Monthly Archives: July 2013

Back Safety, Ergonomics, Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Head Protection, Hearing Protection

FORKLIFT TRUCK SAFETY – PART II (GUEST POST)

Because of the detailed information in yesterday’s article, we continue  with Part II.  Please read these valuable instructions regarding forklift safety, submitted by Andrea Bernie.

Loading 

Every forklift comes with a data plate fixed in place as handy reference for important information such as load limits.  When loading a forklift: 

  •          Never exceed manufacturer’s recommended load limit
  •          Keep the vehicle’s mast in an upright position before inserting it into a pallet
  •          Make sure the fork is level before inserting it into a pallet
  •          Position the load according to manufacturer recommendation
  •          Never add a counterweight
  •          For the most stable hauling, keep the load as close to the front wheels as possible 

Raising the Load 

The forklift truck is least stable when its raising the load.  The higher the load, the more unstable the machine.  For optimum safety: 

  •          Never raise or lower the fork on a moving vehicle
  •          Always come to a complete stop, with brake engages, before raising the load or lowering it
  •          For driver safety, never lift a load that will extend higher than the fork’s backrest
  •         Check for adequate overhead clearance before lifting the load
  •          Be mindful of obstructions or other loads along the travel path
  •          Avoid overheat power lines at all times
  •          For traveling stability, life the load first up, then tilted back slightly before moving it
  •          Make sure forks are free before traveling in reverse
  •          Never abandon a loaded forklift, especially if the load is in a raised position
  •          Keep people off the lift, whether loaded or unloaded
  •          Keep people out from under the lift, whether it’s loaded or unloaded 

Handling Pallets 

Pallets and forklifts work together like locks and keys but it’s not a fool-proof union.  Caution in handling pallets is required for speed, efficiency, and to minimize the risk of accidents. 

  •          Adjust forks to fit pallets before inserting them
  •          Make sure the load is balanced and stable before beginning the lift
  •          Make sure the forks are completely under the pallet before beginning the lift
  •          Never adjust the load, the forklift or truck, or the surrounding area once the fork is loaded
  •          Never transfer a palleted load from one raised forklift to another 

Loading or Unloading Straight Trucks, Tractor Trailers, Railway Cars 

  • Tightly packed cargo, cramped spaces, and uneven or unsteady work surfaces make loading or unloading straight trucks, tractor trailers, railway cars, and other moveable cargo carriers exceptionally risky business.  This is never the work of a rookie, never a training ground.  Only highly skilled, well-trained forklift operators should attempt work in these environments. 

Prepare the vehicle before loading or unloading begins.  Be sure to: 

  •          Post warning signs on all sides of the work area
  •          Verify the floor of the vehicle is strong enough to support the weight of the cargo, the forklift, and its operator
  •          Verify the dockplate or on / off ramp is securely fixed in place and can support the weight of the cargo, the forklift, and its   operator
  •          Firmly set all the vehicle’s brakes
  •          Chock all wheels with a wedge or block
  •          If the trailer is uncoupled, in a stand-alone setting, secure it with fixed jacks for added stability
  •          Ensure proper lighting
  •          Make sure points of ingress / egress are clear of obstruction and clearly marked inside and outside the vessel
  •          Inspect the work area and clear away all debris, clutter, or obstructions and clean up any spills or wet spots that could trigger an accident
  •          Install non-slip material to floors that suggest potential risk
  •          Make sure the cargo storage zone is clear of obstruction, with all edges clearly marked
  •          Mark load and cargo storage areas with reflective tape if working at night or in dimly lit environments
  •          Do not work in a cargo container with holes in the floor 

During the loading or unloading process: 

  •          Stay as far away from all edges of docks, ramps, or elevated doorways as possible
  •          Never try to move the vessel with the forklift
  •          Work only in well-ventilated work zones
  •          Keep dockplate and ramps clean and clear of clutter at all times
  •          Work slowly and carefully for maximum safety
  •          Never spin the lift truck’s wheels 

Special measures are necessary for working safely around railway cars: 

  •          Always cross the track on a diagonal
  •          Make sure hand brakes, derailer, and wheel blocks are in place before entering the car
  •          Open railway car doors properly, never with the forks of the lift truck
  •          Park forklift at least ten feet away from track when not in use 

