This is a tough topic to write about, but a far tougher experience when a family goes through seeing their child burned in an accident.  Eighty percent of burn injuries occur in and around our homes.  Most of the time, the victims of these accidents are small children.  And, most of the time, those accidents were preventable.  Anyone who has raised children can verify that you can’t turn your back on a toddler.  

There are five national organizations – the International Association of Fire Fighters Burn Foundation, the American Burn Association Burn Prevention Committee, the Federation of Burn Foundations, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, and the Home Safety Council (now merged with Safe Kids Worldwide) – who have joined forces to create  National Scald Prevention.  This campaign focuses on the high -risk population 0-4 years of age and the senior population.  Also, the Shriners Hospitals for Children has begun its annual Burn Prevention Campaign.  As we said, homes are the sites of thousands of burn injuries to children every year, including scalds and fire-related injuries.  By following basic safety tips, many of these incidents would not have happened.  Shriners Hospitals for Children changes lives every day through innovative pediatric care, world-class research and outstanding medical education.  Twenty-two hospitals in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada provide advanced care for children with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate. 

One type of fire injury that toddlers and children suffer is from touching the glass front of a gas fireplace.  FairWarning report published in 2011 revealed that more than 2,000 children ages 5 and younger have suffered burns from fireplace glass since 1999, according to a federal estimate; however, some burn specialists think the actual toll is higher.  Children’s Hospital Colorado Burn Center reports:

•          Contact with the glass of gas fireplace doors can result in second or third degree burns.
•          Burns of the hand can result in hand dysfunction causing long term impairment and disability.
•          Treatment of burns of the hand are time intensive, costly, painful, and can require long term therapy of the hand.
•          The glass barrier of a gas fireplace door can heat up to more than 200 degrees F in approximately 6 minutes. 

Every year there are approximately 25,000 burn injuries resulting from scalds.  These injuries are very painful and require prolonged treatment.  The majority of scald injuries are related to hot tap water and cooking accidents.  These are places where we adults have the most control. Adequate and continuous supervision is the most effective way to prevent young children from receiving scald burns.  

The kitchen is the place where children under five are at the highest risk for burns caused by hot fluids.  We must teach our children/grandchildren under age five to not play around the stove or microwave.  Tablecloths and place mats are tempting for children to pull on, which could also cause a spill of hot foods.  Next, the bathroom is the second highest risk area for scald burn injuries in the home.  The temperature of the water that comes from the water heater should be set at a maximum of 120 degrees F.  To test bath water, submerge the hand, spread the fingers and move the hand vigorously in the water.  If the water is uncomfortable to the hand, it is too hot for a child.  Young children’s skin is thinner that adults, therefore there is an increased risk of scalding. 

Children should never be left unattended around burning candles.  Cigarettes, lighters, and other incendiary products should never be where a toddler can get to them.  There could be nothing worse than the guilt of leaving something around where curious little fingers could pick them up and injury occurred.  These tips are also directed to those who care for or are responsible for senior citizens that may be at the point of being left unattended in their homes.  Hundreds of seniors have been seriously burned, or even worse, because they simply forgot that they left something cooking on their stove, until it was too late.  They may not be able to take responsibility for themselves.  Their personal safety should be the responsibility of a close family member, or close friend.  If they have no one to check on them or a caregiver, neighbors should call Family Protective Services or another local organization that can follow up to ensure their safety. 

Please observe Burn Awareness not just this week, but all year long.  Watch out for our “little citizens” and “senior citizens.”

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NATIONAL DRUNK AND DRUGGED DRIVING PREVENTION MONTH 

Truth be told, studies show that 97% of Americans see drinking and driving as a threat to them and their families.  Too often innocent lives are lost because of someone driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.  Impaired driving is one of America’s most serious crimes.The entire month of December is time taken and sponsored by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving), and Governors Highway Safety Association, to remind all drivers to leave the party “at the party”, not on the road.  This years’ theme is “Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.”  

Officers know the cues to watch for when suspecting a driver is under the influence.  Citizens can do the same thing, and have a passenger call the highway patrol (or pull over and give the license number), if they see suspicious activity on the highway.  Some of the cues that officers observe that lead them to stop a driver are:

• Weaving
• Weaving across lane lines
• Swerving
• Drifting
• Almost hitting another vehicle
• Stopping in the lane
• Accelerating for no reason; varying speeds
• Failure to signal turns
• Going the wrong way
• No headlights on at night
• Following too closely
• Inappropriate or unusual behavior
• Impaired appearance.

