Click for current information on Mercy Urgent Care openings and relief resources

Top

Mercy Urgent Care

Asheville, Brevard, Burnsville, Columbus, Waynesville & Weaverville NC

Hurrican Helene Relief Fund donate now

safety

Slips & Falls

by

When winter weather comes howling at your company’s door, hazardous situations increase the risk of injury for employees in any field. In fact, slips, trips, and falls in the workplace cause nearly 700 fatalities per year, with many more injurious accidents reported.

More than one million Americans seek treatment for slip-and-fall injuries each year, with numbers dramatically increasing during the winter months due to snow, ice and holiday hustle. According to the National Safety Council, slips and falls are the leading cause of lost days from work.

To help you protect employees from slip-and-fall accidents at work, we’ve outlined a few tips below.

  • Recognize and evaluate the hazard. Identify any surfaces where slips may occur, and warn employees of the potential hazard. Check walkways for ice after severe weather or when temperatures are at or below freezing, and be aware that employees may also track water inside with wet or snowy footwear.
  • Control the hazard. If ice has accumulated along a workplace walkway or parking area, add barriers around the ice to warn employees and call attention to the hazard. When possible, de-ice or salt walkways to control ice accumulation ahead of winter storms or freezing temperatures. If these conditions do occur, consider providing employees with additional protective equipment or train employees specifically on procedures for icy conditions.
  • Communicate safety procedures to employees. Instruct workers to avoid icy sidewalks and other slick surfaces when possible, and ask that they heed the following precautions:
    • Wear shoes with thick-treaded rubber or neoprene soles when walking on icy surfaces and prop yourself up by using a walking stick or gripping walls or handrails where applicable.
    • On ice, learn the penguin walk: Feet apart, knees slightly bent, arms out for balance — and take slow, shuffling steps.
    • Be extra cautious on smooth surfaces, such as newly waxed floors.
    • Clean up or report spills right away.
    • Ensure that you can see where you’re walking. Don’t carry loads you cannot see over.
    • Properly maintain walking areas and keep them lit and free of clutter.
    • Don’t jump off of landings or loading docks. Use the stairs.
    • Repair or replace loose or broken stairs and handrails.
    • If a fall is inevitable, minimize impact by leaning forward, bending the elbows and knees and relaxing your muscles. Try to break the fall with your thigh, hip or shoulder, as bones in the arms, wrists and knees are easier to fracture — and protect your head from hitting the ground.


Unfortunately slips, trips and falls aren’t completely unavoidable, but when they do occur, Mercy Urgent Care is here to help with treatment.

Sources: National Safety Council, National Floor Safety Institute

Tips for a safe Fourth of July

by

No summer season is complete without a good cookout, time spent outdoors — and the use of dazzlingly dangerous explosives. But just as quickly as they light up the night sky, fireworks can turn a joyful celebration into a panicked frenzy or painful memory when someone gets injured (or something gets destroyed) in the process.

Every Fourth of July, urgent care centers and emergency rooms are full of stories of failed firework fun — but, this year, Mercy Urgent Care wants to get ahead of the game, ensuring that your Fourth doesn’t end in a trip to your nearest clinic.

First of all, before using fireworks, make sure they are permitted in your state or local area. North Carolina, in particular, is notoriously strict on the use of common fireworks, including all types of aerial displays, including roman candles and bottle rockets. Other illegal fireworks in North Carolina include firecrackers, snakes, airplanes and other ground-spinners.

Fireworks that are legal in North Carolina include poppers, sparklers and fountains. Essentially, if it leaves the ground, you shouldn’t have it at your backyard barbecue in the state of N.C.

But just in case you come into contact with too powerful a popper, here are some tips and recommendations to ensure a safe-yet-sparkly Fourth:

