Prescription Drug Abuse in the Workplace

According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy, prescription drugs are the second most abused drug category following marijuana. People who misuse prescription drugs often have the belief that prescription drugs are safer than illegal drugs because they are prescribed by a doctor. Prescription drug abuse is often referred to as the nation’s fastest growing drug problem. Over the past decade, prescriptions for painkillers rose from 75.5 million to 209.50 million.

Prescription drug abuse among employees can cause expensive problems for their business or industry. It is estimated that drug abuse cost employers $81 billion annually. Drug abuse causes lost productivity, absenteeism, injuries, fatalities, theft, low employee morale, increase in insurance costs, legal liabilities and worker compensation fees. Statistics demonstrate that prescription drug abuse presents a recognized occupational hazard that is likely to cause death or serious physical harm.  Substance abusers are more than three times more likely to be involved in workplace accidents and five times more likely to hurt themselves on the job.

More than 75% of all drug users in the US are employed.  Over 16% of these employees use illicit drugs or are heavy alcohol users.  Certain industries have higher rates of substance abuse.  Mining and construction top the list with approximately 28% of employees engaged in illicit drugs or heavy alcohol use, while workers in professional services and the government have the lowest rates: just above 9%. An estimated 5% of substance abusers engage in illicit drug and alcohol use before reporting to work and nearly 10% do so during work hours.  Every industry, from blue collar to board room executives, is affected by drugs in the workplace. Employees who are not in typical “safety-sensitive positions," can still have tremendous negative impact on their company when drug use is an issue. These employees may have jobs in which they make decisions affecting other workers, have access to financial records, maintain confidential information or are privy to company ideas and product plans.  In order to ensure the safety, security and success of your company and its employees, workplaces must be alcohol and drug-free.

Training programs in the workplace for management and employees are beneficial in keeping the workplace safe. Traditional drug testing may not uncover the issue alone, proper training can help employees identify the signs and symptoms of drug abuse.  SafetySkills offers online safety training courses to help address the issue of drugs in the workplace. The Drug Free Workplace course demonstrates the importance of eliminating drugs in the workplace and what employees can do to help. This course is intended to assist the employer when meeting the various State and Federal Laws that cover Drugs in the Workplace. The Substance Abuse Training for Oil and Gas Supervisors online training course will train supervisors on the DOT’s requirements for supervisor training under its drug-free workplace program mandates for safety-sensitive industries. In addition to illegal and prescription drug abuse, the course also covers the physiological effects of alcohol and how they are produced, and general physiological and behavioral characteristics of alcoholism

To learn more about SafetySkills and additional course offerings, please visit us at SafetySkills.com/

OSHA Proposes New Limits on Silica Exposure

In August 2013, OSHA announced a proposed rule that would lower the worker exposure to crystalline silica. This deadly dust often occurs in common workplace operations such as construction work involving cutting, sawing, drilling and crushing of concrete, brick, rock and stone. Silica can also be found in glass manufacturing and sand blasting. Worker can inhale the dust from particles in the air. Repeat exposure can cause fatal lung diseases including silicosis and lung cancer.

Prior to the new proposed rule, the guidelines of the exposure limit dated to the 1960s. Since then, numerous studies have shown an increase of lung cancer among silica-exposed workers. A 2012 federal study demonstrated that a growing number of workers in the energy industry were increasingly at risk of being exposed to silica dust due the recent domestic oil and gas boom brought on by hydraulic fracturing.  This study also found that hydraulic fracturing workers were exposed to 10 times the current permissible level of silica. The new proposed rule would limit the exposure to crystalline silica to 50 micrograms per cubic meter in the workplace. OSHA is estimating that if adopted as a standard, its proposed rule would save nearly 700 lives and prevent 1,600 new cases of silicosis annually.

Until a final silica standard is issued, there are several OSHA standards that employers are required to comply with that can help protect workers exposed to silica dust.  For example:

• General Safety and Health Provisions Standard (1926.20) addresses the employee’s general right to a safe workplace.
• Gases, Vapors, Fumes, Dusts and Mists Standard (1926.55(a)) lists the airborne levels of substances that would make a workplace hazardous.
• The Ventilation Standard (1926.57) must be consulted for specific requirements about removing silica dust from a worker’s breathing zone.
•  For worker training requirements about silica hazards, the Hazard Communication Standard (1926.59) applies, which is identical to 1910.1200.
• If respirators are required on-the-job, then employers must comply with the OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard (1926.103), which is identical to 1910.134.