Again, if you suspect an impaired driver is traveling near you, call law enforcement, and possibly save someone’s life.

Employers can save time, productivity, money and lives if they have an employee-based traffic safety initiative.  Working Partners raises awareness about the impact drugs and alcohol have on the workplace, and helps employees and employers work together to ensure safety on the road, in the office, and at a worksite.  Individuals most likely to drive impaired – those between ages 21 and 34 – are well represented in the workplace and can provide a captive audience for prevention messages.  The NHTSA uses a three-pronged strategy: high-visibility law enforcement and supporting communication campaigns; enhanced prosecution and adjudication; and medical screening and brief intervention for alcohol abuse problems.  Special emphasis is placed on reach high-risk populations, including those between the ages of 21 to 34, repeat offenders, and high-BAC (blood alcohol concentration) offenders. 

So, during the holiday season, when there are more parties and festivities, remember to make plans to have a designated driver – or know how you are going to get home safely.  It’s not worth risking your life or the lives of innocent persons to get behind the wheel.  Not only during holiday season, but every day should be a safe driving day.  There is help for those who are fall the influence of alcohol or drugs on a regular basis, and if you know someone who fits into this category, try to encourage them to get help.  That would be the best Christmas gift of all.  

Drive safely and sober!

 NHTSA

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To persons who suffer from any of these diseases, it’s not necessary to be reminded that November is designated as National COPD Awareness Month, Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, Diabetes Awareness Month, and Epilepsy Awareness Month.  Most of us know persons who have one of these very serious health conditions, and want to do our part to make the world realize that they can help by donating or getting involved. 

On behalf of the 24 million Americans living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the third leading cause of death in the U.S. and a disease that kills one person every four minutes, the COPD Foundation is leading the call for increased research initiatives, enhanced screening and diagnosis, improved treatment and therapies, and heightened public awareness during November, COPD Awareness Month and November 16, 2011, World COPD Day.  COPD encompasses a group of lung diseases, including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, refractory asthma and bronchiectasis. The most common symptoms are breathlessness (or a “need for air”), abnormal sputum (a mix of saliva and mucus in the airway), and a chronic cough. Daily activities, such as walking up a short flight of stairs or taking a shower, can become very difficult as the condition gradually worsens. The primary cause of COPD is tobacco smoke (including second-hand or passive exposure).

Alzheimer’s is a devastating illness.  I have watched loved ones forget who even their closest family members are.  It is a cruel disease.  It takes away the person’s memory and gradually all of their abilities, with symptoms progressively worsening.  Beginning with mild memory loss, until the late stages, the person loses the capability to carry on a conversation or even respond to their environment.  Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.  A worldwide effort is being made to find better ways to treat the disease, delay it’s onset, and prevent it from developing.  There can be other reasons for memory loss, but if you or a loved one are experiencing these symptoms, consult with your physician, to reassure you that there may be other reasons behind it. 

There are 23.6 million Americans with some form of Diabetes.   Persons with diabetes know that checking their levels every day is very important, and diet plays another important part of staying healthy. 

• Type 1 – begins in children and young adults.  Type 1 is when the body does not produce insulin.  Five to ten per cent of people have this form of the disease.
• Type 2 – is the most common form.  The body either does not produce enough insulin, or cells ignore the insulin.  After eating, the body breaks down sugars and starches into glucose, the basic fuel for cells.  Insulin takes sugar from the body into cells.  When glucose builds up in the blood rather than cells, it may lead to diabetes complications.
• Gestational – sometimes occurs around the 28^th week or later of pregnancy.  Most often it doesn’t mean that the mother will have diabetes once her baby is delivered.  It is important that the physician monitor the blood glucose (blood sugar) levels during the pregnancy, so mom and baby will remain healthy.

