The Official Allied Universal Fire Life Safety Training Blog

October is National Ergonomics Month. Calling attention to the importance of effective work environments, the campaign is meant to help refine office product design for maximum health and safety. Concentrating mostly on efficient construction and use of office chairs, desks, computers and keyboards, the field of applied ergonomics is crucial.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average American works 44 hours per week, or 8.8 hours per day. People who perform repetitive tasks in non-ergonomic environments suffer unnecessary stress, fatigue or even injury. To minimize your risk of this type of workplace hazard, take a few minutes to review the following tips: Read the rest of this entry »

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has earmarked September as National Preparedness Month. The annual awareness campaign is designed to encourage individuals and businesses to proactively plan for disasters. The need for awareness is crucial. Nearly three-quarters of Americans report they are worried about natural disasters, terror attacks, or serious accidents affecting their communities. And most admit they aren’t adequately prepared for such calamities. Read the rest of this entry »

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) has earmarked September as National Food Safety Month. The campaign is designed to keep Americans healthy. Every year, 48 million get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die as a result of eating contaminated food. While anyone may experience symptoms associated with foodborne illness, certain groups of people have a higher risk of developing far more serious conditions if they eat tainted food: pregnant women, children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems. The best way to combat food poisoning is to avoid contracting it in the first place – no matter your age or health status. Read the rest of this entry »

A 2018 Gallup poll reveals that 35 percent of parents fear for their child’s safety at school. That represents a 24 percent increase over the way they felt in 2017. What’s more, a near-record-high 20 percent report that their child has expressed similar fears. Since preparation is crucial for improving peace of mind for parents as well as children, before your kids head back to school, remind them to take the following steps so they will be safe while they are on the road, in the classroom, on a field, or traveling between classes: Read the rest of this entry »

“Good health is not something we can buy. However, it can be an extremely valuable savings account.” ~Anne Wilson Schaef

Wise words indeed. Held each August, National Wellness Month was designed “to inspire consumers to focus on wellbeing.” The annual observance promotes the process of assessing and potentially improving emotional and physical health. Few would argue the value of investing in improving self-health.  Read the rest of this entry »

Summer is a great time to spend time in the sun. But while you’re enjoying summer fun, take steps to make sure you’re careful in extreme heat. According to the National Weather Service, heat is a leading weather-related killer in the United States, resulting in hundreds of fatalities each year and even more heat-related illnesses. Extremely hot and humid weather challenges the human body’s ability to cool itself. When a body heats too rapidly to properly cool itself, or when too much fluid or salt is lost through dehydration or sweating, body temperature rises. If this occurs, the victim may develop a heat-related illness. Read the rest of this entry »

July is National Ultraviolet (UV) Safety Awareness Month. To mark the occasion, enjoy summer fun in the sun. But also protect yourself from harmful rays which candamage your skin and eyes in just 15 minutes. The American Cancer Society reports that exposure to electromagnetic radiation from the sun, tanning beds, and welding torches leads to cancer, not to mention pre-mature aging. Other harmful effects from UV exposure include vision problems and immune-suppression. In all cases, your first line of defense is coverage. Read the rest of this entry »

In honor of National Safety Month, we want to focus on a topic we hold dear to our hearts at the Allied Universal Training System by Universal Fire/Life Safety Services – high-rise fire safety. According to the most recent study published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), U.S. fire departments respond to an average of 14,500 structure fires per year in high-rise buildings.These fires cause (on average) 40 civilian deaths, 520 civilian injuries, and lead to $154 million of property damage each year. Fire response is critical because fire is one of the most common emergencies following earthquakes, explosions, terrorism, power surges and other natural and manmade disasters. Read the rest of this entry »

June is National Safety Month. Developed in 1996 by the National Safety Council (NSC), the annual observance is designed to help eliminate preventable deaths at work, in homes and communities, as well as on the road, through leadership, research, education and advocacy. While safety is paramount in every aspect of life, the NSC focuses their efforts on these core safety areas: work, road and home. So, in the interest of brevity, we will do the same. Read the rest of this entry »

Arthritis is a debilitating condition which affects more than 50 million Americans, making it the number one cause of disability in the United States. In hopes of providing help for the millions afflicted, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), the Arthritis Foundation, the Arthritis Foundation mark each May as National Arthritis Awareness Month. No cure exists yet for either of the two main diagnostic categories: rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). However, medication can help ease both diseases into remission. Read the rest of this entry »