squats, lunges, or stretches right at your desk to get the blood flowing.  

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

Brad Lindemann

Sales Coordinator, Lift’n Buddy, a Southworth Company 

Weather the Storm: Tornado Safety

MAKE-IT-SAFE MONDAY

While summer does bring warm weather and clear skies, but it can also bring severe weather like Tornadoes. Every year 1,200 tornadoes hit the U.S., and on average cause 60 fatalities and $400 million dollars in damage is done. Tornadoes are very dangerous, and if you don’t know how to protect yourself in a storm it can have drastic results.

Severe thunderstorms are spontaneous and can produce a tornado in minutes. That is why you must be prepared, and know what to do if you find yourself in the path of a tornado.

If possible, find cover in a basement or cellar below ground. This will protect you from the wind and debris. If you don’t have a basement or cellar find shelter in the inner most part of the building. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside of the building. Make sure to stay away from windows and doors. Once you have found your shelter find a sturdy object like a table and hide underneath it. Then cover your head and neck with your arms, and if possible find other objects to cover yourself like pillows and blankets. Helmets can be used for extra head protection.

If you are in a car, drive to the closest building to find shelter. If you can’t find shelter, pull your car to the side of the road, keep your seat belt on, and put your head below the windows. If you have any objects in your car like a blanket or jacket, use them as a cushion to protect your head. When pulling over on the side of the road do not park underneath an overpass, and never try to out run a tornado in an urban area.

If you aren't in a car and you are stuck outside, find the lowest point in the area, and lie face down with your hand over your head. Ditches are a common low point used for shelter. If you follow these tornado safety tips it can reduce your risk of injury or even death. 

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 

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