Tidbits – 11/26/07

Are you ready for Flu Season?
It is that time again…TIME TO GET A FLU SHOT. The worst months for the flu are generally December through February. The worst flu pandemic occurred in 1918-19 and caused an estimated 40 million deaths. Today, because of increased travel abroad, the CDC projects a pandemic could result in 2 to 7.4 million deaths globally (maybe more). Experts claim we are overdue for a pandemic; that is why they are watching the Avian Influenza so closely. One way to control the spread of the flu is by regularly washing your hands with soap and water.

You can get there from here
“You always pass failure on the way to success.” Mickey Rooney

Fall Reminder
The CPSC warns us not to put children to sleep in loose-fitting T-shirts or over-size clothes made from cotton or cotton blends. These garments catch fire easily and are associated with 200-300 ER-treated burns to children annually. Loose-fitting clothing stands away from the body, making contact with an ignition source more likely. Loose-fitting, non-flame-resistant clothing allows an air space next to the body that helps keep the fire burning, possibly injuring children. Snug-fitting garments need not be flame-resistant because they are made to fit closely against the body. Their stretchy fabrics make them comfortable. Snug-fitting sleepwear does not ignite easily and does not burn as rapidly because there is little air under the garment to feed a fire. Flame-resistant garments do not continue burning when removed from an open flame. Remember: Inflammable means it WILL BURN!

Be a giver not a taker
“If success is important to you, earn it by service to others not at the expense of others.” H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

From our friends at OSHA and WHO
-Use caution when working with torches or doing any type of hot work…workplace fires and explosions injure 5,000 workers every year.
-These workplace fires cost U.S. businesses more than $2.3 million each year.
-Did you know OSHA says approximately 10% of all workplace accidents are a result of people not following lockout/tagout procedures?
-These lockout/tagout violations result in more than 100 fatalities and 50,000 injuries every year.
-More than 17,000 Hazmat incidents occur every year.
-Back injuries account for one out of every five workplace injuries and 25% of compensation claims. According to the BLS more than a million workers suffer back injuries every year.
-The World Health Organization tells us that the Bird Flu (Avian Influenza) has spread to Europe with confirmed cases in Germany, Russia, and the United Kingdom.

Quote of the Week
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” Martin Luther King Jr.