Boom Without the Burn! Staying
Safe with Summer Fireworks
Summer Safety
Staying Hydrated: Why Water is Your Secret Weapon
You’ve probably heard it a million times — “Drink more water!” — but it’s not just a wellness cliché. Hydration plays a vital role in keeping your mind sharp, your body energized, and your mood in check throughout the workday.
Did you know that even mild dehydration (as little as 1–2% loss of body weight in water) can cause fatigue, headaches, and difficulty concentrating? That 3 p.m. brain fog might not be about needing more coffee—it could be your body asking for water.
A good rule of thumb? Aim for 6–8 cups of water per day—or more if you’re active, outdoors, or working in a heated environment. Hydration also helps with decision-making and reaction time. That’s especially important in our roles, where attention to detail and safety are essential. Staying hydrated helps you feel better and do better. Clearer focus, fewer aches, more energy… and maybe fewer trips to the vending machine. So next time you feel sluggish, skip the sugary drink and reach for nature’s original energy booster. Your body and brain will thank you!
Summer wouldn’t be the same without the sizzle and sparkle of fireworks lighting up the night sky. Whether you’re lighting sparklers in the backyard or watching a professional display, fireworks bring a burst of excitement to the season — but they also come with serious risks.
Every year, thousands of people end up in emergency rooms with firework-related injuries. Fingers, hands, eyes, and faces are the most commonly affected. Even seemingly harmless items like sparklers can burn at temperatures over 1,200°F — that’s hotter than a blowtorch!
The safest way to enjoy fireworks? Attend a professional show. These events are managed by trained experts with safety protocols in place, so you can enjoy the show without the risk.
If you’re setting off legal fireworks at home, always read the instructions, keep a bucket of water nearby, and never relight a dud. Designate one adult to handle fireworks — no kids, no exceptions.
Never point fireworks at people or animals, and be aware of your surroundings. Dry grass, open fields, and even plastic furniture can catch fire in seconds.
Be sure to check local laws — some towns prohibit personal fireworks altogether.
Alcohol and fireworks don’t mix. Save the celebration for after the show, not during. And don’t forget about your pets — many animals get scared or run away during fireworks displays. Keep them safe indoors.
Fireworks can be fun, but only when handled responsibly. Let’s all make safety part of our summer tradition — because nothing ruins a celebration faster than a trip to the ER.
Celebrate smart, sparkle safely, and enjoy a bright (but burn-free) summer!
Make it Easy on Yourself: Keep a refillable water bottle at your desk or workstation. Refill it during breaks and track your intake with a simple app or sticky note reminder.
If plain water isn’t your thing, try adding lemon, cucumber, or fresh mint. Herbal teas and water-rich foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and oranges can also help meet your hydration goals.
What Is Workplace Ergonomics Safety?
The field of ergonomics aims to optimize safety, comfort, and productivity by reducing physical strain and stress on the body. It is well understood that a healthy and comfortable work environment is essential for employee well-being and productivity.
In a workplace setting, ergonomics refers to designing and arranging workspaces, tools, and equipment to fit the needs of workers. Creating an ergonomically sound workspace is essential for promoting the health and safety of employees.
The following office ergonomics checklist provides a guide for optimizing safety and comfort, reducing the risk of workplace injuries, and promoting productivity and job satisfaction in office workspaces.
Chair Height – To achieve a proper sitting posture, individuals should raise their chair high to allow the feet to rest flat on the floor, thighs to be parallel to the floor, and hips to be level with the knees.
Desk Height – To avoid wrist strain, which can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, users should maintain desks at a height that allows them to keep their forearms parallel to the floor and their wrists in a neutral position.
Monitor Placement – Position the computer monitor so the top of the screen is at or slightly below eye level, which will help reduce neck and eye strain.
Keyboard and Mouse Placement –
Place the keyboard and mouse in a position that allows elbows to be at a 90-degree angle and wrists to be straight.
Lighting – Use adjustable lighting to reduce glare and prevent eye strain and discomfort.
Training Updates
First Responders
We’re proud to share that the following list of people have successfully completed certification or recertification as a Knipper Health First Responder!
