The Dangers of Dispensing Errors
Medications are life-saving, but only when used correctly. Sadly, over 7,000 people die annually due to medication errors, according to the National Center for Biotechnology (NCBI), and some of these mistakes are occurring before the patient even receives their prescription from the pharmacy. Dispensing Errors Cause Unnecessary Harm Pharmacists are not doctors, but their role when it comes to a patient’s health outcome can be just as critical. Medication errors are among the most common causes of injuries and death in the medical field, with dispensing errors accounting for approximately 21% of these incidents according to Pharmacy Times. Dispensing errors as defined by NCBI are discrepancies between what the patient was prescribed and what medication and instructions are delivered. Pharmacists can make a number of dispensing errors in the course of their job, including: Dispensing the wrong dosage Dispensing the wrong medication Dispensing the wrong medication strength Dispensing at the wrong time Dispensing the wrong quantity Failing to dispense Dispensing medication of inferior quality Dispensing medication with the wrong information on the label Dispensing for the wrong patient When pharmacists make any one of these errors, patients can become severely ill or injured. Patients may not only see zero change in the condition they were originally being medicated for, but they could also experience adverse reactions to the medication errors, some proving to have fatal consequences. What Causes Dispensing Errors? Pharmacies can be stressful environments, especially as the demands for medications continue to increase. NCBI reports these as the most common reasons for dispensing errors in pharmacies across the country: high volume workloads short staffing fatigued employees time constraints interruptions look-alike/sound-alike medicines Additional causes found in various studies on dispensing errors blame unreadable handwriting, lack of effective controls, lack of concentration on the job, lack of organization, and talkative customers for pharmacy mistakes. Furthermore, these studies also highlighted a lack of systems present to detect dispensing errors, allowing incorrect prescriptions to flow right out the door without a second look or fail-safe policy. How To Prevent Dispensing Errors It is the responsibility of a pharmacist to dispense the correct medication to patients using accurate information and doctor’s recommendations. However, pharmacists are only human and errors are bound to occur eventually. To help prevent these harmful mistakes, Pharmacy Times recommends pharmacies apply these strategies to reduce the number of errors when dispensing medications: Ensure all prescriptions are entered correctly. Confirm prescriptions are complete. Watch for look-alike, sound-alike drug names. Be mindful of zeros and abbreviations. Organize your workstation and office. Reduce distractions when working. Reduce unnecessary stress. Balance heavy workloads. Store drugs properly. Carefully check all prescriptions. Always provide patient counseling. Patients can also help prevent pharmacy errors by doing their own due diligence before taking prescribed medications: Always read the script your doctor gives you before it is filled. Make sure you understand the type/dosage you will be taking and why. Double check the information on the bottle and bag to make sure you have the same medication your do doctor prescribed. Confirm your personal information to avoid a patient mix-up. If you have any questions, always ask to consult with the pharmacist before you leave, even if they appear busy or annoyed at your request- it could save your life. Victims of Pharmacy Malpractice When a pharmacy makes a dispensing error with your prescription, what do you do? It’s not always clear as to where the mistake was initially made when it comes to determining liability for injuries and fatalities due to medication errors. However, if you suspect you could be a victim of pharmacy malpractice, here are the first steps to follow: Seek medical attention immediately for adverse reactions. Call the pharmacy to report the dispensing error. Save the medication, bag, receipt, and bottle. Call an experienced pharmacy malpractice attorney. Medication errors cause unnecessary harm to patients every day. If your health was jeopardized by negligent medication dispensing practices, contact our winning team at the law firm of Siler & Ingber to seek justice for your injuries today.
NYC Reports First Flu-Related Pediatric Death of the Season
Several people in NYC have been hospitalized with the virus since late August and one child is confirmed to have died last week from the flu in New York City. The Department of Public Health reported its first pediatric death in New York City of the 2018-19 season on Oct. 26th. According to an article in Ramapo Daily Voice, Health Department officials have reported the first flu death in New York City this season. Details, such as where the patient was treated and the exact date they died, were not disclosed. To read the full article: https://ramapo.dailyvoice.com/news/first-child-flu-death-of-season-reported-in-new-york/743899/ Experts said this isn’t necessarily a harbinger of a nastier than usual flu season, they say it should drive home the message that the flu is dangerous, and people should get vaccinated. Deaths have risen in 2018 Within the past few years, flu-related deaths account for 12,000 to 56,000 nationally in one season. The CDC reported an estimated 80,000 people died in the 2017-2018 flu seasons. Medical experts recommend everyone age 6 months and older receive a flu vaccine by the end of October. They state that senior citizens are the most vulnerable for getting the flu, adding many of them do not get the flu shot. Although the flu vaccine mixture last year may have not been the best fit, they highly recommend people do not take the risk and avoid being vaccinated. For tips on preventing the flu and more info from the CDC, click here.
