Messages

211

Safety / On & Off The Trail / Ladder Safety

« on: December 01, 2008, 08:40:53 am »

Submitted for post by Mr. Breeden.

Wobbly Ladders Should Be Discarded.

If your life depends on a piece of equipment, you take the time to inspect it before each use, don't you? What if that piece of equipment is a common ladder? Workers who are careful about other hazards sometimes take chances with ladders, not realizing how seriously they could be injured.

Safety incident records include many accounts of workers killed in falls from ladders. Serious head injuries and broken bones are frequent outcomes from a ladder mishap. Many electrocution deaths involve a ladder contacting an electrical line.

Job-constructed ladders, or ladders made on site, are sometimes built in haste and may not be built to acceptable standards. They are often neglected and could cause serious injury if used.

It is important to use only a ladder in perfect condition, and to use it correctly:

*Inspect the ladder before each use. Every component must be in good condition - the rungs, side rails and feet. Every nut, bolt and rivet must be secure.

*If you find defects, remove the ladder from service immediately. Tag it defective so someone else will not use it by mistake. The ladder should be repaired if it is possible to do so properly. If it is not repairable it should be sawed into pieces so it can't be used again.

*Don't try to "make do" with a ladder of the wrong length. The ladder must extend above the top of the roof so you can balance yourself as you step off. A common recommendation is three feet. Check what the recommendations are in your area. You cannot make use of the full length of an extension ladder because the two sections must overlap. This overlapping is dictated by its overall length. Manufacturer's guidelines should be followed.

*Use a ladder of the correct type for the work you are going to do - straight, extension or step ladder. It must be rated for the weight it is going to hold.

*When working from a ladder, be sure to follow your company's fall protection policy. Never over-reach while working from a ladder. A good rule of thumb is to reach no more than an arm's length from the side of the ladder.

*Note the material the ladder is made of. Wood can split and break with age and wear. Metal ladders can buckle under too much weight. Metal ladders must not be used for electrical work. The ladder must be resistant to corrosion from moisture and chemicals present in the work area. Fiberglass is used for many ladder designs.

*Set up the ladder correctly. If the ground surface is uneven, dig a hole for the lower leg rather than resting the high leg on a block. The surface should be solid and stable so the ladder will not slip.

*Use the four to one formula when setting up a ladder. For every four feet the ladder reaches up the wall, it should be one foot away from the wall. So if you have a ladder touching the wall at the 12 foot level, the ladder's feet should be three feet away from the wall. This gives you a safe angle of 75 degrees. If the angle is greater than this, the ladder will not be as strong. If the angle is less than this, the ladder could tip over backwards.

Your life may depend on the condition of the ladder you use. Remember this when you choose a ladder for the job.

212

Safety / On & Off The Trail / Winter Workplace Safety

« on: November 20, 2008, 08:09:59 pm »

                                                            Winter Workplace Safety

Anyone working north of the Florida border is well aware that the winter season is approaching rapidly. With winter, comes snow and ice. Seasonal weather conditions present hazards on and off the job site. If we plan and prepare for these conditions we can prevent injuries that are the result of slips, falls and muscle strain. As we all know, these types of injuries cause unnecessary pain and suffering to injured employees and also affect business performance.
In an effort to prevent injury, we all must plan and take the lead to minimize the effect of the conditions created by winter weather. Listed below are some actions that you can take to prevent unnecessary injury to employees:

�� Review and identify the areas that are subject to icing where our employees park, walk and work. Discuss these affected areas with your Client Representative and come to an agreement as to who is responsible for maintaining the area in a safe condition.


�� Select an acceptable product (sand, salt etc.) for controlling the potential hazards created by weather conditions.


�� Place the de-icing product and tools to spread it in places and containers accessible to employees who may be required to access areas of the site that may not be free of the hazards created by weather conditions.


�� Assign to the proper individuals the responsibility of inspecting and maintaining routinely traveled areas in a safe condition before the start of, during and just before the end of each shift. (Note: The vast majority of the injuries that are the result of falls on icy surfaces occur while walking to and from the parking area.)


