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The Safety and Health Awareness Newsletter Page 1
LABOR DAY
For many families Labor Day weekend marks the
end of summer, a return to school for the children, and
the gradual return to the scheduled life that comes
with school, work, and winter holidays. With this sym-
bolic end of summer "vacation" people take the long
weekend to relax and play, maybe take one last week-
end getaway.
As much as Labor Day now represents a holiday for
rest and fun family time, its roots are anchored in the
labor movement of the late 1800s, when workers did
not enjoy the benefits workers have today. They did
not have a limited work week, minimum wage, or mini-
mum age requirements. Employers did not extend
benefits to their employees, such as health, retirement,
and tuition reimbursement . Working conditions were
often unsafe and some workers even died at their
places of employment. It is in part, because of those
workers that we employees today enjoy safe working
conditions and the benefits we have, and in celebrat-
ing Labor Day we should take at least a few moments
to remember those men, women, and children.
Florida Department of Transportation
SAFETY ADVISOR September
IN THIS ISSUE… Labor Day…………....…………...…….........1
Ovarian Cancer Awareness…....……..…….2
Prostate Cancer Awareness………..……….3
Car Seat Inspection……..…..…..…………..4
Cleanup Hazards.……..…………………….5
Drowsy Driving Awareness....……………...6
Downed Electrical Wires....………………...7
Word Search Puzzle……......……...…….….8
Safety Slogans……..…...…..…….………….9
Calendar…...…..……...……..……………..11
Labor Day offers workers across the country a long
weekend to enjoy family and friends, to rest and relax.
Large and small cities offer their citizens and visitors
great activities. Even an impromptu barbecue is fun.
With so many great ways to celebrate Labor Day,
everyone will be sure to find something they enjoy.
Resting, relaxing, and enjoying a paid day off with
friends or family is the best way we can honor our-
selves and one another for our selfless, committed,
giving, and dedicated public service.
http://www.dol.gov
tradtcceportfolio.webs.com
The Safety and Health Awareness Newsletter Page 2
National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
Ovarian cancer is a disease in which malignant or can-
cerous cells are found in the ovary. An ovary is one of
two small, almond-shaped organs located on each side of
the uterus that produce female hormones and store eggs
or germ cells. In women age 35 to 74, ovarian cancer is
the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths. In 2010,
the American Cancer Society estimates that there will be
21,550 new cases of ovarian cancer diagnosed and
14,600 women will die of the disease.
What is the general outlook for women
diagnosed with ovarian cancer?
Because each woman diagnosed with ovarian cancer
has a different profile, it is impossible to give a general
prognosis. If diagnosed and treated early, when the can-
cer is confined to the ovary, the 5-year survival rate is
over 90%. Unfortunately, due to ovarian cancer’s non-
specific symptoms, only 19% of all cases are found at this
early stage. If caught in stage III or higher, survival rate
can be as low as 29%.
FACTS
All women are at risk Symptoms exist—they can be
vague, but increase over time Early detection increases survival
rate A Pap Test DOES NOT detect ovarian
cancer
What are some of the risk factors
linked to ovarian cancer?
While the presence of one or more risk factors may
increase a woman’s chance of getting ovarian cancer,
it does not necessarily mean that she will develop the
disease. Risk factors include:
Genetic predisposition
Personal or family history of breast, ovarian, or
colon cancer
Increasing age
Undesired infertility
What are some of the symptoms of ovarian cancer?
Bloating
Pelvic or abdominal pain
Trouble eating or feeling full quickly
Feeling the need to urinate urgently or often
Other symptoms of ovarian cancer can include:
Fatigue
Upset stomach or heartburn
Back pain
Pain during sex
Constipation
Menstrual changes
If symptoms persist daily for more than 2 weeks,
consult your physician.
While the symptoms of ovarian cancer (particularly in
the early stages) are often not acute or intense, they
are not silent; they whisper, so listen.
http://www.ovarian.org
The Safety and Health Awareness Newsletter Page 3
National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer
death in men preceded by Lung cancer, which is the
first. The National Cancer Institute estimates that there
will be about 192,280 new cases diagnosed with pros-
tate cancer in United States in 2010, and 27,360 will die
from the disease. Prostate cancer is most common in
men over 40 and the risk increases with age.
