The toys deemed potentially dangerous included a whirly wheel, a plastic book for babies, a wooden blocks set and a Sesame Street Oscar doll. The whirly wheel toy and the book had high levels of lead; the blocks set had some pieces that were too small for children under 3 and the Oscar doll had a hat that can come off easily and present a choking hazard to little children, the report said.

PIRG also warned about toys that are too loud and could lead to hearing damage as well as balloons, which cause more choking deaths than any other children’s product. About 40 percent of the choking fatalities reported to the government between 1990 and 2010 involved balloons.

Ed Mierzwinski, consumer program director at PIRG, says industrial chemicals and toxins in toys were among the biggest problems the group found this year. Lead can cause irreversible brain damage, and some studies have linked phthalates to reproductive problems.

The toy industry downplayed the report and pointed to government figures showing sharp declines in national toy recalls.

“All eyes have been on toy safety for several years now,” says Joan Lawrence, the Toy Industry Association’s vice president for toy safety standards. “I am confident that the toys on store shelves are safe. The toy industry works year-round on this.”

Government figures show a continued decline in toy recalls, with 34 in fiscal year 2011 — down from 46 recalls the previous year; 50 in 2009 and 172 in 2008. Recalls related to lead were down from 19 in 2008 to four recalls this past year.

PIRG credited a 2008 law that set stronger standards for children’s products, including strict limits on lead, for helping to make many of the products on store shelves safer for youngsters. The law was passed in the wake of a wave of recalls of lead-tainted toys.

PIRG reviewed about 200 toys and other children’s products from major retailers and dollar stores for its 26th annual “Trouble in Toyland” report.

This guest post is from Evan Fischer, a writer for http://www.pricebenowitzlaw.com, a law firm that protects the livelihood of clients who have suffered from an injury due to another person’s negligence.

It’s all fun and games until you’re dancing on the conference table on margarita Friday and you fall off and break a hip.  Okay, so most end-of-the-week “team building” exercises don’t go quite this far, but when it comes to workplace injuries, they’re probably best avoided.  Not only do most people want to keep their bodies intact, but do you really want to explain to your boss (and the workers compensation commission) just exactly what you were doing dancing on a table, three sheets to the wind?  Or more likely, why you were pulling a fifty pound box of paper off a high shelf while using a wheeled office chair as a stepstool?  Even lifting something, if done improperly, could result in a back injury that not only hurts like the dickens, but makes you feel like a fool, as well (everyone knows you should lift with your legs, not with your back).  The point is, you don’t want to deal with it in the first place.  So here are a few tips to help you prevent these injuries from occurring.

First, you should probably make an honest assessment of your physical abilities.  Many accidents and injuries in the workplace occur during simple tasks like lifting because people either aren’t paying attention to what they’re doing or they mistakenly overestimate their abilities.  One of the most common causes of workplace injury is falling.  This could result from climbing something in order to get at items that are high up or it could occur because you walked right past the wet floor sign without so much as a glance.  So you need to assess each situation for danger, pay attention to your surroundings, and ask for help if you need it.  You may be embarrassed to ask the young guy in the cubicle next to you to pull down a box from a high shelf, but you’ll be a lot redder in the face if you have to go to the hospital because you fell off the ladder and the box landed on you.

Of course, many people also experience repetitive motion injuries.  These are extremely common in office workers, in particular, because small motions like typing and using a mouse are often performed all day, every day.  In addition, many people who sit at a desk all day don’t realize that holding poor posture for extended periods can lead to aches, pains, and even serious injuries over time.  Before this happens, talk to your office manager about securing ergonomic devices meant to protect your body.  There are chairs and keyboards that will help to correct your posture and positioning in order to avoid injury (and they’ll cost a lot less than physical therapy).  As for staving off pain from repetitive motion, consider using stiff, padded wrist guards that will limit your range of motion.

And always practice safety first.  There are likely guidelines and policies in place to protect workers in every profession, especially those that are prone to hazard.  So make sure that you always follow safety regulations.  When in doubt, take the time to check and double check that you’re doing everything you can to avoid accident and injury – and don’t be too proud to ask for help since you’re the only one who will suffer from the decision not to (unless you happen to fall on a co-worker).

This is a good time to remind people of safety tips regarding kids in cars during summer weather. The Web site KidsandCars.org has a good list. Here are excerpts:

• Never leave children alone in or around cars; not even for a minute.

• Put something you’ll need like your cell phone, handbag, employee ID or brief case, etc., on the floorboard in the back seat.

• Get in the habit of always opening the back door of your vehicle every time you reach your destination

to make sure no child has been left behind.  This will soon become a habit.  We call this the “Look Before You Lock” campaign.

