Be Safe When Playing Hockey, Sledding and Tobogganing !

Hockey. Hockey-related injuries recorded by the Commission include ice, street, field, and gym hockey. A major hazard in injuries associated with hockey was poor or ill fitting equipment and, in some cases, no equipment at all. During practice and fun sessions, young hockey players did not bother to wear face masks, helmets, or gloves, and were injured seriously. Poor sportsmanship also played a prominent role in hockey injuries. Players hit other players and bystanders who happened to get in the way.

Sledding. Never sled on the street or on hills that lead directly into the street. Numerous accidents occurred when sledders hit bumps, curbs, or rammed a car. Also, never hook rides on the bumpers of cars.

Tobogganing. The most important advice for toboganners is to keep hands, arms, and legs inside to avoid limb injuries.

The above is an excerpt from the article, “CPSC Issures Safety Tips On Winter Sports.” For more information, please visit www.cspc.gov.

Commercial Drivers: Reduce Speed for Safety

Driving too fast for conditions is defined as traveling at a speed that is greater than a reasonable standard for safe driving.The Large Truck Crash Causation Study (LTCCS) reported that 23 percent of large-truck crashes occurred when Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) drivers were traveling too fast for conditions.

Adjust your speed to safely match weather conditions, road conditions, visibility, and traffic. Excessive driving speed is a major cause of fatal crashes,  and higher speeds may cause more severe crashes. The Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) recently reported that 25 percent of speeding-related large-truck fatalities occurred during adverse weather conditions.

Did You Know? You should reduce your speed by 1/3 on wet roads and by 1/2 or more on snow packed roads (i.e., if you would normally be traveling at a speed of 60 mph on dry pavement, then on a wet road you should reduce your speed to 40 mph, and on a snow-packed road you should reduce your speed to 30 mph). When you come upon slick, icy roads you should drive slowly and cautiously and pull off the road if you can no longer safely control the vehicle.

Did You Know? When it first starts to rain, water mixes with oil on the road making it particularly slippery.

Did You Know? Manufacturers generally advise drivers not to use a retarder [also called a “Jake” brake] on wet or slippery roadway conditions. In fact, a Safety Board Investigation of a motor coach crash that occurred in Canon City, Colorado, in December 1999, revealed that an enabled retarder most likely triggered the loss of control and eventual crash of the motor coach on a snow-covered and mountainous roadway.

An example of a driver traveling too fast for conditions is shown in the video clip below. Training exercise questions follow the video clip. 

VIDEO DESCRIPTION: The CMV driver is traveling on a multi-lane highway on wet pavement at night. Traffic is heavy and moving slowly. The driver is inattentive and traveling too fast for conditions. Traffic slows as the driver passes an emergency vehicle on the side of the road and the driver has to brake quickly to avoid hitting the lead vehicle.

TRAINING EXERCISE: After viewing the video, try to answer the following questions:

• Did the driver adjust his vehicle’s speed considering the traffic, road, and weather conditions?
• What caused the driver to brake excessively?
• What could the driver have done differently?

The above is an excerpt from the article, “Too Fast for Conditions.” For more information, please visit www.fmcsa.dot.gov.

Be Safe When Skiing

Proper and well-fitting equipment, physical conditioning, common sense, and good sportsmanship could eliminate some accidents. Injury data compiled by the Commission reveal major hazard patterns associated with various winter sports and indicate suggestions about how other accidents also might be avoided.

Skiing. Investigations of skiing accidents show that injuries occurred when bindings did not release and when the skier was going too fast, lost control, or hit a mogul. A number of accidents happened when the skier was tired.

