National Teen Driver Safety Week Kicks off October 18

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 14-18 year olds in the uS. In 2013, there were 2,614 teen (15-19 year old) passenger vehicle drivers involved in fatal crashes and an estimated 130,000 were injured.

Join Evergreen Safety Council and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in recognizing Teen Driver Safety Week this October 18th - 24th.

This years' Teen Driver Safety week theme is “5 to drive” and addresses the five most dangerous and deadly behaviors for teen drivers. Those dangers include alcohol, seat belts, texting, speeding, and extra passengers.

Know a teen who is driving or getting ready to drive? Teen Driver Safety week is a great time to start a conversation about driving safety, but be sure to continue the conversation often.

Did you know? Evergreen Safety Council is proud to offer teen driving courses through our Evergreen Driving School.

We’ve put together a safety inspired, teen-centric training program that meets all of the washington State department of licensing requirements.

with over 80 years of training, the Evergreen Safety Council has helped thousands of students bring out their best while keeping safety in mind.

The “5 to Drive” rules are:

1. No Drinking and Driving. Almost one out of five (19 percent) of the young drivers (15 to 19 years old) involved in fatal crashes had been drinking, even though they were too young to legally buy or possess alcohol.
2. Buckle Up. Every Trip. Every Time. Front Seat and Back. 64 percent of all the young (13- to 19-year-old) passengers of teen (15- to 19-year-old) drivers who died in motor vehicle crashes in 2013 weren’t restrained.
3. Put It Down. One Text or Call Could Wreck It All. The age group of 15 to 19 years old has the highest percentage of drivers who were distracted by cell phone use and involved in a fatal crash. In 2013, 156 people were killed in crashes that involved a distracted teen driver.
4. Stop Speeding Before It Stops You. In 2013, almost one-third (29 percent) of teen drivers involved in a fatal crash were speeding.
5. No More Than One Passenger at a Time. The risk of a fatal crash goes up with each additional passenger.

By Tom Odegaard, President/Executive Director Evergreen Safety Council

The Safety Role of the Front Line Supervisor

Over the years we have heard the question “who is responsible for safety” many times. Of course there are the normal answers such as “you,” or “the company,” or the all-encompassing “everyone.” Now how about this one: “my supervisor is responsible for safety.”

In my years of working in the safety field, i have learned that safety is not separate from production–it is part of production. So the statement about supervisors being responsible for safety is very true. If supervisors are responsible for production, that means they have a responsibility for safety as well so that production does not suffer. Just look at what happened in 1999 at the Milwaukee Brewers stadium build when they had a crane collapse: it shut the project down for six months. Talk about a slowdown in production.

Yes, i know that actually everyone has a responsibility for safety. Yet employees can often be so focused on their job they get “tunnel vision” and do not see the hazards. So it is up to the front line supervisor to assist their employees in doing their jobs safely.

As a supervisor you need to stop and take a look to see what your employees are doing, and if they are doing it safely and correctly.

Look at a few simple things, such as:

• Where are they standing?  Are they standing out of harm’s way?
• Do they appear to have their mind on the task or are they “spacing” out?
• Do they appear to be frustrated or in a good mood?
• Are they rushed/hurried or are they taking time to do the job correctly?
• Are they wearing PPE like they are supposed to?

If everything looks good you need to tell them. Tell them they are doing a good job and doing things safely. 

Of course if you see things that are incorrect or unsafe, you need to correct those issues on the spot. The best techniques are those that let the employee know that the supervisor is correcting his/her actions because of caring that the employee goes home at night healthy and uninjured. Here again we have found the one-on-one method (with no embarrassment or belittling) to be the most productive.

As a supervisor you must also understand, and stay on top of, the safety rules of both your company and OSHA (or State OSHA). Monitor their websites for updates and online learning opportunities, and know that we are here as a resource for training and consulting.

As a supervisor you should be aware that your employees are looking to you for leadership, and you need to be prepared. Understand the rules and regulations and most importantly communicate with your employees to ensure a safe and productive team.

By Eric Tofte, Director of Training Evergreen Safety Council

The Outdoor Heat Exposure Rule

Working outdoors in hot weather can result in serious illness or even death.  Workers exposed to extreme heat may experience symptoms of heat-related illnesses (HRI), such as heat cramps, heat rash, heat exhaustion, fainting, heat stroke and other symptoms.

HRI ranges from relatively harmless conditions such as heat edema (swelling) and heat cramps to more serious illness such as heat syncope (fainting) and heat exhaustion. The most serious and often fatal form of HRI is heat stroke.

