Monday, November 17, 2008
Safety and Health Tip 46
There is a lot going on this time of the year and it is easy to lose focus of what we are doing. Many people are worried about the economy (are they going to lose their house or their job). The days are shorter and minds may wander and daydreaming can lead to trouble.
Supervisors need to routinely remind workers to FOCUS ON THE TASK AT HAND!
Employees need to Watch Out for co-workers (be your brother’s keeper!)
Everyone needs to step up their SAFETY PERFORMANCE!
Let’s all make sure that each of our co-workers goes into the holidays without injury. Take it upon yourself to improve or maintain the safety record. Speak up when you see an unsafe act or find an unsafe condition. Your action could prevent an injury or save a life. Ignore safety concerns long enough and someone will get hurt…I guarantee it!
Go ahead make a difference…just like Jimmy Stewart in A Wonderful Life!
Nobody wants a lifetime of regret…nobody!
Remember:
Eyes on Task; Mind on Task; Stay out of the Line of Fire; and 3-points of contact for Balance, Traction & Grip.
THANKSGIVING by the Numbers
20 – The average running speed of a turkey… (trying to avoid the dinner table)
86 – The biggest turkey ever raised tipped the scales at 86 lbs. Big Bird!
1621 – The year of the first Thanksgiving – WHAT NO FOOTBALL?
1863 – President makes Thanksgiving a National Holiday. Thank you Mr. President!
4,500 – Amount of calories the average person will ingest during Thanksgiving Dinner. WOW!
272,000,000 – Number of turkeys raised in the U.S. in 2007. Please pass the sweet potatoes!
11.17.08
The American Cancer Society reminds us that this week is the Great American Smokeout. Thursday, November 20th is the day. Are you still smoking? Here are some quick tips to help you quit smoking:
-Believe in yourself. You can quit. Think about some of the most difficult things you’ve done and realize that you have the guts and determination to quit smoking.
-Ask yourself, “What do I stand to gain by quitting?” Write down the reasons why you want to quit. Put these thoughts on paper and read them daily.
-Hang out with non-smokers - imagine yourself a non-smoker. Picture cigarettes as BAD!
-Drink lots of water. It will help to flush the nicotine and other toxins from your body. This may also help to reduce cravings by fulfilling the “oral desire” you may have.
-Set a realistic Quit date. Write it down. Make plans to achieve your goal and work toward it.
-Begin an exercise program. Exercise will keep you busy and is a great stress reliever.
-Avoid you nicotine triggers. Stay away from activities that stimulate your desire for a cigarette. Find a new healthy hobby (e.g., biking, walking, skiing, tennis, etc.)
-Whiten your teeth. Enjoy the new look of your bright smile and work to keep them white.
http://www.americancancersociety.org/
Search others for their virtues, thyself for thy vices. Benjamin Franklin
FLU Season is here – Keep those hands Clean
Health Care Professionals tell us the best way to avoid catching a cold or flu is by washing our hands. Always use soap and water. Lather your hands and wash them for at least 15 seconds. Make sure you wash around and under your nails and the backs of your hands before rinsing thoroughly. Dry your hands completely. Many of us just don’t take time to do it. A recent E. Coli outbreak in NE Oklahoma was spread by someone not washing their hands. Dozens were hospitalized (including me) and a healthy 26 yr old guy died. Wash your hands routinely and again:
-After going to the bathroom, taking a child to the bathroom or changing a diaper
-Before handling food items and after handling raw meat or fish
-After coughing, blowing your nose, or sneezing or wiping your child's nose
-Before eating a snack or meal (or feeding your children)
-After handling doors, hand railings, money, trash, etc.
-After a visit to a clinic or hospital or assisting a sick friend or relative
A flu shot is also a good idea in the fight against influenza. Shots are available at almost any clinic or physician’s office for a nominal fee. Other options include eating healthy, taking vitamin supplements, drinking plenty of water and getting plenty of rest. Your health is invaluable…don’t compromise it!
As I see it, every day you do one of two things: build health or produce disease in yourself. Adelle Davis
Electricity Kills
¢ $afety $ense ¢
ELECTRICITY CAN KILL YOU - Work Smart!
Improper identification
Unplugging the wrong circuit…
Not locking and tagging out the visual disconnect…
Not using a meter to ensure there is no power…
Every year a fatality or serious injury can be attributed to one or all of the above failures. The most recent involved unplugging the wrong circuit for a pump, resulting in serious flash burns. Victims convince themselves that they have a good excuse right up to the time of the accident. We’ll all heard excuses like:
"It’ll just take a second to fix this; we don’t need to remove the power"
"Hey go and pull the power on this so I can work on it"
"The power is OFF, so there’s no need to lock it out"
"We don’t need to lock it out…Come on…who’s going know?"
I’m sure you have heard others, but don’t get sidetracked with shortcuts!
Remember, electrical safety laws were put in place after the same failures were committed by long gone miners (and other workers)…………please don’t make the same mistakes!
Positively identify the equipment you are going to work on
Be sure the breaker, plug and receptacle are properly identified
Remove the power – you must physically do this yourself...don't rely on others
Lock and tag out the visual disconnect
Check the circuit with a properly rated meter to ensure there is no power
Yes, it does take a few minutes to work safely …
But, only a fraction of a second to lose your life!
Work SMART/Work SAFE…
and LIVE WELL!!!!!!!!!!
Thank a Vet
To the men and women of the Armed Services…we appreciate your sacrifice. Thanks for your service (past or present) to the greatest country in the world. God Bless American and God Bless our Veterans.
Respect Electricity
Extension cords are used everyday at work and at home. Sometimes when a piece of equipment is used as often as extension cords, people tend to get careless with the way that they handle them. Remember: Extensions cords carry electricity that can hurt you. You have to be very careful while using them.
You should consider your extension cord as a piece of sensitive equipment. You must take care and handle it properly. Look at the cord and plug before you use it. If the cord is broken or has bare wires, don’t use it until it is repaired. If the plug has loose wires or the metal prongs are broken or blackened — have it fixed before you use it. If you do have a problem with your extension cord, please contact your supervisor. Do not work with unsafe equipment. To care for your extension cords, don’t jerk them out of the socket. Always unplug them carefully. Don’t let them get caught in doors. Don’t run over your extension cords as this can damage them and can cause serious injury to you. Take care of your extension cords and they will take care of you! From Sanitors.com …thanks Beckie
Cold weather means increased hazards. Portable and fixed space heaters, including wood stoves, cause a disproportionate share of home fire deaths. Keep combustibles away from heat sources. Space heaters are involved in one-quarter of home heating fires, but three-quarters of home heating fire deaths.
-Winter clothing poses additional risk. Coveralls, jackets, gloves can all pose additional hazards. Gloves cause you to lose dexterity and also pose hazards around pinch points. Insulated coveralls can be dangerous if zippers and straps are left undone. Jackets pose similar hazards of getting caught by moving parts if not zipped up. But not wearing additional clothing can result in frost bite, so dress smart.
-Equipment hazards – Conveyor belts shrink up which can cause more material run off; mobile equipment needs time to warm up; windows and lights can get covered in snow, ice or mud which reduces visibility. Access ladders, stairways and walkways can become very slippery, so use handrails.
Quote of the Week - It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes short again and again, who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause, who at best knows achievement and who at the worst if he fails at least fails while daring greatly so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat. -Teddy Roosevelt From a speech given in Paris at the Sorbonne in 1910
Monday, October 20, 2008
Tidbits 42
Purchase only costumes, wigs and props labeled flame-resistant or flame-retardant. When creating a costume, choose material that won't easily ignite if it comes in contact with heat or flame. Avoid billowing or long trailing features. Do not use flammable materials for costumes…every year people are injured seriously because of homemade costume materials like gauze used as mummy wrap, etc.-Provide children with lightweight flashlights to carry for lighting or as part of their costume.
-Dried flowers, cornstalks and crepe paper are highly flammable. Keep these and other decorations well away from all open flames and heat sources, including light bulbs, heaters, etc.
