Jan
31
Can an employer fire you if they had fired your sibling for giving additional discounts to his family?
Filed Under Law Enforcement & Police | Comments Off
Jan
29
How do I keep a fire going?
Filed Under Other - Home & Garden | Comments Off
cubz4life1233 asked:
I just had a outdoor fire pit put in. Starting the fire it easy enough with a fire starter log, but I just can’t seem to keep it going after the fire starter goes out. Any tips?
Albert
I just had a outdoor fire pit put in. Starting the fire it easy enough with a fire starter log, but I just can’t seem to keep it going after the fire starter goes out. Any tips?
Albert
Jan
27
Child Safety Online - Dont Wait!
Filed Under Parenting | Comments Off
The Parent Fairy asked:
As the internet becomes more of a social medium it brings with it some of the social problems of society. Problems such a bullying and predatory adults who seek out weak and venerable people such as children and exploit them. Child safety online is an issue every parent/guardian faces and is one that must be addressed immediately upon your child having online access.
Here are areas parents MUST show diligence in to protect their children online.
1. Talk to your child about the potential dangers of the Internet and how to protect themselves. Let your child know how serious an issue this is and that you will be monitoring their usage and checking their sites in order to keep them safe.
- Tell your child the following.
- Not to put any personal information online anywhere.
- If your older children are using a chatroom be sure they know to immediately exit if they
feel uncomfortable in any way.
- Never agree to meet in person, or send personal photographs to anyone they meet online.
- Never respond to messages containing offensive or threatening language.
- Always check with mom or dad before going into an online area that has fees or charges.
2. Parents need to adhere to the following and manage these on a regular basis.
- Block sites that could harm or violate privacy. It is suggested to block sites like Facebook and MySpace. However if your older children are using these sites then parents need monitor their friends list and photographs.
- Be sure there are no inappropriate comments in their profile and check uploaded videos from YouTube.
- Monitor their use of email programs such as MSN and Yahoo.
- If your child chats, monitor who they chat with and when.
- Get your school age child’s user ID and password to their social networking page. Check it often, and note down anything that you think threatens their safety.
- Be aware of the amount of time your child spends online. Monitor them closely to make sure they’re using the Internet safely.
- Keep the computer somewhere that you can monitor the screen easily from time to time. A placewhere you can casually glance at it and check the screen.
- Take advantage of your Internet service providers parental controls. These controls can block access to certain Web sites, chat rooms, newsgroups and other things on the Internet that are not suitable for children.
- Your child’s school should have an acceptable use policy for Internet access. Be sure this is in effectat the school and that student Internet use is monitored by teachers.
- Discuss online safety with friends’ parents and find out if the children are monitored online.
- Keep your ears open for comments from your child with regards to their friends and their interactiononline. Don’t assume all parents have every angle covered. Remember there is no full proof system for their safety.
- It is important to maintain an open line of communication with your child so transparency is important. Let your child know you will be monitoring his online activity and that you will be checking his sites, emails, and chatrooms.
Ensure that your children dont get caught up in the social problems of society, unfortunately these get into your home via the internet so keep them and yourselves safe from predators online.
There are many reasons kids are not safe online know what they are and how other kids not being safe online can spread from your child’s school to your home. child safety online.
Viola
As the internet becomes more of a social medium it brings with it some of the social problems of society. Problems such a bullying and predatory adults who seek out weak and venerable people such as children and exploit them. Child safety online is an issue every parent/guardian faces and is one that must be addressed immediately upon your child having online access.
Here are areas parents MUST show diligence in to protect their children online.
1. Talk to your child about the potential dangers of the Internet and how to protect themselves. Let your child know how serious an issue this is and that you will be monitoring their usage and checking their sites in order to keep them safe.
- Tell your child the following.
- Not to put any personal information online anywhere.
- If your older children are using a chatroom be sure they know to immediately exit if they
feel uncomfortable in any way.
- Never agree to meet in person, or send personal photographs to anyone they meet online.
- Never respond to messages containing offensive or threatening language.
- Always check with mom or dad before going into an online area that has fees or charges.
2. Parents need to adhere to the following and manage these on a regular basis.
- Block sites that could harm or violate privacy. It is suggested to block sites like Facebook and MySpace. However if your older children are using these sites then parents need monitor their friends list and photographs.
- Be sure there are no inappropriate comments in their profile and check uploaded videos from YouTube.
- Monitor their use of email programs such as MSN and Yahoo.
- If your child chats, monitor who they chat with and when.
- Get your school age child’s user ID and password to their social networking page. Check it often, and note down anything that you think threatens their safety.
- Be aware of the amount of time your child spends online. Monitor them closely to make sure they’re using the Internet safely.
- Keep the computer somewhere that you can monitor the screen easily from time to time. A placewhere you can casually glance at it and check the screen.
- Take advantage of your Internet service providers parental controls. These controls can block access to certain Web sites, chat rooms, newsgroups and other things on the Internet that are not suitable for children.
- Your child’s school should have an acceptable use policy for Internet access. Be sure this is in effectat the school and that student Internet use is monitored by teachers.
- Discuss online safety with friends’ parents and find out if the children are monitored online.
- Keep your ears open for comments from your child with regards to their friends and their interactiononline. Don’t assume all parents have every angle covered. Remember there is no full proof system for their safety.
- It is important to maintain an open line of communication with your child so transparency is important. Let your child know you will be monitoring his online activity and that you will be checking his sites, emails, and chatrooms.
Ensure that your children dont get caught up in the social problems of society, unfortunately these get into your home via the internet so keep them and yourselves safe from predators online.
There are many reasons kids are not safe online know what they are and how other kids not being safe online can spread from your child’s school to your home. child safety online.
Viola
Jan
26
Top Safety Training Videos for Industry
Filed Under Video Conferencing | Comments Off
Trbrian Jenkins asked:
Worker safety is one of the top concerns in any industry. OSHA requires that all businesses and industrial sites meet minimum standards of worker safety training to prevent injuries and manage emergencies. Depending on the industry, OSHA may require that workers be trained to recognize hazardous materials like asbestos, to protect themselves from exposure to hazardous materials, how to safely handle energy sources and methods of rescue in an emergency. A comprehensive training program should be a part of new employee orientation, and on-going in-service training can help keep all of your employees up to date with current best practices in preventing and managing emergency situations. If an emergency happens, proper training in incident management, control and resolution can save lives and prevent a full-scale disaster.
