Denny Cloud, Forrest Kordonowy (my twin), and Greg Ruffennach (mshahelp.com) take a break from the grueling schedule at the ISMSP Critial Issues Conference in Daytona Beach to check out Bubba Gump Shrimp Company. Lt. Dan was down the street with his wife and unavailable. The shrimp was excellent. We all hope to see you at the CIC next year (it will be in Daytona Beach once again).
Thursday, May 29, 2008
That's all I know about shrimp!
Denny Cloud, Forrest Kordonowy (my twin), and Greg Ruffennach (mshahelp.com) take a break from the grueling schedule at the ISMSP Critial Issues Conference in Daytona Beach to check out Bubba Gump Shrimp Company. Lt. Dan was down the street with his wife and unavailable. The shrimp was excellent. We all hope to see you at the CIC next year (it will be in Daytona Beach once again).
Gas Thieves
Confessions of a former teen
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.
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!
Do I need a locking gas cap?
I asked myself this question the other day as I just finished putting $76 worth of fuel in my truck. Thinking that would stop those darn teens from getting MY gas! That is until I heard that gas bandits are now cutting fuel line hoses or drilling a hole in the victim's gas tank. Be smart about where you park.
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.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Grillers BEWARE!!
Anhydrous Ammonia Contamination
Click on Link Below for more info
Meth cooks are getting the propane tanks from the exchanges at Wal-Mart, Kroger, etc. and emptying them of the propane. Then, they are filling them with anhydrous ammonia (Yes they have a recipe!). After they are finished with the tanks, they return them to the store. The tanks are then refilled with propane and sent back for you and me to purchase/exchange. Anhydrous ammonia is very corrosive and weakens the structure of the tank. It can be very dangerous when mixed with propane and hooked up to our grills, etc.
Caution!
The brass valve in a propane cylinder will be damaged if it comes in contact with anhydrous ammonia. This deterioration will lead to cracking of the valve body or its components and can ultimately result in a violent, unexpected expulsion of the valve from the cylinder, causing personal injury or death.
You should inspect the propane tank for any blue or green residue around the valve areas. If it is present, refuse topurchase that one. Check out the following website for more details.They also have pictures you can show. http://www.npga.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=529
Click on Link Below for more info
Meth cooks are getting the propane tanks from the exchanges at Wal-Mart, Kroger, etc. and emptying them of the propane. Then, they are filling them with anhydrous ammonia (Yes they have a recipe!). After they are finished with the tanks, they return them to the store. The tanks are then refilled with propane and sent back for you and me to purchase/exchange. Anhydrous ammonia is very corrosive and weakens the structure of the tank. It can be very dangerous when mixed with propane and hooked up to our grills, etc.
Caution!
The brass valve in a propane cylinder will be damaged if it comes in contact with anhydrous ammonia. This deterioration will lead to cracking of the valve body or its components and can ultimately result in a violent, unexpected expulsion of the valve from the cylinder, causing personal injury or death.
You should inspect the propane tank for any blue or green residue around the valve areas. If it is present, refuse topurchase that one. Check out the following website for more details.They also have pictures you can show. http://www.npga.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=529
Home Safety Hazard - Your Mower!
Your mower is a dangerous piece of equipment. Approximately 68,000 people are treated in emergency facilities for injuries caused by power lawn mowers each year. Of these, more than 9,000 are children younger under the age of 18. Few people see lawn mowing as the dangerous task that it is, but homeowers should exercise caution when mowing. Children should also be trained on the potential hazards associated with mowing activities.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following guidelines to promote lawn mower safety:
Read the lawn mower operator’s manual and the instructions for using the mower.
Try to use a mower with a control that stops the mower if the handle is released - this is a safety measure and should never be disconnected.
Start with a pair of sturdy shoes or work boots. Avoid wearing sandals, flip-flops, or sneakers. Children under 12 years old should not be allowed to mow, period.
Nobody under the age of 16 should be permitted to use a riding mower (and younger kids need to be supervised or stay inside during mowing activities.)
Never allow children to ride as passengers on riding lawn mowers.
Never allow children to play with or on a riding lawn mower as if it were a toy.
Pick up objects from the lawn prior to mowing. This will eliminate the hazard of projectiles and reduce the potential for injury.
Never remove the grass catcher or unclog the discharge chute unless the mower is OFF and the mower blades have stopped moving.
You must use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), if you are mowing with an electric lawn mower. This will eliminate the electrocution or shock hazard.
Avoid mowing a wet lawn it can cause grass to clog the discharge chute.
Never mow during inclement weather, and make sure you have enough daylight to see what you’re doing.
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following guidelines to promote lawn mower safety:
Read the lawn mower operator’s manual and the instructions for using the mower.
Try to use a mower with a control that stops the mower if the handle is released - this is a safety measure and should never be disconnected.
Start with a pair of sturdy shoes or work boots. Avoid wearing sandals, flip-flops, or sneakers. Children under 12 years old should not be allowed to mow, period.
Nobody under the age of 16 should be permitted to use a riding mower (and younger kids need to be supervised or stay inside during mowing activities.)
Never allow children to ride as passengers on riding lawn mowers.
Never allow children to play with or on a riding lawn mower as if it were a toy.
Pick up objects from the lawn prior to mowing. This will eliminate the hazard of projectiles and reduce the potential for injury.
Never remove the grass catcher or unclog the discharge chute unless the mower is OFF and the mower blades have stopped moving.
You must use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), if you are mowing with an electric lawn mower. This will eliminate the electrocution or shock hazard.
