Dealing with Bullies

Volume 10 Number 1 December 2012 Stay safe. Stay healthy. Stay current.

Lead Story Inside this month’s Dealing with bullies issue of Comfort Zone: (Click on the page numbers to go directly to the section) BY KATE VAN HOOF - PEEREN Making Headlines COMFORT ZONE EDITOR Pages 2-3 ullying can happen at any stage n Goals for the workaholic of someone’s life. While many n Tips for winter health Bmay think this type of n Internet security facts disrespectful treatment stops after high n Safety tips for online school, it doesn’t. Adults may be more likely to use verbal bullying as shopping opposed to physical bullying but it is bullying just the same. Working Safely Being on the receiving end of a bully’s taunts can be devastating. For Pages 4-5 those who think the person should just n Keep entrances ice-free “suck it up, buttercup”, have probably n Stay sharp with cutting tools never been under a prolonged attack n Dangers of distraction from a bully before. n Stay safe and sober What one might perceive as “a little bit of teasing”, is actually a constant onslaught of insults to the intended Health & Safety Round up victim. Who wants their weaknesses to are not interested in working things Page 6 be pointed out every day? out and they are not interested in n And the stakes are getting higher. Tips for a safe Christmas tree compromise. Rather, adult bullies are n Social media is now being used for more interested in power and Ways to avoid back pain bullying attacks where hundreds of domination. They want to feel as thousands, if not millions of people though they are important and enjoy the humiliation of others with preferred, and they accomplish this by Your Healthy Lifestyle one simple click of the mouse. Victims bringing others down. There is very are fighting back, and not just with little you can do to change an adult Pages 7-8 words, but with violence. bully, beyond working within the n Tips to help your teen sleep Workplace bullying, for example, confines of laws and company n How to ensure your kids have can make life quite miserable and regulations that are set up. The good a positive internet experience difficult. news is that, if you can document the n Tips to clean food Supervisors should be made aware bullying, there are legal and civil n Ways to exercise indoors of adult bullies, since they can disrupt remedies for harassment, abuse and n productivity, create a hostile work other forms of bullying. But you have Pedometer helps achieve environment and reduce morale, but to be able to document the case. fitness goals according to bullyingstatistics.org, Adult bullies were often either there is little you can do about an bullies as children, or bullied as Safety Meeting adult bully, other than ignore and try children. Understanding this about to avoid, after reporting the abuse to a them may be able to help you cope Pages 9-11 supervisor. This is because adult with the behaviour. Avoid Horseplay bullies are often in a set pattern. They Please turn to page 3 www.skilven.com page 2

Making Headlines Goals for the workaholic to think about for the new year (NC)—The pressure to pay the bills and learn to decline extra tasks if and prove your worth at a company is possible. something many people can relate to. You should also talk to your In fact, a third of us identify employer in case he or she doesn’t ourselves as “workaholics”, realize the true extent of your according to Statistics Canada. workload. A good employer doesn't Workaholics find it hard to strike want staff to work excessive that perfect work-life balance, overtime. observers say, and may sacrifice their health, social networks, and time Get enough sleep. It’s hard to focus with loved ones in order to make when you’re sleep-deprived and even ends meet. harder to control your mood. Spend time with loved ones. Book If you consider yourself a Colleagues may see you go from a “date night” with your spouse. workaholic, it’s time to make some content to cranky in a matter of Catch up with an old friend over major changes and bring back some minutes. Aim to get at least seven to coffee. Take your kids to the zoo. joy to your life. Committing to these eight hours of sleep each night. Your loved ones will be glad to have five resolutions can provide a good you back. start to the year: Take care of yourself. Eat nutritious meals, stay active, and Help the less fortunate. Get Know your limits. If you’re make use of your gym membership. involved with a local soup kitchen or seriously considering bringing a And don’t be afraid to book sponsor a child. Helping others will sleeping bag to your office due to appointments with your doctor or energize your soul and will provide countless nights of staying late, you dentist. The work can wait. perspective on what’s important in may need to adjust your priorities life. Quick tips for your best winter health (NC)—Winter in Canada is hand sanitizer nearby when a sink is not invigorating indeed, but it is also a available. challenging change of pace. This is the n Don’t overdo it – resist the urge to time to trade in the baseball hats for attend every social function and late night toques, say goodbye to our summer tan in out. exchange for a warm parka—and for n Do keep your living environment some of us, it’s also time to battle that clean. This includes your physical space annual cold or flu. While it might feel and the air quality in your home. inevitable to cash in a sick day or skip a n Don’t over indulge – during the holiday party, there are lots of ways to holiday season it is easy to let your health give seasonal illnesses like the common routines slide. Keep in mind that just cold a run for their money. because you're celebrating doesn’t mean According to a recent poll, 65 per cent way to keep control and enjoy every all your routines should fall to the of Canadians are most likely to activity with family and friends, without wayside. experience symptoms of a cold or flu in having to reach for tissues and cough n Do take your well-deserved “me” the winter months, making this the time drops. Take a look at a few helpful dos time - a hot bath or relaxing massage can to focus on prevention. Taking the and don’ts: really help to keep your body (and necessary precautions now is the easiest n Do wash your hands often and keep immune system) in tip top shape.

