TSS News – March 2022

SAFETY NEWS

March 2022

CEO Notes

Happy March! There is so much to talk about in March! At TSS, we’re gearing up for what promises to be a good summer season of business. We are beyond grateful to have you as a customer, vendor or colleague in the safety industry. It takes all of us to provide services in a respectful and responsible manner to ensure that our customers, whether tourism, construction or service industries, have safe workplaces.

This month is National Nutrition Month. As most of you know, I am a certified health and wellness coach. I am sitting for the national boards in early May. During the certification process and in preparation for the boards, I spent a lot of time learning about nutrition for all ages. One thing to remember, when it comes to healthy eating, is that one shoe does not fit all. Finding good resources for nutrition that align with your tastes, needs and lifestyle is important for sustainability. If you don’t like it, you are never going to eat it! I have learned a lot of ways to use various foods that I would not have considered before. For example, I use radishes in place of potatoes or nutritional yeast in place of cheddar cheese. I especially love the idea of eating healthy by growing your own food (see our article below). It’s wonderful to see my coaching clients finding new and innovative ways to improve their nutrition. I learn from them daily!

It’s also Women’s History Month. Countless women led the way to create a world where women have opportunity and support to be the person they want to become. I remember as a child writing a report about Harriet Tubman. Her steadfast determination in helping others escape slavery through the Underground Railroad transformed and saved many lives. Today, we are seeing that very kind of mindset happen in Ukraine, where women are joining the fight for their country. While I don’t want to use this platform to talk about my political beliefs, I admire the strength of these women. Their names will surely be added to the long list of heroes like Coretta Scott King, Louisa May Alcott, Sandra Day O’Connor, Katherine Johnson, just to name a few of my personal heroes. But it’s also important to celebrate the women closer to home whose small steps in everyday life increase the next generation’s opportunities – like our mothers. At TSS, we are happy to celebrate one of our own this month: Operations Manager Ginny Clay recently became the Flotilla Commander of the Ketchikan United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. We look forward to seeing what she can achieve in the next year in water safety for the public. Congratulations Ginny!

Ginny and I in uniform.

And National Colorectal Cancer Month. We cannot leave that out. Such an important conversation to have with your doctor. If you have symptoms (rectal bleeding, change in bowel habits, or persistent abdominal discomfort) call your doc TODAY. If you are over the age of 45, speak with your healthcare provider about scheduling a colonoscopy in the near future. Early detection is key to the final outcome. You can decrease your chances of colorectal cancer by changing your diet and lifestyle. Medical research suggests that low-fat and high-fiber diets may help reduce your risk for colon cancer. If you feel like talking about this to your physician is difficult and awkward, just consider how hard it can get when you avoid the subject. Make sure to follow up with the recommendations for screening or treatment. Do it today.

And on that note, here’s to a great spring and summer ahead. I cannot wait to see you! Give us a call, send us a note, however you communicate and let’s make summer awesome!

Best,

Renee Schofield

COSS Report: I'm so tired!

By Renee Schofield, Certified Occupational Safety Specialist

Daylight savings time (DST) is now upon us. While most welcome the longer daylight cycle, we do know that adjusting to the time change can be a struggle. Why does one hour make such a difference? It is centered around circadian rhythm. The circadian rhythm is a 24-hour cycle that can affect mood, appetite, and perhaps most importantly, sleep.

On the second Sunday of March, we “spring forward” changing our 24-hour pattern. Studies show that people lose about 40 minutes of sleep per day prior to achieving adjustment to the new rhythm.

Why does this matter in the workplace?

Poor concentration and judgment can occur leading to potential accidents. According to a report from the National Safety Council, about 13 percent of workplace injuries are directly attributable to sleep problems. In addition to the incidents arising from sleep loss, people are at greater risk of mood disturbance and suicide numbers go up during this time. On the other hand, studies do show that vehicular accidents are somewhat lessened, perhaps due to commuting in more daylight situations.

Most of us will adjust to DST over a period of a few weeks. Some people might not adjust to DST, which can lead to chronic health issues such as obesity, depression and even cardiovascular disease.

National Nutrition Month Crossword

Adapted from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' Eat Right program.

DOWN

1) Changing from green to yellow as it ripens, this fruit comes in its own easy to remove, natural wrapper.

2) These are examples of _____ which can be used to flavor food: cilantro, parsley, mint, chives.

