Posts Tagged ‘safety’

Halloween Safety Tips

January 25th, 2010 by admin | No Comments | Filed in Tips To Manage

Halloween, though undoubtedly an occasion for fun, is also a time when accidents could occur. When even adults, let alone children, are excited, they tend to be less careful and allow mistakes to happen.

Simple common sense ideas could prevent your child or even yourself from being hurt or injured and avert a tragedy. Here’s a list of Halloween Safety Tips recommended by the Los Angeles Fire Department.

BEFORE HALLOWEEN:

• Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.

• Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility.

• Secure emergency identification (name, address, phone number) discreetly within Halloween attire or on a bracelet.

• Because a mask can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic and hypoallergenic makeup or a decorative hat as a safe alternative.

• When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories, purchase only those with a label indicating they are flame resistant.

• Think twice before using simulated knives, guns or swords. If such props must be used, be certain they do not appear authentic and are soft and flexible to prevent injury.

• Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.

• Plan ahead to use only battery powered lanterns or chemical lightsticks in place of candles in decorations and costumes.

• This is also a great time to buy fresh batteries for your home Smoke Alarms.

• Teach children their home phone number and to how call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they have an emergency or become lost. Remind them that 9-1-1 can be dialed free from any phone.

• Review with your children the principle of “Stop-Drop-Roll,” should their clothes catch fire.

• Openly discuss appropriate and inappropriate behavior at Halloween time.

• Consider purchasing individually packaged healthy food alternatives (or safe non-food treats) for those who visit your home.

• Take extra effort to eliminate tripping hazards on your porch and walkway. Check around your property for flower pots, low tree limbs, support wires or garden hoses that may prove hazardous to young children rushing from house to house.

• Learn or review CPR skills to aid someone who is choking or having a heart attack.

• Consider safe party guidelines when hosting an Adult or Office Party.

FUN ALTERNATIVES:

• Find a special event or start one in your own neighborhood.

• Community Centers, Shopping Malls and Houses of Worship may have organized festivities.

• Share the fun by arranging a visit to a Retirement Home or Senior Center.

• Create an alliance with College Fraternities, Sororities or Service Clubs for children’s face painting or a carnival.

BEFORE NIGHTFALL ON HALLOWEEN:

• A good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating will discourage youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats.

• Consider fire safety when decorating. Do not overload electrical outlets with holiday lighting or special effects, and do not block exit doors.

• While children can help with the fun of designing a Jack O’ Lantern, leave the carving to adults.

• Always keep Jack O’ Lanterns and hot electric lamps far away from drapes, decorations, flammable materials or areas where children and pets will be standing or walking.

• Plan and review with your children the route and behavior which is acceptable to you.

• Do not permit children to bicycle, roller-blade or skateboard.

• Agree on a specific time when revelers must return home.

• Along with flashlights for all, older children and escorts should wear a wristwatch and carry coins for non-emergency phone calls.

• Confine, segregate or otherwise prepare household pets for an evening of frightful sights and sounds. Be sure that all dogs and cats are wearing collars and proper identification tags. Consult your veterinarian for further advice.

• Remind all household drivers to remain cautious and drive slowly throughout the community.

• Adult partygoers should establish and reward a designated driver.

WHEN TRICK-OR-TREATING:

• A Parent or responsible Adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.

• Remind Trick-or-Treaters:

• By using a flashlight, they can see and be seen by others.

• Stay in a group, walk slowly and communicate where you are going.

• Only trick-or-treat in well known neighborhoods at homes that have a porch light on.

• Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.

• If no sidewalk is available, walk at the farthest edge of the roadway facing traffic.

• Never cut across yards or use alleys.

• Never enter a stranger’s home or car for a treat.

• Obey all traffic and pedestrian regulations.

• Always walk. Never run across a street.

• Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as recognized by local custom).

• Remove any mask or item that will limit eyesight before crossing a street, driveway or alley.

• Don’t assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn’t mean others will.

• Never consume unwrapped food items or open beverages that may be offered.

• No treats are to be eaten until they are thoroughly checked by an Adult at home.

• Law Enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.

AFTER TRICK-OR-TREATING:

• Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible Adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.

• Try to apportion treats for the days following Halloween.

• Although sharing is encouraged, make sure items that can cause choking (such as hard candies), are given only to those of an appropriate age.