The information presented in Comfort Zone has right to make periodic changes, additions,and President & CEO: Chris Skilton been compiled from sources believed to be deletions to these publications, and the products Sales: Art Hamilton • Alan Haycroft • reliable. However, it cannot be assumed that all and programs described in these publications Liz Slobodin • Carol Wilkinson acceptable measures are contained in this article without notice. Kevin Harvey • Champagne Choquer nor that additional measures may not be required Comfort Zone is published monthly by Skilven Editor: Kate Van Hoof - Peeren under particular or exceptional circumstances, or Publications Ltd. www.skilven.com. All rights Contributing Writer: Bryden Winsby your own company procedures, or by federal, reserved. © 2012. No part of this publication is to TOLL FREE: 1-888-655-4800 • Fax: 1-250-487-2104 state/provincial and local law. Local, be copied without permission from the publisher Mailing Address: 101-196 Wade Ave W state/provincial and federal regulations take with exception to the safety meeting contained Penticton, British Columbia V2A 1T6 precedence over this material. We reserve the herein. www.skilven.com • [email protected] page 3 www.skilven.com

Making Headlines Workplace bullies devastating Continued from page 1 recommends tending to your Because workplace bullying can mental and physical health while be devastating to employees and on leave, and beginning research companies, many companies have into your legal options. During this instituted zero-tolerance policies time you should also gather toward workplace bullying. In statistics: how much has this bully these companies, if an employee is cost the business in turnover rates, being bullied he or she needs to absenteeism, lost productivity, Safety tips for document the bullying and present etc.? Also, consider searching for a the problem to the proper person new position, as victims of online shopping in the company, usually someone workplace bullying have a seven in in human resources or upper 10 chance of losing their job either (NC)—There are many reasons why management. The following three by choice or by termination. This Canadians do holiday shopping online, steps are most effective when it is a sad, but true, fact. including slippery roads, long lineups, and that sinking feeling when a stressed out comes time to confront a Confront the Bully. Approach shopper yanks the last item from a display in workplace bully, according to "The the highest level person in the front of you. But with this convenience come Bully at Work," by Gary and Ruth company possible, and present, certain risks. Cyber criminals do not take a Namie. from a factual perspective, your holiday and are always looking for ways to Acknowledge, and Name, the case for why the bully should nab personal information through fake e- Abuse. Naming the behaviours leave his or her position. The key commerce sites, purchasing scams and you are confronted with (bullying, is to stick to your research and not fraud. emotional abuse, etc.) is the first let your emotions get the better of To help you stay clear of those who are step to realizing that the bullying you; you may be giving the bound to be on Santa's naughty list, the is real and should be stopped. company just the reason it was federal government has advice for safe Research Your Options and looking for to dismiss the bully. online shopping available at: Take a Few Sick Days. Namie GetCyberSafe.ca. Following these simple precautions will help keep your identity secure: Be careful what you share with friends n Look for the lock symbol on the website (NC)—Has online social or “https://” at the beginning of the website networking replaced your holiday address (the “s” means “secure”), an letter to friends and loved ones? Be indication that the site is encrypted. n careful what you share. Don't use public Wi-Fi to shop online. n You probably don’t want everyone Make sure your firewall is on. n to know that you're going away for Read the privacy policy and find out how the holidays, or for how long. But by your information will be used. n posting such information online, you Be on the lookout for prices that are too may be doing just that – and putting good to be true. They could be counterfeits. n your property at risk. Pay by credit card if you can. Do not Most have default settings which Here are some tips to make sure send cash. likely provide more access than you'd n you share with care: Read your credit card statements and like. You can adjust settings to the n Limit the personal information check for unauthorized charges. highest possible level to protect your n you share online to only what’s Consider using a separate credit card for information and control who can see necessary. Be careful using your last online purchases, so it's easy to track. personal details (rather than n name, contact information, home Don't respond to an email or pop-up “everyone” or “friends of friends”). address, phone numbers, email message that asks for financial information. n Be cautious about details in address, last names of friends or Legitimate companies don't ask for this photographs that you post or share. relatives, age, birth date, or other information this way. Photographs can reveal a lot of n personal information. Don't allow auto-fill for your passwords or personal information when there are n Check out the privacy and personal information, like your address, and clearly identifiable details such as security settings of your social never allow a site to store your credit card street signs, license plates on cars, or network and use them to control who information. the name of a school on clothing. sees what. www.skilven.com page 4

