Let's Try NOT to Lose Our Fingers or Eyebrows this 4th Of July!

Confessions of a SAFE-AHOLIC! By: Stephanie Zizzo, ASHM

Oh the 4^th of July... how we love you (sigh and smile)... We love the cookouts and BBQ's, the fun in the neighborhood pool, the fruity drinks being served to cool us down, the hot sun that gives us a nice summer glow, and of course the town firework display! The 4^th of July is cherished among many families as quality time spent together and of course is our Nation's celebration of Independence!

Amid the activities and festivities that we spend our time doing on this lovely holiday though exciting and fun can pose significant risk to the health and safety of our friends and family. According to the National Safety Council, within the year of 2006 there were 629 motor vehicle deaths on the weekend of the 4^th of July, of those 629, 37% of them were attributed to alcohol impairment. This is about 6% higher than the national average of drunk driving fatal accidents. Take some time this holiday weekend to educate yourself and your family on safe practices for the 4^th of July! I have listed a couple below!

• Lets not Singe our Eyebrows: The HASS/LASS states that there are about 1,400 BBQ accidents each year, a majority of them happening at home. TIP: Never pour petrol or meths on to a barbecue. This is exactly how-to end your day without any eyebrows and not even be able to look surprised after it happens.
• Another Strawberry Daiquiri Please!: A great way to cool down but watch the intake. If you are going to drink give your keys to the designated driver. Too many drinks and you could become 1 of the 629 motor vehicle deaths this 4^th of July. Alcohol can also lesson your inhibitions when working the BBQ (see point #1), lighting fireworks (see point #6), or a number of other holiday activities that deserve your full attention.
• Getting Ready for Traffic: It is inevitable if you are in transit this holiday weekend, you will hit crowded roads. Remember to keep your cool and drive defensively there are a lot more “uneducated” (to say it nicely) drivers out there than you think.
• Skip out on the Tan: Spending the day outside celebrating the 4^th is definitely time well spent but, be smart. Put on some sunscreen of at least SPF 30. You are not an exception to the 3.5 million skin cancer diagnosis' that happen every year.
• Make a SPLASH Safely!: Cool down in the pool this holiday with family and friends but, don't hire the pool as your babysitter. Between May 31^st and September 6^th 2010, 172 children drowned according to the CPSC...and don't let that number fool you...5,000 children are hospitalized from non-fatal drowning incidents each year with 20% suffering a permanent neurological disability (NSC). Watch your kids and make sure they wear proper lifesaving devises when swimming and boating.
• 10 Fingers are Better than 9 or 8 or 7...: Fireworks are awesome! I will admit this. But as awesome as they are, they are EXTREMELY dangerous. Some Fast Facts:
• According to the CPSC, there were 8,600 hospital emergencies in 2010 due to fireworks.
• They can heat up to 2,000 degrees! This is enough to melt some metals.
• Don't let your kids light them, EVER
• Keep a bucket of water close by to put them in after they are done.
• And lastly, make sure you are using them LEGALLY. Nobody wants a fine.

Play it safe and keep your awareness up, after all, a trip to the emergency room is much more of a buzz kill than being proactive. There is no reason why we all can't have an amazing holiday weekend without Uncle Jim singeing his eyebrows off and Aunt Susie having a little too much “liquid courage”...

Have a safe and happy July 4^th holiday!

Educate Yourself This Summer Before You Sit Behind the Wheel

Confessions of a SAFE-AHOLIC! By: Stephanie Zizzo, ASHM

The greatest risk each of us take everyday is getting behind the wheel of our motor vehicles. They are one of the biggest dangers to people everywhere killing thousands!

I was doing a project the other day and I came across some information in the National Safety Council Injury Facts 2010 Edition that really surprised me! If you asked yourself what month might the highest fatality rate for motor vehicles be in right now, what would your answer be? My first thought is... SNOW... the thing that makes all drivers act like they have never been behind a wheel! With that said we can assume I am talking about the months of December, January, and February, sometimes even March if you are a lucky resident of Michigan and the other Midwest states.

But, what is shocking to me is that August has the highest level for fatalities with motor vehicles. In 2008 there were 2,940 deaths in January on the road. In August there were 3,740 deaths. This quite significant, and not something I would have ever considered but, the question is WHY? Why is August the most dangerous time to be driving?

