What to do during a powerful earthquake

An earthquake is one of the most unpredictable natural phenomena that occurs almost every day in various degrees of intensity and in different locations around the world. While weaker earthquakes can easily be shrugged off, powerful earthquakes can decimate towns and cities in mere seconds. According to public safety expert Capt. Martin Sanders, Ph.D., CSP, it is important to know what to do during a powerful earthquake. How you react in the first few seconds of the earthquake can determine your survival. Here are actions you must do to ensure your safety during a powerful earthquake.

If you are indoors, quickly go under a table or any other sturdy piece of furniture to shield you from falling debris. Stick to the side closest to the legs of the table instead of the middle. This is because a heavy object could fall on the table and split the table in half. If there aren’t any covers available, drop down and cover your face and head with your arms. Also, remember to quickly move away from windows or any glass fixtures.

Wait until the shaking stops before heading outside. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people try to exit buildings while the earthquake is still ongoing. Once the shaking stops, use emergency stairs instead of elevators. If you feel that a hallway is unsafe to pass due to loose debris, find an alternate route to the exit.

If you are outside when the earthquake occurs, quickly move away from buildings with windows that may shatter and fall on you. Likewise, distance yourself from nearby power lines or other structures like scaffolding which may buckle. According to Martin Sanders, everyone should know how to properly react during a powerful earthquake. Remember not to panic and keep a level head.

Capt. Martin Sanders, Ph.D., has years of experience in the field of occupational safety and health. He recently obtained a certification as a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) awarded by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals. For more reads on public safety, visit this page.
Disclaimer: This site was prepared by Martin L. Sanders in his personal capacity. The opinions expressed are the author's own and do not reflect the views of the USPHS, the Department

Tips to protect your eyes at work

Eye-related injuries in the workplace aren’t a rare occurrence.  According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), around 2,000 U.S. workers every day sustain job-related eye injuries that require medical attention.  Safety experts, however, believe that 90 percent of these injuries can be lessened in severity or entirely prevented with proper eye protection.  Here are some tips to consider.

Know eye hazards at work

Every company should identify eye hazards and properly communicate them to workers.  Look for safety measures in place and observe them at all times while at work.  Complete an eye hazard assessment, too.


Identify the red flags

Increasing the risk of eye injury in the workplace includes the lack of eye protection, workers not wearing eye protection even if it’s available, insufficient knowledge of properly operating tools and equipment, and work involving the use of metal.  Seek to address and discuss these concerns with management.


Select the right type of eye protection

Safety glasses, while they resemble regular dress eyewear, have lenses and frames that are much stronger than regular eyeglasses.  They protect against dust, chips, or flying particles when one is working.  Goggles shield against dust, impact, and chemical splash, while face shields and helmets protect those exposed to chemicals, heat, or blood-borne pathogens.


Apply proper first aid or seek medical attention

Seek medical help as soon as possible after an injury, especially if there’s eye pain, blurred vision, or vision loss.  Apply proper first aid for chemicals or particles in the eye, as well as for bows or cuts and punctures.

Captain Martin Sanders is an officer in the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) where the Surgeon General had appointed him as Chief Scientist. He has had nearly two decades of service in the field of occupational safety and health. For more articles like this, visit this page.

Frederick County: Setting an example in emergency planning and management

In this day and age, the wealth of information and technology should be used to ensure the safety of communities especially in times of disasters and emergencies. In Frederick County, Maryland, having a countywide emergency notification system serves as the first step toward assisting citizens when these unwanted situations arise. 

Image source: Pexels.com

Along with an information system, drafting an emergency plan is also important. Sharing knowledge on how to keep people, property, pets, and other valuables safe can prevent devastating loss in times of disasters. Through the county's Emergency Preparedness, Emergency Management, and Emergency Communications departments, the community is encouraged to be aware of what they should prepare for and what they can do in times of need. The Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) systems can further reinforce the steps citizens can take to ensure their safety as well as provide information on where they can find shelter and assistance. 

Before establishing a reliable emergency planning and management system, Frederick County has also been known for having an outstanding emergency medical system in place. This year, the county’s EMS system was named the outstanding emergency medical services agency in the state of Maryland. The recognition was given by the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems. In the past year, the Frederick EMS earned national accreditation for their paramedic training. In partnership with the Division of Fire and Rescue Services, the Health Department, and the Regional Health System, they have also launched a mobile integrated health program that will reach more citizens especially those with major health concerns but unable to visit the hospital regularly. 

The continued cooperation of different sectors will ensure the whole county’s safety. By bringing together their skills and excellence, citizens can trust in authorities that will come to their rescue when emergencies happen. 

Image source: Shawglobalnews.com

Captain Martin Lloyd Sanders, Ph.D., is the former Chief of Safety for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), responsible for the HHS regulatory oversight related to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Visit this page for more information on public safety and emergency preparedness.

Can Stainless Steel Straws Create a Difference?

Climate change has been a global concern these days. Plastic is one of the culprits for marine wildlife death and environmental decay, and it’s just about time people switch to eco-friendly alternatives. Using plastic straws alone leave a significant strain on the environment.