Halloween for Kids and Dads

Halloween’s just around the corner. And while your kids are all set to have a blast, they will appreciate your effort and participation in making it a memorable day for them. Of course, some activities are traditionally dad’s domain. A fun excursion for any family is an annual trip to pick out a pumpkin, though sometimes, just picking one up at the grocery store is a good plan if you only have time to do one thing. For a tongue-in-cheek, but accurate primer on carving, go to carving your jack o’ lantern.

For patterns and carving tips, check out jack-o-lantern.com, which has downloadable PDF pattern for cutting out unique pumpkins.

While commercial costumes are always an option, it’s not difficult to create spooky costumes for your kids when they go ‘Trick or Treating.’ Helping them put together costumes from material readily available at home will be a fun exercise in creativity for them that will also save you a few good dollars. Here are some amazingly simple Halloween costume ideas that you could use or innovate upon.

When it comes to dads and their kids, often the simplest activities give the most joy. Curve a pumpkin together during Halloween is a fun activity that stimulates kids’ creative faculties. Find more about Halloween safety tips on Halloween festival.

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Travel Tips On Safety For Young People On Vacation

January 14th, 2010 by admin | No Comments | Filed in Tips To Manage

It is common to find many young people on a vacation to be drinking and partying. But it is of utmost importance that young people practice safety when traveling especially when in a foreign country. This does not simply deal with the issue of irresponsible drinking alone but you have to be extra careful and be aware of your surroundings for your own safety and for a smooth vacation trip while having some fun, rest and relaxation.


It is important that you know your limits when it comes to alcohol drinking. The problem regarding hang-over is just a minor one. You should be more concerned with other potential effects of excessive alcohol drinking like alcohol poisoning, possible black out and the worst effect which could be death. Your judgment can be impaired by too much alcohol and you could possibly get into bad situations. Monitor your consumption of alcohol as well as the alcohol consumption of those people who are traveling with you.


Create a buddy system with your friends or travel group. Watch for each other and stay together at all times as much as possible. If you do get separated for instance at a party, check out on each other at least every hour. Decide on a rendezvous point or meeting place if you don’t happen to find each other. Staying close with your friends can be very helpful for the boys when one gets into a fight. As for the ladies, your friends will be there to save you should someone be making sexual advances in the hopes of taking advantage of your drunken situation.


Do not accept drinks, candies, etc. from strangers and don’t trust anyone. You have to be extra careful especially for the ladies who get drinks from stranger. You may never know that he is trying to drug you to be able to take advantage of you. Do not leave with someone whom you just met and never give out information like your hotel room, etc.


For every action that you will be doing, always think about the possible outcome or consequences that may have you regretting for it in the end.


When you are traveling out of the country, be aware of the laws, customs and rules of the country you are visiting. Many young people get arrested for intoxication in public areas or driving under the influence of alcohol. If you happen to get into trouble in a foreign country, immediately contact your local embassy in that country.


Do not bring excessive amounts of cash, unnecessary credit cards and blings that could make you an attractive target of robbers and snatchers. Leave a photocopy of your passport back at home and one in the hotel you’re staying. In case you happen to lose your passport or it gets stolen, having a photocopy can help speed up the replacement process.

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Halloween Safety for Your Pet

January 13th, 2010 by admin | No Comments | Filed in Tips To Manage

Soon enough the season of costumes and Jack-O’-Lanterns will fill our neighborhoods with an endless parade of trick-or-treaters heading for our doorsteps. This year, be prepared to make the season a safe one for all members of the family. Here are some important veterinarian-recommended tips:

 

·      Halloween season is a time of mischief and pranks, and too often dogs and cats become unwilling participants. Keep your outdoor pets well supervised in the yard or, better yet, keep them indoors and safe from neighborhood hooligans at night.

·      If your dog has the personality and temperament to accompany the kids trick-or-treating, there are a variety of costumes available in pet-friendly sizes. Just make sure the costume doesn’t interfere with his ability to breathe, see, hear, move, or bark. Always make sure the fit isn’t constricting, and keep an eye out for signs your dog may be getting stressed out.

·      Like any other night you take your dog for a stroll, make sure he’s wearing his collar & nametag/ID. And with so many other people on the street, it’s important to keep him on a lead or leash.

·      Just as you’d make sure your kids aren’t eating unsafe candy, never let your dog get a hold of any bite-size sweets. Candy and wrappers are potential choking hazards, and chocolate is particularly dangerous for dogs – a toxin. Instead, pick up a container of baked cookies for Dogs to share or any other of your pooch’s favorite biscuits and treats.

·      No other time of year will so many strange kids in even stranger costumes be knocking on your door. This can be especially nerve-wracking for the territorial dog. With the door opening and closing all night, be careful of them darting out. You may even want to put up a temporary gate in the entranceway, or keep your pup in a separate room.

