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SAFETY TIMES NEWSLETTER

OFF-THE-JOB SAFETY TIPS AND NEWS FOR YOU

November 30, 2007

Copyright 2007

Welcome to this issue of the twice-monthly Safety Times Newsletter. There is not a charge for the newsletter or any of the safety material referenced in the newsletter.

The purpose of this newsletter, and the Safety Times publications "Live Safely in a Dangerous World" and Safety Times Reproducible Articles, is to help you avoid accidents.

You and each member of your family face about a 10% chance of visiting a hospital emergency room every year due to an accident. Over 100,000 Americans will die accidentally in the next twelve months, more than 95% of them in off-the-job accidents.

 

The key to avoiding accidents is for everyone to develop and follow a Personal Safety Plan.

For more information on the dimensions of our accident epidemic, go to http://www.safetytimes.com/statistics%20-%20newsletter.htm

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IN THIS ISSUE FROM SAFETY TIMES

A.  Twenty Safety Tips For Personal Safety Plans

      Topics: Diverted Attention, Medications, Shopping, Toys

B.  Some True Stories Where Personal Safety Plans Could Have Made A Difference

C.  More Safety Articles On My Website That You Can Use

D.  Links To Other Websites With Safety Information

E.  Feature Article on Power Tools

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  (Excerpted – with permission - from Safety Times: http://www.safetytimes.com.)

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To contact us: E-mail: sfttimes@swbell.net; Phone: 636-536-2875

Website: http://www.safetytimes.com

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A. Twenty Safety Tips For Your Family's Personal Safety Plans

Driving Safety (Diverted Attention)

   A recent study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that driver distraction is a factor in 80 percent of all motor vehicle crashes.

1. Start with the basics and drive defensively. Make it your goal to have a "perfect" trip.

2. Don't turn your head to talk or look at scenery or another person.

3. Don't fool with the radio or other nonessential equipment when the road is busy. When driving in unfamiliar areas, turn off the radio for maximum concentration.

4. Personal grooming and reading are obvious no-no's.

5. Experts say we eat one in ten restaurant meals in our automobile, often while weaving through traffic. Don't eat or drink while you drive.

 

General Safety (Medications)

   According to the Institute of Medicine, at least 1.5 million Americans are sickened, injured, and killed each year by avoidable errors in prescribing, dispensing, and taking medications.

1. Keep a written record of prescription information to verify you receive the correct prescription.

2. Choose a pharmacy that:

     -keeps comprehensive records of all your medications and allergies, to reduce the risk of a drug conflict or adverse reaction;

     -provides printed information regarding what medical condition the drug is designed to treat, dosage instructions, side effects, as well as any food, beverage, drug, or other product interactions;

     -willingly answers questions.

3. Check refills. If they are a different color, size, or shape, contact your pharmacist immediately.

4. If you use a different pharmacy or provider, inform the pharmacist of other medications and products you're taking, and any allergic reactions to drugs.

5. Educate yourself and increase your awareness of the drugs that you and your family use. Ask yourself why you're using them.

 

Leisure Safety (Shopping)

Shopping is not without its hazards. To keep the damage confined to your wallet and not your person, here are a few things to consider.

1. Improper backing is the top cause of mishaps. To back safely:

     -Allow sufficient space when you pull into the spot. When your vehicle is wedged between others, you have less room to maneuver and your vision is obscured.

     -Avoid parking beside high silhouette vehicles.

     -Always look backwards over both shoulders, and use your mirrors before you put your car in reverse. Stop once after you begin backing to verify that no pedestrians or vehicles are approaching.

2. Drive no faster than 5 to 10 miles an hour in parking areas, even if they are relatively empty.

3. Use your turn signals.

4. On a parking lot, keep a watchful eye on kids, who might not understand parking lot hazards. Take small children by the hand.

5. Park in well-lighted areas as close to the entrance as possible.

 

Kids' Safety (Toys)

   Each year, over 100,000 children under the age of fifteen are treated in hospital emergency rooms for toy-related injuries.

1. Consider how much adult supervision will be required, if the supervision will be available, and how to keep the toy out of reach when no supervision is available.

2. When buying for older kids, consider the possibility toys may fall into the hands of younger children.

3. If wheels (tricycles, bikes, scooters, skates, skateboards) are on your gift list, include the necessary safety equipment (helmets, wrist guards, and knee and elbow pads). Insist on their use.

4. Children should know how to safely handle riding toys before being left unsupervised. Inspect the riding area for hazards.

5. Electric toys are for kids eight or older. Check electrical toys regularly for loose or exposed wires.

  There are about 2,980 more safety tips in "Live Safely in a Dangerous World" or the Safety Times Reproducible Articles. Some of the tips will apply to your family, friends, and associates based on their lifestyles and interests. Safety experts recommended all of these tips because someone was involved in a serious accident when the safety procedure was not followed.

 

B. Some True Stories Where Personal Safety Plans Could Have Made A Difference

  1. In St. Louis, MO a 20-year-old man playing soccer with friends decided to do some pull-ups on a portable metal soccer goal. The goal fell on him, killing him.

  2. Near Traverse City, MI a hunter suffered a serious heart attack while dragging a deer that he killed to his car. Thanks to excellent emergency medical attention, and surgery, he survived.

  3. In Edwardsville, IL, a man was killed while hanging outdoor Christmas lights. He was about 30 feet off the ground on an aluminum ladder placed against a tree when he threw a string of lights into the air and the lights touched an overhead power line. The lights transmitted a shock to the man, who was thrown to the ground.