• Keep a large stuffed animal in the child’s car seat when it’s not occupied.  When the child is placed in the seat, put the stuffed animal in the front passenger seat. It’s a visual reminder that anytime the stuffed animal is up front you know the child is in the back seat in a child safety seat.

• Make arrangements with your child’s day care center or babysitter that you will always call if your child will not be there on a particular day as scheduled.
(This is common courtesy and sets a good example that everyone who is involved in the care of your child is informed of their whereabouts on a daily basis. Ask them to phone you if your child doesn’t show up when expected. Many children’s lives could have been saved with a telephone call from a concerned child care provider. Give child care providers all your telephone numbers, including that of an extra family member or friend, so they can always confirm the whereabouts of your child.)

• Keep vehicles locked at all times; even in the garage or driveway and always set your parking brake.

• Keys and/or remote openers should never be left within reach of children.

• Make sure all child passengers have left the vehicle after it is parked.

• When a child is missing, check vehicles and car trunks immediately.

• If you see a child alone in a vehicle, get involved.  If they are hot or seem sick, get them out as quickly as possible.  Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

• Be especially careful about keeping children safe in and around cars during busy times, schedule changes and periods of crisis or holidays.

• Use drive-thru services when available. (restaurants, banks, pharmacies, dry cleaners, etc.)

• Use your debit or credit card to pay for gas at the pump.

Here are some tips on coping with high temperatures, paraphrased from the Red Cross:

❏ Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio for critical updates from the National Weather Service (NWS).

❏ Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles.

❏ Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.

❏ Eat small meals and eat more often.

❏ Avoid extreme temperature changes.

❏ Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.

❏ Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.

❏ Postpone outdoor games and activities.

❏ Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat.

❏ Take frequent breaks if you must work outdoors.

❏ Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone, or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.

❏ Check on your animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat.

Those are the basic steps of the Red Cross preparedness plan. In view of the recent weather-related disasters across the country, we should all take action to be ready for any contingency. The details on this page of the Red Cross Web site will be a great help to you. I encourage everyone to read it in full.

Heading into winter, the roads become a more dangerous place for drivers, no matter how safe your car is. In order to limit your risk, there are a number of steps you can take to ensure you’re prepared for the onset of snow, sleet and ice on the roads:

•    Consider Investing in Snow Tires
If you live in an area where it snows early and often, then you may want to consider investing in a new set of snow tires. Even if you have a front or all-wheel drive car, snow tires will still improve your traction on the road, making it much easier to brake and turn, even under the most adverse weather conditions.

•    Ensure Your Rear Defrost, Coolant and Washer Fluid Levels are Filled
When the weather truly turns, you’ll want to ensure you can leverage the complete capabilities of your vehicle  to ward off inclement weather. This means ensuring that your car’s fluid levels, from defrost, coolant and washer fluids are filled. While you’ll still likely have to de-ice your car by hand, these fluids will make your driving experience a bit easier in winter conditions.

•    Always Have a Fully-Charged Cell Phone on the Road
No matter how prepared you may be for winter weather conditions, having a charged cellular phone will provide an insurance policy in case you need to call for help. To ensure that someone will be there to help you tow or re-start your car in poor conditions, consider investing in a road-side assistance program such as AAA.

•    Drive More Slowly and Cautiously in Poor Weather
If you need to drive during a snow or ice storm, then you may want to consider waiting it out. On the other hand, if your transportation is absolutely necessary due to a job or other obligation, then take special care to drive more cautiously than you normally would: always stop at yellow lights, come to a complete stop a stop signs, be aware of other drivers on the road, and keep your speed well below the speed limit.  Keep your braking gentle and resist that temptation to pass slower vehicles such as trucks.

•    Stay Alert At All Times
Keep your hands firmly on the wheel and your attention focused on the road: limit your use of cruise control, cell phones, and loud radios when driving in winter weather; you’ll need complete concentration to ensure that you safely arrive at your destination.

This guest post was written by Ms. Maya Richard – she is currently writing about software, cable TV, and high speed Internet.

We’re less than a week away from the Super Bowl now, and many people are firming up their plans for viewing parties. This article that I stole from the good people at MADD has some good tips for your own Super Bowl party — how to have fun and stay safe. At the MADD site you can learn more about the organization, and can make a donation to the group.

There’s a reason it’s called throwing a party – a host has to be ready for the occasional trick play and juggle the unexpected when it comes to staging an event that’s fun, entertaining and safe for everyone. Responsible hosts know that part of showing guests a great time is making sure they get home safely. Dealing with safe driving is an important hosting duty so we’ve compiled some quick tips to help you throw a completion this season:

Plan activities. Planned activities like party games, door prize drawings or amateur fortune-telling engage people, make for less active consumption of alcohol and ensure that your friends remember the great event long after the last touchdown was thrown.

