Jim Slebzak has served the membership of Local 1923 for over 30 years, initially as a steward later, as the Sergeant at arms and, in a dual role, as the Health & Safety Chairman continually since 1981. In his role as the 4th District Health & Safety Representative his goal is to ensure that a safe and healthy work environment is provide for all federal employees. 

Check this page for articles on Health and Safety submitted by Jim.

Don't Ignore Shock

Emergency! How to Help Someone in Shock or Someone Who Faints If a person faints, or is in shock, his or her skin may be pale, cool and clammy . The person may feel lightheaded, confused or may be unconscious. Usually, the person's pulse is weak and fast, breathing is slow and shallow, and his or her pupils may be large. Shock and fainting occur when only a small amount of blood circulates to the brain. This means that the brain is not receiving enough oxygen. Shock can occur after an accident or injury. 

What to do: CALL 911. A person in shock needs immediate attention and medical treatment. Lie the person down on his or her back with feet elevated above the heart so the brain gets more blood. If the person vomits or bleeds from the mouth, place the person on his or her side to prevent choking. Keep the person warm Use a coat, blanket, or even newspaper. Also, loosen any tight clothing which might restrict the person's blood flow. This information is valuable both on and off the job.  

Use Good Sense to Save Your Back

Your knowledge of safety precautions rewards you both on and off the job. Familiarize yourself with techniques to avoid back injuries while lifting moderate to heavy objects. Although lower back pain can result from acquired conditions at birth, or from infections or tumors, the most common cause is sprains and strains. Your back can be injured by falling, and auto accidents as well as sports activities. But of these, lifting improperly, is the largest single cause of back pain and injury. Luckily, you can do something about preventing back pain by knowing and using proper lifting techniques. After the common cold, problems with the lower back are the most frequent  cause of  lost work time in adults under the age of forty-five. Fact is, estimates show, such pain accounts for nearly 30 million doctor visits per year. Not only does your agency lose, but you lose when you are laid up for weeks, unable to stay active in your life. Although our backs hold up very well, our lifestyles and activities can lead to back pain. Here are some of the things that can go wrong.

STRAINS AND SPRAINS - can result from injury to muscles and ligaments that support the back. A torn ligament will result in severe back pain.

MUSCLE TRIGGER POINTS- in deep muscle tissue may become tender and result in severe back agony.

RUPTURED OR SLIPPED DISK- is not uncommon and occurs when the disk presses on a nerve.

CHRONIC TENSION OR STRESS- can result in muscle spasms and aggravate persistent and painful backache.

OTHER CONDITIONS- such as pain "referred to the back" from other organs, such as kidneys and prostate, can result in nagging back pain.

WHY BACK PAIN HAPPENS - Our main concern is proper lifting techniques, but a variety of other factors can contribute to this age old problem.

POOR POSTURE - Whether you're standing, sitting or reclining, posture affects the amount of strain put on your back. The wrong posture increases strain on the back muscles and may bend the spine into positions that will cause trouble. When standing correctly, the spine has a natural "S" curve. The shoulders are back  and the 'S' curve is directly over the pelvis. Good sitting posture should put your knees slightly higher than your hips. Your hips should be to the rear of the chair with your lower back not overly arched. Also, your shoulders and upper back are not rounded. Reclining posture is important, too. Sleep on your side with knees bent or sleep on your back. Sleeping on your stomach, especially on a sagging mattress with your head on a thick pillow, puts too much strain on the spine. Result: morning backache.

POOR PHYSICAL CONDITION - Your physical condition can lead to back pain. If you are overweight, and especially if you have developed a pot belly, extra strain on your spine results. A pot belly increases strain in the lower back. When you are out of shape , the chances for chronic back pain are greater. Lack of exercise is a major factor too. A sudden strain on generally unused back muscles leads to trouble, particularly when there is a sudden twisting or turning of the back. An approximate estimate is that every extra pound up front puts ten pounds of strain on your back. Proper diet and exercise is the sensible way to help avoid back problems. Stress is another factor that may lead to back pain. Tied in with your general physical condition, stress created from work or play can cause muscle spasms that affect the spinal nerve network. Although stress is part of everyone's life, and a certain amount of stress is healthy, excessive stress is a backache cause. The solution is a balanced life style, with time to relax and take things easy.

BASICS OF GOOD LIFTING TECHNIQUES

With the amount of mechanical lifting equipment available today, most heavy objects are lifted by forklifts, hoists, dollies and other types of equipment. However, sometimes it is necessary to load or unload by hand and moderate to heavy objects have to be lifted. When that is the case, knowing the proper ways to lift can save you a great deal of pain and misery from a sprained back.

 1. SIZE UP THE LOAD BEFORE TRYING TO LIFT IT.  Test the weight by lifting at one of the corners. If the load is too heavy or of an awkward shape, the best move is to get help from a colleague or use a mechanical lifting device. Make sure you can comfortably handle the weight.

 2. BEND THE KNEES. This is the single most important rule when lifting moderate to heavy objects. When lifting a crate or box place your feet close to the object. Center yourself over the load, then bend your knees and get a good hand hold. Lift straight up, smoothly. Allow your legs, not your back, to do the work.

3. DO NOT twist or turn your body once you have made the lift.

4. Make sure you can carry the  load where you need to go before attempting to move it 

5. Set the load down properly, bend your knees, let your legs do the bulk of the work. Don't let go until the load is secure on the floor.

6. Always push, not pull the object when possible. When moving an object on rollers, for example, pushing puts less strain on the back and is safer, should the object shift.  For more information on this and other related safety issues, contact your on- safety office. 

This is my first column dealing with issues affecting safety on the job. Watch this website for future subjects of interest. If you have a suggestion or a subject you would like information on, contact me at 410- 966 9815. Thank you.

Summertime is Play Time -- Use Care Though

Summertime is here. The kids are on summer vacation, the outdoors are attracting their attention. Responsible parents want to assure their safety. Whether your children play in the back yard or, at the public playground there are some precautions you should take to help avoid serious injury to your children.

              Top 10 Checklist for Playground Safety
1.   Surfaces around playground equipment should be filled with at least 12 inches of loose fill, such   as wood chips, mulch, sand or pea gravel.
2.   Most stationary equipment should have at least a 6-foot use zone in all directions.
3.   Any openings that can trap children (in guard rails or between ladder rungs) should be less than    3.5 inches apart or more than 9 inches.
4.  Guardrails should surround all elevated platforms and should be at least 29 inches high              for pre-school age children.           
5.  Look for exposed concrete footings, tree roots or rocks that could trip children.
6.  Check for sharp edges and dangerous hardware, like open "S" hooks or protruding bolts.                                                                                                                                            7.  Make sure your child plays on age appropriate equipment.
8.  Playgrounds should be maintained regularly. Repair ones at home and report ones at the public playground.
9.  Remove hoods or drawstrings that can get caught on equipment.
10. Supervise children while they play.        

Enjoy a fun filled and safe summer away from emergency rooms.