Working Safely Keep walkways and entrances Stay sharp with cutting tools free from snow BY BRYDEN WINSBY and ice build up FOR COMFORT ZONE CHECK YOURSELF: We all know the importance of removing Finding someone in a workplace who snow and ice from walkways and has never injured themselves while Horseplay should never be tolerated at entranceways at work is important. Keeping using a hand-held cutting tool would be any worksite. This is especially true when these areas clear reduces the risk of very difficult, if not impossible. serious trips and falls. using sharp tools. Such tools should never be Whether the injury is a small nick or a tossed by one person to another. serious laceration, it usually occurs This is also true for the snowy and icy because the tool is being used areas on or in front of our own property. As improperly or is the wrong one for the a homeowner, making snowy and icy task. be particularly dangerous. Here are sidewalks and front walkways safe for the Just as there is a range of materials that some safety tips for them: public should also be a priority. This is might require cutting — wood, paper, Circular Saws n important for two reasons: preventing metal, plastic etc.— so too is there a Use sharp, clean blades to minimize anyone from injuring themselves in a fall; wide variety of implements that could the chance of kickback. n and protecting yourself from a fine, or do the job — from scissors, knives and Make sure the blade guard is in worse, a lawsuit. saws to pruners, chisels and snips. place. n Most cutting tools are unforgiving Evaluate the work piece. Support Municipalities have varying rules and when they come in contact with the large panels; avoid small items that can’t regulations for the clearing of snow and ice, human body. Those who use them must be secured properly; beware of knotty or but homeowners should also be aware that know: warped pieces. n they could be liable should an injury occur n Which tool is appropriate for the Clamp work pieces securely. n on or in front of their property. type, hardness and size of material to be Always hold the saw firmly with cut. both hands. n “We see a number of insurance claims n What personal protective equipment Release the switch immediately if each year involving injuries resulting from might be required. the blade binds or stalls. n falls on ice and snow,” states Wayne Ross, n How to keep cutting tools in good Turn off a tool after a cut is done, insurance expert with Aviva Canada. “And repair and tag them out when they are and allow the blade to stop before while an insurance policy is there to protect not. putting it down. you from such hardship, a few simple steps The safe way to work with a cutting Chainsaws n can prevent the stress of a lawsuit.” tool is to concentrate on the task at hand, Don’t work alone with a chainsaw. n making straight, even cuts without Have good footing; clear the ground Here are some recommendations: rocking, prying or twisting the tool. of any tripping/slipping hazards. n Here are some more tips for using Beware of “widowmakers” (broken n Shovel right away—when possible, manual cutting tools: or dead limbs) and spring poles (bent start moving the snow soon after it has n Always cut away from the body and saplings). n fallen. Even if it means having to shovel face. Make sure the saw is in good twice—two lighter loads will be easier on n When cutting with one hand, always condition. Is the chain sharpened; is the your back and arms than tackling it all at know where the other hand is. chain tension correct; is it properly once. n Avoid trying to catch cutting tools lubricated; are all nuts and lugs secure? n that are dropped. Only refuel the saw when the engine n Salt, salt, salt—it's cheap and can n Never carry sharp tools in a front or is cool. n prevent hard to move ice from forming. back pocket. Avoid cutting from a ladder. n n Use tool belts, buckets and hand Stand to the side when cutting. n n More than a shovel—brooms for light lines when climbing ladders. Cut at full throttle. n snow and metal ice breakers for the harder n Carry sharp tools blade-down. Keep both hands on the saw accumulations can both come in handy n Store sharp tools in sheaths and tool handles. n over the winter. boxes. Don’t cut above chest height. n Horseplay should never be tolerated at Don’t push the saw, and don’t bury As a homeowner, the first consideration is any worksite. This is especially true the tip of the saw in the wood. the safety of those walking on your when using sharp tools. Such tools With these — and all cutting tools — sidewalk, but it's also about protecting should never be tossed by one person to proper training and following the yourself from costly fines and lawsuits, another. manufacturer’s instructions for use and something we all want to avoid. Two types of portable cutting tool are maintenance are essential for avoiding found at many worksites, and they can serious injury and possible death. page 5 www.skilven.com