-Use flashlights or battery-operated candles when illuminating Jack-o-lanterns. --Use extreme caution when decorating with candle lit Jack-O-Lanterns, and supervise children at all times when candles are lit.
-When lighting candles inside Jack-O-Lanterns, use long, fireplace-style matches and be sure to place lit pumpkins well away from anything that can burn including doorsteps, walkways and yards.
-Keep exits clear of decorations, ensuring nothing blocks escape routes. -Use flashlights as alternatives to candles or torch lights when decorating walkways and yards. They are much safer for trick-or-treaters, whose costumes may brush against the lighting.-Instruct children to stay away from open flames or other heat sources. Be sure children know how to STOP, DROP and ROLL in the event their clothing catches fire. (Stop immediately, drop to the ground, covering your face with your hands, and roll over and over to extinguish flames.) Cool the burn.
-Instruct children who are attending parties at others' homes to locate the exits and plan how they would get out in an emergency.
Thank You!
Feeling grateful to or appreciative of someone or something actually attracts more of the things that you appreciate and value in your life. Christiane Northrup
THINK SAFETY WHEN JUMP-STARTING A CAR
Cold weather is moving in so here are a few things you should know to safely jump-start your car’s battery.
1. Wear safety glasses or googles…Save your sight and see the future!
2. Batteries contain hydrogen and oxygen, two flammable and explosive gasses. Never smoke or operate any equipment that may cause a spark when working on a battery. The gasses may ignite and cause the battery to explode.
3. Check your battery for damage such as cracks, corrosive materials, and loose wires as often as you have your oil changed.
4. Make sure your jumper cables are rust and corrosion free and have no exposed wires.
5. Make sure you buy the type of battery that is recommended in your car owner’s manual.
6. Never throw a battery in a garbage dumpster or leave it in a parking lot, especially if it is cracked or
damaged. Take it to a service station and dispose of it properly.
7. Never jump-start your battery if your car’s fluids are frozen.
8. When buying a new battery, make sure its terminals are sturdy and large enough to allow the clamps of a pair of jumper cables to attach easily.
9. Call a professional if there is something you can’t handle.
Source: Prevent Blindness America
Week 42 Safety Tip - Keep It SIMPLE!!!
The Wisdom of Lou Holtz
Do the Right Thing!
Treat Others the Way You Want to be Treated!
Always Do Your BEST!
A Closer Look for Safety Sake
Do the RIGHT thing!
Follow the rules, wear your PPE, do your inspections and report any substandard conditions or actions. Above all, look out for each other.
Treat others the way YOU want to be treated
Respect all co-workers your supervisors, managers, subordinates and contract personnel. Do YOUR part – shoulder your piece of the burden. Work together for the good of the TEAM!
Always, ALWAYS Do Your BEST!
100% compliance means NEVER compromising on safety! Fatalities, injuries (and yes even citations) will come down, if we all do our part all the time. A half-hearted attempt is not good enough. Give Safety your best effort everyday, Everyday!
Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other. -J.F.K
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Tidbits 10-7-08
1.2 million – Number of work-related cases requiring days away from work (lost time)
87 – Percentage of the injuries that occurred during the normal (Mon-Fri) work week
66 – Percentage of lost time cases involving men
65 – Percentage of total lost time injuries that occurred between 8 am and 4 pm
62 – Percentage of the days away from work that were related to back injuries
60 – Percentage of injuries involving workers aged 20-44
40 – Percentage of injuries that were the result of a strain or sprain
34 – Percentage of injuries involving the trunk (including the back and shoulders)
30 – Percentage of cases involving musculoskeletal disorders
20 – Percentage of total lost time injuries that occurred between 4 pm and 12 am
7 – The median number of days missed Source: BLS
Cooler Weather means Increased Risk of Home Fires (from the NSC)
In 2006, 2,800 Americans unintentionally lost their lives to fires, flames and smoke, according to the National Safety Council. Exposure to fire, flame and smoke is the sixth-leading cause of accidental death in the U.S. As temperatures drop, the potential for home fire increases. The winter months account for the most fire deaths, especially during the holidays.
One of the most important things you can do to protect your family is install a smoke alarm. Properly working smoke alarms decrease your chances of dying in a fire by half, according to FEMA. Test and clean your smoke alarms once a month and replace batteries at least once a year. Replace smoke alarms once every 10 years. A few more tips:
Keep an eye on the location of portable heaters they start fires
Keep combustibles a safe distance away from fireplaces
Do not let candles burn unattended
Be sure not to overload extension cords
Buy an extinguisher for the house and keep it charged up
Make sure heating pads and blankets are in good condition or replace them
National Safety Council Supports 21 Drinking Age
Oct. 6th - The National Safety Council announced it has reaffirmed its public policy to support a national 21-year-old minimum legal drinking age. The policy, reaffirmed by representatives of the NSC at their annual meeting in Anaheim, Calif., includes this key statement: The National Safety Council supports the minimum drinking age of 21 and opposes any attempt to lower this age and reaffirms the need for Federal sanctions for states that violate this provision.
“The research is clear. Anything less than a 21 minimum drinking age leads to more deaths, particularly of our young adults. The 21 minimum drinking age has saved more than 25,000 American lives,” said Janet Froetscher, NSC president & CEO. “By reaffirming this policy, the NSC is making clear our fact-based understanding that if the drinking age is lowered, injuries and deaths will significantly increase. We learned this from disastrous experiments of lowering the drinking age in the 1970s and 80s. We can’t let it happen again.” Source: NSC.org
Quote of the week:
There can be no happiness if the things we believe in are different from the things we do. Freya Madeline Stark
Don’t Gamble with Safety!
Consider the risk - Those who gamble at the casinos, race tracks or bet on sports generally do so with their own money. If they gamble with somebody else’s money it can cost them dearly. "Tony says pay up by Friday or you won’t be walkin so good, no wha’d I’m sayin Vinny?" Taking short cuts is like betting with borrowed money…because you’re playing on borrowed time. Every gamble has risks… Don’t gamble what you can’t afford to lose!
Think about the "other guy"
We all need to follow safety policies and procedures. If you violate a safety policy it could cost you and your family dearly. A careless act by one employee often results in injury to an innocent co-worker or bystander, which is why we all have to watch out for each other. Keep your mind and eyes ‘Open’ and Speak up when you see an unsafe act or condition!
It takes TEAMWORK - Never make assumptions. If you see an issue, YOU OWN IT…Address it immediately! The other guys (or gals) might have missed it, so speak up. Better to be safe than sorry. We are all part of the team and it takes input from each of us to be successful. Please do your part, and Keep your team members SAFE!
Nothing is more important than Safety, NOTHING!!! - We all make mistakes, we all have off days…let’s watch out for each other…and get everybody home. I count on my team members, everyday…and they count on me. Your team is counting on you…DON’T let them down!
When you gamble with Safety…You bet Your Life! - Many people just can’t picture getting killed on the job. In fact, most of us can’t even see ourselves getting hurt at work. Yet every day, thousands of people just like are seriously injured. They were all thinking the same thing we are…’it won’t happen to me.’ Fact is while a small percentage of people die on the job, many more suffer disabling injuries. These people face a life far removed from what they once had. Many are never able to work again…many more have lost an eye or a limb. Lives are ruined or forever changed…all because someone thought safety was not important. It just takes a second, a Second to cause a lifetime of regret!
Monday, September 22, 2008
Safety Tidbits 9-15-08
16,000 – Approximate number of lives lost each year in alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes. Think before you get behind the wheel – Never Drink and Drive!
44,000 – Number of new cases of Leukemia that are diagnosed each year.
71,000 – Approximate number of new Lymphoma cases that are diagnosed each year September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month.
52,000 – Approximate number of people that die each year because of blood cancer.
Learn more at www.leukemia-lymphoma.org
17,000,000 – Number of that die each year because of heart disease and stroke. This year September 28th is World Heart Day and the theme is ‘Know Your Risk’
Why drug test in the workplace?