Entering An Elevator with a Forklift Truck 

Freight elevators can save a lot of time and travel bus command special respect when loading and unloading heavy machinery from them.  Always obtain proper authorization before entering an elevator with a forklift truck and use them safely: 

  •          Before entry, verify the elevator can support the weight of the cargo, the forklift, and its operator
  •          Work slowly and cautiously
  •          Allow ample room for elevator doors to open
  •          Enter the elevator squarely, never at an angle
  •          Once inside, neutralize all controls
  •          Turn the forklift’s engine off
  •          Set all forklift truck brakes 

Parking 

Even parked forklifts are dangerous if they’re not properly exited.  For forklift truck safety round the clock, please: 

  •          Park in designated parking areas only
  •          Before leaving the truck, be sure to:
  •          Firmly set all brakes
  •          Lower forks and/or load to the ground
  •          Turn all controls to neutral or off settings
  •          Turn off the motor
  •          Disconnect battery cables
  •          Follow safety procedures to shut off propane fuel supply 

Technological advances and government regulations make working with forklifts safer to operate with each new design or each new labor law but, ultimately, forklift truck safety depends on the operator.  Respect is required at all times — respect for the machine, respect for the work, respect for the workplace, and respect of the operator and all coworkers in the work zone. 

Author Bio: Joana Kylee is an authorized dealer of superior quality forklift forks, forklift seats and all types forklift spare parts for major brands of lift trucks with same day shipping.

 

 

 

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection

FORKLIFT TRUCK SAFETY (GUEST POST) PART I

The forklift truck has become the workhorse of modern warehousing operations.  They allow us to move substantial loads with speed, ease, and relative safety.  Forklifts, as these trucks are so often called, come in many makes, models, and sizes that can be configured with removable parts that make it possible to move just about anything in any industrial setting.  Their ease of operation makes forklift operation easy to master but an operator must never forget he’s working with heavy industrial machinery that commands respect. 

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 100 workers every year are killed in accidents involving forklifts and 20,000 more are seriously injured.  Training, licensing, and operator certification measures are so vital to forklift truck safety that private industry, the military, and government regulatory agencies at every level have developed programs to keep forklift operation as safe as possible.

 Use a forklift inspection checklist like this one to log daily inspections. 

The safest forklift is the well-maintained forklift.  At the beginning of every shift, a visual inspection of every forklift to be used will improve safety and increase productivity throughout the work day.  A visual inspection at the end of every shift quickly identifies any vehicles that need maintenance or require cleaning before next use. 

Checklist for Visual Inspection 

Forklifts are often employed in rugged conditions that leave them dirty, muddy, or covered with grime from any source.  Clean machines are vital for optimum mechanical performance and safety.  No one likes working in filthy conditions but dirt also hides defects that can lead to danger.  Before using a forklift, consider this checklist for visual inspection: 

  • Work area uncluttered and free of debris that could cause accidents
  •  Any danger zones identified
  •  Overhead space provides plenty of clearance and no risk of falling  objects
  •  Fire extinguisher in reach and ready to use
  •  Engine fluids — fuel, oil, water — at workable levels
  •  Battery at full charge and securely fixed to machine
  •  Electrolyte levels in battery as required for maximum     performance
  •   No exposed battery cable wires
  •   Battery cable connects firmly fixed and in sound operational state
  •   Vent caps clear and free of clogs
  •    All hold-downs or brackets tightly in place
  •    No damaged, loose, or missing nuts, bolts, chains, hoses, or guards
  •    Tires and wheels in sound working condition
  •     Pneumatic tires properly inflated
  •     Forks in safe working condition, no bends or cracks
  •     All positioning latches fully functional
  •     Carriage teeth intact with no breaks, chips, or worn areas
  •     Chain anchor pins in good working order, not bent, loose, or worn
  •      No evidence of leaks or drips underneath the vehicle
  •      All hoses securely in place, not crimped, loose, worn, or rubbing  together dangerously 

Checklist for Operational Pre-Use Inspection

When conditions look good on and around the forklift, conduct an inspection to gauge how well the machine is running before tackling a day’s work.  Make this checklist for operational pre-use inspection a routine part of every shift for every operator of every forklift on the job: 

