Workplace Health and Safety

Back Safety

HTML clipboard1. Frequent causes of back pain:

• Standing or sitting too long, especially without changing position
• Lifting or carrying something that is too heavy and/or awkward
• Lifting things using an incorrect technique, with your back in the wrong position
• Sleeping in the wrong position or on a bad mattress

2. Several symptoms can warn you that your back is injured. See a doctor if you notice:

• Sore or stiff muscles
• Numbness
• Tingling or burning sensations
• Not being able to move your head, arms or legs as much as you used to

3. To review how to lift and carry things, check the Safe Tips on Lifting and Carrying Objects.

4. The key word for work shoes: practical. They should be comfortable, stable and supportive. If you have to stand on steel or concrete, consider using a cushioned insole or getting rubber and/or padded matting to stand on.

5. Start a program of exercise and stretching to strengthen you back and to keep you limber. As few as a half-dozen exercises and an investment of just 10 minutes a day can work wonders.

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Avoiding Criminals

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1. The elbow is the strongest point on your body. If you are close enough to use it, do!
2. If a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse, don’t hand it to him. Toss it away from you. Chances are that he is more interested in your money than you and he will go for the wallet or purse. Run in the other direction.
3. Women tend to get into their cars after shopping, eating, or working and just sit (doing their checkbook, or making a list, etc. This is a bad habit. The predator will be watching you, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side, put a gun to your head, and tell you where to go. As soon as you get into your car, lock the doors and leave.
4. When you get into your car in a parking lot or parking garage, be aware. Look around you, look into your car, at the passenger side floor, and in the back seat.
5. If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door. Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their cars.
6. Look at the car parked on the driver’s side of your vehicle, and the passenger side. If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back into the mall, or work, and get a guard or policeman to walk you back out.
7. Always take the elevator instead of the stairs. Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot.
8. If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, always run. The predator will only hit you (a running target) 4 in 100 times, and even then, it most likely won’t be a vital organ.
9. Many women try to be sympathetic. Another bad habit. Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good-looking, well-educated man, who always played on the sympathies of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often asked for “help” getting into his car, which is when he abducted his next victim.

HTML clipboardAuto Repair at Home

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You save a lot of money by doing your own auto repairs, but while you are trying to avoid the bill from the mechanic, make sure you’re avoiding the hazards involved in the work.

1. Use the right tools for the job. Sockets, wrenches and screwdrivers should be the exact size, not “close enough.”
2. Protect your hands from solvents and gasoline by wearing protective gloves.
3. Be prepared to clean up spills, and know how to dispose of flammable rags.
4. Wear protective equipment, especially leather work gloves and goggles, to protect yourself from metal chips, cuts and scrapes.
5. If you are putting your car up on ramps, make sure they are sturdy and follow the directions for how to set the car’s emergency brake and transmission, and how to chock the other set of wheels. Don’t improvise ramps.
6. Review the precautions for working with gasoline if you are doing any work on your fuel tank, fuel lines or carburetor.

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1. Make sure you open the damper before starting a fire. If you have any questions about whether it is open or clear, investigate with a flashlight before starting the fire.
2. Burn one artificial log at a time, and don’t add another until the first one is out. For most major brands, each log burns about three hours.
3. Don’t add wood or paper to the fire, and don’t put an artificial log on a wood fire.
4. Always use a grate and a fireplace screen.
5. If you have a glass door on your fireplace, leave it open.
6. Don’t move, poke or break up an artificial log while it is burning. The flames can flare up to a surprising extent, and burning material can stick to the tongs or poker.
7. If you need to extinguish an artificial log, use a Class B fire extinguisher, water or sand.
8. Don’t use artificial logs for open-flame cooking or barbecues.
9. Keep an eye on the fire if children are around.
10. Close the damper only when the ashes are cool.
11. Have your chimney inspected (and cleaned, if necessary) regularly.
12. Don’t leave fires unattended.

Air Show Tips and Tricks

• Take a small backpack – Having some space to carry stuff is really useful. A backpack can be worn conveniently while you look around and get to and from your viewing position.
• Moist towelettes, “wet wipes,” — Air shows normally have outdoor bathroom facilities and having a way to freshen up afterward is a good idea.
• A hat – Can make a lot of difference to your comfort level. Ball caps are OK, but watch out for sunburn on your lower face and neck. Many people prefer to wear hats with wide brims for better protection.
• Sunglasses — Polarized lenses are especially good for shows that take place over water since they reduce glare.
• Something to sit or lie on – Take something to use as a drop sheet if you are going to be on the ground. You can lean on your backpack for some support. Or carry lawn or camping chairs. Keep in mind that you’ll be looking up at an angle for most of the show so a chair that is somewhat reclined may be more comfortable.
• Sunscreen — You’ll probably be in the sun a lot. Beware cloudy or hazy days – you may get more sun than you think. Don’t forget to cover the children! The higher the SPF the better. Use lip balm.
• Bug Spray — Insects might be a problem.
• Rain gear — Be prepared for showers. Many air shows continue in light rain as long as the clouds are high enough.
• Water — Don’t get dehydrated. Refreshments are normally available but your own supply of water may come in handy. Note that alcohol may make your dehydration worse so if you do visit the “beer tent” then drink in moderation. Don’t rely on soda pop to prevent dehydration.
• Snacks — Most air shows have food concessions (hamburgers, hot dogs, etc.), but you might want some lighter snacks.
• Notebook and pen — You may see something you want to make a note about, like website addresses at displays.
• Binoculars — Low and medium power binoculars tend to work well for checking out detail. Higher powers are difficult to use for aircraft in flight. Watch out for the sun while your chasing down that aircraft.
• Air Frequency scanner — You might enjoy listening to the air show controllers and pilots.
• Camera and film — Many airs shows have disposable cameras and film for sale but you’ll probably be happier if you bring along your own. If you bring a video camera, have an extra tape and batteries.
• Earplugs – Jets can make a lot of noise in some cases, or you may find yourself next to an overly loud speaker system for the air show announcer.

Air Show Do’s and Don’ts

• Do come early and leave late — you will avoid some of the traffic. Most air shows have static displays of aircraft, etc. Take time to look around.
• Don’t touch the aircraft. Many aircraft in static displays have bits and pieces that can be damaged, broken, bent, etc. if you don’t know what you’re doing. Never touch an aircraft unless someone in authority invites you to do so. Never move a propeller, and keep clear of the “prop” at all times.
• Don’t smoke around aircraft. Planes in a static display sometimes vent fuel as the plane heats up in the sun. Some fabric-covered aircraft have coatings that are highly flammable.
• Do find out where you can get medical aid or seek assistance if you need it. If you are in a group and you get separated, where will you meet? If you have children with you make sure they know how to get help if they get lost.
• Do consider where to sit. Most people insist on getting as close to “front and center” as they can. While this is fine, you might be just as happy sitting farther back or at the end of the viewing area where it may be less crowded.
• Don’t litter. Clean up your viewing area once you are done.
• Do stay aware. There are often vehicles or machinery moving around public areas such as the static displays.
• Do ask questions. Often there are aircraft owners or representatives at the static displays. Most people are very proud of their airplanes and they’ll be happy to answer your questions.
• Do appreciate all the aircraft, not just the fastest and the loudest.
• Do wear comfortable shoes. You may cover several miles before the day is done.