Family Tragedy

This past weekend (Saturday, October 8th) my father, Richard Rapp, was killed in an auto accident in Uvalde, TX.  Being that I am a safety instructor and that I promote defensive and safe driving practices on a regular basis, it made this accident even more painfull.  What could I have done, or said that may have prevented something like this.  I know, after much thought, soul searching and prayer, that there was really nothing that I could have done.  My father had Alzheimers.  I would encourage each of you, if you have someone close to you with this disease to visit the Alzheimers Association website and watch the several videos on driving that they have posted there and share them with your loved ones.  If you have a desire to donate for the cure of this horrible disease, please do so. 

Louie Gohmert

This is the view we had for the 4th if July Concert and fireworks! On the steps of the Capitol! Louie Gohmert really took care of the New Diana High School Band!

Look at the size of that....

Some crab meat I took out of one joint of an Alaskan King crab leg. Dang!

Up close and personal

This bald eagle stayed put for awhile as we parked next to him. He eventually got mad and flew off. Adak is beautiful!

First cool pic on Alaskan trip

North to Alaska

Hey my fellow Utilicom Safety family members. Keep watching the blog this week and follow my travels to Adak, Alaska! Keep me in your prayers.

Craig Rapp
Utilicom Safety, LLC
PO Box 356
Diana, TX 75640
903 424-7453
Web:
www.utilicomsafety.com
www.rappsession.blogspot.com
Contact:
craig@utilicomsafety.com
rappsession@etex.net
Social Media:
Find Utilicom Safety, LLC on Facebook and follow me on Twitter @usrappsession.
Salus Primoris!

Heat

If you haven't been outside lately, then you probably didn't realize that it is HOT everywhere, and you need to get out more! In Texas we are hitting records all over the state. There are wild fires out in AZ and NM, while flood waters just to our north! People are hurting all over! Our biggest concern in Texas is the insane heat! Please remember to drink your fluids (preferably water, sports drinks and fresh fruit and vegetables). Yes we get alot of fluid from our food! Stay rested, that means try not to stay up too late, take plenty of breaks throughout your work day when your out in the heat, and get some shade! That can come from a hat, your truck, a tree, a building, and don't forget you sunscreen! (more on that later). Keep me in your thoughts as I trek up north to Alaska next week, then on to D.C. For the 4th of July parade. I hope you have a great simmer, I mean summer. I guess simmer actually works better with this heat! By the way, those that know me a little more then others, can you believe I now have a 15 year old as of yesterday!

Vehicle accidents in the news

I ran across this article and thought I would post it fir my readers. 

I want to share the web version of an article from The Daily, the tablet-based original news publication. http://www.thedaily.com/page/2011/06/01/060111-news-multi-texas-bus/

For the full experience, download The Daily from the App Store.

Sent from my iPad

Craig Rapp, Utilicom Safety, LLC

utilicomsafety.com

rappsession.bloodspot.com

903 424-7453

Hot Weather Work

We do need to ultimately be concerned with the heat while we are working. Some ideas to how much fluids you should intake; 1st you can go by the old stand by of 8 oz 8 times a day. The problem is that most people can easily use 2.5 liters on a daily basis. 2 liters is around 2.7 liters so you are already behind if your only drinking 8x8. Try dividing your weight in half and drinking that amount in oz. I weigh approx 232 lbs. 232/2=116. So I should intake approx 116 oz every day while working outside in the hot, humid east Texas heat. You can also try 5-7oz every 15-20 minutes while working in the heat. This is difficult but well worth it if you are trying to stay hydrated. You should also remember that water alone does not replace lost salt or minerals so sports drinks and electrolyte laden fluids are essential. Long sleeved shirts, sun block, wide brimmed hats and frequent visits to shade where you can rest will keep you fit and safe when working in the heat. I hope you all enjoy your summer.

Back to normal.

On Thursday I will finally be back from what seems like a perpetual road trip this month! I taught an OSHA class at GVTC outside of San Antonio, I taught an OSHA class in Savannah last week and this week I am in West Texas on my monthly circuit training trip! I can't wait to get home. I owe my wife some couple time as it was our anniversary on the 23rd and I was out of town.
Summer is here and there will be young teens learning to drive, others with a tad more experience on the roads with friends trying to enjoy their summer, please watch for them on the roads. Usually there will be more motorcycles out enjoying the weather and saving fuel, so watch for them too!
Please drink plenty of fluids and stay in the shade. Take breaks and get plenty if rest during the day! Hot weather illnesses are to be taken seriously!
Have a great summer!

Check out this verse on YouVersion.com

I normally don't post scripture, however, I felt I have missed the depth of this passage too often.  

