At last ......Spring!

After a long cold winter, spring has finally arrived. With the nice weather ahead, you will also be seeing an abundance of construction on campus including sewer repairs and the steamline and power distribution projects. Remember to check e-mail postings, follow detour signs, drive carefully, buckle up, and enjoy the weather.

In this Spring issue of Spotlight on Safety, you will find articles pertaining to backyard safety, ergonomics, identification verification, and spring allergies.

Identification Verification

When picking up state vehicles from Transportation or the 24-hour communication desk, please take note that you will be carded for identification. Please have your drivers license ready.

E-R-G-O what?
Ergonomics has long been a controversial workplace safety issue, and with the rebuke of the recent Occupational Safety and Health Administration's lengthy ergonomics rule, repetitive strain injuries have acquired much attention from the public. Follow these simple tips to help prevent repetitive strain injuries:

• Stay in good physical condition.
• Before performing a repetitive or strenuous motion, take a few moments to stretch and warm up the muscles involved.
  Change tasks frequently and take "mini" breaks and stretch intermittently in both sitting and standing positions.
• If you work at a computer, adjust the screen to limit glare. Try to take frequent vision breaks away from your computer to allow your eyes to fully relax. Periodically gazing across the room or out a window will help the eye muscles rest and receive oxygenated blood.
• Maintain good posture and keep items frequently used in close proximity to you.
• Be aware of repetitive strain warning signs such as tingling, numbness or burning pain in fingers, hands, arms, wrists, and shoulders.

Backyard Safety

Spring has sprung and soon we will all be spending more time outdoors. Most of us seldom think that our own backyard poses some serious safety hazards, but according to the National Safety Council, common lawnmowers and garden tractors will have over 76,000 of us in the emergency room this year alone! Follow these simple safety guidelines to keep your backyard safe and enjoyable:

• Read and understand the operator's manuals for all outdoor tools. Know the limitations of equipment, how to shut it off in case of an emergency, and maintain it in safe working order.
• Sandals and yard work don't mix! Remember to wear the proper protective footwear.
• Don't allow children to operate machinery and keep them a safe distance from hazards.
• Remove all debris, toys, rocks, tools, etc. from the mowing area. Never refuel a hot mower and if the gasoline is left over from last summer, it is a good idea to change it.
• Ensure all guards on equipment are in place. Disconnect the spark plug before placing hands or any part of the body under the mower. Ensure that the blades are sharp and not damaged. Damaged blades can come out of balance and be slung out of the mower. Never cut wet or damp grass, it not only damages the mower, but increases the potential for injury.
• A sloping lawn should be mowed across, never pull the mower towards you; it could roll back on top of your feet.
• Buy only the chemicals you need and keep them in their original containers. Don't use food or beverage containers; they can be misleading to children. The labels include important information such as first aid treatment, the proper eye and hand protection to wear during mixing and application, and the safe methods of disposal.
• When grilling, standard briquettes should be stacked into a pyramid. Apply lighter fluid and allow it to soak in for a few minutes before lighting. Never add lighter fluid to lit coals. Once coals are ready, spread them into a single layer.
• Dripping fat from meat can cause flare-ups. They can be reduced by grilling low fat meats and trimming the fat before grilling. Use a drip pan beneath meat to catch fat. Never leave a lit grill unattended and make sure it is located a safe distance from buildings and other materials that could ignite.
  

Allergies, Allergies, Allergies

Spring is famous for being a time when people suffer greatly from allergies, and this year has been particularly difficult for some because of flooding. Allergies can be from both the environment or from food. The most common causes of environmental allergies are pollens, but house dust, mites, molds, and tobacco smoke are some other common irritants.
Allergies can develop at any age. Irritated eyes, stuffy head, sneezing, headache and drowsiness are allergy symptoms that can many times mimic those of the common cold. To help tell the difference, consider the duration of each of your symptoms. Colds tend to last seven to ten days, while allergies can go on for weeks. In addition, look at the type of discharge you produce, many times with allergies the mucus is clear and watery, while it tends to be thick and discolored for colds.
Allergists can help you discover what types of things are triggering your allergy symptoms and help you avoid further exposure. Over the counter products can ease symptoms, but many people find prescription medicines more effective and less likely to produce unwanted side effects such as drowsiness. People with allergies tend to be more prone to the effects of respiratory infections, so you will want to see an allergist if you have persistent nasal congestion, a recurrent cough, wheezing, chest congestion, or repeated sinus or ear infections.
There are also many herbs that can offer relief from allergies. Your doctor can help you decide if this alternative treatment could work for you.
Overall, the subject of allergies is very extensive and dealing with them can be challenging. Make note of when your symptoms occur and see your doctor to determine what type of treatment is right for you.

Safety Manual Update

New policies that have been approved or revised by the Loss Control Committee for inclusion in the Safety and Loss Control Manual are:

Electrical Safety - General Electrical Safety
PPE - Respiratory Protection
Chemical/Hazardous Materials Safety - Signs and Labels
PPE - Emergency Eyewash, Shower and Drenching Equipment
General Safety - Hazard Signs and Warning Labels

Hard copies of the above policies can be requested from the Safety Office by contacting us at 7-3341, or can be viewed on the web. As policies are approved, they will be added to our web site, so check back often for new policies.




Box 9031
Grand Forks, ND 58202
Phone: (701)777-3341
Fax: (701)777-4132