13.4 Million – Number of drug users 18 or older who are employed
The Bush administration will propose a rule early next week to require drug testing of miners who work in "safety sensitive" jobs in the nation's coal and non-coal mines.
U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration officials are pushing for speedy approval of the rule, offering the mining community and the public a tight 30-day comment period - less than half the time provided for two other rules proposed by MSHA this year.
"An alcohol- and drug-free mine program as proposed in this rule will contribute to the prevention of such incidents and provide all miners, regardless of what state they work in and the size of the mine they work for, equal safety protection from working alongside miners under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs on the job."
Labor Day History
The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, 1883.
In 1884, the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday, and the Central Labor Union urged similar organizations in other cities to follow the example of New York and celebrate a "workingmen’s holiday" on that date. The idea spread with the growth of labor organizations, and in 1885, Labor Day was celebrated in many industrial centers of the country.
Times are tough in the Labor Market
The number of unemployed persons rose by 592,000 to 9.4 million in August, and the unemployment rate increased by 0.4 percentage point to 6.1 percent. Over the past 12 months, the number of unemployed persons has increased by 2.2 million and the unemployment rate has risen by 1.4 percentage points, with most of the increase occurring over the past 4 months. Source: BLS
Quote of the Week
"Blessed is he who has found his work; let him ask no other blessedness."—Thomas Carlyle
Health Tip Number 38
Some Risk Factors
-Smoking — A Smoker`s' risk of developing coronary heart disease is 2–4 times that of nonsmokers. Cigarette smoking is a powerful independent risk factor for sudden cardiac death in patients with coronary heart disease; smokers have about twice the risk of nonsmokers. Now is a good time to quit...try acupuncture, I hear it works!
-High blood cholesterol — Your risk of coronary heart disease rises as your blood cholesterol rises. The risk is even greater when coupled with other risk factors like high blood pressure and/or smoking. A person's cholesterol level is also affected by age, sex, heredity and diet. Keep an eye on your cholesterol levels…and eat right!
-Too Much Booze! can raise blood pressure and lead to heart failure or stroke. It can contribute to alcoholism, cancer, obesity, suicide, and high triglycerides. Remember Everything in Moderation!
High Blood Pressure! — High blood pressure increases your heart's workload, which can cause it to thicken and become stiffer. It can also increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, congestive heart failure and renal failure. High blood pressure combined with smoking, high blood cholesterol levels, diabetes or obesity greatly increases the risk of heart attack or stroke. Monitor your blood pressure and take steps to control it. Find ways to relieve stress too so you can live a long healthy life!
-Obesity or Excess Fat! — People who are overweight (especially if the excess weight is around the midsection) are more likely to develop heart disease and stroke even if they have no other risk factors. Excess body fat increases the amount of work your heart has to do and raises blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It can also lowers HDL, ’good’, cholesterol levels and increases your chances of diabetes. Losing weight can be difficult, but a loss of 10 pounds can lower your chances of heart disease. Eat right, eat smart! Avoid high fat, high sodium, sugary foods!
-Lack of Exercise — Exercise regularly! A sedentary lifestyle can be a risk factor for coronary heart disease. Regular, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity helps prevent heart and blood vessel disease. The more vigorous the workout - the greater the benefits, but see your doctor first if it’s been a while since you’ve exercised. Any regular exercise will help if you stay with it. Remember physical activity can help control blood pressure, cholesterol levels, diabetes, and obesity. Exercise 30 minutes 3 times a week…you’ll look better, feel better and sleep better too!!!
-Diabetes — Approximately 75% of diabetics die of a form of heart or blood vessel disease. This disease increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, heart disease and stroke, which is why diabetics need to keep tabs on their health and work with local physicians to control the risk factors. It’s your life so, Take care of yourself!
Friday, September 12, 2008
Safety Tidbits - 9/11/08
19 – Number of Hijackers that died during the attacks
2,966 – Number of victims (official counts range from 2,749 to 2,966 and the estimated total number of lives lost is around 3,400)
1,609 – Number of people who lost a spouse or partner
3,051 Number of children who lost a parent
266 – The number of people that were on the four planes
125 – Military and civilian personnel at the Pentagon
2595 – Number of people in the World Trade Center
· 343 NYFD firefighters and paramedics (1 NYFD firefighter was killed by a man jumping off the top floors
· 23 NYPD police officers
· 37 Port Authority police officers
· 1,402 people in Tower 1
· 614 people in Tower 2
· 658 people at one company, Cantor Fitzgerald
· 1,762 New York residents
· 674 New Jersey residents, and
· 327 foreign nationals
Attitude…it really is important
-Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference. Winston Churchill
-Our attitudes control our lives. Attitudes are a secret power working twenty-four hours a day, for good or bad. It is of paramount importance that we know how to harness and control this great force. Tom Blandi
-Work is either fun or drudgery. It depends on your attitude. I like fun.
Colleen C. Barrett
-We cannot change our past. We cannot change the fact that people act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. Charles Swindoll
-Change your thoughts and you change your world. Norman Vincent Peale
Quotes of the Week
Next to creating a life, the finest thing a man can do is save one."
Abraham Lincoln
The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires! William Arthur Ward
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Remembering 9/11/01
Hard to believe it has been seven years since the 9/11 Tragedy. No one should have to die earning a living. I think about all the families that lost loved ones, all the people that lost friends, the fire fighters and emergency service personnel that were hit hard by this incident. So much talent, gone in the blink of an eye...these people all touched a lot of lives and their talents and skills died with them. America lost a lot of great people that day and too many heroes. I hope and pray all the victims may find peace some day...and that something like this never happens again in the USA (the best country in the world). God bless America
In the 'Blink of an Eye'
Live is precious...but oh so fragile, SO FRAGILE! Be careful out there and take care of each other. You owe it to your family to work safely. YOU must take responsibility for your safety and the safety of your co-workers. Please don't count on the safety manager, your supervisor or the company to keep you safe. Watch out for yourself...It really is up to you! Don't take unnecessary risk...work safely everyday, EVERY DAY!
Turning Back the Clock
When someone gets seriously hurt on the job (or worse)...many, many lives are affected. And, nobody, NOBODY can turn back the clock!!! Too many people live with injuries and regrets that LAST A LIFETIME! The good news is you do not have to be one of those people, we have choices, we have to make good decisions. We must keep the focus on safety...not production (which is important) but on Safety!
Winning means being Number 1
Does anybody know the name of the guys that got the silver medals to Mike Phelps' 8 GOLD Metals??? Number 2 is the first loser. Safety must be No. 1 always, Always!!! It must be a value, not a priority, but a VALUE...priorities change! If safety falls to the No. 2 spot because of production then something is wrong. It is all of our jobs (ALL of our jobs!) to make sure that does not happen. Safety...it really is up to YOU!
Remember what Mother Jones said, "Pray for the dead, but fight like hell for the living!" Safety...it is up to all of us to do our part!
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Tidbits Week 35
This week the tidbits did not get out as planned. Locally, we have had a run of bad luck. E. coli has taken the life of a wonderful young man, here in NE Oklahoma, and made many more of us sick. Good health is a blessing that too many of us take for granted. I, myself, am one of those who had forgotten that good health is a gift from our creator. I will recover in another 5 days, but I will never forget the experience. My simple words for this week are Count your blessings every day. Live for the moment. Tell family members and friends how much they mean to you and be thankful for a wonderful life in the best country in the world.
I strongly believe that we can get to zero. Zero on-the-job fatalities for an entire year. Once we meet that goal we will push for Zero in Ten. A decade of zero fatalities. We can do it but it requires a change in the way people think.
Charles G. Koch talks about his goal of 10,000% committment to safety, which was a new concept to me. I did a little research and must say what a concept! I love it!! Mr. Koch is simply saying that we need 100% of employees committed to safety 100% of the time and that gets us to a 10,000% committment to safety. Lee Iacocoa recently wrote a book entitled, "Where have all the leaders gone"...well I can tell you where one leader is...he is leading Koch Industries, the largest privately held company in the world.