  •   The horn must be working loud enough to be heard in the workplace, no matter how loud
  •   Other devices that give warning during operations must be fully functional
  •    Braking system — does the pedal hold?  Does the unit stop smoothly every time?
  •    Parking brake holds even against minor acceleration
  •    Deadman seat brake secure as operator sits and rises from the seat
  •    Clutch and gears shift smoothly, with no jumps or jerks
  •     Dash control panel fully operational, with all lights and gauges fully functional
  •     Steering mechanism works smoothly
  •     Lift mechanism works smoothly when empty forks are raised to maximum height and then lowered
  •     Tilt mechanism works smoothly when mast is moved to maximum degree forward and backward
  •    Cylinders and hoses free from leaks or defects
  •    No unusual sounds are produced when machine is in operation 

It is vitally important to make sure every person who operates a forklift is fully trained and legally qualified to do so.  It is equally important to have only fully qualified personnel to service and maintain every forklift. 

Forklift Operation 

 Never use a coworker as counterweight to balance a load that’s too heavy or that must be lifted too high. 

The basic function of a forklift is the same but every work environment comes with a unique set of situations and circumstances.  Mastery of basic forklift operation is important but optimum safety comes when the operator knows how to effectively operate the machine in the environment where it will be put to work. 

It’s human nature to minimize the danger of operating a forklift when it’s been done safely and routinely over time but accidents happen in the blink of an eye.  Vigilance is required every minute of operation. 

Traveling 

The ride’s a little bit different when a forklift is carrying a heavy load or when it’s empty.  Either way, safety always comes first.  The safest forklift operator will make safe driving habits such a routine part of his workday that they become effortless, no matter if traveling with a full load or not.

  •          Keep all body parts inside the truck —  head, hands, feet, arms, everything
  •          Keep other objects inside the truck, too, including lunch boxes, overcoats, and communication devices
  •          Always keep forks as low to the ground as possible
  •          Keep forks tilted back whenever possible
  •          Obey all workplace traffic signs
  •          Turning corners — slow down, honk the horn, and be mindful of the swing of the vehicle, front and back
  •          Avoid quick or sudden stops
  •          Travel slowly in reverse if the load is so large it’s impossible to see over it traveling forward
  •          Look only in the direction the machine is moving
  •          Stay well clear of all people, other vehicles, loose objects, slick or wet spots, holes, and rough surfaces
  •          Respect the truck’s blind spots, when empty and when fully loaded
  •          Any time a pedestrian, another forklift, or any moving vehicle crosses or shares the intended route, always stop the forklift then lower the load as far as possible and wait till the route is clear again before resuming operation 

Traveling on an Incline 

Slopes and uneven work surfaces challenge forklift safety and require special maneuvers.  When traveling on an incline: 

  •          Never attempt a turn on uneven ground; save turns for level surfaces only
  •          No load?  Keep forks pointed down the incline
  •          Loaded?  Keep loaded forks pointed uphill at all times 

Steering 

There’s no power steering here so driver skill is all the more important.  Important steering safety skills include: 

  •          Turning only with the rear wheels so the front wheels need only support the load
  •          Make no sharp turns
  •          The heavier the load, the wider the turns
  •          An overloaded fork is a dangerous fork; don’t overload it
  •          Never add a counterweight to the back of the truck, especially not a human counterweight 

Tomorrow, we will continue with more information about forklift safety and a list of additional things to be aware of to guarantee safety in loading, unloading, handling pallets, safety while loading into railroad cars, and much more.

Author Bio: Joana Kylee is an authorized dealer of superior quality forklift forks, forklift seats and all types forklift spare parts for major brands of lift trucks with same day shipping.

Article submitted by Andrea Bernie.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ergonomics, Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection

TEN THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR WHEN DOING AMATEUR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS (GUEST POST)

The nature of construction means there’s constantly the potential for disaster. Heavy objects, sharp ends, powerful machines and more don’t mix well with soft human bodies.