Halloween Safety
Halloween is almost here- an exciting night of candy, costumes, and celebrations. But for parents, Halloween can also be a night full of dangers and safety concerns that can have anxieties running on high. Traffic Dangers The streets can be a dangerous place for trick-or-treaters on Halloween. In 2015, a tragic car accident involving a driver experiencing a medical episode behind the wheel resulted in the death of three pedestrians in the Bronx after he drove onto the sidewalk- one of them a 10-year-old girl trick-or-treating. A deadly car accident like this could happen at any time, but with the massive increase in pedestrians out on the street, the chances on Halloween are higher. The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that children are twice as likely to be hit and killed by a car on Halloween than any other day of the year. Crosswalks and intersections are especially dangerous on this holiday. Out of the 7,330 pedestrian fatalities reported back in 2016, 18% of these deaths occurred at intersections and road crossings, a popular place to find trick-or-treaters dashing across the road in the dark. Costume Disasters Picking out or making a costume for Halloween is one of the most exciting parts of the holiday. But picking the wrong costume or adding dangerous features can greatly increase anyone’s chances of being injured this holiday. Costumes can lead to anything from minor cuts and bruises, to broken bones from falls or even fatal injuries from obstructive views while on busy streets. Cosmopolitan lists nine of the most common costume designs and props that can cause injuries this Halloween: Vintage clothing (carry dust mites that trigger allergies and asthma) Floor-length fabrics (tripping hazards) Metal accessories (lacerations and skin irritations) New shoes (ankle and foot injuries) Borrowed costumes (bacteria and germs) Cheap makeup (skin and eye irritations) Masks (vision obstructions) Contact lenses (eye injuries, vision obstructions) Fake glasses (headaches, eye injuries, vision obstructions) Candy Horrors Horror stories about razor blades and needles in Halloween candy have been plaguing the holiday for years. Though some people believe these stories to be myths, several proven cases of people dangerously tampering with Halloween treats do exist and will make parents think twice about what’s in their child’s trick-or-treat bags: A woman from New York put ant traps laced with arsenic, steel wool and dog treats in teenage trick or treat back bags in 1964. Her reasoning was she thought the teens were too old to be trick-or-treating. Another woman in New York in 2014 claimed to discover shards of glass inside of Tootsie Pops her children got around Halloween time. Not all treats have to be tampered with to be dangerous. Treats that are unwrapped or some homemade goods could contain foodborne illnesses from improper handling. Other children could be at risk of allergic reactions if they snack on candy without their parents double checking the ingredients. Pet Hazards Halloween is not as much fun for your pets as it is for your kids, often leading them to get sick, seriously injured, or cause them to injure others when they normally wouldn’t. Dogs can be poisoned from certain types of candies such as chocolate, causing horrible side effects such as diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, vomiting, and seizures. Pets can be easily agitated by props, costumes, and the constant opening and closing of the door, causing them to display more aggressive and anxious behaviors than normal. Sadly, pranksters also have been known to tease, injure, steal, or even kill innocent animals on Halloween when they are left outside at night. Be Safe This Halloween To avoid any unnecessary injuries this holiday that could spoil your fun, SafeKids Worldwide and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) encourages all Halloween enthusiasts to follow these safety tips for a successful and safe night: Walk Safe: Make sure your young trick-or-treaters are extra cautious on the road this holiday and know basic traffic safety if old enough to go out on their own: Cross the street at clearly marked crosswalks or visible street corners. Look both ways before you cross the street. Put down the phone or other distractive devices. Walk, don’t run, so cars have plenty of time to see you coming. Make eye contact with drivers if possible when crossing the road. Use sidewalks if available or walk on the grass. If your child does not know basic traffic safety, they should be supervised by an adult. Never try to beat the cars on the road- they might not see you! Wear Safe (Costumes): Your costume may be super creative, but will not protect you if drivers cannot see you. Choose light colors for costumes or use reflectors or reflective tape so cars can see you. Try to avoid using masks so you have the best visibility of your surroundings. Give kids flashlights or glow sticks to help drivers spot them. Don’t wear costumes that have sharp elements sticking out of them to avoid hurting others. Wear costumes that are the right size to avoid trip and fall accidents. Always clean costumes before using. Wash off all makeup at the end of the night to avoid irritations to the skin and eyes. Drive Safe: If you are driving this Halloween, be alert to the increase in pedestrians and expect the unexpected: Enter and exit any driveways or parking lots slowly and carefully. Know the trick or treating hours in your neighborhood (typically 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm) Look for pedestrians at intersections, curbs, crosswalks, or medians before making turns. Drive slow and stay especially alert when in residential areas. Never drink and drive. Reduce the number of distractions in the vehicle: pedestrians, music, phones, GPS, etc. Eat Safe: With conspiracy theories about Halloween candy hazards aside, it’s better to be safe than sorry: Never eat unwrapped candy. Encourage your kids to wait until they get home to eat any candy. Remove candy that could be a choking hazard from young trick-or