In my humble opinion, employees are looking for two things in their job. First, they want to have a position where they feel they are doing some meaningful work. And second, they want to work for a leader with a vision. We all want to see how we fit into the puzzle. Once employees know they matter, they will perform as expected. Helping employees see WHY safety is important will increase their committment to Safety. Management must prepare all employees for success or face the consequences. Managers must understand that nobody wants to fail, however if not provided with the tools of success, employees may fall through the cracks. Supervisors and managers take note...the success or failure of your people depends on YOU! Keep safety in the forefront and keep the lines of communication open! Success is within reach, if we all do our part.
Where there is no vision, the people perish. Proverbs. 29:18
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Safety Tidbits 8/18/08
132,000 – The number of citations issued to unlicensed drivers in California last year.
10’s of 1000’s – The estimated number of illegal drivers in New York State alone.
117 – The number of driving-related deaths each day in America…117 deaths daily!
50 – The percent by which Oregon was able to reduce the number of illegal driving arrests by impounding vehicles of the offenders
20 – The percent of fatal crashes that involve a driver without a proper drivers’ license
A few tidbits about the almighty Greenback
1792 – The year Congress established the dollar as the monetary unit of the United States
1861 – The year Congress authorizes printing of paper money to fund the Civil War
1869 – The year George Washington makes his first appearance on the dollar bill
1929 – The year the size of U.S. currency is reduced by 30 percent
1944 – The U.S. dollar becomes the world currency for international trade.
1955 – As a Cold War statement, Congress orders ‘In God We Trust’ to appear on all paper currency. (See that actually do something right every once in a while)
1969 – The year the hundred dollar bill became the largest denomination available, as circulation of the $500, $1,000, $5,000 and $10,000 ceased.
1971 – The year President Nixon took the dollar off the gold standard (Reason: foreigners now held more U.S. paper currency than the U.S Government had in gold bullion)
04.22.08 – The day the dollar hit an all time low. 1 Euro = $1.60 USD
MSHA (and OSHA) is not ‘The Answer’
How many times have you heard someone say‘that is not an MSHA(OSHA) rule so we shouldn’t have to do it’ or ‘MSHA needs to hold employees accountable and fine them or nothing will ever change’?
News flash – the MSHAct will not be changing anytime soon and that is a good thing! We (managers, supervisors and employees) are the ones responsible for following and enforcing safety rules (MSHA regulations and more importantly company policies).
Remember: MSHA and OSHA are bottom line programs…employers must build from there. Employees must understand why companies have rules that are more stringent that those enforced by the state and/or federal government. It is to protect them!
Supervisors and managers need to make sure all employees (and contractors) are following applicable safety policies or be prepared to face the consequences. We all need to: Stop blaming MSHA and Start doing our jobs. Then we will get to ZERO! Ask yourself…
WWJWD --- What would John Wayne Do? (Hint: he’d do the right thing, and so shou YOU!).
Stop the Fatalities! 30 miners have already lost their lives this year…
Don’t you think it’s time to Step up and Speak out for Safety!
‘It is not only for what we do that we are held responsible, but also for what we do not do.’ -John Baptiste Moliére
Heart Health
America's No. 1 Killer is Heart Disease - more than 910,000 Americans die of heart disease annually. But people aren't scared enough of heart disease, says a top U.S. research cardiologist.
"We have bypass surgery and stents and drugs that work; so the mortality rates are declining."
It's true that U.S. heart disease deaths overall are down. From 1993 to 2003, cardiovascular disease death rates dropped 22.1 percent. Still more than 70 million Americans live every day with some form of heart disease, which can include high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, stroke, angina (chest pain), heart attack and congenital heart defects.
Wake Up America, You’re Older than You Think
"We're just on the front end of the baby boomer epidemic, where the projections on the amount of cardiovascular disease are climbing steadily over the next 10 years," he said.
"We're delaying the disease, but we're not preventing it," said Dr. Steven Nissen, president of the American College of Cardiology.
5 Things You Can Do
-Eat more fiber and good fat – Choose fats that are high in Omega-3 (soluble fats like those from barley. Stay away from trans fats. Eat more fruit, vegetables, beans, nuts, whole grains, and low-mercury fish like salmon, trout and sardines. The best oils to use are canola, olive, safflower and soybean,
-Cut back on cholesterol and salt – If you have elevated LDL levels try to consume less than 200 milligrams daily. And anyone with high blood pressure can reduce their risk of a heart attack by 25% just by cutting back on sodium. A good goal is less than 2,300 mg/day, which is about one teaspoon.
-Lose the gut – Carrying extra weight in your mid-section raises blood pressure, affects blood lipids, causes insulin resistance and can inflame the arteries The critical point for women is 35 inches and for men it is 40 inches (regardless of height). Read on…it will take some work!
-Exercise 3-5 times a week, 20-30 minutes each time (get that heart rate up, but if you’re out of shape talk to your doctor first. A combination of aerobic exercises and strengthening exercises is the best way to go.
-Know the signs and symptoms – Symptoms are warning signs…wait too long and you will have a Heart Attack.
· Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
· Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort: in one or both arms; the back; neck; jaw; or, stomach.
· Shortness of breath. May occur with or without chest discomfort.
· Other signs: These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness
‘Man must cease attributing his problems to his environment, and learn again to exercise his will - his personal responsibility.’
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Safety Tidbits 8/11/08
9 – Percent of voters who think Congress is doing a good job.
25 – Percent of Chinese population that is overweight or obese. They are closing in on the U.S.
40 – Percent decrease in housing starts, year to date from 2007 levels.
43 – Percent increase in SUV sales in China in May 2008 compared to May 2007.
65 – Percent of professional truck drivers who said they wear seat belts according to a recent FMCSA survey.
3,800 – Number of high hazard worksites that OSHA will be focusing on in 2008.
$420,300 – Amount of MSHA fines leveled against a Utah company for flagrant violations.
$93 Million – Amount collected in fraudulent Medicare claims by hospital-equipment suppliers using dead doctors’ signatures according to a recent congressional investigation.
9.6 Billion – Decrease in the number of miles driven in May 2008 versus May 2007.
$12.7 Billion – The amount employers spend annually for overexertion sprains and strains in direct costs alone.
"Learn the wisdom of compromise; for it is better to bend, than to break".
Give them a BRAKE!
Many states have increased fines for speeding in Work Zones and there is a good reason for it. Road construction workers are working in close proximity to moving vehicles and that spells trouble. In 2006 alone, 1010 people were killed in Work Zone crashes and another 37,688 were injured. Those injured or killed included some drivers and passengers of motor vehicles. SLOW DOWN in WORK ZONES!!!
From the IT boys - Turn off your computer monitor at night to save energy
Screen-saver mode doesn't do much to cut energy use. Here is some useful information on energy consumption: At $.105 per kilowatt hour (kwh), just turning off a 75-watt monitor outside 40 hours a week saves $4.38 a month (42 kwh). This saves 750 lb. of CO2 (greenhouse gas emissions) by burning 450 fewer pounds of coal each year! Flat screen monitors consume about one third this much energy. So, please turn off your monitor when you go home for the day. IT asks our employees to leave work PCs on, because they install updates at night so that they don’t impact your productivity during the day. Turn off your home computer when it is not in use too. Some typical consumption levels for computer equipment and household appliances:
• CRT Monitor 75w • Desktop Computer 60w
• Flat Screen Monitor 25w • LaserJet Printer 7w
• 32” Television 90w • Coffeemaker (brewing) 980w
• Coffeemaker (warming) 2w • Microwave 1950w
Safety is an Attitude
That doesn’t look safe, but it’s not my job to babysit him.
Real men don’t need ear plugs, you’ll get used to the noise…I did!
It’ll take longer to get the PPE than to do the job…just do it!
That’s the way we’ve always done it here!
I have been doing this for 20 years and I haven’t been hurt yet.
We have all heard similar comments…
-What do these comments say about safety?
-Do you speak up when someone has a bad safety attitude?
Safety begins with ME (and YOU) and it takes all of us to get everyone home at the end of their shift.
