Wednesday, November 11 will be Veterans Day.  We aren’t history teachers, yet we want to share some information about this important observance.  Originally known as Armistice Day, it was set aside as a day to honor the military servicemen who fought so valiantly in World War I.  Here is part of a resolution made by Congress on June 4, 1926:

“Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations;”

At the time this was written, WWI was called “the end of the war to end all wars”.  In 1938, Congress made Armistice Day a legal holiday.  Then World War II was declared, which required the greatest mobilization of military in our history.  Next, we entered the Korean War.  The name was changed in 1954 to Veterans Day in order to honor veterans of all wars we have been engaged in.  Since then, we have been engaged in the Vietnam War, Desert Storm, Desert Shield, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

Veterans Day focuses attention to its important purpose: a celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

Our forefathers who wrote the above quote from 1926 had no idea what the future would bring.  They only thought WWI was the Big One.  We are a great nation and we need to look back on those words and try to follow their hopes for us.  We owe a huge debt of gratitude to all the brave men and women who have fought so courageously.  Let’s hope someday, somehow they will be able to serve our country in a safer, more peaceful world.

Source: US Department of Veterans Affairs

It is our mission to present safety information that helps folks stay safe at home, work, and while enjoying outside activities.  In an earlier article, “Violence in the Workplace”, we noted that homicide is the third leading cause of deaths in the workplace.  Yesterday, November 5th, what is thought to be the worst mass killing in history at a United States military base happened at Fort Hood, Texas, the largest military base in the world.

Army Major Nidal Malik Hasan is believed the be the lone perpetrator of a deadly shooting at Fort Hood, when he entered the Soldiers Readiness Center, and shot a number of military persons and two civilians.  The total count is 13 dead and 30 wounded, as of November 6th.  The Readiness Center is a large building where troops have medical and dental exams prior to deployment.  There are all types of comings and goings in the Center, as it even has restaurants.  He was shot by a female police officer, but is expected to recover.  She was shot, as well.

Major Hasan received his medical training at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in psychiatry, as an intern, resident, and last year a fellow in disaster and preventive psychiatry.  (Ironic?)   He received his M.D. from Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland, in 2001.

During his time at Walter Reed, he received poor performance evaluations, and had problems that required counseling and extra supervision, according to authorities that could not give further information due to confidentiality.  Law enforcement personnel had been aware that six months prior to yesterday’s tragedy, Hasan had posted some disturbing thoughts on the Internet.  One of his web postings equated suicide bombers with soldiers that throw themselves on a grenade to save their comrades.  Federal search warrants have been issued to seize Hasan’s computer, and it will be interesting to learn of its contents.

As with any workplace violence, there are red flags that indicate problems that might occur.  Who knows if yesterday’s incident could have been prevented?  Hindsight is always 20-20, and it seems there were many red flags popping up in regard to this quiet man, whose job it was to counsel hundreds of soldiers who had returned from battle and recounted horrors they lived through.  Hasan had been ordered to go to Iraq although he was adamant that he did not want to go.

Our thoughts and prayers are with those who were innocent victims, their families and the entire military family.  It is sad to think that a base that trains soldiers to protect us has been added to the lists of other unlikely places that we never imagined something this terrible could happen: Columbine High School, Virginia Tech, an immigrant community center in Binghamton, N.Y., and Luby’s Cafeteria in nearby Killeen, Texas.

Governor Rick Perry ordered flags to fly at half-staff through Sunday.

Northwest Airlines brought another “distracted driving” issue to the forefront recently, when one of its flights’ two pilots missed their destination by 150 miles because they were busy with their laptops.  It seems they became so engrossed in researching a newly designed work schedule system, they failed to hear the air traffic controllers frantically trying to restore contact with them.  Delta Airlines, which recently purchased Northwest Airlines, stated “using laptops or engaging in acts unrelated to command of aircraft during flight is strictly against the airlines flight deck policies.”  One former pilot noted that it is not unusual for one pilot to possibly use a laptop during flight, but it is highly unusual for two persons to use laptops at the same time.  This led to two of the biggest safety violations in commercial aviation: pilot complacency and lax cockpit disciplines.  Many airlines, such as Southwest, prohibit electronic devices, i.e. laptops, cell phones, PDA’s, unless they are approved by FAA and, in the case of Southwest, supplied by Southwest Airlines.