SafetySkills online safety training courses can assist you and your company with the proper awareness level safety training. The silica awareness course addresses standard 1926.55 and will demonstrate to the learner the health effects associated with crystalline silica exposure, and measures that can be taken to eliminate or minimize crystalline silica exposure on the job. The hazard communication course assists the employer in meeting OSHA standard 1910.1200 and complies with the December 2015 GHS final implementation. The respiratory protection course covers the general requirements for respiratory protection which is outlined in 29 CFR 1910.132 and some of the training requirements of 29 CFR 1910.134. 

Hearing Protection in the Workplace

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that four million workers go to work each day in damaging noise. Ten million people in the U.S. have a noise-related hearing loss. Twenty-two million workers are exposed to potentially damaging noise each year. Occupational hearing loss is the most common work related illness in the United States. Approximately 22 million U.S. workers exposed to hazardous noise levels at work, and an additional 9 million exposed to ototoxic chemicals. An estimated $242 million is spent annually on worker’s compensation for hearing loss disability.

NIOSH recommends removing hazardous noise from the workplace whenever possible and using hearing protectors in those situations where dangerous noise exposures have not yet been controlled or eliminated. Over the past few decades, much has been learned about the implementation of hearing loss prevention programs. The CDC recommends that the eight components of a successful hearing loss prevention program include: 1) noise exposure monitoring, 2) engineering and administrative controls, 3) audiometric evaluation, 4) use of hearing protection devices, 5) education and motivation 6) record keeping, 7) program evaluation, and 8) program audit.

In addition to your company’s specific workplace hearing prevention plan, SafetySkills offers a Hearing Conservation online safety training course. This course is designed to fulfill annual hearing conservation and protection training requirements created by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA. This course will help you to understand the effects of noise; the purpose, advantages, and disadvantages of various types of hearing protection; selection, fitting, and how to care for protectors; and the purpose of audiometric testing. When the course has been completed, you should be able to identify the definitions of ‘noise’ and ‘noise levels,’ and recognize the causes of hearing loss and the measures created by OSHA to prevent it. You should also be able to recognize the common personal hearing protection devices and their advantages and disadvantages, and recognize the basic requirements of audiometric testing and their purposes. This course is also available in Spanish.

The Hearing Conservation online course can be part of a company-wide training initiative or taken by individuals who are looking for some additional training outside of their workplace. After successful completion of the course, you will be able to print out a certificate of completion.

For more information about SafetySkills and other safety training topics, please visit us at https://safetyskills.com.

Personal Protective Equipment - PPE Care and Maintenance

Protective clothing has numerous standards depending on the wearer’s industry. While personal protective equipment, or PPE’s, purpose is to protect the wearer from chemical, physical and biological hazards, it is important to know that no single combination of protective equipment and clothing is capable of protecting you against all hazards. OSHA states that protective clothing should be used in conjunction with other protective methods. For example, engineering or administrative controls to limit chemical contact with personnel should always be considered as an alternative measure for preventing chemical exposure. The use of protective clothing can itself create significant wearer hazards, such as heat stress, physical and psychological stress, in addition to impaired vision, mobility, and communication. In general, the greater the level of chemical protective clothing, the greater the associated risks. For any given situation, equipment and clothing should be selected that provide an adequate level of protection.

PPE can ultimately save the wearer’s life is used properly. It is important to maintain proper care and upkeep of your company’s PPE for continuous wear and protection.