Avoid mowing a wet lawn it can cause grass to clog the discharge chute.
Never mow during inclement weather, and make sure you have enough daylight to see what you’re doing.
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics
Week 22 - Lock Bumping
Lock bumping is a new lock picking technique for opening a lock using a specially-crafted bump key. In the last two years the bumping problem has become more widespread. Lock bumping guides are all over the Internet, and you can now get bump keys on line for around $15.
According to the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) and the Department of Justice, nearly 2/3 of all break-ins occur with no sign of forced entry. While some of these crimes may be a result of an unlocked door, most experts agree that lock bumping, picking or use of an unauthorized duplicate key are often the case.
-90+% of American doors use an old style cylinder lock which is vulnerable to bumping.
-Anyone can make some lock bumping keys in 5 minutes or less.
-There is no sign of forced entry or damage to the lock when a lock bumping key is used to break into your house. This makes the insurance companies very weary in paying for the claim. Thieves can return days later to get the stuff they were unable to carry out the first time.
-With the digital underworld abuzz about this new lock bumping threat, safety experts say it's time to protect yourself against lock bumping. (It is all over the internet and many young thugs are learning about the lucrative world of ‘bumping’.)
Did you know?
-Every 13 seconds a home is burglarized. Smaller towns are seeing an increase in crime, too, due to the growing drug problem.
-Entry is gained through a door in more than 50% of all residential burglaries.
-50% of break-ins occur during the day (when nobody is home)
-More than 85% of break-ins are committed by non-professional burglars, who are usually desperate and dangerous individuals.
-2 out of 3 residential burglaries occur through a first floor door, yet the majority of homeowners invest more in their tennis shoes than on quality locks for their doors.
-The average alarm response time is over 10 minutes after the burglary has occurred, yet many homeowners trust an alarm for their security.
-30% of assault cases and 60% of rapes occur in conjunction with a burglary/robbery, yet many homeowners claim they have nothing to protect.
-10% of the time, police don’t even respond to the call in person.
What can you do? Experts agree high-security locks are the best protection against lock bumping, and you may be able to get a discount on your home-owner's insurance policy if you install them. Many websites advertise high-security, effectively bump-proof locks. Locks made by ABLOY, Kaba, Medeco, Schlage, Kwikset[8] and other manufacturers such as BiLock[9] are advertised to be bump-proof.
According to the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) and the Department of Justice, nearly 2/3 of all break-ins occur with no sign of forced entry. While some of these crimes may be a result of an unlocked door, most experts agree that lock bumping, picking or use of an unauthorized duplicate key are often the case.
-90+% of American doors use an old style cylinder lock which is vulnerable to bumping.
-Anyone can make some lock bumping keys in 5 minutes or less.
-There is no sign of forced entry or damage to the lock when a lock bumping key is used to break into your house. This makes the insurance companies very weary in paying for the claim. Thieves can return days later to get the stuff they were unable to carry out the first time.
-With the digital underworld abuzz about this new lock bumping threat, safety experts say it's time to protect yourself against lock bumping. (It is all over the internet and many young thugs are learning about the lucrative world of ‘bumping’.)
Did you know?
-Every 13 seconds a home is burglarized. Smaller towns are seeing an increase in crime, too, due to the growing drug problem.
-Entry is gained through a door in more than 50% of all residential burglaries.
-50% of break-ins occur during the day (when nobody is home)
-More than 85% of break-ins are committed by non-professional burglars, who are usually desperate and dangerous individuals.
-2 out of 3 residential burglaries occur through a first floor door, yet the majority of homeowners invest more in their tennis shoes than on quality locks for their doors.
-The average alarm response time is over 10 minutes after the burglary has occurred, yet many homeowners trust an alarm for their security.
-30% of assault cases and 60% of rapes occur in conjunction with a burglary/robbery, yet many homeowners claim they have nothing to protect.
-10% of the time, police don’t even respond to the call in person.
What can you do? Experts agree high-security locks are the best protection against lock bumping, and you may be able to get a discount on your home-owner's insurance policy if you install them. Many websites advertise high-security, effectively bump-proof locks. Locks made by ABLOY, Kaba, Medeco, Schlage, Kwikset[8] and other manufacturers such as BiLock[9] are advertised to be bump-proof.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Week 21 – Safety tips
Go online and research Lock bumping a new way theives can get into your home!!! You may want to consider purchasing some bump-proof locks.
Locks made by ABLOY, Kaba, Medeco, Schlage, Kwikset[8] and other manufacturers such as BiLock[9] are advertised to be bump proof. ABLOY is said to be the best on the market.
Crime is up due to an increase in drug use and people need to educate themselves. Please visit the National Crime Prevention Task Force website and learn more about protecting yourself. http://ncptforce.com/According to the FBI, a burglar enters a U.S. home every 14 seconds, and 60% of burglaries occur when a home is unoccupied. Most of the time the burglar enters through the garage so take these precautions.
-Change the code. Check to make sure the code for your garage door has been changed from the factory preset code. Crooks can buy openers on-line that will open doors with factory pre-set codes.
-Never leave your garage remote loose in the car or on the visor. Lock it in the glove box or take it with you. Even with the code changed a thief can get it with YOUR remote
-Cut the pull handle off the end of your rope. The rope is for the manual override to open the door in a power failure (and you'll still have the rope to pull if you need it, but without the handle a thief can't trip it from outside). Slick thieves can use a thin wire to pull the handle from outside and get into your garage and then your home unless you remove the handle.