Statistics show that the mortality rate is getting
smaller because more men are getting tested as a regu-
lar part of their health care. Prostate cancer can be
cured if detected early and can be treated even in its
later stages. The death rate for prostate cancer is going
down as the disease is being detected earlier. Screening
tests (PSA and DRE), while not perfect, can detect pros-
tate cancer in its early stages.
Prostate cancer risk factors
Anything that increases a person's chance of devel-
oping a disease is called a risk factor. Though the pre-
cise cause of prostate cancer is unknown, the following
factors may increase the likelihood of developing pros-
tate cancer:
Age – Prostate cancer is most common in men over
40 and the risk increases with age.
Race – African American men have a higher risk of
developing prostate cancer than Caucasians.
Nutrition – A diet higher in animal fat may add to
the risk.
Family history – Genetic factors may predispose
one as being at high risk.
Prostate cancer facts
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed
cancer in men (other than non-melanoma skin can-
cer).
The prostate is a male sex gland and part of a man’s
reproductive system. About the size of a walnut, it
is located below the bladder and in front of the rec-
tum.
It is known as a silent disease because prostate can-
cer can be present and spread beyond the prostate
by the time symptoms show up.
More than 9 out of 10 prostate cancers are found in
the local and regional stages (local means it is still
confined to the prostate; regional means it has
spread from the prostate to nearby areas, but not
to distant sites, such as bone). When compared to
men the same age and race who do not have cancer
(called relative survival), the 5-year relative survival
rate for these men is nearly 100%.
Clinical evidence is mounting regarding antioxidants
and their role in helping to shield against prostate can-
cer by neutralizing harmful molecules known as oxygen
-free radicals. Eating tomatoes and tomato sauce which
are high in the anti-oxidant lycopene may cut the risk of
prostate cancer.
The lack of symptoms makes it nearly impossible to
detect without regular prostate screenings. So just play
it safe and get screened.
American Cancer Society; National Cancer Institute
The Safety and Health Awareness Newsletter Page 4
Would Your Child’s Car Seat Pass
Inspection?
Securing your children properly in age- and size-
appropriate child safety seats — in the back seat of your
vehicle — is the most effective thing you can do to protect
them in the event of a crash. In fact, in motor vehicle
crashes, child safety seats reduce the risk of fatal injury by
71 percent for infants and by 54 percent for toddlers.
Among child passengers under age 5, child restraints
saved the lives of an estimated 244 children in 2008 alone.
From 1975 through 2008, restraints (child safety seats or
adult seat belts) are credited with saving the lives of 8,959
children.
Because child safety seats do save lives, all 50 States, the
District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico require their use. Even
so, motor vehicle traffic crashes remain the leading cause of
death for children age 3 and older.
The good news is that a majority of parents buckle up
their children in child safety seats, booster seats, or safety
belts. However, according to the U.S Department of Trans-
portation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA), nearly 3 out of 4 child safety seats are not used
properly, which is a grave risk when traveling.
That’s where NHTSA’s Child Passenger Safety Week can
help. This annual campaign focuses on increasing aware-
ness of these issues, and provides parents and caregivers
with resources and information to better protect children
from motor vehicle crash risks.
For a child safety seat to do its job right, it has to be:
Appropriate for your child’s age and size;
Installed properly in your vehicle; and
Adjusted to fit your child securely.
If you’re a parent or caregiver, don’t miss the many free
Child Passenger Safety Week educational events being held
at locations nationwide this September 19 - 25. The week’s
activities wind up on the 25th with its signature event: Na-
tional Seat Check Saturday. On this single day every year,
parents have the chance to visit a free local inspection site
to have a certified child passenger safety technician inspect
their child’s safety seat — and provide hands-on advice and
instruction.