Working Safely The dangers of distraction BY BRYDEN WINSBY can cause a variety of physical symptoms FOR COMFORT ZONE that affect an individual's ability to focus on his or her job. The working CHECK YOURSELF: Many factors can lead us to do environment also might be too hot or too something that endangers the health and cold, the result of inadequate heating, Workmates and other potential distractions safety of ourselves and others. ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) might be impossible to eliminate, but as with systems. We might take shortcuts, fail to wear any risk to health and safety, their effects proper personal protective equipment or Chaotic surroundings need to be analyzed carefully and lack complete training for the task at Clattering machinery, constantly ringing appropriate action taken. Sometimes this can hand. We might also have our attention telephones, loud conversations and diverted in one or more ways that can people rushing in all directions can be done on a personal level; sometimes it will result in fatalities, injuries and lost interfere with performance and attention require policy changes, enforcement or productivity. to correct procedures. physical alterations by management. Some workplace distractions are Noise unavoidable. Others can be controlled or Sudden or repetitive loud noises, or regulated. Here are some things that even no sounds at all, can be a serious being oblivious to what’s going on cause people to lose their concentration distraction. There are legislated limits to around you. Computers, cell phones, on the job: tolerable workplace noise. When these iPads and the like all can be very useful, Personal issues are exceeded, hearing protection becomes but their use should be specific — in Individuals can be below par mentally necessary. Wearing such devices can also function, time and place. due to stress caused by family or be a problem, though, because they can Co-workers financial problems. They could have limit ability to hear things that should be Interruption by fellow employees, physical ailments that aren’t serious heard. whether work-related or for personal enough to keep them off the job or they Long hair chatter, should be kept to a minimum. It might even be daydreaming happily Believe it, this can be a distraction. not only can waste time but also divert about some person or upcoming event. When hair is loose and flowing, it might attention from doing things safely. One Dealing with this form of distraction obstruct your view and divert your approach is to actually stop what you are can be as simple as making a determined attention. Avoid fixing hair or attending doing, even shut down equipment, while effort to put such thoughts aside or to other personal grooming when a conversation (as brief as you can make serious enough to seek professional operating machinery or a vehicle. Tie it) continues. counselling. your hair back and keep it under a hat if Workmates and other potential Clutter possible. distractions might be impossible to A messy workstation can create hazards Electronic devices eliminate, but as with any risk to health and hide them. What you don’t see can Technology has brought numerous and safety, their effects need to be hurt you — and poor housekeeping also potential distractions: trying to use analyzed carefully and appropriate action can say a lot about your attitude toward several devices at once; using them while taken. Sometimes this can be done on a safety, quality and production. you should focus only on one major task personal level; sometimes it will require Poor air quality (driving a vehicle being among the prime policy changes, enforcement or physical Dust, fumes and chemical contaminants examples); or listening to music and alterations by management.

