The number of overweight and obese Americans is GROWING. This is one of the main factor affecting HEALTH CARE! Obsetiy plays a huge role in many health issues like diabetes, hypertension, etc. , and guess what? We CAN control it!!! Obestiy is the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S. (second only to smoking) and is now the leading cause of school absenteeism.
Interesting Numbers
33 - Percent of American adults that are obese
60 - Percent increase in adult obesity over the past 20 years
300 - Percent increase in childhood obesity over the past 30 years
10,000 - the number of food ads the average child sees on TV an each year, in America (most for high-calorie, high-fat, and high-sugar meals).
1,000+ and 50 - The number of calories and fat grams in a typical fast food meal.
2000 and 65 - The maximum number of calories fat grams the average adult should eat daily.
300,000+ - Number of obesity-related deaths each year in the U.S. (second only to tobacco)
Source: Downtoearth.com
Wake Up America - We are eating ourselves to death!
In reading the latest edition of ISHN, I found that Trust for America's Health (TFAH) reported that over the past year, adult obesity rates increased in 23 states and did not decrease in a single state. Now I know I have put on a few pounds lately; can’t blame it on my wife washing my clothes in HOT water any longer. Where’d that 10-15 pounds come from? The good life…maybe! The fast paced life…could be! The article went on to say that adult obesity rates exceed 25% in 31 states. A couple quick facts:
The Calorie Breakdown
Food Item/Calories
McDonald’s Lunch Option 1
-Big Mac / 540
-Medium Fries / 380
-And the Medium Coke / 210
-A Large Coke / 310 ……one meal 1,000 calories plus…
-McChicken / 360
Lunch Option 2
-Hamburger / 250
-Small Fry / 230
-Small Shake / 580……….another 1,000
A few Wendy’s Choices
Jr. Hamburger / 230
Spicy Chicken Sandwich / 440
Small Frosty / 310
Baconator / 830
Triple w/everything / 970
No better at Burger King
Whopper Jr. / 370
Whopper / 670
w/cheese / 770
Double Whopper / 1010
The Colonel is not the answer either - some KFC numbers
Chicken Breast / 370
Thigh / 260
Wing / 110 add potatoes, gray and a roll and guess what....you're packin away the calories
Chicken Strips (3) / 310
Popcorn Chicken (Lg.) / 550
Salads w/o dressing / 200-300+
Add dressing another / 200-300+
Subway is your best bet with six 6" subs with 380 calories or less (and no more than 6 grams of fat). Watch some of those breakfast sandwiches though.
WHAT CAN YOU DO? Choose a healthier lifestyle and Start Today!
-Eat LESS! Portion size in this country is out of control… you don’t have to eat everything on your plate, just because the nuns forced you to in grade school.
-Make BETTER CHOICES! Eat more fruit, veggies, nuts, granola, fish, etc.
-EXERCISE! Nasty word I know, but if I can get up at 5:30 am so can you! If nothing else, start out by going for a walk, daily…start slow and stick with it!
-Drink LESS ALCOHOL! You may be getting a lot of your calories out of a can.
-Establish a Routine! Strive to go to bed and get up the same time each day. A good night's sleep in important.
-MORE Water/LESS TV! Drink plenty of water. Most of us think we are hungry when our bodies are just dehydrated. Sitting in front of the boob tube is an easy way to eat, even when you Are Not hungry!!
-One more thing...EAT ONLY WHEN YOU ARE HUNGRY! Ignore those mid-morning and mid-afternoon hunger pains for a couple days and they will go away. Can't do it...then just eat a little something to get you to lunch.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Safety Tidbits August 24, 2009
The First Labor Day! (from the Library of Congress)
On September 5, 1882, some 10,000 workers assembled in New York City to participate in America's first Labor Day parade. After marching from City Hall, past reviewing stands in Union Square, and then uptown to 42nd Street, the workers and their families gathered in Wendel's Elm Park for a picnic, concert, and speeches. This first Labor Day celebration was eagerly organized and executed by New York’s Central Labor Union, an umbrella group made up of representatives from many local unions. Debate continues to this day as to who originated the idea of a workers' holiday, but it definitely emerged from the ranks of organized labor at a time when they wanted to demonstrate the strength of their burgeoning movement and inspire improvements in their working conditions.
