Greetings!
A recent article on PHYSORG.com states, "Obese people are less likely to use their seatbelts than the rest of the population, adding to the public health risks associated with this rapidly growing problem. The connection was made by Vanderbilt University psychologist David Schlundt and his colleagues at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tenn." The article goes on to explain that safety belt usage reduces crash-related deaths and injuries by at least 50%, and recommends the use of seatbelt extenders to increase the comfort of belts for obese drivers and passengers.
Seatbelt extenders are a good option for obese people. Unfortunately though, too many Nebraskans, whether they need an extender or not, are simply choosing not to buckle up, forgetting, or have another excuse not to use their safety belt.
This is the time of year when many people are pledging to combat obesity--let's make 2008 the year of combatting lack of safety belt use!
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OPPD takes a stand |
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The OPPD company newsletter is called Flash. The January issue features a picture of Jerry McCaw (OPPD manager of Safety & Wellness) and
Dick Varner (OPPD Supervisor of Environmental Health and Safety) at the December Proclamation Ceremony with Governor Heineman commerating their Honor Roll certification. The article includes this comment from OPPD President Gary Gates. "We appreciate this recognition, and we're pleased to see improvement in the number of employees who wear their seat belts. However, we cannot be satisfied when 14 percent of our employees are taking chances with their safety while driving to work." Gary goes on to say, "Our goal is that all employees fasten their seat belts every time they get behind the wheel. It's state law and it's part of our safety policy. We should expect nothing less."
Gary's comment should be applied to all citizens of Nebraska. We are currently at 78% buckling compliance, which leaves more than 1 out of every 5 Nebraskans unbuckled and at risk for serious injury or even death in a crash.
Is your company eligible for the Honor Roll? Spread the word about buckling up! |
| Health and Safety at the Humane Society |
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The Click It team was invited to attend the latest Health Fair at the Humane Society. In addition to distributing some safety belt information and some of the new "Safety Belts Required in this Vehicle" air fresheners, we heard stories of lives being saved by safety belts in crashes. Since this was the Humane Society, we also heard the story of a canine traveling companion being saved by his canine harness in a crash.
Invite Click It to your next health fair and let's spread the word about buckling up every trip, every time. |
