Monthly Archives: February 2015

Understand Safety Metrics
Safety metrics can help discover problems before they negatively impact your employees - and your bottom line.By selecting the right things to measure, your organization can prevent expensive mistakes in the workplace by fixing any problems before they can impact your business.

But what, exactly, are the right metrics for your organization?

Is it the traditional recordable rate, severity rate, cost of accidents, near miss numbers, physical audit scores, or perception surveys? What about leading indicators, trailing indicators, or incident rates. How about the number of accidents or the rise – or fall – in your insurance premiums?

Think about establishing the right safety metrics for your organization – and how doing so also can help as a measure of performance.

Research and learn:

• Definitions of key terms, such as recordable rate, severity rate, leading indicators, trailing indicators, incident rates, and more
• How to develop and apply simple measurement and feedback systems
• How to define desired outputs for safety initiatives and activities
• How to measure the important things and not waste time on the unimportant
• How to choose appropriate safety metrics for your organization
• Why measures of outputs are more important than activity-based measures
• How inspection and audit findings impact metrics
• How to integrate new metrics into safety goals, objectives, and performance appraisals
• Ideas for utilizing measurement techniques to track and improve performance

A standard home will experience a power outage during a major storm or power line mishap. During this time of year we are at a high risk for power outages caused by ice and snowstorms. The initially concern here is the cold temperatures, but these power outages can last anywhere from a few hours to several days. Beyond the risk of cold temperatures, the lack of power can lead to even bigger safety and health concerns. Not only are homes affected by these power outages, medical offices can experience a much bigger devastation.

Medical offices rely on power for almost everything they do. Without power, medical staff wouldn’t be able to communicate with their patients, access medical records or perform procedures. If any medical office doesn’t have access to power they wouldn’t be able to serve their patients in a safe and healthy environment. This could be devastating to any medical office and all of the patients involved, particularly in a smaller town with little access to other medical providers.

The solution to this problem is investing in a generator. All medical offices can benefit from having a generator to back-up their power in the case of a power outage. Patients are relying on their medical practitioners to keep them in a safe and healthy environment, and a generator can help them do that no matter the weather or power situation. Additionally, if your office is capable of moving your patients to another functioning office, in the meantime, ­ refrigerated medicine and machinery is still at risk. No matter the size of your office, power is a must.

Regardless of whether you own your building or rent your space, you have the capability of having a generator. For medical offices who rent from their building, a generator can move with you. Most generator businesses will move the generator for you, so it takes the stress off of your business. If you own your space and decide to sell it, a generator can significantly increase your property value for corporate buyers. They see a generator as an asset to their business, and it could make the deal. If you are still not convinced that a generator is right for your medical business, there are a few other things you should know.

If your business does install a generator you then qualify for a tax refund, which can cut down on the costs of installation. Additionally, the costs of losing business and medical supplies during power outages are things to consider when assessing the initial costs of buying a generator. Overall, it is all about your patients and their trust. When you have a generator to back-up your power– your patients can trust that no matter what your business will always work to maintain their health and safety.

Now that you see the major benefits about investing in a generator for your medical business, here’s a little more information about generators:

How to buy~
• If you have decided to buy a generator for your medical business then first do your research.
• Contact a generator business near you for an estimate and more information about their process.
• A generator business, like Georgia Generator, will help you in the buying process as well as install your generator.
• Once you have had your generator install, they will service your generator to make sure it is always ready to provide you power when you need it.
• Additionally, if you decide to move locations then most generator companies will move it to your next location.

How they run~
• Seconds after there is a power outage your generator will automatically kick in and start producing power for your office.
• Then a couple seconds later your designated emergency circuits will have full restored power.
• After that, the generator will monitor for your utility power to start working again. If it doesn’t your generator will continue to provide your power. If you do regain utility power then the automatic transfer switch will safely transfer the power back to utility and will go into a cool down mode.
• Once the power outage is completely over and your building is back to its utility power, then the generator will shut down and wait for the next mishap.

Written by Clayton Preble of GenSpring Power. Clayton is one of the top 25 standby generator dealers in the United States.

We've discussed Fall Safety for Seniors, What about in the workplace? Construction?

Every Construction Site Needs Contractors & Construction Site First Aid Kits for OSHA Compliance

Falls remain the leading cause of construction industry deaths, killing hundreds of workers and injuring thousands more each year. In 2014, tens of thousands of employers and more than one million workers nationwide joined the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's weeklong Safety Stand-Down, the largest occupational safety event ever held. This year, OSHA hopes to triple those numbers. From May 4-15, employers and workers will pause during their workday for topic talks, demonstrations and training on fall prevention. "With the economy on the rebound and housing starts on the rise, now is the time for all of us to renew our commitment to sending workers home safe every night," said Secretary Perez.

• Read the News Release
  • Learn About the Stand-Down

Join Us for a Community Preparedness TweetChat

As Weather Ready Nation Ambassadors, we would like to invite you to tweet your way to Preparedness!

