From the President

You've no doubt heard the phrase "accidents don't just happen." At the Texas Medical Center, we believe this to be true. With proper precautions and safe work practices, we believe every accident is preventable.

Whether you are an employee at one of the Texas Medical Center institutions, a student attending classes, or a visitor on your way to a doctor's appointment, you're certain to notice the increased level of activity currently under way in the Texas Medical Center. Fannin Street is being reconstructed, and new building construction is at an all-time high. Cars, buses, bicycles and pedestrians compete for road space as they maneuver their way to their destinations. During this busy time of high-level activity, it is imperative that everyone remain alert and aware of surrounding conditions.

Too often, people are in a hurry, frustrated and impatient, and distracted by other demands. Pedestrians dart across the street without waiting for a safe crossing light. Automobile drivers conduct business with a cell phone in one hand and a steering wheel in the other, all the while trying to wind their way around construction barriers. Workers become over confident and complacent, and neglect to take proper safety precautions. These types of scenarios are accidents waiting to happen.

Knowing the leading causes of injuries is the first step in learning how to protect against them. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration , the number one cause of on-the-job injuries is physical overload-lifting too much or lifting improperly, straining, overreaching, bending, and twisting. Avoid physical overload by learning proper lifting techniques.

The second most common cause of worksite injury is impact accidents-being hit by, or hitting an object. The best way to avoid an impact accident is to be alert to potential hazards. For example, never walk under scaffolding or cranes. As you drive, take careful note of your surroundings, and pay special attention to the many individuals who navigate the Texas Medical Center on foot or on bicycles. Leave home a little early to avoid getting in a rush.

Falls are the third major cause of injuries. Fall injuries are as common in the home as they are at work, so fall prevention is truly everyone's business. To avoid falling, wear slip resistant shoes, avoid hurrying, and make sure walkways are well-lit and obstacle free. Learn how to use ladders and scaffolding safely, and always use handrails when climbing stairs.

To promote safety in the Texas Medical Center, TMC News publishes a regularly featured column called Tanya's Tips for Safety Success, authored by Tanya Washington, Chief Safety Officer for the Texas Medical Center.

Safety is everybody's business. If you see unsafe practices or conditions, report the problem immediately to the proper authority. Never assume that someone else will take care of it. By using safety sense, we can make injuries obsolete.

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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E-Mail: tmcinfo@texmedctr.tmc.edu
URL: http://www.tmc.edu/tmcnews/10_01_00/page_21.html