Remember to keep safe and sober on the roads this holiday season (NC)—It doesn’t seem to matter how For those who haven’t noticed, the don't take your vehicle. often we talk about the dangers of penalties for drinking and driving are n Use a designated driver: drinking and driving. Someone, considerably tougher, thanks to groups Remember, the “least impaired” person somewhere, isn’t listening. like Mothers Against Drunk Driving in the room is not a designated driver. According to statistics provided by (MADD). Even for first-time n Use public transit: If this is not an the Ontario Provincial Police, impaired offenders, defending a drunk-driving option, make arrangements to spend driving is the leading criminal cause of arrest is expensive. the night if you’re visiting a friend. death in Canada. Here are some simple tips to ensure n Use a taxi or limousine service: And sadly, arrests for impaired a safe and happy holiday season: There are more than 35,000 operating driving hit a year-long peak during the n Plan ahead: If you’re likely to in Canada. final weeks of the year. consume alcohol at an event or party, www.skilven.com page 6

Health & Safety Roundup

Is your Christmas tree a potential fire hazard? (NC)— It's the Christmas holiday season, our most treasured time of the year. It's a time of celebration, joy and sharing time with family and friends. Unfortunately, this important time can also be one marked by tragedy if precautions are not taken against accidental fire.

According to the Canadian Safety Council, every year about 400 Canadians lose their lives in an accidental household fire. In fact, it's during the holiday season that the Keep back pain away during the holidays number of deaths caused by accidental household fires is at its highest. (NC)—The festive season brings great periods on a hard surface can lead to food, quality time with loved ones and a muscle fatigue and back ache. You need to take every possible number of cherished traditions. n Open the cupboard door below precaution to minimize the risks of fire, Unfortunately, all of the rush can also where you are working and rest one foot especially if you choose a natural tree. bring an unwelcome present—back pain. on the inside, changing position Fire is one of the greatest threats to your Holiday activities such as shopping, frequently. family and home. People do not realize carrying gifts and décor items, cooking n Use proper lifting mechanics when the emotional toll a fire can take, even if and baking can cause muscles to work obtaining appliances, ingredients or there is no loss of life. harder than usual. This can result in neck, utensils from lower shelves and drawers. shoulder, and back pain. Kneel down if necessary and keep the Here are safety tips to consider: To enjoy the season to the fullest, take a object close to your body. look at some helpful tips: n Frequently perform gentle stretching n If possible, consider an artificial tree. exercises to keep the muscles in your They are much safer and cleaner. Handling Décor and Presents neck and shoulders loose. n Leave the tree outside until you're ready n Check the weight of a heavy object n Wearing supportive slippers or house to decorate. before attempting any lifting. Try shoes on hard flooring surfaces will n The tree stand should hold at least 1 pushing it with your foot. Take smaller reduce stress on your feet, knees, hips gallon of water. It's crucial to check the loads or get help if it seems too heavy. and back. water level every day. n Maintain a “neutral spine” at all n Keep the tree away from floor heaters, times. There is a natural curve inwards in Shopping Without Dropping fireplaces, or other heat sources. the lower back. Try to maintain this n Distribute the weight of shopping n Use only CSA-listed lights, and no more natural curve while bending and lifting; bags evenly on both sides of your body. than three strands linked together. try to avoid bending and twisting at the n Wear supportive shoes while n Use miniature lights–which have cool- same time. shopping. Stores typically have concrete burning bulbs. n Work as a team and share the load floors which don't absorb much force and n Turn off the Christmas lights when you when lifting heavy items such as can stress your body when walking or sleep, or if you leave your home for very decorations and trees. Bend at the knees standing. long. and hips, not with your back. n Take breaks often and do some n Examine light strings each year, discard n Keep the load close to your body shoulder rolls to help relax the muscles if worn ones. when lifting. your shopping bags are heavy. n Fasten the bulbs securely and point the n Make several trips back to the car sockets down to avoid moisture build up. Holiday Baking and Cooking with packages to avoid stress and fatigue. n Avoid overloading wall outlets and n Choose a work surface at a level that n Shop during off-peak hours to avoid extension cords. is high enough to avoid hunching over standing in long lines. n Have an operable fire extinguisher and causing strain on your shoulders and n Plan your shopping trip ahead of readily available. neck. time. Having a set list of gifts you intend n Practice an escape plan at least once a n Work on a padded surface. If you to buy will help you plan ahead for extra year. Make sure the whole family is have tile, vinyl or wood flooring, help to carry purchases. involved. consider purchasing an inexpensive, n Consider buying the heaviest or n Finally, make sure to dispose of your cushioning area rug that has grippers on bulkiest items last to reduce that amount tree properly at the end of the season. the back to keep it from moving and you of time and distance you have to carry from slipping or tripping. Standing long them. www.skilven.com

