Safety Tidbit 6.06 – Open a Window to Reduce the Spread of Covid-19

 

Safety Tidbit 6.06 – Open a Window to Reduce the Spread of Covid-19

 

References:       Tufekci, Z. (2020, July 30). We Need to Talk About Ventilation. The Atlantic. https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2020/07/why-arent-we-talking-more-about-airborne-transmission/614737/

Building on my last post from Adam DiCriscio, I want to add the simple act of opening a window periodically to help reduce the spread of Covid-19.

As Adam pointed out, the Covid-19 outbreak has significantly impacted our lives. It has changed how we work, shop, attend school, and more. According to a study done by the Pew Research Center, “nearly nine-in-ten U.S. adults say their life has changed at least a little as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, including 44% who say their life has changed in a major way.” Nearly 2.5 Americans died every minute from Covid related issues yesterday (December 17, 2020).

The CDC advises us to stay six feet away from one another and to wear face coverings to help reduce the number of droplets being expelled from our mouths and noses when we cough, talk, or even breathe. Experts tell us that the outdoor environment is safer than the indoor one as there is significantly more clean, fresh dilution air.

The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists and the American Industrial Hygiene Association have each published their white papers on engineering controls indoors for the workplace. Primarily they say to increase dilution ventilation by increasing the amount of fresh outdoor air introduced into the workplace.

Now let’s turn our attention to our home living environment. Not many (probably no one) has an excellent HVAC system introducing fresh outside air and moving air around their homes. Some of us have forced air systems that pull air from the return vents, run the air through a generic filter, then heats and humidifies it, and blows the air back out into the living environment again. Sound familiar? Others have radiators that introduce heat but no air into the room.

So, how do we dilute the concentration of pathogens in our homes? We need to add new fresh air to the environment. We need to open a window. I know it’s cold out, so you probably don’t want to leave the window open all the time. However, I would advise you to open a window periodically to let in the fresh air. Think of how many smells are captured in your home when all the doors and windows are closed. There are pleasant odors from cooking, baking, or coffee brewing. However, think about the unpleasant odors such as dirty dishes, bathing, wet dog, or a cat box. If these odors are in your home, then so, possibly, is the COVID-19 virus.

All I ask is to consider opening a window for 15-20 minutes a few times during the day. Opening the window will help change out the odor-laden air inside your home with some fresh outdoor air.

 

I hope this was helpful and thank you for reading my Safety Tidbits! Comments and questions are always welcome. ~ Bryan

 

P.S. If you have a new safety or health question, please let me know

Safety Tidbit 6.05 – Simple Things We Can Do to Reduce the Spread of Covid-19

 

Safety Tidbit 6.05 – Simple Things We Can Do to Reduce the Spread of Covid-19

 

References:      Most Americans Say Coronavirus Outbreak Has Impacted Their Lives

                        CDC COVID Data Tracker

 

This Safety Tidbit was written by my student, Mr. Adam DiCriscio – a senior in the Safety Sciences Program at the Indiana University of PA graduating Summer 2021.

 

The Covid-19 outbreak has significantly impacted our lives. It has changed how we work, shop, attend school, and more. According to a study done by the Pew Research Center, “nearly nine-in-ten U.S. adults say their life has changed at least a little as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, including 44% who say their life has changed in a major way.”

 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tally of Covid-19 cases has reached over fifteen million, with thousands more added daily. Experts are suggesting that this pandemic may last until the end of 2021. The SARS-CoV-2 virus causes Covid-19. This virus can spread from person to person, and when an infected person coughs or sneezes, they release respiratory droplets into the air. Exposure to respiratory droplets is the primary route of transmission for the virus; however, an individual can get infected with SARS-CoV-2 by touching surfaces that contain the virus, followed by the individual touching their mouth, nose, and eyes. Each individual must take personal responsibility to help mitigate Covid-19.