Some tips and considerations are:

• Cleaning and care instructions are provided with each piece of PPE and should be carefully followed. For example, modern fog resistant eye protection will be scratched and quickly rendered useless if cleaned by wiping with paper towels.
•  As an employer, you are obligated by regulatory standards to ensure that PPE is maintained in clean and sanitary condition.
• Modifications should not be made to PPE without the procedure being approved by the manufacturer.
•  Each employee should be required to perform a visual “quick check” on PPE before each use. This is especially true for chemical protective clothing, hardhats, fall protection, respirators and visibility garments.
• Some PPE, such as respirators, fall protection, and hardhats should be inspected by someone other than the user at least once per year.
• All PPE should be stored properly. Eye protection, respirators, and hearing protection require clean dust tight containers. These could be zip lock bags, pouches or cabinets. Goggles, face shields etc. should never be left hanging unprotected and dirty.
•  A company sponsored laundry program should be considered if the employees work in toxic materials that leave PPE heavily contaminated at the end of the day.
•  It is important to institute a well communicated company policy on when to replace and when to repair a piece of PPE.

For workplace training on the hazards present, the selection, maintenance, and use of PPE, please view these online safety training courses – Personal Protective Equipment, Personal Protective Equipment for Oil and Gas Personnel and Flame Resistant Clothing for the Oil and Gas Industry.

If you would like more information on SafetySkills and the course library of over 300 OSHA compliant course topics, please visit us at SafetySkills.com.

Laser Danger and Safe Practices

Last year, a JetBlue pilot suffered a minor eye injury when a green laser shone through the plane’s windshield according to the FAA. There have been about 1,500 laser/aircraft incidents reported to the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration between January 1 and June 12 2013. This compares with about 1,384 incidents during the same time span in 2012, 1,326 in 2011, 908 in 2010, and 546 in 2009. In addition to causing temporary vision impairment which, for obvious reasons, is especially dangerous to a person operating an aircraft, lasers can cause permanent damage to sight, including blind spots in their field of vision. Pointing a laser at an aircraft became a federal crime in 2011, with violators subject to an $11,000 fine. According to FAA statistics analyzed by LaserPointerSafety.com

Not only are laser beam dangerous for aircraft pilots, but can also be damaging to people who work with lasers on a daily basis. Because of the strength of a laser beam, technicians are required to operate under certain guidelines when they do their work and they must adhere to certain standards set by the American National Standard Institute.

A laser light beam is very different from normal light because of its monochromatic, coherent and directional properties. Because of these three properties, laser light can be more hazardous than ordinary light and can deposit a significant amount of energy within a small area. Laser beam damage can affect the eyes and/or skin and the damage can be thermal, acoustic or photochemical.

There are different classes of laser hazards:

• Class 1 – Safe if not dissembled
• Class 1M – Safe for all conditions except when passed through magnifying optics such as microscopes and telescopes
• Class 2 – Eye hazard if you stare directly into the beam
• Class 2M – Safe if not viewed through optical instruments
• Class 3R – Considered safe with restricted beam viewing
• Class 3b – Eye hazard if direct or reflected beam is viewed
• Class 4 – Eye hazard if direct, reflected or diffusely – reflected beam is viewed; possible skin and fire hazard, in addition to potentially devastating and permanent eye damage

According to a study done by the Rockwell Laser Industries, the top 14 reported causes of laser related injuries are:

1. Unanticipated eye exposure during alignment.
2. Misaligned optics and upwardly directed beams.
3. Available laser eye protection was not used.
4. Equipment malfunction.
5. Improper method of handling high voltage.
6. Intentional exposure of unprotected persons.
7. Operators unfamiliar with laser equipment.
8. No protection provided for associated hazards.
9. Improper restoration of equipment following servicing.
10. Incorrect eyewear selection and/or eyewear failure.
11. Accidental eye/skin exposure during normal use.
12. Inhalation of laser-generated fume or viewing of secondary radiation (UV, blue light).
13. Laser ignition of fires.
14. Photochemical eye or skin exposure.

The Laser Institute of America states that there are a variety of laser safety standards including Federal and state regulations, and non-regulatory standards. The most important and most often quoted is the American National Standards Institute's Z136 series of laser safety standards. These standards are the foundation of laser safety programs in industry, medicine, research, and government. The ANSI Z136 series of laser safety standards are referenced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and many U.S. states as the basis of evaluating laser-related occupational safety issues.

