Jun 20, 2019 | Trucking/Tractor-Trailer Accidents, Work Injuries
Trip planning is a crucial skill for all truck drivers. Properly planning ahead can make your trip much more smoother. That way, you can be prepared for anything which might come your way…
Trip Planning: Prepare For Your Drive
Check your route
Your trip planning, of course, will probably begin with you plotting out your route. Now, you’ll want to make sure you plan the best route you can. This means using multiple resources to check the road ahead, even if you have a “favorite”. A new one might give you a time advantage that you would’ve never known about otherwise.
A GPS will be your best friend in this situation. These can help you plot out the best route before you begin driving. Plus, apps like Google Maps or Waze let you turn your smartphone into a quick and efficient GPS. These apps also have a nice advantage, as they will update in real-time and alert you to accidents, detours, or faster routes.
Plan for breaks
It’s also important to make room for brakes in your trip planning. Some drivers think that they can just push through their drives and don’t need to take breaks. However, this can lead to increased fatigue and burnout, which can impact the trucker’s driving ability. This kind of risk isn’t worth any potential time-saving you think you might get.
A generally rule of thumb is to plan for both longer and shorter breaks. Longer breaks can be ones where you take some time to stop and get something to eat. Shorter breaks can be for when you stop for fuel, to use the bathroom, or to just stretch. Make sure you plan these breaks in safe places, and have backups in mind just in case.
Watch the weather
The weather might get overlooked when you do your initial trip planning. After all, if you’re in your truck, then it won’t matter if the sky is clear, right? However, the biggest thing is to look for when the weather is being not-so-pleasant.
Inclement weather like heavy rain or snow can really get in the way of your trip. You can expect not only a tougher time driving, but also a lot more traffic than usual. Plus, some roads might be in so poor shape that you can’t drive on them. As a result, it always helps to double-check before you head out and have a backup just in case.
May 26, 2019 | Work, Work Injuries
Most, if not all of us, have heard of Memorial Day, and celebrated it in some way over the years. Whether you attend a backyard barbecue, fireworks, or spend the day on the lake— Memorial Day is a time to celebrate. However, many people don’t quite understand what Memorial day stands for. Let alone, it’s history, and why it’s worth taking the time to observe. Therefore, on this Memorial Day, we’re going to take a moment to dive into the history. Furthermore, what it means to military families, veterans, and those who have lost their lives in the fight for freedom…
Memorial Day: History, Significance, and Observance
History
Memorial Day always falls on the last Monday of May. It goes to honor the men and women who have died while serving the United States within the military. In it’s beginning, this holiday was called Decoration Day. Memorial, or Decoration, Day began in the years after the Civil War, and was observed through visiting cemeteries, holding memorials and gatherings. In some areas, there will even be a parade to honor the fallen, and mark the beginning of the summer.
Why did it get its start?
The Civil War was more deadly than any other conflict in U.S. history to date. Due to the magnitude of loss, the government establishes the first national cemeteries. Furthermore, a day of mourning began organically across towns in the U.S. While the true origin of this holiday is not exact, Waterloo declares itself the birthplace of Memorial Day in 1966.
Why the last Monday of May?
In its beginning, May 30th was the day of observance. However, in 1968, Congress passes an act to makes the last Monday of May Memorial Day instead— regardless of the date. Their purpose in doing this was to create a universal three-day weekend for federal employees.
Observance
Memorial Day is now largely a day of grilling, good company, and cold drinks. However, it’s important to understand why this holiday is in effect, and why we take time to honor those who make the ultimate sacrifice. So, during your celebration— take a moment. 3:00 p.m. on the dot is the national moment of remembrance. Honor those who serve, remember those who were lost, and celebrate the lives of both. To all veterans, military families, and officials— we salute you, and celebrate your hard work and sacrifice.
Apr 19, 2019 | Work Injuries, Workers' Compensation
We mention it all the time, there are inherent risks in every profession. Furthermore, there are unique safety measures that need to be taken. However, today, we’re going to look at one profession in particular that comes with a unique set of risks… teaching. Teaching injuries can be brought on by a number of different circumstances. From unhealthy students, to slips and falls, a fight in the classroom, and even violent school invasions. In short, anything can happen. Therefore, you have to be prepared for what may come when you step into your classroom.
