TIP OF THE MONTH

Avoiding heat stress on the job

The stress of working in hot weather is a concern for many as summer approaches. For the thousands of workers exposed to the oftentimes lethal combination of heat, humidity and physical labor, a few precautions can go a long way to preventing many heat-related injuries or deaths. OSHA's "Heat Stress" QuickCard™ offers a good first step in acquiring prevention information. The card is also available online in Spanish. Copies of the laminated card can be ordered, at no cost, through the agency's publications Web page or by calling 202-693-1888.

Look for more workplace safety and health "QuickTips" in the next issue.
Editor: Elaine Fraser, OSHA Office of Communications, 202-693-1999
For more information on occupational safety and health, visit OSHA's Web site.

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HOT TOPIC

• Use fireworks outdoors only.
• Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them.
• Always have water handy.(A hose or bucket).
• Only use fireworks as intended. Don't try to alter them or combine them.
• Never relight a "dud" firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Use common sense. Spectators should keep a safe distance from the shooter and the shooter should wear safety glasses.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a "designated shooter."
• Only persons over the age of 21 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type.
• Do not ever use homemade fireworks of illegal explosives: They can kill you! Report illegal explosives to the fire or police department in your community.
• The National Council on Fireworks Safety invites you to celebrate our nation's heritage on the Fourth of July, but celebrate safely.

Source: www.fireworksafety.org

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WCORHA UPDATE

OSHA 10-Hour Safety Course

September 29 & 30, 2009
8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Grand Lake Regional Cancer Center
Presented by Maria Bayless, PHR, OS
Please contact Ami Boley for details or to register,
419-584-0398, or abboley@health-partners.org

Mark Your Calendar…The Tri-County Worksite Wellness Summit will be held on September 18, 2009 from 8:00am-12:00pm at Romer’s Catering Hall in Celina, OH. More details to follow.

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WELLNESS UPDATE

• Increased thirst
• Increased hunger
• Fatigue
• Increased urination, especially at night
• Weight loss

• Take a half hour walk
• Know the risk factors for Type 2 diabetes
• Sit still for 10 minutes and make yourself relax
• Drink another glass of water every day
• Get a pedometer to see the number of steps you take every day
• Ride a bike or participate in a local 5 K race
• Schedule a dentist appointment, as poor dental hygiene has been linked to heart disease
• Get a good night’s sleep

• Rate your plate. What do your portions look like?

• Get up from your chair and stretch for 5 minutes
• Take the stairs or go to the person rather than making a phone call
• Sneak an extra serving of fruits or vegetables into one meal a day
• Say goodbye to the salt shaker

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OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE UPDATE 

The Occupational Medicine Physician

The Occupational Health Conference was celebrated during the last week of April in San Diego, California. Hundreds of health professionals met there to discuss the latest research and policies related to health in the workplace. Many of those professions, like the Occupational Medicine physicians, were getting further training and up to date knowledge of what is going on in their particular specialty fields.

Occupational Medicine is one of the oldest specialties in the medical community. By the 1700 the Italian physician Bernardino Ramazzine (considered the Father of Occupational Medicine) wrote a book about the diseases of workers. He discussed the diseases of the metal diggers, painters, intellectuals, midwifes, glass makers, etc. He noticed the afflictions of workers came from inhaling noxious gases and dusts, and from disorderly motions and improper postures of the body. He was arguing in favor of what is now called respiratory protection programs and ergonomics. According to Ramazzini, “When a doctor visits a working class home he should take time for his examination, and to the questions recommended by Hippocrates, he should add one more- What is your occupation?”

The Occupational Health Physician
by Juan V. Torres, MD, MPH
Grand Lake Occupational Medicine

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