 

To reduce the spread of SARS-Cov-2, everyone should practice proper hygiene and follow the recommended guidelines. Considering the primary way the virus can spread, airborne respiratory droplets, it is essential to practice social distancing. A minimum of six feet is the recommended distance between yourself and others when outside your home. If a person you live with is infected, you must keep at least six feet from them as well. Six feet is about two arm lengths. Face covering helps reduce the spread of the virus. Always wear a face cover when you are out in public; however, children under two or those who have trouble breathing should not wear a mask. Cover your mouth and nose when you have to cough or sneeze, and use a tissue or inside your elbow to trap the respiratory droplet.

 

There are also contaminated surfaces. All frequently touched surfaces should be clean and disinfected. First, clean the surface with soap and water, followed by a household disinfectant. Not all surfaces get clean regularly; therefore, frequently wash your hands. CDC guidance suggests washing your hands with soap and water for at least twenty seconds after touching any public surface or after sneezing or coughing. If washing your hands with soap and water is not an option, use a hand sanitizer with a minimum of 60% alcohol.

 

You should monitor your health every day. Check to see if you have any symptoms of Covid-19. The following symptoms are a good start but by no means an exhausted list: fever, coughing, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, loss of taste or smells, and diarrhea. CDC also recommends taking your temperature. If you feel any symptoms, stay home, but if you feel that your symptoms are severe, seek medical attention immediately.

 

In conclusion, each individual can play a part in reducing the spread of Covid-19. When we practice these guidelines, along with good hygiene, we can make a difference.

 

I hope this was helpful and thank you for reading my Safety Tidbits! Comments and questions are always welcome. ~ Bryan

 

P.S. If you have a new safety or health question, please let me know.

 

Safety Tidbit 6.04 – A Little Fire Safety Refresher

 

Safety Tidbit 6.04 – A Little Fire Safety Refresher

 

References:      OSHA 1910.38 Emergency Action Plans

                        OSHA - 1910.39 Fire Prevention Plans

                        OSHA - Subpart E Appendix - Exit Routes, Emergency Plans, and Fire Prevention Plans

 

This Safety Tidbit was written by my student, Mr. Brandon Parsell – a senior in the Safety Sciences Program at the Indiana University of PA graduating Summer 2021.

 

Forest fires devastated the Pacific US this summer. However, fire is a hazard that can be present in any workplace. Some workplaces are more prone to them based on the workload or the location.  Every organization should have a Fire Response protocol or policy, under their Emergency Action Plan, put in place so that employees and other personnel know what actions to take in the event of a fire.

 

Fires are a significant threat to the workplace. If a fire were to occur, it could be devastating to the facility and the equipment inside. Any people in the facility could also be in grave danger because they have a chance to become trapped by the fire with no way out. Aside from the organization itself, there are other things at risk when a fire occurs if it were to spread. If the fire gets out of hand, it can cause damages to the environment and the wildlife that lives in it. Communities and the individuals living in them can lose houses, which they may not replace, and even their own lives.

 

Having a Fire Response protocol or policy in place can ensure that the organization minimizes the chances of fire getting out of control or taking any lives. The policy should outline the steps to be taken if a fire were to occur secondly, what the facility would use internal and external fire response organizations. A detailed evacuation plan includes employee procedures and whether the facility will have a full or partial evacuation.

 

Internal fire response teams should select the number of individuals chosen by the employer to stay in the building and try to combat the blaze themselves. The employer must train these employees on the proper use of the apparatus and protective clothing used to fight the fire and to what extent they can fight the fire. The policy should include how often and what makes up these training exercises.

 

External fire response teams would include your local fire departments. They are more qualified and can handle larger fires that may occur. The policy should include what incidents they should be responding to and a plan for external fire response teams' functions. Within your plan, you should have the following information:

1. How to contact the response team

2. How to inform the response team of the facility layout, entry points,  site-specific operations, occupancies, vessels,

4. What hazards are present, and

5. What hose and couples there are and their location.

 

An evacuation plan is critical. This plan includes information on escape procedures, which personnel performs critical operations during an event, a method to account for all employees (such as a meeting place and roll call), how to report the emergency, and the names and contact information for any additional information.