Hide-a-key is a bad idea. A lot of people hide keys around their houses and they think nobody else will find it. Bad guys know where to look for keys. In jail that's the kind of thing they talk about, all the different places people try to hide keys. If you need to leave a key around, give it to a trusted neighbor, but don't leave it out so somebody can find it.
Forget the gun; buy the Pepper Spray for personal safety!
Pepper spray is a great deterrent and not nearly as dangerous as a gun (too many people get shot by an attacker with their own hand gun).. Buy some for the wife to keep on her key chain (so she will always have it handy). Don’t buy the product made for bears, it is has only 3% OC (Oleoresin Capsicum). The good stuff is 15-18% OC. Remember bears don’t do drugs so they are stopped by the weaker spray. And tell the women folk ‘never give an attacker a warning…just point and shoot!’
However, firearms are great for protecting the home!
The 12-gauge pump shotgun is a popular choice among homeowners because even the ‘little lady’ can just point and shoot. Two great reasons for a shot gun in the bedroom: 1.) Thieves don’t like to hear the sound of a homeowner loading a round; and,
2.) You don’t need to spend a lot of time at the shooting range
Scam alert Tip – If a neighbor has a different alarm company, exchange signs
-If you have an alarm system, never give your alarm code to anyone that calls saying they show it has been triggered. A new scam is to call people who have their alarm system advertised in the front yard (a thief can get your name off your house or mail box) then call you in the middle of the night saying they show your alarm is going off. They will say the police are en route but they can turn the cops around and shut off the alarm if you give them the code. People who are just barely awake fall for this and then get robbed a day or two later. Thanks to Bill Cain of Gang Intelligence
Tidbits 5/20/08
Words of Wisdom
"Life is an opportunity, benefit from it. Life is beauty, admire it.Life is bliss, taste it. Life is a dream, realize it. Life is a challenge, meet it. Life is a duty, complete it. Life is a game, play it. Life is a promise, fulfill it. Life is sorrow, overcome it. Life is a song, sing it. Life is a struggle, accept it. Life is a tragedy, confront it. Life is an adventure, dare it. Life is luck, make it. Life is too precious, do not destroy it. Life is life, fight for it."
~ Mother Teresa
No Kidding!
Throughout history, many inventions have paved the way for industry and the safety of the American worker. Let’s think about just a few inventions that have changed the way we view safety in our everyday lives. For instance, the fire escape’s exterior steel staircase was invented in 1887. This development changed the way we treat emergency egress and affects how we develop emergency action plans in our facilities even today. And in 1903, a swinging arm device that cleaned rain, snow, sleet and hail from a vehicle’s windshield was developed. Windshield wipers became a standard feature in American cars by 1916, improving driver visibility and safety.
Another invention came about in 1966 that saved thousands of lives. Think bulletproof vests and safety helmets, mooring and suspension bridge cables. Now you’ve got it, Kevlar®, a material that is five times stronger than steel. All of these inventions have become staples of safety in our homes and workplaces. And here’s a little trivia that ties these inventions together. All of these inventions were created by women!
Some things to consider if you plan on traveling by car this summer
(Gas is $4 a gallon are you crazy?).
-First of all make sure your tires are properly inflated to conserve fuel.
Start out with a clean air filter too and remember with synthetic oil (even a blend) you can go a lot further between oil changes.
-Avoid rest areas as many have become a hot bed of criminal activity. A better choice would be to pull into a Wal-Mart or Kmart parking lot and use the facilities there.
-Avoid motels that have doors opening directly into the parking lot. A safer bet is a hotel where the doors are off an indoor hallway.
Attitude is everything, well almost
"Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude." -Thomas Jefferson
"Life is an opportunity, benefit from it. Life is beauty, admire it.Life is bliss, taste it. Life is a dream, realize it. Life is a challenge, meet it. Life is a duty, complete it. Life is a game, play it. Life is a promise, fulfill it. Life is sorrow, overcome it. Life is a song, sing it. Life is a struggle, accept it. Life is a tragedy, confront it. Life is an adventure, dare it. Life is luck, make it. Life is too precious, do not destroy it. Life is life, fight for it."
~ Mother Teresa
No Kidding!
Throughout history, many inventions have paved the way for industry and the safety of the American worker. Let’s think about just a few inventions that have changed the way we view safety in our everyday lives. For instance, the fire escape’s exterior steel staircase was invented in 1887. This development changed the way we treat emergency egress and affects how we develop emergency action plans in our facilities even today. And in 1903, a swinging arm device that cleaned rain, snow, sleet and hail from a vehicle’s windshield was developed. Windshield wipers became a standard feature in American cars by 1916, improving driver visibility and safety.
Another invention came about in 1966 that saved thousands of lives. Think bulletproof vests and safety helmets, mooring and suspension bridge cables. Now you’ve got it, Kevlar®, a material that is five times stronger than steel. All of these inventions have become staples of safety in our homes and workplaces. And here’s a little trivia that ties these inventions together. All of these inventions were created by women!
Some things to consider if you plan on traveling by car this summer
(Gas is $4 a gallon are you crazy?).
-First of all make sure your tires are properly inflated to conserve fuel.
Start out with a clean air filter too and remember with synthetic oil (even a blend) you can go a lot further between oil changes.
-Avoid rest areas as many have become a hot bed of criminal activity. A better choice would be to pull into a Wal-Mart or Kmart parking lot and use the facilities there.
