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Autumn Safety

With autumn just around the corner, many of us are left wondering where the summer went. As the temperature drops and the leaves change colour, we are reminded that with a new season comes new safety issues that must be addressed, both at home and in the workplace.

While it’s not something anyone enjoys, WorkSafeNB strongly recommends that you get a seasonal flu shot. It beats the alternative of being sick for days or even weeks at a time. In extreme cases, the flu can be fatal. By vaccinating, you are not only protecting yourself, but also your family and co-workers. The flu is contagious and can quickly spread throughout a workplace, ruining productivity. Don’t let this happen to you!

As it gets colder, people often look for inexpensive means to heat their homes and workplaces. Unfortunately, this can sometimes result in tragedy. Resist the urge to heat your home or workplace with gas ovens or ranges. Unvented gas can quickly accumulate to combustible levels. If you use a space heater, keep it away from surrounding objects, particularly fabrics like upholstry or curtains. Autumn is an excellent time to replace used or expired fire extinguishers.

Many hazards associated with winter driving also apply to the fall. Days grow progressively shorter throughout the season, and after the clocks fall back in November, many motorists find themselves driving home from work in the dark. Sadly, more pedestrians are struck and killed in the weeks following this event, indicating drivers go through an adjustment period. Take efforts to reduce these risks. You are allowed to use studded tires between October 15 and May 1. Ensure tires are properly inflated, as under inflated tires reduces traction. This will help you keep your vehicle under control in slippery conditions produced by black ice, frost and wet leaves.

Autumn can be a particularly dangerous time for moose collisions in New Brunswick. This can be attributed to a number of factors. Moose are very active in September and October, when the shorter days trigger the mating season. Most collisions happen after dark. When in moose country, pay attention to your surroundings and reduce your speed.


For other sources of information on protecting yourself from the flu, fires and automobile accidents, please click on these links:

Flu
Fire Prevention
Autumn Driving Safety


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