Tag: Weekly Safety Message 32

  • Distractions Created by Smartphones When Not in Use

    Distractions Created by Smartphones Even When Not in Use Safety Talk

    Smartphones have completely changed the way we are able to live our lives, in many ways for the better. Their use, however, can also create hazardous situations. Smartphones are a huge distraction, from simply walking down the street and texting to taking the eyes of a driver off the road for hundreds of feet of travel at a time. While it is a well-known fact that actively using a smartphone (or a regular cellphone) distracts you from other tasks at hand, research is coming out that shows there are negative effects from just having your smartphone in the area near you.

    The Distractions of Smartphone Use

    Today’s modern world is arguably busier and more distracting than ever before. Add smartphones into the mix, and you are guaranteed to lack focus on things occurring around you. It is obvious that using these devices while completing other tasks is distracting, but the studies that show that they can negatively affect cognitive abilities even when not in use may surprise you.

    Distractions Posed by Smartphones Even When Not in UseA Study Looking at the Effects of a Smartphone in Our Presence

    An article published by the Journal of the Association for Consumer Research reported study findings that indicated the mere presence of an individual’s own smartphone affected test scores that targeted attention and problem-solving. More specifically, the two measures of cognitive capacity focused on in the study were “available working memory capacity” and “functional fluid intelligence.”  The researchers asked participants to place their smartphone in one of three places. The three places were (1) in sight on the desk they were working at, (2) in their pocket/ bag, or (3) in another room completely.

    Even though the smartphones did not receive any notifications or alerts during the testing process, it was shown that the individuals who had their phones on their desk where they could see them did worse on the test than those individuals who had it in their pocket or bag. Furthermore, the individuals who had the phone in their pocket or bag performed worse than those individuals who had their phone in another room.

    The researchers also asked participants after the testing process how much they were thinking about their smartphone during the test. The most common response was “not at all” even though the test scores clearly showed a relationship between how close the phone was to the participants and the score received on the test. The researchers came to the conclusion that an individual does not have to be actively thinking about their smartphone for it to affect cognitive capacity when it is around them.

    Summary

    It can be frightening to think of the negative effects technology can have on our brains. While the majority of individuals recognize the dangers of using a cellphone while completing tasks, many do not realize the impact of just having a smartphone in our presence can have on our ability to focus and problem solve. When completing tasks that require your full focus, consider putting your cellphone in a different area where it will not serve as a distraction for you.

    Distractions Created by Smartphones When Not in Use

  • Catching ZZZ

    University of Delaware researcher Xiaopeng Ji developed Catching Zzz, and AI-powered sleep chatbot to help autistic teens improve sleep using cognitive behavioral therapy, with input from families and support from Neumann Research Fund. (UDAILY)

     

  • Top Five Reasons to Work Safely Today

    Top Five Reasons to Work Safely Today (Safety Talk)

    We all have different reasons for why we choose to do certain things and why we may not choose to do others. When it comes to working safely, we should all want to make the right decision. We are all different in the way we think, but there are many common reasons why we should choose to work safely. No matter what your motivator may be, keep these five reasons in mind as to why we should all strive to prioritize health and safety and thus, work safely.

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    Top Five Reasons to Work Safely

    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 can also affect whether or not you earn a future promotion at your company or land opportunities at other companies. No one wants to reward a risk-taker or put them in a position of power. If it is known that you are a worker who cuts corners or disregards safety performance, it could make all the difference in whether or not you get the chance at a better opportunity.
    4. Your coworkers. Making the choice to take a shortcut can not only harm yourself, but you can also harm a coworker. Everyone’s safety on the job / occupational safety depends not only on their own choices but also on the choices of all the workers there.
    5. Your company as a whole. Whether you love the company you work for or not, the job they provide you with pays your bills. Working safely allows business to continue, thus providing the opportunity for you to continue to pay your bills as well as your coworkers to do the same.

