Osteoporosis is characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to bone fragility and increased susceptibility to fractures. It is often called the "silent disease" because bone loss occurs without symptoms. Over their lifetime, one of every two women and one of every eight men suffers an osteoporosis-related fracture!

Osteoporosis is totally preventable with a healthy lifestyle:

• Eat a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D.

• Perform weight-bearing exercises.

• Refrain from smoking and excessive alcohol use.

• Ask for a simple, painless, Bone Density Test at least every 5 years after age thirty.

• Take preventive medicine if appropriate.

Several medications are approved by the FDA for prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. To learn about the results of experimental bone-building treatment and clinical advances, visit the National Osteoporosis Foundation’s website: www.nof.org.

There’s a story about a man who had operated a band saw for many years without a single accident. When asked how he managed to avoid injury, he responded, “I just count my fingers before I start sawing, and then I count them again after I’ve finished. If I have the same number, I did good.”

Behind the humor is a safety secret: The man was consistently attentive and aware of ever-present danger. He was committed to his personal safety program. He was successful in preventing injury.

At Friday Staffing, safety is no secret. Our commitment to total injury prevention begins with me. It requires the participation of every member of our organization. Yes, we can be successful. We will all benefit from the results. Our efforts must focus most clearly on the types of injuries we know we have suffered in the past, particularly:

• Hand injuries, from handling materials, machines, tools, etc. For most of us, our hands are essential to our livelihood, and we simply need to get better at protecting them.
• Strains from lifting. If we cannot safely lift or handle our work materials, we need to use another method. We must protect our backs and other vulnerable parts of our bodies.
• New-Field-Associates injuries. New staff cannot avoid knowing Friday’s policy: Safety First. They have all watched Friday’s safety video, have signed the Safety Policy and read the “Accidents Needn’t Happen” brochure. But when someone is new on the job, they have a lot to think about. Experienced co-workers should look out for new employees and bring unsafe habits or behavior to their attention. As always, any injury should be reported immediately so that we have the best chance to respond quickly.

For over 20 years, Friday Staffing has successfully provided the highest quality staffing service to our clients, and a valuable work opportunity for our Field Staff. Neither clients nor employees should ever think work-related injuries are a normal part of doing business with Friday Staffing. We never want to see our employees harmed as a result of work. We will constantly measure our progress and success in preventing injuries. Each of us should make a personal commitment to protect the welfare of ourselves and our fellow Field Associates.

Anti-Lock Braking System, Traction Control, Brake Assist and ESP 

ABS ( Anti-Lock Braking System) ABS  improves driver control by keeping wheels from locking during hard braking or braking on slippery surfaces.  

Some of you are already driving cars with Anti-Lock Breaking System (ABS). When we baby boomers learned to drive, we were taught to pump the brakes. Hard breaking was frowned upon, certain to lock the wheels and remove all control from the driver.

But with ABS, you STOMP, STAY and STEER. Stomp and Stay on the pedal and Steer in the direction you want to go. Here is a testimonial from a driver during the Life Savers Highway Safety Conference in Atlanta.

Q. How can I prevent being involved in a serious automobile accident?

A. To improve your odds of survival, drive defensively, obey highway signs, wear your seatbelt, and if you’re planning to purchase a new auto, look for one with the new safety features. If you have a cell phone, pull off the road when using it; cell phone-related accidents are increasing. A 1997 article in the New England Journal
of Medicine linked use of cell phones to a quadrupled risk of collision. On the bright side, when an accident occurs, cell phones help save lives when callers are able to summon emergency vehicles immediately.

Q. Why should I wear a safety belt if my car has air bags?
A. Air bags cushion heads and faces but will not stop you from being thrown from the car! Wear your seat belt.

Q. What should I do if the light turns red and catches my car in the middle of an intersection?
A. Stay put until you can move safely. If you back up, you may hit a pedestrian; if you move forward, you may hit a car coming through the green light.

Q. When is the most dangerous time to drive?
A. More than 18% of all fatal accidents occur on Saturdays. Most serious accidents occur between 8pm and midnight Fridays, and midnight and 4am Saturdays.

Q. Which contributes to more accidents, alcohol or speeding?
A. Alcohol: 38.6; speeding 30%.

Q. What is the maximum number of miles you should drive in a day?
A. 350 miles, under best conditions.