Safety is a top priority in any industry, and the farming and agriculture industry is no different. Today, we will take a look at how hazardous the industry is and how at risk farmers are for fatal and nonfatal injuries.

Agriculture is one of the most hazardous industries people can work in. Almost 2 million people are directly employed in the agriculture industry so it is certainly an issue that needs to be addressed. Every week there are people injured and even killed in the USA on farms and in agriculture related industries. One stark statistic is that every day approximately 167 agri-workers suffer a lost-work-time injury. Through implementation of safer work practices and measures however, these numbers could be greatly reduced. Education and training is a major element that can assist this.

This infographic (Credit: farmerjournal.ie) covers the area of farm safety and agriculture in the USA and examines some interesting and startling statistics associated with it. It also gives some recommendations on how some of these accidents and fatalities can be avoided in the future.

Do you need to reach something higher than chest/eye level? Do you need a ladder? Do you know how to choose the correct one suited for the task at hand? These preliminary questions were brought up in a previous article I wrote on the subject of ladder safety where I covered some basic information. But seeing as falls from ladders still make up nearly a third of the deaths in the construction industry every year, this article today will cover how to avoid injuries by following some ladder safety tips, ladder "do's & don'ts", and some requirements for training.

Three simple steps to prevent falls:

Plan. Provide. Train.

Deaths resulting from ladder falls are preventable, falls from ladders can be avoided and many lives can be saved each year simply by following safe work practices. Specifically, falls from portable ladders (step, straight, combination and extension) are one of the leading causes of occupational fatalities and injuries. As said before, these are preventable. A ladder is a tool just like any other, it is made as safe as possible and if used within the scope of its instructions, no harm should befall you. Be sure to take the time to properly understand how to select, set up, and move about on a ladder safely with these safety tips.

• Read and follow all labels or markings found on the ladder.
• Always inspect the ladder prior to using it. 
• If the ladder is damaged, it must be removed from service and tagged until repaired or discarded.
• Do not use a self-supporting ladder (e.g., step ladder) as a single ladder or in a partially closed position.
• Do not use the top step/rung of a ladder as a step/rung unless it was designed for that purpose.
• If you intend to work on a less than stable and level surface, be sure to  secure the ladder (top or bottom) to prevent displacement.
• The proper angle for setting up a ladder is to place its base a quarter of the working length of the ladder from the wall or other vertical surface.
• Be sure that all locks on an extension ladder are properly engaged.
• The ladder’s load rating includes all of the weight it is supporting.
• This includes yourself and the weight of any tools or equipment.

DO's and DON'Ts of Safe Ladder Use:

DO: Maintain a 3-point contact (two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand) when climbing/descending a ladder.

DO: Face the ladder when climbing up or descending.

DO: Keep the body inside the side rails.

DO: Use extra care when getting on or off the ladder at the top or bottom. Avoid tipping the ladder over sideways or causing the ladder base to slide out.

DO: Carry tools in a tool belt or raise tools up using a hand line. Never carry tools in your hands while climbing up/down a ladder.

DO: Extend the top of the ladder three feet above the landing.

DO: Keep ladders free of any slippery materials.

DON'T: Use a ladder on soft ground or unstable footing.

DON'T: Exceed the ladder’s maximum load rating.

DON'T: Tie two ladders together to make them longer.

DON'T: Ignore nearby overhead power lines.

DON'T: Move or shift a ladder with a person or equipment on the ladder.

DON'T: Lean out beyond the ladder’s side rails.

DON'T: Use an extension ladder horizontally like a platform.

DON'T:  Place a ladder on boxes, barrels, or unstable bases.

Check, Maintain and Store Ladders Well

Before using a ladder, check it carefully to ensure there are no visible defects and that it is in good working condition. Check the ladder according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Maintain and store the ladder according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Training Requirements

Employers must train all employees to recognize hazards related to ladders and stairways, and instruct them to minimize these hazards. For example, employers must ensure that  each employee is trained by a competent person in the following areas, as applicable:

• Nature of fall hazards in the work area;
• Correct procedures for erecting, maintaining, and disassembling the fall protection systems to be used;
• Proper construction, use, placement and care in handling of all stairways and ladders; and
• Maximum intended load-carrying capacities of ladders used.

Note: Employers must retrain each employee as necessary to maintain their understanding and knowledge on the safe use and construction of ladders and stairs.