The Epilepsy Foundation of America is dedicated to the welfare of the more than three million people in the United States with Epilepsy.  The brain is the source of human epilepsy.  Seizures occur when the electric system of the brain malfunctions.  Rather than discharge electric energy in a controlled way, the brain cells can emit a surge of energy through the brain that may cause unconsciousness and contraction of the muscles.  The seizures may last only a couple of minutes, but confusion may linger.  Around 7 out of 10 persons with epilepsy may never know the cause of their seizures.  Things such as head injuries, lack of oxygen to the brain during birth, and other brain injuries may damage the electrical system of the brain.  Although some persons with Epilepsy may be aware of what starts their seizures, many are not.  Many experts feel that most times the cause is patient failure to take their prescribed medications.  Others causes of the beginning of seizures may be stress, sleep patterns, or photosensitivity. 

Thanks to the organizations that support education and awareness of these serious disorders.  America and our friends worldwide hope for a day when there will be preventive measures that can allow future generations to live healthy lives, free from disease.  There are so many worthwhile causes; whether you choose to donate or support the ones we have discussed today, COPD Foundation, Alzheimers’ Association, American Diabetes Association, The Epilepsy Foundation of America, or any organization that is promoting better health, get involved in some way.  Any amount of money or volunteering your time to one or more of these organizations is greatly appreciated.  You may be helping a friend or family member that is or may become a victim of one of these diseases.

Sources:

COPD Foundation/Alzheimer’s.Org/American Diabetes Association/Epilepsy Foundation of America

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Anything that has to do with guns of any type makes me nervous!  In the field of construction, nail guns have taken the place of hammers, in many instances.  The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) have issued a nail gun safety guide (Nail Gun Safety – A Guide for Construction Contractors), that details practical steps to prevent injuries, including use of tools with sequential triggers, training prior to use, and use of appropriate protective equipment, such as eye protection. 

Nail guns are used to drive nails into wood, roofing, or other types of material.  They can be driven by compressed air (pneumatic), highly flammable gases such as butane or propane, electromagnetism, or, for powder-actuated tools, a small explosive charge.  Work-related nail gun injuries are responsible for approximately 37,000 emergency room visits annually.  Many construction workers use nail guns every day.  The tool is easy to operate and increases productivity, but injuries may occur as a result of unintended nail discharge, nails that bounce off a hard surface, or miss the work piece and become airborne.  Disabling the safety features of the gun is another cause of injury.  Prevention of injury is possible if contractors take steps such as using full-sequential trigger nail guns. 

Treating nail gun wounds costs at least $338 million per year nationally in emergency medical care, rehabilitation, and workers’ compensation, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.  Foot and hand injuries are the most common.  Because all kinds of nail guns can be dangerous, safety precautions similar to those for firearms are usually recommended for their use.  For safety, nail guns are designed to be used with the muzzle touching the target.  Unless they are modified, they are not effective as projectile weapons. 

A common firing mechanism is the dual-action contact-trip trigger, requiring that the manual trigger and nose contact element both be depressed for a nail to be discharged.  Contact triggers allow the gun to fire unintended nails if the nose hits the wood surface or a previously placed nail following recoil.  Touch tip (contact) triggers are susceptible to this double firing.    Acute injury rates are twice as high among users of tools with contact triggers.  When the trigger is depressed on the contact-trip style of nail gun, it will fire every time its nose comes into contact with a surface, whether that surface is a human body or construction material. 

The sequential-trip trigger, which is safer, requires the nose contact to be depressed before the manual trigger, rather than simultaneously with the trigger.  Using a sequential-trip trigger type of nail gun could prevent approximately 65% to 69% of injuries from contact-trip tools, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control.  The sequential-trip design may be a little slower, but it is much safer. 

Once again, as with all other occupations that are hazardous, training on safe operating procedures and the use of the correct PPE is important and should be mandatory.  Manufacturer’s tool labels and operating manuals should be followed.  Safety glasses with side shields should be worn, and safety features of the nail gun should never be modified.  The guarding standards of OSHA should be complied with.  Watch for coworkers and never point a nail gun at anyone.  Remember:  both operator and coworkers are at risk.  Eyes, hands and fingers are especially susceptible to injury from a nail gun. 

I hope I have “driven” home the fact that all power tools are wonderful to speed up work duties but carry their share of risks or injuries.  Be careful and work safely!