On September 5, 1882, some 10,000 workers assembled in New York City to participate in America's first Labor Day parade. After marching from City Hall, past reviewing stands in Union Square, and then uptown to 42nd Street, the workers and their families gathered in Wendel's Elm Park for a picnic, concert, and speeches. This first Labor Day celebration was eagerly organized and executed by New York’s Central Labor Union, an umbrella group made up of representatives from many local unions. Debate continues to this day as to who originated the idea of a workers' holiday, but it definitely emerged from the ranks of organized labor at a time when they wanted to demonstrate the strength of their burgeoning movement and inspire improvements in their working conditions.
Today in History (from MSNBC.com) - In A.D. 79, long-dormant Mount Vesuvius erupted, burying the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum in volcanic ash. An estimated 20,000 people died.
In 1814, British forces invaded Washington, setting fire to the Capitol and the White House, among other buildings.
In 
1932, Amelia Earhart embarked on a 19-hour flight from Los Angeles to Newark, N.J., making her the first woman to fly solo non-stop from coast to coast.
In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Communist Control Act, outlawing the Communist Party in the United States.
In 2006, The International Astronomical Union declared that Pluto was no longer a planet, demoting it to the status of a “dwarf planet.”
Don't Quit!
Safety Matters and we are making a Difference! Don't Quit!
I have talked to some safety professionals who feel we are fighting an uphill battle. They are frustrated because some workers 'just don't get it' and they (the safety people), 'don't know what to do.'
Wish I had the answer...I don't but here are some thoughts:
-Keep fighting the good fight, but don't look at it as a fight! We need to utilize positive reinforcement whenever possible. (My buddy Denny and I have presented our presentation, 'Putting a 'POSITIVE Spin' on Safety! at numerous conferences, and I believe that is the answer.) We can no longer be the cop on the corner -- catching people making mistakes (safety is not about punishing people it is about getting them home Safely). We need to do more coaching, teaching, and mentoring. We also need to get the rest of the management team to assist in this endeavor.
-People want to 'Do the Right Thing'. We all make mistakes, but we must believe that the majority (if not all) of our employees are good people trying to earn a living. They are not coming to work looking to get hurt. When injuries occur, we must not look only at what the worker did or didn't do. We must understand why... you have to look at the management systems to see if there are gaps!
-Set them up for SUCCESS! If you want employees and supervisors to do well, give them the tools they need to be successful. Give team members the training and support they need. Solicit their input and encourage workers to speak up; Get them in the game. Give them the leadership they need.
-Safety Leaders have to use different approaches for different people. Sometimes our approach doesn't produce the results we desire. That is a good time to change your approach. Remember nobody cares how much you know UNTIL they know how much you care!
Two things I do know:
We ARE Making a Difference and We Will Succeed!
Below is a modified version of something I heard a long time ago regarding Success -- (I think it was from Tom Peters.)
SUCCESS!
If you believe in God, you're half way there!
Believe in this Great Country, and you're three quarters!
Believe in yourself and you are there, and you are there as long as you never give up!
"There seemed to be endless obstacles... it seemed that the root cause of them all was fear.” -Joanna Field
Gotta run...someone's knocking at the door... it may be Opportunity!
I have talked to some safety professionals who feel we are fighting an uphill battle. They are frustrated because some workers 'just don't get it' and they (the safety people), 'don't know what to do.'
Wish I had the answer...I don't but here are some thoughts:
-Keep fighting the good fight, but don't look at it as a fight! We need to utilize positive reinforcement whenever possible. (My buddy Denny and I have presented our presentation, 'Putting a 'POSITIVE Spin' on Safety! at numerous conferences, and I believe that is the answer.) We can no longer be the cop on the corner -- catching people making mistakes (safety is not about punishing people it is about getting them home Safely). We need to do more coaching, teaching, and mentoring. We also need to get the rest of the management team to assist in this endeavor.
-People want to 'Do the Right Thing'. We all make mistakes, but we must believe that the majority (if not all) of our employees are good people trying to earn a living. They are not coming to work looking to get hurt. When injuries occur, we must not look only at what the worker did or didn't do. We must understand why... you have to look at the management systems to see if there are gaps!
-Set them up for SUCCESS! If you want employees and supervisors to do well, give them the tools they need to be successful. Give team members the training and support they need. Solicit their input and encourage workers to speak up; Get them in the game. Give them the leadership they need.
-Safety Leaders have to use different approaches for different people. Sometimes our approach doesn't produce the results we desire. That is a good time to change your approach. Remember nobody cares how much you know UNTIL they know how much you care!
Two things I do know:
We ARE Making a Difference and We Will Succeed!