Title: What is America’s PrepareAthon! and How to Participate

Date: Thursday, February 26, 2015

Time: 2-3 PM Eastern Time

Twitter Hashtag: #PrepareAthon

Research has shown knowing what to do when a disaster strikes is critical, especially when seconds matter the most. But it takes practice. Practicing what to do, where to go, and how to stay safe during an emergency empowers individuals and the entire community.

America’s PrepareAthon!^SM was launched in 2013 as a national, grassroots campaign for action to increase community preparedness and resilience through hazard-specific group discussions, drills, and exercises. Millions of Americans participate in America’s PrepareAthon! adding to the national momentum of preparedness. To learn more about this exciting initiative and how you can participate, we invite you to join a special TweetChat: 

Facilitators: Mary Jo Flynn, @maryjofly and Kevin Sur, @rusnivek

Two well-known emergency managers, Mary Jo Flynn (@maryjofly) and Kevin Sur (@rusnivek) will lead a conversation with communities and organizations from around the country who have participated in America’s PrepareAthon! activities previously or plan to participate in an upcoming event. Some participants will include:

• City of Orlando;
• Evac2Go;
• Georgia Emergency Management Agency;
• NYC Office of Emergency Management;
• Prince George’s County (MD) Office of Emergency Management;
• Ready Montana;
• Red Cross Denver;
• Shake Out;
• Smyrna, Georgia

and many more.

Join the conversation or follow along using #PrepareAthon.

Sports Medicine, Sports First Aid Kits & Sports Injury Supplies...
Whether you are the dedicated coach, the starting athlete, or a fan on the sidelines, you know that being involved with sports can mean being involved with injury.
Our line of sports first aid and sports medicine products includes emphasis on the things you need to put injury behind you and get back in the game. A great selection of the best Sports First Aid Kits, and a selection of important Sports First Aid Supplies Below!

Spring Sports are coming (already!) hard to believe when much of the country is experiencing sub-zero temperatures, but it's true!

Are you ready for rough-n-tumble fun outdoors?

Think about safety on the sports field or track... don't let the bugs bite, and stay hydrated (if you're a spectator, remember the poncho for spring showers!)

Read more:

• Head and Neck Injuries in Youth Sports
• Youth Sports Safety
• hat’s In a Sports First Aid Kit?

For workers who must earn their living outdoors, winter weather presents unique challenges. Employers should know the dangers and act accordingly. Frigid cold weather makes all exertion more physically taxing: common jobs like shoveling snow can cause exhaustion, dehydration, back injuries or heart attacks. Regular rest breaks, drinking fluids and proper bending and lifting methods can greatly reduce the associated risks. Walking on snow and ice-coated surfaces also increases the risk of slips and falls. Clearing walking surfaces, removing ice and wearing insulated boots with good treads can help. Even without snow, working outdoors in cold temperatures can cause frostbite and hypothermia. Employers should learn to recognize the symptoms of these serious safety risks, be prepared to avoid them and respond quickly to avert disaster.

• Read the Blog
• Read the Cold Stress Safety and Health Guide

The bite of winter is fast approaching, with some areas already covered in frosty white. While many workers will be earning a living indoors, plenty of people in the United States will be working outside in the coming months, often in bitter cold. Employers should be aware of the dangers, and plan accordingly.

• Prepare for Winter Temps
• Winter Safety Campaign

Here are four things every employer should know in the winter:

1. What do I need to know about shoveling snow?

Shoveling snow can be a strenuous activity, particularly because cold weather can be taxing on the body, and can create the potential for exhaustion, dehydration, back injuries, or heart attacks.

• Take frequent breaks,
• Drink plenty of fluids (while avoiding ones with caffeine or alcohol),
• Warm-up before starting,
• Scoop small amounts of snow at a time,
• Push the snow instead of lifting where possible, and
• Use proper form if lifting is necessary: keep the back straight and lift with the legs.

2. How do you walk safely on snow and ice?

Walking on snow and ice puts workers at an increased risk of slips and falls.

• Where appropriate, clear walking surfaces of snow and ice and use salt or its equivalent.
• Proper footwear is essential – insulated boots with good rubber treads are a must for walking during or after a winter storm.
• When walking on an icy or snow-covered walkway, take short steps and walk at a slower pace so you can react quickly to a change in traction.
• If the sidewalk is not cleared and you have to walk in the street, walk against the traffic and as close to the curb as you can.
• Look out for vehicles which may have lost traction and are slipping towards you. Be aware that vehicles might have trouble stopping at crosswalks or traffic signals.
• At night, wear bright clothing or reflective gear – dark clothing will make it hard for drivers to see you.
• During the daytime, wear sunglasses to help you see better and avoid hazards.

3. What should I know if there’s snow on the roof?

• Use standard protections when working at heights and look out for unexpected hazards due to the weather.
• Employers should provide and ensure the proper use of fall protection and ladders.
• Use caution around surfaces that have been weighed down by snow, as they may collapse.

