Some days ago, a number of people tagged me on a post by @adenikeoyetunde of a young man who had a seizure. Going through the comment section, a lot of “commenters” agreed that knowing about first aid was an important skill today. Like I always say, the difference between life and death in an emergency is knowledge and timely action. Unfortunately most of us want to help but do not know how exactly and some of us resort to “pouring water”. Pouring water is not the solution to all problems my dear friends.

A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain. It could last from thirty seconds to two minutes. If more than five minutes, it’s a medical emergency.

Symptoms range from blank stare, twitching limbs, frothing of the mouth, lip smacking etc.

How can you help?
– Remove sharp or dangerous objects from vicinity. Protect patient’s head

– Do not restrain the patient

– Do not put anything in the patient’s mouth
– Allow seizure run its course

– When seizure is over, place patient in recovery position

– Monitor the patient

How to place in recovery position?

-Put the person on a flat surface and kneel beside the person

– Place the arm nearest to you at a right angle

– Move the other arm towards you and place that on their opposite check

– Pull up the knee furthest from you until foot is flat on the floor

– Gently pull the knee towards as you turn the person on their side
– Tilt the head back and raise their chin to ensure airways are open

Share with others if this was helpful.

Recovery position image: Google

Have you noticed the huge pile of refuse on various streets in Lagos?

It’s now beginning to encroach onto walkways. Some streets have the Skip bins provided by the government which are overflowing. On other streets, you see an assortment of plastic bags with refuse overflowing. And the rains are coming.

Last year, Lagos had a serious case of flooding and we were all surprised. Were we really surprised considering flooding has been happening in previous years? It’s bad enough that our terrain and poor planning makes some areas more prone to flooding than others. Yet, here we are not managing waste disposal properly. Very soon, some citizens will take matters in their hands and start discarding this waste into canals and drainage systems. When the rains come, we’d be worse off than last year.

Picture Credit: @safekidsnigeria on Twitter

Children have to carry backpacks to school. If proper measures aren’t put in place, we have cases of injuries arising from these heavy backpacks. Children carry these backpacks twice a day and five days a week. If they do not have a means of transportation, that means they spend a longer time carrying those heavy bags.

This affects their posture so instead of standing up right, there is a forward head posture. This makes their necks extended for long periods leading to neck and shoulder pain. This posture change leads to pain in the lower back because the body is trying to compensate. The knee also because of change in the walking pattern.

As the holiday season approaches, we have to become more alert. Here are a few tips

Working at the Call Centre might seem hazard free because it is not a construction site or an oil rig but it has its peculiar safety challenges. Physical injury isn’t the only determinant of safety issues. Most times, the body gets subjected to unfavourable conditions which have a high potential of contributing to future ill-health. This therefore leads to poor quality of life for employees.

The hazards call centre staff experience range from musculoskeletal disorders, stress, voice problems, noise, visual discomfort, violence from angry customers, poor hygiene and poor work environment

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)

Working at a call centre workstation means you are always in front of your computers and its necessary accessories. Engaging in repetitive tasks for long duration exposes you to repetitive strain injuries (RSIs). Also, a badly designed workstation or work design means your body will be in awkward positions for long periods. A combination of repetitive tasks and poor posture leads to a high risk of MSDs in staff at call centres.

Stress

Call centre staff are exposed to a higher level of stress. This is because the pace and flow of work could change rapidly depending on the situation the organisation is facing and they have no control over this. Long periods at work stations, job shifts, monotonous work, boredom, abuse from customers, inadequate sleep are part of factors that lead to work related stress and job dissatisfaction.

Voice Problems

A variety of voice issues occur such as voice loss, breathlessness, sore throat, irritating cough either as a result of having to speak too loud, too fast or too much. This leads to vocal fatigue affecting the voice and throat.

Noise

There is always background noise arising from ringing phones, conversation of other colleagues, customers, office equipment. This might lead to increasing the volume of headsets. Too much noise to the ears could cause various sorts of health complications.

Visual Discomfort

Staring at the screen for long could lead to blurred vision, watery eyes, headache and fatigue.

How then can you protect yourself?