-Avoid motels that have doors opening directly into the parking lot. A safer bet is a hotel where the doors are off an indoor hallway.
Attitude is everything, well almost
"Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude." -Thomas Jefferson
Extension Cords
Fast Facts About Extension Cords and Power Strips
Approximate Damage Caused by Extension Cords Between 1994 and 1998*
-6900 fires
-91 civilian deaths and 421 civilian injuries
- $115.9 million in direct property damage per year between 1994 and 1998
Inappropriate Use of Extension Cords
-Using as perm anent wiring
-Using unapproved extension cords
-Overloading power capabilities of the cord during temporary use
-Daisy chaining (plugging one extension cord into another and another, etc.)# Using one surge protector/power strip to power another
Basic Guidelines for the Appropriate Use of Extension Cords
-Cords must be properly approved (by Underwriters Laboratory, etc.)
-Approved cords must be for temporary use only (no more than 90 days)
-Extension cords m ay be used for remodeling and maintenance or repair of structures or equipment
-Cords used to light holiday decorations should be UL approved as used according to manufacturers’ recommendations. * Source: National Fire Protection Association
Approximate Damage Caused by Extension Cords Between 1994 and 1998*
-6900 fires
-91 civilian deaths and 421 civilian injuries
- $115.9 million in direct property damage per year between 1994 and 1998
Inappropriate Use of Extension Cords
-Using as perm anent wiring
-Using unapproved extension cords
-Overloading power capabilities of the cord during temporary use
-Daisy chaining (plugging one extension cord into another and another, etc.)# Using one surge protector/power strip to power another
Basic Guidelines for the Appropriate Use of Extension Cords
-Cords must be properly approved (by Underwriters Laboratory, etc.)
-Approved cords must be for temporary use only (no more than 90 days)
-Extension cords m ay be used for remodeling and maintenance or repair of structures or equipment
-Cords used to light holiday decorations should be UL approved as used according to manufacturers’ recommendations. * Source: National Fire Protection Association
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Safety Conferences
Hey, I hope to see some of you at the upcoming ISMSP Critical Issues Conference in Florida next week. Denny Cloud and I will be presenting a program we call Supervisor Training...what's that. It is an overview of a four-part supervisor training series. If you can't make it but would like a CD of the overview or all four segments just let me know and I will get it out to you. I will be doing the same presentation at the National Holmes Conference in Albany, NY the week of June 9th and hope to see you there. Both organizations are First Class and the conferences are a great way to meet industry professionals and gather high quality training information. I also have numerous powerpoints to share so if you have a need just drop me a line and I will email you what I have.
Knowledge is power but only if you share it!
Knowledge is power but only if you share it!
Keep your Eyes on THE ROAD
The warm weather means more bike and motorcycle riders are on the road. Here are a few tips for riders:
-Use protective gear. A US DOT approved helmet and eye protection can help prevent serious injury. Protective clothing, such as jacket, boots, and gloves reduce injury severity.
-Use turn (or hand) signals for every turn or lane change. Motorcyclists should consider combining hand signals and turn signals to draw more attention to your self. And, remember to turn off your signals.
-Drive Defensively. Looking far ahead (four to twelve seconds) allows extra time and space to react to road hazards or other distracted drivers.
Do not ride between the lanes. It is not safe nor is it legal to pass a car within the same lane.
For Drivers of Other Vehicles:
Motorcyclists have the right to use the full lane width. Motorcyclists often need the full lane to view traffic and respond to hazards such as potholes. Crowding a lane is both dangerous and illegal.
Maintain a safe following distance. Your vehicle requires more distance to stop than a motorcycle. Remember a motorcyclist can be severely injured in a crash.
Be aware of oncoming motorcycles before turning. A high number of crashes occur when cars or trucks turn left in front of an unseen motorcycle.
Do NOT be fooled by a flashing turn signal. Motorcycle signals do not turn off by themselves, and riders often forget about them.
For Everyone:
Check twice-save a life. Motorcycles are smaller and less visible than cars and they can be easily missed in your blind spot when changing lanes.
-Use protective gear. A US DOT approved helmet and eye protection can help prevent serious injury. Protective clothing, such as jacket, boots, and gloves reduce injury severity.
-Use turn (or hand) signals for every turn or lane change. Motorcyclists should consider combining hand signals and turn signals to draw more attention to your self. And, remember to turn off your signals.
-Drive Defensively. Looking far ahead (four to twelve seconds) allows extra time and space to react to road hazards or other distracted drivers.
Do not ride between the lanes. It is not safe nor is it legal to pass a car within the same lane.
For Drivers of Other Vehicles:
Motorcyclists have the right to use the full lane width. Motorcyclists often need the full lane to view traffic and respond to hazards such as potholes. Crowding a lane is both dangerous and illegal.
Maintain a safe following distance. Your vehicle requires more distance to stop than a motorcycle. Remember a motorcyclist can be severely injured in a crash.
Be aware of oncoming motorcycles before turning. A high number of crashes occur when cars or trucks turn left in front of an unseen motorcycle.
Do NOT be fooled by a flashing turn signal. Motorcycle signals do not turn off by themselves, and riders often forget about them.
For Everyone:
Check twice-save a life. Motorcycles are smaller and less visible than cars and they can be easily missed in your blind spot when changing lanes.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Safety Alert on Cleaning Grills.
