Walk this Way

That we've degenerated into a nation of imbeciles and hapless stumblebums is obvious to anyone with eyes to see. But what choice do we have, really? When government insists on acting like a nanny, citizens naturally assume the role of helpless dependents. Confirmation of just how pathetic it's become can be found in this amazing story in today's Rocky Mountain News, which I paste below for the enjoyment of non-Coloradans who might miss it.

Read it and weep (unless you've forgotten how, and need a few pointers):

Denver city workers get tips to foil slips and trips
Rocky Mountain News

Some of Denver's city employees apparently are a little bit clumsy.

Last year, city employees reported 253 slips, trips and falls resulting in losses of more than $2.5 million of "incurred costs," which likely includes lost time and workers compensation.

To get a grip on the problem, the city's Risk Management Office launched a safety campaign called "Slips, Trips and Falls - Shouldn't Happen At All."

The name of the city's safety campaign grew out of the fact that all slips, trips and falls are "100 percent preventable," according to the employee newsletter InSight, which includes a picture of a foot and ankle in a cast.

"The best way to prevent these accidents is the use of common sense and positive walking practices," the newsletter states.
Among the practices recommended by Risk Management:

* Wear "appropriate foot wear" and walk slowly when conditions are snowy and icy.

* Take short steps to keep your center of balance.

* Don't carry items in front of you. Otherwise, you won't have good visibility of the ground or be able to use your arms for balance.

* Use handrails, if they're available, while on stairs.

* Clean up spills immediately. Warn others right away.

* Good housekeeping practices are key to preventing tripping hazards. Open file drawers and unattended boxes in hallways or under desks are trouble waiting to happen.

* Keep computer cords out of the way and off the floor if possible.

Some of the recommendations may seem simple, but "simple things are often forgotten," said LaCharles Keesee, the city's deputy chief financial officer.

"We're going to always try and do what we think is thoughtful and responsible and articulate the right message to our work force," he said. Also, the city can realize its greatest cost-savings around issues that seem pretty simple, he added.

Employees also are encouraged to look over their work area and evaluate what needs to be done to prevent accidents. They can send safety ideas to buzzonsafety@denvergov.org.

"Let's see just how good we are at injury prevention in 2009," the newsletter states.