·      For especially nervous animals, the haunting screams of kids and endless chiming doorbells can get to be too much for comfort. There are a variety of calming products designed for storm- and travel-shy pets, which are also useful on Halloween.



Finally, decorations and Jack-O’-Lanterns are tempting for pets to get their noses into. Needless to say, it’s too easy for them to get hurt if left unsupervised, whether it’s in a tangle of crepe paper or a singed coat from an open flame. Always keep these Halloween favors out of your pet’s reach!

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Halloween Safety Tips for Parents and Children

January 12th, 2010 by admin | No Comments | Filed in Tips To Manage

As the day for trick or treating approaches, the idea of safety should be on the minds of all, especially parents of small children.

You may not know this, but the United States Department of Transportation has issued statistics, which demonstrate that the majority of fatal collisions between motor vehicles and young pedestrians (under 15 years of age) happen most frequently between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. (i.e., during trick or treating hours!)

Also, 84% of deaths among young pedestrians occurred at non-intersection locations (indicating children are most likely to dart and dash from mid-block into the street).

Halloween also sees more than its share of automobile accidents because of the number of parties that take place (with alcohol being consumed).

Shockingly, of all the highway fatalities that take place on Halloween, approximately two-thirds of them are alcohol related.

These are certainly sobering numbers and may have you thinking about staying home instead of exposing your children to any harm.

However, by exercising some good common sense, everything will be just fine.

After reviewing the previously mentioned statistics, as well as a number of websites devoted to Halloween safety, I compiled the following list of tips, which I hope that everyone will follow.

For a safe and enjoyable trick or treating experience,

-Don’t let the excitement of Halloween allow your children to ignore the normal safety precautions: look both ways before crossing the street; cross in a crosswalk or at a corner (do not walk into the street between parked cars); walk on the sidewalk; do not talk to strangers; do not go into homes or cars of people they do not know; and do not approach animals they do not know.

-Make sure children know their name, phone number and address and to provide this information to a police officer in an emergency or if they are lost.

-Younger children should have an adult with them while older children should provide their route and when they expect to return. If possible, provide a cell phone for your children.

-Children should only visit homes that have their porch lights on.

-Inspect your children’s candy before they eat it. Although food tampering is rare, it’s safest to eat only those candies that are individually wrapped and not homemade, unless you know the families who have prepared the homemade treats.

-Have flashlights or glowsticks for children and/or for the accompanying adult.

-Adults are reminded not to drink alcohol and drive. In fact, it is safest to save the cocktails until after everyone is safe at home.

When selecting costumes for the little ones:

-Make sure your child’s Halloween costume is made with fire retardant materials and has eye holes large enough for your child to safely see out of. The costume should be short enough so it doesn’t interfere with walking.

-If your child carries an accessory, such as a fake sword, make sure it is made from a flexible material such as rubber, so it cannot injure your child or others.

-Provide a costume that uses bright color or use reflective tape, so your child can be seen clearly by drivers and other trick-or-treating families.

-Consider using makeup on children?s faces instead of a mask to allow the child to see clearly.

If all of these tips are followed, then everyone will have a much safer and ultimately enjoyable Halloween.

Be safe!

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10 Important Halloween Trick or Treat Safety Tips

January 3rd, 2010 by admin | No Comments | Filed in Tips To Manage

When it comes to Trick or Treat Halloween night, it is important to sit down with your children ahead of time, and go over some safety tips. After you discuss the tips with your child, give them a mini quiz to make sure they fully understand the importance of following your guidelines.

Here are 10 safety tips you need set into motion for Trick or Treat Night.

1. Children should always be accompanied by a responsible adult, preferably the parent. Your child needs to listen to the adult that is accompanying them.

2. Give children flashlights and glow sticks so that others can see them coming. Instruct your child to use them while outside.

3. Instruct your children to never go inside another person’s home, they are to remain outside the front door.

4. Let them know that they can not eat any candy until they get home. This will allow you time to inspect the candy to make sure its sealed and hasn’t been tampered with.

5. When possible, children should walk in groups or in pairs. They should never be out alone.

6. Have a preplanned route and go over that route with your child. If you accidentally get separated, mark off a few spots where you can rejoin up.

7. Every year, children get hit by cars on Halloween night. It is better for your child to walk than to ride their bicycles when out Trick or Treating.

8. If your child is wearing a mask with their costume, make sure the mask properly fits and is not obstructing their view. Personally, I prefer face paint and hats, over full frontal face masks for safety reasons.

