Weekend Warriors
Weekend Warriors
Summer brings about activities at home and in the community that can, and in many cases do, result in unintentional injuries. When workers can’t work, it affects the employer in several ways. First, is the expense of overtime wages to other workers who are required to work in that employee’s place or wages to temporary workers. If you provide sick leave, then you’re paying double for the same work. Plus, if it’s a worker who has special skills that you rely on, then the cost of production can be even higher. Secondly, health insurance premiums can be affected by these claims. Employers who provide health insurance benefits are challenged to be able to continue this benefit - when claims are high the premiums are high.
The No. 1 cause of death for people up to 44 years old and the fifth leading cause of death overall is unintentional injury. According to the National Safety Council, the rate of fatalities in preventable accidents has increased at an alarming rate. The report, which includes state-by-state injury data, says that injuries in the home and community have increased 30 percent since the lowest death rate for accidental injuries in 1992.
The top five causes of non-fatal injuries is motor vehicle accidents, falls, poisoning, choking, and drowning. The National Safety Council’s published Injury Facts show the following in regard to those 5 top causes of non-fatal injuries:
1: Motor vehicle
* 40 percent of all unintentional injuries in people 20 and older
* 45,800 motor vehicle-related deaths occurred.
* 2.4 million disabling injuries resulted.
* Majority of motor vehicle-related deaths occurred in the 15-24 age bracket.
2: Falls
* In 2005, 17,700 fall-related deaths occurred.
* 17,000 of those occurred off the job.
* Highest rate of occurrence was in the 75 and older age bracket.
3: Poisoning
* 20,900 deaths recorded in 2005; highest rate in 25-44 age bracket.
4: Choking
* 4,600 deaths recorded; 4,500 of those off the job; highest rate in 75 and older age bracket.
5: Drowning
* 3,600 deaths occurred; 3,400 of those off the job: highest rate in 45-64 age bracket.
Three Tips For At Home and Community Safety
Prevent Drowning: According to The Consumer Product Safety Commission about 260 children younger than 5 drown in swimming pools each year, and an estimated 2,725 children are treated annually in hospital emergency rooms for pool submersion injuries mostly in residential pools. In its drowning prevention campaign, the commission advises parents to use layers of protection around pools to prevent children from drowning. Protections include physical barriers such as a fence with self-closing, self-latching gate to prevent unsupervised access by young children, the commission said.
Fireworks: As you read this, you are either preparing for your July 4th celebration or hopefully have enjoyed a safe one. Few people understand the risks of consumer fireworks. A group of 22 health and safety organizations coordinated by NFPA and known as The Alliance to Stop Consumer Fireworks urges the public to avoid the use of consumer fireworks and to enjoy public displays conducted by trained professionals. For safety information on fireworks visit NFPA’s Web site at www.nfpa.org and review the Factsheets for Seasonal Safety/Fireworks. Tragedy has stricken many families who were just out having fun with fireworks. Let the professionals handle the fireworks.
Nail Gun Safety for Do-It-Yourselfers
Statistics indicate that between 2001-2005, 37,000 patients were treated for injuries related to nail gun use, approximately 40% being consumers. Some nail gun designs launch nails at speeds reaching 1,400 feet per second! Here are some recommendations:
* Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions (I know you hate to do that!).
* Select the proper trigger system - sequential action is recommended.
* Wear safety glasses and hearing protection - more PPE may be needed.
* Disconnect the power and engage the safety whenever moving, unjamming, or otherwise servicing the gun.
* Keep hands and feet away from the area being fastened.
* Keep gun unloaded when not in use; however, always assume the gun is loaded when handling.
* Keep the work area clean to avoid trip hazards.
* The don'ts for nail gun use include not operating the gun while impaired (alcohol, medication); don’t operate the gun if you’re distracted, tired, or can’t focus; don’t point the nail gun at anyone or yourself; don’t maintain constant pressure on the trigger; don’t operate the gun near children or pets; don’t modify the tool, such as disengaging the safety spring.
Home improvement time can be exciting, but don’t let it turn into a visit to the emergency room.
Employers, your workers are your most valuable asset ñ provide this type of information to them so they’re just as safe away from your laboratory as in your laboratory.
