Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Safety is an Attitude

Week 33 – Whether you work Safe or not depends on your Attitude!!! To those of you that tell others to put on a face shield or safety glasses - thank you, you are your brothers’ keeper. To the guys and gals that speak up when they see an unsafe act or find an unsafe condition – good job, please keep it up. To those who come to supervisors and managers with safety ideas and suggestions, you are making a difference and your efforts are appreciated. One thing we don’t say enough is “Thank you”. So, thanks to all of you who are taking the time to Make a Difference!

That doesn’t look safe, but it’s not my job to babysit him.
Real men don’t need ear plugs, you’ll get used to the noise…I did!
It’ll take longer to get the PPE than to do the job…just do it!
That’s the way we’ve always done it here!
I have been doing this for 20 years and I haven’t been hurt yet.
We have all heard similar comments…
-What do these comments say about safety?
-Do you speak up when someone has a bad safety attitude?

Safety begins with ME (and YOU) and it takes all of us to get everyone home at the end of their shift.

Remember if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem! If you walk by an unsafe act and say nothing your silence signals approval (and that is unacceptable!).

Step Up, Speak Out and Stand Up for Safety! There are many safe ways to get things done all you have to do is find one and apply it. Safety must be a VALUE, not a Priority…Priorities CHANGE!!!!!

Every day in this great country of ours, people suffer traumatic injury and death because nobody spoke up, nobody wanted to get involved, or it wasn’t their job!

‘I always wondered why somebody doesn't do something about that. Then I realized I was somebody.’ Lily Tomlin
Take Safety Seriously and Take Care of Each Other out there…then we can all be successful.
Safety Wayne

Monday, August 4, 2008

Tidbits 8/04/08

Red Means STOP
Whether it is a stop light of a stop sign, it is there for a reason. Did you know that as many as 171,000 automobile accidents occurred in 2006 because of people running red lights? The result was over 144,000 injuries and 887 deaths. One alternative to running late because of unexpected delays is to simply leave earlier. Running a stop sign or red light is dangerous! Consider the risks…and don’t put yourself or family members in harms way. –IIHS


Cell Phones and Germs
Research found mobile phones are a technological petri dish for tens of thousands of germs. Why? Germs multiply in warm places. Between the heat the phones generate and the germs on faces and hands, you've got a bacterial breeding ground. You put it in a warm place, you hold it in your hand, you put it in your pocket, it’s nice and warm -- bacteria like that and can grow in these types of places.
If you're worried about germs growing on your cell, Motorola has come up with a clever tactic -- some of its phones have an anti-microbial coating, which prevents bacteria from growing. In the meantime, keep your phone to yourself and clean it frequently with anti-bacterial wipes.

Think about it!
“Joy is what happens when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are.” -Marianne Williamson

Protect your hands
Hand injuries account for 80% of all occupational injuries because the hands are engaged in almost all activities on the job. There are many dangerous conditions on the job to which the hand is always exposed. Sharp edges, pinch points, protruding objects, splinters, exposed blades on unguarded machinery and many more. These conditions may not always be too obvious to employees. Some precautionary measures include: following Lockout/Tagout procedures; making sure machines are properly guarded at all times and not wearing rings when working with machinery; checking to be sure you have proper hand clearance before moving loads through doorways. Use your brain. Avoid dangers and protect your hands. You need them as long as you live.

More Numbers from Time Magazine
$0.12 – Price for a gallon of gas in Venezuela
13 – Percentage of college kids who suffer injuries because of drinking
26 – Percentage of college students who have experienced blackouts because of drinking.
42 – Percentage of people in the U.S. who say they have tried Marijuana.
48.2 – Percentage of the U.S. beer market held by Anheuser-Busch
34,000 – The number of Japanese who killed themselves last year (where the suicide rate is twice as high as the U.S.).
85 – Percentage of Americans polled who think the U.S. economy is seriously off track.

Quote of the week
“Ability is what you are capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.” -Lou Holtz

Think Safety…off the job too!

Week 32/Safety Tip 32
Be careful on the water. With the hot temps we are experiencing many people will be on (or near) the water until Labor Day (maybe longer). Oklahoma has seen an increase in the number of people who drowned this year, so please be careful. Swimming, boating, water skiing and fishing can be a great time but mixed with alcohol the fun can turn deadly. Be Responsible!

Don’t forget the Sunscreen – August is usually a scorcher… sunscreen can save you from burning (especially on the ears and nose). Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. It is most common on the head, face, neck and arms. So slap on the sunscreen, especially if you are on or near the water.

HEAT STRESS! – On the job or off, heat is a big safety concern in many parts of the country. Keep track of the kids and pets (they can die very easily if left in a vehicle as inside temps can hit 140+ degrees). And remember, young children cannot handle the heat as well as adults (and they burn easier, too).

Water your pets – Dogs, cats, horses, etc. Your pets need to stay hydrated just as you do. Make sure you and the animals have plenty of fresh water available. Pets should also have a shady spot to get out of the direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day.

WATCH FOR CHILDREN – School is starting next week and that means teen drivers, kids at bus stops, bus traffic, bicyclers, skateboarders, etc. SLOW Down in School Zone and Watch for Children on the streets!

Chores around the house – Check your tools and power cords prior to using them. Inspect your ladders and step stools before taking on the task. Make sure equipment guards are in place. Follow proper bending and lifting techniques. Be careful out there!

Service the vehicle – Before sending the kids back to college. Flush the radiator; change the oil; check belts and hoses; check the tires for wear and air pressure (including the spare). It may be a good time to recharge the A/C too!