ISSN 1319-1829

September 2010

Dont let stress become

a distress

Stress can be both good and bad

Some stress is normal and even beneficial. It can provide the energy and motivation to meet daily challenges.
Stress in these situations can help you improve performance, increase productivity and be motivated. However,
too much stress can make us unproductive, unhappy and unsafe.

S a f et y

Learn to better manage your time and avoid last-minute deadline pressures or work overload.

P R E V E N T I O N

How to manage stress

Apply some specific stress-reduction skills. Many people find relief from stress by practicing techniques such as
deep breathing, progressive relaxation or even meditation.

L O S S

letter

Stress everyone has it. It is a natural part of life; but

too much stress can cause health problems and affect
your ability to live and work safely. Stress occurs when
we are faced with situations that cause fear worries
about family, money and work all cause stress.

What does all this have to do with safety? Everything! Learning to manage stress can help you concentrate on
doing your job safely and prevent incidents and injuries. Remember that being under stress can significantly
increase the likelihood of you having an incident on or off the job.

Tackle first things first. Learn to complete your work in order of priority doing the most important task first
and saving the least important for last.
Talk things over with somebody you trust. This can help you let off steam and come up with effective solutions.
Learn to focus on solutions rather than problems. Instead of just complaining about what is wrong, try to find
ways to fix it.

Get regular exercise. This is a great stress reliever that helps you fight stress in two ways. First, exercise is
relaxing and it gets your mind off your worries. Second, being physically fit can help you to handle stressful
events better.
Eat regular, balanced meals. Youll feel better and improve your health. Dont overdo the caffeine because it
can increase nervousness.
Get enough sleep seven to eight hours a night and take time to relax each day.
Develop some interests outside of work. Spend some time on a hobby or recreational activity each day even
if you have only 15 minutes to spare.

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 ISSN 1319-1829
September 2010

Flash floods happen in an instant

A flash flood is the fastest type of flood. It happens
when water collects and turns a normally calm area
into an instant rushing current. The quick change is
what catches people off guard, making flash floods
very dangerous.
Prepare for floods

L O S S

P R E V E N T I O N

S a f et y

letter

Be familiar with the land features in your local area, specifically be aware of wadis, streams, drainage channels
and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas without warning.
Listen to the radio or television for information. Remember, even if it is not raining where you are, a flood can
occur from rain upstream of your area.
If there is a possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground.
If you must evacuate, and if you have time, you should take these steps:
o Bring in outdoor items and move essentials to an upper floor.
o Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves, if instructed to do so, and disconnect electrical appliances.
Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.

During a flood
If a flash flood warning has been issued for your area, act immediately! You may only have seconds before
flood waters appear.
Do not walk through moving water. You can lose your balance and fall in just 15 cm of moving water.
If youre in a vehicle during a flood, never drive through flooded roadways.
If your vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and get to higher ground.
If floodwaters surround your vehicle, abandon it and move to higher ground if you can do so safely; 30 cm of
moving water can sweep away a car; 60 cm of moving water can lift up and carry away a heavy vehicle like an
SUV or pickup.
Be especially careful at night when its harder to see flood dangers.

Following a flood
Listen for news reports to learn whether the water supply is safe to drink.
Avoid floodwaters; water may be electrically charged from downed power lines or contaminated.
Be aware of areas that flooded. Roads may be weak and could collapse under the weight of a car.
Stay away from downed power lines, and report them to the power company.
Use extreme caution when entering buildings; there may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations and
lower points. Stay out of any building surrounded by floodwaters.
Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, and pits as soon as possible.
Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Floodwater can contain sewage, chemicals and disease.

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