�� If a hazardous condition exists in an area for which our Client has accepted responsibility, take corrective action to abate the condition and then address maintenance of the area with your Client Representative.


�� Raise awareness by posting signs and talking about the hazards associated with the weather at daily pre-job briefs and at weekly safety meetings.


�� Remind employees to focus on the subconscious act of walking where hazardous conditions exist on your site. I once heard the advice to “walk like a duck” when the ground is icy, and have never forgotten that tip.

Planning and maintaining a focus on the task at hand will go a long way in preventing injury to employees.

213

Safety / On & Off The Trail / Electric Space Heaters

« on: November 20, 2008, 08:08:06 pm »

                                                               Electric Space Heaters


I’m sure you’ve noticed that the weather is beginning to turn colder as winter draws near. With cooler temperatures outside it becomes more difficult to regulate temperatures inside that suit everyone’s needs.
Just look around the office. How many people have an electric space heater under their desk? How many people use electric or oil portable heaters in various areas of their homes?

Space heaters are responsible for thousands of fires every year, fires that result in death and injury and cost about $50 million in property loss annually. If you use or plan to use a portable space heater at work or at home you need to be aware of the dangers.

When purchasing a heater always look for a nationally recognized testing laboratory seal. These heaters have been tested to meet specific safety standards, and manufacturers are required to provide use and care information to the consumer.
Purchase a heater with a guard around the heating element. A wire grill or other protection is essential for keeping fingers or fabrics from touching the heating element. Always read and follow the instructions for operation and maintenance.
It is best to use heaters that have an adjustable thermostat and that have anti-tipping devices. These devices will turn the heater off if a tip over is detected.

Always place your heater a minimum of 18” from all combustible materials. Yes, the walls of the cubicles are made of combustible material. Prior to leaving the office at the end of the day, ensure that your space heater is turned off. I also recommend unplugging it if you will be out of the office for any extended period of time, such as over the weekend or when traveling.

214

Safety / On & Off The Trail / Sleep Deprivation

« on: October 18, 2008, 06:36:16 am »

                                                  Sleep Deprivation

Did you know?
More than 25% of the U.S. population report occasionally not getting enough sleep, while nearly 10% experience chronic insomnia.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

 
While we often consider sleep to be a passive activity, sufficient sleep is increasingly being recognized as an essential aspect of health promotion and chronic disease prevention in the public health community.

Insufficient sleep is associated with the onset of a number of chronic diseases and conditions--like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and depression--and serves as a key component in their management and outcome.

Sleep deprivation has also been blamed for vehicle- and machinery-related accidents, causing substantial injury and disability each year.  In essence, drowsy driving can be as dangerous and preventable as driving while intoxicated.

So, how many hours of sleep does each person need?  According to experts, there is no magic number. 
 
Not only do different age groups need different amounts of sleep, but sleep needs are also individual.  Just like any other characteristics you're born with, the amount of sleep you need to function best may be different for you than for someone who is of the same age and gender.  While you may be at your absolute best after sleeping seven hours a night, someone else may clearly need nine hours to lead a happy and productive life.

Below are a few tips that can help you achieve sleep and the benefits it provides.

• Maintain a regular bed and wake time schedule.
• Establish a regular, relaxing bedtime routine, such as soaking in a hot bath or hot tub, and then reading a book or listening to soothing music.
• Create a sleep-conducive environment that is dark, quiet and comfortable.
• Sleep on a comfortable mattress and pillows.
• Finish eating at least two to three hours before your regular bedtime.
• Exercise regularly, completing your workout at least a few hours before bedtime.
• Avoid caffeine (e.g., coffee, tea, soft drinks, chocolate) close to bedtime.  It can keep you awake.
• Avoid nicotine (e.g., cigarettes, tobacco products).  When used close to bedtime, it can lead to poor sleep.
• Avoid alcohol close to bedtime.

(NOTE: These tips are intended for typical adults, but not necessarily for children or persons experiencing medical problems.  If you have difficulty sleeping, try logging your concerns in a sleep diary and speaking with your doctor.)
 

