Tag: Weekly Safety Message 47

  • 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/

  • Sustainable Concrete

    UD’s engineering team Led by KJ Olsen and professors Monique Head and Suresh Advani have developed sustainable concrete pavers using non-recyclable plastic waste. The project repurposes thermoset plastic waste to reduce the landfill waste. (UDAILY)

  • Full Staff

  • Half Staff

    In honor former Speaker of the House and President of Delaware Technical Community College, Orlando “Lonnie” George, on the day of his interment, Governor John Carney has ordered Delaware flags to half-staff at all state facilities on Monday, June 3, 2024,

  • Academy Street Closure June 5th through June 7th

    Improvements on the City’s water main will require a road closure on Academy street between Delaware Ave to Lovett Ave. This road closure will begin on June 5th and should be completed on June 7th.

  • Heat Stress

    Heat Stress Safety Talk

    Heat stress can be a killer on the job site and at home. 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. Outside of the direct consequences such as heat stroke, heat stress can cause incidents on the job due to loss of focus or excessive fatigue.

    Heat-Related Illnesses
    (Source: www.WebMD.com)

    Heat Cramps: Are painful, brief muscle cramps. Muscles may spasm or jerk involuntarily. Heat cramps can occur during exercise or work in a hot environment, or begin a few hours later.

    Heat Exhaustion: There are two types of heat exhaustion. 1. Water depletion- Signs include excessive thirst, weakness, headache, and loss of consciousness. 2. Salt depletion- Signs include nausea and vomiting, muscle cramps, and dizziness.

    Heat Stroke– Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. Heat stroke 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.

    Medical Response

    heat stress safetyIf anyone is displaying symptoms of a heat-related illness, it is important to get them the proper medical attention they need before the problem turns into heat stroke. For people displaying symptoms of heat exhaustion, have them stop work and get to a shaded area. The affected person needs to consume water or electrolyte-replacing sports drinks. The person should not return to work the rest of the day.

    For anyone who is displaying symptoms of a heat stroke, immediate medical attention is needed. Delaying calling 911 could result in irreversible injuries or death. Symptoms of heat stroke include fainting, throbbing headache, dizziness, lack of sweating, vomiting, or behavioral changes such as confusion. The person should be cooled down immediately in a shaded area or indoors. DO NOT put ice-cold water on the victim, as this can cause shock. Use cool water to lower the body temperature of the victim. Remove any unnecessary clothing and fan the victim until medics arrive.

    Safe Work Practices to Prevent Heat-Related Illnesses

    • Allow for acclimatization to a hot environment before any strenuous work begins. It takes roughly two weeks for an individual to acclimate to a hot environment.
    • Drink plenty of water during strenuous activities, especially in hot environments. An average person sweats between roughly 27 oz. to 47 oz. per hour during intense labor. To put that amount into perspective, an average water bottle holds 16.9oz.
    • Take frequent breaks in the shade or indoors where there is AC.

    Summary

    Take heat stress seriously. Know the signs and symptoms of heat stress. Have a plan to get the proper medical attention for any individual displaying symptoms of heat stress. When dealing with heat stroke especially, it may mean the difference between life and death.

    Heat Stress

  • Train Station renamed for Senator Carper

    UD’s train station on STAR campus has been renamed ”Thomas R. Carper Newark Station” to honor Senator Tom Carper. Carper is a 23-year US Navy veteran and the most consequential politician in Delaware history. (UDAILY)

  • Sleep

    importance of sleep

    The Importance of Sleep Safety Talk

    Members can click here for an ad-free version of this talk!

    The importance of adequate sleep cannot be overstated. Sleep has many effects on a variety of aspects of our health. The way you feel awake has a link to what kind of sleep you get at night. Poor sleeping habits can lead to an acute sudden incident, such as a car crash due to a tired driver, or chronic problems over the long term, such as a number of health issues.

    Research has shown up to 40% of Americans are sleep deprived. This causes many issues in the workplace and at home while completing tasks. For example, driver sleepiness is a factor in about 100,000 car accidents each year, resulting in about 1,500 deaths. Studies have also shown that sleep deprivation can significantly reduce workers’ reaction time, motor control, decision-making ability, and situational awareness. This creates an unsafe condition where a worker, or a whole job site, is exposed to a potential incident that could cause injury.

    Sleep and Your Health
    (source: www.nih.gov)

    • It affects your ability to learn and remember new information.
    • It affects your ability to pay attention.
    • It affects your heart and cardiovascular system. There is a link between long-term sleep deficiencies and heart disease.
    • It affects how your body reacts to insulin. Sleep deficiency leads to higher blood sugar levels, leaving you at a higher chance of being diagnosed with diabetes.

    Tips to be Well Rested

    • Get at least seven hours of sleep. Studies vary on exactly how much each person needs, but the consensus is between six and eight hours.
    • Shut your TV off and place your phone face down. Blue light and other light sources can disrupt your sleep.
    • Avoid naps during the day. Naps can throw off your internal clock for rest at night. If napping is a must during the day, keep it under 20 minutes.
    • Keep your room between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the range that is best for sleeping conditions for most people.
    • Go to bed and wake up at the same time every night. This keeps your internal clock on track, and your body gets into a routine.

    Discussion points:

    1. Do you feel that you get much rest every night?
    2. Have you ever experienced a time when you did not remember driving down the road? How could a situation like that affect our work if it were to happen here?

    The Importance of Sleep – Safety Talk Ideas