Image source:  Walmart.com

Plastic straws have BPA, a harmful chemical that copies the activities of hormones like estrogen. Exposure to this chemical can lead to reproductive disorders as well as diabetes and heart disease. If a person uses a plastic straw every day, there would be 365 straws put to waste in a year. This is why it is important to look for a better alternative, like stainless steel straws. Here are advantages of using one.

Image source: Crateandbarrel.com

Reusable: Unlike plastic straws that can only be used once, stainless steel straws can be reused for years if properly cleaned. It also does not interact with what is being consumed.

Great for travel: Stainless steel straws can be used anywhere. It is perfect for travelers, fitness buffs, and people who are always thirsty. Most stainless steel straws come with a holder and a brush, so it’s easy to clean and bring wherever.

Safe for children: Unlike glass or plastic straws, stainless steel straws are durable and safe for young children. It does not easily break and is safe for handling.

For more articles like this, visit this Martin Sanders blog.

The Ebola Virus Is Still a Global Threat

Just recently, another outbreak of the dreaded Ebola virus has been declared in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The disease manifests in hemorrhagic fever and, from 21 suspected cases, has led to 17 deaths since March of this year, according to the World Health Organization.

Image source: coherentnews.com

Ebola virus has been one of the most dangerous diseases in the world since its discovery in the latter half of the ‘70s, jumping to people from wild animals such as chimpanzees and monkeys. Ebola has been seen to have five strains that can spread through human-to-human transmission, with an average fatality rate of about 50 percent. 

This is the ninth outbreak of the Ebola virus in the Congo, and epidemiologists have named as country as the most prevalent setting for the appearance and contraction of the virus. The last outbreak happened only last year, but thankfully, was immediately contained by the WHO, the government, and other health affiliates like Doctors Without Borders. 

It’s important that the WHO is working closely on dealing with the deadly virus, releasing the needed funds and initiating its Incident Management System with dedicated staff and resources. Still, the chances of Ebola moving to neighboring countries like Liberia is high. Indeed, there’s no reason to downplay the disease even in the late 2010s. Without established measures and health organizations fully dedicated to containing Ebola, a global outbreak is more than just possible. 

Image source: time.com

Captain Martin Sanders has more than 12 years of service in the field of epidemiology and occupational safety and health, with extensive experience in biological defense activities and infectious disease outbreak investigation. Click here for related reads.

Why Tuberculosis Is Still a Major Health Threat

Although overshadowed by recent pandemics like HIV/AIDS and Ebola, tuberculosis or TB remains one of the world's deadliest infectious diseases, leading to more than a million deaths each year. Even in the U.S., thousands of people are diagnosed with TB each year, and health care officials keep a close watch on reports of the disease to prevent any epidemic.

Image source: tecake.in

According to data from the World Health Organization, more than 9 million people acquired the disease in 2013, with 1.5 million people succumbing to it. Ninety-five percent of these deaths occur in poor or developing nations. The problem with TB is that its active version is both expensive and difficult to treat, with new variants resistant to existing antibiotics emerging.

Tuberculosis is caused by bacteria and typically spreads through tiny droplets released into the air by the coughs and sneezes of those infected. Health officials estimate that about a third of the world's population has an inactive version of the illness. However, 90% of people with latent tuberculosis will never develop the disease’s active version.

Image source: allencountyhealth.com

Educating the public about the risk of TB and its signs and symptoms is invaluable in stopping it from spreading. Medical officials emphasize the importance of regular training and preparation to help combat this threat. Hygiene and infection-prevention methods are key, and health care workers who are likewise at risk of contracting TB undergo periodic training with live demonstrations and education videos.

Captain Martin Lloyd Sanders, Ph.D. has more than 12 years of experience in the field of occupational safety and health. For more information on his professional work and affiliations, go to this website.

Safety Tips For Corporate Traveling

Image source: healthytravelblog.com

For major and multinational corporations, international travel is often necessary to attend business meetings outside the country. Regardless of the destination or length of the trip, safety precautions should be followed to avoid unwanted situations. Here are some safety tips to follow during corporate travels.

It is always good to research the culture of the location where you are traveling to. Some cultures have specific taboos, cultural or religious beliefs, social norms, or even laws that do not apply to your home country. For example, the use of pens with red ink is avoided in South Korea as it was historically used to write the name of diseased people in red.

Image source: iamat.org 

Booking a secure passage and a safe hotel should also be considered. By checking the ratings online, one can easily scope whether or not the hotel in question has high standards regarding safety and amenities. It also bodes well if the hotel can send personnel to pick you up from the airport to avoid abusive taxis or overpriced private shuttle transfers.

Lastly, prepare emergency items if necessary. If one takes prescription medication, one should bring enough as it may be difficult to find the same type of medicines in a foreign country.

Captain Martin Sanders formerly served as Chief of Safety for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), responsible for the HHS regulatory oversight related to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). For more articles on occupational safety and health, click here.