One of the best ways to introduce new safety training material to employees and others is through safety training videos. Whether you need to implement safety training as part of a federal grant qualification process, to meet OSHA requirements or to qualify your workers as specialty responders, safety training videos are an excellent way to present information and raise awareness of safety issues. Choosing the right safety training videos for your industry is important, but there are some safety issues that cross all industries. These are some of the top safety training videos that address important safety issues that should be of concern in any industry.
Introduction to NIMS - Industrial Incident Management Series
In 2003, President Bush signed a Homeland Security Presidential Directive that created a National Incident Management System. Since 2005, adoption of the NIMS has been a requirement to qualify for federal grants. There are federal grants available to pay for approved safety training videos that focus on the NIMS structure, command structure and incident management. “Industrial Incident Management Series” is a three part video overview and introduction to the most important principles of managing industrial emergencies and incidents, whether terrorist or accidental in nature. The three training videos can be purchased separately or as a full series designed to prepare your workers for the possibility of a terrorist incident or other situation.
Taking Control, the first video in the series, introduces your team to the concept of incident management. It covers the various types of emergencies that they might face, and discusses the importance of having a plan in place, then introduces and discusses the command roles and responsibilities of each team member in dealing with an emergency. The short film covers a great deal of ground, presenting the qualifications and certifications needed to take incident command, the advantages of working within a structured framework with a lead agency and importance of having a set of written standard operating procedures which can be implemented at a moment’s notice. By the end of the film, your team will be familiar with the concept of Incident Command Systems and the basic competencies needed to take command in an emergency.
Incident Command in the Field continues the series by discussing the role and responsibilities of an incident command post in the field. The second part of the safety training video series explains how and where to set up a command post and how to establish reliable communications with both the crews working the emergency and the NIMS system and lead agency. It covers the responsibilities of the incident commander, including establishing procedure, objectives and goals, assigning duties and maintaining communication and control of the situation. In addition, the film discusses the importance of determining strategy, the need for flexibility and for ongoing risk assessment, delegation of authority and resource management. By the end of this film, your team will understand the role of the Incident Commander and the importance of establishing control and leadership in a successful outcome of any emergency management situation.
Emergency Operations Center is the final video in the Incident Management series. It discusses the factors that can elevate an incident to a crisis requiring more direct and stronger management measures. The EOC safety training video focuses on the establishment and operation of a command post to handle all aspects of the situation, both internal and external. It covers the importance of setting up essential communication and office equipment, and control of information in and out of the emergency area. Communication is a major focus of the emergency operations center video, with discussion of interfacing with the community, government and regulatory agencies, the rest of the facility, the workers involved in the crisis and the media. By the end of this third video, your team will understand the importance of strategic management of communications, ways to make the media allies in managing the crisis and how to work with and communicate with government agencies to pull in needed resources to control the situation.
Other recommended training videos for industry include:
Hazmat Operations
Oil Spill Response Series
Workplace Strategies for Pandemic Preparedness
Theodore
Worker safety is one of the top concerns in any industry. OSHA requires that all businesses and industrial sites meet minimum standards of worker safety training to prevent injuries and manage emergencies. Depending on the industry, OSHA may require that workers be trained to recognize hazardous materials like asbestos, to protect themselves from exposure to hazardous materials, how to safely handle energy sources and methods of rescue in an emergency. A comprehensive training program should be a part of new employee orientation, and on-going in-service training can help keep all of your employees up to date with current best practices in preventing and managing emergency situations. If an emergency happens, proper training in incident management, control and resolution can save lives and prevent a full-scale disaster.
One of the best ways to introduce new safety training material to employees and others is through safety training videos. Whether you need to implement safety training as part of a federal grant qualification process, to meet OSHA requirements or to qualify your workers as specialty responders, safety training videos are an excellent way to present information and raise awareness of safety issues. Choosing the right safety training videos for your industry is important, but there are some safety issues that cross all industries. These are some of the top safety training videos that address important safety issues that should be of concern in any industry.
Introduction to NIMS - Industrial Incident Management Series
In 2003, President Bush signed a Homeland Security Presidential Directive that created a National Incident Management System. Since 2005, adoption of the NIMS has been a requirement to qualify for federal grants. There are federal grants available to pay for approved safety training videos that focus on the NIMS structure, command structure and incident management. “Industrial Incident Management Series” is a three part video overview and introduction to the most important principles of managing industrial emergencies and incidents, whether terrorist or accidental in nature. The three training videos can be purchased separately or as a full series designed to prepare your workers for the possibility of a terrorist incident or other situation.
Taking Control, the first video in the series, introduces your team to the concept of incident management. It covers the various types of emergencies that they might face, and discusses the importance of having a plan in place, then introduces and discusses the command roles and responsibilities of each team member in dealing with an emergency. The short film covers a great deal of ground, presenting the qualifications and certifications needed to take incident command, the advantages of working within a structured framework with a lead agency and importance of having a set of written standard operating procedures which can be implemented at a moment’s notice. By the end of the film, your team will be familiar with the concept of Incident Command Systems and the basic competencies needed to take command in an emergency.
Incident Command in the Field continues the series by discussing the role and responsibilities of an incident command post in the field. The second part of the safety training video series explains how and where to set up a command post and how to establish reliable communications with both the crews working the emergency and the NIMS system and lead agency. It covers the responsibilities of the incident commander, including establishing procedure, objectives and goals, assigning duties and maintaining communication and control of the situation. In addition, the film discusses the importance of determining strategy, the need for flexibility and for ongoing risk assessment, delegation of authority and resource management. By the end of this film, your team will understand the role of the Incident Commander and the importance of establishing control and leadership in a successful outcome of any emergency management situation.