 

SafetySkills® provides an awareness level online safety training course on Laser Safety. This course is a general overview of laser safety practices and teaches how to determine and reduce the hazards associated with them. There are no specific training requirements from OSHA. Upon completion of the learning event, the Learner will know how to identify the principals of laser functions and operations. The Learner will also be able to identify the different types of lasers, the hazards of working with or around them, and the controls used to eliminate or minimize those hazards. To learn more about this course and to begin your training today, please click  here.

To view the SafetySkills course catalog of over 300 OSHA compliant course titles, please visit http://safetyskills.com.

Emergency Preparedness Week

The National Safety Council (NSC), announced that this week, June 16 - 22, is Emergency Preparedness Week as part of their National Safety Month. This week focuses on encouraging safe behaviors to prevent injuries and deaths in an emergency. Emergencies can include fires, natural disasters and terrorist hazards.

The NSC recommends that families have a plan in case of an emergency and practice it at least twice a year. A survival kit is also an important factor in any emergency plan. Emergency preparedness kit should include:

• One gallon of water per person, per day for three days
• Three days worth of non perishable food and a can opener
• Battery powered radio
• First aid kit
• Tool kit
• Moist towelettes and garbage bags for sanitation
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape
• Cell phone and portable charger

To be better prepared for emergencies, find out what kinds of disasters, both natural and man-made, are most likely to occur in your area and how you will be notified. Methods of getting your attention vary from community to community. One common method is to broadcast via emergency radio and TV broadcasts. You might hear a special siren, or get a telephone call, or emergency workers may go door-to-door. Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) send free informational text messages to WEA-enabled cell phones within range of an imminent and dangerous local situation, severe weather event, or AMBER emergency. You do not need to register to receive WEA notifications. You will automatically receive alerts if you have WEA-capable phone and your wireless carrier participates in the program. To find out if your mobile device is capable of receiving WEA alerts, contact your mobile device carrier or visit CTIA The Wireless Association.

Another good way to be prepared is to think about where you and your family frequent and check with the locations about their site-specific emergency plans. If none are in place, consider volunteering to assist in developing one. If you think ahead of a crisis, you will be better prepared to reunited with your family.

If you are an employer, make sure that your workplace has a building evacuation plan and make sure this plan is practiced regularly. If there isn't a plan in place, visit ready.gov/business for more information on how to develop one. The SafetySkills online safety training course, Emergency Action Plans for Office Employees can provide employees with the knowledge and skills needed to understand emergency action plans and some protective actions that can be taken in different types of emergencies. Other helpful courses for workplace safety include, Fire Safety, Emergency Response, Basic First Aid and Severe Weather and Outdoor Work.

For more information about all of the SafetySkills online safety training courses, please visit us at SafetySkills.com.

Construction's Fatal Four

In the construction industry, OSHA states that there are 4 main causes of worker deaths per year. These "fatal four" are comprised of falls, struck by object and caught-in / between and electrocution. OSHA estimates that eliminating the Fatal Four would save 410 workers lives in America per year. Currently OSHA found that 85% of all citations are related to these four construction hazards.

According to OSHA, falls from heights are the leading cause of fatalities in construction, while falls on the same level are one of the leading causes of injuries. The SafetySkills Fall Protection course fulfills some of the requirements of a training program as outlined in 29 CFR 1926.503. The fulfilled requirements include: nature of fall hazards in the work area, the use and operation of guardrail systems, personal fall arrest systems, and safety net systems. This can be used to supplement company specific training and provide employees with a general knowledge of fall protection systems and fall hazards that exist in the workplace.

Caught in or between fatalities caused 3% of the deaths in construction for 2011. Struck by Fatalities make up 10% of the total deaths in construction. These hazards are often created when working around heavy equipment. Some common examples of Caught-in and caught-between injuries include: trench or excavation collapse, hand or foot caught in rotating equipment like augurs, rollers or wheels, unguarded moving parts in machinery, turned over vehicles, accidents during equipment or machinery maintenance, and accidents involving rigging used to lift or pull heavy materials. Upon completion of the SafetySkills Struck By/Caught Between online safety training course, the Learner will have displayed the ability to recognize common stuck by/caught between hazards associated with work in the construction industry and their recommended safe work practices. This course provides an overview of 29 CFR 1926.20.

