Chapter 4 Outline
Chapter 4: Better Safe Than Sorry
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Introduction
Weight gain, high stress and risky behavior are very common in the life of a college student; however, you do not have to be a victim of these. Health and safety is a personal choice that can be accomplished by developing healthy habits and making wise decisions.
I. Guarding Your Health
Tips to staying fit and healthy.
a. Brain Food. Plenty of healthy food choices exist even though it is tempting to grab fast food. Succeed in eating fruits in vegetables by consciously planning your menu and making food decisions. Whole grains keep you feeling full and energized; foods low in fat and high in fiber don’t pack on the pounds.
b. Sleep Tight. Physicians recommend eight hours of sleep while the average college student gets less than seven. College students are twice as likely to experience depression and this is credited in large part due to lack of sleep. Additionally, sleep deprivation can also lead to obesity. Tips are available to help you get more sleep for better academic performance and increased physical and mental health.
i. Regular bed times
ii. Hot baths
iii. Cool temperature
iv. Limited caffeine,
v. Avoid eating two hours before bedtime
vi. Avoid napping
vii. Avoid alcohol
viii. Create your own sleep rituals
c. Germ Wars. Factors like stress, lack of sleep and unhealthy diet all contribute to breaking down the immune system making students vulnerable to illnesses like colds and flu.
i. Wash your hands well and often
ii. Use a paper towel to turn off faucets or open the door in public bathrooms
iii. Never eat or drink after anyone
iv. Get plenty of sleep, drink water, make healthy food choices
v. Keep vaccinations up to date
d. Hit the Gym. Students who exercise regularly report feeling happier and having more energy and better focus. If you can, exercise for an hour a day.
II. Play It Safe at School
College is a time of fun, exploration and adventure; it is also a time to remember a few common sense guidelines to help you stay safe.
a. Moderation in All Things. With freedom comes responsibility. Alcohol and driving do not mix.
b. Risky Business. Up to 25% of college students report having a STD. Help yourself protect yourself.
i. Not everyone is doing it
ii. Make your own decisions, don’t let other people influence you
iii. Use a condom; condoms decrease the risk of STD’s but do not guarantee protection
iv. Get tested for HIV regularly; ask your partner to do the same
c. Classroom/Lab Safety. Treat the lab and all equipment with great respect.
i. Don’t wear loose clothing
ii. Wear closed-toe shoes
iii. Safety glasses and gloves
iv. PPE equipment
v. Don’t eat or drink in lab
vi. Familiarize yourself with the location
vii. Follow proper safety procedures especially with electrical equipment
d. Campus Safety. Simple suggestions can help you protect yourself.
i. Keep doors locked at all times
ii. Don’t leave valuables or personal information lying around
iii. Don’t accept rides from strangers
iv. Be aware of your surroundings
v. Keep car doors locked when driving
vi. Avoid being out alone at night
vii. Avoid drunkenness
viii. Don’t drink and drive!
III. On-The-Job Safety
In 2002, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration reported that every year approximately 6,000 American employees die from workplace related injuries, and another 50,000 die from illnesses caused by exposure to workplace hazards.
a. The Birth of OSHA. During the late 1800s, workers faced risks of hazardous materials, unsafe conditions and no protective equipment. In 1910, New York enacted on of the first Worker’s Compensation laws. In 1971, OSHA was formed to establish a federal standard of workplace safety that includes most employers in the US.
b. Watching Out for Number One—You. Expect to find regulations and training pertaining to material handling, construction safety, electrical safety and hazardous materials. Partner with the safety director/risk manager at your workplace to implement and follow all safety guidelines. Taking shortcuts can lead to serious injury, permanent disability or fatalities.
c. What is PPE? Personal Protective Equipment
i. Hardhats
ii. Safety eyewear
iii. Ear protection
iv. Gloves
v. Protective footwear
vi. Fall protection
vii. Respiratory protection
d. What if My Boss Doesn’t Follow the Rules?
i. Review OSHA standards, regulations and requirements
ii. Request information from your employer on emergency procedures
iii. Receive adequate safety and health training
iv. Ask the OSHA area director to investigate hazardous conditions or violations
v. File anonymous complaints with OSHA
vi. Be advised of OSHA actions regarding your complaint
vii. Have your employee representative accompany the OSHA compliance officer on inspection
viii. Seek safe and healthy working conditions
ix. Observe any monitoring or measuring of toxic substances
Safety is No Accident
Know safety, no injuries. Following safety standards can make a difference between a long successful career and disability.