Commission recommendations to skiers include:

1. Take lessons from an expert. Studies show that beginners are hurt more frequently, so advancement is desirable.
2. Use good quality equipment that fits well.
3. Be sure that equipment is clean–no dirt or salt between boots, bindings, and binding mechanism.
4. Proper adjustment of bindings could lessen the likelihood of leg injuries. Beginners might test abilities to get out of bindings with muscle power by standing in the skis and twisting and pulling to release the toe and heel pieces.
5. Approach tow lifts with caution. Beware of long scarves that could become entangled in the tow rope.
6. Never tackle a slope that is obviously beyond personal skiing abilities. Ski marked trails and observe ski trail signs.

The above is an excerpt from the article, “CPSC Issures Safety Tips On Winter Sports.” For more information, please visit www.cspc.gov.

Winter Driving Safety

Below are some tips that will go a long way toward ensuring that you reach your destination safely this winter.

BEFORE YOU DRIVE:

• Get your vehicle tuned up prior to the winter season.
• Make sure windshield wipers, batteries, tires and defrosters are working and in good condition.
• Keep at least half a tank of gasoline in your vehicle at all times.
• Ensure your car has basic winter driving equipment such as a scraper and brush, small shovel, jumper cables, road flares, tow chain and a bag of sand or cat litter for tire traction.
• Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle, including blankets, gloves, hats, food, water, flashlight with batteries, and any needed medication.
• Warm up your vehicle in accordance with operating instructions, and remove all ice and snow from windows and vehicle surfaces (including the roof) before starting your trip.
• Plan your trips carefully, listen to the local weather reports, and the National Weather Service for weather conditions predicted along your travel route.

WHILE DRIVING:

• Always buckle your seat belt and require your passengers do the same.
• Reduce speeds. Remember that the posted speed limit is for ideal travel conditions.
• Allow for extra travel time or consider delaying trips if the weather is inclement.
• Don’t use your hand-held cell phone while driving, as mandated by law.
• Use your headlights, as required by law.
• Be alert and allow more distance between your vehicle and others.
• Use your brakes carefully.  Brake early and carefully as it takes more time and distance to stop in adverse conditions.
• Don’t use “cruise control” in wintry conditions.
• Be courteous to other drivers.
• Keep to the right except to pass, using turn signals to alert other drivers of your intentions.

WHILE DRIVING NEAR A SNOWPLOW:

• If you find yourself behind a snowplow, stay behind it until it’s safe to pass.  Remember, a snowplow driver has a limited field of vision.  Stay back (15 car lengths) until you’re sure it is safe to pass or until the plow pulls off the road.
• Remember that the road in front of the plow is usually in much worse condition than the roadway behind the plow.  Plows will typically travel under 35 miles per hour and there is always a temptation to pass them.
• Allow plenty of room when passing a snowplow.  Do not cut back into the lane ahead of the truck too quickly since the plow extends several feet ahead of the truck.  Some snowplows are equipped with a “wing plow,” extending off the side of the truck.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY:

• Do not stop within travel lanes.  If the vehicle can be driven, motorists should travel to the nearest exit or safe location.  If the vehicle is inoperable, motorists should activate four-way flashers, and stay inside the vehicle until authorized personnel arrive to provide assistance.
• Never walk along the roadway.

The above is an excerpt from the article, “Winter Safety.” For more information, please visit www.thruway.ny.gov/.

Tips for Cleaning Up During the Holidays

The end of the year brings with it an assortment of holidays that have some people brimming with excitement and others just waiting to get them over with. No matter which group of people you fit into, it may cause some adjustments in your regular cleaning routine.

Many businesses decorate for the holidays. This means more “stuff” for you to clean up and clean around. Ask the client if they have special requests on how you clean these areas and employees’ desks that are heavily decorated for the holidays. Make sure that all boxes are marked as trash before tossing them — they may be the packing boxes for holiday decorations.

If the business has put up a live tree be prepared to vacuum up needles, which will not just be around the tree, but tracked throughout the building on the bottoms of shoes. Both live and artificial trees may be decked out with tinsel, popcorn, and other types of holiday decorations that will fall off the tree and on to the floor. Pieces of candy canes and other bits of holiday treats also end up on the floor throughout the building. As your employees are cleaning, have them keep an extra eye out for new spills and stains and have them tell their supervisor if extra time is needed to clean the building due to the extra workload.