 

I hope this was helpful and thank you for reading my Safety Tidbits! Comments and questions are always welcome. ~ Bryan

 

P.S. If you have a new safety or health question, please let me know.

 

Safety Tidbit 6.03 – Stay Alive - Don’t Drink and Drive!

 

Safety Tidbit 6.03 – Stay Alive - Don’t Drink and Drive!

 

References:      CDC - Impaired Driving - Get the Facts

                        MADD - December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month

                        White House - Proclamation on Impaired Driving Prevention Month, 2020

 

This Safety Tidbit was written by my student, Mr. Lucas Ambler – a senior in the Safety Sciences Program at the Indiana University of PA graduating Summer 2021.

 

In the United States, one person is tragically killed every 50 minutes in a drunk driving accident. In 2016 alone, 10,497 people died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes, which accounted for 28% of all traffic-related deaths in the United States. On November 30th, 2020, The President declared December as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. The proclamation's mission was to bring awareness to the problem and remember the lives taken due to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

 

Alcohol, drugs, or other medications can impair judgment, perception, coordination, and slow reaction time to a point where the act of operating a motor vehicle is entirely unsafe. The deaths and accidents caused by driving impaired are 100% preventable. However, it takes more than just one person to prevent impaired driving from happening; it requires everyone taking on the personal responsibility of making smart decisions and planning a safe ride home. There are numerous safety precautions an individual can take to avoid impaired driving:

• Before drinking, designate a non-drinking driver when with a group.
• Don't let your friends drive while impaired.
• If you have been drinking, get a ride home, or use a ride share service such as Uber or Lyft.
• If you are hosting a party, remind your guests to plan and designate a sober driver.

 

Whereas this list may seem like common sense, common sense can be blurred and disappear once under the influence. Preparation not only saves your life, but it can save the lives of innocent families put at risk the second that impaired individual gets behind the wheel.

 

December is that time of the year where companies have annual Christmas parties that may involve alcohol. These parties are a great way to socialize and celebrate a year of hard work with colleagues. Ultimately, every person's responsibility is to make safe decisions, find a ride, or even designate themselves to give rides to other coworkers. By committing to following safe practices and avoiding driving impaired, we can prevent many tragedies. The holidays are a wonderful time of the year to celebrate, but in doing so, be safe, be smart, and be proactive in preventing impaired driving.

 

I hope this was helpful and thank you for reading my Safety Tidbits! Comments and questions are always welcome. ~ Bryan

 

P.S. If you have a new safety or health question, please let me know.

 

Safety Tidbit 6.02 – Well the Weather Outside is Frightful -- Please Bundle Up!

 

Safety Tidbit 6.02 – Well  the Weather Outside is Frightful -- Please Bundle Up!

 

Reference: NIOSH - Preventing Cold related Illness, Injury and Death Among Workers

 

This Safety Tidbit was written by my student, Ms. Emma Nippes – a senior in the Safety Sciences Program at the Indiana University of PA graduating Summer 2021.

 

As the winter season quickly approaches, employees begin to face hazards associated with the cold weather. The colder environment can force employees' muscles to work harder and struggle to maintain their internal temperature. This environment is also an ideal situation for employees to develop frostbite, trench foot, and hypothermia while on the job. It is vital to understand the signs and symptoms of these hazards before an employee can become injured.

 

The most severe hazard commonly associated with cold-weather environments is frostbite. Frostbite is an injury to the body caused by freezing temperatures and can affect the frostbitten area's feeling or color. The most prevalent body parts affected include the ears, nose, cheeks, fingers, and toes. If frostbite is left untreated, it can cause permanent damage, and in severe cases, amputation.