James 4:17

"If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it, it is sin for them."

See it at YouVersion.com:

http://bible.us/Jas4.17.NIV

Craig Rapp

Utilicom Safety, LLC

PO Box 356

Diana, TX 75640

903 424-7453

Web:

www.utilicomsafety.com

www.rappsession.blogspot.com

Contact:

craig@utilicomsafety.com

rappsession@etex.net

Social Media:

Find Utilicom Safety, LLC on Facebook and follow me on Twitter @usrappsession.

Salus Primoris!

Body on Galveston beach thought that of E. Texas teenager

Tragic for a young life to end this way. Read on and gleam what you can from this story.  I instinctively want to tell kids don't take unnecessary risks like swimming in rough surf while hanging out with friends, however, I know what is was to be a teenager.  I just hate that his young life is over!  

Body on Galveston beach thought that of E. Texas teenager

---

Story posted 2011.05.03 at 05:54 AM CDT

GALVESTON, Texas (AP) - Officials say they believe the body of a man found washed onto a Galveston beach is that of a missing teenage swimmer.

Galveston Island Beach Patrol Chief Peter Davis says a beach maintenance crew found the body about on East Beach about noon Monday. He tells the Galveston County Daily News that it's believed to be that of 18-year-old John Hight of the East Texas community of DeBerry, just north of Carthage.

Hight went missing as he and nine friends were swimming in rough surf Saturday.

The body was taken to the Galveston County Medical Examiner's Office.

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

Story posted 2011.05.03 at 05:54 AM CDT

---

© 2004-2011 LSN, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

.

Craig Rapp

Utilicom Safety, LLC

PO Box 356

Diana, TX 75640

903 424-7453

Web:

www.utilicomsafety.com

www.rappsession.blogspot.com

Contact:

craig@utilicomsafety.com

rappsession@etex.net

Social Media:

Find Utilicom Safety, LLC on Facebook and follow me on Twitter @usrappsession.

Salus Primoris!

He is dead!

Well, Osama Bin Laden is dead! The news came late last night. Can you imagine being on the team that went in and not only killed him but recovered his body! How differently do you think that corpse was treated by our soldiers then if the roles were reversed? Just something to think about. What does this have to do with safety? Other then as Americans all being a little bit safer from terrorism today then yesterday, nothing! It is my blog and I am happy he is dead! Now go have a safe day!

Craig Rapp
Utilicom Safety, LLC
PO Box 356
Diana, TX 75640
903 424-7453
Web:
www.utilicomsafety.com
www.rappsession.blogspot.com
Contact:
craig@utilicomsafety.com
rappsession@etex.net
Social Media:
Find Utilicom Safety, LLC on Facebook and follow me on Twitter @usrappsession.
Salus Primoris!

FOX News: 6 Dead in Early Easter Fire in Vancouver, Wash.

I thought you might be interested in this article: 6 Dead in Early Easter Fire in Vancouver, Wash..

Sent via the FOX News iPhone App. Download the app here.

Craig Rapp

Utilicom Safety, LLC

PO Box 356

Diana, TX 75640

903 424-7453

Web:

www.utilicomsafety.com

www.rappsession.blogspot.com

Contact:

craig@utilicomsafety.com

rappsession@etex.net

Social Media:

Find Utilicom Safety, LLC on Facebook and follow me on Twitter @usrappsession.

Salus Primoris!

FOX News: Workers Recover Body of Trapped Idaho Miner - FoxNews.com

I am always saddened to hear of the loss of life when someone just went to work to feed his family.  Please read this article, and consider everything you do, and ask yourself, "is this safe?" 

Workers Recover Body of Trapped Idaho Miner - FoxNews.com.

Sent via the FOX News iPhone App. Download the app here.

Craig Rapp

Utilicom Safety, LLC

PO Box 356

Diana, TX 75640

903 424-7453

Web:

www.utilicomsafety.com

www.rappsession.blogspot.com

Contact:

craig@utilicomsafety.com

rappsession@etex.net

Social Media:

Find Utilicom Safety, LLC on Facebook and follow me on Twitter @usrappsession.

Salus Primoris!

A challenge to all Utilicom Safety family members!

I was recently introduced to an app for my phone entitled: myfitnesspal. I am thoroughly enjoying the capabilities of this app to track everything I eat in calories and even deduct the amount I burn in exercise for a daily net calorie count. It will tell you your nutrient intact for the day and help you manage you everything you need to loose weight and/or stay healthy. The app is also a social app in that it allows you to have friends who can see your progress and vice versa! My challenge is for you to download this app and if your brave enough friend me and we can hold eachother accountable! Are you willing? Let me know!