  • Do not allow young children to play with fireworks — and, yes, that means sparklers too. Often considered a “safe” firework for kids, sparklers burn at extremely high temperatures (1,200 degrees and up) and should be not be handled by young children, who may not understand the danger or act appropriately while holding a sparkler or in an emergency situation. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, sparklers account for 1/4 of all emergency room or urgent care fireworks injuries.
  • Closely watch your teens and preteens when explosives are involved. Older children should only use fireworks under close adult supervision. Do not allow any running or horseplay in the vicinity of fireworks.
  • Crouch, don’t lean over. Never have any portion of your body directly over a firework while lighting.
  • Check your surroundings for flammable material. Set off fireworks outdoors in a clear area, away from houses, dry leaves or grass and other flammable materials.
  • Think ahead. Be prepared. Keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies and for pouring on fireworks that fail to ignite or explode.
  • Don’t mess with the duds. If it’s not working properly, that means it may be dangerous. Do not try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water and throw them away.
  • Double-check your surroundings one last time before lighting the fuse. In addition to structures, dry leaves and grass, be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
  • If it can tip over, shatter or produce shrapnel, it’s not a launch pad. Never light fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container.
  • Keep unused fireworks away from firing areas. And, when not in use, store fireworks in a cool, dry place — or check for special storage instructions.
  • Always purchase fireworks from a lawful, licensed business. Never, ever experiment with homemade fireworks.

And, aside from firework fun, be sure to keep grills safe by:

  • using your grill away from your home and deck railings and away from any overhangs or tree branches.
  • opening the hood of gas grills before lighting.
  • ensuring the grill’s trays and catches are free of grease, fat buildup and other flammable debris.
  • keeping a 3-foot kid- and pet-free zone around the grill at all times.

Be safe, Western North Carolina — and have a happy, healthy Fourth of July!

Achieving a safer work environment

by

Celebrated each year in June, National Safety Month aims to help educate and influence behaviors that prevent injuries and deaths in the workplace. By utilizing proper risk assessment techniques and proper safety equipment for the task at hand, while also maintaining a drug- and alcohol-free work environment, most workplace injuries can be prevented. Below are a few tips to help employers ensure workers stay as safe as possible on the job.

  1. Prevent slips, trips and falls. In 2020, 805 workers across the U.S. died in falls, and more than 211,000 workers suffered slip-and-fall injuries severe enough to require time off from work. Most falls are 100% preventable, and companies can reduce the risk of slips and falls by assessing risks at jobsites and by using the proper equipment to complete workplace tasks. First, look for ways to accomplish required tasks on the ground, if possible. If working from height is required, ensure guardrails and toe-boards are properly installed and that workers are properly trained on the use of safety equipment.
  2. Reduce risk of musculoskeletal disorders. According to the National Safety Council, musculoskeletal injuries are the most common type of injury in the workplace. Tools designed to work with the body’s natural movements can minimize the risk for these disorders. Investing in ergonomic office furniture and other tools can help prevent these injuries in both field personnel and office workers. You may also want to consider looking into processes and work designs that help reduce worker fatigue, increase productivity, and avoid injuries and strains.
  3. Watch out for invisible confined space hazards. Atmospheric hazards might not be visible to the human eye, but they are all too common in environments where employees must work underground, in poorly ventilated places or in other confined spaces. Before heading into a manhole or other confined or closed workspace, practice OSHA’s “test, purge and ventilate” routine to ensure that the space is free of combustible gases and has ample oxygen.
  4. Step up your ladder safety. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission, approximately 65,000 workers go to the hospital every year due to ladder-related accidents. Before using a ladder, inspect it for broken rungs, missing bolts and other broken parts and make sure it is placed on level ground. When climbing up and down, face the ladder while holding onto both sides. Use a ladder wedge to help keep the ladder steady.
  5. Cool down when temperatures rise. Working in the summer months puts employees at risk for heat-related illnesses, especially in the South. Repeated and prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to injuries, illnesses, and even death. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 144 environmental heat-related deaths occurred between 2011 and 2019. Ensuring employees stay hydrated, take regular breaks and wear lightweight clothing can help safeguard against heat-related illness in the workforce. Consider supplying workers with umbrellas or shade tents when working outdoors in the summer months, and encourage them to take frequent breaks.
  6. Consider random or periodic drug and alcohol screenings for employees. Many companies already have policies in place regarding drug or alcohol use for their employees. Having clear policies is a great start, but employers can also implement random or periodic testing practices to further ensure that employees are adhering to those policies — and, in turn, fostering a safer work environment. Mercy Occupational Medicine can help employers explore and set up screening programs, including a 24/7 service to ensure companies have the testing capabilities they need, even after normal business hours.