Even when I work with experienced teams or am just doing a little job around the house on my own, I still occasionally come across dangerous situations and close calls. These instances are even more common in the world of amateur construction, where people without professional training often find themselves at odds with the tools and materials they’re working with.

There are plenty of reasons to consider amateur construction. It can save you money, especially on smaller-scale work. It gives people a sense of accomplishment and ownership, and lets them express their creative side exactly as they envision with their own hands. But such projects cause disasters every day. Mishaps can cause expensive damage to structures and severe injury to the builder. If you’re considering a DIY construction project, be sure to use extra caution and be on the lookout for these common mistakes:

1. Dehydration and Overexertion

Often it’s not a wild swing of a hammer or improper use of a table saw that causes mistakes, but physical fatigue and breakdown. Unless you’re a very active person on a regular basis, your body may not be prepared for the rigor or heavy construction work. Exhaustion and dehydration make people clumsy and cause them to make bad decisions. Only work when you’re rested and hydrated, and be sure to make time in your efforts for breaks and refreshment.

2. Disorganization

A poorly organized work space is the bane of construction workers everywhere. It decreases efficiency and makes the entire job take longer to complete. More importantly, though, it creates hazards. It’s difficult to be safe and effective if you’re navigating through a mess of lumber and machinery. Always make a point to keep your work place as neat as possible; the investment of time will pay itself off.

3. Working Alone

Doing anything strenuous on your own is rarely a good idea. If something happens, like a sudden injury, it can be tough to take care of yourself. Avoid doing heavy construction work without someone who knows where you are and what you’re doing in case an emergency arises.

4. Improper Safety Gear

It’s amazing how many do-it-yourselfers try to tackle a project without even the most basic of safety equipment. You don’t need a HAZMAT suit to stay protected in most situations. Even just investing in some good work gloves and decent safety eye wear will prevent an astonishing amount of injuries.

5. Electrocution

When many people undertake large construction projects, they often overlook the difficulty and danger of working with and around established electrical systems. Improperly fiddling with the wiring in your walls and appliances can cause a deadly shock. Always be sure you know how to correctly handle electrical installation or removal before starting any projects that will require it.

6. Hazardous Materials

Some construction work might involve the use of hazardous chemicals that people aren’t used to handling. This could include something as simple as gasoline, or something a little more complex like an industrial cleaner. Always be wary of any dangers related to flammability, toxic fumes, and chemical reactions due to exposure.

7. Unwelcome Visitors

Even in a relatively safe work site, it’s easy for someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing to hurt themselves or someone else. I see this commonly in homes with children and pets where boundaries aren’t properly established. Be sure to make clear to any kids present that the construction area is dangerous, and take care to zone the area off from a curious dog or cat.

8. Excess Stress on the Body

A lot of construction work is physically taxing. There’s a high amount of pressure put on sensitive body parts repeatedly. Your shoulders, wrists, knees, and back are especially at risk. To reduce the danger, follow best practices for lifting and moving heavy objects and using tools.

9. Working from a Height

Some of the nastiest construction-related injuries I’ve witnessed were due to someone getting careless and falling from a roof or ladder. Always take extra caution when working from a position where a fall could happen, even if you’re just a few feet off the ground. Learn ladder and harness safety as necessary to prevent a fall.

10. Incomplete Tool Knowledge

As tempting as it may be to skip, you should always read the manual for any tool more complex than a hammer or screwdriver. Always know the ins and outs of all your power tools, from power drills to nail guns, so you’re never taken by surprise.

Doing a personal construction project is rewarding both personally and financially, but only if you avoid causing any damage to yourself or the area around you. Always be sure to follow all general safety precautions before getting started. Happy building!

Author Profile:

Author Profile: Home-shield Mike Thomas is a private contractor and writer for HomeWarrantyDeals.com.  He enjoys DIY projects, college football and is also deeply passionate about restoring antique homes.

General Safety Issues

MAKE THEM LAUGH! (GUEST POST)

 It’s fair to say that workplace safety is no laughing matter. However, safety education tends to be overly boring and self-serious. Far too often, employees tune out when employers try to educate them about safety.  Have you ever experienced trying to teach someone about workplace safety, only to find that they tune you out?  