• Always maintain good posture  at your workstation. Your seat should support your back
• The workstation should be well arranged. All you need should be within reach without you bending or twisting your body
• Proper allotment and spacing of shift duty reduces the wear and tear of tissues that are a mark of repetitive tasks
• Take frequent “active” breaks from the workstation. Physically step out of the workstation to eat, take water or use the toilet. Moving the body is very helpful on this type of job.
• Where possible employers should introduce variation of tasks to enable you do something different from time to time
• Protect your voice by drinking more water than carbonated drinks. Take vocal breaks of 5 minutes in every hour and write scripts with pauses
• Ensure your computer’s screen is properly adjusted, brightness , contrast and glare to protect your eyes. Take breaks away from the screen to perform other tasks

Employers have a duty to provide a safe place of work and safe systems of work for employees always.

Image credit: Google images, Ulomka

Display Screen Equipment (DSE) refers to machines with graphic display screens: desktop computers , laptops, iPads and other devices. When you spend the major part of work time in front of a DSE, extra effort is needed to prevent injury and ill-health. A variety of repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) could arise from DSE use like wrist pain, neck pain, shoulder pain or back pain. Eye pain, myopia, blurred vision, headaches and tiredness usually arise from prolonged usage too. Using DSE makes people with eye defects feel it more and since vision becomes a problem as people get older, Display Screen Equipment are a challenge to older people. Also, one in 10,000 of the population suffers from photosensitive epilepsy. People with this condition react adversely to flickering lights and patterns. Therefore anyone who suspects that they may be susceptible should seek medical advice before working on DSE.

In Britain, more than one in five, 22 per cent, of the safety representatives questioned in the 2014 TUC safety representatives’ survey identified DSE as a health and safety hazard in the workplace compared with 26 per cent in 2012. DSE is still a major concern in some sectors: it is the third of the top five concerns in banking, insurance and finance, (55 per cent concerned) and central government (50 per cent), with 40 per cent concerned in energy and water, up from 38 per cent in 2012.

Due to the nature and effect of DSE use on health, a regulation was enforced in order to provide care to employees. The DSE Regulations of 1992 states clearly that employers are to provide access to eye tests and glasses for users. Employers need to ensure that workstation is properly arranged, frequent breaks for staff are available and absence of oppressive surveillance. Despite this regulation, most workplaces do not still conform to standards.

What can be done?

• Adjust the brightness of your screen
• Take regular breaks from the Display Screen Equipment. This means readjusting time for other tasks such that when you are taking a break from the DSE, you can still engage in other work tasks (attending meetings, filing, receiving phone calls).
• Proper arrangement of the workstation also helps reduce this to the barest minimum.

In the case of mobile Display Screen Equipment, take care when using them in dark rooms as they could lead to temporary blindness. It is important to reiterate that positive change requires consistent practice of good habits which will lead to better health of the workforce.

Image credit: Google images

What do you have in your workplace? A First Aid Kit or a Staff Clinic?

It’s agreed that different workplaces have different scale of operations that determines the choice of either, however do you have the minimum requirement?

As a minimum requirement by Law, every workplace should have a First Aid Kit because injury could happen at any time and it pays to be prepared. We cannot afford to stand helpless when a colleague needs our assistance. It is therefore important to have a well equipped First Aid  Kit in the workplace for the following reasons:

1. It helps the First Aider provide correct help in timely manner
2. The injured person gets support while waiting for more professional help
3. It reduces the chances of the injury deteriorating

The presence of a First Aid Kit is however not enough. It is important to ensure some staff are trained on basic First Aid skills to ensure that they can give appropriate help if a situation arises. The contents of the First Aid Kit must be monitored regularly to ensure that as contents are being used, they are also restocked to prevent a situation where the First Kit is present but lacking in essential material.

The content of the First Aid Kit varies depending on certain factors such as:

1. The nature of hazards in the workplace
2. The number of employees
3. The proximity of workplace to a hospital
4. The laws of the State or Country of business operation
5. The nature of the industry

First Aid Kits can contain all these and more depending on the factors listed above: adhesive tape,scissors, eye wash solution, thermometer, cotton balls, duct tape,triangular bandage, instant cold packs, elastic wrap bandages, bandage strips and “butterfly” bandages in different sizes, eye shield or pad, duct tape, disposable non-latex gloves, plastic bags, safety pins, tweezers, soap or hand sanitizer, antiseptic solution, antibiotic ointment, syringe, first aid manual, antihistamine, pain reliever, cough and cold medication, laxative,antacids etc.

