Drug Free Work Week and CDL Drivers & H1N1 Preventions Tips

Drug Free Work Week and CDL Drivers
With this being drug free workplace week, I took a look at the federal rules for CDL. What interested me is that in 49 CFR 382.507 it says that the employer/driver could be held both civilly and/or criminally responsible if the workplace drug program is not carried out.

Think about it, you let your program slide, then there is a traffic accident involving one of your rigs and bingo you just lost your job and your house. Yes, you could loose everything in this day and age of litigation. So take a look at your program to see if it meets the standard, and if you need help, give us a call at Evergreen.

Eric C. Tofte
Director of Training
206-459-4843 - cell


H1N1 Flu Prevention Tips
The following list of suggestions was forwarded by ESC Board Chairman Governor John Spellman. As you can see the UW has confirmed these precautions. Thank you to Lisa Hall for forwarding this useful information (confirmed by UW infectious disease specialists) - - -

Subject: Some steps to avoid Swine Flu
Prevent Swine Flu - Good Advice
Dr. Vinay Goyal is an MBBS,DRM,DNB (Intensivist and Thyroid specialist) having clinical experience of over 20 years. He has worked in institutions like Hinduja Hospital , Bombay Hospital , Saifee Hospital ,Tata Memorial etc. Presently, he is heading our Nuclear Medicine Department and Thyroid clinic at Riddhivinayak Cardiac and Critical Centre, Malad (W). The following message given by him, I feel makes a lot of sense and is important for all to know.

The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible to avoid coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is.

While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps (not fully highlighted in most official communications) can be practiced.

Instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu, focus on:
1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).

2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat or bathe).

3. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (or use Listerine). H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.

4. Similar to 3 above, clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water - blowing the nose once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.

5. Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (citrus fruits). If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.

6. Drink as much of warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc) as you can. Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.

We suggest you pass this on to your entire e-list. You never know who might pay attention to it - and STAY ALIVE because of it.

Tom Odegaard
President/Executive Director