The Safety Education Problem
Ask yourself one question: why do employees blow off safety education? Is it because it’s boring? Is it because secretly they’re afraid? Are they trying to look macho? Is it because they think an accident could never happen to them? 
 
The Funny Solution
I think all of those reasons explain one of the major challenges with safety education. While there’s no such thing as a silver bullet, I believe that approaching safety with a humorous point of view can address many of the underlying causes of employee inattention. Funny safety materials, are less boring, they bypass fear and machismo by allowing self-deprecation, which helps employees realize that accidents can happen to anyone. In fact, there is an entire non-profit organization dedicated to expanding the role of humor in education!
 
Humorous safety materials have this effect, because people tend to be disarmed and relaxed when they’re laughing. For example, if you post a cartoon in your break room, most people will read it and grasp its meaning before realizing that it had anything to do with safety!  Would you have the same effect if you posted a warning poster? I think not.
 
Or imagine passing out photos of workers undertaking absurdly dangerous risks. Your employees will look at the idiots in these pictures and laugh. And that laughter reminds them of right from wrong, safe from unsafe, without you having to nag them constantly.
 
How to Implement Humor
I am not suggesting that educators should abandon the old methods lock, stock, and barrel. But I think there is a strong place for integrating humorous safety materials in the regular course of business. The internet is full of a of free or cheap safety education tools that are also funny.  You can find safety cartoons addressing any workplace safety topic imaginable . The are entire websites devoted to cataloging funny safety videos. Because I think this is such an important tool, but couldn’t find all the information I wanted in one place, I myself put together a collection of some great humorous safety materials.
 
When teaching safety, it is easy to just check off the box for each requirement. However, implmenting a real culture of safety requires getting through to your employees on many different levels. While humor can’t solve every problem, it adds an entirely new tool to your safety education toolbox.
 
——-
Ivan Oakthorn blogs about safety at 10safetytips.com.
General Safety Issues

PUBLIC SAFETY AND INDUSTRIAL BUSINESS (GUEST POST)

Burglars are a big problem for businesses, especially those that are in areas where no one is around at night time. Businesses in mixed use areas suffer from less break-ins than industries in business and industrial districts,  so those located in industrial parks should be particularly aware of the issues they face,  since there are no neighbors to notice suspicious activity. Industrial businesses also need to keep the public out of what could potentially turn into a dangerous situation.

Industrial parks are a good thing for commerce. They allow businesses to do things that residential neighbors wouldn’t tolerate and get access to resources they need easily, such as truck deliveries and railway lines for shipping. But with industrial parks come some risks. Because no one is around at night in most industrial parks when the companies are closed for the night, security can become a big issue. Unmonitored areas attract burglars who want to steal industrial supplies and tools,  so businesses in industrial zones need to ensure their trade is protected. Part of the problem, however, is not enticing burglars with obstacles that show the business has things of value. For instance, high fences around a building might be a clue that there is something valuable inside to protect, such as copper or machine parts.

Another issue businesses in industrial settings need to be wary of is the public wandering into places they don’t belong, either by mistake or on purpose. Industrial businesses often involve dangerous machinery that come with lots of safety requirements that the general public doesn’t know about. If someone wanders into your business into an area they shouldn’t be or a burglar breaks in and ignores safety signs, they can suffer injuries and you might be held liable.

The best way to solve these problems is to install a security system that not only prevents burglaries but also alerts the police if someone has broken in. Security systems with surveillance cameras deter burglars so there’s less chance that someone will try to break into your business. Monitored burglar alarms also alert the police that a break-in has occurred so they will respond to your business immediately, instead of finding out the next morning when you get to work that things have gone missing.  They are also an inconspicuous way to protect your business without attracting attention.

 Sent by Kim Herrington of 1stsecurity.com

Hearing Protection

TIPS FOR PROTECTING YOUR HEARING AT WORK (GUEST POST)

As you must already know, your hearing is integral to living an easy, high-quality life. Without your hearing, life would become significantly more problematic – not only would you be unable to hear things like your child’s first words or even just your favourite TV show, but you’d be putting yourself at risk when crossing the street or working in dangerous environments.

