Inside this issue:

   

Located at the Training Center

(One mile north of Wilson Hall)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eric McHugh (SSO)

Wayne Schmitt (RSO)

Rob Bushek (IH)

Jose De la O (RCT)

Amber Larson (EPO)

ES&H Group

De-stress in 2009

Did you find this newsletter helpful?  Does it have the kind of information you are looking for?  Your feedback is important.  Please continue to use the electronic safety concern database, the suggestion boxes in your area, or send comments to Wayne Schmitt, wschmitt@fnal.gov.

serious stress induced health problems each of us needs to find a healthy way to de-stress.  Journaling is  one way to de-stress.  It gets your feelings out, and it’s non-confrontational.  Many people also use meditation or other breathing exercises to de-stress.  WebMD suggests “blissing out.” 

Of course physical exercise is a great way to relieve stress.  Try to get aerobic exercise at least three times a week. 

In addition to aerobic exercise, Women’s Health Magazine recommends snacking for stress relief.  See the list to the right, and try some next time you feel the tension building!  There’s a list  of snack suggestions from Men’s Health as well!

 

 

 

PPD/ES&H January Newsletter

Thanks for all the great responses to the December challenge:

Q:  In the U.S., what age tire is considered unsafe and should be replaced?

Winner is —> Ed Dijak

A:  10 years old

Inside this issue:

It is well understood that too much stress is unhealthy.  Occasionally stress may cause us to be a bit moody, and that can be challenging.  Yet stress can also cause headaches, diarrhea, tension, trouble sleeping, hypertension, pain, illness and more. 

WebMD’s Stress Management Health Center says that when a person feels stress their body reacts as though they are in danger.  Our hearts beat faster, breathing gets faster, and a dump of adrenaline gives a burst of energy.  We likely inherited this response from our ancient ancestors, as an adrenaline rush was very useful when  confronted by a hungry large-toothed carnivore.  However, to avoid

Handy Equipment—Work or Home

Now and then everyone needs to move something heavy.  Many industrial areas have the tools to move heavy objects (cranes, carts, dollies, etc.).  However, in an office environment or at home you might not have access to that equipment.  Items, like the “skids” to the left, may be able to help you move large heavy objects.  When the plastic discs are placed under furniture legs it reduces friction between the furniture and the floor, and makes it relatively easy to push on carpeted surfaces.  The bottom picture is a large sheet of durable plastic that can be used in the same manner outdoors or indoors. 

These products can be very useful at work or at home.  It can be much easier and less risky to push or pull a heavy object on these skids rather than to lift it.  Keep in mind there may be other hazards associated with moving heavy objects.  Always think through or walk through a task before beginning, even simple tasks!  Ask yourself if there is a chance the heavy object could tip over while pulling it to its new location.  Should there be another person here to help?  Remember...work smarter, not harder.

If you utilize any other simple tricks like the sliding skids, please let us know.  We’d love to share the idea with everyone!  Send email to tamber@fnal.gov.

You’ve probably noticed the extremely cold temperatures outdoors these days.  But, guaranteed the animals have.  Animals such as raccoons may attempt to find warmer accommodations in easily accessible areas such as under your portakamp office.  If you see or hear evidence of such critters, please notify your supervisor or the building manager as soon as possible. 

And remember, even though they may be cute, please do not encourage the animals with food or compliments.

Furry Critters:  Friends or Invaders???

Ed Dijak, winner of the December ES&H Challenge!