Please review the information that was passed on by a Montell Bayport Employee concerning an incident his daughter was involved in:
The individual cleaned the cooking surface of a gas grill a couple of weeks before the incident occurred with a wire brush but did not wipe it off after cleaning and did not immediately use the grill. His wife cooked several hamburgers on the grill a couple of weeks later and all were eaten except for two. These two hamburgers were heated up the next day to be eaten. When his daughter took one bite of her hamburger and immediately after swallowing she complained that a chunk of hamburger was caught in her throat. Initially, the thought was that a piece of the hamburger was caught in her throat. However, it was realized that this was not the problem, so her mother transported her to the hospital.
Once they ruled out a piece of hamburger caught in her throat, the hospital staff took an x-ray of her neck. The x-ray showed a piece of fine wire lying across her esophagus below the epiglottis. Based on the results the hospital staff had her transferred to Children’s Hospital in Galveston.
After further tests it was decided that they would have to operate. Initially, the procedure was to take only 20 minutes but doctors were unable to find the wire. Specialists were called in surgery took 6 hours. The wire had pushed through the esophagus wall and ended up in the muscle tissue of her neck. The wire had also punctured the esophagus in several locations, causing bleeding. Due to surgical trauma, her lips, nose, neck, eyes and face were extremely swollen and she experienced bleeding from her lips and nose. Fortunately, all turned out well and she left the hospital three days later.
What had caused this incident was a strand of wire from the wire brush was left on the cooking surface of the grill and when hamburgers were grilled it stuck to one of the hamburgers. After she took a bite and swallowed the hamburger she also ended up swallowing the piece of wire, which was attached to the hamburger.
Key Leanings from this incident.
If you use a wire brush to clean your grill make sure to wipe the grill off with a cloth, paper towel or something else before using it. Also, inspect the underside of the lid to make sure no strands of wire are stuck to the underside of the lid. Best practice is not to use a wire brush for cleaning. Some individuals use a paint scrapper to clean the grill.
One could cover the surface of the grill before grilling with extra heavy duty aluminum foil and this would prevent contact with the grilling surface.
Don’t transport persons in need of serious medical attention. Use a licensed ambulance service. The wire could have pierced her carotid artery, or wire been lodged above her epiglottis and dislodged, she could have inhaled the wire, which could have went to her lung and caused created a life threatening situation. If this had happened in route to the hospital, there would have been no medical professionals to treat her.
The individual cleaned the cooking surface of a gas grill a couple of weeks before the incident occurred with a wire brush but did not wipe it off after cleaning and did not immediately use the grill. His wife cooked several hamburgers on the grill a couple of weeks later and all were eaten except for two. These two hamburgers were heated up the next day to be eaten. When his daughter took one bite of her hamburger and immediately after swallowing she complained that a chunk of hamburger was caught in her throat. Initially, the thought was that a piece of the hamburger was caught in her throat. However, it was realized that this was not the problem, so her mother transported her to the hospital.
Once they ruled out a piece of hamburger caught in her throat, the hospital staff took an x-ray of her neck. The x-ray showed a piece of fine wire lying across her esophagus below the epiglottis. Based on the results the hospital staff had her transferred to Children’s Hospital in Galveston.
After further tests it was decided that they would have to operate. Initially, the procedure was to take only 20 minutes but doctors were unable to find the wire. Specialists were called in surgery took 6 hours. The wire had pushed through the esophagus wall and ended up in the muscle tissue of her neck. The wire had also punctured the esophagus in several locations, causing bleeding. Due to surgical trauma, her lips, nose, neck, eyes and face were extremely swollen and she experienced bleeding from her lips and nose. Fortunately, all turned out well and she left the hospital three days later.
What had caused this incident was a strand of wire from the wire brush was left on the cooking surface of the grill and when hamburgers were grilled it stuck to one of the hamburgers. After she took a bite and swallowed the hamburger she also ended up swallowing the piece of wire, which was attached to the hamburger.
Key Leanings from this incident.
If you use a wire brush to clean your grill make sure to wipe the grill off with a cloth, paper towel or something else before using it. Also, inspect the underside of the lid to make sure no strands of wire are stuck to the underside of the lid. Best practice is not to use a wire brush for cleaning. Some individuals use a paint scrapper to clean the grill.
One could cover the surface of the grill before grilling with extra heavy duty aluminum foil and this would prevent contact with the grilling surface.
Don’t transport persons in need of serious medical attention. Use a licensed ambulance service. The wire could have pierced her carotid artery, or wire been lodged above her epiglottis and dislodged, she could have inhaled the wire, which could have went to her lung and caused created a life threatening situation. If this had happened in route to the hospital, there would have been no medical professionals to treat her.
Check is in the mail!
Show me the money!
Well the government is sending out the stimulus checks to see if we will kick start the economy. Like most red-blooded Americans my money is already spent. It is not easy (or cheap) to raise a family and money goes very quickly no matter who you are, which is all the more reason for each of us to work safely both on and off the job.
Yard Tips
-Watch the toes! Remember to wear proper shoes for mowing and ear plugs are also a good idea.
-SEE you later! Always wear safety glasses while trimming weeds...you could put an eye out with a flying rock or misc. debris.
-Say what? Wear ear plugs with your power tools. Chain and skill saws (and many other tools) are noisy and can have devastating effects on your hearing.
-Be safe not sorry! Check the cords on power tools and always use a GFCI. More people die from 110 volt electrocution than any other.
-Call BEFORE you dig! Whether you are putting up a new building or installing a fence...save yourself some serious cash (from damaging buried powerlines) and avoid a trip to the ER.