Emergency Operations Center is the final video in the Incident Management series. It discusses the factors that can elevate an incident to a crisis requiring more direct and stronger management measures. The EOC safety training video focuses on the establishment and operation of a command post to handle all aspects of the situation, both internal and external. It covers the importance of setting up essential communication and office equipment, and control of information in and out of the emergency area. Communication is a major focus of the emergency operations center video, with discussion of interfacing with the community, government and regulatory agencies, the rest of the facility, the workers involved in the crisis and the media. By the end of this third video, your team will understand the importance of strategic management of communications, ways to make the media allies in managing the crisis and how to work with and communicate with government agencies to pull in needed resources to control the situation.
Other recommended training videos for industry include:
Hazmat Operations
Oil Spill Response Series
Workplace Strategies for Pandemic Preparedness
Theodore
Jan
21
The Confined Space Safety Policy - 9 Policy Headings
Filed Under Ask An Expert | Comments Off
Rayce Bannon asked:
A Confined Space Safety Policy can be divided into 9 sections.
This article briefly describes the nine parts of a comprehensive yet efficient confined space safety program.
1 - Purpose - The confined space safety policy states the requirements for the identification and safe entry into both permit required and non-permit required confined spaces.
The policy applies to areas of the workplace not designed for continuous occupancy and containing recognized serious safety or health hazards.
2 - Reference - OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146
3 - Scope - Applicable to all of the business’s employees, visitors and contractors.
4 - Administration - Variable, but generally administration of the confined space policy is by safety coordinators, supervisors, engineers and other trained managerial staff.
5 - Definitions - Can be standard, see: OSHA, Occupational Safety and Health Act
6 - Descriptions -
Confined Space is an area/space where an employee: - has limited openings for entry and egress; - can bodily enter and which is large enough to perform assigned work; - could be engulfed by bulk materials; - is not intended to continuously occupy.
Non-Permit Required Confined Space is a confined space neither containing nor having the potential to contain any hazard.
Permit Required Confined Space is a confined space with: - a hazardous atmosphere or potential for it; - material that could engulf an entrant; - converging/tapering walls/floors that could entrap or asphyxiate; - a recognized hazard.
Procedures Followed For All Permit Required Confined Space Entry
- Permit
- - Issuance - By the supervisor, mandatory for the employee, one shift in duration.
- - Cancellation - At shift end or on job completion.
- - Retention - Must be reviewed and kept. -
- Alternate Entry/Space Reclassification - Specific ref: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146 (c)(5)/(c)(7)
- Pre-Entry Briefing - By permit issuing entry supervisor.
- Contractor Notification - Outside contractor adheres to procedures - compliance must be assured.
- Lighting Requirements - Natural, auxiliary, emergency.
- Special Tools and Equipment - Intrinsically safe in flammable or combustible atmosphere.
- Preparation and Hazard Control - Preventing engulfment, burns. Lockout/tagout procedures.
- Assuring adequate ventilation.
- - Pre-Entry Atmospheric Testing - Includes employee training with testing equipment.
- - Monitor Calibration and Testing
- Field and Manufacturer Testing.
- Attendant Duties - Mandatory for permit required confined space entry, no other duties.
- Entry Supervisor Duties - Trained and authorized entry supervisor.
- Safety Equipment - PPE, non-entry rescue, rescue, general.
- Equipment Inspection - Per manufacturer’s recommendation.
- Handling Problems
- Rescue and Emergency Services - Documented, available, trained, equipped.
- Summoning Rescue Services Procedure
7 - Responsibilities - Employees and Entry Supervisor - Safety Coordinators - Supervisors - Contractors
8 - Training - Initial - Refresher - Annual
9 - Revision - Annually by Safety Coordinators
These are the nine parts of a Confined Space Safety Policy.
Fleshed out details of just such a policy can be read at Confined Space Safety Policy
For a selection of actual policies on the subject of industrial safety, environmental health and safety, and loss control please click on Environmental Safety Articles
Oscar
A Confined Space Safety Policy can be divided into 9 sections.
This article briefly describes the nine parts of a comprehensive yet efficient confined space safety program.
1 - Purpose - The confined space safety policy states the requirements for the identification and safe entry into both permit required and non-permit required confined spaces.
The policy applies to areas of the workplace not designed for continuous occupancy and containing recognized serious safety or health hazards.
2 - Reference - OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146
3 - Scope - Applicable to all of the business’s employees, visitors and contractors.
4 - Administration - Variable, but generally administration of the confined space policy is by safety coordinators, supervisors, engineers and other trained managerial staff.
5 - Definitions - Can be standard, see: OSHA, Occupational Safety and Health Act
6 - Descriptions -
Confined Space is an area/space where an employee: - has limited openings for entry and egress; - can bodily enter and which is large enough to perform assigned work; - could be engulfed by bulk materials; - is not intended to continuously occupy.
Non-Permit Required Confined Space is a confined space neither containing nor having the potential to contain any hazard.
Permit Required Confined Space is a confined space with: - a hazardous atmosphere or potential for it; - material that could engulf an entrant; - converging/tapering walls/floors that could entrap or asphyxiate; - a recognized hazard.
Procedures Followed For All Permit Required Confined Space Entry
- Permit
- - Issuance - By the supervisor, mandatory for the employee, one shift in duration.
- - Cancellation - At shift end or on job completion.
- - Retention - Must be reviewed and kept. -
- Alternate Entry/Space Reclassification - Specific ref: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146 (c)(5)/(c)(7)
- Pre-Entry Briefing - By permit issuing entry supervisor.
- Contractor Notification - Outside contractor adheres to procedures - compliance must be assured.
- Lighting Requirements - Natural, auxiliary, emergency.
- Special Tools and Equipment - Intrinsically safe in flammable or combustible atmosphere.
- Preparation and Hazard Control - Preventing engulfment, burns. Lockout/tagout procedures.
- Assuring adequate ventilation.
- - Pre-Entry Atmospheric Testing - Includes employee training with testing equipment.
- - Monitor Calibration and Testing
- Field and Manufacturer Testing.
- Attendant Duties - Mandatory for permit required confined space entry, no other duties.