For more information, see OSHA’s Hazard Alert: Falls and Other Hazards to Workers Removing Snow From Rooftops and Other Elevated Surface

4. What if there’s no snow?

Even if there is no snow, working in the cold weather increases the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.

• Frostbite is a severe reaction to cold exposure that causes freezing in the deep layers of skin and tissue. Frostbite can cause permanent damage. It is recognizable by a loss of feeling and a waxy-white or pale appearance in fingers, toes, nose, or ear lobes.
• Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature drops to less than 95°F. Symptoms of hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering, slow speech, memory lapses, frequent stumbling, drowsiness, and exhaustion.

For more information, see OSHA’s Cold Stress Safety and Health Guide, or OSHA’s publication, The Cold Stress Equation.

[BONUS] How do I get up-to-date info about winter storms?

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration provides multiple ways to stay informed about winter storms.

NOAA Weather Radio continuously broadcasts weather information from the nearest National Weather Service office. The NOAAWatch website also provides information on the weather outlook.

More life-saving information about working in winter storms can be found on the OSHA Winter Storm page.

Jesse Lawder works in the Office of Public Affairs where he specializes in worker safety and health.

One out of three persons aged 65 and older falls annually and 20% to 30% of falls result in injury.

• Every year, one in three people aged 65 or older experiences a fall, which is the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults.
• Seniors Staying Alone: A Few Tips to Make Things Easier
• Winter Dangers for Seniors
• Winter Fall Prevention Tips for Seniors
• Protect Older Adults from Falls and Injury
• Falls among older adults cost the US $30 billion a year in direct medical expenses.

A new study finds that community-based fall prevention programs are feasible and effective and save money.

Falls are the second leading cause of death each year in the United States (after traffic accidents)! Over 10,000 people are killed every year as a result of falls...and 200,000 to 300,000 people are disabled. Eight-five percent of all falls that occur on the job result in "lost work time".

Our training products on "Fall Protection" provide the information employees need to work safely when they are "off the ground", and assist in satisfying the major training requirements in the OSHA Standard on Fall Protection. Topics covered in these products include:

• The seriousness of fall hazards.
• Types of environments where falls may occur.
• The "Fall Protection Plan".
• Concentrating and keeping a clear head.
• The importance of housekeeping in preventing falls.
• Measures that can be taken to protect against falls.
• Protective equipment.
• and more.

Get a Quote for a Class:
Fall Protection Live Instruction Training Courses at YOUR Location

On Thursday, February 26 at 2 p.m. Eastern Time, emergency managers will host a special TweetChat titled “What is America’s PrepareAthon! and How to Participate.” Join the chat to learn more about this national, grassroots campaign for action to increase community preparedness and resilience through hazard-specific group discussions, drills, and exercises.

During the conversation, you can also connect with preparedness groups, businesses, emergency managers, and city officials about the campaign, disaster preparedness efforts, and how to take action. Hear from communities and organizations around the country who have participated in America’s PrepareAthon! activities previously or are planning to participate in an upcoming event. Ask questions related to preparing your own community, and begin planning your own America’s PrepareAthon! event.

Join in or follow along using #PrepareAthon. You can also help spread the word about the TweetChat on your social media outlets by sharing this message: “We’re joining the #PrepareAthon conversation on 2/26 at 2PM ET to learn how to increase community preparedness and so should you!”

Disaster, Survival, & Preparation!
Think about preparedness; at home, at work, at school, even in your car.
What should you do? Check your Emergency Plan and Evacuation Routes everywhere you normally spend time. Make sure you have an out of State contact for you, your friends and your family (long distance phone service is usually restored before local - and mobile services and internet will likely not work in a major disaster.)
Of course, too, you should Check your Emergency Supplies:
Count your stock... is it enough?
Check your expiration dates (food, water, batteries)
Keep cash on hand
Don't let your gas tank get below half-full
Think-Plan-Prepare-Survive!
Survival Gear: Disaster, Emergency Preparedness, Camping & Survival Supply
72 Hour Emergency Preparedness Supplies for Earthquake, Hurricane, Tornado, Twister, Nuclear Disasters, Wilderness Survival & More… C.E.R.T. & F.E.M.A.

Winter storms, snow, windchill, frost, ice and extreme cold are a coast-to-coast threat to the United States and its territories. Even Hawaii gets snow on its Big Island and frost is a major threat to crops in Southern states. Major cities as far south as Atlanta and Dallas have been paralyzed by snow and ice. Extreme cold is a relative term. In Miami it is defined very differently than in Fairbanks.

• Prepare for Winter Temps
• Winter Safety Campaign
• Winter Tip: Bring your furry friends inside!
• Healthy Travel this Winter
• Indoor Air Quality in Winter
• Prepare for Winter Weather
• Winter Safety

Stay safe in a winter storm or in abnormally cold weather for your area. If you know what to do before, during, and after a winter event, you can increase your chances of survival.