Category: News

  • Laura Carlson Named Interim UD President

    Laura Carlson, UD provost since 2022, has been named interim University of Delaware president effective July 1, succeeding Dennis Assanis. With extensive academic leadership experience, she will guide the university while a search for a permanent president begins. (UDAILY)

     

  • Three Self-Centered Reasons to Work Safely

    Three Self-centered Reasons to Work Safely (Safety Talk)

    Everyone has their reasons for why they do certain things or why they may choose not to do something. Safety on the job or even just at home is no different. There are many different reasons why you should want to work safely. While working safely benefits everyone on the job, some people may need to approach safety from a self-centered perspective to reinforce making the right choices on the job.

    Three Self-centered Reasons to Work Safe

    1. Your health. Obviously, your health and well-being should be the biggest motivator as to why you should choose to work safely. Once we lose our health or impact it severely, it may never be the same. It is important to really think about how a severe injury would change the rest of your life.
    2. Providing for your family. Your family depends on your ability to earn an income. When you are injured or ill, you can lose that ability very quickly. Even if it is only for a short time, the financial and emotional effects on your family can be drastic.
    3. Your reputation. While productive employees are still very much rewarded at many companies, working safely is often recognized right along with production. Your reputation at work not only affects you in your current position, but it also can affect getting a future promotion at your company or opportunities at other companies. No one wants to reward a risk-taker or put them in a position of power when safety is paramount. If it is known that you are a worker that cuts take safety homecorners or does not work safely, it could make all the difference in whether or not you get the chance at a better opportunity.

    Summary

    You should want to work safely not only for yourself but for your coworkers and the company you work for as well. Choosing to take safety risks affects you and your family the most, but it also can have serious negative effects for everyone else around you. The next time you are considering taking a shortcut while on the job, think about what you have to lose personally as well as the negative effects for everyone else around you.

    Discussion point:

    -What are some other reasons why we should want to work safely?

    Three Self-Centered Reasons to Work Safely

     

     

  • Half Staff

    The United States Flag at Half-Staff on Thursday, May 15th, 2025, in Honor of Peace Officers Memorial.

  • Heat Disorders – Dehydration

    Heat Disorders  Dehydration

    This week we’ve been looking at various heat stress disorders that may affect us as the summer heat increases the temperature and humidity of our facility. During the summer, we must all take precautions to ensure our bodies don’t get over heated.

    Today we’ll look at dehydration. Although it is technically not a heat disorder, it is certainly related.

    Dehydration occurs when you lose more fluid than you take in and your body doesn’t have enough water and other fluids to carry out its normal functions. If lost fluid remains unreplenished, you may suffer serious consequences.

    Common causes of dehydration include intense bouts of diarrhea, vomiting, fever or excessive sweating. Inadequate intake of water during hot weather or exercise also may deplete your body’s water stores. Anyone may become dehydrated, but young children, older adults and people with chronic illnesses are most at risk.

    Mild dehydration can cause symptoms such as

    • Dry, sticky mouth
    • Sleepiness or tiredness
    • Thirst
    • Decreased urine output
    • Few or no tears when crying
    • Muscle weakness
    • Headache
    • Dizziness or lightheadedness

    Dehydration can be treated by replenishing the lost fluids your body has lost. Drink at least 32 ounces of water or sports drinks slowly and steadily. Rest, if you don’t feel better, drink more slowly and steadily.

    https://safetytoolboxtopics.com/Seasonal/heat-disorders-dehydration.html

     

  • University of Delaware President Announces Plans to Step Down

    University of Delaware President Dennis Assanis will step down June 30 after leading since 2016, driving major growth in academics, research, diversity, infrastructure, and philanthropy while advancing student success and national ranking. (UDaily)

     

  • Energy Drink Dangers

    Dangers of Energy Drinks Safety Talk

    Caffeine is commonly used in today’s society to get more energy or to feel more alert. While coffee has been around for hundreds of years and is still the most common caffeinated drink in the world, energy drinks have been gaining in popularity over the past few decades.

    Energy Drink Background

    The first energy drink was created in 1927 to serve as an energy source for cold and flu patients. The drink was called Lucozade, and the 1983 version of the drink only had 46mg of caffeine in it. The modern energy drink we are used to today was not created until 1987 when Redbull was born from a similar energy drink found in Thailand. Redbull was first introduced in the United States in 1997, and energy drink consumption has been increasing ever since.

    energy drink dangersEnergy Drink Hazards

    Overconsumption of caffeine and other energy-producing ingredients found in energy drinks, such as taurine, can lead to health issues. In a study published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, emergency room visits due to energy drinks doubled from 10,000 visits in 2007 to over 20,000 visits in 2011. 58% of the visits resulted from energy drinks only, and the other 42% were with a combination of other drugs such as prescription pills or alcohol.

    Another study focused on cases that involved heart abnormalities like irregular heartbeat, while some documented neurological problems like seizures. According to the researcher, “Animal studies have shown that caffeine and taurine, both common energy drink ingredients, intensify each other’s effects. That may cause calcium to build up in the heart cells, which can cause those vessels to constrict.”

    Common Energy Drink Caffeine Amounts

    Many experts believe daily caffeine consumption is perfectly fine for healthy adults. The Mayo Clinic states that up to 400mg a day of caffeine appears safe for most individuals. Energy drink caffeine levels vary greatly, and consumers must also take into account the additive effect of other ingredients such as taurine. Some common energy drinks and their caffeine amounts:

    Redbull 12oz-   111mg
    Monster 16oz- 160mg
    Rockstar 16oz- 160mg

    Other Considerations Before Drinking Energy Drinks

    While the levels of the above energy drinks are well under the 400mg mark, there are other considerations you must take into account.

    • Know the content of caffeine from other sources, such as coffee or soda, that you may be drinking during the day.
    • Know your limit when it comes to caffeine. Some people are more sensitive to it than others.
    • Consider what kind of work you will be doing. Intense labor work can already be putting a strain on your heart and body before adding in an energy drink.
    • Consider your working environment. Drinking energy drinks before working in a hot or stressful working environment may not be the best choice.

    Summary

    Be aware of what you are putting into your body. While all experts do not condemn drinking energy drinks, most recommend consuming no more than one per day. Energy drinks can have negative side effects and put you more at risk for heart troubles, especially for those working intense labor jobs or in stressful work environments.

    Discussion point:

    -Does anyone know someone who has had issues with energy drinks?

    Energy Drink Dangers

  • U.S. Biotechnology Needs Urgent Upgrades

    US Commissioners visit UD with a strong urgent push for investment and action due to possibly losing global leadership in biotechnology to China. Public-private partnerships like NIIMBL are Key to regaining momentum. (UDAILY)

     

  • Half Staff

    The United States Flag at Half-Staff on Sunday, May 4th, 2025, in Honor of National Fallen Firefighters Memorial.