What to Do When an Insurance Company Refuses to Pay Your Claim
Dealing with an insurance claim, whether it is after a car accident or experiencing an injury, can be a stressful process. There are claim documents to fill out and receipts to send in. You want to make sure that you do everything right so you can get the compensation that is needed to pay off your expenses. Unfortunately, not every claim is paid out by the insurance company. When this circumstance happens, you may feel completely discouraged. You might even give up on your claim while trying to figure out how to pay for all your medical bills and damages out of your own pocket. Yet you shouldn’t immediately give up on the insurance claim process. You do have options where you can appeal the denial and try to get the insurance company to pay the entire compensation amount. Figure Out Why the Claim Was Denied There are many reasons why an insurance company could deny a claim. It may be as simple as making a mistake on the forms. Other reasons could involve that you filed the paperwork past the specified deadline, the policy has lapsed, or there is an exclusion to the policy that impacts your claim. The insurance company may simply want more information, or they are not willing to pay the full amount. Once you know why the insurance company doesn’t want to pay the claim, you can take the right steps to rectify the situation to your benefit. Send in the Required Documentation Always make sure to have all the documentation that is required to prevent a denial from the insurance company. They may want to understand why you paid certain damages to your car or home, or why you received a certain procedure from a medical professional. This circumstance also happens frequently when you are requesting a certain amount of compensation but the insurance company wants to pay a lesser amount. By having thorough documentation, and copies of your documentation for your own records, you can ensure that the insurance company has all the documents that are needed. Keep Details About Who You Talked with at the Insurance Company With all the back and forth emails, phone calls and letters, you most likely will speak to a lot of different people at the insurance company. After a time, it can feel like you are just going through an endless, hopeless loop of denials and deflections. Make sure to write down the name of the person you spoke with, the time of the call, and take notes of the conversation. These details will benefit you if you hit a roadblock and will later need to take more legal action against the insurance company. Send in a Demand Letter If your claim was denied by another person’s insurance company, such as the liable party after a car accident, you can send the other insurance company a demand letter. The demand letter should outline all details of your claim, such as what occurred that requires you to file for compensation, what damages or medical expenses you have, and why the other person is at fault for the damages or medical conditions caused by the accident. You can have a personal injury attorney help you draft the letter. The attorney’s law firm may carry enough weight to convince the insurance company that you are serious about the claim and will take further action if needed. Go Through the Formal Appeals Process and Arbitration If you tried talking with the insurance company to provide them with all the information about the accident or damages and they still deny you, you may be able to go through a formal appeals process. There are some states that are required by law to offer an appeals process or arbitration. Going through arbitration may help you get a settlement, although the process can be complicated depending on how the insurance company has their appeals process set up as well as the deadline on when you can make a formal request. Filing a Lawsuit Filing a lawsuit is usually the last option on the list when you are trying to get the insurance company to pay for your claim. Keep in mind that the costs of filing the lawsuit and going to court could be more than the insurance compensation that you are seeking. Getting the necessary legal advice throughout the entire process can help you make the best decision based on your particular circumstances. If you had an insurance claim denied in Long Island, turn to the personal injury attorney firm of Siler & Ingber, LLP. Fully experienced on handling insurance companies and claims, we can help you file for compensation as well as go through the appeals process so you receive the right settlement amount.