- Entry Supervisor Duties - Trained and authorized entry supervisor.
- Safety Equipment - PPE, non-entry rescue, rescue, general.
- Equipment Inspection - Per manufacturer’s recommendation.
- Handling Problems
- Rescue and Emergency Services - Documented, available, trained, equipped.
- Summoning Rescue Services Procedure
7 - Responsibilities - Employees and Entry Supervisor - Safety Coordinators - Supervisors - Contractors
8 - Training - Initial - Refresher - Annual
9 - Revision - Annually by Safety Coordinators
These are the nine parts of a Confined Space Safety Policy.
Fleshed out details of just such a policy can be read at Confined Space Safety Policy
For a selection of actual policies on the subject of industrial safety, environmental health and safety, and loss control please click on Environmental Safety Articles
Oscar
Jan
19
Arizona Vacation Safety - Stay AWARE to Stay SAFE
Filed Under Travel | Comments Off
Andre Best asked:
Arizona Vacation Safety - Stay AWARE to Stay SAFE by Andre D. Best
Why? To save yourself grief. And pain. ENSURE your Arizona vacation safety. Learn about safety issues NOT found in the travel brochures or vacation websites.
You see, when on vacation in Arizona there are a few things that one should be aware of when visiting here. These are the type of things that you won’t read about in those slick brochures you find in the travel agent’s office.
These are the only things that one will learn about by living here for an extended period of time.
Let’s face it. It’s a real downer to not have a safe vacation. It’s not fun to spend a night in the local emergency room with the kids when they get sick from eating some bad local food or have an accident. Not fun indeed.
But, these vacation safety tips I’m going to share are not about the infrequent accidents that do happen on vacation. The vacation safety tips I’ll be sharing here involve things that are totally preventable.
As long as one is aware of them first.
So, let’s get started with vacation safety tips that’ll help you have a safer vacation here in Arizona.
1. The first of these vacation safety tips is for you to be aware of where you go when you’re vacationing in Phoenix. Phoenix is a big place and like most big cities it has areas of the city that are not too upscale.
Now, what are you to do about this?
Well, just realize that there are certain places within a big city like Phoenix that one should be extra careful about visiting.
If you find yourself in a part of town that has a lot of run-down houses, properties with garbage strewn around them, and abandoned cars parked along the streets - then common sense should tell you that these neighborhoods are not too safe.
Trust that instinct. I’d suggest you find other areas of the city to visit or drive around.
You see, Phoenix has, in my opinion, a high crime rate.
I moved here from Canada twelve years ago. What truly shocked me when I moved here was that Phoenix had more murders occur in two months than where I used to live had in a year. And I lived in, at the time, the ‘murder capital of Canada’.
So, just do yourself a favor with this vacation safety tip and stay aware of your surroundings. If it doesn’t look like a good place to be - it probably isn’t.
Trust your gut and get out of there.
2. The second of these vacation safety tips involves somewhat of a local health issue. I’ll explain…
The entire metropolitan Phoenix area is located within a large valley. It’s surrounded by mountains and mountain ranges. And within this valley is a certain type of ‘bug’ that lives in the soil.
Actually, this bug issue is similar to most other country’s bugs (e.g. Canada’s Beaver Fever bug, Mexico’s ‘don’t drink the water’ type bug) because it’s a bug indigenous to Arizona.
And what does this bug do? It wreaks havoc on a persons health when a vacationing visitor is infected with it. In our case, this bug causes what is known as Valley Fever.
And how does one get infected with Valley Fever? By breathing in the microscopic spores that make up this nasty bacteria.
And what does this bacteria do to a person when breathed in? Well, it can cause flu-like symptoms that grow all the way up to pneumonia, internal bleeding, and very, very rarely… death (gulp).
Now, I’m NOT trying to scare you. So don’t go cancelling your vacation plans to Phoenix…
….Because we need your sales tax revenues.
You see, this Valley Fever bug usually only becomes a problem when a person who hasn’t had Valley Fever comes in contact with it.
And a person comes in contact with it by breathing the bug in.
And the bug is found in soils that are not old and dried out, but rather soils that are newly disturbed.
So, how can you protect yourself with regards to this vacation safety tip? Easy.
Do all you can to stay away from soil disturbing activities.
* Like to visit new construction sites on your vacations? * Like to do local gardening? * Like to take up archaeology as a hobby when you’re on vacation?
One word of advice… DON’T.
Essentially, don’t go digging around places or near digging activities that you shouldn’t be around. At least not while on vacation here in Phoenix.
I know, I know, why would you go on one of your southwest vacations in Arizona just to dig in the soil, right? Silly me.
Well, just so you know. I got Valley Fever the first year I moved here. It progressed on to walking pneumonia and left scars on my lungs. I was lucky that that’s all that happened to me.
And what was I doing to be exposed to the bug? Just some simple landscaping in my desert landscaped yard.
See? It doesn’t take much.
So, just do your vacation planning while keeping this vacation safety tip in mind. Let’s not have you getting sick on us. Okay?
3. The last of these vacation safety tips applies to most of Arizona. This one is about bugs too. But this is about a different type of bug.
The real thing…
Scorpions and Black Widows.
Why is this one of our vacation safety tips? Because these little critters can be a nasty safety issue when you vacation here and get bitten by one of them.
You see, these two bugs are extremely common here in the state. Not quite as common as cockroaches, but almost. Why? Because it’s a desert here and they’re desert creatures.
They like the heat and they like dark cozy places. So, when you vacation Arizona just be aware that these little critters do like to live in places that the kids may go probing around in. Don’t let them do that.
Keep probing hands away from dark crevices both inside and outside the house, rental, villa, hotel or apartment.
And if someone does get bit, err on the side of caution and call the local poison control center ASAP and ask for help.
Oh, and by the way, unlike the Hollywood horror movie depictions, these bugs are NOT half the size of a horse. They’re SMALL. Black widows are maybe half an inch long. And scorpions get ‘as big as’ two inches. But… scorpions are FAST. And both can HURT you big time.
So, please ensure vacation safety for your family. Stay away from places these critters habitate. And when you get up in the dark in the middle of the night to get a drink of water - wear slippers. Just in case.
