July has come in hot and fast. We have broken heat records. We have had smoke come in from B.C. Those who live in Calgary survived the delightful insanity that is Stampede season! What a month! There are a couple of trends we have seen, both in weather and in industry, that bear mentioning.
Tornadoes
14 of the 34 Tornadoes that have occurred in Canada in 2023 were in Alberta, the majority being in July. Do you know what to do in the event of a Tornado?
• If you are inside, stay away from windows. Get to a basement or lower floor and stay in the centre of the room.
• If you are outside, get down in a low-lying area (a ditch, culvert, or ravine), and cover your head with your hands.
• If you are in a mobile home, or a trailer, get out, and find a shelter or more permanent structure. Even if they are tied down, tornadoes can toss around a mobile home.
• Vehicles are also very risky in a tornado. If you are able to safely get out and get to lower ground, do so! If you are unable to get out of your vehicle, make sure your seatbelt is fastened, put your head below the windows, and cover your head with your hands, a blanket, or a coat, or anything else that you may have that can offer some sort of protection.
Following a tornado, assess for any personal injury and physical damage. Stay out of structurally damaged homes or buildings and stay away from downed powerlines. Call for emergency assistance as needed.
Hand Injuries
Finger and hand injuries are trending again. Hand and finger injuries make up a large portion of WCB compensable injuries. So, what can we do to ensure that we are mitigating these injuries to the greatest degree possible?
• Complete your daily hazard assessment and identify all potential pinch and crush points. Properly plan for the associated tasks.
• Check the material and equipment you are using. Know where the sharp edges are, and ensure any moving equipment is appropriately guarded.
• Use tools and other aids where possible, to prevent direct hand contact.
• Although they are a secondary defense, wear gloves and ensure you are choosing the correct glove for the task. Never rely on the glove alone to protect you and be aware that in some instances, gloves can also create further risk through entanglement.
Remember, the best safety device for your hands is your mind. By maintaining situational awareness, and being alert, you can avoid any poor hand positioning, and a potential pinch or crush incident!