Well the government is sending out the stimulus checks to see if we will kick start the economy. Like most red-blooded Americans my money is already spent. It is not easy (or cheap) to raise a family and money goes very quickly no matter who you are, which is all the more reason for each of us to work safely both on and off the job.
Yard Tips
-Watch the toes! Remember to wear proper shoes for mowing and ear plugs are also a good idea.
-SEE you later! Always wear safety glasses while trimming weeds...you could put an eye out with a flying rock or misc. debris.
-Say what? Wear ear plugs with your power tools. Chain and skill saws (and many other tools) are noisy and can have devastating effects on your hearing.
-Be safe not sorry! Check the cords on power tools and always use a GFCI. More people die from 110 volt electrocution than any other.
-Call BEFORE you dig! Whether you are putting up a new building or installing a fence...save yourself some serious cash (from damaging buried powerlines) and avoid a trip to the ER.
-Yard and garden equipment It is also important to make sure your equipment has all the guards in place prior to using it. Proper maintenace is the key to good service and long equipment life. Never fuel a hot piece of equipment. Gasoline vapors can ignite very quickly and the results are often devastating.
The Grill! Make sure to check all the hoses for cracks or leaks before you fire up the grill. Never us a propane grill indoors (not even in a garage) because the results can be deadly. Remember a fire extinguisher is a great thing to have around the house.
Safety Tidbits 4/28/08
April 28th is Workers Memorial Day!
The first Workers Memorial Day was observed in 1989. April 28 was chosen because it is the anniversary of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the day of a similar remembrance in Canada. Every year, people in hundreds of communities and at worksites recognize workers who have been killed or injured on the job. Trade unionists around the world now mark April 28 as an International Day of Mourning. -http://www.aflcio.org
Many worker places still Unsafe
A new report from the AFL-CIO paints a stark picture of occupational safety and health in the American workplace, contending safety laws and penalties are too weak to protect workers effectively.
-5,840 – Number of workers killed on the job in 2006.
-$10,133 – The average national penalty issued after a workplace fatality, according to the latest version of the AFL-CIO’s annual “Death on the Job” report.
-4.1 million – Number of workers hurt on the job in 2006.
-50,000 to 60,000 – Number of people who died from occupational diseases in 2006
The Washington-based union's annual "Death on the Job" report, released April 24, said 4.1 million workers were injured and killed on the job in 2006. The report added that others died from occupational diseases in 2006. -NSC
Face the music and do what you can
“Not everything that is faced can be changed. But nothing can be changed until it is faced.” -James Baldwin
Drinking and Driving
States in the upper Midwest have the most drivers who admitted to having driven under the influence of alcohol at least once in the past year, according to a new government report released April 23.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reports that 15.1 percent of the nation's drivers 18 and older drove under the influence of alcohol at least once in the past year. Wisconsin topped the list with 26.4 percent. North Dakota (24.9 percent), Minnesota (23.5 percent), Nebraska (22.9 percent) and South Dakota (21.6 percent) round out the top five states.
Utah had the lowest level of drunk drivers at 9.5 percent, followed by West Virginia (10.1 percent), North Carolina (10.4 percent), Kentucky (10.4 percent) and Arkansas (10.8 percent).
Info from the Department of Labor
-Maintain your work area! Housekeeping remains an important function of every job. Workplaces, store rooms, service rooms, aisles and passageways should be kept clean and orderly. This helps to reduce the potential for slip, trip and fall injuries. It also reduces the potential for citations.
-Respect Electricity! Electrocution is the fifth leading cause of workplace deaths in the U.S. Approximately 6% of worker deaths are the result of electrocution. The top four causes of worker deaths are motor vehicle accidents, contact with objects or equipment (struck by, caught between, etc.), falls, and workplace violence. -DOL
Quote of the Week: “What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.” -Albert Pike
The first Workers Memorial Day was observed in 1989. April 28 was chosen because it is the anniversary of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the day of a similar remembrance in Canada. Every year, people in hundreds of communities and at worksites recognize workers who have been killed or injured on the job. Trade unionists around the world now mark April 28 as an International Day of Mourning. -http://www.aflcio.org
Many worker places still Unsafe
A new report from the AFL-CIO paints a stark picture of occupational safety and health in the American workplace, contending safety laws and penalties are too weak to protect workers effectively.
-5,840 – Number of workers killed on the job in 2006.
-$10,133 – The average national penalty issued after a workplace fatality, according to the latest version of the AFL-CIO’s annual “Death on the Job” report.
-4.1 million – Number of workers hurt on the job in 2006.
-50,000 to 60,000 – Number of people who died from occupational diseases in 2006
The Washington-based union's annual "Death on the Job" report, released April 24, said 4.1 million workers were injured and killed on the job in 2006. The report added that others died from occupational diseases in 2006. -NSC
Face the music and do what you can
“Not everything that is faced can be changed. But nothing can be changed until it is faced.” -James Baldwin
Drinking and Driving
States in the upper Midwest have the most drivers who admitted to having driven under the influence of alcohol at least once in the past year, according to a new government report released April 23.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reports that 15.1 percent of the nation's drivers 18 and older drove under the influence of alcohol at least once in the past year. Wisconsin topped the list with 26.4 percent. North Dakota (24.9 percent), Minnesota (23.5 percent), Nebraska (22.9 percent) and South Dakota (21.6 percent) round out the top five states.
Utah had the lowest level of drunk drivers at 9.5 percent, followed by West Virginia (10.1 percent), North Carolina (10.4 percent), Kentucky (10.4 percent) and Arkansas (10.8 percent).