So, to sum up…
Don’t get paranoid about these vacation safety tips.
Go vacation.
Have fun. Just keep your eyes open to possible vacation safety concerns. Simple, right?.
Anyway, I hope these vacation safety tips prove helpful to you. Do have a safe trip here to Arizona. Just improve your vacation safety by ensuring you remember these vacation safety tips I’ve shared with you.
Good luck.
Michelle
Arizona Vacation Safety - Stay AWARE to Stay SAFE by Andre D. Best
Why? To save yourself grief. And pain. ENSURE your Arizona vacation safety. Learn about safety issues NOT found in the travel brochures or vacation websites.
You see, when on vacation in Arizona there are a few things that one should be aware of when visiting here. These are the type of things that you won’t read about in those slick brochures you find in the travel agent’s office.
These are the only things that one will learn about by living here for an extended period of time.
Let’s face it. It’s a real downer to not have a safe vacation. It’s not fun to spend a night in the local emergency room with the kids when they get sick from eating some bad local food or have an accident. Not fun indeed.
But, these vacation safety tips I’m going to share are not about the infrequent accidents that do happen on vacation. The vacation safety tips I’ll be sharing here involve things that are totally preventable.
As long as one is aware of them first.
So, let’s get started with vacation safety tips that’ll help you have a safer vacation here in Arizona.
1. The first of these vacation safety tips is for you to be aware of where you go when you’re vacationing in Phoenix. Phoenix is a big place and like most big cities it has areas of the city that are not too upscale.
Now, what are you to do about this?
Well, just realize that there are certain places within a big city like Phoenix that one should be extra careful about visiting.
If you find yourself in a part of town that has a lot of run-down houses, properties with garbage strewn around them, and abandoned cars parked along the streets - then common sense should tell you that these neighborhoods are not too safe.
Trust that instinct. I’d suggest you find other areas of the city to visit or drive around.
You see, Phoenix has, in my opinion, a high crime rate.
I moved here from Canada twelve years ago. What truly shocked me when I moved here was that Phoenix had more murders occur in two months than where I used to live had in a year. And I lived in, at the time, the ‘murder capital of Canada’.
So, just do yourself a favor with this vacation safety tip and stay aware of your surroundings. If it doesn’t look like a good place to be - it probably isn’t.
Trust your gut and get out of there.
2. The second of these vacation safety tips involves somewhat of a local health issue. I’ll explain…
The entire metropolitan Phoenix area is located within a large valley. It’s surrounded by mountains and mountain ranges. And within this valley is a certain type of ‘bug’ that lives in the soil.
Actually, this bug issue is similar to most other country’s bugs (e.g. Canada’s Beaver Fever bug, Mexico’s ‘don’t drink the water’ type bug) because it’s a bug indigenous to Arizona.
And what does this bug do? It wreaks havoc on a persons health when a vacationing visitor is infected with it. In our case, this bug causes what is known as Valley Fever.
And how does one get infected with Valley Fever? By breathing in the microscopic spores that make up this nasty bacteria.
And what does this bacteria do to a person when breathed in? Well, it can cause flu-like symptoms that grow all the way up to pneumonia, internal bleeding, and very, very rarely… death (gulp).
Now, I’m NOT trying to scare you. So don’t go cancelling your vacation plans to Phoenix…
….Because we need your sales tax revenues.
You see, this Valley Fever bug usually only becomes a problem when a person who hasn’t had Valley Fever comes in contact with it.
And a person comes in contact with it by breathing the bug in.
And the bug is found in soils that are not old and dried out, but rather soils that are newly disturbed.
So, how can you protect yourself with regards to this vacation safety tip? Easy.
Do all you can to stay away from soil disturbing activities.
* Like to visit new construction sites on your vacations? * Like to do local gardening? * Like to take up archaeology as a hobby when you’re on vacation?
One word of advice… DON’T.
Essentially, don’t go digging around places or near digging activities that you shouldn’t be around. At least not while on vacation here in Phoenix.
I know, I know, why would you go on one of your southwest vacations in Arizona just to dig in the soil, right? Silly me.
Well, just so you know. I got Valley Fever the first year I moved here. It progressed on to walking pneumonia and left scars on my lungs. I was lucky that that’s all that happened to me.
And what was I doing to be exposed to the bug? Just some simple landscaping in my desert landscaped yard.
See? It doesn’t take much.
So, just do your vacation planning while keeping this vacation safety tip in mind. Let’s not have you getting sick on us. Okay?
3. The last of these vacation safety tips applies to most of Arizona. This one is about bugs too. But this is about a different type of bug.
The real thing…
Scorpions and Black Widows.
Why is this one of our vacation safety tips? Because these little critters can be a nasty safety issue when you vacation here and get bitten by one of them.
You see, these two bugs are extremely common here in the state. Not quite as common as cockroaches, but almost. Why? Because it’s a desert here and they’re desert creatures.
They like the heat and they like dark cozy places. So, when you vacation Arizona just be aware that these little critters do like to live in places that the kids may go probing around in. Don’t let them do that.
Keep probing hands away from dark crevices both inside and outside the house, rental, villa, hotel or apartment.
And if someone does get bit, err on the side of caution and call the local poison control center ASAP and ask for help.
Oh, and by the way, unlike the Hollywood horror movie depictions, these bugs are NOT half the size of a horse. They’re SMALL. Black widows are maybe half an inch long. And scorpions get ‘as big as’ two inches. But… scorpions are FAST. And both can HURT you big time.
So, please ensure vacation safety for your family. Stay away from places these critters habitate. And when you get up in the dark in the middle of the night to get a drink of water - wear slippers. Just in case.
So, to sum up…
Don’t get paranoid about these vacation safety tips.
Go vacation.
Have fun. Just keep your eyes open to possible vacation safety concerns. Simple, right?.
Anyway, I hope these vacation safety tips prove helpful to you. Do have a safe trip here to Arizona. Just improve your vacation safety by ensuring you remember these vacation safety tips I’ve shared with you.
Good luck.