Chances are you don’t work at one of the top ten deadliest jobs, but that doesn’t mean you can brush off safety. Safety in an office setting is just as important as any other environment because the potential for injury can be just as great. Being struck by lightning at your desk may be improbable, but its not impossible. With that being said, lets look at some more common workplace injuries:

Lifting – If lifting isn’t part of your every day job, chances are you’re not going to be thinking of safety when it’s time to move the heavy printer from one room into another. Without proper awareness, you may just grab it and start moving, seriously damaging your back in the process.

Tendon Injury – Most office workers are at their computers for 8 hours a day, sitting in the same position and going through the same motions the entire time. This could cause tendon injury or carpal tunnel syndrome, leaving you unable to do much of anything. Take breaks to prevent muscle tightness. Get up and walk around, and don’t forget to stretch your fingers.

Stress – According to the American Institute of Stress, 80% of workers feel stress on the job. Increased stress leads to health problems and can even cause heart attacks. The NYPD even automatically classifies all employee heart attacks as “work related injuries.”

Toppling Objects – Do you work in a cluttered office? If so, you may be in more danger than you think. Workers will often dangerously overload shelves due to lack of space. It’s only a matter of time before that old fax machine falls off of its overcrowded bookshelf and onto someone’s head.

There are several things you can do to prevent office injuries, many of which are included below in an infographic provided by www.resultsyoudeserve.com. If you are also a fan of the NBC show "The Office", you probably know all about Michael Scott and his hilarious yet sometimes cringeworthy antics. You may also be familiar with the episode 'Safety Training' from season 3. This episode must have been a catalyst for this infographic about real office safety issues that companies everywhere need to be aware of. It’s presented from the perspective of Michael Scott and includes quotes and pictures from the show as well as plenty of educational information about the dangers of the workplace:

Click here for infographic

Infographic Credit: “Michael Scott’s Guide to Surviving Your 9-5” from Katherman Briggs & Greenberg.

Indoor air quality can impact the health, comfort, well-being, and productivity of building occupants, and therefore, is a major concern to businesses, managers, and employees.

As Americans we spend up to 90% of our time indoors and many of us spend much, if not most, of our working hours in an office environment. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has conducted studies that show how indoor environments sometimes can have levels of pollutants that are actually higher than levels found outside.

Pollutants in our indoor environment can increase the risk of illness. Indoor air pollution is an important environmental health problem, as shown by several scientific studies. And although,  severe indoor air quality problems may not be an issue in most buildings, even well-run buildings can sometimes experience times of poor indoor air quality.

In 1989, the EPA reported that improved indoor air quality can result in higher productivity and fewer lost work days. It is also estimated that poor indoor air may cost the nation tens of billions of dollars each year in lost productivity and medical care.

All of the occupants of a building can have a great influence on indoor air quality. Something as “everyday” as heating food in a microwave or using the photocopier can generate odors and pollutants. Once we understand and are aware of indoor air issues, we can help prevent these problems.

8 ways to improve the indoor air quality in your office: 

Don’t block air vents.

Don’t smoke in building or within 8 feet of any building doorway.

If you have office plants, maintain them.

If you make/see a water spill, clean it up. Water can lead to molds & fungi.

Stay on top of garbage! Dispose of it promptly and regularly.

Don’t leave food out. Store it properly!

Avoid bringing things into the building that has potential to release harmful odors or contaminants.

If you suspect an indoor air quality problem, contact your building manager immediately!

OSHA's preliminary top 10 violations for fiscal year 2014 were recently announced at the National Safety Council Expo by the deputy director of OSHA's Directorate of Enforcement Programs, Patrick Kapust.

Before we cover those most cited standards, let's a look at a few statistics from 2013.

• The 3,929 fatal work injuries that occurred in private industry is the lowest total since BLS began collecting this data more than 20 years ago.
• Transportation-related incidents accounted for 40% of all fatal work injuries, but declined in 2013.
• One out of six fatal work injuries was the result of violence – including suicide and homicide.
• Fatal work injuries involving contractors accounted for 17% of all fatal work injuries in 2013.

In some aspects things are better, but clearly, we still have much work to do. Based on 2013's numbers, on average, there are 85 deaths a week or more than 12 deaths every day. Despite being the lowest total since the fatal injury census was first conducted in 1992, that's still too many deaths!