You’ll want to take good care of those ear drums; they’re precious, and there’s not a great deal you can do once you’ve lost them. When you work in a loud environment, you’re at a much greater risk of damaging your hearing. Thankfully, with a few simple precautions you can protect your ears from harm.

How Can Noise Damage Hearing?

Too much exposure to loud noises can hurt your ears. On the short term, you can temporarily lose your hearing, but prolonged exposure can lead to permanent hearing loss, tinnitus, or even deafness.

If you work around loud noises, exposure to a sound of over 85 decibels for eight hours a day can seriously affect your hearing. An idling tractor and a conveyor are two examples of 85dB noise.

Anything above this – like power tools, chain saws, and jet engines – are even more dangerous.

If noise is causing damage, there are some tell-tale signs you should watch out for. If you hear a ringing in your ears, or have trouble following a conversation with more than one person, or struggle to hear high-pitched sounds, you should get your hearing checked out.

The best way to do this is to see a trained audiologist. You can book your hearing test online, and the test is quick and painless.

How Can You Protect Your Hearing on the Job?

Thankfully, it only takes a bit of common sense and a few simple preparations to stop your hearing from suffering harm as you work. One of the best – and easiest – methods is to just wear safety ear plugs
whenever you are exposed to loud sounds; so, before using that jackhammer, for instance.

If you are, for whatever reason, averse to putting things inside your ears, a great alternative is to wear safety earmuffs. These sit over your ear, covering the entire thing, thus blocking out most noise.

Both ear plugs and ear muffs are measured in terms of effectiveness in cancelling out noise – this is known as the NRR or Noise Reduction Rating. As you’ll be around loud noises for long periods of time, you’ll want to make sure you get your hands on ear plugs or ear muffs with an NRR number of 25 or above.

This number means that it reduces the total noise level by 25 decibels, thus bringing that 85dB tractor engine down to a comfortable 60dB.

If you’re using reusable ear plugs, make sure you wash them with warm water and soap after each use. That’s all the maintenance they need, so there’s really no reason to shy away from using them – your hearing is valuable!  If you feel that your hearing is already damaged then it would be wise to get a hearing test done. You can book one for free at Boots Hearingcare just to put your mind at ease.

 

 

 

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

COMMON MISTAKES IN FIRST AID (GUEST POST)

Many of us go through life having had the odd bump or fall along the way. The majority will have been able to attend to these minor injuries themselves with a little antiseptic and the odd bandage or plaster. Unlucky others may embark on a visit to A&E after a more serious incident deemed professional medical attention. When these things happen, do you really know what you’re doing when it comes to administering First Aid?

There are several common First Aid mistakes that happen through lack of training or simple human error. Here are a few, just so you know how to avoid them in the future:

When feeling faint, it’s commonly thought that putting your head between your legs will make you feel better. This isn’t a legitimate cure for such an ailment. Instead, it’s advised that laying flat and elevating the legs is the best way to bring someone round. Some good old fresh air wouldn’t harm either and ensuring any tight clothing is loosened will definitely help.

A dislocated joint causes a lot of pain for the injured party, so putting it back into place is often attempted. Without medical supervision this can cause even more pain and discomfort and could even lead to a more severe injury. It is advised that applying cold to the joint, using an ice pack and resting it with a sling for support would be much more beneficial.

Almost everybody will have experienced the strange feeling that a nose bleed will give. Trying to stop the bleeding is often attempted by titling the head back, although this is not the correct treatment. Instead it’s recommended to sit upright and pinch the bottom half of the nose with the thumb and index finger, whilst the casualty breathes through their mouth.

If a particularly hard fall knocks a tooth out, it’s worth finding the tooth and keeping hold of it for the emergency staff to attempt to reimplant it. No matter how dirty it is, refrain from scrubbing the tooth and gently rinse under a tap or with cold milk, if unavailable, suck the dirt off the tooth. The best thing to do is try and keep the tooth either in its socket or between the tongue gum and cheek.

If your bad luck goes so far as accidently severing a finger or thumb in a DIY disaster, the worst thing to do is trying to preserve the loose part by directly placing it on ice, contrary to popular belief. You should wrap the severed part in a damp gauze, then place in a watertight bag and then place the bag on ice so when at A&E staff can attempt to reattach it. The remaining injury on the hand or foot should be covered with a clean, dry cloth and have ice held against it to reduce swelling.

