Month: July 2013

Hazardous Drug Exposures in Health Care

HazardousDrugs_072711ayfHealth care workers who prepare or administer hazardous drugs (e.g., those used for cancer therapy, and some antiviral drugs, hormone agents, and bioengineered drugs) or who work in areas where these drugs are used may be exposed to these agents in the workplace. About 8 million U.S. healthcare workers are potentially exposed to hazardous drugs, including pharmacy and nursing personnel, physicians, operating room personnel, environmental services workers, workers in research laboratories, veterinary care workers, and shipping and receiving personnel.

via CDC – Hazardous Drug Exposures in Health Care – NIOSH Workplace Safety and Health Topic.

The Keys to Defensive Driving

defensive-drivingDriving is risky business. As a defensive driver, you can avoid crashes and help lower your risk behind the wheel.If youve been out on the roads, you know that not everyone drives well. Some people speed aggressively. Others wander into another lane because they arent paying attention. Drivers may follow too closely, make sudden turns without signaling, or weave in and out of traffic.

Aggressive drivers are known road hazards, causing one third of all traffic crashes. But inattentive driving is becoming more of a problem as people “multitask” by talking on the phone, texting or checking messages, eating, or even watching TV as they drive.

via The Keys to Defensive Driving.

Heat Stress Risk

heat_stressWorkers who are exposed to extreme heat or work in hot environments may be at risk of heat stress. Exposure to extreme heat can result in occupational illnesses and injuries. Heat stress can result in heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, or heat rashes. Heat can also increase the risk of injuries in workers as it may result in sweaty palms, fogged-up safety glasses, and dizziness. Burns may also occur as a result of accidental contact with hot surfaces or steam.

Workers at risk of heat stress include outdoor workers and workers in hot environments such as firefighters, bakery workers, farmers, construction workers, miners, boiler room workers, factory workers, and others. Workers at greater risk of heat stress include those who are 65 years of age or older, are overweight, have heart disease or high blood pressure, or take medications that may be affected by extreme heat.

Prevention of heat stress in workers is important. Employers should provide training to workers so they understand what heat stress is, how it affects their health and safety, and how it can be prevented.

via CDC – Heat Stress – NIOSH Workplace Safety and Health Topic.

Effects of Drinking Too Much Soda

franchise-industry-opposes-big-soda-ban

Sodas, iced teas, and other sweetened beverages are our biggest source of high-fructose corn syrup—accounting for about two-thirds of our annual intake. New research from the University of California at San Francisco indicates that fructose can trick our brains into craving more food, even when we’re full. It works by impeding the body’s ability to use leptin, the “satiation hormone” that tells us when we’ve had enough to eat.

via You Drink Too Much Soda: Men’s Health.com.

Coping with a Disaster

Disaster Mental Health|CDCThe effects of a disaster, terrorist attack, or other public health emergency can be long-lasting, and the resulting trauma can reverberate even with those not directly affected by the disaster. This page provides general strategies for promoting mental health and resilience that were developed by various organizations based on experiences in prior disasters.

via Disaster Mental Health|CDC.

The Dangers of Mixing Cleaning Products

cleaningkit3It is no surprise that mixing cleaning chemicals can be a deadly business.  But why exactly is it so dangerous, and what specifically should not be mixed?  The main cleaner that can NOT be mixed with other cleaning agents is chlorine bleach.  The active ingredient in bleach is sodium hypochlorite, which can be corrosive to the skin and mucous membranes and can even cause severe injury to the eyes.  Chlorine bleach is basically chlorine gas in water.  When it is mixed with other chemicals, deadly gases can be produced.

via The Dangers of Mixing Cleaning Products – Heits Building Services Cincinnati Northern Kentucky DaytonHeits Building Services Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Dayton.

Staying Healthy at Work

shutterstock_754099121Staying healthy at work makes it easier to do your job. For many people, staying healthy at work begins with proper office space ergonomics — such as correct chair height, proper equipment spacing and good posture.

For others, staying healthy at work means preventing back pain and injury. The best bet? Exercise regularly — even if your job keeps you moving. Better yet, consider ways to include physical activity and gentle stretching in your workday. Strong and flexible muscles help keep your back in shape.

If your job involves travel, staying healthy at work might mean fitting in a workout while you’re away from home.

Staying healthy at work also extends to your mental health and family life. Consider strategies to boost job satisfaction, improve work-life balance and prevent job burnout.

via Adult health: Healthy at work – MayoClinic.com.