OSHA states that about 5 workers are electrocuted every week and electrocution courses 12% of worker deaths each year. It takes very little electricity to cause harm. The primary causes of electrocution are contact with overhead power lines, contact with live circuits in panels, poorly maintain cords and tools and lightning strikes. The SafetySkills Electrical Safety online safety training course covers topics related to basic electric safety as outlined in 1926.403, 1926.404, 1926.416, and 1926.417. This course focuses on the construction industry and is not intended for qualified workers, who according to OSHA’s definition is a person knowledgeable in the construction and operation of the electric power generation, transmission, and distribution equipment involved.

Don't Let Daylight Savings Time Leave You in the Dark

For many people, the effects of Daylight Savings is still lasting many days after the hour was long gone on Sunday. Who knew the loss of one hour of sleep could still be effecting us days later? According to the National Sleep Foundation, the average number of sleep an adult should have is 7 - 9 hours. If you are like me, you are lucky if you average about 6 hours per night, so that one hour loss on Sunday can really take a toll on your body. One study shows that many people will sleep an average of 40 minutes less the night after the change occurs. The Huffington Post reports that on the Monday after the time switch, there is an increase in car crashes, an increase in the number of alcohol related accidents, heart attacks and injuries in the workplace. Not only is that one hour less of sleep dangerous but it also makes workers generally less productive on Monday and more likely to waste time perusing the Internet.

The National Sleep Foundation states that there is no "magic number" on the exact amount of sleep a person should have but it does depend on the amount of activity a person is engaged in throughout the day. Although the number can vary for each individual, one thing sleep research certainly has shown is that sleeping too little can not only inhibit your productivity and ability to remember and consolidate information, but lack of sleep can also lead to serious health consequences and jeopardize your safety and the safety of individuals around you. On the other hand, research also shows that getting too much sleep, in excess of nine hours or more is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. This research also found that variables such as low socioeconomic status and depression were significantly associated with long sleep.

So what can you do to make sure you get the proper amount of sleep for your lifestyle? First step could be to see how you respond to different amounts of sleep. Pay careful attention to your mood, energy and health after a poor night's sleep as compared to a good one. Experts also recommend to establish a routine sleeping and waking schedule even on the weekend. Other suggestions include creating a sleep conducive environment that is dark, quiet and comfortable, finish eating at least 2 - 3 hours before bedtime, exercise regularly and avoid caffeine and alcohol products close to bedtime.  

If you are a shift worker, particularly a pipeline control room, you can also make yourself aware of the impact of sleep deprivation and ways to identify fatigue management strategies by taking the SafetySkills® Fatigue Management for Control Room Employees online safety training course. For more information on this course and all of our online safety training products, please visit SafetySkills.com/

Workplace Bullying - A Common Issue Often Overlooked

Workplace bullying is picking up speed as a national issue. According to abcnews.com, Workplace bullying can lead to increased employee turnover and can even affect your company's bottom line with a loss of productivity and corporate morale. Half of the employers in a 2011 survey by the management association reported incidents of bullying in their workplace. Workplace bullying can include a supervisor's verbal abuse or cruel comments or teasing from a co-worker. Experts believe that workplace bullying could become the next major issue in employment law as a growing number of states consider legislation that would let workers sue for harassment that causes physical or emotional harm. Some employers have put into place anti-bullying policies, but advocacy groups are urging states to give legal rights to workers who do not already fit into a protected class based on race, gender or national origin.

In a 2010 survey conducted by The Workplace Bullying Institute, it was found that 35% of the U.S workforce report being bullied at work; an additional 15% witness it. Half of all Americans have directly experienced it. Workplace bullying prevents work from getting done and in its most severe forms can cause hypertension, auto-immune disorders, depression and anxiety.

In May 2010, New York was the one of the first states to pass the Healthy Workplace Bill. This bill would let workers sue for physical, psychological or economic harm due to abusive treatment on the job. As of 2013, 8 states have an active Healthy Workplace Bill. Twenty three states have introduced the bill since 2003 but without the bill passing. Sioux City, Iowa was the first school district in the nation to address workplace bullying for their adult employees. They have voluntarily created polices and credible enforcement procedures to purge destructive individuals. According to HealthyWorkplaceBill.org, The true purpose of the Healthy Workplace bill is to get employers to prevent bullying with policies and procedures that apply to all employees.

