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Safety should be a way of life at work and at home Roswell Daily Record
Last week I had the pleasure of attending four sessions of safety training conducted by an organization on behalf of the City of Roswell. These sessions covered several different subjects, including training on blood-borne pathogens, training to prevent back injuries, safety training within the office environment, slips and falls and other general topics of safety. I have been fortunate for most of my career to have worked for companies that placed a lot of emphasis on safety, a significant commitment on their part. And while the law requires employers to train employ-
ees in the safety and health aspects of their jobs, some go well beyond the requirements and work very hard to create a “culture” of safety. Most have a safety coordinator and some companies have regular safety committee meetings. They may provide special awards and bonuses for employees and supervisors who help to create that safety culture. Such programs are somewhat expensive, and yet costs are quite likely offset by reduced accidents and injuries, and through an employee base which appreciates the company’s concern for safety. Safety is a valuable investment for
any forward-thinking employer. I was glad that the City of Roswell makes a genuine effort to properly train us. While safety training sessions are rarely a lot of fun and excitement, a good trainer will make them enjoyable, and employees will more likely apply what they learn to
Sunday, May 27, 2012
their everyday jobs. Slips, trips and falls on the job, as well as at home, was one of our recent training session topics. Here are a few tips from that session. Spills, drips, and leaks, obviously, will create many slips and falls. It is important to clean them up immediately. Additionally, icy spots should be sanded, and if you must, walk carefully through them. In some cases, utilize slipresistant floor waxes and polishes as well as non-slip paint, mats, treads and abrasive substances. Ladders and stairways can also be a relatively frequent cause of injuries.
Certainly, they should be kept clear of objects and debris. Do not run up and down stairs and try to avoid carrying loads on the staircase. When you do have to carry a load, keep one hand free for support and guidance on the railings. Use of the proper tools and equipment is also important. Keep everything in its proper place, both at work and at home. Don’t leave machines, tools or other materials on the floor nor cords, power cables, or air hoses in walkways. You will also need adequate lighting or should use a flashlight. The bottom line is really
Turning to mix the materials on a regular basis helps avoid this problem. If drying winds are a problem, you can use old boards, plastic, or any other material around the sides of the compost to reduce water loss due to wind. Be sure to choose a material that will not interfere with adding new material or turning the compost. Another way to help maintain moisture in the compost and enhance the rate of composting is to grind kitchen wastes in a blender
full of water. This groundup material and water can be added to the compost pile. The finely chopped kitchen wastes will coat other material in the compost pile and, because of their small particle size, will allow very rapid composting. Adding finely ground material increases the water holding capacity of the composts and makes turning the compost even more important. You can find more information about composting and the carbon to nitrogen ratios of compostable materials in the NMSU Extension Publication “Backyard Composting” Publication H-110 at aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_h/H110.pdf. For more gardening infor mation, visit the NMSU Extension publica-
pretty simple. Be careful! Even simple things such as the way you walk can affect your safety. Keep your hands at your sides, and not in your pockets. When you walk on a slippery surface, avoid turning sharply and take deliberate steps. Wear the appropriate shoes or boots for your job or your task.
Call Steve or Richard at 622-SAFE (7233) for information about Neighborhood Watch. And don’t forget, the number for Chaves County Crime Stoppers is 1-888-594-TIPS (8477). Check out the website at chavescountycrimestoppers.com.
Getting compost made from trimmings and waste just right
Q. I have been putting garden trimmings and kitchen waste into my compost pile since January. It does not seem to be decomposing and making compost very quickly. When I turn my compost, I still see some of the vegetables I put into the compost several months ago. Is it too hot for the compost now? Billie J. Socorro
A. It is not too hot. When the decomposer organisms in compost are functioning properly, they can raise the internal temperature of the compost to over 160 degrees. For compost to decompose at an optimal rate, there must be a proper balance of carbon-containing materials and nitrogen con-
taining materials. The optimal ration is about 1 part nitrogen to 30 parts carbon. Kitchen wastes are high in nitrogen as is manure, green grass and weed trimmings. Dry leaves, straw, and wood chips are very high in carbon. If the balance of carbon to nitrogen is not optimal, composting will occur more slowly, but it will happen. A common problem with composting in New Mexico is that the compost dries quickly. Adequate moisture
Indiana Jones fans called to The Lensic
is needed to maintain the action of decomposing organisms. If the material in the compost is too coarse, the pile can dry quickly, so water or wet compostable materials should be added frequently. The center of the compost pile may be waterlogged while the edges are too dry. This is one of the reasons that frequently tur ning and mixing the compost pile is important. In both the dry areas and the waterlogged areas composting slows significantly.
tions website at aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_h, or to read past articles of Yard and Garden go to aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/perio dicals.html.
Send your gardening questions to Yard and Garden, Attn: Dr. Curtis Smith, NMSU Agricultural Science Center, 1036 Miller Rd. SW, Los Lunas, N.M., 87031. Curtis W. Smith, Ph.D., is an extension horticulture specialist emeritus with New Mexico State University’s Cooperative Extension Service. NMSU and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating.
Indiana Jones Screenings
On Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. both days, The Lensic will present a “Big Screen Classics Indiana Jones Weekend!” to include “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.” The Lensic is located at 211 W. San Francisco St., in Santa Fe.
Men of Mah Jongg
The Albuquerque Theatre Guild will present “Men of Mah Jongg,” written and directed by Richard Atkins, from June 1-24. Friday and Saturday performances are at 8 p.m.; Sunday, at 2 p.m. The play centers around four older friends from New York City struggling with the pitfalls of old age, only to discover the unlikely game of mah jongg as the key to their unbridled happiness. For more information, contact the Adobe Theater, 9813 Fourth St. NW in Albuquerque at (505) 898-2222 or visit adobetheater.org.
Les Misérables
“Les Misérables” will be presented June 5-10. On Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday the show begins at 7:30 p.m.; on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. in Albuquerque. There will also be 2 p.m. matinee performances on Saturday and Sunday. The new 25th anniversary production of the legendary musical has glorious new staging and dazzlingly re-imagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo. For more information, call Popejoy Hall at (505) 925-5858, or visit popejoypresents.com. Ticket prices range from $55-$102.50.
Richard III
William Shakespeare’s “Richard III,” directed by Peter Kierst, will be shown June 7-24 with Thursday, Friday and Saturday productions at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. in Albuquerque. Richard is a consummate villain, murdering all family members standing in his way. Richard's final defeat on the fields of Bosworth yields the throne to Henry VII, grandfather of Queen Elizabeth I. For more information, contact The Vortex Theatre, 2004 1/2 Central SE, at (505) 247-8600, or visit vortexabq.org. Ticket prices will e $10-$15; $10 student rush with valid ID.
Heritage Tourism Workshop
The Economic Development Department’s New Mexico MainStreet Program will host a workshop on cultural and heritage tourism, exploring effective strategies for discovering young consumer groups. The program will be June 8 from 1-5 p.m. and June 9 from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Silco Theater, 311 N. Bullard St., Silver City. There is a $50 non-refundable registration fee. To register or for more information, visit http://nmmainstreet.org/ institutes.php.
Bosque Redondo
Bosque Redondo Memorial in Fort Sumner will present Old Fort Days, June 8-10. The event will feature Navajo and Mescalero Apache arts and crafts, a Chautauqua presentation, and Navajo Dinetah dancers. For more information, call (575) 355-2573, or visit bosqueredondomemorial.com.
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