Teaching Injuries: Unexpected Classroom Accidents
Exposure to toxic materials
You might not think so, but a classroom can be quite the dangerous place. Take, for example, working in an old building. You know that your school building has been there since the ‘70s. Not to mention, you know that it has a certain smell. However, what you might not realize is that the strange smell is pointing to a bigger issue— mold. Toxic exposure in the classroom is not highly common. But, it can happen from time to time in a poorly maintained building. So, if you find yourself stationed in a classroom that has you worrying, ask an administrator to hire an inspector. Don’t add ‘treating teaching injuries’ to your long list of things to get accomplished.
Acts of violence
When you sign on to become a teacher, you have to acknowledge the inherent risk that comes along with it: acts of violence. According to the CDC, nearly 24% of students reported being in a physical fight on school property one or more times during a school year. Furthermore, the risk of school shootings is present now more than ever. Students getting into fights doesn’t always lead to teaching injuries. But, you are handling a dangerous task: breaking up the fight. Furthermore, school shootings are inherently rare— although we’ve seen more of them recently than in past years. However, if that time comes, you and your students are at risk of serious injury.
Work-induced stress
As a teacher, you have many roles to fall into on a daily basis. You are an educator, mentor, role model, babysitter, therapist, nurse, security guard, and a figurehead. You have to take on mental health in your students, make sure they have the resources they need, make sure they’re learning, and also watch for signs of abuse, hunger, neglect, and the like. In short, a teacher has the responsibility of 10-30 kids on a daily basis. You are a caretaker, and an educator. That is no small feat. Therefore, among all teaching injuries, work-induced stress is the most common one out there. You often face overcrowded classrooms, underfunded materials, a lack of support on part of administrators, and frustrated kids.
Teaching is not easy
In short, there’s nothing easy about being a teacher. From the beginning of your day, to the very end— you take on a number of different roles, all of which can be extremely stressful. Teaching injuries can be physical, mental, or emotional— and each one is quite difficult to face. We commend our educators, and encourage them to take a moment here and there for themselves.
Apr 16, 2019 | Work Injuries, Workers' Compensation
Accidents are bound to happen in the workplace. However, if there is anything we can do as managers, business owners, or shift leaders— it is to reduce those incidents. Ultimately, accident prevention begins with workplace safety, and accountability. So, what can we do to encourage these things amongst our employees?
Accountability in Workplace Safety: Avoiding Injuries
Start with proper training
The most important step in inspiring accountability in your employees is to give them the tools to do so beforehand. When you bring on new hires, make sure they are receiving proper workplace safety training. Furthermore, use it as an opportunity to refresh your current employees on what it means to be safe.
Ask for their opinion
No one knows what’s happening on the floor better than the people who spend their day-to-day lives there. So, ask for their help in deciding what safety protocols are necessary, unnecessary, and also what might be missing in terms of safety protocol. When they have a hand in implementing changes, they will feel more accountable in terms of honoring them. Every employee needs to feel valued in order to value their work. So, use your employee’s point of view as a means of giving them that feeling, and also as a means of bettering the workplace. By doing so, you’ll improve your employee’s accountability.
Don’t call one person out for doing something wrong, as this can hinder accountability and alienate your employees. Chances are if one person is using the poor protocol— they aren’t the only one. Use these instances of poor performance as a means of addressing the whole group. Don’t call one person out for handling boxes poorly. Instead, host a meeting where you review what is going wrong— and urge your employees to self-correct. Start here, and move forward as necessary in terms of addressing the issue.
Incentivize proper protocol and milestones
Let’s face it: we care about our employees and want them to be healthy and safe. However, we can’t deny the appeal of meeting a safety milestone. 90 days accident-free means healthy employees and fewer costly claims. So, every 90 days without an accident— consider hosting a breakfast, a happy hour, or letting everyone head home an hour early for the day. There are small ways to encourage accountability in your employees, and giving them something to look forward to is a great way to do that.