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The month of October has several observances, which includes Fire Prevention Month.  October 9^th through 15^th is designated as National Fire Prevention Week; the 88^th year that fire departments from around the entire country have observed this event.  The theme for 2011’s observance is “Protect Your Family from Fire!”  This year’s campaign focuses on preventing the leading causes of home fires – cooking, heating and electrical equipment, as well as candles and smoking materials.  Life-saving technology and planning can help us protect our homes. 

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, smoking is the leading cause of home fire deaths.  Fire can be a dangerous enemy, but if you are aware of the hazards, you will be much less likely to be one of the almost 13,000 people injured in homes fires each year.  Nearly 3,000 people die in U.S. home fires annually.  Here are some of the precautions we all should take: 

• Have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and change the batteries at the same time you change your clocks – twice per year.
• Keep flammable materials away from stoves and clothes dryers.
• Have a family escape plan.
• Turn off space heaters before you go to sleep.
• Don’t wear loose clothing around the stove while you are cooking.
• Never leave foods being prepared on the stove unattended.
• Purchase and learn how to use a fire extinguisher properly.
• When you have completed cooking your meal, ensure that the oven and all burners are turned off.
• Never leave candles unattended, or where children or animals can knock them over or get burned.
• Don’t overload extension cords.
• If your dryer takes two or three cycles to completely dry clothes, check the filter, which should be cleaned before every use.  The U.S. Fire Administration reports that dryer fires account for an average of 15,000 fires, causing approximately $88 million in property damage, 15 deaths, and 400 injuries annually.
• Never leave your home or go to bed with your dryer running. 
• Don’t place flammable materials (papers, etc.) near your fireplace.
• Have your chimney cleaned every year to avoid creosote buildup.

There are numerous ways that we can protect our loved ones from fire.  As listed above, take the time to have an escape plan, and be sure that the entire family is on the same page.  Take your kids to visit a fire department.  Educating the public on fire safety is one of the many important tasks that they perform.  If we all learn more about how to prevent fires, hopefully we can make their jobs a little easier. 

A Fire Department Chief told me to remind everyone, “Beep-Beep” is a sound we can live with!  So check those detectors out, and make sure they work.  That irritating little sound could be a life-saver!

Sources: US Fire Administration, National Fire Prevention Association

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To most of us, the thought of rabies is very frightening; however, we probably don’t anticipate that it could happen to anyone we know.  Rabies is a preventable viral disease of mammals most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal.  Most of the rabies cases that are reported to the Centers for Disease Control each year occur in wild animals like raccoons, foxes, skunks, and bats.   The central nervous system is infected by the rabies virus, ultimately causing disease in the brain, and death.  Early symptoms of rabies in people are similar to that of several other illnesses, including headache, fever, and general weakness or discomfort.  As the disease progresses, more specific symptoms appear and may include anxiety, insomnia, confusion, slight or partial paralysis, excitation, hallucinations, agitation, increase in saliva, difficulty in swallowing, hydrophobia (fear of water).  Death usually occurs within days of the onset of these symptoms.  

Wednesday, September 28^th, marks the fifth annual World Rabies Day, an international event created to help raise rabies awareness and save lives.  Although major efforts to eradicate the virus have been made, rabies remains a major concern worldwide, killing more than 55,000 people every year, mainly in Africa and Asia.  (This is at the rate of one person every ten minutes).  In the U.S., one to two people die annually from the virus.  In 2010, more than 6,000 U.S. cases of rabies in animals were reported, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. 

This is a very serious disease that mainly affects wild animals, as stated before.  Signs of rabid behavior are foaming at the mouth (mad form), and in livestock (down form), in which they appear very lethargic.  There are more and more wild animals, such as foxes and coyotes that are moving nearer to populated areas in order to obtain food and water.  Our domestic pets should be vaccinated against rabies in case they become exposed to wildlife.  We should be vigilant about not putting our pets in situations that would bring them in contact with other animals. 

Many things that you can do to protect your pets include:

• Take your pet to your vet on a regular basis and keep rabies vaccinations up-to-date for all cats, ferrets, and dogs.
• Maintain control of your pets by keeping cats and ferrets indoors and dogs under close supervision.
• Spay or neuter your pets to help reduce the number of unwanted pets that may not be properly cared for, or vaccinated regularly.
• Call animal control to remove all stray animals from your neighborhood, in case these animals are unvaccinated or sick. 

