By Barry Touzin
National Health and Safety Officer
As the days of Summer change into Fall with the days get shorter, the leaves fall to the ground and the temperatures drop, we need to prepare for the months ahead.
Winter will be here sooner than we think. Get prepared. Be prepared. When traveling, make sure your vehicle is mechanically sound. This includes:
- Survival kit in your car
- Blankets
- Have winter clothing with you.
- Warm jacket, winter boots, gloves and hat.
- Know the weather
- Let people know your travel plans
The theme for October is mental health awareness month.
As the hustle and bustle of everyday life can easily envelop us with requirements of living a busy lifestyle, it becomes very easy to not look after yourself and loved ones’ mental health on a regular basis.
Take the time to be aware of how your mental health is doing. Here are some of the signs of Mental Health conditions but not limited to:
Mental illness or mental health disorders are a wide range of conditions affecting mental health. Mental disorders affect the mood, thinking and behavior of individuals.
Some common mental disorders include anxiety, depression, addiction, eating disorders and schizophrenia. Many mental disorders can significantly interfere with the ability to function normally, work, study or maintain and affecting the quality of life.
Mental illness is common with one in every five people. It can occur at any age, as a child or an adult.
During the time of social distancing, mental illness is affecting elders and children, but not limited to them.
We are all affected by it. The five main warning signs of mental illness are as follows:
- Excessive paranoia, worry or anxiety.
- Long lasting sadness or irritability
- Extreme changes in mood
- Social withdrawal
- Major changes in eating or sleeping patterns
Take the time to do a self evaluation of yourself and loved ones.
Mental Health Meter – CMHA national
Or search for other mental health tools to help you deal with these issues. The Employees Families Assistance Program can be a useful resource as well.
If you are at risk of harming yourself or others or know of someone threatening to harm themselves or others, please contact emergency resources immediately to get the proper help needed.
Workplace Safety Hazards
This list comes from the National Safety Council:
1 – Working from Heights
Proper harness and fall restrains
Updated Training
2 – Poor Housekeeping
Clear walkways
Good lighting
Tripping Hazard
3 – Electrical extension cords
GFI
In good condition
4 – Forklifts
Pretrip inspections completed
Seatbelt
Properly trained
Overloading
Speeding
5 – Lockout/ Tag outs
Properly trained
Up to date procedure
And lock out sheets verified
6 – Chemicals
Properly trained
Identified
Marked
Correct storage
7 – Confined Spaces
Properly trained
Strong procedures
Understanding the scope of work to be completed
Safe work plans