In the past, we have talked about distracted drivers being deadly drivers.  There has been an abundance of articles about persons in charge of trains, buses or cars causing many deaths, all because they were texting on their cell phones!  It seems the 144 persons onboard the flight mentioned above landed safely, along with the crew, but it does bring this issue to the forefront: we must not let all those sophisticated “toys” distract us from the job at hand.  Pilots of planes, bus drivers, train engineers, and all other persons who have command of vehicles should give their full attention to the safety of passengers.

It’s a sure bet that the FAA and other government officials will be looking at this incident.  It may not be the first time something like this has happened, but let’s hope it will be the last!  Regardless of working an 8-hour shift or 12-hour shift, our employer is paying us for doing our job.  We don’t get paid to sleep, play games, or use personal electronic equipment on the job.   It’s too bad that being on long flights are boring for some pilots; but considering the pay they receive, and the lives that are in their hands, giving full attention to performing their job safely is a small thing to ask.

We witnessed a disturbing story aired by ABC News last week, regarding child labor.  Four graduate students working as fellows with Carnegie Corporation, and ABC, observed children ages 5, 7, and 8 working alongside their parents on a Michigan blueberry farm.  As a result of this report, some popular stores have severed their ties with this particular supplier of blueberries, pending further investigations of child labor.

Countries have minimum age requirements for child labor.  The lowest exist in countries like Syria, Paraguay, or Bangladesh, where minimum age is 12. Many youngsters in developing countries begin work prior to reaching the minimum legal age.  Most countries set minimum age at 15-16 years old; but in a few cases, the minimum age may be 14. The minimum age in the U.S. ranges from 15-16, and generally, one must have permission from parents to work prior to being 18 and being considered an adult. (Read on, for federal law regarding agricultural work.)

Child labor has been a going on for decades.  It is a sad fact that families that live in poverty depend on the help of their children just to make a living.  Many are migrant, seasonal workers.  Our federal labor laws have been very lax in the past, according to some legal aid attorneys that work with migrant families.  Federal law says that children ages 12-13 are allowed to have non-hazardous jobs if they work on the same farm with their parents and have parental consent.  Many youngsters are on farms with other family members because the parents cannot afford childcare during the summer months.  Many health hazards exist on farms, such as pesticides and chemicals.

One wonders if we shouldn’t be trying to see that our laws are enforced when it comes to child labor, as this is a problem throughout our country.  Aren’t we all guilty of buying certain things that are made outside the U.S., because they are cheaper?  Chances are that inexpensive item may have been made by some child.  Probably the stores that boycotted this particular industry sell many items that are made by child labor.

Laws requiring children to attend school are essential, thereby giving them the opportunity to get decent work once they have completed their education.  If they work on farms or elsewhere, it should be when they are out of school.  We must keep our children learning skills and not perpetuating poverty.  Foremost, we must keep those children safe!

One last thought: there’s so much unemployment in this country, why don’t some of the unemployed who are healthy and able to work take these seasonal, agricultural jobs?

There are many jobs out there that are waiting for someone to come along.  It seems that many times there are certain tasks that no one wants to do, but it’s not the place of children to fill in the gaps.

The key to a successful safety program is to protect employees from head injuries.  The easiest and most important way is by wearing safety hard hats.

These protect workers from the shock of a blow to the head, and penetration.  The shell should be 1 to 1 ¼” away from the head to cushion impact, and the hardhat should have instructions for proper adjustment and replacement of suspension and headband.  Proper fit is of the utmost importance.

Most hard hats have slots to accommodate safety glasses, face shields, mounted lights, and/or earmuffs.

Three industrial classes of hardhats are:

• Class A – Impact and penetration resistant and limited voltage protection – up to 2,200 volts.