Mercy Occupational Medicine encourages employers to review company safety protocols during National Safety Month. Adopting safety protocols and encouraging employees to follow all safety guidelines is a great way to prevent injuries and lost productivity in the workplace.

Sources: National Safety Council, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

National Safety Month: 5 Tips for a Safer Work Force

by

From the June Mercy Occupational Medicine eNewsletter 

Each June, the National Safety Council reminds employers to spend some time reviewing and addressing workplace safety in honor of National Safety Month, drawing special attention to the leading causes of preventable injuries and deaths in the workplace. Below are five safety tips to help employers make the most of National Safety Month and ensure their employees stay safe at work.

  1. Prevent musculoskeletal disorders. Tools designed to work with the body’s natural movements can minimize the risk for developing musculoskeletal disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and trigger finger. Consider investing in ergonomic equipment, and examine work design to help reduce worker fatigue, increase productivity, and avoid injuries and strains.
  2. Respect and prepare for invisible confined space hazards. Atmospheric hazards might not be visible to the human eye, but they are all too common in places like manholes or other confined spaces. Before heading into a manhole or other type of confined or closed workspace, practice OSHA’s “test, purge and ventilate” routine to ensure that the space is free of combustible gases and has ample oxygen.
  3. Be visible on the road. A 2020 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report shows that sales workers who drive and truck drivers incurred 1,005 fatal occupational injuries, the highest since the  data began being collected in 2003. Other road related injuries and deaths can occur from workers in construction and utilities industries. Whether repairing a cable line on the side of a highway or directing traffic around a construction site, high-visibility clothing and equipment can prevent these devastating incidents.
  4. Take ladder safety a step higher. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission, approximately 65,000 workers go to the hospital every year due to ladder-related accidents. Before using a ladder, inspect it for broken rungs, missing bolts and other broken parts, and make sure it is placed on level ground. When climbing up and down, face the ladder while holding onto the sides. Use a ladder wedge to help keep the ladder steady.
  5. Keep your cool. Take preventative measures when working in the summer heat. High temperatures can be dangerous to people at work and can lead to injuries, illnesses, and even death. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, exposure to environmental heat led to 37 work-related deaths and 2,830 nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses involving days away from work in 2015. Ensure employees stay hydrated, take regular breaks, and wear lightweight clothing. Tents and umbrellas also can help safeguard workers from the beating sun.

For National Safety Month, we encourage employers in all industries to make the extra effort to examine their current safety initiatives to ensure that they are taking measures to keep their employees safe and productive.

Sources: National Safety Council, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Talk with Mercy about onsite safety evaluations for your company

Safe Toys & Gifts Month

by

Gift-giving season has officially begun! This December, Mercy Urgent Care is helping spread the word about gift safety for Safe Toys and Gifts Awareness Month.

An initiative of the group Prevent Blindness America, Safe Toys and Gifts Awareness Month encourages everyone to consider the age- and ability-appropriateness of all gifts during the holiday season — especially when shopping for infants and children under age three.

When choosing toys, Prevent Blindness America suggests adhering to the following guidelines:

Before purchasing:

  • Read all warnings and instructions on the box.
  • Ask yourself if the toy is right for the individual child’s ability and age.
  • Avoid purchasing toys with sharp or rigid points, spikes, rods or dangerous edges.
  • Check the lenses and frames of children’s sunglasses; many can break and cause injuries.
  • Buy toys that will withstand impact and not break into dangerous shards.
  • Look for the letters ASTM. This designation means the product meets the national safety standards set by ASTM International.
  • Avoid toys that shoot or include parts that fly off. Remember that BB guns are NOT toys.

Before letting children play with toys:

  • Inspect toys for safe, sturdy construction.
  • Explain how to use the toy.
  • Fix or throw away broken toys.

Always:

  • Keep young children away from toys meant for older children.
  • Supervise children while playing.
  • Store toys properly after play to avoid risks or falls.
  • Supervise children’s craft projects (scissors and glue can be extremely dangerous to a child’s eyesight).
  • Have children wear the right eye protection for sports (face shields, helmets, eyeguards).

More helpful tips for toy safety can be found at kidshealth.org, including guides on toys for babies, toddlers and preschoolers and school-age children. From all of us at Mercy Urgent Care, have a safe and happy holiday season!