Dealing with Insurance Adjusters? What to Do to Get Compensated
After a car accident, filing an insurance claim can help you out financially as you can receive compensation to pay for medical bills and car damages. However, it is not as simple as sending in the claim form to ask for a specified amount. The insurance company will evaluate the circumstances of the accident to determine who was at fault for the accident. Then they will decide on the amount to pay out in compensation. Under certain circumstances, you may receive the entire amount of the insurance compensation as the other party involved in the accident was completely at fault. Other times, the insurance company will claim that you are partially liable for the accident. When held partially liable, the insurance company may only pay part of the claim. Another situation that you may encounter is when the insurance company won’t fully pay for all of your expenses as they will argue that your injuries didn’t warrant certain medical treatments or that the damages were not as bad to require such high repair bills. What Is an Insurance Adjuster? An insurance adjuster works for the insurance company to offer a settlement amount. They will interview all parties that were involved in the accident. In addition, the insurance adjuster will also review hospital records, police reports and any other documentation that relates to the accident and your claim. After reviewing all the information and accident stories, the insurance adjuster will put in a first offer of settlement. What Happens During the First Call with an Insurance Adjuster? When an insurance adjuster calls to perform an initial interview, make sure to answer all of their questions concisely. Give all the details in a clear manner when telling your version of the car accident. Avoid becoming impatient or stressed out as you may feel as if the questions aren’t necessary or are repetitive. If you fail to give all the details of the accident, then the adjuster could have the insurance company deny your claim because you may inadvertently admit to causing the accident or not give enough details to convince them to pay the claim. After gathering all the details, the insurance adjuster will provide you with a settlement amount. Negotiating the First Offer Typically, the settlement amount that the insurance adjuster offers will be way lower than the amount you had in your mind. Don’t be afraid to refuse the first settlement offer or ask questions on why the amount is so low. Let the insurance adjuster explain why they came by with that compensation amount as you can ask additional questions and provide other evidence while stressing on why you should receive higher compensation. The whole negotiation process may take several phone calls as you and the insurance adjuster will continue providing counter offers. Have a realistic number in your mind regarding what you would like to receive, and also have a minimum amount of how much you are willing to take. Remember not to belabor the facts regarding the accident during the negotiations with the insurance adjuster as they already have your side of the story. Instead, focus on emphasizing how traumatic the accident was and how the damages or injuries severely impacted your daily life. Let the insurance adjuster know how reasonable your medical compensation and vehicle damage costs are to the insurance company. Tell them how the injuries could have a long-term impact on your physical health. Make sure to also keep stressing on how it was the other parties fault for the accident. Reaching an Agreement If the insurance adjuster offers a price that you can accept, then confirm the agreement. Immediately send a letter confirming that you are accepting the agreed-upon amount and how that amount will pay for medical expenses and damages. Make sure the letter has the insurance adjuster’s name, date and time on when the agreement was made. This process will ensure that the amount doesn’t suddenly change when the insurance company send out the payment. What to Do When You Can’t Reach a Compensation Amount If you are becoming frustrated with how long the settlement negotiations are taking or the low amount of compensation they want to offer, consider hiring a personal injury lawyer who is versed about the insurance claim process. The attorney can help negotiate your claim as the will not let the insurance adjuster play on your emotions or make you feel as if you will lose out on everything if you don’t immediately take the first offer. Seek Assistance from an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney If you are seeking legal help when it comes to dealing with insurance adjusters, contact Siler & Ingber, LLP. We are personal injury attorneys with in-depth insurance company knowledge. We can expertly negotiate with insurance claim adjusters so you can get the best compensation amount for your needs.
Unforeseen Limo Dangers in New York and How to Avoid the Risks
New York State has some of America’s strictest regulations for limousines, yet that did not prevent the fatal SUV limo accident that claimed 20 lives this past Saturday in upstate New York. This accident is the worst transportation accident in nearly a decade, raising serious safety and regulation questions for the limousine industry. According to a recent article in the Wall Street Journal, limousine operators must comply with strict state laws and federal laws if they operate between states or venture into Canada. In this case, the Albany-area limo operator Prestige Limo failed a state inspection in September and was driven by a man who didn’t have the required license, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Monday. To read the full article, click here. Why Are Limos So Dangerous? Most people do not think twice about renting a limousine for special occasions like weddings or birthdays, but limos and party buses can be even more dangerous than a typical car. The most common type of accidents involving limos are rear-end accidents, sideswipes, and parking lot accidents. The size of the limousine contributes to these accidents, but there are other dangers for riding in a limousine as well. This includes failure to follow safety regulations, poor construction and mechanical error, as well as unregistered limousine companies and unlicensed drivers. Under current regulations, the limo and driver of the deadly crash should never have been on the road. Regulations of Limousines and Drivers in New York Within the U.S. all states require licenses for limousines and drivers. According to New York State law, each for-hire vehicle that seats 10 or more passengers must be inspected twice a year by the Department of Transportation. The limo involved in the fatal crash on Saturday failed a state inspection. They are also subject to a roadside inspection by police at any time. During those inspections, police will look through the driver’s log and licensing requirements. They will also check safety features such as brakes, lights, and emergency exits. Under current state regulations, a limo driver is required to have a specialized license, based on the number of potential passengers and the weight of the vehicle, certain driver qualifications and medical examination requirements, passing a road exam twice a year and random drug and alcohol testing. What to Look for When Renting a Limo Check to make sure that the company is registered, the driver is licensed, and the car is insured before you sign a contact. Check the company’s status at the Better Business Bureau to see if the limo service has any complaints lodged against it. Ask the car service questions about the chauffeur including his or her track record and driving experience. Inspect the limousine prior to signing up. Look for inspection stickers and write down the VIN to ensure the company does not switch vehicles on you. Look into the company’s cancellation policy and know your rights to terminate the contract if a red flag appears. To ensure a smooth ride, get every detail of the deal in writing. With awareness and practicality, a limo ride can be just as glamorous as it is portrayed. If you or someone you love has been injured in a limo accident, please contact our winning legal team at Siler & Ingber, LLP for a free case evaluation on 1-877-529-4343.