215

Safety / On & Off The Trail / Fire Safety Awareness

« on: October 18, 2008, 06:28:36 am »

                                                      Fire Safety Awareness


According to the National Fire Protection Association, the leading causes of home fires are cooking, heating, electrical and smoking materials. Cooking fires continues to be the number one cause of home fires. In 2005, cooking fires accounted for 146,400 reported fires, 480 civilian deaths, 4,690 civilian injuries and $876 million in direct property damage.

The months of January and December are the peak months for home fires and home fire fatalities. Greater than 50% of home fire deaths occur between the hours of 11 pm and 7 am, yet only 20% of home fires actually occur during these hours.
What can you do to protect yourself and your family? The answer is simple and it is the same message that you have heard year after year – first, invest in smoke detectors for every level of your home. Once you have smoke detectors in place the maintenance of them is very simple, yet many people die every year because they fail to properly maintain their smoke detectors. It is this simple:
Put fresh batteries in your detectors twice per year – a good rule of thumb is to do this when you change your clocks between standard time and daylight savings time.
Test your detectors every month. This involves two easy steps – depress the test button and verify that the alarm activates.

Another method of reducing your chance of dying in a house fire is to have a home fire escape plan and practice it. This is especially important if you have small children in the home. You should identify two exits from every room, where possible and locate a central meeting place that is outside and away from the structure. Teach your children to exit quickly and meet at that central meeting place.


You should never re-enter your home – for any reason – once you have exited during a fire emergency. This is another cause of fire deaths and it typically involves people returning to the home to rescue pets. Very often the pet will find a way to get out and the would-be rescuer is overcome by smoke.
With the start of the fall season, many areas of the country will start to experience shorter days and cooler nights. It won’t be long before it is time to crank up the heater. With this thought in mind, have you had your furnace cleaned and inspected for this winter? How about your chimney? For those who have a fireplace and like to burn for additional heat or just for the ambiance, it is important to ensure that your chimney is clean and free from obstructions. Chimney fires can quickly rage out of control and very often end up spreading through interior walls and attics.
Another hazard to the winter heating season is the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning. Newer homes with energy efficient windows and doors are typically sealed tight and allow very little draft. If your fossil fuel furnace malfunctions or hasn’t been properly maintained carbon monoxide will accumulate in the home and cause you and your family to become ill and/or die.

The best methods of preventing carbon monoxide poisoning are, again, have your furnace properly cleaned and serviced and invest in a carbon monoxide detector. The detector should be placed on the first living level of the home and mounted on the wall lower than you breathing zone. This will ensure that concentrations of carbon monoxide are detected and the alarm sounds before the concentration is great enough to cause illness. If your detector alarms, exit the home immediately and call the fire department. Don’t try to diagnose the problem yourself and stay out of the house until the fire department tells you it’s safe to re-enter.

Do not attempt to ventilate the home before you leave. If the carbon monoxide leak is very slow this will make it more difficult for the fire department to determine where the leak is originating from and how bad it is. This may also clear the home, temporarily, of the hazard leading to a false sense of security and tempt you to re-enter prematurely.

216

Safety / On & Off The Trail / Re: Air Bag Deployment

« on: September 16, 2008, 05:27:28 pm »

Sue,
Glad to see you're still kickin'.

The bag should have deployed and I would push the issue with the dealer. Safety is a major issue these days and you paid for that safety feature...the feature didn't work.

Take care and see you Friday?

Charlie

217

Safety / On & Off The Trail / Protecting Workers in Hot Environments

« on: August 27, 2008, 07:50:26 pm »

Submitted by Mr. Breeden

                                     PROTECTING WORKERS IN HOT ENVIRONMENTS

Many workers spend some part of their working day in a hot environment. Workers in foundries, laundries, construction projects, and bakeries -- to name a few industries -- often face hot conditions which pose special hazards to safety and health.