Remember if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem! If you walk by an unsafe act and say nothing your silence signals approval (and that is unacceptable!).
Step Up, Speak Out and Stand Up for Safety! There are many safe ways to get things done all you have to do is find one and apply it. Safety must be a VALUE, not a Priority…Priorities CHANGE!!!!!
Every day in this great country of ours, people suffer traumatic injury and death because nobody spoke up, nobody wanted to get involved, or it wasn’t their job!
‘I always wondered why somebody doesn't do something about that. Then I realized I was somebody.’ Lily Tomlin
Take Safety Seriously and Take Care of Each Other out there…then we can all be successful.
Safety Wayne
Monday, August 4, 2008
Tidbits 8/04/08
Whether it is a stop light of a stop sign, it is there for a reason. Did you know that as many as 171,000 automobile accidents occurred in 2006 because of people running red lights? The result was over 144,000 injuries and 887 deaths. One alternative to running late because of unexpected delays is to simply leave earlier. Running a stop sign or red light is dangerous! Consider the risks…and don’t put yourself or family members in harms way. –IIHS
Cell Phones and Germs
Research found mobile phones are a technological petri dish for tens of thousands of germs. Why? Germs multiply in warm places. Between the heat the phones generate and the germs on faces and hands, you've got a bacterial breeding ground. You put it in a warm place, you hold it in your hand, you put it in your pocket, it’s nice and warm -- bacteria like that and can grow in these types of places.
If you're worried about germs growing on your cell, Motorola has come up with a clever tactic -- some of its phones have an anti-microbial coating, which prevents bacteria from growing. In the meantime, keep your phone to yourself and clean it frequently with anti-bacterial wipes.
Think about it!
“Joy is what happens when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are.” -Marianne Williamson
Protect your hands
Hand injuries account for 80% of all occupational injuries because the hands are engaged in almost all activities on the job. There are many dangerous conditions on the job to which the hand is always exposed. Sharp edges, pinch points, protruding objects, splinters, exposed blades on unguarded machinery and many more. These conditions may not always be too obvious to employees. Some precautionary measures include: following Lockout/Tagout procedures; making sure machines are properly guarded at all times and not wearing rings when working with machinery; checking to be sure you have proper hand clearance before moving loads through doorways. Use your brain. Avoid dangers and protect your hands. You need them as long as you live.
More Numbers from Time Magazine
$0.12 – Price for a gallon of gas in Venezuela
13 – Percentage of college kids who suffer injuries because of drinking
26 – Percentage of college students who have experienced blackouts because of drinking.
42 – Percentage of people in the U.S. who say they have tried Marijuana.
48.2 – Percentage of the U.S. beer market held by Anheuser-Busch
34,000 – The number of Japanese who killed themselves last year (where the suicide rate is twice as high as the U.S.).
85 – Percentage of Americans polled who think the U.S. economy is seriously off track.
Quote of the week
“Ability is what you are capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.” -Lou Holtz
Think Safety…off the job too!
Be careful on the water. With the hot temps we are experiencing many people will be on (or near) the water until Labor Day (maybe longer). Oklahoma has seen an increase in the number of people who drowned this year, so please be careful. Swimming, boating, water skiing and fishing can be a great time but mixed with alcohol the fun can turn deadly. Be Responsible!
Don’t forget the Sunscreen – August is usually a scorcher… sunscreen can save you from burning (especially on the ears and nose). Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. It is most common on the head, face, neck and arms. So slap on the sunscreen, especially if you are on or near the water.
HEAT STRESS! – On the job or off, heat is a big safety concern in many parts of the country. Keep track of the kids and pets (they can die very easily if left in a vehicle as inside temps can hit 140+ degrees). And remember, young children cannot handle the heat as well as adults (and they burn easier, too).
Water your pets – Dogs, cats, horses, etc. Your pets need to stay hydrated just as you do. Make sure you and the animals have plenty of fresh water available. Pets should also have a shady spot to get out of the direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day.
WATCH FOR CHILDREN – School is starting next week and that means teen drivers, kids at bus stops, bus traffic, bicyclers, skateboarders, etc. SLOW Down in School Zone and Watch for Children on the streets!
Chores around the house – Check your tools and power cords prior to using them. Inspect your ladders and step stools before taking on the task. Make sure equipment guards are in place. Follow proper bending and lifting techniques. Be careful out there!
Service the vehicle – Before sending the kids back to college. Flush the radiator; change the oil; check belts and hoses; check the tires for wear and air pressure (including the spare). It may be a good time to recharge the A/C too!
Monday, July 28, 2008
Get in the GAME!
We know are jobs and we know the rules…so what is the problem? Rules are rules and they apply all the time!
We all see unsafe conditions occasionally, but most go unreported…why is that? Think of your co-workers!
Supervisors if someone reports an unsafe condition, you need to take action…are you addressing these issues… if not WHY?
We know speeding is dangerous and wastes gas, but we do it anyway…WHY? Consider the risks!
We tell our teenagers to follow the rules of the road but then we roll through a Stop sign or speed through a red light (with them in the car) because ‘we’re in a hurry.’ What message are we sending them?
We all know an unsafe act when we see one but most of the time we just keep walking…WHY? Watch out for your fellow workers!
Everyone is responsible for housekeeping yet some of us don’t bother to clean up our work areas when we are done…Why is that? Step Up!
We harp on our kids about wearing seat belts, we know they save lives, but we never wear them…Why is that? Buckle Up!
We know the 3-points of contact rule but, some of you ignore this rule when climbing ladders or equipment…WHY? Falls account for more than 10% of workplace fatalites.
We all know horseplay is not allowed on the job, yet it continues…WHY?
We’re adults and need to act like it.
We only have two eyes and two ears but some of us fail to wear PPE consistently…WHY? Just Do it!
Approximately 17 people die and another 17,000 suffer disabling injuries everyday on the job in AMERICA…WHY? Because people are dropping the ball and that gets people hurt. SAFETY- Get off the bench, get into the game…we’re all counting on YOU!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Everyday an estimated 1,000 eye injuries occur in American workplaces. The financial burden is in excess of $300 Billion. Source: OSHA Fact Sheet
Keep an eye on the Dryer
There is an estimated 15,500 fires, 10 deaths, and 310 injuries a year associated with clothes dryers. Some of these fires occur when lint builds up in the lint trap or in the exhaust duct. To prevent such catastrophes, clean the lint trap regularly and check the exhaust hose occasionally.
Consumer Products Safety Council
Never Quit
“Defeat doesn’t finish a man— quitting does. A man is not finished when he’s defeated. He’s finished when he quits.” --Richard M. Nixon
Winners vs. Losers
A winner says, “Let’s find out.” A loser says, “Nobody knows.”
If a winner makes a mistake, he says, “I was wrong.”
If a loser makes a mistake, he says, “It wasn’t my fault.”
Winners go through a problem to deal with the issue, while losers go around problems to avoid tough issues.
A winner says, “There ought to be a better way to do it.”
A loser says, “That’s the way it’s always been done.”
Source: Good Stuff Vol. 4, No. 41
Stress…it comes with the Job!
“If you have a job without aggravations, you don’t have a job at all.”
Source: Malcolm Forbes
Make Time for Yourself
Find time to relax - read a good book, take a walk, spend time with your kids or find a hobby. This helps reduce stress levels and keeps you healthy.
Source: ‘20 Ways to Manage Stress’ by the Positive Line
Quote of the Week
“If it weren’t for the rocks in its bed the river would have no song.”
--Carl Perkins
Monday, July 7, 2008
The Scofield Disaster
An explosion far inside the mine ignited highly flammable coal dust, which covered mine floors in deep abundance, and sent death and destruction racing through the underground tunnels. And what fire and falling debris did not destroy, the perilous "afterdamp," a combination of poison gases and lack of oxygen, did.
At first those on the outside, who heard only a dull thud, thought the sound had something to do with town festivities planned for later on to celebrate May Day.
But the realization soon hit that there would be no celebrating that day -- nor for a long time to come in the mining town perched on the hills just above Scofield in Carbon County.
