Tag: Weekly Safety Message 36

  • 4th of July Festival and Fireworks

    UD annual Independence Day Festival and Fireworks are scheduled for July 4 starting at 6pm at the University of Delaware athletic complex. Enjoy music and visit the craft and food vendors throughout. (Newark Post)

  • Motor Vehicle Safety

    Motor Vehicle Safety Talk

    Our roads can be a dangerous place. According to the National Safety Council, an estimated 42,000 people died in motor vehicle crashes in 2020. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of workplace injuries. In 2020, motor vehicle incidents contributed to 37% of all workplace fatalities.

    Year after year, motor vehicle accidents are at the top of the list as the cause of workplace fatalities. Off the job, they take tens of thousands of lives each year. Driving safely while off the job is just as important as driving safely while on the job.

    A serious car crash will affect your family emotionally as well as probably financially. Not only will your family be affected by a car crash off the job, but your company and coworkers will as well. Everyone has a role at work, and when one person isn’t healthy or misses work, the company loses a valuable piece to that puzzle.

    Avoid complacency and follow the basic driving safety rules to ensure you make it to your destination.

    Members can now download an editable motor vehicle safety PowerPoint presentation to use for longer meetings!

    General Safe Driving Tips

    • Do not engage in other activities while driving. Activities such as using cellphones, eating, or even just reaching for an item takes your eyes and focus off the road. A large majority of accidents are caused by distracted drivers.
    • Be a defensive driver. Always leave yourself an out when driving. Think about your next move if an accident was to happen in front of you or if a car ran the next stoplight. Thinking ahead and being proactive when driving can save your life.
    • Never operate a vehicle when impaired by alcohol or when fatigued. Being impaired is a leading cause of deadly accidents.
    • Always wear your seatbelt. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, seat belts reduce serious crash-related injuries and deaths by about half.
    • Maintain a clean and well-kept vehicle. Dirty windows and dust can be distracting and make it hard to see while driving. Loose cargo such as empty water bottles, tools, PPE, and other items are not only a distraction, but they can also interfere with controls in the vehicle.

    Discussion points:

    -How many people here have been involved in a car crash? Could it have been avoided? How did it affect you or your family?
    -How can we become better drivers both at work and outside of work?

    Motor Vehicle Safety

  • Test of UD Alert System Set for Friday, June 28

    The UD Alert System test ensures information is disseminated properly to members of the University during a campus crisis or emergency. The test includes email and text messages. No action is needed during testing. (UDAILY)

  • Prepare for Success with UD PCS Test Prep

    Division of Professional Studies and Continuing Studies at UD is offering a variety of test preparation classes. These classes cover exams such as the ACT, SAT, GMAT, GRE, LSAT. For more information, visit pcs.udel.edu/test-prep. (UDAILY)

       

  • Eye Damage Due to Sunlight

    Eye Damage Due to Sunlight Safety Talksunlight damage to eyes toolbox talk

    While the sun is essential for all life on Earth, it also causes several health hazards for us. The UV light the sun emits can cause sunburn, skin cancer, suppression of the immune system, and damage to the eyes. In this safety talk, we will look at the dangers sunlight poses to our eyes and vision.

    UV Light and Our Eyes

    (source: AAO.org)

    The sun emits UV light, and this light can be harmful to our eyes. There are several different eye diseases caused by UV light.

    • Cataracts. A cataract is a cloudiness of the natural lenses of your eyes.
    • Growths on the eyes. There are two types of growth on the eyes. Pinguecula and pterygium are growths on your eye’s conjunctiva, the clear covering over the white part of the eye. Pinguecula is a growth that looks like a yellow spot or bump. Pterygium is a growth of fleshy tissue that can get large enough that it covers your cornea affecting your vision.
    • Snow blindness is a painful eye condition caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays reflected from ice and snow, particularly at high elevations. Symptoms include blurry vision, swelling, and watery eyes.
    • Cancer called ocular melanoma can result in part or directly from exposure to UV light.

    Best Practices to Avoid Sunlight Damage to the Eyes

    • Avoid being out in excessively sunny conditions when possible, especially unprotected.
    • Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays. They should be marked if they do. Also, the bigger the sunglasses, the better for protecting your eyes.
    • Wear a hat that blocks the sunlight from your eyes and face.
    • Protect your eyes even on a cloudy day.

    Summary

    Our eyes are our portal to the world. Ensure you are protecting your eyes from the sun. Once you damage your vision, you may never get it back.

    Discussion point: Does anyone know of anyone who has damage to their eyes due to exposure to UV light?

    Eye Damage Due to Sunlight

  • NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION

    New Student Orientation for school year 2024-2025 begins Monday June 17 and runs through July 19. NSO Student Coordinators and Orientation Leaders will lead groups of new students and their families around campus. (UDAILY)

       

  • Academy Street Closure June 24 through August 16

    Utility and Paving work will require a road closure on Academy Street between Delaware Ave to Lovett Ave. This road closure will begin on June 24 through August 16.

  • 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

  • PARKING SERVICES ANNOUNCES – NO PERMIT AUTO-RENEWAL AVAILABLE

    UD updated parking service’s software. There is no annual auto-renewal option available. Annual parking permit renewal starts August 1 through September 1. Remember to manually renew your annual parking permit to guarantee your spot. (UDAILY)

       

  • Heat Stroke

    Heat Stroke Safety Talk

    Heat stress creates many hazards in the workplace for those employees who have to work in a hot environment. Hot environments can create indirect safety hazards, such as causing employees to lose focus on their work tasks or causing fatigue. Heat stress also causes more direct illnesses, such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. According to the CDC, an average of 702 heat-related deaths occur in the United States annually. Additionally, there are 67,512 emergency department visits due to heat annually, on average.

    Heat Strokeheat stress safety

    Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. This illness can kill or cause damage to the brain and other internal organs. Heat stroke results from prolonged exposure to high temperatures — usually in combination with dehydration — which leads to failure of the body’s temperature control system. If someone who is exhibiting signs of heat stroke is not properly treated immediately, then there can be permanent health issues or death.

    Prevention of Heat Illnesses

    • Allow for acclimation to hot environments. It can take two weeks before an individual’s body is used to working in a hot environment.
    • Take plenty of breaks in a cool or shaded area.
    • Drink plenty of water before you are thirsty.
    • Keep an eye on coworkers. Monitor each other for signs of heat illness.

    Signs of Heat Stroke
    (source: www.WebMD.com)

    • Fainting may be the first sign
    • Dizziness
    • Lack of sweating
    • Red, hot, and dry skin
    • Rapid heartbeat or breathing
    • Confusion
    • Vomiting

    Treatment of Heat Stroke

    • Alert your supervisor and call 911 immediately
    • Take worker to a shaded or cooler area if possible
    • Apply cool water to their body or place them in a shower or tub of cool water
    • Place ice packs in their armpit and groin areas, if available, to help lower their core temperature

    Summary

    It is important to prevent heat illnesses before they become an issue in the workplace. Knowing the signs, symptoms, and treatment of heat illnesses, especially heat stroke, can save someone’s life. When in doubt, always call 911 to get an individual the proper treatment they need.

    https://www.safetytalkideas.com/safetytalks/heat-stroke/