Michelle
Jan
18
Health and Safety Consultancy: What to Look for in Health and Safety Consultant
Filed Under Wellness | Comments Off
Vikram Kumar asked:
When you need to have health and safety consultancy, you can count on the Internet for the resource. Here, you will find a health and safety consultant that will match your health and safety consultancy needs. But how can you say that you have found the right consultant? What qualifications should you use in determining that you have found the right consultant?
In the advents of the Internet, it is not hard to locate companies that provide health and safety consultancy. However, you should be wary, if the said company meets your needs. Below is the list of criteria that you can use in looking for a health and safety consultant.
It should be able to cater to different sectors. At least if you find that a company caters to different sector, then most likely, your business would belong to one of the listed sectors. If this is so, you can readily arrange a health and safety consultancy from such company.
The consultant should be concerned about your business, employees, and clients. When a company is built to provide services to a client, it surely has profit or returns in mind. It is important that the health and safety consultant that you are dealing with is not only concerned with the profit. They must be concerned with providing you services that are satisfactory and beneficial for you. You would know this by the mission of their company. You can read between the lines through their website. When you are convinced that they are indeed there to provide service satisfaction to their clients, it could be that it is the right health and safety consultant for you. After all, you as a business owner or employer want to get a healthy and safe working or business environment.
The company must have enough experience in the health and safety consultancy field. This way, you can rely on their expertise. Experience determines how well is the company exposed to different scenarios of the working environment. It could be that they can also deal with the environment or the industry that you are in. Then they can give expert advise, policy and measures about how to create a healthy and safe business.
Finally, a health and safety consultant that you find in the Internet should operate legally. Being a consultant, they must have ethical practices. Integrity is important in a consultant’s world. If even for legal operation, they cannot be trusted, then most likely they cannot be trusted in providing you satisfying service. If the legal operation is not available in their website, then you can ask them bluntly if they are audited or is listed in your state as legal business entity.
When you spot these features in a health and safety consultant website, then you can readily contact them for your health and safety consultancy needs.
One of the health and safety consultancy firm available online is Proactive Health & Safety. This company is established to the fact that health and safety is important in any organization. With this in mind, they used their expertise in helping other companies develop health and safety measures. They understand that is it important to that employees, clients, and the business owners themselves will have healthy and safe environment. You can rely on their now-how on how to go about creating such environment.
Laurie
When you need to have health and safety consultancy, you can count on the Internet for the resource. Here, you will find a health and safety consultant that will match your health and safety consultancy needs. But how can you say that you have found the right consultant? What qualifications should you use in determining that you have found the right consultant?
In the advents of the Internet, it is not hard to locate companies that provide health and safety consultancy. However, you should be wary, if the said company meets your needs. Below is the list of criteria that you can use in looking for a health and safety consultant.
It should be able to cater to different sectors. At least if you find that a company caters to different sector, then most likely, your business would belong to one of the listed sectors. If this is so, you can readily arrange a health and safety consultancy from such company.
The consultant should be concerned about your business, employees, and clients. When a company is built to provide services to a client, it surely has profit or returns in mind. It is important that the health and safety consultant that you are dealing with is not only concerned with the profit. They must be concerned with providing you services that are satisfactory and beneficial for you. You would know this by the mission of their company. You can read between the lines through their website. When you are convinced that they are indeed there to provide service satisfaction to their clients, it could be that it is the right health and safety consultant for you. After all, you as a business owner or employer want to get a healthy and safe working or business environment.
The company must have enough experience in the health and safety consultancy field. This way, you can rely on their expertise. Experience determines how well is the company exposed to different scenarios of the working environment. It could be that they can also deal with the environment or the industry that you are in. Then they can give expert advise, policy and measures about how to create a healthy and safe business.
Finally, a health and safety consultant that you find in the Internet should operate legally. Being a consultant, they must have ethical practices. Integrity is important in a consultant’s world. If even for legal operation, they cannot be trusted, then most likely they cannot be trusted in providing you satisfying service. If the legal operation is not available in their website, then you can ask them bluntly if they are audited or is listed in your state as legal business entity.
When you spot these features in a health and safety consultant website, then you can readily contact them for your health and safety consultancy needs.
One of the health and safety consultancy firm available online is Proactive Health & Safety. This company is established to the fact that health and safety is important in any organization. With this in mind, they used their expertise in helping other companies develop health and safety measures. They understand that is it important to that employees, clients, and the business owners themselves will have healthy and safe environment. You can rely on their now-how on how to go about creating such environment.
Laurie
Jan
12
Health and Safety Consultancy: Characteristics of Health and Safety Consultant
Filed Under Wellness | Comments Off
Vikram Kumar asked:
When you have a business, you are most likely concerned about anything that goes on with your business. As a human being, you are limited in your own field and expertise alone. You also have only one body that you cannot do all the tasks in the business operation. In this regard, you would need people to be working for you. Even the health and safety of your people is your responsibility. When they get sick, you need to give them benefits or aids to get back their health. When they are faced with danger, it is your responsibility to get rid of that risk so they can function well. Of course this applies when they are within your business premises. So what you do, you need to ensure that you have health and safety measures incorporated in your business. If you do not know how, you need to get health and safety consultant.
The health and safety consultant is tasked to assess and evaluate the risk faced by your employees or clients within your business premise. Surely, you are the owner want to minimize such risk. Since you have other concerns in mind, you need to delegate this concern to the health and safety consultant. In your health and safety consultancy, you will tackle everything in your business that poses risk to the employees and clients.
Even if you do know how to make health and safety measures, you need to rely on the results of the health and safety consultancy. This is because there is special about health and safety consultant. Generally, the consultant has the following characteristics where you can rely on them for this task of ensuring health and safety for your business.
When you get health and safety consultancy from a third party, you are relying on their expertise on this field. You as a businessman are concerned about operating your business. The health and safety consultant is concerned about finding out what is wrong in your business in terms of hazards risk and determine how to get rid or at least minimize such risk. The people involved in the health and safety consultancy have the know how in this aspect.