Below is a modified version of something I heard a long time ago regarding Success -- (I think it was from Tom Peters.)
SUCCESS!
If you believe in God, you're half way there!
Believe in this Great Country, and you're three quarters!
Believe in yourself and you are there, and you are there as long as you never give up!
"There seemed to be endless obstacles... it seemed that the root cause of them all was fear.” -Joanna Field
Gotta run...someone's knocking at the door... it may be Opportunity!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
The Trouble with Safety!
FYI, I wrote this after watching co-workers cutting across the parking one afternoon; it seemed almost everyone was too busy to bother using the relative safety of the cross walks. I hope you are not too busy for safety. Every now and then, we all need to remind ourselves to Slow Down and Make Time for Safety!
The Trouble with Safety
By Safety Wayne
The trouble with safety according to me,
It’s just too inconvenient for some folks, you see.
They have things to do and a lot to get done,
So corners… yeah, Sometimes they DO cut some.
Why walk to the corner to cross the street,
Just because the crosswalk is all painted and neat!?
Does it really matter if you cross right here?
No it doesn’t – heck, you've done it for years!
So what is the problem you simply may ask
In taking short cuts while performing a task.
Well…Breaking the rules and taking chances you’ll see,
Keeps getting easier – and that’s a problem for me!
If you take short cuts and get lucky you think you can do it again,
BUT next time you may not be as lucky as you’ve been.
Some will get injured and yes some will die,
Leaving family and friends trying to figure out WHY???
Why would this loved one risk injury and life
Had he forgotten about his children or his wife?
If it happens to you, you’ll have regrets this much is true
But if you’re seriously injured, you may no longer be you.
Work safely for the special people in your life,
Avoid the pain, the rehab, and having to explain it to your wife!
Oh yeah, and watch out for the other guy too,
And if you’re lucky, maybe he'll even watch out for you.
Safety, safety, safety, why can’t you just leave us be?
Because people mistakenly believe ‘Accidents won’t happen to me”.
Accidents and injuries happen when we get in a rush,
and The Trouble with Safety... well I guess its US!
The Trouble with Safety
By Safety Wayne
The trouble with safety according to me,
It’s just too inconvenient for some folks, you see.
They have things to do and a lot to get done,
So corners… yeah, Sometimes they DO cut some.
Why walk to the corner to cross the street,
Just because the crosswalk is all painted and neat!?
Does it really matter if you cross right here?
No it doesn’t – heck, you've done it for years!
So what is the problem you simply may ask
In taking short cuts while performing a task.
Well…Breaking the rules and taking chances you’ll see,
Keeps getting easier – and that’s a problem for me!
If you take short cuts and get lucky you think you can do it again,
BUT next time you may not be as lucky as you’ve been.
Some will get injured and yes some will die,
Leaving family and friends trying to figure out WHY???
Why would this loved one risk injury and life
Had he forgotten about his children or his wife?
If it happens to you, you’ll have regrets this much is true
But if you’re seriously injured, you may no longer be you.
Work safely for the special people in your life,
Avoid the pain, the rehab, and having to explain it to your wife!
Oh yeah, and watch out for the other guy too,
And if you’re lucky, maybe he'll even watch out for you.
Safety, safety, safety, why can’t you just leave us be?
Because people mistakenly believe ‘Accidents won’t happen to me”.
Accidents and injuries happen when we get in a rush,
and The Trouble with Safety... well I guess its US!
Friday, August 21, 2009
A Personal Story
Here is the story of what happened to a friend of mine. We hope others can avoid the suffering Tom and his family went through because of his mistakes.
Safety it Matters to ME!
By Tom R.
There are very few employees out in the work force that have experienced the many things that go through your mind when you fear that death is close. I have been there and would like to share my thoughts and what I learned.
As a Facility Manager of a VPP site, I have always stressed to my employees to take a moment to think about what dangers or risks can be ahead of you when you take on any type of task. I was filling in for one of my employees at a one man facility, loading trucks, watering the roads, etc. By lunch time the daily activities were completed so I decided to move several 40’ sections of conveyor out of the high grass, where they had been stored for several years. We had found use for these conveyor sections at another facility and were preparing them for transport.
I was using a Cat 980C loader with an OSHA-approved sling attached to the bucket for this task; the contour of the area was fairly flat. The process was quit simple; I would drive up to the sections with the bucket in the air, apply the parking brake on the loader, get out and attach a chain on each side of the conveyor. Once back in the loader, pick the sections up and move them to an area where they would be easy to get at. I had moved several sections with no problems.