This includes training in CPR, AED, First Aid, and Bloodborne Pathogens, ensuring that our workplace remains a safer and more prepared environment for everyone. This certification reflects a strong commitment to health, safety, and the well-being of all contributors.
Please join us in thanking all of the Safety Committee Members for volunteering and stepping up to make a real difference in our facilities. Their efforts are greatly appreciated, and their dedication helps create a safer space for all!
LKP FACILITY
Michaele Mix
Bobi Roeper
Bobbi Ballew
Monnanica Ramsey
Desiree Rice
MDC FACILITY
Lonnie Lovett
Calvertis Thomas
Robert Austin
Tevin Snell
Jodie Jefferson
John Hines
Gregory Strahan
KDC FACILITY
Nicholas Walker
Glenn Davis
Mirian Gonzlez
Jorge Rodriquez
Stephen Thomas
SOM FACILITY
Cheryl Ramancionis
SAFETY STATISTICS
Beach Safety by the Numbers
Stay within sight of a lifeguard whenever possible.
According to the U.S. Lifesaving Association, your risk of drowning is 1 in 18 million at a beach with professional lifeguards. That’s a stat we like!
Now, about those sharks!
Despite the headlines, shark attacks are extremely rare. The Florida Museum of Natural History reports an average of around 70 unprovoked attacks worldwide per year — out of millions of beachgoers. You’re more likely to be struck by lightning, injured by fireworks, or even bitten by a random dog (statistically speaking).
Still, a few simple precautions help:
• Don’t swim at dawn or dusk — sharks are more active then.
• Avoid shiny jewelry and bright swimwear (you don’t want to look like a fish).
• Swim in groups, not alone.
• Stay clear of fishing areas.
Sun safety Matters
too.
Use SPF 30 or higher, reapply every 2 hours, and wear a hat and sunglasses. And don’t forget to hydrate — saltwater and sun can dehydrate you faster than you think.
The beach is meant for fun, not fear. With a little awareness and a lot of sunscreen, you can enjoy a safe, relaxing day in the surf.
Pedestrian Safety in the Warehouse STAY IN THE CLEAR:
In a busy warehouse, the flow of people and machines must work in harmony. But when forklifts, pallet jacks, and pedestrians share the same space — especially near dock doors — it only takes a second for a close call to turn into a serious injury.
Did you know? According to OSHA, nearly 20% of forklift-related deaths involve pedestrians. That makes awareness and safe behavior around dock areas absolutely essential.
Here are key tips to keep everyone safe:
• Stick to designated walkways. If it’s not marked for foot traffic, don’t use it—especially around blind corners or active docks.
• Stop. Look. Listen. Treat every dock door like a two-way intersection. Machines can approach quickly and quietly.
• Make eye contact with drivers. Don’t assume you’ve been seen. A nod or wave ensures you’re both aware of each other.
• Avoid walking behind active equipment. One step in the wrong place can mean disaster. Give operators plenty of room to maneuver.
• Don’t shortcut across open docks. It might be the faster route, but it’s not the safer one. Open docks are a major fall hazard and a no-go zone for pedestrians.
• Keep headphones and distractions out of the warehouse. Your ears are just as important as your eyes in high-traffic areas.
Safety isn’t about luck—it’s about habit. Whether you’re loading a trailer or walking to a break area, being alert and following safe paths keeps us all moving forward, injury-free.
Let’s look out for each other and keep people and machines in their lanes—because in this warehouse, safety always comes first.
Important Upcoming Events
• HazMat Training – Dates (TBD)
• Safety Week – Date (TBD)
Be on the lookout for further information to come!
Grilling Safety
Though more than three-quarters of U.S. adults have used a grill — grilling sparks more than 10,000 home fires on average each year.
To avoid this, the Red Cross offers these grilling safety tips:
• Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use. Don’t add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
• Never grill indoors — not in the house, camper, tent or any enclosed area.
• Make sure everyone, including pets, stays away from the grill.
• Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, deck, tree branches or anything that could catch fire.
• Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to help keep the chef safe.
• Don’t leave perishable food out in the sun.
Safety at Work
WORD SEARCH