HRI is also linked to injuries from falls, equipment operation accidents, and other on-the-job incidents. Such incidents can happen when someone with heat stress becomes fatigued, dizzy, confused, or disoriented.

In Washington State employers must provide training to workers so they understand what heat stress is, how it affects their health and safety, and how it can be prevented. The Outdoor heat exposure Rule WAC 296-62-095 applies from May 1 through September 30, every year, when exposures are at or above a specific temperature. In Washington DOSH looks at the temperature and the type of clothing the worker is wearing to determine if compliance with the rule has been put into effect.

If you have workers that are working in the outdoors you need to be aware of this situation to ensure your workers are safe. Evergreen Safety Council can help you provide the training and/or develop your heat illness prevention program.

Contributed by Eric Tofte, Director of Training Evergreen Safety Council

Water Safety

According to the WA Department of health, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children and teens ages 1 to 17 in our state. In 2013 there were 103 unintentional drowning deaths to Washington residents of all ages; 13 of these were of children younger than 18 years old. All of these are unintentional which means they are preventable. Know your surroundings and know how to swim.

Typically, hotels/motels do not provide lifeguards, so never leave children unattended. If you have a home pool or travel you should take a Water Safety education class from the Red cross so you know how to prevent drowning and what to do in case of an emergency. Anyone who does not know how to swim or is a weak swimmer should wear a US Coast Guard approved life-jacket, no matter how deep the water.

It only takes 1” of water to drown.

General Water Safety Guidelines:

• Learn to swim
• Take a water safety class, learn first aid and CPR
• If boating in the State of WA – you must have a Boater Education Card
• ALWAYS supervise children on, in or around water
• Do not drink alcohol while swimming or boating
• Do not attempt a rescue unless you have specialized training and/or equipment
• Be aware of your surroundings and potential water hazards
• Pay attention to the weather and tide tables
• Know the temperature of the water to prevent hypothermia

Most boating accidents are caused by the operator, not by the boat or the water environment. Approximately 80% of boating fatalities in the US are due to drowning and most would have been prevented if the boater had been wearing a US Coast Guard approved life-jacket. Because of this, Washington State implemented a new law in 2008 requiring anyone ‘operating a powered watercraft of 15hp or greater to take a safety education course and obtain a Boater Education Card to operate a boat in Washington’. For more information on this program you can go to www.boat-ed.com.  Before going on vacation or going to a local lake for a picnic, make sure everyone knows how to be safe in/near the water and pass the information on to other family and friends. Let’s prevent drowning everywhere.

Contributed by Stephanie Dyck, Office Supervisor, Evergreen Safety Council

Distracted Walking

I have learned after all the years I have been in safety, I have not seen everything.  This latest safety issue was brought up at the Governor’s Safety Conference (although it’s been around for a while) - “distracted walking”.  You heard correctly.  There are many people using their cell phones and other devices and not paying attention to where they are walking.  In fact, several times over the last couple of years I have been walked into by someone using their device, not paying attention to where they are going, and then they give me a dirty look.

According to Liberty Mutual Insurance, data has revealed that 60 percent of pedestrians do other things while they’re walking like texting, emailing, talking on the phone, or listening to music. And even though 70 percent consider those behaviors to be dangerous while walking in a crosswalk—it doesn’t stop them.

An article in HRM partners states that “...According to recent studies, ‘distracted walking’ is a growing safety concern. According to an article this past summer by the Associated Press, reports of distracted walkers treated at emergency rooms has more than quadrupled in the past seven years.”

The bottom line is that we all need to pay attention to where we are walking, riding, etc., especially while at work.  Another issue is that if employers allow employees to use these devices in this manner, what is their L&I liability for employees injured on the job while using them?

Just think, we humans will always be figuring out new ways to hurt ourselves in the future so we in safety will never rest.

If you need help regarding a safety issue give us a call at Evergreen Safety Council, we can help.

Contributed by By Eric Tofte, Director of Training Evergreen Safety Council

Injury Prevention

Most of us know that the major focus of workplace safety is injury prevention. In order to accomplish this, the first thing any business needs to do is a hazard assessment. Actually that is what safety is about—finding hazards and fixing them. Since most of you reading this understand the basics of finding hazards, we want to focus on some basic practices to prevent workplace incidents.

As you search for hazards understand that even though you as the employer have a duty to protect employees, each worker also has a responsibility to stay safe.  Make sure your employees are following the practices below:

Be safe in transit. Make sure your employees are driving safely and are operating safe vehicles.