Your Healthy Lifestyle

Internet safety tips for your kids Children and teens are spending more time on the Internet than ever before. It can put How much sleep does your information at your child’s fingertips, help with homework, improve computer skills and provide teenager really need? entertainment. But with these positive attributes, kids are exposed to dangerous situations as Up all night, and sleep all day. Does this quick pick-me-up to help them work more well. sound like your teen, or the way you efficiently. Proper planning is important. remember being a teenager? Naps that are too long or too close to Even if you don’t have a computer in your bedtime can interfere with regular sleep. home, your child will be exposed to the Internet n The fact of the matter is teens need their Make the bedroom a sleep haven. somewhere – at school, the public library or a sleep; however, with so much going on in Keep it cool, quiet and dark. Consider friend’s house. their lives from studying, to hanging out with installing blackout curtains and then let in friends and not wanting to miss a thing, bright light in the morning to signal him or Here are some tips from bluekids.org to keep teens can find themselves nodding off her to wake up. your child’s Internet experience safe, n during a class they really should be paying No pills, vitamins or drinks can educational and fun: attention to. replace good sleep. Consuming caffeine n Make sure your child understands what types close to bedtime can hurt sleep, so get them of Websites you consider appropriate and what According to sleepfoundation.org, not to avoid coffee, tea, soda/pop and chocolate categories of sites are off limits. Establish clear getting enough sleep or having sleep late in the day. rules, post them near the computer and enforce n difficulties can have these affects on your Establish a bed and wake-time and them. teenager: get your teen to stick to it, even on the n Set limits on the amount of time your child n Limit their ability to learn, listen, weekends. A consistent sleep schedule will can spend online each day or week. Do not let concentrate and solve problems. help them feel less tired since it allows their surfing the Internet take the place of homework, n Make them more prone to acne. bodies to get in sync with its natural playing with friends or other activities. Use an n Cause aggression or inappropriate patterns. Your teen will find that it’s easier to alarm clock or timer to keep your child from behavior such as yelling at friends or being fall asleep at bedtime with this type of losing track of time while using the computer. impatient with teachers or family members. routine. n Participate in your child’s online time. Stay n n Cause them to eat too much or eat Encourage your teen not to eat, involved and monitor what your child is doing. unhealthy foods like sweets and fried foods drink, or exercise within a few hours of Keep your home computer in a common area that lead to weight gain. bedtime and not to leave their homework such as the kitchen or family room. If your child until the last minute. Get them to stick to has a computer in his or her bedroom, make So how can you help your teen get the quiet, calm activities, and they will fall asleep sure the door to the room stays open at all recommended 8.5 to 9.5 hours of sleep much more easily! times. each night to function best? Here are a few n Polish your own computer skills. If you are tips: If you have trouble sleeping, try these tips not comfortable using a computer or the n Naps are good. Naps can provide a yourself! Internet, consider taking a class or doing some The material contained in this document has been prepared from sources believed to be accurate reading. Your child will need your help to use and reliable. Application of this information to a specific worksite should be reviewed by a safety this resource effectively. It is important for you to professional. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at his/her own risk and understand what your child is doing (and what assumes any and all liability arising therefrom. Specific medical advice should be obtained through consultation with a physician or other trained health care practitioner. he or she is capable of doing). www.skilven.com