In the health and safety consultancy, you will find the consultants are focused on the task of ensuring health and safety. When you are a businessman or employer, this is not your main job. Yet you know that you have to create a healthy and safe environment. This way, you need to employ health and safety consultant to do the task for you. They are focused to the task that you can rely on them.
The health and safety consultant has the facilities, know-how, equipment, and tools to create a healthy business environment. While you only have cooking utensils, cooking tips, or recipes for your restaurant, for instance, the consultant has the tools, measurements, and understanding of how to create a safe and healthy environment. When you avail of their health and safety consultancy, you can be assured of the tools they bring with them.
Given these characteristics with the health and safety consultant, you will be sure to have healthy and safety business environment. All you have to do is to decide on getting health and safety consultancy, find the right consultant for you, and apply the result of the consultancy. This will surely be beneficial to you.
Vicki
When you have a business, you are most likely concerned about anything that goes on with your business. As a human being, you are limited in your own field and expertise alone. You also have only one body that you cannot do all the tasks in the business operation. In this regard, you would need people to be working for you. Even the health and safety of your people is your responsibility. When they get sick, you need to give them benefits or aids to get back their health. When they are faced with danger, it is your responsibility to get rid of that risk so they can function well. Of course this applies when they are within your business premises. So what you do, you need to ensure that you have health and safety measures incorporated in your business. If you do not know how, you need to get health and safety consultant.
The health and safety consultant is tasked to assess and evaluate the risk faced by your employees or clients within your business premise. Surely, you are the owner want to minimize such risk. Since you have other concerns in mind, you need to delegate this concern to the health and safety consultant. In your health and safety consultancy, you will tackle everything in your business that poses risk to the employees and clients.
Even if you do know how to make health and safety measures, you need to rely on the results of the health and safety consultancy. This is because there is special about health and safety consultant. Generally, the consultant has the following characteristics where you can rely on them for this task of ensuring health and safety for your business.
When you get health and safety consultancy from a third party, you are relying on their expertise on this field. You as a businessman are concerned about operating your business. The health and safety consultant is concerned about finding out what is wrong in your business in terms of hazards risk and determine how to get rid or at least minimize such risk. The people involved in the health and safety consultancy have the know how in this aspect.
In the health and safety consultancy, you will find the consultants are focused on the task of ensuring health and safety. When you are a businessman or employer, this is not your main job. Yet you know that you have to create a healthy and safe environment. This way, you need to employ health and safety consultant to do the task for you. They are focused to the task that you can rely on them.
The health and safety consultant has the facilities, know-how, equipment, and tools to create a healthy business environment. While you only have cooking utensils, cooking tips, or recipes for your restaurant, for instance, the consultant has the tools, measurements, and understanding of how to create a safe and healthy environment. When you avail of their health and safety consultancy, you can be assured of the tools they bring with them.
Given these characteristics with the health and safety consultant, you will be sure to have healthy and safety business environment. All you have to do is to decide on getting health and safety consultancy, find the right consultant for you, and apply the result of the consultancy. This will surely be beneficial to you.
Vicki
Jan
9
Do More With Your Career With a Degree in Fire & Safety Engineering Technology
Filed Under Online Education | Comments Off
Bailey Smith asked:
Were you one of those kids that always dreamed of being a fireman but now as an adult wish you could do even more with your career? Then the College of Justice and Safety at Eastern Kentucky University’s Bachelor of Science in Fire & Safety Engineering Technology and Certificate Program in Fire Administration online degree program may be ideally suited for you. Designed to meet the busy and hectic needs of those working in today’s fire and safety professions, Eastern Kentucky University aims to offer a quality and comprehensive program that will give students a better understanding of the challenges in the fire and safety industry while preparing them to propel their careers forward.
Your education in fire and safety engineering technology can equip you with the foundation that you need for pursuing leadership roles and career advancement. The carefully selected curriculum is “designed to provide students with a broad background in the management of first response operations dealing with fire safety, as well as industrial and community disasters.” Generally, the Bachelor of Science in Fire & Safety Engineering Technology requires the completion of fifty-three credits, fourteen of which are free electives. The online degree program will cover courses in fire and emergency management, hazardous materials, safety analysis and many other vital issues to the fire and safety field. The College of Justice and Safety at Eastern Kentucky University also offers a less intense option for those who wish to only obtain the fire & safety engineering technology certificate. For certification, students would only be required to complete a total of around thirty-four credits.
Admissions to the program in Fire and Safety Engineering Technology at Eastern Kentucky University is pretty simple and straight forward requiring a completed application, a minimum GPA of 2.0 (on the 4.0 scale) and a score of at least 870 on the SAT or 18 on the ACT. The minimum test score requirement may be waived under certain circumstances, so if this is a concern be sure to speak to an advisor in Eastern Kentucky University’s admissions department. The application fee for the program is $30 and applications are accepted year round. The program has five 8-week terms through out the year so you can begin your studies at a time that works best for you.
Eastern Kentucky University’s program in Fire & Safety Engineering Technology has long been heralded as one of the top ranked programs in the nation, and since they now offer the courses online you are able to benefit from the program right from your own home.. With a chance to learn from both nationally and internationally recognized leaders in the fire and safety industry, Eastern Kentucky University offers a quality educational experience for $350 per credit hour which is somewhat comparable to most online degree programs in the country. And since Eastern Kentucky University’s program is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS ) you can rest assured that your tuition dollars are going toward a recognized degree program that you can be proud of.
Earl
Were you one of those kids that always dreamed of being a fireman but now as an adult wish you could do even more with your career? Then the College of Justice and Safety at Eastern Kentucky University’s Bachelor of Science in Fire & Safety Engineering Technology and Certificate Program in Fire Administration online degree program may be ideally suited for you. Designed to meet the busy and hectic needs of those working in today’s fire and safety professions, Eastern Kentucky University aims to offer a quality and comprehensive program that will give students a better understanding of the challenges in the fire and safety industry while preparing them to propel their careers forward.