 

The next hazard associated with cold weather is trench foot, also known as immersion foot. This issue can occur when temperatures reach as high as 60 degrees Fahrenheit, in addition to an employee's feet continually being wet. And because wet feet lose heat 25 times faster than dry feet, blood vessels begin to constrict and cut off circulation within the feet. The lack of circulation can then cause the skin tissue to die and lead to possible amputation of one or both feet.

 

The final hazard cold-weather hazard is hypothermia. Employees can face the effects of hypothermia when exposed to cold or cool temperatures for a prolonged time. This prolonged exposure can cause the body to lose heat faster than the person can produce it. The consequences of hypothermia include abnormally low body temperature, confusion, and difficulty moving. If left untreated, employees can go into respiratory failure and potentially die.

 

To prevent hazards that come with cold weather, SHE professionals can use some simple work practices. First, ensuring employees are wearing multiple clothing layers and no exposed skin (use of hats that cover the ears and gloves). Waterproof shoes to keep feet dry when working in the snow and ice. These work practices may also include limiting employee exposure to the cold and taking breaks in warm areas when needed. Overall, working in cold weather environments can be dangerous when not adequately prepared for it.

 

I hope this was helpful and thank you for reading my Safety Tidbits! Comments and questions are always welcome. ~ Bryan

 

P.S. If you have a new safety or health question, please let me know.

 

Safety Tidbit 6.01 – Leading and Lagging Indicators

 

Safety Tidbit 6.01 – Leading and Lagging Indicators

 

Reference: https://www.osha.gov/leadingindicators/docs/OSHA_Leading_Indicators.pdf

 

This Safety Tidbit was written by my student, Ms. Elaina Somogyi – a senior in the Safety Sciences Program at the Indiana University of PA graduating Summer 2021.

 

Safety, Health, and Environmental (SHE) professionals analyze leading and lagging indicators to improve workplace safety. To create a safe environment, SHE professionals must be able to identify leading and lagging indicators. SHE professionals must know how to find them, their benefits, and how to use them. Then, the SHE professional will use the data to encourage the employee's safety in the workplace.

 

First, SHE professionals must know what leading and lagging indicators are. According to OSHA, leading indicators are proactive, preventive, and predictive measures that provide information about your safety and health activities' adequate performance. They are used to measure events leading up to injuries, illnesses, and incidents to predict potential workplace problems before they happen. Leading indicators help create change in the workplace. SHE professionals can address the leading indicators in meetings and provide employees with training on preventing the incidents from occurring. By doing so, the SHE professional can decrease the number of injuries in the workplace and save the company money.

 

Lagging indicators measure the occurrence and frequency of events that have occurred in the past. The lagging indicator can include the number of incidents in the workplace. Lagging indicators can alert the SHE professional when there is a failure in a section of its health and safety program. Also, lagging indicators measure the effectiveness of a safety and health system. As a SHE professional, lagging indicators determine the focus areas for workplace health and safety improvement.

 

A SHE professional can use the SMART principles to determine if there are good leading indicators to use. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Accountable, Reasonable, and Timely:

• Specific- Does your leading indicator provide specifics for the action taken to minimize risk from a hazard or improve a program area?
• Measurable- Is your leading indicator presented as a number, rate, or percentage that allows you to track and evaluate clear trends over time?
• Accountable- Does your leading indicator track an item that is relevant to your goal?
• Reasonable- Can you reasonably achieve the goal that you set for your leading indicator?
• Timely- Are you tracking your leading indicator regularly enough to spot meaningful trends from your data within your desired timeframe?

 

SHE professional can have workers attend monthly safety meetings. During the meetings, the SHE professional can address the lagging indicators, which are the work areas that need to be improved to ensure a safe workplace. Subsequently, members use the leading indicators during the meetings.

 

I hope this was helpful and thank you for reading my Safety Tidbits! Comments and questions are always welcome. ~ Bryan

 

P.S. If you have a new safety or health question, please let me know.