Avoid taking short cuts. It is natural to want to get done on time, but do not short cut safety when it comes to on the job.

Know the weather. Dress and be prepared for cold weather and hot weather.

Make sure to use proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and know how to use them.

Injury reduction is a team effort!  Help your company accomplish this and please feel free to contact us at Evergreen Safety Council. We would be honored to be part of your safety team.

By Eric Tofte, Director of Training Evergreen Safety Council

Motorcycle Safety Tips

Motorcycles are fun and fuel efficient. That’s not news to anyone who’s ridden one.  But neither is the fact that they’re also more dangerous than a car.  Here are some sobering national statistics from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for 2013:

42% of all motorcycle deaths occurred in single-vehicle crashes;

In 40% of motorcycle single-vehicle fatality crashes the motorcycle rider had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at or above 0.08%;

48% of motorcycle fatalities involved speeding;

75% of fatalities were not wearing a helmet in States with no mandatory helmet law; 56% of fatalities were not wearing a helmet in States with a partial law (ie..under 18); 6% of fatalities were not wearing a helmet in States with a universal helmet law (like Washington).

Still, many enthusiasts enjoy a lifetime of riding with out injury.  The key to optimizing your odds is to be prepared and to avoid risks.  Below are some tips to help you stay safe on two wheels.

Don’t buy more bike than you can handle. When shopping for a bike, start with one that fits you. Choose a model that’s easy for you to get on and off the center stand; if it feels too heavy, it probably is.

Invest in antilock brakes. Antilock brakes are a proven lifesaver. IIHS data shows that motorcycles equipped with ABS brakes were 37% less likely to be involved in a fatal crash than bikes without it.

Hone your skills. ESC would not be doing our job if we did not stress the importance of finding and taking a riding course in your area. That is absolutely critical. These courses can teach you the basics, as well as advanced techniques such as how to perform evasive emergency maneuvers.  These courses may make you eligible for an insurance discount and they may also save your life.

Use your head. Yes, helmets are an emotional topic for some riders – there are groups that try every year to remove Washington’s universal helmet law. Don’t listen to them.  The facts show the risk.  When Texas and Arkansas repealed their helmet laws, they saw a 31% and 21% increase in motorcycle fatalities, respectively. Helmets save lives!  In our opinion, a full-face helmet that’s approved by the Department of Transportation is the best choice. (Look for a DOT certification sticker on the helmet.)

Wear the right gear. Instead of light clothing, you want gear that will protect you from wind chill, flying bugs and debris, and, yes, road rash if you should slide out. You’ll also want effective eye protection; don’t rely on eyeglasses or a bike’s windscreen – use a helmet visor or goggles. Keep in mind that car drivers who have hit a motorcycle rider often say they just didn’t see them, so you may want to choose gear in bright colors.

Be defensive. You aren’t the only one on the road – and you have the least amount of protection. You need to be extra alert, especially in this age of epidemic phone use and texting behind the wheel.  Keep an eye out for cars making sudden movements.  Don’t tailgate – keep a safe following distance to ensure you have enough stopping distance and so you have time to react to obstacles in the road.

Eliminating these foreseeable risks is the first major step in dramatically reducing your risks.  The weather of late has been great for riding and learning and we wish you all a safe riding season. Be safe and enjoy! Check out courses at evergreenmotorcycletraining.org or feel free to contact me, Monty E. Lish, Motorcycle Program Manager, S/TEP Program Mananager, Evergreen Safety Council.

Contributed by Monty E. Lish, Motorcycle and S/TEP Program Mananager, Evergreen Safety Council

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month

Most of us have seen/read stories of former NFL foot ball players who have suffered multiple concussions causing various levels of depression and dementia, even leading to committing suicide.  How many of you have heard of a high school or college athlete who has suffered similar results and not just from football, but soccer, basketball, and other sports? How about people who suffered head injuries in a motor vehicle collision or at work?

What is a Concussion?

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), a concussion is the major type (75%) of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that can change the way your brain normally works. Concussions can occur from a fall or a blow to the body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth. Doctors may describe a concussion as a “mild” brain injury because concussions are usually not life-threatening, but their effects can be serious. Those who survive a TBI/Concussion can face effects lasting a few days, or disabilities lasting the rest of their lives.

How Big is the Problem?

In 2010, about 2.5 million emergency department visits, hospitalizations, or deaths were associated
with TBI—either alone or in combination with other injuries, and contributed to approximately 50,000 deaths- about 138 every day in the US.

What are the Leading Causes?