3) Raisins are the result of dehydrating or drying ________.

4) This dairy product comes in a variety of flavors and may contain “good bacteria”. It can be eaten plain, with fruits or vegetables, and even made into dips.

5) This breakfast classic often accompanies other dishes like toast, pancakes, sausage, and bacon.

6) This green vegetable is a common ingredient in gumbo and jambalaya. It can be grilled, roasted, fried, sauteed, or added to soups and stews.

ACROSS

7) When using MyPlate: tortillas, naan, and pita all belong to the ______ Group.

8) This vegetable can be eaten off the cobb and makes a popular snack when dried and popped. It can also be dried and ground into flour, which is used to make foods like tortillas, arepas and some breads.

9) Sometimes called edamame, this bean can be eaten steamed and is also used to make tofu and tempeh.

10) This grain is a mealtime staple for many people all over the world, and it can either be a refined grain or a whole grain depending on whether it is white or brown in color.

11) Pumpkin, butternut, acorn, spaghetti, kabocha, and turban are all types of winter ______.

Puzzle & Answers

Workplace Ergonomics

Musculoskeletal injuries that affect muscles, nerves, blood vessels, ligaments and tendons, are among the most common workplace health issues. Repetitive motion, awkward positioning and overexertion can cause a variety of issues ranging from minor muscle stiffness to costly, long-term problems that can limit an employee’s movement and ability to work.

According to the Ergonomics Center at North Carolina State University, “MSDs account for almost 400,000 injuries per year and one-third of all workers compensation costs. The direct costs of MSDs are $20 billion a year and indirect costs (lost productivity, product defects, etc.) of an MSD case can be up to five times the direct costs.”

Yet, even employers who have robust safety programming, often aren’t aware or educated about the physical impact of certain job duties. They may consider introducing ergonomics – the practice of fitting a job to the capabilities and physical condition of a person to help lessen muscle fatigue – a costly investment they can’t make.

However, a growing body of research shows significant value of ergonomics at work that business owners can’t afford to ignore.

Emergency Preparedness When You Have a Disability

We frequently write about the importance of preparation when it comes to staying safe, especially if the unexpected happens. If you are able-bodied, your emergency plan and kit for evacuation, natural disaster or fire may be straightforward and can be assembled in short order.

When you have a disability, however, taking the time to understand your special needs and how to address them, can make the difference between life and death. Diminished mobility or strength, reliance on medical equipment, cognitive differences, hearing, speaking or sight challenges, will all impact what you need to do to remain safe.

Here are some ways you can get prepared now:

For someone with a disability, the first, most important action you can take is to create a personal support network, according to the Red Cross. This group should include a minimum of three individuals who know to check on you in an emergency and are prepared to give assistance if needed. Their contact information should always be within reach and in your emergency preparedness kit in a sealed, waterproof container. Talk to the people in your network about alternate ways to contact each other if the phones are down or the power is out. These individuals should have your keys and know where you keep your emergency supplies. They should also be provided with copies of your emergency documents and have all the details about your health that they might need.

COACHING CORNER: Spring Cleaning Your Health

As the snow begins to fade from our memory, we start thinking about spring cleaning. We scrub walls, curtains, clean out closets, and shop the white sales. We are all about sprucing up and preparing for summertime fun.

What would it feel like to consider your health at the same time? Perhaps spring could be the time you checked in with your physician for an annual checkup. Consider getting some of those routine blood tests out of the way for the year. Or start planning ahead for how you can make your health a priority during the warmer months. Consider doing something you have never done before just because it’s good for you. Go kayaking, climb a mountain, take a break from meat or plant a garden so you can enjoy the freshest fruits and vegetables all season long.

We generally feel better and are more active in the summer months. Longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures give us the opportunity to spend more leisure time outside. We spend more time with family and friends during this time, as well. After the past two years of being separated, many are looking forward to the return of the backyard BBQ, little league baseball and swimming at the lake. All those things improve our general health and well-being. But taking good care of ourselves starts with checking in with our healthcare professionals to be sure we are ready for that new eating plan or exercise class so that we can look and feel our best for summer.

Here’s some tips to get started:

TSS TRAINING

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interactive online training courses, TSS offers a wide range of options that can help you reach your professional development or safety learning goals.

If you don't see a course you need on our website, our team of safety specialists are more than happy to customize a training, or series of trainings, for you. Just let us know how we can help.