Wildlife are more likely than domestic animals in the U.S. to carry rabies; however, the amount of human contact with domestic animals greatly exceeds the amount of contact with wildlife.  If your pet is infected when bitten by rabid wild animals, the risk to humans is increased.  Rabies in humans is 100% preventable through prompt appropriate medical care, so call your doctor immediately.   Should your animal be bitten by any wild animal, call the vet immediately, so your pet can be revaccinated and monitored.   Animal control should find the sick animal and hold it for observation, if possible.  Cleanse the area of the bite on a person with soap and water as soon as possible.  Newer vaccines today cause fewer adverse reactions than in the past.  Persons should renew their tetanus shot every ten years. 

If you notice a nocturnal animal staggering around during the day, (such as a skunk), chances are the animal is sick.  Call animal control so they can trap it and determine if it is rabid.  Be a responsible pet owner, and keep your animals safe by getting their shots on a regular schedule.  You’ll not only be protecting them, but the persons they are around, as well.

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As an animal lover, especially dogs, it is sad to hear when someone has been bitten or mauled by a dog.  The most effective ways to reduce dog bites are responsible breeding and ownership, public education, and enforcement of existing laws.  The American Humane Association supports local legislation to protect communities from dangerous animals, but does not advocate laws that target specific breeds of dogs.  We have owned both large and small dogs from time to time.  The largest dog we owned was a German Shepard, and he had a very gentle nature.  Pit bulls and Rotweillers are sometimes outlawed in communities. 

It is up to the owner to understand the nature of the breed of dog they choose.  Our last choice was Buddy, a Jack Russell Terrier, (almost 12 years old now), and if we had researched the very nature of this breed, we might have thought twice!  Since we didn’t, however, he has been a great companion and we wouldn’t trade him for anything.  But, I could write a book on all of his escapades in the past.  He is not to be trusted unless he is penned up or on a leash; if he sees a squirrel or cat, he’s gone, and very hard to catch.  He’s slowing down now, much to our relief! 

Here are some statistics from the American Humane Association, regarding dog bites:

•          An estimated 4.7 million dog bites occur in the U.S. annually.
•          Nearly 800,000 dog bites require medical care.
•          Approximately 92% of fatal dog attacks involved male dogs, 94% of which were not neutered. Neutering reduces aggression,      especially in males.  Un-neutered dogs are more than 2.6 times more likely to bite than neutered dogs.  It is not that expensive to have your dog spayed or neutered.
•          Approximately 25% of fatal dog attacks involved chained dogs.  Tethered dogs are 2.8 more times likely to bite.  Chaining dogs increases their stress, protectiveness and vulnerability, thereby increasing the potential for aggression.  Fences are better solutions, and certainly less cruel.
•          Approximately 71% of bites occur to the extremities (arms, legs, hand, feet.)
•          The insurance industry pays more than $1 billion in dog-bite claims each year.
•          Approximately two-thirds of bites occurred on or near the victim’s property, and most victims knew the dog.
•          At least 25 different breeds of dogs have been involved in the 238 dog-bite-related fatalities in the U.S. 

Many of the victims of dog bites are postal service workers, meter readers, salespersons, and delivery workers.  Fifty per cent of dog attacks involve children under 12 years old.  Bite rates are dramatically higher among children 5 to 9 years old.  Here are some important rules to follow, as well as teach our children:

1. Supervise your dog.
2. Train and socialize your dog.
3. Restrain the dog.  Dogs that are allowed to roam loose outside the yard may think the whole neighborhood is their “territory” and defend it aggressively.  It’s a better way to keep your dog safe from getting run over by a car, as well.
4. Don’t tease your dog.
5. Never pet a dog without permission from its owner.
6. Don’t back them into a corner or bother them when they are sleeping. 
7. Know the warning signs: growling, backing up or curling its lip.
8. Never treat a dog unkindly.
9. Don’t approach a dog that is tied up.
10. Stay calm, and be still. 

If you feel threatened by dogs in your neighborhood, call an animal control officer or local law enforcement; don’t wait until something bad happens.  Animals deserve to be treated with respect and kindness.  Dogs love us unconditionally, even though some don’t get the attention they deserve.  Pay attention to their behavior and keep things on an even keel, and you’ll have a great companion.