The holidays also bring about company parties. This may mean additional cleaning for your company or rescheduling the time you normally clean so you do not interfere with festivities. Hopefully, your client will tell you if they are holding a company party during your normal cleaning time. But if an employee walks in on a company party, they should check in with a supervisor. The supervisor can then check with the client to see if the cleaning time should be rescheduled or if the employee should do their best to work around the party goers.

As some businesses change their hours for the holidays you may have to adjust your cleaning schedule. Most retail stores stay open much later throughout the month of December and then close for the holiday late Christmas eve. While most businesses close on Christmas Day, many will also close early on Christmas Eve. Spend some time a few weeks before the holidays and call your cleaning clients to see if you need to adjust your cleaning schedule. If an office is closed early on Christmas Eve, you might be able to get your employees in to do their cleaning at an earlier time so they too can enjoy the holiday with their family.

Make sure you have proper holiday etiquette. With the many different religions and celebrations going on, avoid saying “Merry Christmas”. Instead, just wish people a “happy holiday”. There are also those individuals that are not into all the festivities of the season. Make sure that you remain professional at all times with your clients whether they are in a joyful mood or not.

Don’t let the holidays cause added problems for your cleaning business. With proper preparation and a few phone calls, you can deal with the special issues that come up during the holiday season. Your customers will appreciate your being flexible and accommodating their schedule. And this will pay off for you all year long!

The above is an excerpt from the article, “Tips for Cleaning Up During the Holidays.” For more information, please visit www.thejanitorialstore.com.

Bedroom Safety and Older Adults

Bedroom

• Install UL Listed smoke detectors and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms outside every sleeping area and near fuel-burning appliances.
• Install fresh batteries in smoke detectors and CO alarms at least once a year.
• Develop and practice a fire escape plan for your household. Every family member should know at least two ways out of each room.
• Test smoke detectors and CO alarms regularly and clean them as indicated in the use and care booklet. Hard-wired units, defined as those permanently wired into a home’s electrical system, should be tested monthly. Battery-operated units should be tested weekly.
• Make sure the area around the bed is clear of items that could cause tripping, including electrical and telephone cords, rugs, and runners.

The above is an excerpt from the article, “Older adult safety tips by room.” For more information, please visit www.ul.com.

 

Janitorial Safety Training

It is the responsibility of the employers of janitorial workers to ensure enough safety of their employees. It is important to conduct janitorial safety training sessions for the employees. Whenever a new employee joins this job, his first and foremost need is a proper training that provides him sufficient knowledge for his own safety, the safety of his colleagues and other people. Such a training will help in preventing unwanted accidents and hazards. A Janitorial Safety Training Program is designed at University of California as a part of Worker Occupational Safety and Health Training and Education Program. This training program is designed for employers with small businesses who want to provide janitorial training to their employees who work alone or in small groups. This program helps the employers as well as the employees in maintaining safety in their working environment.

The incidence of accidents is one of the highest among janitorial workers. They work really hard to maintain cleanliness all around. Every person must be thankful to janitors and one way to be thankful to them is to responsibly ensure a safe working environment for them. As our well-being is somehow related to them, their safety should be our concern.

The above is an excerpt from the article, “Safety Tips for Janitorial Workers.” For more information, please visit www.buzzle.com.

Bathroom Safety Tips for Older Adults

• Keep space heaters, radios and other electrical products away from bathtubs and sinks.
• Keep medications, cleaning products and other poisons away from children and pets.
• Make sure that you have ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets installed in the bathroom as well as in the kitchen, laundry room and workshop.
• Check the bathtub, shower, rugs and mats for slipping hazards.
• Check the water for possible burn hazard and cabinets for safe storage of medications.
• Make sure all small appliances bear the UL Mark.