9. Go over stranger danger safety tips with your child before they go out. Instruct your child to never get in a stranger’s car.

10. Children need to remain on well lit streets and on the sidewalks. They should never be running through dark yards or playing on the street or intersections.

By being prepared ahead of time and talking with your child about Trick or Treat night safety tips, you can have a fun and safe Halloween evening.

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Personal Safety Tips

January 2nd, 2010 by admin | 1 Comment | Filed in Tips To Manage

Let’s face it. We live in an unpredictable and often scary world. Turn on the news and you are bound to hear stories of utter disaster – murders, rapes, and kidnappings just to name a few. As a result, just watching or reading the news can leave us feeling uneasy and defenseless. But, the good thing is, we have a choice. We can either stand by with the hope that none of this stuff ever happens to us or our families…or we can do something about it. Nowadays, a growing number of people are choosing to do the latter.

While we should not live life in fear, we most definitely should be prepared. It takes more than pepper spray, tasers and stun guns to stay safe – the most important element in achieving personal security is to have knowledge . As in most cases, knowledge is power.

Keep the following personal safety tips in a handy place for you and your family:

Personal Safety – When Out and About

* Let at least one friend or family member know where you are going, and what time you expect to return.

* Carry personal security devices, such as pepper spray (if legal in your stat) or a personal alarm.

* Exude confidence at all times. Never show fear or vulnerability while out.

* Always be alert and aware of your surroundings in any situation.

* If you suspect someone following you, cross the road, and head to a safe, well-lit place quickly.

* Avoid walking alone anywhere at night. Make arrangements to have a ride home or take a taxi.

* Never accept a ride from a stranger.

* Avoid poorly lit or deserted areas. If this cannot be avoided, walk at the edge of the pavement and keep away from bushes and dark areas.

* Consider carrying mace or pepper spray. Check your state laws to ensure that what you are carrying is legal.

* If someone threatens you for your money/purse/wallet, hand it over to them. Whatever is in there is not worth risking your life.

Child Safety – When Out and About and at Home

* Never give your name or details about yourself to a stranger.

* Never get into a stranger’s car or go with a stranger anywhere.

* If a stranger asks you to help them find a pet, or offers you candy, always say no.

* Never let a stranger into your home. If there is a knock at the door, check to see who it is by looking through the peephole or out the window. If it is someone you do not know, do not open the door.

* Have your parents show you how to work the home security system, if you are ever home alone.

* When answering the phone, never let a stranger know you are home alone.

* When outside playing, keep near other children. Try not to play, walk, or ride a bike by yourself.

* When out at night, such as Halloween, wear LED Safety Lights so you are visible at all times to drivers.

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Halloween Safety for Dogs

January 2nd, 2010 by admin | No Comments | Filed in Tips To Manage

On Halloween fun and crazy costumes are everywhere. Dogs dress up as people and people dress up as dogs. Neighborhoods light up for a magical hour in which kids stroll around and have only to knock on a door to get candy. It’s a fun night for parents, one of the best days of the year for kids, and one of the most stressful for some dogs. Unless your dog has the energy of a puppy, the calmness of a Zen master, and the endurance of the Energizer bunny, the odds are that the Halloween craziness will stress him out.

In addition to the stress brought on by noise and commotion, there are other concerns to keep an eye on. With this in mind, here are a series of tips to keep your dog safe.

1. Avoid chocolate and other candy.  Make sure to keep any candy that you are going to hand out safely hidden from your dog. Notify kids in the house to put their candy bags away. Chocolate is a big no-no for dogs as it contains theobromine, which their bodies cannot properly digest. The darker the chocolate, the worse it can be. Small amounts are typically not lethal, so if he does snag a bite don’t freak out. But also don’t let it happen.

Candy wrappers, tinfoil, and other dangers can be found in candy bags, so keep your dog safe by putting these away.

2. Put your dog in a safe place, either a separate room or his crate, when the trick-or-treaters are coming by. You should not let him be at the door to greet the kids. Costumes, commotion, and loud noises will stress him out and can cause problems ranging from stress to aggression.

3. Don’t leave your dog around kids without supervision. The erratic movements and loud, startling noises can really upset him. Add in a scary costume and you have a formula for disaster.

4. Be careful about placement of electrical cords for decorations. If your puppy or dog chews on these, trouble will follow. Arrange them for safety and use a bitter apple spray on the cord to keep pets at bay.

5. Don’t leave candles unattended. Carved pumpkins look great with a candle burning inside them, but they can be tipped over. They can also be investigated by curious pets which can lead to burns or worse.