Speed Zone Camera Debate
Four years ago, speed cameras were installed in Nassau County school zones that caused massive chaos for parents and residents. In the three short months they were active, the school zone cameras issued over $24 million in revenue for the county in traffic violations, a move that gained the program a reputation as a ‘cash grab’ rather than a safety method. Now, the topic of reinstalling the controversial speed cameras is back on the table with some school districts making specific requests for the program. As the new school year begins on Long Island, school officials are claiming there could be a significant value in utilizing the speed cameras to help reduce serious and fatal speeding accidents in school zones. However, residents who remember the issues these speed cameras caused in the past are not on board with taking another chance with the pesky program, igniting a popular debate as officials determine the next best move for the county. Tainted History of Nassau Speed Cameras When the speed camera program was first initiated back in June 2014, county and school officials hoped the program would increase safety for students by reducing the number of speeding cars using the threat of hefty violations. Unfortunately, the cameras did not live up to the hype, displaying major malfunctions such as: Ticketing drivers without notifying them of the speed limit change. Ticketing drivers before and after school hours were in session. Ticketing drivers during non-school hours (weekends and summer break). A number of residents received tickets without even knowing the speed cameras were installed and active, causing a backlash of angry parents and local drivers who saw the program only as a way to get extra revenue. Yet, despite the outrageous disapproval of the speed cameras in the past, there are still plenty of supporters, particularly ones who have noticed New York City neighborhoods reaping the benefits of a properly running program. Speed Camera Support in NYC Not all cities in New York oppose speed cameras as strongly as Long Island residents. Back in July of this year, New York City residents were panicking at the notion that their school speed zone cameras were going to be turned off for good when the New York Senate failed to pass the legislation to keep the program alive. However, in response to an outpour of concerns, the bill was expanded and renewed quickly to get the school speed zone cameras in NYC up and running again. The new bill was signed by Mayor Bill de Blasio on September 4th, easing hundreds of concerned parents involved in 140 affected communities across the city. Pros of Speed Cameras The massive amount of supporters for school speed zone cameras in NYC begs the impending question- are there true benefits of these speed camera programs for our student’s safety? A study out of PubMed Health shows that cities who install speed cameras reduce their fatal and serious crash outcomes by 30 to 40% in the areas they are placed. The study concluded speed cameras appeared to be a worthwhile investment to help cities reduce their fatality rates in areas known for speeding accidents, or high-risk areas such as school zones with greater numbers of pedestrians. Elite Driving School based in Maryland highlights two additional benefits when it comes to installing speed cameras that could make them successful in increasing safety: Situational Compliance: If drivers are well aware that speed cameras are located in a school zone, they are much more likely to slow down to avoid a fine. They tend to behave themselves more when it comes to avoiding spending unnecessary money and in turn, will reduce the number of speeding accidents where the cameras are placed. Random Uncertainty: When drivers encounter enough speed cameras, they may start to assume that speed cameras are everywhere, adjusting their speed more often to reduce the risk of getting unknowingly fined. Cons of Speed Cameras Several national organizations oppose speed cameras, reporting the positive benefits of these programs are purely anecdotal and unreliable. The National Motorists Association defines these results as the most negative outcomes of speed cameras, even when installed in school zones: False Readings: Speed camera radars are not as accurate as they claim to be. These imperfect devices can easily result in wrongful fines, costing unsuspecting residents hundreds or even thousands of dollars if they are unaware of how to fight the charge. Traffic Congestion: Speed cameras cause some drivers to overreact and go too slow. This can not only create a safety hazard for cars going the speed limit but can create unnecessary traffic congestion, which poses its own risk of accidents. No Accuser: When someone is issued an unfair ticket by an officer, you can confront your accuser in court. But how do you confront a faulty camera? ‘Kangaroo Effect’: Drivers are who are aware of where the speed cameras are might fall into the dangerous ‘kangaroo effect’: the process by which cars often slow down and speed right back up as soon as they are out of the ticket zone. This effect can cause unnecessary accidents for other motorists and pedestrians outside of the school zones where the cameras are placed. The Endless Debate The debate as to whether or not speed cameras actually protect students and pedestrians within school zones is still up in the air. In extremely congested and fast moving parts of New York City, these cameras seem to be favored as a safety measure for reducing harm to students as evidence of the multiple rallies and petitions enacted to get them turned back on. But many Nassau County residents are still on the fence about these devices remembering the complications they brought in the past. County officials may need to offer more evidence that the safety benefits for our students are worth the investment in speed cameras before the majority of the public gets on board with the proposed measures. Our personal injury attorneys at Siler &
National Fall Prevention Month