As the count of what the next day's Deseret News headlined "Death's Awful Harvest at Winter Quarters" mounted, it became clear that the scope of the disaster was almost beyond comprehension, larger than any other mining calamity seen before in the state -- or the nation.
"Every house, without exception, is a house of mourning," wrote the paper, "and every household is preparing to receive its dead. The awful scene of yesterday had passed away when the day dawned this morning and the awful calm of despair had taken its place."
In that "awful calm" the numbers reached staggering heights: At least 200 men killed, leaving 107 widows, 270 fatherless children. Families decimated: fathers, brothers, sons gone; uncles, nephews, cousins, in-laws all lost.
There were more bodies than there were caskets in the state, so 75 caskets had to be brought in from Denver. Victims' bodies were lined up under sheets. No mining community anywhere in the country had ever suffered such horror, and shock waves shook the entire country.
(Sadly, since then, other mining disasters have occurred; the Winter Quarters blast now ranks fifth on the all-time national list. But it remains the worst disaster of any kind in Utah.)
President William McKinley wired his condolences: "I desire to express my intense sorrow upon learning of the terrible calamity which has occurred at Scofield, and my deep sympathy with the wives, children and friends of the unfortunate victims of the explosion."
Read more at www.kued.org/.../images/frames/frame_encl.gif
Getting to ZERO
Wise words, indeed! We can't fix all the safety problems, today…but we can get started on the list! We must be persistent and we will make great strides over time. This has been proven over and over again at mining operations and cement plants across the country. Remember: The Great Wall of China was started with a single brick.
You can lead a man to safety, but you can't make him think…or can you? I say you can... with quality training, coaching and supervision. We need to all work together; it's time to step up to the plate and watch out for each other, work with each other and hold each other accountable. At-risk or unsafe acts occur around us everyday…it is time to speak up! Sure some co-workers may get mad at you for reminding them to tie off or to lock out a breaker…but at least they will still be here. And, they will get over it.
Can we stop all the accidents and all the injuries in the workplace? YES! Will we ever get to zero fatalities in the mining industry? YES! …it is a tall order, but it is acheivable. One thing is certain though…we'll get there sooner if we all see safety as a value that cannot be compromised. The more people pulling the wagon, the faster we'll get it up the hill. So those of you still sitting in the wagon…get out and help us out. Push or Pull, either will help! Only by pooling our efforts is the goal attainable.
Safety is not a spectator sport…everybody needs to carry their share of the load. Plan your work, work your plan. See something that needs attention, take the initiative and DO IT (or at least report it to somebody so that it gets addressed). See an unsafe condition, take action immediately. See an unsafe act, SPEAK UP! We all have lapses of judgment; and need a co-worker to set us straight now and again. Safety is a choice…it is choosing to do the right thing. So, I will leave you with a couple questions questions:
'When it comes to Safety, I've got your back! -- Do you have mine (are you watching out for coworkers)? Or to put it another way, are you looking out for your co-workers? Why or why not? Think about it and Do the right thing!
Wise words from the Web
If there is anything I would like to be remembered for it is that I helped people understand that leadership is helping other people grow and succeed. To repeat myself, leadership is not just about you. It's about them. -Jack Welch
Maturity begins when we're content to feel we're right about something without feeling the necessity to prove someone else wrong. -Sydney J. Harris
Tidbits 7/7/08
1 – Number of people it takes to make a difference. Are you doing your part?
110 – Number of Americans killed by tornadoes so far in 2008 making this the deadliest storm year in a decade. Do you own a weather radio?
800 – Number of wild fires started by lightening in Northern California on June 21st and 22nd 2008. WOW! They hope to have these fires contained by August 1st.
1 Million – approximate number of workers who suffer back injuries annually according to the BLS. One out of every 5 workplace injuries/illnesses is a back injury. Lift smart!
$1 Million Dollars – Amount of money (in loose change) collected by TSA from air travelers since 2005. That’s your money!
24 Million – The number of Americans (about 8 percent of the total population) that have diabetes, according to new figures from the CDC.
40 Million – Number of productivity days lost in 2006 due to permanently disabling injuries that occurred in prior years! Work Safely!!!
$152 Billion – Amount of money the Defense Department spent without proper auditing. Your tax dollars…what a shame!
90 – Percent of unintentional poisoning deaths caused by drugs and medicines, mostly prescription and illegal drugs. Adults 25-64 years of age accounted for a majority of the deaths. For safety reasons, never take another person’s prescription drugs…it could also get you fired!!!
Did you know?
-Almost half of all fatal automobile crashes that occurred in 2005 happened on two-lane rural roads. Be careful out there!
-62 % of all alcohol-related fatalities involving passenger vehicles occur on rural roadways. Don’t Drink and Drive!
-Crash victims are 5 to 7 times more likely to die if arrival to a hospital exceeds 30 minutes. Average arrival time at hospitals in rural areas is 52 minutes.
Safety starts with YOU!
NSSGA reminds when it comes to safety it takes a personal commitment from each of us to get to ZERO. That requires changing habits and readjusting our focus.
-Pay attention to safety policies, posters and checklists.
-Get a good night’s sleep so you are well rested and mentally alert.
-Leave for work early enough so you won’t have to speed to make it on time.
-Heed seasonal warnings and take proper precautionary measures.
-Review company policies; get to know the rules and adhere to them.
-Keep an eye out for hazards (including potential hazards) and correct them when you find them.
-Learn what you can from fatalgrams and best practices to protect yourself
-Stay alert and keep track of what is going on around you.
-Watch out for co-workers
Remember…
“Your system is perfectly designed to give you the results that you get.” W. Edward Deming
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Safety Tips for the Lake
-Always wear life jackets on the water. Small children should have one on whenever they are near the water.
-Never leave kids unattended…accidents happen quickly.
-Drinking & boating don’t mix. Be responsible! Have a designated driver for the boat.
-Keep an eye on the sky and don’t take unnecessary chances. Storms can move in fast -- lightning means get out of the water NOW!
-Know the water and always go feet first to avoid injury. The water may be shallower than you think; there could also be drop-offs, undercurrents, etc.
-Let friends or family know where you’re going, and Never go on the water alone.
Be smart, be safe, have FUN!!
Tips for the 4th
A few reminders for you this Season...
-Use fireworks and sparklers only outdoors.
-Only persons over 12 years of age should handle sparklers of any type. Too many young people get burned by sparklers every year. By keeping sparkers out of youngsters, we can reduce these injury rates.
-Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you are, don’t use them. If drought conditions mean a ban on fireworks, follow the law.
-Only use fireworks as intended. Don’t try to alter them or combine them.
-Fireworks and alcohol do not mix. Have a designated "shooter"
-When all else fails, use common sense. Respect fireworks and sparklers as the great American tradition they are, but also respect the fact that the must be used with caution.
-Driving somewhere for the 4th? Follow the speed limit – improve your mileage, avoid the ticket, and spend the extra cash on bottle rockets.
Have a Safe and Happy 4th of July, and don't forget the brave men and women of our military! And remember our Veterans! Thanks to anyone who has ever served in the Armed Forces!!!!
The Giver
He gave me hope when I wanted to die.
He gave me a friend when I was alone,
He sent me His love and gave me a home.
He gave me understanding when I was in need,
I needed to grow He planted a seed.
He gave me peace when I was in doubt,
I was ready to drown but he pulled me out.
I thought He gave all one man could give;
But then He gave me His life so through Him I could live.
His final gift of love was done for you and me.
He gave us all He had, when they nailed him to a tree.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS
These young men and women are doing what they have been asked to do and they need our support. I am proud of these voluteers and you should be too! America has drifted off course over the years but our brave young men and women of our nation's military have always Stood Up and Served when Called. Like you I pray they are all home soon from war torn areas like Iraq and Afganistan. BUT, even when they all come home, they will continue to need our prayers and support. Please do your part and thank them for their service when you see them. God Bless America and the fine folks of the U.S. Military (including all our veterans).
