Safety Matters

This weekend we’ll set our clocks back one hour at 2 a.m. on Sunday. 

While many of us enjoy the extra hour of sleep or play that comes with the end of Daylight Savings Time, we found ourselves wondering what effect, if any, the time change has on workplace injury rates – especially given the link that exists between the spring time change and increased workplace injuries. Does “falling back” have the same impact?

In 2012, we explored this a little (see Fall time change = fewer workplace injuries?). While we found the answer to be no, the time change can have an impact on our health overall. And not in a good way.

That’s because less daylight usually means less physical activity. Research has shown that losing an hour of daylight can actually lead to obesity, disturbed sleep patterns and depression. 

So what can you do to minimize the impact? Stay active. Eat healthy foods. And, if the dark, cold days impact your mood, try to spend some time outdoors during the bright, daylight hours or invest in a fluorescent lamp that can help elevate serotonin levels.  

Remember these safety tips and to-do’s every time you reset your clocks:

• Check and replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. Replace any smoke alarms older than ten years. Replace any CO alarms older than five years.
• Prepare or refresh a disaster supply kit for your house (water, food, flashlights, batteries, blankets).
• Make a "winter car-emergency kit" and put it in your vehicle.
• Check home and outbuilding storage areas for hazardous materials. Discard (properly, please) any that are outdated, no longer used, or in poor condition. Move any that are within reach of kids or pets.
• Check and discard expired medications - those dates really DO have meaning - some very common over-the-counter medications can cause serious problems due to change through aging.

Work safe. For life.