This week Wendy Couture, the district’s safety and risk reduction manager, shares tips about the importance of hand-washing.

Hand-washing wins in the classroom and office!

Hand-washing is easy to do and it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of many types of illness in the classroom and office. As we head into winter and flu season, clean hands can stop germs from spreading from one person to another and help reduce absence from illness.

When should you wash your hands?

• Before and after caring for someone who is sick.
• Before eating food.
• After using the restroom.
• After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
• After touching an animal.
• After touching garbage.

What is the right way to wash your hands?

Follow the five steps below to wash your hands the right way every time.

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap and apply soap.
2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Be sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

What should you do if you don’t have soap and clean, running water?

Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to reduce the number of germs on them in most situations. If soap and water are not available, hand sanitizer is the next best option.

How do you use hand sanitizers?

• Apply the product to the palm of one hand (read the label to learn the correct amount).
• Rub your hands together.
• Rub the product over all surfaces of your hands and fingers until your hands are dry.

This week Wendy Couture, the district’s safety and risk reduction manager, shares tips about how to avoid winter falls. 

Avoiding Winter Falls

Walking to and from parking lots or between buildings at work during the winter requires special attention to avoid slipping and falling. Slips and falls are some of the most frequent types of injuries that occur during the winter months.

Winter-related slips and falls claims doubled across the country in 2013-14 over the previous year, representing 29 percent of all workers’ compensation claims, according to Accident Fund Insurance Company of America and United Heartland.

Winter-related slips and falls can have a significant negative impact on employees each year, often resulting in time off work, medical costs and potentially reduced income.  To avoid these negative impacts this winter, we need to be vigilant and exercise caution in the months ahead.

Simple Tips to Avoid Injury

To help avoid injury when walking on ice and and slippery surfaces, either outside in the parking lot or on the wet floor when entering buildings, follow these simple tips:

• Walk slowly and deliberately and wear boots or other slip-resistant footwear.
• Be prepared for black-ice formation after melting occurs.
• Exercise caution when getting in and out of vehicles.
• Watch for slippery floors when entering buildings.
• Avoid carrying items. Keep hands empty so arms are free to move for stabilization. Use backpacks if possible.
• Use handrails if available.
• Walk in designated walkways as much as possible.

No matter how well snow and ice is removed from parking lots and sidewalks, people will still encounter some slippery surfaces when walking outdoors in the winter. It is important for everyone to be aware of the dangers and walk carefully.