Mar 27, 2019 | Personal Injury, Work Injuries
Accidents come out of nowhere. One minute you’re working, or having fun with friends, and the next— you’re in pain. When recovering from an injury, healing is your number one priority. Therefore, a post-accident pain journal can be a consideration for documenting your injury, recovery, and any details surrounding your injury that might benefit your claim in the future.
Post-Accident Pain Journal: You Should Use One
What is it?
A post-accident pain journal is an informal record of your pain levels after an accident. It can be on the notes app on your phone or in a small notebook. Anything that’s easy for you to access when you have an onset of pain. There are also mobile apps and printable templates for you to use to journal.
What should I journal?
Anything regarding your health after an accident should ideally be journaled. Doctors visits, prescriptions and medications, and other symptoms should be logged in your post-accident pain journal. Anytime you have an ache or a strain from an injury you got during the accident, put it in there!
Who’s going to read it?
Keep in mind, a lot of people may be reviewing this. Your insurance company, doctors, and lawyers may all ask to see it. Also, your post-accident pain journal might also appear in court if necessary. Keep a neat, but detailed, log of your pain.
Why is it important?
You might have had a severe accident that you swear you’ll never forget. Or, it might’ve been on the smaller side with “not many details”. Either way, you need a post-accident pain journal. All the small details, even the ones you think might not matter, need to be included. Plus, it’s always better to have too much information than not enough!
Anything else?
Additionally, you should include conversations you have with anyone involved in the accident. After the accident, make a note of the officers you had contact with and the other involved parties, if applicable. Keep this handy, along with any other conversations you have regarding the accident. This could be with potential law representation or insurance companies. Keeping track of names, dates, and times will also be helpful in your post-accident pain journal. While these might not be pain related, they are details that are relevant to your case.
Mar 10, 2019 | Work Injuries, Workers' Compensation
Dangerous jobs come in all forms and fashions. From a soldier to a bank teller, and those who serve our communities— there are all kinds of risks involved in nearly every profession. However, we want to take a moment and focus on those who risk their lives daily to keep us safe and save the things that we hold dear to us. We see firefighters on the scenes of car accidents, home fires, and just about any accident that happens in our communities. These first responders put their lives on the line every day to keep us out of harm’s way. But, what about their safety? Firefighter safety is something that often falls to the wayside because they’re so busy focusing on our safety. However, they are at high risk for a number of injuries…
Firefighter Safety and Injuries
Sprains, Strains, and Pains
Oddly enough, the most common injuries for firefighters to face, are sprains, strains, and muscle pains as a result of non-fire-related issues. If you consider what a firefighter has to do on a daily basis— much of it is waiting to hear that call. Therefore, they might be sitting down having a meal, taking a nap, or in the shower. The next thing they know, that alarm goes off and they jump up to hit the road. These quick, jarring movements can easily lead to an injury. Therefore, when you consider firefighter safety, you have to consider the benefits of a good stretch…
Burns and Respiratory Damage
We all remember being in elementary school and having the fire department pay a visit. They told us what to do in the event of a fire, as well as what to do if we ourselves happen to catch on fire. While this is an extremely serious issue to face— it’s not quite as common for us as it is for them. When it comes to firefighter safety, and injuries, burns are one of the most obvious injuries that people might guess. However, due to the current technology— they aren’t as common as you might think. From their suits to their respirators— there are a lot of different pieces in play to prevent issues. However, they will still inevitably happen.
Unexpected Falling Items
As we’ve mentioned, burns are not massively common amongst firefighters because they have the gear to beat them. However, most burns that do happen, happen as a result of a firefighter getting trapped inside of a building. They’re pulling someone out, checking for a missing animal, and next thing you know— a beam, or a wall falls down, leaving them trapped. While these incidents are largely unexpected, finding a way to keep them to a minimum is a priority in terms of firefighter safety. That’s where training comes into play…
Training and Preparation
The majority of firefighter safety, and common injuries, come into play in the form of proper training. A firefighter’s duty is not something to take lightly. While most firefighters know, accept, and honor that— accidents do happen. Therefore, when you face an unexpected injury, it’s important that you treat it with care. After all, not everyone can do what you do.