After lining up the loader to pick the next section, I noticed there was a very small downward slope; I applied the hand brake and got out of the loader to hook the chains to the conveyor as in previous moves. While hooking the chain to the one side I heard the sound of dry grass cracking, and before I could turn to see what the sound was, I was hit in the back with the left front tire of the loader. It pinned me between the tire and the conveyor section. I stood there for several seconds and wondered how this could happen to me; what did I do wrong?
I tried to move, but couldn’t. I was stuck!
(This facility was located in a fairly remote area where there is very little activity). I yelled for help, but every time I did -- the loader pushed tighter, not allowing my lungs to take in any air, by the fourth try I was out of air. I thought to myself is this it…is this the way it will end for me?.
I must have passed out at this time and remember that many different images flashed through my mind while I stood there helpless. Most of these images were things from my past (me growing up; my children when they were young, etc.). Then, all of a sudden, I heard a man yelling several times, ‘where are you?’ I was able to wiggle the lifting chain enough that he had heard it. He asked what he should do, with a whispering voice and some hand signals I got it across to him to get in the loader and pull back the lever located on the left side of the steering column (shift lever). As he did that, I remember falling to the ground and must have passed out again. When I woke up I was laying along side the loader with a man and women kneeling next to me, telling me not to move. Soon the paramedics arrived and transported me to the hospital.
As I look back at this accident there were several amazing things that happened which told me it was not my time to go yet. First of all, the man that came to my aid first, worked at a malting plant several hundred feet away from where the accident happened. Normally he never comes out the back door of the building on his break, but on this day he did, and happened to hear me call for help. Second, the women who had been kneeling at my side worked two blocks away on the third floor of a three story building. Normally she would have the air conditioner running in her office, but because the weather was so nice out, she had shut off her air conditioner and opened her window. Therefore, she also heard my calls for help. And finally, the loader was at a slight angle to the conveyor when it hit me, which meant that the outside of the tire ran up against the conveyor about the same time it pinned me against the conveyor. Had the loader come straight at me it would have cut me it half.
Lessons Learned
Rushing and Complacency played a roll it this accident! This caused me to make some poor choices:
1. MAINTAIN YOUR FOCUS! This was a two-man task that I should not have been doing alone, I knew better, but was so focused on getting the job done I forgot about safety.
2. MIND ON TASK! Things were going so well, I let my guard down and failed to recognize that the loader was parked on a slight slope when I exited the cab. I was focused on getting these last few conveyors moved. Yes, I set the hand brake (as a matter of habit) but never really considered that the loader might actually move!
3. STAY OUT OF THE LINE OF FIRE! I put myself in the line of fire resulting by walking in front of the 980. It would have been just as easy for me to walk around to the other side of the conveyor to hook the chains, thus I would have seen the loader moving towards the conveyor (EYES ON TASK), and been out of the way.
4. A SIMPLE MISTAKE…an assumption was made!
The emergency brake was out of adjustment and failed to keep the machine from rolling. The brake had not been tested for adjustment recently. It was always parked in a level area, and never moved once the brake was applied. This time the machine was parked on a slight slope and it did not hold.
The Take Away
If you get nothing else out of this story, know this: Injuries can happen to anyone, don’t think they can’t happen to you! I spent over 40 years in the construction industry without an injury; the first one darn near killed me. Don’t let it happen to you!
I am very fortunate to be alive, but some of these injuries will affect me for the rest of my life. Let me tell you something, Safety matters to me, and it should matter to YOU!
Safety it Matters to ME!
By Tom R.
There are very few employees out in the work force that have experienced the many things that go through your mind when you fear that death is close. I have been there and would like to share my thoughts and what I learned.
As a Facility Manager of a VPP site, I have always stressed to my employees to take a moment to think about what dangers or risks can be ahead of you when you take on any type of task. I was filling in for one of my employees at a one man facility, loading trucks, watering the roads, etc. By lunch time the daily activities were completed so I decided to move several 40’ sections of conveyor out of the high grass, where they had been stored for several years. We had found use for these conveyor sections at another facility and were preparing them for transport.
I was using a Cat 980C loader with an OSHA-approved sling attached to the bucket for this task; the contour of the area was fairly flat. The process was quit simple; I would drive up to the sections with the bucket in the air, apply the parking brake on the loader, get out and attach a chain on each side of the conveyor. Once back in the loader, pick the sections up and move them to an area where they would be easy to get at. I had moved several sections with no problems.
