* Provide list of local indoor walking opportunities (see below)

* Adopt a physical activity release time policy

* Adopt a stretch break policy

* Adopt healthy foods policies for meetings, vending machines and celebrations

* Adopt a tobacco free campus policy

* Adopt a gym membership reimbursement policy

* Ensure health insurance coverage for tobacco cessation products and supports

* Post Maine Tobacco Helpline 1-800-207-1230 posters

* Ensure health insurance coverage for nutrition counseling

* Provide a list of local gyms and Y's to employees

* Distribute Hannaford nutrition education series information to employees

* Offer lunch and learns on topics such as nutrition, stress management, preventing underage drinking, communication skills, cancer prevention, preventing cardiovascular disease, etc.

* Promote Move and Improve, March into May and/or Move More

* Provide communication or a lunch and learn to explain the details of the benefits package
* Promote local activities that help support healthy lifestyles

To learn more or for assistance in developing policies or locating local resources call Amy at 588-5019.

The cold weather is here.

 

Every year we hear about near misses and accidents due to cold weather activities. These happen off the job as well as on the job, and most can be eliminated by proper training and good safety and health practices. The accidents reported range from the loss of fingers in a snow blower to frostbite to death caused by carbon monoxide poisoning.  Of course the most common are slips and falls on ice or snow.  While it is almost impossible to eliminate the slipping hazard, proper footwear, including "ice grips", will greatly reduce the exposure.

 

Any snow removing machine, whether a snow blower or a plow must be locked out or shut off prior to working on the machine. If the snow blower needs gas or the chute is plugged, shut it off before doing anything.  Never stick your hand down the chute; even though the machine is turned off, the blade may still be able to move.  The same with a plow; as long as there is hydraulic fluid under pressure, there is a risk of injury.  The blade should be lowered and the engine shut off prior to working on the plow.

 

Never operate a generator inside a place of work or residence. Carbon monoxide gas is a silent, colorless, odorless killer. It is produced by any internal combustion engine or faulty fuel burning appliance. Especially with a poorly operating furnace or wood stove, CO can be present. Purchase a CO detector for your home, and remember to change the batteries in the CO detector as well as the smoke detectors. (Remember to change your batteries at least twice a year).  If you are having headaches or experiencing flu like symptoms, you may have a carbon monoxide problem. If the CO alarm goes off, get outside and call for assistance.

 

Safety and Health is common sense. If it seems wrong or unsafe, it probably is. Stop what you are doing and take a few extra minutes to do it right.

SafetyWorks! is a program of the Maine Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Standards, which provides materials and services to help businesses improve workplace safety and health. SafetyWorks! can help prevent work-related injuries, illnesses, and deaths and reduce related costs.  Their services are free and confidential and they don't issue fines or citations.

 

David Wacker is the Director of the Workplace Safety & Health Department with the Maine Department of Labor, which includes SafetyWorks!  He has held that position for over 10 years.  Prior to serving in State government, Dave was the Manager of Loss Prevention Services for a health care insurance company. Dave has over 34 years experience in the safety and health field.  He has taught numerous trainings covering a range of topics designed to raise awareness about workplace safety issues and improve safety practices in organizations across the State.  

Wanted: Volunteers, if you are interested in helping others use KeepMEWell, call Karen at Healthy Communities of the Capital Area at 588-5012 for more information. 

KeepMEWell is a free public service offered by the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC), Maine Department of Health and Human Services.  No personal information about individuals will be collected.  Only the individual will decide what to do with their personal results. To participate fully, you will need a computer, internet access, and a printer. 

 

One great use of the personal results report is to use it as a conversation starter with your health care provider to develop a personal health plan with personal goals to address health concerns.

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