Source: American Medical Veterinary Association, American Humane Association

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Almost two million American workers report having been victims of workplace violence each year.  Do you feel safe in your workplace?  Workplace violence is any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening disruptive behavior that happens at the worksite.  Currently, homicide is the fourth-leading cause of fatal occupational injuries in the U.S.  We know from the past that violence can happen at any time.  Factors that may increase the risk of violence for some workers include exchanging money with the public and working with volatile people.  Those who work alone, especially in isolated areas are more vulnerable to robbery or assault.  Working where alcohol is served may also lead to fighting or aggressive behavior.  

Some occupations that may be susceptible to violence include:

• Social care workers
• Employees of late-night establishments: bars, restaurants, convenience stores
• Taxi drivers
• Law Enforcement personnel
• Delivery drivers
• Public Service employees
• Healthcare Professionals 

Of course, we never know where workplace violence may happen.  These are just a few of the occupations that come to mind when thinking of the risks that are involved.  Healthcare professionals, especially those who must enter a home to care for someone, have the right to refuse to enter the home, if they feel it is unsafe.  Emergency room staffs are prepared to see almost all types of violent behavior, and should have adequate security.  Sadly, tragedies happen in the least expected places, as well, such as public schools, colleges, and military bases.  

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), more than 3,000 people died from workplace homicide between 2006 and 2010.  Their data also shows that more than 15,000 nonfatal workplace injury cases were reported annually during this time.  BLS statistics show that in 2009, there were 542 workplace homicides and 15,450 workplace assaults, resulting in lost days.  

WHAT CAN BE DONE?

If employers take the appropriate precautions, the risk of assault can be prevented or minimized.  The best protection employers can offer their workers is to establish a zero-tolerance policy toward workplace violence.  This should cover all workers, patients, clients, visitors, contractors, and anyone else who may come in contact with company personnel.  Employers should identify methods for reducing the likelihood of incidents  by assessing their worksites.  It can be a separate workplace violence prevention program or  incorporated into an injury and illness prevention program.  All workers should know the policy and understand that all claims of workplace violence will be investigated and remedied promptly.  Employers should develop additional methods as necessary to protect employees in high-risk industries. 

Employees should receive workplace violence safety education and know how to avoid or defuse a situation.  They should also be encouraged to report and document all incidents.  Many incidents go unreported.  In case of an incident, the police should be called immediately.  Those workers who work alone or all night should be provided a hand-held alarm or noise device that sounds an S.O.S.   Their supervisors should be kept informed if they have noticed any suspicious activity.  We need to be more vigilant in watching for abnormal activity in our surroundings.  If workers are aware there is a personal problem with a fellow worker, they should be extra cautious.  Any security that can be provided may help prevent a tragedy. 

Source: OSHA, NIOSH

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There are many things that we take for granted in our every day life, and our vision is one of them.  We wake up each day, and are very fortunate to see everything around us.  We depend on our eyes to guide us as we go about our routine existence.  September is the month to observe Sports and Home Eye Safety Month, so here are some tips to help protect those peepers. 

First, sports and recreational activities cause more than 40,000 eye injuries each year, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.  Most of these accidents are preventable.  In fact, Prevent Blindness America reports that 90% of sports-related eye injuries can be prevented.  Two sports that cause the most eye injuries are baseball and basketball, followed by water sports and racquet sports.  Safety goggles are advised for children and adults who play softball and baseball.  Children are the most vulnerable, as they often have underdeveloped depth perception, and may find it difficult to judge the position of a flying ball, resulting in a blow from a flying ball.  It only makes sense that when professional athletes or others wear eye protection while playing sports, that we all should consider doing the same thing.  You can get a finger in your eye, a black eye, or things such a tennis ball, racquet, fist, or elbow can cause sudden compression of the eye.  Penetrating injuries occur when a foreign object pierces the eye; BB pellets are a common cause of this type of injury.  Warning signs of potentially serious eye injuries include:

• Tears in the outer ocular walls;
• A foreign body inside the eye;
• Visual loss;
• Bleeding on the surface or inside the eye.

In any event, it is important to see a physician or ophthalmologist as soon as possible.  First aid would be to place a protective cover over the eye to prevent more damage, or tape the bottom of a paper cup over the eye if no shield is available. 

