florida department of transportation safety · pdf filethe safety and health awareness...

The Safety and Health Awareness Newsletter

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

http://www.associatedcontent.com/topic/17275/labor_day.html




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


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

http://www.cancer.org

http://www.cancer.gov


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.

http://www.nhtsa.gov/cps/cpsfitting/index.cfm

http://www.nhtsa.gov/cps/cpsfitting/index.cfm

http://www.nhtsa.gov/Safety/CPS

http://www.safekidsweb.org/events/

http://www.nhtsa.gov


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.


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

http://www.dot.state.fl.us/safety


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.


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


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/


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: (__)_________________


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

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