SAFETY
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C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s
to
RON BINGHAM,
Berryessa Station.
A
MILLION MILE AWARD Recipient!!



San Jose Postmaster Sam Vasquez, Shop Steward
(now retired) Ron Bingham & NALC Branch 193 President
Danny Laffan
_________________________________________
OSHA - KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
With Summer now here, PLEASE READ these articles on Heat
Stroke and Heat Exhaustion
What is Heat Stroke/Exhaustion?
Source: WebMD, Medicine.net
Heat stroke is a form of
hyperthermia (abnormally elevated body temperature) with accompanying
physical and
neurological symptoms. Unlike
heat
cramps and
heat
exhaustion, two less-severe forms of hyperthermia, heat stroke is a true
medical emergency that can be fatal if not properly and promptly treated.
The body normally generates heat as a result of
metabolism, and the body is usually able to dissipate the heat by either
radiation of heat through the skin or by evaporation of sweat. However, in
extreme heat, high humidity, or vigorous exertion under the sun, the body may
not be able to dissipate the heat and the body temperature rises, sometimes up
to 106 degrees
Fahrenheit or higher. Another cause of heat stroke is
dehydration. A dehydrated person may not be able to sweat fast enough to
dissipate heat, which causes the body temperature to rise.
The population most susceptible to hear strokes are infants, the elderly
(often with associated heart diseases, lung diseases, kidney diseases, or on
certain medications that make them vulnerable to heat strokes), and athletes, or
outdoor workers physically exerting themselves under the sun.
What are heat stroke symptoms?
Symptoms of heat stroke can sometimes mimic those of
heart
attack or other conditions. Sometimes a person experiences symptoms of heat
exhaustion before progressing to heat strokes.
Different people may have different symptoms and signs of heat stroke. But
common symptoms and signs of heat stroke include:
- high body temperature
- the absence of sweating, with hot red or flushed dry skin
- rapid pulse
- difficulty breathing
- strange behavior
- hallucinations
- confusion
- agitation
- disorientation
- seizure
-
coma
How do you treat a heat stroke victim?
Victims of heat stroke must receive immediate treatment to avoid permanent
organ damage. First and foremost, cool the victim. Get the victim
to a shady area, remove clothing, apply cool or tepid water to the skin (for
example you may spray the victim with cool water from a garden hose), fan the
victim to promote sweating and evaporation, place ice packs under armpits and
groins. Monitor body temperature with a
thermometer and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to
101-102 degrees. Always notify emergency services
(911) immediately. If their arrival is delayed, they can
give you further instructions for treatment of the victim.
The most important measures to prevent heat strokes are to avoid becoming
dehydrated, and to avoid vigorous physical activities in hot and humid weather.
If you have to perform physical activities in hot weather, drink plenty of
fluids (such as water and Gatorade), but avoid
alcohol, caffeine, coffee, and tea which may lead to dehydration. Take
frequent breaks to hydrate yourself. Wear hats, and light colored, and light and
loose clothes.
Introduction to Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop
after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced
replacement of fluids. Those most prone to heat exhaustion are elderly people,
people with
high blood pressure, and people working or
exercising in a hot environment.
Heat Exhaustion Symptoms
Symptoms of heat exhaustion may
include nausea, vomiting,
fatigue,
weakness,
headache,
muscle
cramps and aches, and
dizziness. However some individuals can develop symptoms of heat stroke
suddenly and rapidly without warning
Warning signs of heat exhaustion include:
The skin may be cool and moist. The victim's pulse rate will be fast and
weak, and breathing will be fast and shallow.
If heat exhaustion is untreated, it may progress to
heat stroke, which is a medical emergency.
Seek medical attention and call 911 immediately if:
Otherwise, help the victim to cool off, and seek medical attention if
symptoms worsen or last longer than 1 hour.
Heat Exhaustion treatment
Cooling measures that may be effective include:
- cool, non-alcoholic beverages, as directed by your physician
- rest
- cool shower, bath, or sponge bath
- an air-conditioned environment
- Lightweight clothing
___________________________________
Driving Defensively
More than 41,000 people lose their lives in motor vehicle crashes
each year and over two million more suffer disabling injuries,
according to the National Safety Council. The triple threat of high
speeds, impaired or careless driving and not using occupant
restraints threatens every driver—regardless of how careful or how
skilled. Driving defensively means not only taking responsibility
for yourself and your actions but also keeping an eye on "the other
guy." The National Safety Council suggests the
following guidelines to help reduce your risks on the road.