Slip and fall accidents occur year round and can happen anywhere: work, home, or just out on the town. In fact, over 8 million people visit the emergency room every year to treat injuries caused by fall-related incidents, according to the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI). These types of accidents are the leading cause of hospital visits across the country and can result in permanent or even fatal injuries if the conditions of the fall are serious enough. National Fall Prevention Month When you think of deadly accidents, most think of vehicle crashes or incidents involving dangerous machines. However, fall accidents can be just as deadly. In just one year, slip, trips, and falls contribute to approximately: 12,000 occupational fatalities (OSHA). 30,000 fatalities of people over the age of 65 (AARP). 150 child fatalities (Safe Kids Worldwide). In addition, millions of people of all ages sustain nonfatal injuries from fall-related accidents that sometimes result in permanent disabilities or catastrophic losses. To help spread awareness on the dangers of fall-related accidents, September is known as National Fall Prevention Month. This safety campaign aims to educate people on the most common causes of slips, trips, and falls, as well as how they can help prevent these accidents to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities that could occur. Two Types of Fall Accidents When it comes to accidents involving a fall, there are two main types: falls from elevation (40% of slip and fall cases) and falls from the same level (60% of slip and fall cases). Both of these can cause serious or even fatal results, which is why everyone needs to be aware of the hazards to look out for to help prevent a disaster. Elevated Falls: Falls from elevation are less common than same level falls, but injuries can be far more severe in these instances. Elevated falls occur most often in occupational environments where workers are at a higher risk of injury due to their job requirements. The most common elevated fall accidents highlighted by the National Ag Safety Database (NASD) include: falls off ladders or unsteady platforms falls from vehicles or equipment falls off loading docks falls down stairs Same Level Falls: Fall accidents on same level surfaces are the most common type of fall injuries. There are numerous hazards that could cause someone to fall and injure themselves simply by walking to down the street, the most common being: slippery floors or slick walking surfaces dry floors with wood dust or powder clutter/obstacles in common walking areas inadequate lighting in common walking areas loose flooring uneven walking surfaces weather-related hazards (ice, snow, rain) stationary obstacles on the street (garbage cans, benches) shopping carts, strollers, or other large pushing devices Lucky individuals who survive any of these fall hazards, both elevated and on the same level, may only walk away with a few bruises and a damaged ego. But for others, slip and falls can completely alter their lives. Most Common Fall Injuries Injuries that result from fall accidents range from minor to severe, to fatal. Depending on the type of fall, the age of the individual, and any preexisting health conditions, NASD reports victims of slip and fall accidents can suffer a variety of injuries, including: back injuries joint damage in the wrist, elbow, or shoulder joint damage in the ankle, knee, or hip broken bones and fractures sprains and strains lacerations and bruising traumatic brain injury spinal cord damage death Back injuries are the most common of all fall injuries, contributing to 37% of all elevated falls and 29% of all same level falls in the United States. An article published by Health Link BC identifies multiple back conditions victims of fall accidents could endure: back strains or sprains tearing of the back muscles and ligaments overlapping of the vertebras on the spinal column, triggering misalignment. pinched of nerves damaged bones, muscles, cartilage or tendons surrounding the spine. ruptured discs vertebral fracture paralysis Victims of fall accidents cannot always predict when they are about to sustain a fall injury- otherwise, they would choose not to! Prevention and preparation is the most effective method for reducing the number of fall accidents that can occur in all environments, including in the home, workplace, and public spaces. Preventing Falls At Home For individuals who are prone to falling in their own homes, it’s extremely important to fall-proof all common areas to help prevent the risk of unnecessary injuries. Push Button Emergency Help (PBEH) recommends taking the following steps to make your home safer: Remove tripping hazards inside (toys, clothes, doors, clutter, laundry baskets, bags) outside (garden hose, bikes, furniture). Add extra lighting to walking paths (nightlights and permanent lighting). Make stairs safe (remove clutter, smooth carpet, replace loose boards and screws). Install grab bars if needed for balance on stairs, outside, or in the bathroom. Use non-slip rugs and surfaces in the kitchen, bathroom, or other rooms with slick floors. Preventing Falls At Work Falls at work can be extremely dangerous, particularly on construction sites and in warehouses full of hazardous machines and materials. Grainger recommends following these guidelines for creating a safer workplace to prevent fall accidents: Assign housekeeping: Get all employees on board with keeping their work areas clean and tidy, putting away tools when done and keeping machines out of walking paths. Reduce slippery surfaces: Reduce wet or slippery surfaces on sidewalks, parking lots, food preparation areas by keeping them clean, providing cleaning materials for spills nearby, or other materials to soak up liquids and grease. Avoid obstacles in aisles: Clear cords, cables, hoses, boxes, cabinets, briefcases, and all other hazards out of walking aisles. Proper lighting: Make sure all areas of the workplace are lit appropriately for the time of day workers are performing their jobs. Wear proper footwear: Wear shoes with effective traction and protective toes to meet the needs of the job you are performing. Control employee behavior: Address any untidy behavior that could lead to
Cops Vigilant Over Labor Day Drunk Driving in Long Island