    Summary

    Working safely is essential. Think about how the choices you make on the job affect not only you but also your family, your coworkers, and the company as a whole. Reminding yourself of the far-reaching consequences an incident can have on many different people can reinforce making the right decision when working safely. Keep these top five reasons to work safely in mind the next time you see a coworker taking risks at work. When one person chooses to take risks, everyone risks suffering the consequences.

    Top Five Reasons to Work Safely Today

  • UD Day in D.C. Celebrates the Power of Research

    UD Day in D.C. showcased the University of Delaware’s federally funded research and innovation, highlighting projects in robotics, health, plastics, and space. The event emphasized the importance of continued bipartisan support for scientific advancement. (UDAILY)

     

  • How to Have a Safe 4th of July

    How to Have a Safe 4th of July: 3 Important Tips

    The start of summer is the perfect time to gather with family and friends for good food and fun times. This year, celebrate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in a safe way. Our July 4th safety tips cover a few key summer safety topics to keep you and your family safe this Independence Day.

     Sparkler and Fireworks Safety
    More than 50,000 fires are caused by fireworks every year. Take the proper precautions when operating fireworks.

     Never disassemble or try to make your own fireworks.
    • Don’t point  sparklers, or fireworks at yourself or others, especially while they’re being lit.
    • Only light fireworks on the ground and in areas that are dry and fire-resistant.
    • Don’t attempt to ignite fireworks at the same time.
    • Never allow young children to handle fireworks or sparklers to prevent firework-related injuries.
    • Always keep a portable fire extinguisher close by. Also, keep a water hose or buckets of water nearby to put out fires.
    • If fireworks malfunction, don’t relight them! Douse and soak malfunctioning fireworks with water then throw them away.
    • Resist the urge to bring your dog to a fireworks display. The safest place for them is at home where it’s familiar, quiet and not crowded.

    Water and Pool Activity Safety
    As July is one of the hottest months of the year, many families turn to water activities to beat the heat. However, even fun water activities have serious risks if the proper precautions aren’t taken.

    • Review safe boating practices.
    • Never consume alcohol while driving a boat.
    • Before boating, always check that there are enough life preservers on hand for every passenger.
    • Set water safety rules for your family, especially if there’s a young child.
    • Keep a first aid kit near the pool.

    Grilling Safety
    July is one of the peak months for grilling fires. Enjoy grilling your favorite meals this summer while also keeping your family safe.

    • Check gas grill hoses for cracks, holes and leaks.
    • Keep children away from grills. Gas leaks, blocked tubes, and propane tanks can be a cause of grill fires and explosions.
    • Never grill indoors, in the garage, in any enclosed area or on a surface that might catch fire.
    • Keep the grill at least two feet away from decks, siding, branches and any outdoor equipment that can catch fire quickly.

    If you follow these simple July 4th safety tips, your entire family will be sure to have a safe and memorable holiday weekend.

    https://safetytoolboxtopics.com/Seasonal/how-to-have-a-safe-4th-of-july-3-important-tips.html

  • Centennial Renovations to The Green’s Landscape

    UD is renovating Magnolia Circle and Memorial Hall’s landscape using the Diffenback Endowment, restoring Marian Coffin’s original design with new gardens, plantings, and enhanced vistas to celebrate Memorial Hall’s centennial. (UDAILY)

     

  • Questions to Ask Before a Work Task

    Questions to Ask Before a Work Task Safety Talk

    There are many questions that we need to ask or answer throughout a workday to get a job accomplished. The same can be said for working safely. There are many different questions we can ask ourselves and the other individuals involved in a work task to ensure we are working safely.

    Examples of Questions to Ask

    Prior to starting a work task, we should be running through checklists- whether it is an actual physical checklist or a mental checklist. No matter if the checklist is a physical one or a mental one, there is often a set of questions that need to be answered to double-check that everything is in line prior to work beginning.