6. Make sure that your dog’s costume is the right fit. Don’t put him in a costume that is too small or tight. Also check for loose ends that could be chewed on and swallowed or cause other problems. If your dog hates having the costume on be a friend to him and take the costume off.

7. Watch out when the door is open. If your dog is not secured in another room or in his crate then he might bolt out the door. With all the activity outside it may be even harder to get him back in.

8. Walk your dog before the festivities begin – all those costumes can be scary.

9. If the noise is bothering him, try adding background sounds (radio, TV) to distract him from the neighborhood hubbub.

10. Be careful when out walking your dog after Halloween – loose candy can be found and he may grab a big piece if he sees it before you do.

11. Think twice about taking him out with your family to trick or treat. There’s a lot of costumes and commotion which can put any dog on edge. He might be happier at home.

12. Tell kids the dangers of the treats and to not feed the dog any.

13. Be firm. Don’t let anybody who wants to greet your dog just to be polite. Be willing to say “no thanks” if your dog is feeling anxious or if the other person (perhaps an excited, sugar filled child) is approaching inappropriately.

14. If you take your dog with you, do not take him up to a stranger’s door – the resident dog may not take kindly to that and it could end up being a bummer. Someone should wait at the end of the driveway with the dog.

15. Do not leave your dog outside. There are plenty of rumors that dogs are taunted and teased, that gates are opened, and that candy is tossed in yards. It’s unlikely that lots of kids are running around causing harm to dogs on Halloween night, but the commotion is enough to unnerve your dog and it is conceivable that a youngster might toss a treat toward your dog with the best of intentions but bad results.

It may seem like a lot, but the truth is that Halloween is a fun time for parents and kids and can easily be fun for dogs too. Many dogs enjoy being the center of attention and will tolerate wearing a costume (which we get a huge kick out of!) to do so. Keep an eye out for the dangers of candy, keep your dog secure in your house, and be ready to ward off over excited kids and all will be well. Happy Halloween.

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Health And Safety Training In The Workplace

December 30th, 2009 by dominicdonaldson | No Comments | Filed in Training

The Health and Safety at Work Act emphasises the duty of employers for providing a workplace free from hazards. Ensuring every new employee receives health and safety training is an essential part of every induction, from understanding where the emergency exits are to the procedures to follow in the event of an accident.

All employers have a responsibility for the health and safety of their employees within the workplace. Statistics suggest that 200 people lose their lives every year due to work related accidents and a staggering 2 million people suffer illnesses as a result of their work. Ensuring measures are in place to prevent these cases from happening is a legal requirement, put in place to avoid the distress of accidents and illnesses, as well as the financial implications they create.

It is important to know how to identify hazards in the workplace and control any possible risks. Companies who employ new managers and supervisors must make sure they receive some health and safety training as they then become responsible for the health and safety of their new employees. It’s important they are taught the company’s health and safety policy, where they fit in, and how the company wants their health and safety managed. Managers and supervisors may also need to be trained in some specific hazards and how to control potential risks.

It will then be down to the managers to make sure their employees understand the policies they have been introduced to, including fire exits and first aid, and how to raise any health and safety concerns with their manager.

The first step to providing health and safety training is to consider the type of training you want to introduce to your workplace. To do this, you need to consider the skills and knowledge required to be able to carry out the job in a safe and healthy fashion. Then, compare these against your employee’s current skills and identify the gaps.

You will also need to review your history of previous work related injuries, near misses or cases of ill health. Take a look at your risk assessments to see where information and/or training have been identified as factors in controlling risks and then consult employees for their views.

Managers will need to check if the law requires them to carry out specific training. If work carries a risk of serious harm or where there are large quantities of staff, training may need to be more advanced.

Deciding upon the style to adopt for your health and safety training will require a few considerations. Depending on the nature of your business, is likely to depend on the kind of training you require. Can it be conducted on-site or will you need to transport employees off site? Do you want to do a formal classroom session or a more relaxed method? Do you want to train employees in a group together or individually? Will it be computer based or interactive learning?

Only you know your company and its requirements so the decision of what type of health and safety training to provide will depend on what will best suit your employees. The important thing to remember is to make sure the information provided is delivered in an easy to understand format that delivers your key messages to all involved. If something goes wrong on the premises and an employee suffers an accident, you need to feel confident that all measures were taken to avoid the accident occurring in the first place.

Dominic Donaldson is an expert in Business Training Find out more about health and safety training and why it is an essential part of every new employees induction.

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