Labor Day is almost here and Long Island police are getting prepared. Suffolk County officers have already set up checkpoints and extra patrols to look for distracted drivers and drivers under the influence as a part of their aggressive plan to reduce Labor Day road fatalities and injuries. Seven people have already been arrested at these checkpoints last weekend for DWI’s between Friday night and early Saturday morning, with more to come as the holiday approaches. Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Long Island police along with national safety organizations such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are fed up with reckless drunk driving accidents around Labor Day. The NHTSA reports an average of 10,000 fatalities are caused by drunk driving accidents each year, an average of one person killed every 51 minutes! The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates nearly 450 of these deaths occur over Labor Day weekend alone, along with at least 48,000 non-fatal injuries that can quickly ruin the return of any vacation. In light of these horrifying statistics, New York State has adopted NHTSA’s Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign to crackdown on drunk driving accidents statewide. The campaign aims to help reduce unnecessary traffic accidents from drunk and impaired driving by adding more checkpoints, troopers on the roads, and establishing a zero tolerance policy for any driver caught impaired behind the wheel. Labor Day Increases Drunk Driving With summer coming to a close and end of season parties scheduled, local authorities around the country are already geared up for an increase in drunk drivers on the road. According to SoberingUp, at least 40% of driving accidents on Labor Day involve a driver who is impaired. Drunk driving increases over the summer holidays for multiple reasons, including: Increase in parties Decreased supervision Lack of school responsibilities First-time drinkers Increase in vacation time taken Three day weekends for summer holidays Labor Day weekend can be particularly dangerous because it is the last ‘hoorah’ for a lot of students and parents before the next school year begins. But in attempts to make the best out of the last days of summer, hundreds of people are dying over Labor Day weekend every year, making it one of the six most dangerous holidays, according to the American Safety Council. Drunk Driving Violations in NYS New York State and Long Island police departments are on the lookout and ready to place hefty fines on drivers caught driving impaired this Labor Day. There are several types of alcohol and drug-related violations drivers can face depending on the level of substances consumed, including: DWI (Driving While Intoxicated): Blood alcohol content is .08 or higher for passenger vehicles or .04 for commercial vehicles, or other evidence of intoxication presented. Aggravated DWI (Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated): Blood alcohol content is .18 or higher. DWAI/Alcohol (Driving While Ability Impaired by Alcohol): Blood alcohol content is more than .05 and less than .07, or other evidence of impairment. DWAI/Drug (Driving While Ability Impaired by a Single Drug other than Alcohol) DWAI/Combination (Driving While Ability Impaired by a Combined Influence of Drugs and Alcohol) Chemical Test Refusal: When a driver refuses to take a breath, blood, or urine test to test intoxication. Zero Tolerance Law: A law affecting a driver who is less than 21 years of age and drives with a .02 to .07 blood alcohol content. Getting caught for any of these violations could cost NYS drivers hundreds or even thousands of dollars in fines, possible jail time, and a revoked license depending on the offense. One Of The Most Dangerous Driving Days Labor Day is one of the most dangerous times of the year to be on the road and drunk driving is not the only reason why: Increased Traffic: An average of 35 million motorists are predicted to be on the roads this Labor Day weekend according to past reports of traffic activity released by AAA. More cars on the road is always a precursor to an increase in traffic accidents, raising the chances of congestion, traffic jams, aggressive drivers, and reckless behaviors. Driving at Night: A number of drivers use the last day of the holiday weekend to drive home from their trips, but leave as late as possible to not miss out on any end of summer fun. Night drivers suffer from fatigue that can cause dangerous accidents and lack of judgment. NHTSA reports traffic accidents are three times more likely to happen between the times of 6:00 pm and 6:00 am when most holiday drivers are on the road at the end of their trips. Teen Drivers: The ‘100 deadliest days’ is a period of increased traffic accidents between Memorial Day to Labor Day where 1,000’s of people are killed due to an increase in inexperienced teen drivers on the road. Teen drivers are more likely to cause an accident due to speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, driving impaired, and general immaturely when driving- they are all over the roads by the end of the summer. Distracted Drivers: Whether you are daydreaming about the long weekend, or trying to keep a van full of kids quiet at the end of a road trip, holidays bring out more distractions than usual when it comes to driving. In addition to daily cellphone distractions, which cause most distracted driving accidents, holiday drivers have to worry about keeping their minds on the road amid increased activity and distractions both inside and outside of the car. Staying Safe This Labor Day The key to getting through this Labor Day safely is to make sure you are following as many safety precautions on the road as possible. You may not be able to control the habits of other drivers, but you can at least prepare your vehicle in the case of an emergency and watch your own behaviors to help prevent causing an accident. To help you prepare for Labor Day road conditions, USA Today suggests
Measures for Ensuring School Safety in Long Island