After lining up the loader to pick the next section, I noticed there was a very small downward slope; I applied the hand brake and got out of the loader to hook the chains to the conveyor as in previous moves. While hooking the chain to the one side I heard the sound of dry grass cracking, and before I could turn to see what the sound was, I was hit in the back with the left front tire of the loader. It pinned me between the tire and the conveyor section. I stood there for several seconds and wondered how this could happen to me; what did I do wrong?
I tried to move, but couldn’t. I was stuck!
(This facility was located in a fairly remote area where there is very little activity). I yelled for help, but every time I did -- the loader pushed tighter, not allowing my lungs to take in any air, by the fourth try I was out of air. I thought to myself is this it…is this the way it will end for me?.
I must have passed out at this time and remember that many different images flashed through my mind while I stood there helpless. Most of these images were things from my past (me growing up; my children when they were young, etc.). Then, all of a sudden, I heard a man yelling several times, ‘where are you?’ I was able to wiggle the lifting chain enough that he had heard it. He asked what he should do, with a whispering voice and some hand signals I got it across to him to get in the loader and pull back the lever located on the left side of the steering column (shift lever). As he did that, I remember falling to the ground and must have passed out again. When I woke up I was laying along side the loader with a man and women kneeling next to me, telling me not to move. Soon the paramedics arrived and transported me to the hospital.
As I look back at this accident there were several amazing things that happened which told me it was not my time to go yet. First of all, the man that came to my aid first, worked at a malting plant several hundred feet away from where the accident happened. Normally he never comes out the back door of the building on his break, but on this day he did, and happened to hear me call for help. Second, the women who had been kneeling at my side worked two blocks away on the third floor of a three story building. Normally she would have the air conditioner running in her office, but because the weather was so nice out, she had shut off her air conditioner and opened her window. Therefore, she also heard my calls for help. And finally, the loader was at a slight angle to the conveyor when it hit me, which meant that the outside of the tire ran up against the conveyor about the same time it pinned me against the conveyor. Had the loader come straight at me it would have cut me it half.
Lessons Learned
Rushing and Complacency played a roll it this accident! This caused me to make some poor choices:
1. MAINTAIN YOUR FOCUS! This was a two-man task that I should not have been doing alone, I knew better, but was so focused on getting the job done I forgot about safety.
2. MIND ON TASK! Things were going so well, I let my guard down and failed to recognize that the loader was parked on a slight slope when I exited the cab. I was focused on getting these last few conveyors moved. Yes, I set the hand brake (as a matter of habit) but never really considered that the loader might actually move!
3. STAY OUT OF THE LINE OF FIRE! I put myself in the line of fire resulting by walking in front of the 980. It would have been just as easy for me to walk around to the other side of the conveyor to hook the chains, thus I would have seen the loader moving towards the conveyor (EYES ON TASK), and been out of the way.
4. A SIMPLE MISTAKE…an assumption was made!
The emergency brake was out of adjustment and failed to keep the machine from rolling. The brake had not been tested for adjustment recently. It was always parked in a level area, and never moved once the brake was applied. This time the machine was parked on a slight slope and it did not hold.
The Take Away
If you get nothing else out of this story, know this: Injuries can happen to anyone, don’t think they can’t happen to you! I spent over 40 years in the construction industry without an injury; the first one darn near killed me. Don’t let it happen to you!
I am very fortunate to be alive, but some of these injuries will affect me for the rest of my life. Let me tell you something, Safety matters to me, and it should matter to YOU!
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Avoid Complacency!
This is a modified version of something we received from the folks at FHR (thanks KK)!
One of the most important parts of every task is to Maintain Your Focus! It is not easy to stay focused with all life’s distractions. Here are a few things you can do!
Leave personal issues at home. Allowing personal problems to creep into our work day can cause workers to lose focus! When you are at work FOCUS on WORK. In the car, FOCUS on Driving! Keep your mind on the task you are doing to avoid accidents and injuries.
Communicate with co-workers prior to performing the task. Make sure all affected employees understand the job task. Effective communication between supervisors and workers is a must! Supervisors should ask workers to explain the expectation to ensure everyone is on the same page. Miscommunications and assumptions can lead to accidents and injury, so when you are unsure ASK!
Review JSAs and Safe Work Permits! Make sure all job steps are identified and address each hazard appropriately. Knowing the hazards and taking actions to mitigate each is a great way to avoid a mishap. Remember to be on the lookout for unforeseen hazards and Speak up if a problem is noted!