Many, if not close to all, of these deaths are preventable with proper training and a conscience decision from all parties involved to do things as safe as possible and report unsafe actions. As you can see in the most frequently cited standards, many are still "doing it the way we always have done it." For some, this is laziness or a disregard for safety; and for others, it is simply ignorance to the rules and guidelines. The numbers below should be a reminder that we do still have much to do, and that will be hard without open dialogue and a decision to do better for the sake of all those who became a statistic below.
 

Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Standards for FY 2014:

1. Fall Protection (Construction) (29 CFR 1926.501) 6,143 violations
• OSHA-10 Construction Industry Training
• Fall Protection Training
1. Examples being: failing to use fall protection correctly or failing to provide fall protection.
    
2. Hazard Communications (29 CFR 1910.1200) 5,161 violations
• Hazard Communications Training
1. Examples being: failing to have safety data sheets (SDS) for each chemical in the workplace or chemical labeling mistakes.
    
3. Scaffolding (Construction) (29 CFR 1926.451) 4,029 violations
• OSHA-10 Construction Industry Training
1. Examples being: loading scaffolds in excess of their capacity or failing to protect employees from fall hazards on scaffolds.
    
4. Respiratory Protection (29 CFR 1910.134) 3,223 violations
• OSHA-10 General Industry Training
• Respiratory Protection Training
1. Examples being: lack of a written program or failing to train employees.
    
5. Lockout / Tagout (29 CFR 1910.147) 2,704 violations
   
• OSHA-10 General Industry Training
• Lockout/ Tagout Training
1. Examples being: complete lack of a hazardous energy control program or failing to apply locks.
    
6. Powered Industrial Trucks (29 CFR 1910.178) 2,662 violations
• Forklift Operator Safety Training
1. Examples being: lack of operator training or forklifts not in safe operating condition.
    
7. Electrical - Wiring Methods (29 CFR 1910.305) 2,490 violations
• OSHA-10 General Industry Training
• NFPA 70E Arc Flash Safety Training
1. Examples being: conductors enter boxes unprotected or employees are exposed to live contacts.
    
8. Ladders (Construction) (29 CFR 1926.1053) 2,448 violations
• OSHA-10 Construction Industry Training
1. Examples being: using an inappropriate type of ladder for the job or using a ladder not designed for the load it is carrying.
    
9. Machine Guarding (29 CFR 1910.212) 2,200 violations
• OSHA-10 General Industry Training
1. Examples being: not using guards at point of operation for machinery that may pose a hazard or guards are removed by employees.
    
10. Electrical - General Requirements (29 CFR 1910.303) 2,056 violations
• OSHA-10 General Industry Training
• NFPA 70E Arc Flash Safety Training
1. Examples being: not having workers appropriately trained to avoid electric shock or electrocution or not guarding live parts.
    

ALS is the acronym for Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. It is also known as motor neurone disease (MND), Charcot disease, and many know it as Lou Gehrig’s disease (named after the famous baseball player from the 1920s and 30s who was forced to retire and died from ALS).

The disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. The brain sends motor neurons to the spinal cord and from there get sent to muscles all over your body. ALS/MND affect these neurons in a way where they begin to degenerate/break down and then die, unable to send any more messages to the muscles. These muscles that enable us to move around, speak, breathe, swallow, etc. are then weakened and eventually waste away. You are still able to think, see, taste, smell, and feel but you may experience paralysis, muscle weakness, or difficulty breathing, swallowing, or even speaking. Most people with ALS die from respiratory failure, usually within 3 to 5 years from the onset of symptoms. However, about 10 percent of those with ALS survive for 10 or more years. One of these survivors is none other than Stephen Hawking, an English theoretical physicist, who you may be familiar with.

ALS is one of the most common MNDs. People of any race and ethnic background can be affected and in 90-95% of all ALS cases, the disease occurs at random with no clearly associated risk factors. These cases are individuals with no family history of ALS, however 5-10% are inherited. ALS is more common among men than women, with white males, non-Hispanics, and aged 60-69 years being the most common. However, again, younger and older people can also develop the disease.

The Truth Hurts:

• No test can provide a definite diagnosis of ALS, however having signs and symptoms of both upper and lower motor neuron damage are a strong suggestion of the disease.

• We do not have the answer as to what causes ALS and why some are afflicted while others are not.