Another source of eye injury is right there in your home.  Accidents involving common household products cause 125,000 eye injuries annually.  However, 90% of these eye injuries can be prevented through safety practices and using proper eye protection.  When you are painting or mowing, be sure to wear safety glasses or dust goggles.  Keep tools in good condition; flying pieces of damaged tools can be hazardous to the eyes.  Do not mix cleaning agents.  There are many chemical ingredients in cleaning products that can irritate the eyes.  Understand that regular eyeglasses don’t always provide enough protection. 

As the old saying goes, “the best treatment is prevention.”  The best prevention of eye injury while involved in sports or working at home is to wear specially designed protective eyewear.  Eye guards may not completely eliminate risks, but can greatly reduce the chance of ocular injury.  Different types of eye protection should be considered to match the sport or tasks involved, such as: 

• The standard eye guard designed for use in sports such as baseball, racquetball, and basketball is made of polycarbonate (plastic) and has closed lenses and sports frames.
• Total head and face protection is essential for any collision sport, such as a helmet in football and a facemask in hockey.
• Non-prescription and prescription safety glasses.
• Goggles.
• Face shields.

Be vigilant about what type of eye protection you choose for your young athlete, and grown-ups, wear eye protection whether at work, play, or at home.  It’s not worth taking a chance on losing the precious gift of vision.

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One thing that scares the heck out of me is being in high places!  It’s weird, because it doesn’t bother me to fly in an airplane, but if I have to climb more than one step on a ladder, my legs just start to fail me!  When I look up and see workers building skyscrapers, all I can do is get weak in the knees and hope they are hooked up to something to keep them safe.  There are several types of fall protection, so let’s talk about some of them:

• Fall Prevention.  This is where the use of handrails or barriers are placed to keep employees from falling.  Many have been known to fall under the rails or barriers anyway.
• Fall Protection.  Fall restraint from an alternative approach.  Fall protection systems that refer to the entire science of protecting employees who have to work far off the ground.  Ladder cages are part of fall prevention; however they only work if the person falling off the ladder grabs one of the cage bars.
• Fall Arrest.  If someone actually has fallen off a ledge and his body harness catches him some distance away, this is a fall arrest, because it stops the fall in mid-action.  However, injuries can still occur.  Depending on the length of time a person hangs, serious pooling of the blood system can be caused, possibly damage to the extremities.  Other injuries can occur from the arrest jolt.
• Fall Restraint System.  Is the actual gear that is used to prevent falling while working at heights.  It could be a belt with a hook, or a full body harness and fall speed reduction system with impact buffers. (I think I would want that one!)  A proper fall restraint system has a shortened strap, rope, or strap attached to a secure surface, making sure that the worker can’t get too close to a ledge.
• Prevention seems to be the least harmful choice for the best protection, and least costly of all fall protection aspects.

In the construction industry, falling is the #1 killer of employees.  In this single industry, there are between 150 to 200 fatalities annually, and more than 100,000 injuries per year because of falls.  OSHA has created standards that will better protect workers from falling hazards.  These standards require wearing fall protection when you are working over dangerous machinery.  Also, if employees are working at or above four feet, they must wear a safety harness and fall protection.

Almost all situations now require a full body harness.  These fit around the chest, waist, and legs, offering full support to a person involved in a fall.  The lanyard is the lifeline that connects a three-part fall protection system in order to prevent serious injury.  The three parts are: the anchor, safety harness and lanyard.  Lanyards are designed to bring a worker to a complete stop when falling.  OSHA regulates that all ropes, and straps for lanyards should be made of synthetic materials and capable of supporting dead weight of 5,000 lbs.

Studies on ergonomics have become more critical in recent years as workplace safety product designers learn about comfort in an effort to prevent fatigue, reduce injuries, and increase production.  Quality features in a fall protection harness include removable tool belts, strong yet light-weight materials, padded backpads, strap adjusters, shoulder pads, three D-rings for back and hips, sliding back D-rings, indoor pads, seat straps with aluminum bars and carry-all bags.

Employers must provide the fall protection for its workers and proper training for its use.  The employee is responsible to wear the harness properly as required.  This is personal protective equipment that cannot be ignored by those working in high places.

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