• Falls – 40.5%
• Struck by/against-15.5%
• Motor vehicle collisions - 14.3%
• Assault -10.7%
• Unknown/Other -19%

What are the Symptoms of Concussions?

• Difficulty thinking clearly/concentrating/remembering new information
• Headache, Dizziness, Nausea, Balance issues, Lack of Energy, Sensitive to Noise or Light
• Irritability, Sadness, Nervous, more Emotional
• Sleeping more or less than usual

Recovery

Rest is very important after a concussion because it helps the brain to heal. Ignoring your symptoms and trying to “tough it out” often makes symptoms worse.

• Get plenty of sleep at night, and rest during the day.
• Avoid activities that are physically demanding or require a lot of concentration (like sustained computer use, video games).
• Ask your doctor when you can safely drive a car, ride a bike, or operate heavy equipment.
• Do not drink alcohol. Alcohol and other drugs may slow your recovery and put you at risk of further injury.

Contributed by Tom Odegaard, President/Executive Director Evergreen Safety Council

Importance of Interns

You constantly hear college students talking about the importance of getting the right internship.  Internships are a way for students to dip their feet in the waters of professional life, while still having room to make the mistakes expected of individuals new to a field.  Employers have begun to put a great deal of stock in internships because they’re representative of what to expect in the “real world”, and give students the opportunity to gain practical, first-hand experience.

In the world of safety there are a few colleges/universities that have a 4-year Bachelor of Science degree program in Occupational Safety and one of them is right here in Washington State; the Safety and Health Management (SHM) Program at Central Washington University. 

The SHM program coordinates multiple employer information sessions and on-campus interviews each academic year for employers looking to hire summer interns. The SHM recruiting season typically begins in October and runs through May. However, a majority of the employers (over 35) visit in fall for summer internships. The recruitment trip is typically a two day process which begins with an information session the first day evening at Hogue Technology Building (HTB), followed by on-campus interviews the next day at the CWU career services in Bouillon Hall. Contact Dr. Sathy Rajendran, SHM Program Director at rajendrans@cwu.edu (or) (509) 963-1152, to schedule your information session, and CWU Career Services to schedule your interviews at (509) 963-1921. Once your information session and on-campus interview dates have been scheduled, submit a well-written job announcement and info session flyer to Dr. Rajendran. The SHM program will publicize your visit through mass email to SHM students and post flyers on the bulletin boards in the HTB. Students will sign-up for interviews at the session.

Eye Safety

According to NIOSH each day about 2000 U.S. workers have a job-related eye injury that requires medical treatment. About one third of the injuries are treated in hospital emergency departments and more than 100 of these injuries result in one or more days of lost work. The majority of these injuries result from small particles or objects striking or abrading the eye. Examples include metal slivers, wood chips, dust, and cement chips that are ejected by tools, windblown, or fall from above a worker. Some of these objects, such as nails, staples, or slivers of wood or metal penetrate the eyeball and result in a permanent loss of vision. Large objects may also strike the eye/face, or a worker may run into an object causing blunt force trauma to the eyeball or eye socket. Chemical burns to one or both eyes from splashes of industrial chemicals or cleaning products are common. Thermal burns to the eye occur as well. Among welders, their assistants, and nearby workers, UV radiation burns (welder’s flash) routinely damage workers’ eyes and surrounding tissue.

In addition to common eye injuries, health care workers, laboratory staff, janitorial workers, animal handlers, and other workers may be at risk of acquiring infectious diseases via ocular exposure. Infectious diseases can be transmitted through the mucous membranes of the eye as a result of direct exposure (e.g., blood splashes, respiratory droplets generated during coughing or suctioning) or from
touching the eyes with contaminated fingers or other objects. The infections may result in relatively minor conjunctivitis or reddening/soreness of the eye or in a life threatening disease such as HIV, B virus, or possibly even avian influenza.

Engineering controls should be used to reduce eye injuries and to protect against exposures. Personal protective eyewear, such as goggles, face shields, safety glasses, or full face respirators must also be used when an eye hazard exists. The eye protection chosen for specific work situations depends upon the nature and extent of the hazard, the circumstances of exposure, other protective equipment used, and personal vision needs. Eye protection should be fit to an individual or adjustable to provide appropriate coverage. It should be comfortable and allow for sufficient peripheral vision. Selection of protective eyewear appropriate for a given task should

be made based on a hazard assessment of each activity, including regulatory requirements when applicable.

Contributed by Eric Tofte, Director of Training, Evergreen SafetyCouncil