CPSC Reminds Public of Portable Pool Safety

With the summer months soon arriving, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning the public to be aware of possible dangers that portable pools may have. As the agency's website says, "Portable pools are affordable, transportable, but can be just as dangerous as any other pool." The agency receives about 35 reports of deaths of children under age 5 each year in portable pools. Pool drownings can be prevented; parents and pool owners can check out pool safety resources at Pool Safely's website.

CPSC offers these basic tips to encourage pool safety:

• Never leave children unsupervised near any pool.
• Install door alarms that alert you when someone leaves the house and enters the pool area.
• Install a fence or barrier around portable pools.

DuPont Launches Dirty Work Photo Contest

DuPont just launched its 2^nd annual DuPont Tyvek Dirty Work Photo Contest. Industrial workers in North America are invited to submit photos of themselves wearing DuPont Tyvek “at their dirtiest and grimiest best.”

“Every day, millions of workers throughout North America get themselves dirty as they work on some of industry’s messiest jobs, particularly in oil and gas, environment and automotive,” says DuPont’s Dave Kee.  “This is our tribute to the many people who use DuPont Tyvek protective apparel to keep safe and clean while doing their jobs.”

Visit the contest website to browse photos of last year’s winners and information about the contest.

Parents Central Website Focuses on Kids' Safety in Cars

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) Parents Central website is a resource to help keep kids safe in and around cars. The site is organized into topic sections that are titled: Car Seats; At the Wheel, In and Around the Car; and On the Move. The site also includes instructional videos for installing car seats, a car seat inspection station locator, information on current NHTSA campaigns and much more. The agency encourages users to check the site frequently, as it will continually add information and updates.

Hand Tool Safety

Workers who use hand tools not only risk getting cuts and bruises, but also face a bevy of hazards such as soreness, aches, pains and fatigue. In fact, the frequent and prolonged use of hand tools can lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) of various kinds, including carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis. Long periods of tense or motionless muscles, awkward work positions, tissue compression and tool vibrations all can affect the health and performance of hand tool users. CCOHS presents tips for avoiding MSDs when working with these devices:

1. Change body positions to distribute the workload over different parts of the body and to give overused muscles some relief and recovery time.
2. Work at a safe pace.
3. Take rest breaks and work breaks.
4. Take time to adjust when returning to work after a long absence or when starting a new job.
5. Train workers on the safe use of tools and on the hazards involved in working with them.

According to CCOHS, a hand tool must decrease the physical demands placed on the people using the tool in order to be ergonomically effective. Click here for more information.  

A Look Back at Distracted Driving Awareness Month

The April 2012 issue of Professional Safety highlighted National Distracted Driving Awareness Month with information on some things that the various U.S. DOT agencies are doing to reduce the incidence of this growing hazard. The issue also included information on the guidance documents for employers and individuals from the ASSE Transportation Practice Specialty.

In a recent article in the Chicago Tribune, Phil Rosenthal takes a look back at the course of distracted driving, where it’s come from and where it’s headed. It offers an interesting retrospective on how technology, regulations and consumerism have developed over the years.

The April 2012 issue of Society Update asked readers, “Does your company use technology (software, hardware, service, etc.) that prevents the use of cell phones while driving on the job?” Nearly 68% of respondents answered “No, we do not use this technology and have no plans to do so.”

Now that the month of April has come to a close, take a look back at this year’s National Distracted Driving Awareness Month and let us know your thoughts. From your seat as an EHS professional, do you think the public is more aware of the problem? Does more need to be done?

Guidelines and regulations are still developing. How far should government go in restricting drivers? How much of the onus should be on auto or cell phone manufacturers, and how much on the individual?

What about other forms of distraction? As Rosenthal says, “phones are just the most obvious form of distraction.” Is too much emphasis being placed on cell phones, and not enough on other forms of distraction?

To read Rosenthal’s complete article, click here. Share your thoughts on the EHS Works blog in the comments field below.