The APWU takes a firm stance on workplace safety and demands that management provide safe working conditions proper equipment, and adhere to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. Although workplace safety is paramount, at-home safety is also very important. Safety tips include keeping emergency contact numbers on every phone, knowing the poison control hotline (1-800-222-1222), keeping fire extinguishers on every floor, and dialing 911 in emergencies for fire, police, or ambulance services.
Other Key Safety Measures:
Homes have hidden hazards that could be harmful. In-stalling smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors on every floor, changing batteries twice a year, and keeping an emergency ladder for upper levels of your home can save lives. Other factors to consider include:
- Creating a family fire escape plan with a designated outside meeting spot; have a first aid kit available.
- Keeping stairways and walkways clear of tripping hazards.
- Scheduling annual inspections for furnaces, hot-water heaters, gas appliances, chimneys, and flues.
- Never using kerosene or gas space heaters in unvented rooms. Do not keep cars, motorcycles, or lawn mowers running in closed or attached garages.
- Being cautious when using ladders, inspecting them for loose or worn parts, and using them only on stable, level ground.
- Wearing protective footwear and eyewear when mowing the lawn or operating machinery and power tools.
- Installing decorative markers on glass doors so that people do not walk into them.
Emergency Preparation Room-by-Room Tips
Make safety plans for each room of your home to exit safely in an emergency. Ensure walkways are wide enough for mobility aids. Place frequently used items on lower shelves. Use nightlights in the bedroom, hallway, and bathroom.
- Kitchens: Turn pot handles inward on stoves or place pots on back burners. Store glass objects or appliances with sharp blades, and keep plastic garbage, dry-cleaning, grocery, and sandwich bags out of reach. Put matches and lighters in a locked cabinet.
- Bathrooms: Use nonslip mats on floors and install grab bars in tubs and showers. Store medicine in original containers. Place bottles of mouthwash, perfume, hair spray, nail polish, scissors, razor blades, or sharp tools out of children’s reach. Install emergency releases on the outsides of your bathroom and bedroom doors, or remove locks so children cannot lock themselves in. Unplug curling irons, hair dryers, and electric razors when not in use.
- Bedrooms: Place dressers close to walls to prevent tipping and secure them to the wall to prevent tipping. For young children, use cribs that meet current safety standards and have a firm, tight-fitting mattress so children cannot slip between the cracks or crib sides. Never place blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals in cribs. Babies should never sleep with adults, as it puts them at risk for suffocation or strangulation. Make sure toy chests are non-locking and that lids have safety mechanisms to keep them from slamming closed.
- Living Rooms: Anchor televisions and shelves, re-move throw rugs, ensure adequate lighting, and use childproof covers for outlets.
- Outdoors: Inspect swing sets to make sure they are free from rust and sharp edges. Keep young children away from lawn mowers and other sharp garden equipment. For swimming pools, install a four-sided fence with an automatic child-proof gate, and remove ladders when not in use.
Following these safety tips can help prevent injuries, illnesses, and fatalities.
Resources:www.ready.gov, an official website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
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