Always wear your safety belt when driving and insist that your
passengers wear a safety belt, too. Wearing a safety belt is
required by law in every state, except New Hampshire. In some
states, passengers also are required by law to wear a safety belt.
- Do not drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Alcohol slows your reaction time, blurs and distorts vision, and
impairs your judgment about distance.
- Never use illegal drugs.
- Read the labels on all prescription medications for warnings;
consult your physician about how your medications or
over-the-counter drugs could affect your driving.
Speed
- Never exceed the posted speed limit. Weather conditions
permitting, always maintain the legal speed limit.
- To maintain a safe distance between you and the car ahead,
keep a following distance of at least two seconds. Add one
second for each adverse driving condition such as bad weather.
Intersections
- When approaching a green light, be prepared for it to turn
red. It may have been green for a long time.
- When stopped at a red light and it turns green, proceed
slowly. Look left and right before you drive through the
intersection.
- Yellow lights mean proceed with caution, not speed up to get
through the intersection before the light turns red.
- Turning right at a red light is not permitted in every
state. Even in states where it is permitted, turning right is
not allowed in some intersections. Watch for signs at the
intersection.
Passing
- Make sure you are in a passing zone.
- Be certain that there is no oncoming traffic.
- Look at all mirrors carefully before you make a lane change.
- Look behind you for any vehicles that might be trying to
pass you.
- Be aware of any blind spots. Once the lane is clear, signal
your move.
- Move into the passing lane, and accelerate to pass the car
in front of you.
Know Your Environment
- Never look directly at an approaching car's headlights. Use
the right edge of the pavement as a lane guide until the other
car has passed.
- Be aware of any potential road hazards. Watch for cars that
suddenly swerve from their lanes to avoid pot holes,
construction barriers, or stalled vehicles.
- Bad weather such as rain, snow, or fog can make driving
difficult. Always watch for difficult conditions and be prepared
to take defensive action. Follow these bad weather tips:
- The tires on your car can lose traction on wet roads. Slow
down if the roads are wet.
- Snow and ice can make roads slippery. If your car goes into
a skid, do not push down hard on the brakes. Take your foot off
the accelerator and turn the steering wheel in the direction you
want to go. Do not turn sharply. Use moderate turns of the wheel
until you come out of the skid.
- Slow down as you approach shaded areas, bridges, and
overpasses in winter. These areas freeze first and stay frozen
longer.
- When driving on a highway, always be prepared for drivers to
changes lanes suddenly in order to exit.
- Do not let your emotions dominate your driving.
- Do not drive when you are tired. If you feel tired, pull off
the road for some exercise and fresh air or a cup of coffee.
Maintain Your Vehicle
- Cooling system (radiator, radiator cap, thermostat, and
hoses)
- Brakes and brake fluid
- Belts (fan, alternator, and air conditioning)
- Tires
- Engine fluids (motor oil, transmission fluid, and coolant)
- Lights
- Wiper blades
Source: Defensive Driving: The Best
Offense, National Safety Council
_________________________________________________________________________________

DOG BITE AWARENESS
WASHINGTON - Thirty-three hundred letter carriers were bitten by dogs
in 2006, yet that pales in comparison to the other 4.7 million Americans
who were needlessly victimized by dog attacks—nearly half of whom were
children. .
"Two fables we often hear in the Postal Service," explained Mike Spates,
Acting Vice President and Consumer Advocate is, " the check's in the
mail", and "don't worry, my dog won't bite". The truth is, any dog can
bite, no matter how cute it is."
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the
Humane Society of the United States, small children, the elderly and
Postal Service letter carriers—in that order—are the most frequent
victims of dog attacks. Nationally, children suffer more than two
million incidents every year.
The AVMA reports that dog bites in the United States requiring medical
attention number 500,000 to 800,000 annually. Countless more go
unreported and untreated. On average, about a dozen people die each year
from dog bites. Dog bites can also result in criminal and civil
liability for pet owners. Over the past 15 years, more than half the
states have passed laws with stiff penalties for owners of dogs who
cause serious injury or death. The Insurance Information Institute
estimates that insurance companies pay out roughly $345.5 million in dog
bite liability claims annually.
Los Angeles area letter carriers were victimized by 204 dog bite attacks
last year. Cleveland letter carriers suffered 94 bites; Houston 81; and
Oakland with 76 are metropolitan areas with the next highest number of
letter-carrier dog bites.
Many attacks occur at the customer's doorstep.