While no state or federal law is currently in effect, it is up to each individual company or employer to take seriously the effects of workplace bullying and to put in place effective policies that are enforced by organizational leaders. SafetySkills offers an online safety training course to help get your company started on the right path. Conflict Resolution Strategies for the Workplace teach the employee effective skills to resolve disputes and react with practical conflict coping strategies. To view more about this course and the other courses in our Human Resources Compliance online training course series, please click here.

Be Prepared for Hidden Dangers this Winter

As winter is kicking it into high gear it's important to be aware of the added risks that weather causes on and off the job. Winter risks aren't always directly associated with snow and ice. Here are a few hidden dangers to keep in mind this winter season.

• Heart Attack and Strokes - There are an estimated 53% more heart attacks in the winter than in the summer. This is true for all parts of the country, even those that do not receive any snow. It's the cold not just the snow that causes the heart to work harder.
• Electrocution due to downed power lines or downed objects in contact with power lines - Strong winds that often accompany winter storms can knock down trees, telephone poles and power lines. Ice can build up on utility poles and power lines and can disrupt communication and knock out power for days.
• Roof Collapse under Weight of Snow - The greatest danger of collapse due to snow load is to buildings with flat roofs. Buildings with flat roofs do not allow the snow to slide off. Pitched roofs can hold more weight and have a greater tendency for snow to slide off or allow the melted water to run off.
• Chimney Fires - Over time, creosote, the sticky residue from burning wood, can build up causing a potentially fiery situation. Birds nests and fallen leaves can also cause blockages, forcing smoke back into your home. When your chimney is not in use, make sure the flue is closed securely to cut back on drafts and wasted energy.
• Frozen Pipes - Without proper insulation, frozen pipes could leave you water-less or even fighting with a burst pipe. Make sure that any exposed pipes are insulated. Additionally, make sure to seal up any holes in the home near pipes that allow frigid winds to blow around them.
• Car Battery Failure and Tire pressure - Cold weather can impair an aging battery's ability to start your car, especially in below freezing temperatures. Car batteries should be replaced every 3 years. Cold temperatures also effect the level of your tire pressure. The change in atmospheric pressure cause tires with plenty of air in the summer to deflate slightly in the winter.
• Hypothermia - Hypothermia occurs when your body loses heat faster than it is able to produce it. Warning signs of hypothermia include increased shivering, slurred speech, impaired judgement, poor muscle coordination and in some cases even death. When having to be outside for long periods of time, it is important to dress appropriately. Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight clothing. Make sure to prepare with a outer jacket that repels water and protect your face and hands with hats, gloves and scarves.

SafetySkills is a leading provider for online safety training. To further protect yourself and employees this winter season, be sure to check out our Cold Stress in the Workplace course or Hazardous Driving Conditions.

SafetySkills™ New Year's Resolutions for 2012

At SafetySkills we put safety at the top of our list and we hope to inspire others to do so as well. This year we are sharing our New Year’s resolutions to provide some helpful ideas on having a safe and healthy 2012.