• No cure has yet been found for ALS. We have some treatments that slow progression and relive some symptoms, however more research is necessary to further understand how to slow, even stop, ALS.

So with many unknown elements involved, we may ask, how do we help? Research is being done to further understand the disease and how to prevent and cure it. But one of the largest movements to fight back against ALS came when 29-year-old Pete Frates, who was diagnosed himself with ALS in 2012, posted a video on social media and challenged some friends to do the same. This was the start of what many know now as the “ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.” Using the hashtag “#ALSIceBucketChallenge” the world over is fighting back against ALS. The viral challenge has since become a sensation, with people across the country and even worldwide showing support, raising awareness, and donating to the previously lesser-known disease.

The challenge has certainly increased awareness. With the assistance of donations (a part of the challenge as well) research and development for a cure for ALS can be realized hopefully much sooner than previously thought. With so many people together for a great cause, the ice bucket challenge has brought in over $41 million dollars so far!

In an effort to continue the trend of raising awareness of ALS, we here at Safety Training Services conclude this article with some helpful ALS facts provided by alsa.org, as well as a video of our company President, Rob Groszewski, showing his support.

“Facts You Should Know” – From alsa.org

• ALS is not contagious

• It is estimated that ALS is responsible for nearly two deaths per hundred thousand population annually.

• Approximately 5,600 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with ALS each year. The incidence of ALS is two per 100,000 people, and it is estimated that as many as 30,000 Americans may have the disease at any given time.

• Although the life expectancy of an ALS patient averages about two to five years from the time of diagnosis, this disease is variable and many people live with quality for five years and more. More than half of all patients live more than three years after diagnosis.

• About twenty percent of people with ALS live five years or more and up to ten percent will survive more than ten years and five percent will live 20 years. There are people in whom ALS has stopped progressing and a small number of people in whom the symptoms of ALS reversed.

• ALS occurs throughout the world with no radical, ethnic or socioeconomic boundaries.

• ALS can strike anyone.

• The onset of ALS is insidious with muscle weakness or stiffness as early symptoms. Progression of weakness, wasting and paralysis of the muscles of the limbs and trunk as well as those that control vital functions such as speech, swallowing and later breathing generally follows.

• There can be significant costs for medical care, equipment and home health caregiving later in the disease. It is important to be knowledgeable about your health plan coverage and other programs for which you may be eligible, including SSA, Medicare, Medical and Veteran Affairs benefits.

• Riluzole, the first treatment to alter the course of ALS, was approved by the FDA in late 1995. This antiglutamate drug was shown scientifically to prolong the life of persons with ALS by at least a few months. More recent studies suggest Riluzole slows the progress of ALS, allowing the patient more time in the higher functioning states when their function is less affected by ALS. Click here for more information on the drug. Many private health plans cover the cost of Riluzole. Further information on Riluzole coverage through Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit can be found in the Advocacy pages of this website.

In 1971, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) created an Outreach Training Program as a voluntary program with a purpose to promote workplace safety and health, as well as help workers become more knowledgeable about workplace hazards and their rights. Over the years OSHA has done well to expand the reach of the program and with this growth has increased training availability with their train-the-trainer format. In fact according to OSHA, between FY 2008 and FY 2013, more than 3.6 million workers were trained in job hazard recognition and avoidance through the program.

OSHA offers Outreach Training Programs for 4 industries: Construction, General Industry, Maritime, and Disaster Site work. For the sake of this article, we will be covering the construction and general industries. Although their class formats and even a few topics are similar, generally they cover a different set of topics and the atmosphere and scope is much different and taking one over the other can be unnecessary and a waste of time and money, depending on the industry you work in.

Why were these implemented?

The OSHA Outreach Training Program provides training on the recognition, avoidance, abatement, and prevention of workplace hazards. Outreach classes also provide overview information regarding OSHA, including workers’ rights, employer responsibilities, and how to file a complaint.

Why take one over another?

The 10 hour courses are designed and intended for entry or lower level workers, due to the nature of the material covered. It is a more simplistic approach and covers a smaller scope. The 30 hour courses are designed and intended for higher level workers, those with some safety responsibility, due to the larger scope and more topics included in the 30 hour course. Although it should be noted, that any worker would benefit from either 10 hour or 30 hour courses; however as stated earlier, a worker in the construction industry would not get a proper representation of their industry in the general industry course and vice versa.