Here are my suggestions!

• Warm Weather = Road Trips!: Families and friends across the U.S love to spend the weekends away enjoying the weather which increases the amount of vehicles on the road.
• Road Trips = Fatigue: Watch the hours your spend driving. No one should be pulling all nighters while behind the wheel. Utilize rest stops. The best way to to recover is with a 20 to 30 minute nap!
• Crowded Traffic = Road Rage: Can't stand the feeling of being in stuck in traffic? We are all familiar with it. Try and stay calm and “make time good” rather than “make good time”!
• Holidays = Busy Roads: The summer is a great holiday season Grad parties and family reunions, and of course the 4^th of July! Make sure while traveling from point A to B you drive defensively just because you drive safely doesn't mean others are!
• Celebrations = Booze: Alcohol impairment on the road accounts for 31% of deaths by motor vehicles. Watch your neighbors, family, and friends and make sure they don't exceed their limit. In 2006, 4^th of July weekend alone killed 629 people, 37% of those deaths involved alcohol impairment.

Remember these tips this Summer on those trips to the lake or the weekend at Grandma and Grandpas! These tips can help keep your awareness up and your risk down!

Prepare all of your employees before they hit the road – whether for work or play – with these effective training programs from Summit!

Check it out here! 

-Stephanie

Summit Training Source President & CEO Receives 2011 ASSE Foundation Distinguished Service Award

The American Society of Safety Engineers’ Foundation (ASSEF) recently announced Valerie Overheul, President, CEO and Founder of Summit Training Source Inc. of Grand Rapids, MI, as the recipient of this year’s Distinguished Service Award.  Overheul’s leadership, dedication and commitment to the safety profession have been a winning combination for the profession and the Foundation.

Summit CEO & President Valerie Overheul with her ASSE Foundation award.

Overheul is the President, CEO and Founder of Summit Training Source, Inc.  Founded in 1981, Summit Training Source Inc. is the premier resource for safety, health and environmental (SH&E) training programs for more than 35,000 organizations worldwide.  With more than 30 years of experience, Overheul is skilled in safety and program production, as well as regulatory compliance training.  For the past 30 years, she has produced more than 300 comprehensive training programs on safety, health and environmental (SH&E) compliance topics, available to clients in the form of video and online training mediums.

Overheul served on the ASSE Foundation Board from 2003 to 2008 and was instrumental in building its corporate donor program. Since 2003, Summit Training Source, Inc. has donated more than $50,000 through direct donations and support of the ASSE Foundation’s annual golf outing.  Overheul and Summit Training Source, Inc.  continue to support the Foundation with donations and promote the value of the Foundation’s mission. During her six-year tenure as a Foundation trustee, she actively participated in, and contributed to, the formulation of the Foundation’s strategy, the evolution of its mission and the development of a sound investment policy.  Overheul has gone above and beyond in her service and support of the ASSE Foundation and continues to be a key participant in Foundation activities.

“Thank you for this gracious and unexpected recognition.   Serving on the ASSE Foundation Trustee Board has been incredibly rewarding for me.   I am privileged and proud to be part of this elite group of ASSE members, safety professionals, and ASSE staff members,” comments Overheul.

The ASSE Foundation Distinguished Service Award presented to Valerie Overheul of Summit Training Source.

For more information about the ASSE Foundation please go to www.asse.org/foundation.

 www.safetyontheweb.com

Summit Training Source Tees it Up with ASSE

The ASSE has gotten Summit out on the links a couple of times in June.  First up was the ASSE Foundation golf outing in conjunction with the ASSE Safety 2011 conference in Chicago IL June 12 -14.  The outing took place at the Willow Crest Golf Club at the Oak Brook Hills Marriott Resort, Oak Brook, IL on June 12th.  Almost 70 golfers teamed up to swing their clubs and raise money for the Foundation.   Bryan Hornik, Summit General Manager, and Sara Wesche, Summit Markeitng Director represented Summit on the course.  We were honored to play with Dave Silva of the Hawaii ASSE Chapter, Mr. Silva is an enlisted member of the Navy and will be deployed in the coming weeks to server our country for 10 months in Afganistan.  We wish him well and thank him for his service and dedication to our safety.