                                            HEAT STRESS CAUSES BODY REACTIONS

 Four environmental factors affect the amount of stress a worker faces in a hot work area: temperature, humidity, radiant heat (such as from the sun or a furnace) and air velocity. Perhaps most important to the level of stress an individual faces are personal characteristics such as age, weight, fitness, medical condition and acclimatization to the heat.
The body reacts to high external temperature by circulating blood to the skin which increases skin temperature and allows the body to give off its excess heat through the skin. However, if the muscles are being used for physical labor, less blood is available to flow to the skin and release the heat.
 Sweating is another means the body uses to maintain a stable internal body temperature in the face of heat. However, sweating is effective only if the humidity level is low enough to permit evaporation and if the fluids and salts lost are adequately replaced.
Of course there are many steps a person might choose to take to reduce the risk of heat stress, such as moving to a cooler place, reducing the work pace or load, or removing or loosening some clothing.
 But the body cannot dispose of excess heat, it will store it. When this happens, the body's core temperature rises and the heart rate increases. As the body continues to store heat, the individual begins to lose concentration and has difficulty focusing on a task, may become irritable or sick and often loses the desire to drink. The next stage is most often fainting and death is possible if the person is not removed from the heat stress.

HEAT DISORDERS
 Heat stroke, the most serious health problem for workers in hot environments, is caused by the failure of the body's internal mechanism to regulate its core temperature. Sweating stops and the body can no longer rid itself of excess heat. Signs include (1) mental confusion, delirium, loss of consciousness, convulsions or coma; (2) a body temperature of 106 degrees F or higher; and (3) hot dry skin which may be red, mottled, or bluish.  Victims of heat stroke will die unless treated promptly. While awaiting medical help, the victim must be removed to a cool area and his or her clothing soaked with cool water. He or she should be fanned vigorously to increase cooling. Prompt first aid can prevent permanent injury to the brain and other vital organs.
 Heat exhaustion results from loss of fluid through sweating when a worker has failed to drink enough fluids or take in enough salt or both. The worker with heat exhaustion still sweats but experiences extreme weakness or fatigue, giddiness, nausea, or headache. The skin is clammy and moist, the complexion pale or flushed, and the body temperature normal or slightly higher. Treatment is usually simple: the victim should rest in a cool place and drink an electrolyte solution (a beverage used by athletes to quickly restore potassium, calcium, and magnesium salts). Severe cases involving victims who vomit or lose consciousness may require longer treatment under medical supervision.
Heat cramps, painful spasms of the muscles, are caused when workers drink large quantities of water but fail to replace their bodies' salt loss. Tired muscles -- those used for performing the work -- are usually the ones most susceptible to cramps. Cramps may occur during or after working hours and may be relieved by taking liquids by mouth or saline solutions intravenously for quicker relief, if medically determined to be required.
Fainting (heat syncope) may be a problem for the worker unacclimatized to a hot environment who simply stands still in the heat. Victims usually recover quickly after a brief period of lying down. Moving around, rather than standing still, will usually reduce the possibility of fainting.
Heat rash, also known as prickly heat, may occur in hot and humid environments where sweat is not easily removed from the surface of the skin by evaporation. When extensive or complicated by infection, heat rash can be so uncomfortable that it inhibits sleep and impedes a worker's performance or even results in temporary total disability. It can be prevented by resting in a cool place and allowing the skin to dry.

PREVENTING HEAT STRESS
Most heat-related health problems can be prevented or the risk of developing them reduced. Following a few basic precautions should lessen heat stress.

1. A variety of engineering controls including general ventilation and spot cooling by local exhaust ventilation at points of high heat production may be helpful. Shielding is required as protection from radiant heat sources. Evaporative cooling and mechanical refrigeration are other ways to reduce heat. Cooling fans can also reduce heat in hot conditions. Eliminating steam leaks will also help. Equipment modifications, the use of power tools to reduce manual labor and personal cooling devices or protective clothing are other ways to reduce the hazards of heat exposure for workers.

2. Work practices such as providing plenty of drinking water -- as much as a quart per worker per hour -- at the workplace can help reduce the risk of heat disorders. Training first aid workers to recognize and treat heat stress disorders and making the names of trained staff known to all workers is essential. Employers should also consider an individual worker's physical condition when determining his or her fitness for working in hot environments. Older workers, obese workers and personnel on some types of medication are at greater risk.