What is the difference between the two?

As per OSHA.gov’s website: “The 10 hour course provides basic awareness training on the recognition, avoidance, abatement, and prevention of workplace hazards. The course also provides information regarding workers' rights, employer responsibilities, and filing a complaint.

The 30 hour course provides a greater depth and variety of training on an expanded list of topics associated with workplace hazards in each industry. OSHA provides authorized trainers procedures for each industry program on the topic outlines for each industry.”

The neat thing about these programs is that they are customizable to a company’s own wants and needs. For example, the 10 hour General Industry course covers the following mandatory topics:

• Introduction to OSHA
• Walking/Working Surfaces
• Exit Routes, Emergency Action Plans, Fire Prevention and Protection Plans
• Electrical Hazards
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Hazard Communication

With the following example topics being selective or optional and can be selected to best tailor to a specific company based on want/need:

• Hazardous Material Flammable/Combustible
• Machine Guarding
• Confined Space Entry Awareness
• Lock Out/Tag Out

The list becomes even longer when you look at a 30 hour OSHA course. It is a more detailed version of the previous topics and also includes Materials Handling in the mandatory topics, but adds 6 or so additional topics to be covered. The construction industry courses include even more additional topics for individual selection. The mandatory topics are different as well, tailored to include more construction specific topics, the most important difference is that of “Focus Four Hazards” which include: Fall Protection, Electrical, Struck By, and Caught in/Between.

Can anyone take either class?

These courses are not designed to be exclusive to an age group. Everyone, of all ages, can benefit from OSHA courses. Especially the general industry as it covers a good number of general topics (as the name would imply) that can be used in any setting, even an office workplace or at home.

And again, you should be certain to verify which course (General Industry or Construction Industry) is a best fit for you when registering. At STS, we are happy to answer anyone's questions regarding this difference, as it important to attend the correct one for your industry. Find out more by contacting us! 

Are these classes required?

Short answer, no. They are a recommendation from OSHA as an orientation to occupational safety and health for workers. However, some states have enacted laws that mandate the training. Also, certain employers or organizations may require this training.

What are the benefits to me?

With the courses not being mandatory for all, what is the reason you should take these courses? Well, in a perfect world, one would hope you’d want to take these courses simply to establish a good safety values and attitude at your workplace. But the reality is often times not so. So below you will find a few valuable reasons to engage yourself or your staff into OSHA compliance safety training.

• It promotes good safety culture through peer training
• Training is intended to be participatory, using hands-on activities
• Trainers are able to tailor the training topics based on specific needs of their audience
• Outreach training content includes hazard recognition and avoidance, workers’ rights, employer responsibilities, and hot to file a complaint; it emphasizes the value of safety and health to workers, including young workers
• Outreach training is available in languages other than English (Spanish, Polish, etc.)

Emergency response is an important topic. Although some may never see an incident that requires such structure, prevention is the goal so being proactive is paramount. We here at Safety Training Services, Inc. enjoy educating others on safety topics and for today, our topic is an very important one. We will be covering the importance of the Incident Commander and why you should know what they and an Incident Command System are.

First off, what is an Incident Command System?

Well an Incident Command System, or ICS for short, is a way to standardize the structure of emergency response to allow responders to follow an integrated organizational structure so that any incident can be structured similarly without being hindered by jurisdictional boundaries.

ICS was developed to address the following problems:

• Different organizational structures for emergency response.
• Inadequate communications
• Lack of reliable incident information
• Too many people reporting to one supervisor
• Unclear lines of authority
• A lack of structure for coordinated planning among agencies
• Difference of terminology among agencies
• Unclear or unspecified incident objectives
   

An ICS divides an emergency response into five manageable functions essential for emergency response operations:

1. Command
2. Operations
3. Planning
4. Logistics
5. Finance & Administration

What is an Incident Commander?

The incident commander, IC for short, is the overall manager of the emergency response. They directly control the resources and personnel involved in the response. In fact, the IC is responsible for all aspects of the response. This also includes setting priorities and defining organized roles for the response.

Even if other positions are not assigned, the Incident Commander will always be designated.

IC Responsibilities

Unless otherwise specified, the following are some of the complex responsibilities of the Incident Commander.