    Some examples of questions that can be asked:

    • Do I understand the work task?
    • Do I understand the hazards associated with the work?
    • What can injure me?
    • Do I have the necessary training needed for the task?
    • Is all associated paperwork completed?
    • Do I have all the tools needed to do the job?
    • Are the right personnel involved in the task?

    Human Performance Questions

    There are also other questions to ask yourself regarding you and your state of mind prior to a task beginning. It is important to do a self-check to ensure you are able to complete your work to the best of your ability as well as safely as possible. Some questions to ask yourself:

    • Am I stressed?
    • Is my focus on the work task?
    • Is fatigue, medication, or illness affecting my work?

    team work safety talkWhat to do with the Answers

    Asking these questions serves no purpose if you do not follow through with the information that comes from them. For example, if you find a deficiency in the paperwork needed to complete the work task, then you need to stop work and get the necessary paperwork completed before proceeding. When completing a self-check, if you find that your focus is not on the task, how can you fix it?

    Is it a simple phone call home before starting the task to get peace of mind? Is it changing the work area so that you are more easily able to focus on the work task? Regardless of the issue, find a solution prior to beginning work.

    Discussion point:

    -What other questions are important to help us work safely?

    Questions to Ask Before a Work Task

     

  • Interim Dean Named for College of Health Sciences

    Jillian Trabulsi has been named interim dean of UD’s College of Health Sciences, effective July 1, 2025, bringing extensive leadership and research experience in nutrition and health behavior. (UDAILY)

     

  • Vehicle Inspections

    Vehicle Inspections Safety Talk

    The roads can be an extremely dangerous place. According to the National Safety Council, an estimated 42,000 people died in motor vehicle crashes in 2020. While many accidents are caused by distracted driving and driving under the influence, mechanical issues also lead to accidents. Vehicle inspections and preventative maintenance are effective ways to prevent mechanical issue-related crashes.

    Mechanical Issue-Related Crashes

    Only a few types of mechanical issues represented the majority of accidents that were caused by some type of failure in a vehicle. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration reported that tire/ wheel degradation or failure represented 43% of all mechanical issues resulting in crashes. Brake degradation or failure was second at 21%, and steering/suspension/ transmission failure represented 10.5% of mechanical issues that lead to accidents. It is important to inspect your vehicle for these common issues.

    Vehicle Inspections

    Most states require an annual in-depth inspection of any vehicle registered in that state to help avoid these types of problems creating a hazard on the road. It is important to also complete more frequent inspections of your vehicle prior to use. A simple walk around of your car or truck prior to operation can prevent an accident. A few things to look for during a quick inspection:

    • Look for low tire pressure. This could signal that you need air in the tire or a patch, depending on the problem.
    • Look for any bubbles in your tire. If there is a bubble in your tire it means you have a break in a belt in the tire, and it is now compromised. It is recommended that you use your spare or get it replaced immediately before driving the vehicle again because the tire could give way at any time.
    • Start the car and listen for any odd noises.
    • Make sure there are no objects that you could strike pulling out from where you are parked.
    • Pull forward and test the brakes before starting your trip.

    vehicle inspectionsPreventative Maintenance

    There is a lot of maintenance vehicles require to ensure safe and efficient operation. Changing tires before they get too worn is very important to be able to operate a vehicle safely. Other common issues to address include changing the oil, replacing belts, and replacing fluids, to name a few. Read your vehicle’s owner manual to get familiar with what preventative maintenance needs taken care of and when.

    Summary

    While the majority of the time you will never have any of the issues mentioned above, the one time you do, it could result in a serious accident. Take mechanical issues seriously, and when you find one during an inspection, get it fixed by a professional to ensure the vehicle is safe to operate.

    Vehicle Inspections

  • Celebrating UD’s Newest Doctors

    The University of Delaware’s 2025 Doctoral Hooding Ceremony honored about 230 graduates from 28 countries, celebrating years of dedication, personal journeys, and the achievement of joining the top 2% with doctoral degrees. (UDAILY)