Summit proudly supports the Foundation golf outing and sponsored the beverage cart at this year's event.

Summit sponsors the beverage cart.

Sunny day, great golf course.

Team Summit (From Left to Right) Bryan Hornik - Summit General Manager, Sara Wesche - Summit Marketing Director, Dean - Friend of ASSE, Dave Silva - US Navy

Crazy outfits are acceptable.

Eddie Greer, ASSE Foundation Board of Trustees Chairman, gives the opening remarks.

Sara wins at the raffle!

Bryan wins at the raffle!

Lunch time.

Lots of great prizes were donated for the raffle.

On June 15th, Summit tee'd it up with the West Michigan ASSE chapter at their golf outing.  Summit was a title sponsor of the event, held at LE Kaufman golf course in Grand Rapids, MI.  Over 50 safety pros came out to raise money for the chapter and the ASSE Foundation. 

Summit was a hole sponsor and title sponsor of the ASSE West Michigan golf outing.

Team Summit!  (From Left to Right) Ken Nelson, Kevin Quigley - Accident Fund, Sara Wesche - Summit Markeitng Director, Bryan Hornik - Summit General Manager.

Thanks ASSE!

10 Reasons to “Rock the Pale” and Stay SPF Safe this Summer

Confessions of a SAFE-AHOLIC! By: Stephanie Zizzo, ASHM

I was reading a news release by the EPA this past week called “Don't Fry Day is Friday/ EPA Sun Safety Tips”. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has created a SunWise program to help protect those from harmful UV rays. While I was reading it, I started to get a little worried. I thought to myself... I know I have had bad burns as a kid, I used the tanner a lot as a teen, and if I could get away with it, I would use as much oil as a could. SPF on a lotion bottle always meant to me, “Put this on and you'll be ghostly white”. Learning that skin cancer is the most common of all cancers was quite alarming. As a safety professional, I believe that this information shouldn't just be used for a day at the beach, but as a guide for workers who spend their days on the job outdoors. 


Over the past couple years I have become more aware of UV dangers. When I was younger being pale skinned was never attractive. I always envied the people that could get their skin golden brown, but today there are a number of reasons why staying pasty white is a healthier and safer life choice. I wanted to take the time to share some of this valuable information.


10 Things to Keep in Mind While Outdoors
1. Use Sunscreen with SPF level 30+. Sun Protection Factor number refers to the UV radiation needed to cause sunburn with sunscreen on. Reapply every 2 hours especially after swimming or sweating.
2. Check Your UV Index. When preparing for outdoor activities or an outdoor workday check the UV Index. This will help you determine the best/worst times to be outside and the proper SPF to use that day.
3. Find Shade. During the hours of 10:00AM to 4:00PM try to stay out of direct sunlight, this is when the sun is the strongest.
4. Slip on a Shirt. Use light breathable materials to guard you from the sun this summer, clothing allows your body to sweat and cool you down, whereas direct exposure causing your sweat to evaporate too quickly leaving you more dehydrated.
5. Wear your Sun Spectacles. Use sunglasses or safety glasses with 99%-100% UV absorption to protect your eyes and surrounding area.
6. Don't be Fooled by Clouds. UV rays are still strong even on cloudy days, be sure to protect yourself as if it's a bright and sunny day.
7. Check Your Self. Give yourself monthly skin checks. Search for any abnormal moles or freckles. Contact your dermatologist if you see anything new or suspicious. The survival rate of Melanoma is 98% if detected early.
8. Pale is Pretty. Sun ages your skin, its as simple as that. Avoid wrinkles and dark sunspots. Protect it to keep your skin looking younger longer.
9. Ban the Bed. Stay out of the tanner! Indoor ultraviolet tanner are 74% more likely to develop melanoma that those who have never tanned indoors.
10. Stay Educated! Keep up your awareness. Read about Skin Cancer and inform yourself and your loved ones. Each year there are more new cases of skin cancer than the combined cases of breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancer.
Remember, ROCK THE PALE, it's natural, it's safe, and it's healthy
-Steph

ASSE Thrives in Windy City

Read even more about the ASSE conference, From OH&S Magazine >>

www.safetyontheweb.com

Confessions of a Safe-aholic: 100 Years of ASSE And Still Going Strong! 2011 Safety Expo Experience!