• Class B – Highest level of high-voltage shock and burn protection – up to 20,000 volts.  These protect from impact and penetration hazards such as falling/flying objects.

• Class C – Lightweight comfort and important protection but not electrical hazard protected.

There are some important facts one should know about their hard hats:

• Hard hats won’t last forever.

• Hard hats should be replaced after no more than 5 years of use.

• The suspension of a hard hat should be replaced after no more than 12 months of use.

• Hard hats must meet ANSI Z89.1-2003 requirements.

• Hard hat suspensions should not be interchanged with other manufacturers’ suspensions.

• The service life of a hard hat starts when it is placed in use, not when it is manufactured.  This date should be placed inside the helmet.

Personal protective equipment such as hard hats, should be maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition.  It can only be effective if used properly and the user understands its care, maintenance, and limitations, according to OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132.

There was a time when hard hats were pretty “Plain Jane”, but no longer.  Workers can choose from NCAA/TEAM/NASCAR, World War II themes, Patriotic, Glow-In-The-Dark, customized ones with logos, and even Cowboy styles!  Different types of hard hats allow persons to reflect their personalities, as well as be safety compliant.

In most of the United States, Daylight Saving Time begins on the 2nd Sunday in March and reverts to Standard Time the first Sunday in November.  So, mark November 1st on your calendar to change your clocks!  Each year, we “Spring Forward” and “Fall Backward”, if we don’t forget! 

To ensure that we don’t “fall backward” on safety, this marks an excellent time to do a home safety evaluation.  The National Fire Protection Association recommends that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms be checked once a year.  Their figures show that around ninety per cent of homes in the United States have smoke alarms; however one-third of those are estimated to have dead or missing batteries.  They also recommend that smoke alarms be replaced after 10 years.  Some newer types of alarms have remote controls, making it easier than ever to check them.

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms should be:
*  Installed on every level of the home, and in sleeping areas
*  Tested once a month
*  Equipped with new batteries annually

Also, keep a fire extinguisher handy, and have a fire escape plan for every member of the family.  While you are doing your home safety evaluation, also ensure that your door locks function properly, and keep your home locked.

Here’s a great story from WFRV TV: A Milwaukee entrepreneur wants Americans to do more than spring forward and fall back for daylight saving time.  L. Maxwell McKissick suggests that when people move their clocks forward or back an hour, they donate those 60 minutes by volunteering in their communities.
McKissick is trying to start a national movement. He says gaining 60 minutes gives people time to help nonprofits or pick up trash. And he says losing 60 minutes means nonprofits have one less hour to serve their missions, so people can still give an hour, which will make a big difference in their communities, especially if millions of folks donate one hour.   He hopes the experience will also help people realize how fun and easy it is to help out.
Could you spare an hour?

In response to several emails we have recently received regarding MSA V-Gard Protective Helmets, we want to pass on the following information:  MSA has not issued a recall of V-Gard helmets, and all V-Gard helmets manufactured in March of 2008 are not to be removed from service.  It seems there has been a wide range of misinformation circulated via the Internet.

Here are the results of an investigation done by MSA:

• Cracking in V-Gard hardhats in question is limited to blue and red helmets that were manufactured in the U.S., and are estimated to represent less than one one-hundredth of a percent of MSA’s U.S. V-Gard helmet production over the past 5 years.

• The cause of this has been traced to a variation of copper pigment content, which is a component in blue and red colorants, and minor process variations.  In mid-2008, MSA changed to a different colorant and improved the process variation.  They have not received a single report of any cracked helmets, of any color, since these improvements were put into place.

• Testing by MSA indicates that a cap exhibiting this type of crack continues to meet the ANSI Z89.1-2003 and CSA Z94.1-2005 impact and penetration test requirements.  However, a crack of this type would prevent the cap from passing the electrical resistance test.

We hope that this will clear up any questions regarding the rumors in question, and that you will continue to inspect all safety equipment on a daily basis, including hardhats.  Please stay tuned for more hardhat info…….