Check the work area prior to the task! Taking time to walk through the area is just as important as reviewing the job steps and associated permits with the permit writer. Workers must be aware of any conditions that could pose a hazard while the task is performed. Verify the work area is safe; never assume all hazards have been addressed/removed!
Actively participate in the JSA and Safe Work Permit Process. Don’t just depend on other employees -- take an active role in YOUR Safety! Review the steps and know the expectations -- take ownership of the task. Each employee brings a different skill set to the table - share what you know!
Stick to the requirements of the JSA and/or Permit. Field deviations can lead to trouble. Double check the JSA as needed. If the procedure must be changed, Make Time for Safety: review any potential NEW hazard, communicate the changes and get a new permit issued when necessary. Each change can bring new hazards and increase the potential for an injury!
Stay healthy. Eat right, get plenty of sleep and drink only in moderation. If you are sick, don’t come to work. It is difficult to keep your mind focused on your job task if you are not feeling well. Are you taking medication that causes drowsiness - if so you should not be performing safety sensitive tasks.
ASK Questions and OFFER Input! If you are not sure about a particular aspect of your job task, or something just does not feel right, STOP. Contact your supervisor immediately and make sure you feel comfortable before proceeding. And, whenever you see a deficiency or an opportunity to make a positive difference - Speak up! Your input matters!
Keeping your focus is not only a good idea, it is a requirement if we want to get everyone home at the end of their shift! MAKE TIME FOR SAFETY -- it is a Shared Responsibility!
One of the most important parts of every task is to Maintain Your Focus! It is not easy to stay focused with all life’s distractions. Here are a few things you can do!
Leave personal issues at home. Allowing personal problems to creep into our work day can cause workers to lose focus! When you are at work FOCUS on WORK. In the car, FOCUS on Driving! Keep your mind on the task you are doing to avoid accidents and injuries.
Communicate with co-workers prior to performing the task. Make sure all affected employees understand the job task. Effective communication between supervisors and workers is a must! Supervisors should ask workers to explain the expectation to ensure everyone is on the same page. Miscommunications and assumptions can lead to accidents and injury, so when you are unsure ASK!
Review JSAs and Safe Work Permits! Make sure all job steps are identified and address each hazard appropriately. Knowing the hazards and taking actions to mitigate each is a great way to avoid a mishap. Remember to be on the lookout for unforeseen hazards and Speak up if a problem is noted!
Check the work area prior to the task! Taking time to walk through the area is just as important as reviewing the job steps and associated permits with the permit writer. Workers must be aware of any conditions that could pose a hazard while the task is performed. Verify the work area is safe; never assume all hazards have been addressed/removed!
Actively participate in the JSA and Safe Work Permit Process. Don’t just depend on other employees -- take an active role in YOUR Safety! Review the steps and know the expectations -- take ownership of the task. Each employee brings a different skill set to the table - share what you know!
Stick to the requirements of the JSA and/or Permit. Field deviations can lead to trouble. Double check the JSA as needed. If the procedure must be changed, Make Time for Safety: review any potential NEW hazard, communicate the changes and get a new permit issued when necessary. Each change can bring new hazards and increase the potential for an injury!
Stay healthy. Eat right, get plenty of sleep and drink only in moderation. If you are sick, don’t come to work. It is difficult to keep your mind focused on your job task if you are not feeling well. Are you taking medication that causes drowsiness - if so you should not be performing safety sensitive tasks.
ASK Questions and OFFER Input! If you are not sure about a particular aspect of your job task, or something just does not feel right, STOP. Contact your supervisor immediately and make sure you feel comfortable before proceeding. And, whenever you see a deficiency or an opportunity to make a positive difference - Speak up! Your input matters!
Keeping your focus is not only a good idea, it is a requirement if we want to get everyone home at the end of their shift! MAKE TIME FOR SAFETY -- it is a Shared Responsibility!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
MBWA - spend some time out of the office!
Note: We use Safe Work Permits for many tasks (Confined Space Entry, Energized Work, LO/TO, Critical Lifts, and other non-routine tasks) to reduce the potential for injury. But, even if you don't use permits, it pays to spend time in the field.
Think about it! - 'The results you achieve will be in direct proportion to the effort you apply.' -Denis Waitley
Get out among the Team
These days it seems like there is more and more paperwork to do, more phone calls to return, and more emails to write or respond to -- that may never change. But don't forget about the importance of interacting with our employees and contractors. Please continue to have your managers and supervisors field verify Safe Work Permits. There are several good reasons for requiring managers and supervisory personnel to do this, once the task/project has begun. Here are just a few:
-It follows the MBWA (Management by Walking Around) Principle which, among other things, makes the management/supervisory team MORE VISIBLE! Workers (employees and contractors) see you out there and they generally improve their behavior (work habits and safety awareness) because they see the management is watching.