Even if you’ve had your child’s seat inspected before, it
never hurts to have a refresher. So don’t miss out on in-
spections. For more information on Child Passenger Safety
Week and to find the child seat inspection station nearest
you visit http://www.nhtsa.gov/Safety/CPS and http://
www.safekidsweb.org/events/
Remember: All child passengers under age 13 should ride
securely restrained in the back seat, where they are safest
— every trip, every time. To learn more about child passen-
ger safety and 2010 Child Passenger Safety Week events,
visit www.nhtsa.gov.
The Safety and Health Awareness Newsletter Page 5
Health Tips
Take frequent rest breaks when lifting heavy, water-
laden objects. Avoid overexertion and practice good
lifting techniques. To help prevent injury, use teams of
two or more to move bulky objects; avoid lifting any
materials that weigh more than 50 pounds per person,
and use proper automated lifting assistance devices if
practical.
When working in hot environments, have plenty of
drinking water available, use sunscreen, and take fre-
quent rest breaks. Wear light-colored, loose-fitting
clothing.
Be sure that a first aid kit is available to disinfect any
cuts or abrasions. Protect open cuts and abrasions
with waterproof gloves or dressings.
Wash your hands often during the day, especially be-
fore eating, drinking, or applying sunscreen.
General Precautions
Use a wooden stick or pole to check flooded areas for
pits, holes, and protruding objects before entering.
Ensure that all ladders and scaffolds are properly se-
cured prior to use.
Conduct a preliminary worksite inspection to verify
stability before entering a flooded, formerly flooded
building; before operating vehicles over roadways or
surfaces. Don’t work in or around any flood damaged
building until it has been examined and certified as
safe for work by a registered professional engineer or
architect.
Washouts, trenches, excavations, and gullies must
be supported or their stability verified prior to
worker entry. All trenches should be supported (e.g.,
with a trench box); if no support is available, the
trench must be sloped at no less than a 1:1 (45°) an-
gle for cohesive soil and angular gravel and a 11/2:1
(34°) angle for granular soils including gravel, sand,
and loamy sand or submerged soil or soil from which
water is freely seeping.
Establish a plan for contacting medical personnel in
the event of an emergency.
Report any obvious hazards (downed power lines,
frayed electric wires, gas leaks, or snakes) to appro-
priate authorities.
Use fuel-powered generators outdoors. Do not
bring them indoors, as they may pose a carbon mon-
oxide (CO) hazard.
Use life-vests when engaged in activities that could
result in deep water exposure.
Use extreme caution when handling containers
holding unknown substances or known toxic sub-
stances (for example, floating containers of house-
hold or industrial chemicals). Contact the EPA
(Environmental Protection Agency) for information
on disposal at the National Response Center (800)
424-8802.
Do NOT use improvised surfaces (e.g., refrigerator
racks) for cooking food or for boiling water to avoid
exposure to heavy metals.
Cleanup Hazards Cleanup work of any kind is hazardous, but flood conditions make it even more so. Following the procedures listed below will help to keep you safe and healthy
while cleaning up after natural disasters that involve flooding.
The Safety and Health Awareness Newsletter Page 6
Clothing and Personal Protective Equipment
Always wear watertight boots with a steel toe and
insole, gloves, long pants, and safety glasses during
cleanup operations; sneakers should NOT be worn
because they will not prevent punctures, bites, or
crush injuries. Wear a hardhat if there is any danger
of falling debris.
Wear a NIOSH-approved dust respirator if working
with moldy building materials or vegetable matter
(hay, stored grain, or compost).
When handling bleach or other chemicals, follow
the directions on the package; wear eye, hand, and
face protection as appropriate; and have plenty of
clean water available for eyewash and other first aid
treatments.
Fire Protection
Immediately evacuate any building that has a gas
leak until the leak is controlled and the area venti-
lated.
Be sure that an adequate number of fire extinguish-
ers are available and re-evaluate the fire evacuation
plan.
Be sure that all fire exits are clear of debris
and sandbags.
http://www.osha.gov
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
estimates that each year, driver fatigue results in
100,000 police-reported crashes, 1,550 deaths, 71,000
injuries, and $12.5 billion in monetary losses.
Regardless of their vocation, age, sex, health condi-
tion, or other characteristics, any driver can become
overconfident and fall victim to drowsy driving. Meas-
ures that drivers can take to stay alert behind the
steering wheel are:
Catch some Z’s. A good night’s sleep goes a long
way to prevent drowsy driving.