Source: MSA

As we continue talking about dangerous jobs, protective service occupations are very hazardous.  The middle word, service, is just that.  Men and women in law enforcement are there to serve the public 24-7.  Fatalities in their professions are high, with homicide being the leading cause, followed by highway crashes.

Television shows that depict the many types of law enforcement are popular for a reason.  There’s just something about the thrill of the chase that catches our attention, whether in real life, on the news, or a television program.  When we hear a siren, most of us are curious as to what it’s all about.  If you are looking for an exciting career, there are many types from which to choose:

• Police Officer

• Undercover Officer

• Border Patrol

• Drug Enforcement Agency

• F.B.I.

• Customs Service

• Secret Service

• Security Officer

• SWAT Team

• Border Patrol

• U.S. Forest Service

• Parole Officer

• Prison Guard

• Sheriff

• Air Marshal

• Departments of Public Service (Highway Patrol)

There have been almost 800 violent assaults against Border Patrol agents in the last year, an increase of 108% from the year before.  Being a Federal Park Ranger has become one of the most hazardous jobs in law enforcement.  Since September 11, 2001, rangers have shifted their focus to drug smugglers and other fugitives.  They are 15 times more likely to be killed in the line of duty than a DEA agent.  Two of the most dangerous parks (among the top ten list of dangerous parks in our country, according to the US Park Ranger Fraternal Order of Police) are Amistad National Recreation Area, near Del Rio, Texas, and Big Bend National Park, also located in Texas.  There are so few people and too many miles to patrol for criminals bringing in loads of drugs, as well as illegal aliens, which makes it difficult for law enforcement.

We owe a big debt of gratitude to the men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting our communities and our country.

October is the month for ghosts and goblins, so it’s never too early to start planning ahead for your child’s safety.  The only things on kids’ minds are treats, but adults need to keep safety in mind.  Safety experts with Texas Department of State Health Services recommend that before October 31st rolls around, parents start talking about Halloween safety to their children.  When you choose your child’s costume, it’s a good time to start thinking of their protection during this fun time.

Things for parents to be aware of when if they are driving their kids to Trick or Treat:

• Slow down

• Be careful entering and exiting your driveway

• Do not place children in the back of a pickup truck

• Watch for children darting from behind parked cars

Caution your little spooks to:

• Never accept rides from strangers or treats from anyone in cars, trucks

• Be careful around animals, even their own.  Costumes may scare some pets.

• Go only to houses with porch lights on

• Walk, don’t run!

• Look both ways when crossing streets

Parents should also:

• Accompany children age 12 and under

• Never let them go alone (if they are older, the buddy system works better!)

• See that their costumes are Flame Retardant

• Use reflective tape or reflective stickers to make them easily visible

• Choose light-colored costumes

• Have them carry a flashlight or glo stick.

• Know the routes their older children plan to take.

• Check their treats when they get home to be sure there are no unsafe surprises!

Pass these reminders on to others, in order for everyone to have a safe Halloween.

Earlier this year, we featured Safety Advice for Women of all Ages.  We feel it would be helpful to review this information and add these good suggestions, as well:

• If a thief wants your wallet or purse, do not hand it to him; throw it away.  Hopefully, he will be more interested it that and will go for it, so you can make your break.

• Do not sit in your car working on your checkbook or making a list, as you may be vulnerable to some predator who is watching you.

• When you get into your car, lock your doors and drive away.

• Always be aware of your surroundings.

• Do not be tricked into helping someone.  There are many professional criminals who will play on your sympathies.

• Your elbow is the strongest point on your body; use it if you need to.

• There are many scams that are done outside your house; if you hear unusual noises, call for help, but do not go outside to investigate.

• God forbid, but if you are ever put into a car trunk, kick out the taillights and wave like crazy, so someone will see you!

These warnings apply to men and children, as well as women.  It seems as though women and children are the most likely targets for predators.  We all should be vigilant and watch for each other.  There are many protective devices adults can carry, such as pepper spray or mace.  In this crazy world of ours, we just can’t be too careful!