"When our letter carrier comes to your home, keep your dog inside, away
from the door, in another room, or on a leash," Spates added. "Before
opening the door, we ask that customers place their pet in another room,
as many dogs have been known to jump through screen doors."
Customers who fail to restrain their pets run the risk of curtailed
delivery. In many cases this also includes their neighbors, who may also
have to pick up their mail at the Post Office.
"We place the safety of our postal family as paramount," Spates
continued. "If our letter carriers feel threatened, we will suspend
delivery until we deem it safe."
"Seventy percent of all dog bites occur on the dog owner's property,"
said Dr. Bernadette Cruz, Companion Animal Practitioner, American
Veterinary Medical Association. "A dog that attacks is very often the
family pet. Reducing dog bites requires responsible pet ownership. Dog
owners must understand the importance of appropriate behavioral training
and supervision of contact between their dog and children or strangers.
Education is the key to solving an issue that's reaching epidemic
proportions," she added.
Since 1775, the U.S. Postal Service has connected friends, families,
neighbors and businesses by mail. An independent federal agency, the
Postal Service makes deliveries to more than 142 million addresses every
day and is the only service provider to deliver to every address in the
nation. The Postal Service receives no taxpayer dollars for routine
operations, but derives its operating revenues solely from the sale of
postage, products and services. With annual revenues of $69 billion, it
is the world's leading provider of mail and delivery services, offering
some of the most affordable postage rates in the world. Moreover,
today's postage rates will remain stable until at least 2006. The U.S.
Postal Service delivers more than 46 percent of the world's mail
volume—some 206 billion letters, advertisements, periodicals and
packages a year—and serves seven million customers each day at its
37,000 retail locations nationwide.
Dog Bite Prevention Background
The Victims
-
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Humane
Society of the United States (HSUS) reports that small children, the
elderly and letter carriers—in that order—are the most frequent
victims. Dog attacks are the most commonly reported childhood public
health problem in the United States.
-
The AVMA and HSUS also report that the number of dog attacks exceeds
the reported instances of measles, whooping cough and mumps, combined.
Dog bite victims account for up to 5 percent of emergency room visits.
-
Many of the bites that were reported by 3,300 letter carriers last
year came from dogs whose owners said they would not bite.
How to Avoid Being Bitten
-
Don't run past a dog. The dog's natural instinct is to chase and catch
prey.
-
If a dog threatens you, don't scream. Avoid eye contact. Try to remain
motionless until the dog leaves, then back away slowly until the dog
is out of sight.
-
Don't approach a strange dog, especially one that's tethered or
confined.
-
While letter carriers are discouraged from petting animals, people who
choose to pet dogs should always let a dog see and sniff them before
petting the animal.
How to Be a Responsible Dog Owner
-
Obedience training can teach dogs proper behavior and help owners
control their dog in any situation.
-
When the letter carrier comes to your home, keep your dog inside, away
from the door in another room.
-
Don't let your child take mail from the letter carrier in the presence
of your dog. Your dog's instinct is to protect the family.
-
Spay or neuter your dog. Neutered dogs are less likely to bite. HSUS
statistics reflect that dogs that have not been spayed or neutered are
up to three times more likely to be involved in a biting incident than
neutered or spayed dogs.
-
Dogs that haven't been properly socialized, receive little attention
or handling or are left tied up for long periods of time frequently
turn into biters.
________________________________________________________________________
Heart Attack Warning Signs
That Could Save Your Life!
The NALC joins the Postal Service in asking Letter
Carriers to the know and heed the warning signs of heart attacks.
NALC Director of Safety & Health Brian Hellman urges letter carriers
to,
"Know the warning signs, because being alert to the symptoms can
save your life and the lives of your coworkers. Too many victims
wait too long to seek help, so please don't ignore the telltale
signs."
Three simple facts you should know:
1. Heart Disease is the nation’s number one cause
of death, half caused by a heart attack.
2. Half of all heart attack victims wait more than
two hours before seeking help.
3. If you feel a warning sign(s),
seek medical attention immediately.
Warning signs:
Sweating
Shortness of breath
Discomfort or pain between the shoulder blades
Chest or abdominal discomfort or pain spreading
to the shoulders, neck, arm or jaw
Chest discomfort, pressure or burning
Indigestion or gas-like pain
Anxiety or nervousness
Dizziness or fainting
Unexplained weakness or fatigue
ACT IMMEDIATELY !
Warning signs can hit everyone differently, so
don't take any chances.
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