Avoid mixers. Mixers won’t help dilute alcohol. Carbonated mixers like club soda or tonic water cause alcohol to be absorbed into a person’s system more quickly. Fruit juice and other sweet mixers mask the taste of alcohol and may cause people to drink more.

Designate sober drivers. As guests RSVP, confirm that at least one person in each group is prepared to be the non-drinking designated driver.

Provide plenty of food. Food helps prevent guests from drinking on an empty stomach, which causes guests to get intoxicated faster.

Avoid too many salty snacks. They tend to make people thirsty and drink more.

Offer non-alcoholic beverages. Give beverage options that don’t involve alcohol to designated drivers and others who prefer not to drink alcohol.

Respect 21. Never serve alcohol to someone under the legal drinking age, and never ask children to serve alcohol at parties.

Be ready to step in. Despite your efforts, if some of your guests have had too much to drink, drive them home, arrange for a ride with another guest who is sober, call a taxi or invite them to stay over.

Don’t commit a party foul! Use these tips to help throw a party that sails into the end zone.

There are a variety of prepackaged kits on the market.

On the high end, there’s a $90 version at Batterysavers.com, a safety-supply company. It comes with a battery-powered air compressor to pump your tire, a folding shovel, a 50-piece first-aid kit with instruction cards and a safety vest. Eddie Bauer makes a similar $69 kit with extras such as a poncho and a safety whistle.

For $59.97, Goodyear sells a kit that includes a one-year membership in a roadside-assistance program.

Although not as convenient, you can put together a very complete kit for about $60 and alter it to fit your needs.

Traveling in a cold climate? Add a blanket, a small shovel and an ice scraper. Want something fancier? There’s the $67 Solar Jump-N-Carry, a portable jump starter with an attached flashlight; or a large, flashing hazard triangle for $16.

Here are 10 basic items you should put in an emergency kit:

- Duct tape. It’s a running joke that duct tape can fix just about anything. Well, there’s some truth in that. Duct tape can be a lifesaver on the road, to fixing a dangling side mirror or a dragging bumper or patching up a broken hose. It can even keep the doors closed if the locking mechanism stops working in a wreck, and it costs only about $3. Bungee cords are also handy for quick repairs.

- Flashlight. These are critical in a nighttime breakdown. Consider one with a base that will stand upright and keep your hands free if you’re trying to make a repair. Amazon.com sells a flexible flashlight with a magnetic base for $9.95. Be sure to throw in a couple of extra batteries.

- Reflective triangle, flares or glow sticks. They warn other motorists if you’re on the side of the road, and they don’t need batteries. Redflarekits.com has a reflective triangle and stand for $4.36 and glow sticks for 99 cents each.

- Tool set. Most vehicles come with a jack and lug wrench for changing the tires. For other jobs, such as tightening battery cables, you need a small set of tools. Even if you don’t know how to use them, the Good Samaritan who stops to help you will need something to work with. Consumer Reports suggests that motorists carry socket and open-end wrenches, a multi-tip screwdriver and pliers. Sears sells a household tool set for $16.75.

- Tire inflator. Auto information site Edmunds.com recommends carrying a can of Fix-a-Flat, which inflates and seals a tire temporarily. It costs about $6.

- Jumper cables. These can restart your battery if there’s another car to give you a boost. Advance Auto Parts sells a set for $8.99. Your owner’s manual will have instructions on how to use them.

- First-aid kit. Choose a kit that helps you care for minor cuts or burns and has plenty of bandages. Target sells a Johnson & Johnson-brand kit for $8.69.

- Gloves and rags. Car repair is dirty work. Throw in a pair of work gloves — you can find some online for $2.50 or less — and a few rags.

- Pen and paper. You might need to leave a note on your car if you leave to find help.

- Water and nonperishable snacks. You might be stranded for several hours so snacks can keep you going, and water can cool down an overheating engine.

The Dallas Morning News reports on “Federal Pacific Stab-Lok, a type of circuit breaker in thousands of North Texas homes that is now widely thought by engineers, electricians and house inspectors to be defective – and dangerous.” Concerns began to surface about the circuit breakers thirty years ago, but “after testing the devices for about two years, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said the government lacked sufficient data to warrant a recall.” More recently, however, “engineers studying them independently have found that the circuit breakers can overload and cause fires.” According to one expert, there may be as many as “20 million homes nationwide” that still use the Stab-Lok circuit breaker. “If your house was built during the ’60s, ’70s or ’80s, it probably has one of these breakers. About 90 percent of houses we see from that time have them,” said one inspector.