-It Creates Value...by giving the management team a chance to SEE and know what is really going on out there! This first hand knowledge is invaluable. Sometimes assumptions are made (the employee or contractor thinks he/she understands our expectations or we think they do) and that can lead to accidents and injury.
-It Facilitates Compliance. It confirms they get it, when they do. Or helps us identify gaps that need to be filled. In either case, we can use the feedback for continuous improvement.
-It Increases the Knowledge Base of the team, since it creates opportunities for communication with crew members. Effective two-way communication is a great way to discuss ideas (brain storm) for improvement or identify problems so they can be addressed.
-It Builds Trust. Open communications with employees in the field helps to foster trust and team building. Each employee has something to add are we giving them ample opportunity to do so?
-It Shows Respect and can lead to Employee Fulfillment. Employees appreciate it when the management/supervisory team takes an active role. They like to be recognized and appreciated for their talents…having managers see them in the field (in their element) is a form of non-verbal recognition. Taking time to talk to the crew members (asking them specific questions about the task, the equipment, etc.) is a way to demonstrate you recognize them as trained professionals.
-It fosters Individual Accountability and Entrepreneurial Spirit. Once employees perceive you care, they are more likely to take ownership, and accept responsibility for their actions.
So please continue to field verify the permits. Your efforts are much appreciated.
That some achieve great success, is proof to all that others can achieve it as well. -Abraham Lincoln
Think about it! - 'The results you achieve will be in direct proportion to the effort you apply.' -Denis Waitley
Get out among the Team
These days it seems like there is more and more paperwork to do, more phone calls to return, and more emails to write or respond to -- that may never change. But don't forget about the importance of interacting with our employees and contractors. Please continue to have your managers and supervisors field verify Safe Work Permits. There are several good reasons for requiring managers and supervisory personnel to do this, once the task/project has begun. Here are just a few:
-It follows the MBWA (Management by Walking Around) Principle which, among other things, makes the management/supervisory team MORE VISIBLE! Workers (employees and contractors) see you out there and they generally improve their behavior (work habits and safety awareness) because they see the management is watching.
-It Creates Value...by giving the management team a chance to SEE and know what is really going on out there! This first hand knowledge is invaluable. Sometimes assumptions are made (the employee or contractor thinks he/she understands our expectations or we think they do) and that can lead to accidents and injury.
-It Facilitates Compliance. It confirms they get it, when they do. Or helps us identify gaps that need to be filled. In either case, we can use the feedback for continuous improvement.
-It Increases the Knowledge Base of the team, since it creates opportunities for communication with crew members. Effective two-way communication is a great way to discuss ideas (brain storm) for improvement or identify problems so they can be addressed.
-It Builds Trust. Open communications with employees in the field helps to foster trust and team building. Each employee has something to add are we giving them ample opportunity to do so?
-It Shows Respect and can lead to Employee Fulfillment. Employees appreciate it when the management/supervisory team takes an active role. They like to be recognized and appreciated for their talents…having managers see them in the field (in their element) is a form of non-verbal recognition. Taking time to talk to the crew members (asking them specific questions about the task, the equipment, etc.) is a way to demonstrate you recognize them as trained professionals.
-It fosters Individual Accountability and Entrepreneurial Spirit. Once employees perceive you care, they are more likely to take ownership, and accept responsibility for their actions.
So please continue to field verify the permits. Your efforts are much appreciated.
That some achieve great success, is proof to all that others can achieve it as well. -Abraham Lincoln
Thursday, August 6, 2009
What do you really need?
I found this quote in the book Attitudes of Gratitude by M. J. Ryan (This is a great little book)
The grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for. -Joseph Addison
That sounds simple enough and to many of us it means a job; a spouse, significant other or pet; and hopes of retirement. Now isn't that why we should ALL be working safely!?
THINK ABOUT IT!!!
-Get injured, off the job, and you could lose your job (if you are unable to work for an extended period)
-Get injured, at work and you could lose a portion of your income (possibly for a long time) if the injuries are serious. And, you could face disciplinary actions too - if you did something stupid (like cut corners, took an unnecessary risk, chose not to wear the proper PPE)
-Get injured and your family (loved ones and/or pets) suffer in a whole host of ways -- reduced income means fewer options for the family (less toys, less entertainment, less fun, more disappointment). You laying around in a hospital or on the couch is a major downer for the family (it cramps their style). Often times, the injured person gets angry and blames those closest to him/her. That strains relationships!
