The Atlantic Hurricane season officially kicked off on Monday, June 1 st , but it’s already been active—with three named storms that have threatened the east coast and Gulf of Mexico.
For our North and South Carolina coastal members, we urge you to prepare for the 13-19 named storms the NOAA predicts for our region this season. Below are four steps NC’s Senator Thom Tillis recommends to help ensure readiness and safety for you, your family and your business.
- Make a Disaster Kit: You’ll find a list of recommended items at ready.gov/kit. In addition to items traditionally found in your disaster kit, the CDC has recommended including face coverings, soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes or general household cleaning supplies, especially if you plan on using a shelter in the event of an emergency. Click here for more information.
- Create an Evacuation Plan: Plan for your entire family, including pets. Click here to view free templates from the Red Cross to help you plan.
- Review the Red Cross’ Hurricane Safety Checklist and Preparedness Guide: Click here to view the checklist or here to view the preparedness guide.
- Stay Informed: Make sure you know where to find the most up-to-date and accurate information. Click here to view a listing of emergency alert services. You can also download apps from the Red Cross.
(Source: Senator Thom Tills, news release, June 2020)
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Fleet and Workplace Drivers: Prioritize Safety Today
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During the COVID-19 pandemic, fleet and workplace drivers have been recognized as heroes keeping America’s supply chain open. They’ve been impacted as federal regulations have been loosened relating to hours of service and how breaks are calculated .
In some cases, this has rekindled the old tug-of-war game of compliance versus safety. While it may be legal to put in long hours, is it safe? For drivers, studies show being awake for between 18 and 24 hours can be similar to the effects of alcohol-impairment .
Managing fatigue is more important now than ever as the rest of the U.S. workforce begins to return to work. More than 40% of workers are sleep-deprived in normal times. Fatigue doesn’t care what the circumstances are, and its effects can be far-reaching, impacting all aspects of daily life. Adults need seven to nine hours of sleep to reach peak performance levels. In fact, researchers agree a good night’s sleep can reduce stress levels, increase memory and lower your blood pressure.
During March, as shelter-in-place orders took hold and the roads largely emptied, speed and reckless driving behaviors contributed to a 14% nationwide year-over-year jump in traffic fatality rates per miles driven . Moving forward, as the roads once again become more congested, mental distractions are likely to occur at a greater rate than before. That, combined with physical distractions, makes for a risky combination.
(Source: The National Safety Council Newsletter, June 2020)
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June is National Safety Month:
5 Tips to Stay Safe at Work
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Each June, the National Safety Council celebrates National Safety Month . The goal is to help educate and influence safer behaviors for some of the leading causes of injury and death in the United States, particularly in the workplace.
Whether you work in construction or sit at a desk all day, there are things you can do to improve your safety and the safety of those with whom you work.
Five Ways to Avoid Injury at Work
According to the NSC , nearly 11 workers die on the job each day in the United States. You can do your part to reduce these numbers by using these workplace safety tips:
- Avoid Distractions on the Job – Distractions are as deadly at work as they are while operating a car. Whether you are using machinery or walking down a flight of stairs, be alert and attentive to what is going on around you and what you are doing. Even if your employer allows the use of cell phones while working, do not use them while operating heavy machinery or driving the company car.
- Stay Cool – If your job requires you to be outside for extended periods, protect yourself from heatstroke. Stay hydrated, take breaks from direct sun exposure frequently, and wear lightweight, breathable fibers.
- Follow Safety Rules and Procedures – Your company has a procedure manual and safety rules already in place, but do you follow them? Re-familiarize yourself with the company rules and make sure you use those safety precautions you were taught when you were first hired. For example, if you work in a laboratory, wear your personal protective equipment at all times.
- Use Mechanical Aids – Instead of attempting to lift or carry heavy objects, use a conveyor belt, wheelbarrow, or other mechanical aid to help you move it. If something is too heavy, let a supervisor know you need assistance, but never attempt to move something that is heavy enough to cause injury.
- Training – Pay attention to the training you receive. If you are unsure how to do something safely, ask a supervisor. If you are new on the job, request a supervisor shadow you for the first few days to ensure you are following proper safety protocols. Keep an eye out for new employees and offer assistance when they need it. If you ever notice employees doing something against protocol, show them the right way to do it. For supervisors, implement training refresher courses to ensure all employees remember how to stay safe on the job.
(Source: The National Safety Council Newsletter, June 2020)
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