3. Alternating work and rest periods with longer rest periods in a cool area can help workers avoid heat stress. If possible, heavy work should be scheduled during the cooler parts of the day and appropriate protective clothing provided. Supervisors should be trained to detect early signs of heat stress and should permit workers to interrupt their work if they are extremely uncomfortable.

4. Acclimatization to the heat through short exposures followed by longer periods of work in the hot environment can reduce heat stress. New employees and workers returning from an absence of two weeks or more should have 5-day period of acclimatization. This period should begin with 50 percent of the normal workload and time exposure the first day and gradually building up to 100 percent on the fifth day.

5. Employee education is vital so that workers are aware of the need to replace fluids and salt lost through sweat and can recognize dehydration, exhaustion, fainting, heat cramps, salt deficiency, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke as heat disorders. Workers should also be informed of the importance of daily weighing before and after work to avoid dehydration.

218

Safety / On & Off The Trail / Common Sense at Work

« on: August 27, 2008, 07:47:21 pm »

Submitted by Kentucky Steve.

                                          COMMON SENSE & ACCIDENT PREVENTION!

 Generally speaking, we are not born with common sense; we acquire it throughout life. Actually, common sense is really common experience--we learn about life from others' experiences as well as our own. Awareness of your environment, self-preservation and concern for your fellow workers are all factors in good common sense. Contrary to popular opinion, all workers can prevent themselves from getting hurt. The easy way to avoid pain is to observe how others have taken risks and been injured, rather than learning the hard way--from your own injury. That's common sense!
 The experts say at least 80% of industrial accidents are caused by unsafe acts on the part of employees--and not by unsafe conditions. Although employers are required by law to provide a safe and healthful workplace, it is up to you to be aware of your work environment and follow safe work practices. By avoiding unsafe acts and practicing common sense, your work will go smoother, with less chance for accidents.

Statistically, most accidents are caused by unsafe acts, including:

Being In A Hurry - Sometimes there is more concern for completing a job quickly instead of safely. Take time to do a good job and a safe job.

Taking Chances - Daring behavior or blatant disregard for safe work practices can put the whole work team at risk. Follow all company safety rules and watch out for your fellow employees. Horseplay is neverTaking never appropriate on the job and can lead to disciplinary action.

Being Preoccupied - Daydreaming, drifting off at work, thinking about the weekend and not paying attention to your work can get you seriously hurt or even killed. Focus on the work you are paid to do. If your mind is troubled or distracted, you're at risk for an accident.

Having A Negative Attitude - Being angry or in a bad mood can lead to severe accidents because anger nearly always rules over caution. Flying off the handle at work is potentially dangerous. Keep your bad moods in check, or more than one person may be hurt. Remember to stay cool and in charge of your emotions.

Failing To Look For Hidden Hazards - At many job-sites, work conditions are constantly changing. Sometimes new, unexpected hazards develop. Always be alert for changes in the environment. Hidden hazards include spilled liquids that could cause slips and falls; out-of-place objects that can be tripped over; unmarked floor openings one could step into; low overhead pipes that could mean a head injury; and other workers who don't see you enter their hazardous work area.

Remember to stay alert for hazards, so you won't become one more accident statistic: You can do a quality job without rushing. Maintain a positive attitude and keep your mind on your work.

This is just common sense--something smart workers use!

219

Safety / On & Off The Trail / Safety Glasses

« on: August 02, 2008, 03:35:41 pm »

                                                   How Much is $3.00 Worth to You?

How much is walking through the park, seeing all of Mother Nature in its bountiful glories of spring worth? How about the sight of your son or daughter getting married? What about watching the excitement of your children or grandchildren on Christmas morning? Or even seeing your new born child or grand child for the very first time? Can you put a price tag on being able to see such events? How about $3.00? No, you say! Well, that is exactly how much you are saying your sight is not worth, every time you do not wear your safety glasses!
Safety glasses, those $3.00 sight savers, have been used in the construction industry since the 1910's. And, undoubtedly, many workers have escaped serious eye injury because of them. You may personally know some fortunate individuals who saved their sight this way. Unfortunately, there are those that have not.