CONFESSIONS of a SAFE-AHOLIC.
By Stehphanie Zizzo, ASHM

The familiar glow of bright blue carpet, the sound of Starbucks orders being shouted from the mountain tops, the hundreds of free give-a-ways, and the thousands of geeky name tags being worn all in the name of safety! The ASSE Safety Conference 2011 marked the 100^th anniversary for ASSE, and boy was it a celebration! Located at the bigger and better McCormick Place Conference Center in the wonderful windy city of Chicago, Illinois.

 

 

Summit Training Source, Inc. attended the conference again this year earning their 25 PLUS years as an exhibitor and who did they bring along this time... ME!

 

Located in a very social spot, right by the silent auction and ASSE Foundation, our booth recieved a lot of attention! One of the great aspects that sets this trade show apart from other safety trade shows is how safety professionals don't come this is conference because they have to... people here have the want and the drive to earn their CEU's and really connect to other safety professionals.  Attendees didn't just stumble into Summit's booth, they had it in their itinerary to come and learn more about safety training and updating their programs. It is an important show for creating the ambiance of the safety culture!

 

 

The Women In Safety Engineering (WISE) practice specialty celebrated 100 Women in Safety in honor of the ASSE 100 Years.  Summit is a proud supporter of WISE.  For more info, visit www.asse.org/wise.

Business and sales aside, this is THEE place to network. People from all over the United States and the world come to ASSE.  You have the laid-back people from Texas, the interesting individuals from Ireland, the scholarly from England, the fun from Hawaii, the cool from Florida, and the intriguing from Nigeria plus many more! All of these individuals have one thing in common... keeping people safe. Although I did experience some questionable conversation from the girls in the short jean shorts selling fall protection, almost every connection I made at this years ASSE conference is well worth a follow up!

 

As a safety professional the ASSE Safety Conference is the trade show of all trade shows when it comes to taking your career seriously. Besides attending for the free highlighter shaped like a syringe or the hundreds of different letter openers, I would highly recommend being present at next years ASSE Safety Expo in the irresistible, mile high city of, Denver, Colorado!

Grand Valley State University OSH degree students visit the Summit booth.  From R to L, Stephanie Zizzo - Summit, Dominick Rizzo - GVSU, Sara Wesche - Summit, David Cox - GVSU, Emma Daniels (seated) - Summit, Greg Adams - Summit, Courtney Draveling (seated) - GVSU, Bryan Hornik - Summit.

 

 

And don't forget a round of applause to the ASSE Foundation for doing such an amazing job this year!  They raised thousands of dollars for scholorships and research grants that help further our industry.  For more information, visit www.asse.org/foundation/

 

 

See you in Denver!

Steph

www.safetyontheweb.com

Get Ready! DOT Road Inspection BLITZ Start June 7th!

Department of Transportation Road Inspections will be taking place this June 7^th to 9^th of 2011. While reading the article “Nationwide DOT Roadside Inspection Sweep June 7-9” on AGWeb.com I found that the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), is a group of federal, state, and local transportation enforcement agencies.

Truck drivers better get ready! Put down the cell phones, stop the texting, and make sure your work hours are logged and compliant because these are the top things they will be looking at.

They plan on putting out 10,000 inspectors at about 1,500 sites all over the country. The object is to conduct approximately 75,000 roadside inspections to get unsafe drivers and vehicles off the road.

The RoadCheck Program includes:

ñ  75,000 inspections nationwide

ñ  Removing unsafe truck drivers

ñ  Removing unsafe motor vehicles

ñ  Educate drivers on vehicle maintenance

ñ  Make drivers aware of the inspection process

ñ  Help gather general motor carrier compliance data

With the advanced notice everyone has had this week shouldn't be very much different from any other right? I guess we will find out as the week progresses.

If you do end up getting stopped be ready to complete a Level 1 inspection!

For more information on a Level 1 Inspections check out this article. 

Check out Summit's website for DOT specfic training programs such as CSA, Hazardous Material Transportation, Pre & Post Trip Inspections, Driver Wellness and more!

Be safe.

-Stephanie