Bring a buddy. By having another driver on board,
you have someone to share the driving responsibili-
ties and help keep one another alert.
Take a break. Stopping to get out and stretch your
legs every few hours or even to catch a quick nap
will help you recharge your battery.
Drive sober. Alcohol and driving never mix. Also,
heed prescription medication labels and any warn-
ings that say they may make you drowsy.
Fatigue and drowsiness can impair your ability to
safely operate a motor vehicle, which not only puts you
and your passengers in danger, but also it places every-
one else on the road with you at risk. Please do your
part and take proactive steps to avoid driving drowsy.
To learn more about Florida’s You Snooze, You Lose.
Don’t D r ive Drowsy campaign, v is i t
www.dot.state.fl.us/safety.
Cleanup Hazards cont’d
The Safety and Health Awareness Newsletter Page 7
Safety First
Above all else, always consider all equipment, lines, and
conductors to be energized. Be cautious and if you no-
tice downed wires or damaged electrical equipment,
contact appropriate utility personnel. Remember that
circuits do not always turn off when a power line falls
into a tree or onto the ground. Even if they are not
sparking or humming, fallen power lines can kill you if
you touch them or even the ground nearby.
Energy
Downed wires can energize other objects, including
fences, water pipes, bushes and trees, buildings, tele-
phone/CATV/fiber optic cables and other electric utili-
ties. Even manhole castings and reinforcement bars (re/
bar) in pavement can become energized by downed
wires. During storms, wind-blown objects such as cano-
pies, aluminum roofs, siding, sheds, etc., can also be
energized by downed wires.
Backfeed
When electrical conductors are inadvertently energized
by other energy sources, backfeed occurs. Some of
those sources include:
Circuit ties/switch points
Lightning
Generators
Downstream events
Simply testing for energy sources is not sufficient since
hazardous electrical events can happen without warn-
ing. Ensure that proper lockout/tagout procedures are
always followed.
Rules to live by
Do NOT assume that a downed conductor is safe sim-
ply because it is on the ground or it is not sparking.
Do NOT assume that all coated, weatherproof or insu-
lated wire is just telephone, television, or fiber-optic
cable.
Low-hanging wires still have voltage potential even if
they are not touching the ground.
Never go near a downed or fallen electric power line.
Always assume that it is energized. Touching it could
be fatal.
Electricity can spread outward through the ground in a
circular shape from the point of contact. As you move
away from the center, large differences in voltages can
be created.
Never drive over downed power lines. Assume that
they are energized. And, even if they are not, downed
lines can become entangled in your equipment or ve-
hicle.
If contact is made with an energized power line while
you are in a vehicle, remain calm and do not get out
unless the vehicle is on fire. If possible, call for help.
If you must exit any equipment because of fire or
other safety reasons, try to jump completely clear,
making sure that you do not touch the equipment and
the ground at the same time. Land with both feet to-
gether and shuffle away in small steps to minimize
the path of electric current and avoid electrical shock.
http://www.osha.gov
Working Safely Around Downed Electrical Wires
Electrical hazards exist in some form in nearly all occupations. However, those hazards multiply for workers involved in cleanup and recovery efforts following
major disasters and weather emergencies. One particular life-threatening danger exists around downed and low-hanging electrical wires.
The Safety and Health Awareness Newsletter Page 8
ALABAMA (1)
ARKANSAS(17)
AUBURN(22)
BOISE STATE(3)
FLORIDA(4)
FLORIDA STATE(20)
GEORGIA(23)
GEORGIA TECH(16)
IOWA(9)
LSU(21)
MIAMI FL(13)
NEBRASKA(8)
NORTH CAROLINA(18)
OHIO STATE (2)
OKLAHOMA(7)
OREGON(11)
OREGON STATE(24)
PENN STATE(19)
PITTSBURGH(15)
TCU(6)
TEXAS(5)
USC(14)
VIRGINIA TECH(10)
WEST VIRGINIA(25)
WISCONSIN(12)
The Safety Advisor puzzle is generated from the
http://school.discoveryeducation.com/, puzzle maker.