Let's take a look at a couple:

A carpenter recently asked his insurance company to pay for damage to his glass eye. It had been broken when a nail he was driving flew up and struck it. When asked how he had lost his own eye in the first place, he replied: “The same way, a nail hit it.” A world of darkness awaits this man when a nail strikes his remaining good eye.

A boilermaker recently lost an eye when a fragment of a shattered grinding disc penetrated the inner, non-impact resistant, lens on his welding hood. The employee had been grinding on his weld, with a 6-inch electric hand grinder, when the tool jammed causing the disc to shatter.
 
How many times have you seen a welder complete a weld, just to flip up their lens (or even worse their entire welding hood) and start chipping or grinding? Ever wonder why some companies/locations are now requiring welders to wear safety glasses under their welding hoods?

Still today, some have not grown to appreciate the need for eye protection. You, yourself, may find it difficult to get accustomed to wearing eye protection. But, would getting accustomed to wearing a glass eye or a life without sight be any easier?

220

13th Annual (2008) / Re: Show Tidbits

« on: July 24, 2008, 04:16:00 pm »

No Rick, I don't.

It was more of a second on the "bleacher cover" idea. She mentioned it to me on Saturday.

Now you have more than one request.

If you want, I can delete it.

Do you always post like you're in a bad mood?

Charlie

221

13th Annual (2008) / Re: Show Tidbits

« on: July 24, 2008, 08:21:38 am »

Wayne and Rick,

The Mrs. also said if it were practical it would be nice to have some cover over the bleachers.

Charlie

222

Website Announcements / Updates / Re: New Rule for new users and old

« on: July 23, 2008, 08:29:55 am »

I'm in!

 Charlie "The Tuna" Stevens

A note for the name callers and chastisers on PM's. If you have nothing useful, helpful or nice to type, then don't.

If you are seriously offended by someone on any part of this forum, a copy of the post or PM should be forwarded to Wayne or myself.

Charlie

223

13th Annual (2008) / Re: Show Tidbits

« on: July 23, 2008, 08:20:33 am »

1) If someone one else did a better job, PA Jeeps would have the second best all Jeep show in the country.

2) I happen to be very fond of six out of the seven personalities the Master of Ceremonies has....that ain't bad! I'm not sure I even like any of my own. Chris Rock is cool, I'm not sure about Billy Crystal. Oh, if anyone one of the slim shady wanna be's would like to take the mic, please stand up, please stand up.

3) I received nothing but good feedback on the use of the stage, great call Rick!

I didn't know we had a first aid problem, the few minor cases brought to the PA Jeeps stage were handled well.

Next years raffle will consist of two bumpers stickers and a hat, that should speed things up a bit. I may throw in a snake bite kit!

I've heard Siberia is beautiful this time of year!

Charlie

224

13th Annual (2008) / Re: Thank you PA Jeeps.

« on: July 21, 2008, 08:19:47 am »

Sue,

You made me think about something.

I bet it's really really hot in Iraq!

I bet it's down right dangerous at times!

I bet the next time I pray it's for our troops and not waste a good prayer on our weather!

I bet I continue to thank our service personnel for giving us the freedom to hold such an event and thank them for giving others the right to complain about it!

I bet I was wrong in being a little apprehensive about your project at the show!

I bet it's still really really hot in Iraq!

Charlie

P.S. Tell your son thanks for me.  I'll be glad to take him wheeling.

225

13th Annual (2008) / Re: Thank you PA Jeeps.

« on: July 21, 2008, 05:34:33 am »

Folks,
I'm afraid the weather was my fault, I had prayed for two sunny days and I got them. However, in my prayers I did not specify to God the exact temperature. Once again, you have my apologies.

As far as the other opportunities, please feel free to make suggestions to Rick, Wayne and myself. Email us, PA Jeeps members attend the club meetings with your suggestions. We really do try to put on a good event.

Charlie Stevens
VP PA Jeeps.