Info from the Department of Labor
-Maintain your work area! Housekeeping remains an important function of every job. Workplaces, store rooms, service rooms, aisles and passageways should be kept clean and orderly. This helps to reduce the potential for slip, trip and fall injuries. It also reduces the potential for citations.
-Respect Electricity! Electrocution is the fifth leading cause of workplace deaths in the U.S. Approximately 6% of worker deaths are the result of electrocution. The top four causes of worker deaths are motor vehicle accidents, contact with objects or equipment (struck by, caught between, etc.), falls, and workplace violence. -DOL
Quote of the Week: “What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.” -Albert Pike
Week 18
Safety means watching out for each other!
‘Pray for the dead and fight like hell for the living.’ -Mother Jones
Today is the 19th anniversary first Workers Memorial Day. This year also marks OSHA’s 38th year and MSHA’s 30th. Has there been any progress, you bet!
By the numbers!
In 1970, 260 coal mine fatalities and 165 metal/non-metal miners lost their lives on the job. Last year, 33 coal miners and 31 metal/non-metal miners died. There are less coal miners today but more metal/non-metal miners than there were in 1970. The numbers don’t lie, MSHA and OSHA have made a huge impact on workplace safety.
Why’d we level off?
There has been little progress in the past 7-10 years regarding fatality reduction. We have seen approximately 30-60 miners die each year (for the past decade) in each category. We can do better!
That’s where you come in!
Safety is not a spectator sport…you have to get in the game. We can get the number of fatalities and injuries down if we all work together.
What can one person do?
Correct any unsafe conditions that you find. Intervene when you see an unsafe (or questionable) act. Inform your supervisor of issues that need attention. Bring up safety concerns at safety meetings.
Make a difference!
Watch out for each other, take care of your co-workers. The potential for injuries and accidents decreases significantly when we watch each other’s backs. We owe each other that much, don’t you think.
More about Mother Jones aka "The Miner’s Angel"
Born Mary Harris in Ireland, raised in Canada, a teacher in Michigan and a dressmaker in Chicago, she married George Jones in 1861 and they had four children. George Jones and all four children died in a yellow fever epidemic in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1867. Mary Harris Jones then moved to Chicago, where she became a dressmaker. She lost her home, shop and belongings in the Chicago Fire.
A gradually growing interest in labor union issues and in radical politics led her to become active by her late 50s as Mother Jones, white-haired radical labor organizer. Mother Jones worked mainly with the United Mine Workers, where, among other activities, she often organized strikers' wives.
In 1903 Mother Jones led a children's march from Kensington, Pennsylvania, to New York to protest child labor to President Roosevelt. In 1905, Mother Jones was among the founders of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW, the "Wobblies").
In the 1920s, Mother Jones wrote her Autobiography. Mother Jones became less active as her health failed, and died in 1930, at age 83.
‘Pray for the dead and fight like hell for the living.’ -Mother Jones
Today is the 19th anniversary first Workers Memorial Day. This year also marks OSHA’s 38th year and MSHA’s 30th. Has there been any progress, you bet!
By the numbers!
In 1970, 260 coal mine fatalities and 165 metal/non-metal miners lost their lives on the job. Last year, 33 coal miners and 31 metal/non-metal miners died. There are less coal miners today but more metal/non-metal miners than there were in 1970. The numbers don’t lie, MSHA and OSHA have made a huge impact on workplace safety.
Why’d we level off?
There has been little progress in the past 7-10 years regarding fatality reduction. We have seen approximately 30-60 miners die each year (for the past decade) in each category. We can do better!
That’s where you come in!
Safety is not a spectator sport…you have to get in the game. We can get the number of fatalities and injuries down if we all work together.
What can one person do?
Correct any unsafe conditions that you find. Intervene when you see an unsafe (or questionable) act. Inform your supervisor of issues that need attention. Bring up safety concerns at safety meetings.
Make a difference!
Watch out for each other, take care of your co-workers. The potential for injuries and accidents decreases significantly when we watch each other’s backs. We owe each other that much, don’t you think.
More about Mother Jones aka "The Miner’s Angel"
Born Mary Harris in Ireland, raised in Canada, a teacher in Michigan and a dressmaker in Chicago, she married George Jones in 1861 and they had four children. George Jones and all four children died in a yellow fever epidemic in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1867. Mary Harris Jones then moved to Chicago, where she became a dressmaker. She lost her home, shop and belongings in the Chicago Fire.
A gradually growing interest in labor union issues and in radical politics led her to become active by her late 50s as Mother Jones, white-haired radical labor organizer. Mother Jones worked mainly with the United Mine Workers, where, among other activities, she often organized strikers' wives.
In 1903 Mother Jones led a children's march from Kensington, Pennsylvania, to New York to protest child labor to President Roosevelt. In 1905, Mother Jones was among the founders of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW, the "Wobblies").
In the 1920s, Mother Jones wrote her Autobiography. Mother Jones became less active as her health failed, and died in 1930, at age 83.
Safety Tidbits 4/22/08
Focus on Safety
-Researchers determined the risk of death for belted front-seat occupants rose 400 percent when someone in the backseat was NOT wearing a seat belt.
-Everyday an estimated 1,000 eye injuries occur in American workplaces.
-On average, about 100 workers die from ladder falls, annually, and dozens more are injured. Inspect ladders prior to use and stay off the top two rungs of A-frame ladders.