My Utilicom Safety, LLC Booth at the ASSE Expo

Here is the picture of my booth at the ASSE Expo in Longview today.  There has been several businesses here and a lot of Kilgore College Students breaking into the safety field.  It is good to see such an interested in safety. 

ASSE Safety Expo

Today I am at the ASSE Safety Expo at the Maude Cobb Convention Center in Longview, TX.  There are a lot of venders and it looks like some great speakers.  I am excited about the events for today.  If you are around, you might want to drop by. 

iSafe Challenge: A new feature for Utilicom Family members

This month, your iSafe Challenge, should you choose to accept:  Practice your 3 second following distance Defensive Driving procedure for 21 days (habit forming time) and report back on your observations,  Did you like it, hate it, it's way too far, you think it's fantastic, etc.  Let me know and I will let others know.  Be safe!  3 seconds.

Twitter

Once again I am trying to use twitter as another means of technology to reach out to all of my Utilicom Safety family members. I want to stay connected, pass information, identify high of points RappSession safety training topics and discuss safety issues I encounter in my daily walk. I hope you'll join me. Find and follow me on Twitter @usrappsession.

Craig Rapp
Utilicom Safety, LLC
PO Box 356
Diana, TX 75640
903 424-7453
Web:
www.utilicomsafety.com
www.rappsession.blogspot.com
Contact:
craig@utilicomsafety.com
rappsession@etex.net
Social Media:
Find Utilicom Safety, LLC on Facebook and follow me on Twitter @usrappsession.
Salus Primoris!

Spring Forward on Sunday March 13, 2011

If you didn't already know, (I forgot until my preacher sent me a text message reminding me) that this Sunday, really Saturday night, is when we set our clocks forward one hour.  Got to bed early, or just rely on less sleep Sunday after church service.  That's good nap time anyway, so maybe that's the better plan.  Unfortunately, I gotta drive out west on Sunday, so I am going to bed early. 

Unsafe Ladder Usage

One of our Utilicom Safety family members had her mind on safety when she spotted this employee of an unnamed retail store using this ladder improperly. Great eyes catching this one. Where the employer is ultimately responsible for this violation, this is a great example of incorrect behavior on the part of the employee not only putting him/herself in danger but also putting the company at risk for a costly injury and/or an OSHA fine. Never use the top platform as a step, never use a step ladder as an extension or single ladder. Check the capacity rating also. The 4:1 ratio must also be used. Ironically, that may be the only thing this employee has right. Be safe, and stay vigilant.

Not Sure it's That Smart!

I took this picture in Lamesa, TX. This Smart Car is half the size of my Crown Vic. I saw a show that demonstrated the good crash test results of this car, however, it would seem scarey to drive this down the highway at 70. I think the coverted golf cart we use to carry feed and hay on is actually longer then this car. You be the judge. Is the fuel savings enough of an offset for you? I am not convinced yet. Maybe if gas goes up to $7 per gallon I'll change my tune. I just don't think I would allow my children to drive one.
Craig Rapp
Utilicom Safety, LLC

First Day of Class

Ok. First day done of three day DDC instructor class. Weather is supposed to get bad tonight. Stay warm and drive safely tomorrow.
Craig Rapp
Utilicom Safety, LLC

Winter Weather

Today the 1st of February started out with very lw temperatures. When considering the wind chill factor, DFW was 2 degrees. All across the state the weather will be very cold. Please dress in layers, protect your hands. Bring your pets and plants inside. Extra fuel may be necessary for generators later. Winterize your car if you haven't already. Wrap your pipes and outside faucets. Scrape off all ice that may have accumulated on your windshields before driving. There may be snow for some of you, and rain for others. Leave for you destinations early just in case. Please watch any bridges you cross and slow down! And please don't read or write any text messages or emails while driving. Try and have as warm a day as possible.
Craig Rapp
Utilicom Safety, LLC

National Safety Council

http://www.youtube.com/NatlSafetyCouncil
Craig Rapp
Utilicom Safety, LLC

Diabetes Program I Found

If you are diabetic, you may already know about this program.  I only found it this this past weekend.  It is called dLife.  I found it channel 357 on Direct TV.  (The web site is dlife.com) I don't know the channel on other options, but surely you can look it up.  I found the information to be fantastic and timely.  There is supposed to be a documentary about a young boy who was the only known type 1 diabetic to survive the Nazi concentration camps.  I thought it was interesting enough to put it up here in the blog.  It is really interesting to learn how many people, in so many professions with diabetes.  It certainly gives me encouragement. 

Please click on the link below and watch this video now!

You need to see what OSHA thinks about texting and driving. Please watch this video.

Avg Employees and Man Hours for 300A Summary