Your Healthy Lifestyle

Tips to clean fresh Don’t let winter stop you from exercising food properly Wind, rain, snow, sleet and less daylight Food can become contaminated with hours may seem like the perfect reason to put harmful bacteria where it is produced, where your exercise routine on hold, but don’t let it is sold, or even on your kitchen counter. Mother Nature stop you. The FDA centre for food safety offers these tips to ensure our food doesn’t end up If you are not a person who is interested in becoming a bio-hazard: joining a gym, your own home sweet home can be the perfect haven to keep up your exercise Wash your hands often. Use hot water routines. and soap to wash your hands before and after handling food, and after using the Here are a few ideas provided to us by fitwatch.com: bathroom, changing a diaper or handling n pets. Walking – If you have a flight of stairs, go up and down them a few times.This will help to Disinfect dishes, cutting boards and tone up your legs, while getting some low counters with hot, soapy water after impact aerobic exercise as well. If you don’t preparing each food item. Bacteria from have any stairs available, just walk around the one food item could remain on the cutting house a few times – it may not be very exciting, but it will do the job! board, dishes or counter and contaminate n to go out and buy expensive weights for this. the next food item prepared there. Jumping jacks – These are always fun and they are also great cardio exercises, and Just use whatever you can find in your house. good for warming up, too. Start out with something lighter, such as a can Clean fresh produce: of peas, and work yourself up to heavier items. n n Leg lifts – These are great for building up Rinse under running water. For extra You can use milk jugs, laundry detergent protection, adding one part vinegar or lemon strength and muscles in your legs. If you find it hard to do the exercises with your legs straight, bottles or even water jugs. juice to the three parts water helps, but you n Dancing – Dancing is a wonderful don't need to use any soap, detergents or try bending them slightly. n Jogging in place – Jogging is a great exercise, which is great for your heart. Not only special cleaners. It is important to rinse food that, but it can lift your spirits as well, and give even if you are going to peel it. exercise for your heart. You can jog in place at home while watching TV or listening to music. your overall feeling a boost. n Use a scrub brush to remove additional n The only equipment you will require is a good Step exercises – Using the steps in your dirt and bacteria. home, you can do repetitions which will tone n Cut out bruised or damaged areas; pair of shoes, to eliminate any stress to your legs. your leg muscles. (Just remember to be bacteria can thrive there. n careful!) n Dry produce with a clean cloth or paper Light weight lifting – No, you don’t need towel to wipe off more bacteria. A pedometer can help you keep fit Use special precautions for raw meat, poultry and seafood. It’s small, affordable, fits in your pocket and A pedometer can be an excellent tool for nAlways keep raw meat, poultry and can lead you to exercise more. What is this motivation because you can wear it all day or seafood separated from other foods. From magic device? A pedometer. just during a planned activity to see how many the minute you take these raw meats from steps you are taking; then you can try to the store shelf until you cook them, it is best Researchers at the Stanford University increase your number of steps, creating goals to keep them in plastic bags to prevent School of Medicine have found that the use of for the next day or week. juices from dripping. The uncooked juices a pedometer is often associated with significant can contain harmful bacteria. increases in physical activity and weight loss Many of us are motivated to exercise if we n If possible, use a separate cutting board and can also improve blood pressure. have a target to work towards, so [pedometers] for raw meat, poultry and seafood. Don't use can be a useful aid. Here are some tips for the same one for fresh produce. What can wearing a pedometer do for you? using a pedometer: n Marinate food in the refrigerator, not on A summary of 26 different studies showed that the counter. Sauce used for marinating raw pedometer users walked at least 2,000 more n Have a step-count goal (10,000 a day is a meat, poultry or seafood should never be steps each day than nonusers, and using a good goal). reused on cooked food, unless it has just pedometer helped them increase their overall n Walk at a fairly brisk pace of 3 mph to get been boiled. physical activity levels by 27 per cent. the health benefits of walking. SAFETY MEETING Read this part of the meeting aloud Horseplay has no place at work

