Earth Day - Recycling

Happy Earth Day!

Did you know that since 1985, the percentage of waste recycled in the U.S. has doubled!

And the trend is likely to continue. People are becoming more and more aware of the environment and different ways to give back to the Earth. While recycling is good for the environment, it can be potentially dangerous for workers. Certain materials that are recycled contain materials that pose hazards to workers. These materials include things such as scrap metal, electronics, batteries, and used oil and other chemicals.

One of the most dangerous components of recycling is actually the collection process. So many workers tragically lose their lives from being backed over by trucks or struck by oncoming vehicles. In 2008, the fatality rate for the waste management and remediation services industry was over 5 times the fatality rate for all industries! To avoid these accidents, you should follow these vehicle safety tips:

• Wear seatbelts that meet OSHA standards
• Always conduct a vehicle inspections to ensure all parts are fully functioning
• Never drive a vehicle in reverse with an obstructed view
• Only drive vehicles on safe roadways
• Make sure you and all other personnel are in safe positions before dumping or lifting
• Always set parking brakes
• Never exceed a vehicle's rated load or lift capacity
• Do Not carry personnel unless there's a safe place to ride

 

Even if you are not in the recycling industry, you can still do your part to recycle! Use the bins designated for recycling. If you're office or workplace doesn't have such bins, ask your supervisor about getting some. Know the difference between what you can and can't recycle, this will make everyone's job easier. Whether you work for a big company or a local business, Waste Management can create a custom waste pickup program that meets your needs. So there's no excuse to not take part in this easy system. Remember that recycling helps conserve resources and energy, preserves valuable landfill space and supports a healthy environment. Do your part this Earth Day and start recycling!

Source: United States Department Of Labor

Child Drowing Prevention

The state of Florida has an alarming amount of child fatalities due to drowning. So many in fact, that Florida has the highest unintentional drowning rate in the nation. According to the National Injury Data, the rate of children drowning from ages 1-4, is 7.29 per 100,000 population. This is more than twice the amount of Oklahoma; the runner-up on the list.

These tragedies must be prevented. A child's life must not be cut short due to the carelessness of caregivers. There are many steps to prevent this from happening. It all starts with being aware. Always have a "water watcher" or an adult supervising children swimming. Parents and caregivers should learn CPR, and always have a phone nearby incase of an emergency situation.

Teach children how to swim at an early age, so it becomes nearly instinctual. Make water safety rules. For example, not allowing children to be at the pool alone, not allowing them into the deep end, and staying away from drains, pipes, etc. If the pool is inflatable, drain it immediately after use, just to be sure. If the pool is below ground, put up a minimum of a four foot fence surrounding the pool, with self-latching and self-locking doors. Keep floatation devices near the pool at all times, as well as long reaching device.

It is important to be able to recognize the signs of drowning. Here are some warning signs:

• Head tilted back with mouth open
• Eyes glassy and empty, unable to focus
• Not using legs - vertical
• Appear to be climbing invisible ladder
• Hair over forehead or eyes

Drowning happens swiftly and silently. It is imperative to have many layers of prevention, and then some. This issue has become very relevant, very fast. There are plenty of precautions that can be taken to reduce the amount of child drowning fatalities. There is nothing worse than the loss of an innocent child. Be aware, and stay safe.

Sources: www.floridaealth.gov, www.healthychildren.org, www.drowningpreventionfoundation.com/water-safety-tips/

Move Over, It's The Law

                                Move Over, It's The Law

There is a new campaign underway called "Move Over, It's The Law." This whole week law officials are cracking down on drivers who don’t move over or slow down for emergency vehicles that have their flashing lights on. The Orange County Sheriffs Office is one of the agencies involved in this campaign. Here are some of the rules outlined by the campaign:

• On a two-lane roadway, you are required to slow to a speed that is 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit.
• If the speed limit is 20 miles per hour or less, you must slow down to five miles per hour.
• If you are driving on an interstate or roadway with multiple lanes of travel in the same direction, and you approach an emergency, law enforcement, sanitation, or utility service vehicles parked along the roadway, you must vacate the lane closest to that vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. If you are not able to safely move over, you must slow down to a speed of 20 MPH below the posted speed limit unless directed otherwise by a law enforcement officer.

 Violating the Move Over Law puts both yourself and a public safety professional at risk of getting injured. Not following these simple rules can result in a fine and points on your license. Is it really worth it? So what if you are unable to safely switch lanes? You still must slow down to a speed of at least 20 mph below the posted speed limit. People often wonder "If I cannot change lanes safely should I stop my vehicle in the roadway?" The answer is no. This would just block the flow of traffic and definitely cause an accident. It's better to just slow down while still maintaining a safe speed. The most important thing to remember is to just stay alert! Always keep your eyes on the road and be aware of your surroundings.

"Move Over, It's The Law" is being strongly enforced this week, but it's a law that applies to drivers all the time. Remember to always follow the rules outlined above, and you'll be making the road a safer place for everyone.

Source: Channel 13 News