Omissions or errors are possible and are the sole responsibility of the program
and not the producers of this Newsletter.
N G L E E O F L F H E T X X S H H H A E
N W S O M H N N Z J R K G D D D C I T K
S R U E U I B O I S E S T A T E E A Q U
C A U D V O N R E K X R W U R A T W Y O
V U L B M S E T N B T O I F W S A V U J
F A S D U T E H C F I R R I N L I V B X
P L I C A A T C F Y R Z S O K R G E T M
Q E O N U T T A I C G C G Y G H R W N T
P E R R I E Z R W G O E A I H H O K T X
H I D M I G A O E N R F N H O W E I N O
A C T Z X D R L S O U I T C U N G S B L
K M H T P D A I E T A T S A D I R O L F
S H O V S Y N N V T E T A T S N N E P S
A M N H B B V A E T A L A B A M A G A A
R I E G A Y U C O D S B L I M L E S K X
B A G I F L H R M I J E R P P O N X F E
E M U U J U K G G A C V W V R A S D J T
N I N O G E R O I H C Q M G K P L A Y N
D F A A F K K T V S G C I R F I K Y B Z
E L R E Z G L E K Z N A A F P U B A C V
AP TOP 25 PRESEASON
The Safety and Health Awareness Newsletter Page 9
Safety Hot Line (850) 245-1543
You can report hazards by telephone. You can remain anonymous.
Everything is confidential.
Action will be taken and you will be notified within 30 days.
“Tomorrow– your reward for working safely today ”
Anonymous
“Safety isn’t just a slogan, it’s a way of life !”
Anonymous
This monthly newsletter is produced by the State Safety Office by Mark Eacker under the supervision of
Marianne A. Trussell, the Department’s Chief Safety Officer.
For content information, please call or email the editor, Mark Eacker, at:
850-245-1510 / [email protected]
Our internet address is:www.dot.state.fl.us/safety
Our intranet address is:Infonet.dot.state.fl.us/safetyoffice/
The Safety and Health Awareness Newsletter Page 10
Safety Advisor Customer Satisfaction Survey
We are interested in your opinion. In order to better serve your needs,
please take a moment to fill out this brief questionnaire. Send to:
Local Fax: 850 245-1554
Via US Postal Service (or inter-office mail) to the address shown below.
Attention: Industrial Safety
Florida Department of Transportation
605 Suwannee Street, MS 53
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0450
Safety Slogan of the Month Entry Form
You are encouraged to submit safety slogans at any time.
Slogans are judged on originality .
You may also email your slogans to [email protected] In the subject line of your email please write “Safety Slogan Entry”.
Survey Questions Yes No
Are the Safety Advisor topics relevant to your day to day job?
Do you use the Safety Advisor in any manner other than read it ?
What would you suggest to improve the suitability of the Safety Advisor to your needs or to improve the overall quality? (Please be specific)
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Do you have any questions regarding Industrial Safety programs and/or operations? Please feel free to include your questions
or comments.
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Please Print Safety Slogan
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Name: ____________________________ Location/Office: ______________________
District: ________________ Phone: (__)_________________
The Safety and Health Awareness Newsletter Page 11
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
29 30
31 1
3 4
5
6
Labor
Day
State Holiday
7 8 9
Rosh
Hashanah
10
11
Patriot
Day
12
Grandparents
Day
13 15 16
Step Family
Day
17
Constitution
Day and
Week
18
Yom Kippur
19 20 21
International
Day of
Peace
22
23 24
25
26
27 28 29
30 1 2
National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
Florida’s Drowsy Driving Awareness Week Sept. 6-10, 2010
National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
National Child Passenger Safety Week Sept. 19-25,2010
PAY DAY
PAY DAY
2
14
Claude
Denson
Pepper
Birthday
1900
Milton
Snavely
Hershey
Birthday
1857
John
Chapman
Birthday
1774
SEPTEMBER
First Day
of Autumn
John
McAllister
Schofield
Birthday
1831
Barney Flaherty
& The New York
Sun 1833
Shays’
Rebellion
1786