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
$10,000 in Scholarships
2009 Applications will be available this Fall (we are modifying the requirements) and the deadline for entry will be January 31, 2009. Spread the word…to any interested parties.
This years scholarship recipeints were from: West Virginia , Oklahoma, Arizona and Texas
Total awards = $10,000
Thanks to all our generous donors and all those who applied. Learn more about the Joseph A. Holmes Safety Association and the scholarship requirements at http://www.holmessafety.org/
It's Your Life...
In your life do a little good everyday... for all too soon it slips away
You can't go back to fix mistakes so learn from them and it'll be OK.
Be a friend to ever person you meet; an enemy to none
Many people have no friends and some have only one.
We must all do our part to improve the world as we go along our way
Actions speak louder than words -- isn't that what they say?
So be a doer, but always do things right
That way you’ll be able to sleep well each night.
Count your blessings (not your problems) no matter how few
There'll always be people with more troubles than you
And for the folks who seem to have it all
For them it is harder to hear His Call!
So be kind to strangers and share your love with family and friends
Avoid anger and hate – they just lead to dead ends.
Enjoy the day (Rain or Shine) especially if you can see it!!
If you want to see change in the world, You may have to be it.
Make a difference, go ahead - take a chance now and then
When you get to the pearly gates, He'll ask, ‘what have you done; where've you've been?’
I recommend you have a good answer that day, oh and a nice big grin
And then, God-willing you might just get in!
I’ll keep walking through life with Him by my side
Knowing failure doesn’t matter as long as we’ve tried.
And one day again soon we all will Rejoice
When we’re in His presence and hearing His sweet voice
It's your life so make it worthwhile in the end
And as always, May God bless you my friend.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Beware of the Garbage Truck
One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport.
We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car
jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi
driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other
car by just inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head
around and started yelling at us. My taxi driver just smiled and
waved at the guy. And I mean, he was really friendly.So I asked, 'Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined
your car and sent us to the hospital!' This is when my taxi driver
taught me what I now call, 'The Law of the Garbage Truck.'He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run
around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full
of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to
dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you. Don't take it personally.
Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Don't take their garbage
and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets. The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks
take over their day. Life's too short to wake up in the morning with
regrets, so..... 'Love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don't.'
Life is ten percent what you make it and ninety percent how you take it!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Tell me something... GOOD!
Safety, come on in – we've been expecting you
Safety is not the Safety Manager’s job or simply a function of management. And we can’t expect MSHA to develop or maintain our safety program. Every employee needs to be actively involved in safety to make a program work. That means we all need to Speak Up if we see a co-worker performing an unsafe act. We need to Step Up and correct unsafe conditions when we find them. Mine Fatalities are up significantly over last year… We need to do a better job of looking out for each other.
We can get to Zero, but we need your help. SLAM RISKS! Do not take unnecessary changes, plan your work, wear your PPE and follow the rules. Work Safely… your family is counting on it!
Working with MSHA – Getting things done
MSHA Education and Field Service (EFS) Personnel continue to make progress in the mining industry. These folks are there to help and are great to work with even in these troubled times. MSHA’s Training Makes a Difference Program is a great way to improve safety and health awareness at your organization. EFS folks can also help develop training programs with their 3-day Job Task Analysis (JTA) Workshop. Contact your local field office for more information.
Better Hearing Protection Available
Hearing Loss is all too common in the mining industry. The good news is many new types of Hearing Protection are available. The new plugs and muffs are more comfortable and come with higher NRRs. Wear your earplugs or muffs and encourage co-workers to do the same. Make sure you insert them properly and hold them in place while they expand. Dual protection (plugs and muffs) may be required in certain areas of the mine or plant (these areas are usually posted).
Hearing loss occurs painlessly and by the time you are aware of it…it is often too late.
Off-the-job exposures can also be devastating if hearing protection is not used. Routine use of lawn mowers, weed trimmers, chain saws, power tools, etc. can all lead to hearing loss. Take care of your hearing…once lost it is almost impossible to get back.
Life is what you make it
We all make choices everyday. These choices shape our lives and each one comes with a series consequences. You have control of your life and you can do whatever you want if you set you mind to it. Life is what you make it… So why not make it Great!? Choose to Make a Difference Today… get involved...
Manbaskets
A Few Recommendations:
-Check the forklift – if you see a sticker that reads, ‘This equipment is not designed to carry passengers in any attachments’ (or something similar)… Do Not use it to transport personnel. Most all-terrain forklifts prohibit transporting personnel other than the operator.
-Check the Operators Manual for each lift – Comply with manufacturer requirements/recommendations, but be advised you still may be in violation of OSHA or MSHA regulations.
-Check with the manufacturer of the man basket – Review the specification sheets and restrictions for use and comply with them.
-Keep the paperwork handy – You may need it to prove your position. So keep Operator’s Manuals, spec sheets, etc. handy and use them in training.
-Train your employees – They need to be aware of the use requirements and restrictions.
-Most importantly, consult applicable MSHA/OSHA regulations, the Program Policy Manual and other applicable regulations.
From MSHA's Program Policy Manual
Standards 56/57.14211 prohibit persons from working on, under, or from raised portions of mobile equipment or a component of mobile equipment until the equipment has been blocked or mechanically secured. The standards specifically require blocking of raised components to prevent a "free and uncontrolled descent" in the event of a sudden failure of the system holding up the raised component.
Two more applicable industry standards relevant to forklifts: ANSI B56.1-2005 Safety Standard for Low Lift and High Lift Trucks and ANSI B56.6-2005 Safety Standard for Rough Terrain Forklift Trucks and a Best Practices Bulletin by AEM- Preventing Rough-Terrain Forklift Accidents. Both documents contain industry requirements for elevating personnel. MSHA suggests that operators follow the requirements in ANSI B56.6, paragraph 5.15.1, "A rough terrain forklift truck shall not be used to lift people unless there is no other practical option." Neither standard forklifts nor rough terrain forklifts provide the control and safety features provided by purposely built man lifts, reference ANSI A92.6 Self-Propelled Elevating Work Platforms.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Warnings for Drivers
First thing I heard: If you drop off a child at daycare every morning you could be a potential target.
What thieves are doing:
They watch for a woman dropping off her child or children at daycare. Often times mothers will leave the car running with the a/c or heat on (especially if it is a cold or hot day). The crook waits for you to run the kids in (which you think only takes a second). While you are inside they steal the purse you left on the seat...or (if you are having a really bad day) they may take the car too.
How you can reduce your risk
1.) Be aware of your surroundings...observe any persons, cars, bicycles, motorcycles, etc. (it is easy to make a quick get away on foot, cycle or bike)
2.) Don't get paranoid but ask yourself, 'is anybody watching me?' Be observant!
2.) DO NOT leave your vehicle running when you drop of the children.
3.) DO NOT leave your purse in the vehicle because it makes for easy pickins!
Second thing I heard: Be careful when you go shopping...there is yet another new way of ripping people off.
What thieves are doing:
Purse natchers are putting posters or cardboard on the back window of vehicles (SUVs are an easy target because of the rear wiper) to cause shoppers to get out and remove the blockage.
The average person gets in their car and starts it up...then looks in the rear view mirror. When we see something obstructing our view we get out (with the vehicle running). Once you are out of the vehicle they steal your purse (ladies are the main target) or your purchases. And if the vehicle is positioned so that they do not have to back out they may use it as a getaway car and that means they may be taking your toddler(s) with them, IF you left them buckled up in their car seat(s).
What you can do:
Be aware of your surroundings!
Walk around behind your vehicle and check to make sure the rear window is clear before you get in.
If you are in the vehicle and notice the rear window is partially blocked, be careful. Look to see if anyone is watching you.
Never leave your car running if you have to get out. (If you don't have to back out of a parking spot, leave the obstruction where it is until you reach the end of the parking lot).
Do not leave your wallet, purse or valuables in the vehicle if you have to get out to move a poster or pamphlet obstructing your view.
Water Safety Tips
-Remember kids don’t drown only in pools. Bathtubs, buckets, toilets and hot tubs present drowning dangers too. Keep an eye on them!