Today’s safety meeting is about horseplay. every time he or she walks by, or when you walk by their desk or workstation. It’s all fun and games until somebody loses an eye! This age old statement rings true, no matter how many Perhaps some of you are laughing at these examples times it is said. In the workplace you can replace “eye” thinking “they are not that bad”. Well, they are and acts with a number of things like; “finger,” “leg” or even like these should not be tolerated. “life”. We can all do our part by remembering our basic Fun and games can describe many different situations safety rules on the job, and that includes avoiding at work. No one is saying we have to work without it, horseplay. Even those who don’t take an active part in but when fun and games escalates into something more the actual horseplay event but do nothing to stop it are like horseplay, that’s where we have to draw the line. participants. It is never easy to take a stand, especially if three or four of your buddies are taking part, but Some of us may call it “letting off a little steam to remember you make your own decisions on what you relieve stress”, but horseplay creates a dangerous do. situation that can cause serious injury physically and mentally to the intended victim and other colleagues. Remember these important factors: n You are responsible for performing your job Perhaps you or a coworker have engaged in horseplay correctly, which includes safely. and don’t realize it. Here are a few classic examples: n Everyone must follow safety rules. n Smearing petroleum jelly on safety eyewear -- the n Failure to follow the rules is dangerous—for you victim starts work without eye protection and catches a and for others. particle in his or her eye. n Horseplay and other safety rule violations can lead n Unexpectedly starting up a drill behind another to disciplinary action. worker -- she is startled and tumbles off a scaffold. n Don’t indulge in horseplay or accuse those who n Tripping someone walking by. won’t go along of having “no sense of humour.” n Throwing an object too heavy for your co-worker to n Think how bad you would feel if your horseplay catch. injured someone else—maybe seriously. n “Play-wrestling” around dangerous equipment. n Don’t allow other people to get you to participate in n Locking a co-worker in a secure area like a paint horseplay. booth. n Giving someone a “wedgie” while he or she is Thanks for your attention today. concentrating on a delicate task. n Laughing and pointing at a particular co-worker

Comfort Zone is published once a month by Skilven Publications Inc. www.skilven.com ©2012 Skilven Publications Inc. Subscribers are allowed to make copies of this document for distribution within their location only. For more copies call 1-888-655-4800. The information presented herein has been compiled from various sources believed to be reliable; however it cannot be assumed that all acceptable safety measures are listed. While every effort is made to ensure that information and recommendations contained in this publication are the best current opinions on the topic, no guarantee or warranty is made by Skilven Publications Inc. as to the absolute correctness or sufficiency of the content. Distribute to meeting attendees SAFETY MEETING Keep this handout for handy reference. Horseplay has no place at work

Fun and games can describe many different situations at work. No one is saying we have to work without it, but when fun and games escalates into something more like horseplay, that’s where we have to draw the line.

Some of us may call it “letting off a little steam Even those who don’t take an active part in the to relieve stress”, but horseplay creates a actual horseplay event but do nothing to stop it dangerous situation that can cause serious injury are participants. It is never easy to take a stand, physically and mentally to the intended victim especially if three or four of your buddies are and other colleagues. We can all do our part by taking part, but remember you make your own remembering our basic safety rules on the job, decisions on what you do. and that includes avoiding horseplay.

Remember these important factors:

n You are responsible for performing your job correctly, which includes safely.

n Everyone must follow safety rules.

n Failure to follow the rules is dangerous—for you and for others.

n Horseplay and other safety rule violations can lead to disciplinary action.

n Don’t indulge in horseplay or accuse those who won’t go along of having “no sense of humour.”

n Think how bad you would feel if your horseplay injured someone else—maybe seriously.

n Don’t allow other people to get you to participate in horseplay.

Horseplay has no place at work

Meeting date: ______Have meeting attendees sign below: ______Meeting leader: ______Meeting Quiz:

1 Horseplay is a harmless way to let off steam. ______True False ______

2. Horseplay can cause serious injury. ______True False ______3. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect. True ______False

4. Horseplay can lead to disciplinary action. ______True False ______

5. Watching horseplay does not make you an active ______participant. True False ______

6. It’s better not to report horseplay because it is none of ______your business. True False ______

______

6. False 6.

Publications Inc. Subscribers are allowed to make copies of this document for distribution within their location only. 2.True

5. False 5. For more copies call 1-888-655-4800. The information presented herein has been compiled from various sources False 1.

believed to be reliable; however it cannot be assumed that all acceptable safety measures are listed. While every

4. Ture 4.

effort is made to ensure that information and recommendations contained in this publication are the best current quiz: meeting

3. True 3. opinions on the topic, no guarantee or warranty is made by Skilven Publications Inc. as to the absolute safety to Answers correctness or sufficiency of the content.