• Review OSHA's Common Responsibilities (osha.gov)
• Assess the situation and/or obtain a briefing from prior IC
• Brief the Command Staff and Section Chiefs
• Review meetings and briefings
• Establish immediate priorities especially the safety of responders, other emergency workers, bystanders, and people involved in the incident
• Establish an appropriate organization
• Approve the use of trainees, volunteers, and auxiliary personnel
• Stabilize the incident by ensuring life safety and managing resources efficiently and cost effectively
• Determine incident objectives and strategy to achieve the objectives
• Authorize release of information to the news media
• Ensure planning meetings are scheduled as required
• Establish and monitor incident organization
• Approve the implementation of the written or oral Incident Action Plan (IAP)
• Ensure that adequate safety measures are in place
• Coordinate activity for all Command and General Staff
• Coordinate with key people and officials
• Approve requests for additional resources or for the release of resources
• Keep agency administrator informed of incident status
• Ensure incident Status Summary (ICS Form 209) is completed and forwarded to appropriate higher authority
• Order the demobilization of the incident when appropriate

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

‘If PPE is to be used to reduce the exposure of ICS/UC workers to hazards, a PPE program should be initialized and maintained. This program should contain identification and evaluation of hazards in the scene and if use of PPE is an appropriate control measure; if PPE is to be used, how it is selected, maintained and its use evaluated; training of workers using the PPE; and vigilance of the program to determine its effectiveness in preventing worker injury or illness. For more on PPE, see OSHA's Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Safety and Health Topics Page.‘

The FOUR Keys to Successful Implementation

• Learn

• Plan

• Start Early

• Practice

Independence Day (AKA ‘Fourth of July’) has been celebrated with fireworks since 1776, when the United States declared its independence from Great Britain (now known as the United Kingdom).

Fireworks themselves are dated back to 7^th century China, where they were invented and used in many festivities. Fast forward to mid-17^th century; Europe was blown away by Chinese fireworks and the popularity would rise and they were used for celebration of many important events. Finally in the late 18^th century, the early European settlers brought this love of fireworks to this country and used them as rally devices, political attractions, and of course to celebrate important events.

In times past, pyrotechnicians were highly respected individuals and the art of making fireworks was a complex science with its own knowledge and techniques. Today, we have fireworks displays for festivals and celebrations, and even competitions, around the world. Did you know that the largest consumer of fireworks in the United States is the Walt Disney Corporation?

Unfortunately somewhere down the line fireworks got arguably too popular and now we have many individual consumers purchasing and igniting their own. This isn’t in itself bad, but two things are happening: people are not taking proper safety precautions and the injuries are piling up yearly, and other people are making their own. Remember when I said pyrotechnics were an art and a science? Making your own fireworks is a recipe for disaster unless you are a professional, and the numbers below will show it. Despite the dangers of fireworks, few people seem to truly understand the associated risks including devastating burns, other injuries, fires, and even death.

Failure to follow these fireworks safety tips can lead to serious burns, injuries, or even worse! In 2012, an estimated 9,200 people were treated in emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries. 36% of this number was under the age of 15. In fact, children between the ages of 10 and 14 are at three times the risk of fireworks-related injuries than the general population.

Quick Facts/Statistics about Fireworks
 

• In 2011, fireworks caused about $32 million in direct property damage.
  
• In 2012, more than 36% of fireworks-related injuries in Indiana were to children under 18 years old.
• Also in 2012, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 8,700 people for fireworks-related injuries.
  • 55% were to the arms/legs combined and 31% were to the head.
• On Independence Day in a typical year, far more U.S. fires are reported than on any other day, and fireworks account for 2 out of 5 of those fires, more than any other cause of fires.
• 65% of the fireworks injuries in 2013 occurred during the month surrounding July 4^th.
• Illegal and homemade fireworks were involved in all 8 fireworks-related deaths reported in 2013.
• Top 2 fireworks types from injuries were Sparklers (31%) and Firecrackers (11%).
  • Sparklers burn at extremely hot temperatures, from 1200 to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit.
    
    

And finally, I leave you with the 10 tips to keep you safe this Independence Day.

1. Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
2. Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper, which is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and could pose a danger to consumers. And remember, homemade fireworks are also dangerous and illegal!
3. Never ignite fireworks indoors. Fireworks should only be lit on a smooth, flat surface; and should always be away from buildings, dry vegetation, and flammable materials.
4. Never ignite fireworks in a metal or glass container.
5. Keep any type of ladder or pole (used to set up or light fireworks) at least 10 feet from any power lines.
6. Never point or throw fireworks at a person, animal, or building.
7. Fireworks should not be used by persons under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
8. Light fireworks one at a time, then back away quickly. Never place any part of your body directly over the fireworks themselves when lighting the fuse and never attempt to relight a “dud.”
9. Have a fire extinguisher, water hose, or water-filled bucket nearby. Fireworks stay hot for a bit after they’ve burned out. Douse and dispose!
10. Never allow young children to use fireworks. This includes sparklers, as they burn at temperatures hot enough to melt some metals. For older children, always have adult supervision when they are using or around fireworks. (Glowsticks make a great alternative to fireworks for young children).

Remember to stay safe this holiday and practice situational awareness. Accidents are preventable, if we practice good safety culture. 

And remember, July is also National UV Safety Month! Head over to our previous July blog article covering safety tips to beat the heat. Click here to read 5+ Tips to Survive UV Safety Month this July.

Safety Training Services is here for ALL your safety needs! Whether its OSHA compliant safety training, first aid kits & fire extinguisher, equipment & supplied air rentals, field (rescue) work, or consulting, STS can help you and your company! Click here for 'Real Experience. Real Training. Real Results.'

July is UV Safety Month.

This month, we take a look at educating ourselves and other individuals on how to protect
ourselves from overexposure to the sun. The sun emits radiation in the form of ultraviolet (UV) light. This is classified into 3 types based on wavelength: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVC, the shortest length, never reaches us on the ground because our protective ozone layer blocks all UVC light. But UVA and UVB pass right through. This is potentially dangerous as UVA light is what causes wrinkling or leathering of the skin and UVB causes sun burns. They both can cause skin cancer.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, with millions of new cases diagnosed each year. The main cause of skin cancer is exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) ray's. These UV rays can weaken the immune system, increase sun spots and wrinkles, cause blotchy skin, and lead to premature aging.

The two most common types of skin cancer,

1. Basal cell

2. Squamous cell carcinomas

are highly curable!

Melanoma, the 3rd most common type of skin cancer, is more dangerous. About 65-90% of melanomas are caused by exposure to UV light. Skin cancer affects people of all ages, including older adults.

Although anyone get skin cancer, those with fair skin, blond or red hair, and blue or green eyes are at the greatest risk. But everyone else should still take precautions, as everyone is at an equal risk for eye damage due to overexposure to the sun's UV rays. 

Today’s older Americans face increased sun-related health problems because when they were growing up, little was known or communicated about protection from UV rays. The good news, however, is skin cancer can be prevented! Here are some safety tips to protect your skin while being outdoors this summer:

• Choose sunglasses based on 100% UV protection of both UVA and UVB rays. The color and how expense they were mean nothing compared to the REAL reason we wear sunglasses.
• Go for the wrap arounds. That means they wrap around your temples so that the sun's rays can't enter from the side.
• You may have contact lenses with UV protection, but don't rely on this; remember your sunglasses.
• Put on sunscreen 20-30 minutes before going outside. Don't wait until you are outside and already exposed.
• Use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15.
• Broad spectrum sunscreen protects against overexposure from both UVA and UVB rays.
• Put on sunscreen before applying makeup, insect repellent, or tanning oils.
• The longer the amount of time that you plan to be outside, the higher the SPF on your sunscreen should be.
• Reapply sunscreen as needed, about every 2 hours; even if its water-resistant.
• Be careful between the hours of 10 am & 4 pm. These are peak sunlight hours where the UV light is most intense.
• UV light is also more intense at higher altitudes.
• Intense UV light can be reflected off of water, snow, sand, and cement.
• In addition to sunglasses, wear a hat. Broad-brimmed hats especially, protect your eyes, ears, face, and neck.
• Don't forget the children; they too are at risk!

UV radiation is not limited to just us humans either. Both plants and other animals are affected by it. For example, a plant's overexposure to the sun could mean affecting its photosynthesis. This can affect the growth of the plant, and therefore can potentially impact the structure of an ecosystem in a negative way. Animals, especially those with little to no hair, can get sunburn just like any of us. This is why pigs (and other similar animals) roll around in the mud, they use it like sunscreen!