-Never leave a child alone near water: on the beach, at a pool, or in the bathtub. If you must leave, take your child with you. It doesn't take long to lose a precious life!
-Enroll children over age three in swimming lessons taught by qualified instructors. Lessons won’t make your child "drown-proof" but will teach them some helpful skills.
-Always follow posted safety precautions when visiting water parks. They are designed to protect you and your family!
-If you’re visiting a public pool, keep an eye on your kids. Lifeguards aren’t babysitters.
Teach your children these key swimming rules:
-Don't swim alone. Always swim with a buddy.
-Jump feet first to avoid hitting your head on a shallow bottom. Don't dive into unknown bodies of water.
-Don't push or jump on others.
And remember
-Avoid alcohol when operating a boat.
-Use approved personal flotation devices (life jackets). They can be a LIFESAVER!
-Be prepared for emergencies. Keep a first-aid kit and emergency phone contacts handy.
-Don’t underestimate the power of water. Even rivers and lakes can have undertows.
Parents should learn CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). You could save a life!
Safety Tidbits 6/2/08
If you spend a lot of time outside in the sun, beware of overexposure. Sun can damage skin and cause skin cancer. Heat cramps, heat rash and heat stress are possible especially when people overexert themselves. Here are a few tips to protect you.
-Get acclimated - adjust to working in the heat over a period of a couple weeks.
-A wide-brimmed hat will keep your head and face cool. Baseball caps only protect the face or neck (depending on how you wear it). A hat should protect the face, neck and ears ears. If you’ve ever burned your neck or you know what I’m saying.
-A long-sleeved shirt will protect your arms. It should be light colored and loose fitting except when working around machinery. My grandfather always wore a long sleeve shirt and a cotton t-shirt underneath -- he claimed it kept him cool.
-Carry a source of water with you (avoid caffeine). Take drinks frequently—every 10 to 15 minutes. Dehydration is a real concern in hot weather.
-Pace yourself - take frequent breaks in the shade or in a cool environment during the hottest times of the day.
-Keep track of each other - anyone suffering from heat stress should be moved to a cool area and given small amounts of water. Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke which is life-threatening and requires immediate advanced medical care.
-Wear sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 15 (waterproof is best). Use a 30 SPF for children. Reapply often if you are out for long periods or going in the water.
Never, never give up
“While there's life, there's hope.” -Cicero
Thought for your day - It's all in how you say it (Thanks Wally)
A blind boy sat on the steps of a building with a hat by his feet. He held up a sign which read: "I am blind, please help." There were only a few coins in the hat. A man was walking by. He took a few coins from his pocket and dropped them into the hat. He then took the sign, turned it around, and wrote some words. He put the sign back so that everyone who walked by would see the new words. Soon the hat began to fill up. A lot more people were giving money to the blind boy. That afternoon the man who had changed the sign came to see how things were. The boy recognized his footsteps and asked, "Were you the one who changed my sign this morning? What did you write?" The man said, "I only wrote the truth. I said what you said but in a different way." What he had written was: "Today is a beautiful day & I cannot see it."
Were the first sign & the second sign were saying the same thing? Of course both signs told people the boy was blind. But the first sign simply said the boy was blind. The second sign told people they were so lucky that they were not blind. Should we be surprised that the second sign was more effective?
Moral of the Story: Be thankful for what you have. Think differently and positively. Invite people towards good with wisdom. When Life gives you a 100 reasons to cry, show life that you have 1000 reasons to smile. Face your past without regret. Handle your present with confidence. Prepare for the future without fear. Keep the faith and drop the fear. Don't believe your doubts and don't doubt your beliefs. Life is a mystery to solve not a problem to resolve. Life is wonderful if you know how to live!!! God Bless you
Quote of the week: “You can't help someone get up a hill without getting closer to the top yourself.” -H. Norman Schwarzkopf
Week 23 – Fall Protection
I recently heard a safety professional say all the lanyards on the market now are rated so that you can tie them back to themselves – I checked and THIS IS NOT TRUE!!!
So I thought this would be a good time to review some other Fall Protection Facts
But first remember you cannot tie a lanyard back to itself UNLESS it is rated for this application and MOST ARE NOT (it could prove deadly in a fall situation as the safety latch would not hold)
-MSHA requires 100% tie-off when working at an elevation …TRUE which means you may need to have a second lanyard (to travel)
-It is OK to secure the lanyard to any D-ring for fall protection…FALSE, the back D-ring is the only one that should be used for fall protection…the other rings have other functions (positioning, vertical assent, rescue, etc.)
-Chest and leg straps must be secured to keep the wearer from slipping out of the harness in the event of a fall …TRUE, leg straps should be snug and the chest strap must be fastened.
-The ideal place for an anchor point is about waist high… FALSE, it is best to tie off overhead whenever you can to avoid banging into the level below you if you fall.
-Since fall protection equipment generally has a five to seven year work life it only needs to be inspected annually…False! The wearer must inspect the equipment prior to each use AND it must be inspected annually by a competent person.
-SRL (Self Retracting Lifelines) should be serviced routinely…TRUE! The brakes and cable should be checked every 1-2 years depending on the manufacturer and conditions of use.
Whether you're on the job or working around the house, be aware of the 4 Mental States that lead to TROUBLE
- Rushing, Fatigue, Frustration, Complacency
FYI, from the BLS: In 2005, U.S. workers died from an injury while at work at a rate of 4.0 per 100,000 workers. Males accounted for 93% of all deaths and had a work-related fatality rate approximately 12 times the rate for females. Workers aged 35-54 accounted for 46% of workplace deaths.
Approximately 43% of fatal work-related injuries resulted from transportation incidents 58% (1,428) of these deaths involved highway incidents (i.e., incidents that occurred on public roads and surrounding areas such as roadway shoulders).
The remaining categories with the highest rates of fatal occupational injuries were
-Contact with objects or equipment (18%) - being struck by a falling object such as a tree, being crushed during a cave-in while digging ditches, or getting caught in running machinery) Stay out of the Line of Fire and Think about what you are doing.
-Assaults/Violent acts (14%) - Be aware of what is going on around you
-Falls (13%) - Eyes and Mind on Task
Thursday, May 29, 2008
That's all I know about shrimp!
Gas Thieves
O.K. I admit it 30+ years ago I may have stolen a little gas now and then. We siphoned a little here and a little there...nothing serious. Gas was over sixty cents a gallon and I was only working part-time with school and all. We needed the petrol to go crusin'...everybody in small town America was doing it. I still can't stand the taste of gas and am not too crazy about the smell. Young and dumb...I guess so!
Keep an eye on the pump
Do you fill your vehicle with a credit or debit card, like I do? You know, swipe the card, start the pump at a QuickTrip or Kum and Go and then walk inside the store for a coke or cup of coffee (with the pump running)? BAD IDEA!!!
Apparently, there have been some crafty indiduvals hanging out at larger convenience stores. They see a customer start a pump and go inside...that is when they spring into action with their 5 gallon gas can. They pull the nozzle out of your tank and fill their can on your nickle, while you are busy using the restroom or standing in line. Then they put the gas in their vehicle and wait for their next victim. Be aware of your surroundings and if you see suspicious activity...report it!
Theft from vendors was done in 2006
In 2005, $300 million of gasoline was stolen nationally from gasoline vendors, according to the Association for Convenience and Petroleum Retailing. However only $122 million worth of gas was stolen from vendors in 2006 due to the pre-payment requirement. Some of the gas thieves removed their license plate while others stole plates off other cars and then stole gas with the stolen plate.
Construction sites and fleet companies are the new targets
About $14,000 of diesel and more than $70,000 of construction equipment was stolen from three contractors during meticulously planned thefts on Saturday and Monday nights, authorities said.
The heist began when a water truck was broken into and hot-wired at the construction site Saturday night. The truck's 4,000-gallon water tank was emptied and filled with more than 2,000 gallons of diesel from a storage tank on the site, Oklahoma County sheriff's deputy Cody Palmer said.