The above is an excerpt from the article, “Older adult safety tips by room.” For more information, please visit www.ul.com.

 

Janitorial Safety Tips

Here are a few tips to minimize the risks of hazards and accidents.

• Cleaning locations may vary, if a janitor is associated with a company offering cleaning services to various institutions. In such a case, janitorial workers need to drive through their way to offer their services. Workers should follow safe driving to ensure their safety and avoid road accidents. If a worker is driving the company’s vehicle, it is the duty of the company to ensure that the vehicle is safe for driving. A vehicle safety rule book should be handed over to the drivers to go through, before using the company vehicle so as to make himself aware of the company policy for safe driving.
• Lifting heavy equipment is a very common task for janitorial workers. Proper lifting techniques must be used to escape back injuries and muscle sprains. Workers must practice bending the keens while lifting things from the floor and avoid twisting and turning the back.
• Short breaks between work will help in relieving stress due to continuous working.
• When lifting heavy equipment, workers must take help and avoid carrying the load all alone, as it may adversely affect the body and cause injury. Lift belts can also be used while lifting heavy loads or furniture.
• Workers should have separate shoes for work that have rubber soles for proper grip on the floor.
• Falling and slipping can be avoided by placing a warning sign on the wet floor and ensuring no one walks on it.
• Housekeeping carts help in carrying load and cleaning equipment from one place to the other. They must be in a smooth-moving condition. Workers must lean forward while pushing the carts. Well maintained carts prove really helpful in decreasing workload of the janitors.
• Cleaning flooring is one of the main duties of janitorial workers. As it is a continuous process, workers must maintain proper body posture while mopping the floors. The mops can be held lightly and cleaning can be done in a rhythmical motion to avoid tiring.
• Equipment like vacuum cleaners and floor machines must be used, when few people are around. The wiring and electrical fittings of these equipment must be checked everyday before use, to avoid electric shocks and other hazards due to electricity.
• Using hand gloves and safety glasses will ensure safety of hands and eyes. Workers must wash their hands properly before eating so that germs and harmful chemicals do not enter their body via food.
• Strong chemicals are used for cleaning. It is essential to go through the instruction leaflet before using such chemicals. Concentrated liquids should be diluted carefully and in a proper ratio. While using concentrated chemicals, enough ventilation must be there to avoid inhalation of harmful fumes of the chemicals.
• Garbage bags can contain anything from blood stained needles to sharp glass pieces. These can hurt the worker if not disposed properly. It is therefore advised to carry garbage bags using hand gloves and away from the body.

The above is an excerpt from the article, “Safety Tips for Janitorial Workers.” For more information, please visit www.buzzle.com.

Safety in the Family Room for Seniors

• Make sure all extension cords bear the UL Mark.
• Never keep an extension cord plugged in when not in use. The cord will still conduct electricity until it is unplugged from the outlet.
• Never use an extension cord that is cut, damaged or repaired. Touching even a single exposed strand of wire as fine as a thread can cause an electric shock or burn.
• Never run an electrical cord under a rug or carpet, or drape it over a hot surface such as that of a radiator or space heater. If a rug or other items cover the cord, heat cannot escape, the cord can become too hot and a fire could possibly start.
• When replacing a light bulb in a portable lamp or fixture, make sure that the replacement bulb is of equal or lesser wattage than that recommended by the lamp or fixture manufacturer. Using a light bulb of higher wattage than the manufacturer recommends can cause the lamp or fixture to overheat and start a fire.
• Only use portable electric air heaters as a supplementary source of heat; these devices are not intended to replace home heating systems and should not be used without supervision. Always keep flammable materials including bedding, clothing, draperies, rugs and furniture at least three feet away from the heater.
• Check all rugs and runners for tripping hazards like bumps and turned up corners.
• Inspect the fireplace and chimney for fire hazards.
• Make sure all passageways are clear.

 

The above is an excerpt from the article, “Older adult safety tips by room.” For more information, please visit www.ul.com.