Accidents do not give ample notice before they occur so we should prepare by ensuring we have a well equipped First Aid Kit in the workplace. There should be a First Aid manual that could serve as a guide in emergency situations. The manual doesn’t have to be too large. It could be a small booklet containing procedures for handling various types of medical situations. It doesn’t hurt to have a primary contact of a hospital where staff can be taken. This prevents confusion that happens in the wake of an accident.

The presence of First Aid Kits in the workplace demonstrates care and concern for employee’s wellbeing and this boosts morale of staff. You absolutely need that in your business/workplace. First Aid Kits are not restricted to the workplace, it is important to keep one in the home for swift and effective response to emergencies.

An enlightened and prepared people leads to a safer society for all.

Image credit: Google images, HSEwise

It’s the eighth month already, the year is speeding by. It sure feels like we are racing against time. August is here and with it various Summer plans. We’ve all worked so hard and it’s time to let down our hair.

Unfortunately, not everyone can be on vacation at this time. The present economic situation, job uncertainty, salary delays, loss of jobs, high prices of goods, home pressures, looming deadlines are just a few stressors. Reports of the increasing exchange rates, loss of jobs across sectors, abandoned houses in high brow areas and the need to still meet up with the Jones’s is beginning to have its effect on our people. So much has happened and a lot would still happen. You might not be able  to go on vacation now or can’t even afford it but you can still relieve stress right here in the course of your daily routine. Between, who says the vacation must be abroad? We could try less expensive options within the country or just stay home and re-strategise. Lord knows, this is the time to manage our resources effectively.

Stress of any sort could lead to increased heart attack, hypertension and other disorders. This is harmful to our physical and emotional health. However, we are a resilient people with a knack for overcoming tough times.

Here’s how we can relieve stress in this trying period:

• Setting boundaries: Partition your day. Decide upfront that work should not encroach into rest periods. During rest periods, avoid work related activities to give you time to relax. Also, decide when you’d take on various tasks at work e.g Emails, one on one meetings, phone calls etc. Setting boundaries position you for effectiveness and reduces stress.
• Healthy eating: Due to improper time management, we have become victims of unhealthy eating. Snacks and fizzy drinks are gradually replacing staples. We are eating lots of stuff but are missing out on healthier options that could boost our immune system and overall well being. Let’s start eating right and drinking water, lots and lots of it.
• Time off: Make a conscious effort to engage in relaxing activities during your time off work. Read novels, see movies, go dancing, hang out with friends, watch a play, attend comedy events. These things just have a way of making you see that life is still good.
• Taking a deep breath: According to Sharon Melnick, a business psychologist, if you’re feeling overwhelmed or are coming out of a tense meeting and need to clear your head, a few minutes of deep breathing will restore balance. Simply inhale for five seconds, hold and exhale in equal counts through the nose. “It’s like getting the calm and focus of a 90-minute yoga class in three minutes or less at your desk,” she says.
• Exercise: Instead of reaching for alcohol or fast food why not take a run or a brisk walk? Exercise is known to improve overall well being and reduce likelihood of various ailments.
• Sleep: Most of us have to wake up so early in order to beat traffic and still return very late from work due traffic. When we get home, we don’t fall asleep immediately as we still try to do one or two things. All these eats into our sleep time. We need to start sleeping well as good sleep is a great factor in relieving stress.
• Prioritise your priority: There will always be too many tasks competing for our attention. We need to prioritise and start with performing tasks that would have the greatest impact before moving down the list. Multi-tasking reduces efficiency. It’s important to focus and perform tasks one after the order.

Now, we understand you need to work and achieve all those lovely goals. However, we also know you won’t achieve any if you are a victim of stress.

Do you have more stress relieving tips? Share with us.

