This is part of my continuing series of useful links from the Internet. In this edition, we look at online resources for Summer Safety.

1. Dig-Safe

Many of us remodel our homes in the summer to ensure that we have curb appeal. This means that we have to dig up the ground around the home. Before we do that, we have to get a utility mark-out by calling at least three days before work is started. The One-Call Systems (Dig-Safe) groups have just launched one number for nation-wide use. Call 8-1-1 at least 3 days before you dig. If you would like a list of the local number for your state, go to: http://www.digsafely.com/contacts.htm

2. GFCI Information

Fun in the sun sometimes requires electricity. To do that safely we may need an extension cord, a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) and some equipment to plug into it. The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFi) has a library of information available for free by just downloading it. Go to: http://www.esfi.org/esfi-library.html.

Or visit http://www.fire.nist.gov/factsheets/Electrical.pdf for their Electrical Safety tips sheet.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has a short bulletin reminding you about GFCI usage and some nice clip art at: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/5040.html.

3. Portable Generator Safety

Going camping or need electrical power after a hurricane? Before you use a portable generator, read the Fact Sheet from OSHA at: http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_Hurricane_Facts/portable_generator_safety.pdf

4. The Dark Side of Tanning

The Food and Drug Administration has some safety tips about "The Darker Side of Tanning," as does the EPA. Go to: http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/consumer/tanning.html and http://www.epa.gov/sunwise/actionsteps.html

5. Water Safety

What is summer without swimming, skin diving and boating? And who else can provide authoritative information but the leader in water safety, the Red Cross. Find their information at: (ARC) http://www.redcross.org/services/hss/tips/healthtips/safetywater.html or at (CRC) http://www.redcross.ca/article.asp?id=022569&tid=001

By the time you read this, Rip Current Awareness Week will have passed (June 3-9, 2007) but rip currents are something very real that ocean and lake swimmers should be aware of. You can find more about these currents at: http://www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov/

6. Food Safety

And finally, what is summertime fun without a picnic? And that means food safety. The CDC's Grillin' and Chillin' food safety page can be found at: http://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/grill.htm, while the Wisconsin Department of Health has some Summertime Food Safety Precautions that can be found at: http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/hometips/dhp/summerfoodsafety.htm

Conclusion

If you have an idea you'd like me to explore in Web Walking, just send an email to bweissman@hillmanngroup.com. I'm also the Moderator of RegulatoryPost, a Yahoo! Group that provides a regulatory overview and links to various EHS information. If you would like to join, send a blank email to: RegulatoryPost-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

SAFETY TIP OF THE WEEK
Re: A Safety Backup

We have two requirements that greatly decrease our frequency of vehicular backing accidents:

1. Always back into, rather than out of, a parking space. Why? Your forward view from a vehicle is much superior to rearward. Plus, you are backing into a place that you have just cleared visually of obstructions, so there's less time lapse between clearing the area and moving the vehicle.
2. If there's two people in the vehicle, the passenger exits the vehicle and serves as a spotter while the operator moves the vehicle. Two sets of eyes always trumps one.

Gerry Wolfe
Safety Program Manager
Death Valley National Park

Got a safety tip to share? Send them to catherinej@bongarde.com. Let us know if we can use your name/company name.

SAXCIES: HONORABLE MENTIONS
Darrell Swinemar of Dynand Mechanical Systems Inc.
Safety Hero of the Year Nominee

SafetyXChange continues its profile of worthy Saxcies nominees who fell just short of becoming finalists.

I first met Darrell 3 years ago when he was the trainer for my son's hockey team. His dedication to the safety of the kids was unbelievable. His attention to detail and refusal to bend the rules under pressure from the parents or coaches was unwavering. The coaches and parents soon came to understand how much he cared for the kids and would in no way risk jeopardizing their well being. Darrell volunteers on two hockey teams in the winter and one in-line team in the summer.

When the position of Safety Coordinator became available I approached Darrell and asked him if he would be interested, and with no formal training he stepped up to the plate and accepted the position. He completed seventeen courses in a little more than a year and took on the challenge.

He now does all our in-house training, Fall Protection, TDG, WHMIS, Respiratory Fit Testing and is a St. John instructor, and teaches First-aid as well.

We are an HVAC company and the majority of our work is in the new home residential construction industry so there is lots of potential for injury. He has increased our safety awareness dramatically and has reduced our time loss claims to almost nil. This man lives and breathes safety and I feel he is a prime candidate for this award.

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