Your education in fire and safety engineering technology can equip you with the foundation that you need for pursuing leadership roles and career advancement. The carefully selected curriculum is “designed to provide students with a broad background in the management of first response operations dealing with fire safety, as well as industrial and community disasters.” Generally, the Bachelor of Science in Fire & Safety Engineering Technology requires the completion of fifty-three credits, fourteen of which are free electives. The online degree program will cover courses in fire and emergency management, hazardous materials, safety analysis and many other vital issues to the fire and safety field. The College of Justice and Safety at Eastern Kentucky University also offers a less intense option for those who wish to only obtain the fire & safety engineering technology certificate. For certification, students would only be required to complete a total of around thirty-four credits.
Admissions to the program in Fire and Safety Engineering Technology at Eastern Kentucky University is pretty simple and straight forward requiring a completed application, a minimum GPA of 2.0 (on the 4.0 scale) and a score of at least 870 on the SAT or 18 on the ACT. The minimum test score requirement may be waived under certain circumstances, so if this is a concern be sure to speak to an advisor in Eastern Kentucky University’s admissions department. The application fee for the program is $30 and applications are accepted year round. The program has five 8-week terms through out the year so you can begin your studies at a time that works best for you.
Eastern Kentucky University’s program in Fire & Safety Engineering Technology has long been heralded as one of the top ranked programs in the nation, and since they now offer the courses online you are able to benefit from the program right from your own home.. With a chance to learn from both nationally and internationally recognized leaders in the fire and safety industry, Eastern Kentucky University offers a quality educational experience for $350 per credit hour which is somewhat comparable to most online degree programs in the country. And since Eastern Kentucky University’s program is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS ) you can rest assured that your tuition dollars are going toward a recognized degree program that you can be proud of.
Earl
Jan
7
Protect Your Business With a Health and Safety Consultancy Firm
Filed Under Wellness | Comments Off
Vikram Kumar asked:
It is for a fact that the current times have seen a great change to the working conditions of the employers and the employees. Most of the occupational fields are turning out to be a hazard to the people working within it. This goes especially within chemical plants and factories. It seems as if every workplace presents risks to its workers. This is due to the constant technological revolution, which has taken over almost the entirety of the world’s commercial and industrial businesses for the final quarter of the century.
The changes that have been taking place have a great impact to occupational areas. What is more, these have affected the daily lives of the workers and their employers. A few of the changes, which have taken place within work areas, have been prodded into. As a result, there is a growing understanding over some of these changes. With this comprehension and realization is the development of efforts to cope with the growing hazards of most work places. One of the issues that have risen during the present times is the health and safety of the workers. The answer to this issue is provided by a health and safety consultancy firm.
Nowadays, there are already plenty of companies and agencies that are offering health and safety consultant teams to help businesses deal with the hazards of their work place. If you are managing a company, there are certain precautionary measures that you have to follow, no matter its size. Due to the recent evolution that has been happening within occupational areas, you are faced with two most common issues in your company. These are the safety and health of your people. If you want to uphold the reputation of your business, it is important that you regularly update the health and safety standards of your company. You will be able to make this possible through the assistance of a health and safety consultancy team.
Due to the rapid evolution of technology, it seems as if everything in the world is affected. The greatest impact is observed within occupational fields, where employees are highly affected. Health issues are rising, most especially stress and fatigue. As the owner of your company, it is essential that you find a solution to this problem. With the assistance of a health and safety consultancy company, you will be able to provide your workers with training regarding their safety and health. You will also get to learn alongside with them.
A health and safety consultant will introduce methods that will allow you to cope with the risks and hazards of your workplace. You will also be taught on how to predict future changes that might bring harm to your workers. You will learn safety and health planning strategies, in order for you to keep your people constantly fit and safe as they work for you.
While choosing health and safety consultancy firms, there are several things that you have to keep in mind. However, the most important is opting for a company or team that offers comprehensive services and is willing to work side by side with you. No matter the type of your business, the consultancy agency should be capable of providing you with their services. The best safety and health consultancy teams are those that are able to offer you reliable systems, training, and guidance regarding the overall health safety of your workers.
Robert
It is for a fact that the current times have seen a great change to the working conditions of the employers and the employees. Most of the occupational fields are turning out to be a hazard to the people working within it. This goes especially within chemical plants and factories. It seems as if every workplace presents risks to its workers. This is due to the constant technological revolution, which has taken over almost the entirety of the world’s commercial and industrial businesses for the final quarter of the century.
The changes that have been taking place have a great impact to occupational areas. What is more, these have affected the daily lives of the workers and their employers. A few of the changes, which have taken place within work areas, have been prodded into. As a result, there is a growing understanding over some of these changes. With this comprehension and realization is the development of efforts to cope with the growing hazards of most work places. One of the issues that have risen during the present times is the health and safety of the workers. The answer to this issue is provided by a health and safety consultancy firm.
Nowadays, there are already plenty of companies and agencies that are offering health and safety consultant teams to help businesses deal with the hazards of their work place. If you are managing a company, there are certain precautionary measures that you have to follow, no matter its size. Due to the recent evolution that has been happening within occupational areas, you are faced with two most common issues in your company. These are the safety and health of your people. If you want to uphold the reputation of your business, it is important that you regularly update the health and safety standards of your company. You will be able to make this possible through the assistance of a health and safety consultancy team.
Due to the rapid evolution of technology, it seems as if everything in the world is affected. The greatest impact is observed within occupational fields, where employees are highly affected. Health issues are rising, most especially stress and fatigue. As the owner of your company, it is essential that you find a solution to this problem. With the assistance of a health and safety consultancy company, you will be able to provide your workers with training regarding their safety and health. You will also get to learn alongside with them.
A health and safety consultant will introduce methods that will allow you to cope with the risks and hazards of your workplace. You will also be taught on how to predict future changes that might bring harm to your workers. You will learn safety and health planning strategies, in order for you to keep your people constantly fit and safe as they work for you.
While choosing health and safety consultancy firms, there are several things that you have to keep in mind. However, the most important is opting for a company or team that offers comprehensive services and is willing to work side by side with you. No matter the type of your business, the consultancy agency should be capable of providing you with their services. The best safety and health consultancy teams are those that are able to offer you reliable systems, training, and guidance regarding the overall health safety of your workers.
Robert