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Got Mold? Get Bart.  Bart Thomas spoke at a SERMA meeting sponsored by IWIF recently. He presents well, has good mastery of subject matter, talks about mold-myths, Indoor Air Quality in state buildings, etc. He uses research and handouts to drive his presentation.  Contact: Bart Thomas, Hazardous Materials Program Manager, Department of General Services, 410 767-4703. 

Want more mold info? Here is a link to a free, 17 page, downloadable OSHA booklet: Indoor Air Quality: http://www.dllr.state.md.us/labor/iaq/iaqbrochure.doc 

New MOSH Seminars:  All listed seminars are free and are offered in four regions across the state.  Here is a link with program descriptions and registration information: http://www.dllr.state.md.us/labor/seminars.htm  

State Treasurer’s Office:  There has been expressed interest from the State Treasurers’ Office to access field risk management and related safety staff in all Agencies.  Kay Senator has been contacting staff recently with statistics regarding general liability claims, auto and property claims for each Agency. There is interest in developing training programs for the state in areas mentioned.  If you have ideas for content or specific needs for training program development pertaining to driver’s safety, fire safety/property management, or specific topics involving general liability, contact Ron Null via E-mail at NullR@dhmh.state.md.us

IWIF/ORM Update:  Lorraine Long retired in June.  Kristen Klein will be the next consultant from IWIF/Office of Risk Management assigned to DHMH and other Agencies.  Kristen has a M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling, a B.A. in Rehabilitation & Human Services, and is a Certified Rehab Counselor. She worked in Maryland as a case manager and advocate for people receiving services through DDA.  She also worked in Massachusetts with individuals with mental health concerns transitioning to community residential settings from state hospitals. Kristen worked in New Zealand for a workers compensation company. She has been with IWIF for almost 7 years.

SAFE HEAT Tips from NFPA: With U.S. fuel prices skyrocketing and Hurricanes Katrina and Rita disrupting oil and natural gas supplies, fire safety experts fear an increase this winter in fires involving home space-heating equipment not seen since the 1970s. Click on article icon “SAFE HEAT” for more info at. http://www.nfpa.org/

White House Announces Pandemic Flu Web Site:  The White House recently announced a new website on pandemic and avian influenza.  It is a central repository of flu-related information from various organizations, including OSHA.  The dedicated website is located at: http://www.pandemicflu.gov/

Seasonal Tips:  Here is a listing of downloadable information sheets on various seasonal safety and health issues, compliments of BJC Healthcare.  Consider their utility at your location for preseason posting or distribution. Click here:

http://www.bjc.org/BJC/BJCWELL.NSF/0/10a6d02cf7d1c7f186256fa800486118?OpenDocument

ATM Safety Tips:  The automated teller machine (ATM) provides quick, convenient access to your money. By following these important safety tips, you can safely use the ATM whenever you need cash. Click here for free info in a printable format: http://www.star.com/?go=consumers.ATMsafety

FYI: New CPR Guidelines:  Revised guidelines were issued recently (11/28/05) by the American Heart Association on cardiopulmonary resuscitation advise giving 30 chest compressions -- instead of 15 -- for every two rescue breaths.  The guidelines also recommend that emergency personnel cool cardiac arrest patients for 12 to 24 hours to about 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Two significant studies have shown that such cooling results in improved survival and brain function for those who are comatose after initial resuscitation.  

More than 300,000 Americans die each year of cardiac arrest, when the heart suddenly stops beating. The heart association estimates that more than 95 percent of cardiac arrest victims die before they get to the hospital.  Studies show that the chest compressions create more blood flow through the heart to the rest of the body, buying time until a defibrillator can be used or the heart can pump blood on its own. Studies have also shown that circulation increases with each chest compression and must be built back up after an interruption, the association says in its online journal Circulation.

"Since the 2000 guidelines, research has strengthened our emphasis on effective CPR as a critically important step in helping save lives," said Dr. Robert Hickey, chair of the American Heart Association's emergency cardiovascular care programs.  According to the heart association, about 75 percent to 80 percent of all cardiac arrests outside a hospital happen at home, and effective CPR can double a victim's chance of survival.  Sudden cardiac arrest can occur after a heart attack or as a result of electrocution or near-drowning. It's most often caused by an abnormal heart rhythm. The person experiencing it collapses, is unresponsive to gentle shaking and stops normal breathing.

 Click below for an extensive 28 page summary edition of AHA Currents.