Just do it
To have striven, to have made an effort, to have been true to certain ideals -- this alone is worth the struggle. We are here to add what we can to, not to get what we can from, life. --Sir William Osler
Smoke Detectors save lives
Think Fire Safety. Check smoke detectors monthly and replace batteries twice a year. You should also keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen. -- Fire Marshal Bill
Credit Card Fraud/Identity Theft
As many as 700,000 people in the U.S. might be victimized by identity thieves each year, the Justice Department says. It costs the average victim more than $1,000 in expenses to cope with the damage to their accounts and reputations, the FTC has said.
The number of identity theft complaints rose from about 86,000 in 2001 to about 162,000 last year. Forty-two percent involved credit card fraud. Other major categories involved fraudulent bank and cell phone accounts.
Quote of the Week
“Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy.” -Norman Vincent Peale
Be Grateful for What The Good Lord Gave You!
-If you woke up this morning with more health than illness...you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week.
-If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation ...you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.
-If you can attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death...you are more blessed than three billion people in the world.
-If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep...you are richer than 75% of this world.
-If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace...you are among the top 8% of the World's wealthy. -Think about it!
-Researchers determined the risk of death for belted front-seat occupants rose 400 percent when someone in the backseat was NOT wearing a seat belt.
-Everyday an estimated 1,000 eye injuries occur in American workplaces.
-On average, about 100 workers die from ladder falls, annually, and dozens more are injured. Inspect ladders prior to use and stay off the top two rungs of A-frame ladders.
Just do it
To have striven, to have made an effort, to have been true to certain ideals -- this alone is worth the struggle. We are here to add what we can to, not to get what we can from, life. --Sir William Osler
Smoke Detectors save lives
Think Fire Safety. Check smoke detectors monthly and replace batteries twice a year. You should also keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen. -- Fire Marshal Bill
Credit Card Fraud/Identity Theft
As many as 700,000 people in the U.S. might be victimized by identity thieves each year, the Justice Department says. It costs the average victim more than $1,000 in expenses to cope with the damage to their accounts and reputations, the FTC has said.
The number of identity theft complaints rose from about 86,000 in 2001 to about 162,000 last year. Forty-two percent involved credit card fraud. Other major categories involved fraudulent bank and cell phone accounts.
Quote of the Week
“Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy.” -Norman Vincent Peale
Be Grateful for What The Good Lord Gave You!
-If you woke up this morning with more health than illness...you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week.
-If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation ...you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.
-If you can attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death...you are more blessed than three billion people in the world.
-If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep...you are richer than 75% of this world.
-If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace...you are among the top 8% of the World's wealthy. -Think about it!
Tip 17
Focus on 'SAFE Production' and Watch my back, too!
Yes, Production is important! - But not more important then you or your coworkers. So remember to focus on Safe Production and let's get everyone home safely. Remember: Safety is a team effort… we all have a job to do!
Keep a Positive Safety Attitude – It CAN happen to you! Wear your PPE, stay attentive, and pay attention to your surroundings. Keep an eye out for potential hazards and remember Rushing, Frustration and Fatigue increase the potential for injury.
Beware of Distractions – FOCUS on the task at hand. Plant your work and work your plan. Communicate the game plan with co-workers. Keep eyes and mind on task.
Watch your Positioning – Stay out of the Line of Fire! Think about the positon you are putting yourself in and ask is this a safe location. Keep track of co-workers (know where they are --- don't guess) and ask them to keep track of you. When we start making assumptions we end up getting people hurt!
Make Time for Safety, You're Worth it! – Remember to keep the focus on SAFE Production! Avoid at-risk behavior. Nobody goes to work thinking ‘I’m going to get hurt today!’ But every day 15,000-17,000 workers suffer disabling injuries on the job and another 11-17 are killed. What are you doing to make sure it doesn’t happen on your shift?
Silent Heroes - We had a medical emergency here at the plant the other day. Plant Emergency Responders were called to handle the situation and they did a great job. The interesting thing is the responders were two of the newest members of the team. It is always good to know somebody has your back. I strongly recommend a response or rescue team for any operation…they make a huge difference. Thanks guys, you know who you are!
Yes, Production is important! - But not more important then you or your coworkers. So remember to focus on Safe Production and let's get everyone home safely. Remember: Safety is a team effort… we all have a job to do!
Keep a Positive Safety Attitude – It CAN happen to you! Wear your PPE, stay attentive, and pay attention to your surroundings. Keep an eye out for potential hazards and remember Rushing, Frustration and Fatigue increase the potential for injury.
Beware of Distractions – FOCUS on the task at hand. Plant your work and work your plan. Communicate the game plan with co-workers. Keep eyes and mind on task.
Watch your Positioning – Stay out of the Line of Fire! Think about the positon you are putting yourself in and ask is this a safe location. Keep track of co-workers (know where they are --- don't guess) and ask them to keep track of you. When we start making assumptions we end up getting people hurt!
Make Time for Safety, You're Worth it! – Remember to keep the focus on SAFE Production! Avoid at-risk behavior. Nobody goes to work thinking ‘I’m going to get hurt today!’ But every day 15,000-17,000 workers suffer disabling injuries on the job and another 11-17 are killed. What are you doing to make sure it doesn’t happen on your shift?
Silent Heroes - We had a medical emergency here at the plant the other day. Plant Emergency Responders were called to handle the situation and they did a great job. The interesting thing is the responders were two of the newest members of the team. It is always good to know somebody has your back. I strongly recommend a response or rescue team for any operation…they make a huge difference. Thanks guys, you know who you are!
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