 

C. More Safety Articles On My Website You Can Use

   Live Safely in a Dangerous World - http://www.safetytimes.com/samplepages.htm - Around Big Trucks, Kitchens, Internet, Hospital Stays

   Safety Times Reproducible Articles - http://www.safetytimes.com/reprosamplearticles.htm - Road Rage, Falls, Back, Bicycles (Kids)

  Book chapter on how to organize an off-the-job safety program at your organization.- http://www.safetytimes.com/reprootjcontents.htm

 

D. Safety Resources (Sources Of Helpful Information)

CTIA - The Wireless Association (driving tips):  http://www.ctia.org/consumer_info/index.cfm/AID/10369

Consumer Product Safety Commission (toy safety publications):  http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/toy_sfy.html

 

E. Feature Article On Power Tools

Workshop Woes

   Craig is a skilled and experienced woodworker. It's more than a hobby for him, it's his passion. And sometimes our passions get the best of us. Like that Saturday when Craig wanted to make one more cut near the end of a long day. In a moment of rare inattention, the saw blade snagged in the wood and his hand flew toward the blade. Thanks to a skilled surgeon, Craig did not lose part of his thumb that day. They say to let the tools do the work, but tools can't do the thinking, too. Craig learned an important lesson. Now he turns off the machines and doesn't overdo it.

   According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, about 100,000 people each year suffer injuries that require emergency room treatment from using home power tools. The table saw is involved in more serious injuries than any other woodworking device. Most table saw injuries occur during ripping operations.

 

Proper Preparation

* Take the time to read all instructions on the proper use of your power tools. If you don't use a tool frequently, review the safety instructions before each use. Follow the maintenance schedule suggested by the manufacturer.

* Plan power tool projects. Think through the moves your hands will make before you make them.

* Select the proper tool for the job, and only use the accessories built specifically for that tool.

* Do not force a small tool or attachment to do the job of a heavy-duty tool. Makeshift tools can cause accidents.

* Keep all safety guards in place and in proper working condition.

* Allow ample space in the workshop to work safely.

* Keep the area free of clutter.

* Keep the area well lighted. Eliminate all shadows.

* Keep children and onlookers out of your work area.

* Wear safety apparel, including goggles or safety glasses with side shields. Never wear loose clothing or jewelry around power equipment. Use gloves that are job-rated for the kind of work you are doing.

* Clean your hands before using tools to prevent slippage.

* Never work when you tired, distracted, or angry.

* If your hands are sore, arthritic or injured, don't use power tools.

* Don't use any tool that is worn or broken.

* Keep your workshop well ventilated.

* Keep idle tools stored and out of the reach of children.

 

In The Heat Of The Action

* Avoid overconfidence or repetitious operations that lull you into carelessness. Periodically pause and refocus.

* Maintain good balance and footing. Don't overreach, or reach over or behind a moving saw blade.

* Do not force tools. Let them do the work.

* When cutting, use sticks or blocks to keep your hands away from moving blades.

* Use clamps and vises to secure the object you're working on.

* Do not touch a bit or blade after cutting or drilling. They can be painfully hot.

* Do not try to catch falling objects. The sudden movement can disrupt your safety equilibrium.

* Never leave a machine with the motor "coasting."

* Never hurry a job.

* Promptly sweep up all sawdust.

* Don't smoke or drink alcohol when working.

 

Respect The Power

* Always use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).

* Ground all your power tools, unless they are clearly marked "double insulated."

* Do not use power tools in wet or damp places. Rubber-soled shoes and heavy rubber mats are good precautions in any conditions.

* Don't use tools with damaged cords or improper extension cords.

* Never carry a portable tool by its cord or yank the tool or extension cords from the receptacle.

* Be certain the switch is on "OFF" when plugging in a tool. Do not carry a plugged-in tool with your finger on the switch.

* Unplug tools when they are not in use, or when you are adjusting them or installing accessories.

 

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How Safety Times Can Help You, Your Family, And Your Business

 

For your family, there are 127 topics in "Live Safely in a Dangerous World" - 18 Driving, 30 Home, 48 Leisure and General, and 31 Kids' Safety topics.

 

These topics provide the safety knowledge needed to develop Personal Safety Plans for every family member. A step-by-step guideline to help develop these Plans is included in the book.

 

For your business, the Safety Times Reproducible Articles and "Live Safely in a Dangerous World" will benefit you by: (1) helping employees and their families avoid off-the-job accidents, (2) reducing on-the-job accidents by fostering 24-hour safety attitudes, and (3) increasing productivity and income.

 

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Thank you for your support of off-the-job safety.

This newsletter will always be a work in progress. Your comments and ideas are welcomed.

Remember - ALL TIMES ARE SAFETY TIMES!

 

Best regards,

John Myre

Author: Live Safely in a Dangerous World - http://www.safetytimes.com

  A proud winner of the 2006 Adding Wisdom Award, the only award program to ever be honored by Disney.com   http://www.addingwisdomaward.com/

  One of Ten Outstanding Books of the Year - 2003 IPPY book award

Publisher: Safety Times Reproducible Articles - http://www.safetytimes.com/repro.htm

Safety Times * 1265 Rogue River Ct. * Chesterfield, MO 63017

636-536-2875 * sfttimes@swbell.net

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The information and recommendations contained in this publication were obtained from sources believed to be reliable. SAFETY TIMES assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information and recommendations. Other safety procedures may be required in certain situations.

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