-Get injured and you can see many of your hopes and dreams diminish.
A loader operator I used to work with fell out of his tree stand while deer hunting one year. He was off work for over a year. Doing what he loved (without tying off) cost him most of his savings, caused him to delay his retirement plans and damn near killed him.
So what CAN You Do to avoid injuries on and off the job? Here are a few tips:
-Get a good night's sleep and go to work each morning prepared to do the job. Show up ready to work!
-Develop a gameplan and follow it. Communicate the plan to all affected persons.
Co-workers need to communicate effectively. Assuming can lead to accidents and injuries.
-Conduct a Job Safety Analysis. It's true, the risk increases when performing non-routine tasks, But, complacency can lead to injury when we get too comfortable doing our routine tasks - So follow sound safety practices always and Avoid cutting corners!
-Check yourself and each other (you and your co-workers should function as a team). Have each other's back!
-Be prepared! Make sure that everyone has the proper tools, information and PPE. Is everybody wearing their PPE properly and does each team member understand the gameplan.
-Focus on the task you are doing when you are doing it - Be in the game, Mentally!
That goes for driving, too. Focus on driving when you are on the road (to work, home, or anywhere) - When you drive - Just Drive! YOU can't focus on driving and talking on the cell phone at the same time. If you have to take the call - PULL OVER!
-Be aware of body positioning. It is important to lift and bend properly to avoid injury, but don't stop there. Be consciously aware of you surroundings and Stay out of the Line of Fire! Every year, people suffer serious injury or death because they got caught between, crushed by, or pulled into some machine or equipment.
Choose to Make time for Safety! Consider it a wise investment in your future! Life is for living fully and that means avoiding injury!
The grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for. -Joseph Addison
That sounds simple enough and to many of us it means a job; a spouse, significant other or pet; and hopes of retirement. Now isn't that why we should ALL be working safely!?
THINK ABOUT IT!!!
-Get injured, off the job, and you could lose your job (if you are unable to work for an extended period)
-Get injured, at work and you could lose a portion of your income (possibly for a long time) if the injuries are serious. And, you could face disciplinary actions too - if you did something stupid (like cut corners, took an unnecessary risk, chose not to wear the proper PPE)
-Get injured and your family (loved ones and/or pets) suffer in a whole host of ways -- reduced income means fewer options for the family (less toys, less entertainment, less fun, more disappointment). You laying around in a hospital or on the couch is a major downer for the family (it cramps their style). Often times, the injured person gets angry and blames those closest to him/her. That strains relationships!
-Get injured and you can see many of your hopes and dreams diminish.
A loader operator I used to work with fell out of his tree stand while deer hunting one year. He was off work for over a year. Doing what he loved (without tying off) cost him most of his savings, caused him to delay his retirement plans and damn near killed him.
So what CAN You Do to avoid injuries on and off the job? Here are a few tips:
-Get a good night's sleep and go to work each morning prepared to do the job. Show up ready to work!
-Develop a gameplan and follow it. Communicate the plan to all affected persons.
Co-workers need to communicate effectively. Assuming can lead to accidents and injuries.
-Conduct a Job Safety Analysis. It's true, the risk increases when performing non-routine tasks, But, complacency can lead to injury when we get too comfortable doing our routine tasks - So follow sound safety practices always and Avoid cutting corners!
-Check yourself and each other (you and your co-workers should function as a team). Have each other's back!
-Be prepared! Make sure that everyone has the proper tools, information and PPE. Is everybody wearing their PPE properly and does each team member understand the gameplan.
-Focus on the task you are doing when you are doing it - Be in the game, Mentally!
That goes for driving, too. Focus on driving when you are on the road (to work, home, or anywhere) - When you drive - Just Drive! YOU can't focus on driving and talking on the cell phone at the same time. If you have to take the call - PULL OVER!
-Be aware of body positioning. It is important to lift and bend properly to avoid injury, but don't stop there. Be consciously aware of you surroundings and Stay out of the Line of Fire! Every year, people suffer serious injury or death because they got caught between, crushed by, or pulled into some machine or equipment.
Choose to Make time for Safety! Consider it a wise investment in your future! Life is for living fully and that means avoiding injury!
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