Image credit: @ulomka, EAP provider, Google

At some point in our lives,  we’ve had cause to slip, trip or fall. Some of us escaped with minor bruises but some others got hospitalised. We might have  heard of someone who died as a result of this. Slips, Trips and Falls are normally grouped together because it has to do with falling either on the same  level or from a height. They are a major cause of accidents both in the workplace and at home. Slips occur on the same level either due spills, wrong footwear or the flooring type. Trips also occur on the same level either due uneven flooring, unseen objects, trailing cables etc. Falls are usually from a height and it could vary from stairs to buildings.

TIPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF

Good housekeeping

A neat and orderly home/workplace is a great safety tool. You might know how to manoeuvre your space without incident but what happens if a child or visitor is introduced to your environment?

• Always reroute trailing cables. Don’t plug the laptop in Point A and travel to sit at Point G. This goes for every equipment with long cords. Always place in such a way that no one would trip. If this is unavoidable,  then you need to ANNOUNCE  the presence of a hazard. Put up bold and legible caution signs.

• Always mop up spills whenever you see them. Some of us are guilty of turning a blind eye because we do not want to “work”  or it’s not our “job”. But what happens if for some reason you have to rush, you forget where the spill is and you couldn’t side-step it this time? You’re right, some body part might get twisted.

• Always complete one task before starting another. Put away things you have finished using in their right locations. Close compartments/cabinets/drawers after use before opening another. Asides hitting your head, they could cause you to fall. Yes, we know you want to multi task and achieve everything at once. However, you are safer, one task at a time.
• Remove obstructions from walkways. You just never know when you’d have to pass that same walkway at a faster or distracted pace. Be sensitive to the new people entering your space by thinking of their safety.
• Ensure carpets and rugs are properly laid. Many have tripped and  fallen from uneven floor covering.
• Adequate lighting of workplaces and homes. If the environment is properly lit, it would help you see and avoid trip hazards. Therefore, when a light bulbs get faulty, do something about it because it could save the next person.

Appropriate footwear

It’s important to wear appropriate footwear to different environments. If work or leisure would take you outdoors, you need to wear footwear with good grip to prevent falls. There are different footwear for different terrains. Know where you are going and choose right. The right footwear gives you comfort and keeps you safe when you encounter trip hazards.

Choice of flooring

Inasmuch as we want to beautify our homes and workplaces, we should not compromise our safety. When choosing flooring plans, choose designs with good traction. Modifications can be made to existing floor choices to make them anti-slip. Always consult an expert.

Be Attentive

If you put on the right footwear, have good floors, keep your space clean and orderly but do not pay attention to where you’re going, you are likely to trip, slip or fall. Avoid distractions when moving around. Drop the phones. If you have to use your phone, pause to do that before you continue moving.

Reporting

When you see something wrong: faulty bulbs, trailing cables, spills, uneven floors and other trip hazards, do something about it. If you are in a position to correct the situation, do so immediately. If you are not, report to appropriate authority to take action. Your action could save a life.

Image credit: @844-after-crash, @ulomka

According to Florida chiropractor Dean L. Fishman, D.C., Text neck is an overuse syndrome or a repetitive stress injury, where you have your head hung forward and down looking at your mobile device for extended periods.  He further explains  that for every one inch of forward head movement, the weight of the head increases by 100%. This positioning of the neck leads to excessive strain on the spine and could cause permanent damage over time. A recent study shows that 79℅ of the population between  18-44 have their cellphones with them almost all the time – with only 2 hours of their waking day spent without their cell phone on hand. Wow!

In the past, we assumed this posture to read but after reading, we continued with other activities. But today, this posture is more constant because we spend time using various devices for various functions throughout our day. It’s time for us to start making life changing adjustments to avoid early onset of arthritis.

Symptoms are:

• Neck pain and soreness
• Chronic headaches
• Upper back pain
• Shoulder pain

Treatment

• Prevention

1) Try to keep your devices at eye level during use

2) Take frequent breaks. Do not  focus on these gadgets for too long

3) Always maintain correct posture even when performing other tasks

• Rehabilitation

1) It is important to strengthen your core muscles by specific neck exercises. It is best to seek the help of a Physiotherapist to guide you.

2) There’s an app that could help you too. Thanks to Dr Fishman,  we now have a “Text Neck” app for Android users which offers immediate real time feedback about your posture.

Hopefully, when we begin to make lifestyle changes, we won’t need a sign like this. *wink*

Image Credit: @health_and_safety