1. Be more energy efficient - Mother Earth needs some loving and so do our wallets. Check out this online safety training course for tips on how to be more energy efficient while saving you money.
Protect yourself at work – Let’s vow this year to be more safety conscious. No matter what field you may be in, you may come in contact with something that can be potentially dangerous if you are not wearing the proper personal protective equipment or PPE. This online course can provide helpful tips in choosing PPE and the different types to choose from.
Quit Smoking - A smoker usually at one time or another thinks about quitting smoking. Make 2012 be the first of many smoke free years. Beginning in September of this year, the FDA will require larger, more prominent cigarette health warnings on all cigarette packaging and advertisements in the United States. Give yourself a heads up on what to expect in 2012 by viewing our Carcinogen awareness course. Sometimes a visual reminder is more effective in helping people make a change.
Be a more courteous driver – We know how stressful the workday commute can be. You’ve got places to go and people to see and no one around you is moving fast enough. Here’s an idea, if everyone made the pledge to be more courteous, the rush hour commute may actually be more peaceful. Sometimes a little more quiet time is all a person needs to put them in a better mood. This road rage online safety training course can give you some preventive measures to help you from being pushed over the edge.
Focus more on the road and less on your phone – Don’t be the object of someone else’s road rage because you were not paying attention. Too many accidents occur because people are not paying attention to the road. Don’t add to the statistics and put the phone away while driving. No text or phone call is worth your life or someone else’s. The SafetySkills distracted driver course will help you identify some methods to minimizing or eliminating driving distractions.
Finish home improvement projects – It always starts out with good intentions, the measurements have been taken, all the necessary tools have been purchased and then months later the drywall is still in the exposed status you left it in. Make 2012 the year that you actually finish what you started. To help get you pumped up and ready to go safely, be sure to watch our hand and power tool safety course first before gearing up.
Clean your house more – Life has become so busy that sometimes it’s hard to clean up after yourself or others. Unfortunately you have let it go for so long that you are beginning to wonder when the camera crew from “Hoarders” is going to start knocking at your door. Don’t wait for spring to do some spring cleaning; no time is better than the present. Before you overwhelm yourself with all the cleaning options or have the sudden urge to spray all the cleaning products you have in bathtub, check out this household chemical safety course. Start 2012 off fresh, clean and safe.
Be a better listener – How many times have you been accused of not listening? If you are my husband, this occurrence happens at least once a day. My husband likes to feed me the line that it’s not that he isn’t listening he just can’t hear me because of all the loud noises he endures every day at work. Whether this is actually true for my husband or not (since he always hears me when I say how much something is going to cost), millions of people are exposed to hazardous noise levels at work every year. Protect your ears (and you relationship) by learning how to prevent hearing loss with this online hearing conservation training course (your partner will thank you later)
Travel more – According to a report by the Families and Work Institute, the average vacation time that Americans took each year averaged 14.6 days. A survey done by Expedia.com shows that workers in France earned 30 vacation days, on average, in 2011, and often used every single one of those days. The same goes for employees in Brazil and Spain, Expedia said. In the UK, workers get 25 days and they used all 25. Why let the Europeans have all the fun? Make this year the time to finally get out from behind the desk and use all those vacation days. Before you head out, make sure that your traveling is stress free with this situational travel online training course.
Take more risks – We all think about it at one point or another, we want to be daring, spontaneous and the object of our coworkers jealousy. Let this year be the year to get a little crazy. What about a tattoo? This ink on your body will show people that you are a risk taker even if it’s a little fuzzy kitten on your ankle. Make sure your do your research before diving any risky permanent ink situations. A good start may be to look into the safety regulations that legit tattoo shops have to follow so you are armed with the right questions to ask. This online safety training course is designed show tattoo artists the proper procedures necessary to prevent the spread of bloodborne pathogens.

SafetySkills™ Celebrates Marie Curie's 144th Birthday

Today marks the 144^th Birthday of Nobel Prize winning scientist Marie Curie. Curie was the only woman to win the Nobel Prize in two separate fields – Physics in 1903 and Chemistry in 1911. Curie is known as one of the most famous scientists of all time mostly because of her pioneering research on radioactivity. Curie’s theory of radioactivity, the isolation of radioactive isotopes, and the discovery of Polonium and Radium led her to win two Nobel Prizes. She is still the only woman to ever win the prize in two distinct fields.

Marie Curie died in 1934 from exposure to the radium that made her famous. In 1995, she was entombed in the Pantheon, Paris, the first woman to receive the honor.  One of her most famous quotations is: "Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood." Thanks to Curie’s discoveries in radioactivity, we are more aware of the exposures and dangers of radioactive materials. 

In continuing with Marie Curie’s tradition of combating fear with knowledge, SafetySkills™ offers a Radiation Safety Course.  This course will discuss ways to reduce exposure to radiation hazards that may exist at your workplace. This course will also provide general baseline knowledge about radiation hazards. SafetySkills™ also offers over 200 OSHA, DOT and EPA compliant courses. Visit us today at http://safetyskills.com/.