School supplies other than highlighters and five-subject notebooks are flying off the shelves this year at major box stores- bulletproof backpacks. Popular retailers are reporting bulletproof backpack sales are up 200 to 300 percent after the devastating school-shooting in Parkland, Florida this past February, with parents buying out of fear and dire need to protect their children at any cost. Parents Fear Sending Kids to School! As back-to-school approaches, students and parents are beginning to panic about school safety. In a new national poll, parental distress and worry about sending their children to school are higher than they’ve been in the last 20 years. Purchasing bulletproof backpacks is one method being used to ease the concern about the possibility of an attack at school, but parents are looking for more than just last-resort protective devices. LI School’s Stepping Up In the aftermath of both the Florida and Texas shootings last school year, Long Island schools are actively reacting to parental fear by incorporating new safety measures before students return in the fall. Suffolk and Nassau County school officials have been working on heightening protections for their students with several new safety upgrades throughout their districts, some examples including: Suffolk County: Installing more internal cameras (Montauk) Improving external cameras and increased security staff hours (Sayville) New identification badges for visitors (Harborfield’s district) RAVE App: Suffolk County educators now have access to the RAVE Panic Button app approved by Executive Steve Bellone, to help law enforcement and first responders act in the case of an active shooting situation or other emergencies. Staff is also able to communicate with other school officials on the premise through the app. Nassau County: Upgrading entryways (Syosset) Hiring armed guards within the district (Massapequa) Officials in both counties are taking into account how previous shooters were able to enter the schools they attacked, making changes to prevent similar incidents from happening in their own buildings: infrastructure upgrades, single point of entry destinations in schools, metal detectors, and other safety measures concerning school grounds are all being explored. Long Island school officials are also working closely to strengthen relationships with local law enforcement, highly involving them when it comes to making building safety upgrades and updates to emergency action plans. New York State Safety Policies Though each school and district is required by law to establish emergency response and safety teams for their schools, the New York State Education Department does provide some guidance to create more consistency in school safety statewide. The following five safety policies are recommended by the NYS Education Department to be used in every emergency response plan: Lockout: School buildings and grounds are secured due to the possible threat of an attack that is outside the school. Exterior windows should be locked, outdoor activities are canceled, but class continues as normal. Lockdown: School buildings and grounds are secure due to the possible threat of violence in or near the school. All students are cleared from hallways and locked in nearby rooms. Students go to safe areas in classrooms and remain hidden physically until law enforcement releases them. No communication is to be had through the door or room phones. Shelter-in-place: The school building is being used to shelter staff and students. All students are cleared from the hallways and moved into classrooms or designated areas where they can stay away from the windows. Hold-in-place: In this case, students and staff are to limit their movement while a short emergency is being dealt with. Typically, students should return to their classrooms. Evacuate: Students are moved to designated areas outside of the school. These policies will differ from school to school, making it critical for parents and children to stay educated on specific policy expectations for their own district. What Parents Can Do It’s easy to feel terrified and helpless when your child is in an emergency situation while at school. To help parents feel prepared to react in the case of a school attack, HealthyChildren.org suggests the using the following preventative steps: Talk to your child: Stay informed about what is going on at school, concerns they have, or concerning gossip they have heard from other students that could indicate a possible safety threat. Know the drills: Be familiar with the school’s lockdown, lockout, shelter-in-place, hold-in-place, and evacuation procedures. Know where your child is expected to be during these plans. Talk to the school: Know the teachers so you are aware of who is protecting your child during an emergency. Get involved in safety review meetings to be aware of any challenges that could arise at the school. Review the policies with your kids: Talk to your kids to make sure they understand why their school performs safety drills and what they know about protecting themselves in the case of an attack. Don’t instill fear in your child but make sure they are educated about what to do if they see suspicious behaviors. Know the school’s communication plan: Find out before an emergency occurs how the school plans to notify parents so you are not panicking to get your hands on accurate information. Create a family emergency plan: In the case of a school emergency, make sure you and your child have your own emergency plan for communicating throughout the crisis and meeting up after the students are able to leave the building. Provide up-to-date contact information: Make sure your child’s school has the most current emergency contact information for you, secondary emergency contacts, and physicians to call if an injury occurs. Provide backup supplies: If your child has special needs or medication, supply the school with backup supplies in the case that your child cannot leave the school in an emergency. Keep LI Kids Safe Schools are supposed to be a safe environment for children to learn, yet officials and local law enforcement are being forced to adapt to a modern world full of harmful threats. Long Island officials have a good start, but more