These simple tips will help you do the right thing in a medical emergency, however, to deal with such incidents it’s a good idea to get basic first aid training, keep a first aid products handy, keep your cool and be totally sure that what you’re doing is right. It’s always advisable to seek medical help if the casualty has an injury that causes them to bleed heavily or reach unconsciousness.

Our thanks to Emma S. for bringing some thought-provoking ideas to this important subject. pb

General Safety Issues

WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY (GUEST POST)

Work Health And Safety – Knowing Your Responsibilities At The Workplace 

Employees spend a great majority of their waking lives at the workplace. As such, this greatly exposes them to risks and hazards that cannot be encountered elsewhere. This is the reason why both employees and business owners must put a premium on work health and safety, not only in relation to the physical wellbeing of a person, but also in relation to mental health. 

Risks and hazards refer both to substances and behaviours which can harm a person at the workplace. These can refer to toxic chemicals, and in the construction sector, falling debris and improper use of machinery. 

Stressing the need for awareness of safe practices, minimising risks and hazards, and keeping up with changes in the workplace, the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 came into effect on January 1, 2012, effectively replacing and updating the Occupational Health and Safety acts of the previous years. 

The major difference of this act from its previous iterations is its goal to harmonise the work and safety laws across Australia’s states and jurisdictions which, prior to the enforcement of the act, differed one way from another across different places. For business owners, particularly those operating in more than one area, this means complying with a single set of rules and regulations, effectively lessening costs. 

The act tackles several important issues. Most important of these is the need for the active participation of all stakeholders, from the workers to employees to unions, to actively work together to promote health and safety at the workplace through information, use of safety equipment and good work practices. 

In the construction sector, safety and health at the workplace is promoted through various practices and requirements including the requirement of a White Card or Occupational Health and Safety Certificate for those who work in construction. This includes labourers, apprentices, supervisors and project managers. A White Card can be obtained through either online or face-to-face training. 

Getting a White Card is not merely a mandatory requirement. It will teach those seeking employment in the construction industry to understand the various concepts involved in occupational health and safety as well as their responsibilities in promoting these. 

Should a worker without a White Card be found working in a job site, both the worker and the employer will be fined heavily. But apart from the economic cost, working without a White Card increases the likelihood of injuries and accidents both for the worker and for those who are around him. 

Author Bio

Sarah Miller is a business consultant by profession and a content creator, writer and blogger by passion. Having been exposed to the different aspects and faces of businesses, she frequently does research on useful information regarding the different methods and techniques to further improve business marketing, sales, performance and shares her passion of business management through blog/content writing.  She wrote this article for http://www.whitecardinfo.com.au.

 

General Safety Issues

ARE YOU STANDING SAFELY? (GUEST POST)

There is much said about the negative side of sedentary jobs – sitting at a desk all day can have a very negative effect on our health from minor issues such as Repetitive Strain Injury right through to increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. But what about employees who are constantly on their feet? Millions of staff stand all day in the UK, doing all sorts of jobs in a variety of different industries. Cashiers, nurses, assembly line workers, retail staff and food service assistants are just a few. 

Being on your feet all day can be a real pain. Back pain, shoulder pain, leg pain, muscle tension, joint issues, hip problems, varicose veins. These are just some of the things that are associated with standing for long periods of time. Workers can suffer, especially if they are in a role where they are in a similar stance or doing the same thing over and over, such as a cashier or assembly line worker. Because they are not moving about much they are feeling the force of gravity, their muscles become tense – and this can lead to all sorts of pain. 

So if your staff are always on their feet, think about what you can you do to minimise the pain. 

Let’s start at the bottom. Are your staff wearing the right shoes? If they have correctly-fitting and fit-for-purpose footwear they’ll be comfortable and this will seriously minimise the risks already outlined. There is also another benefit. When staff are comfortable, they are more productive. Think about last time you were wearing shoes that weren’t comfortable. All you can think about is how much your feet are hurting. If that’s how your staff are feeling they are hardly likely to be the best ambassadors of your brand. 

But it’s not just about how happy, smiley and productive your staff are. It’s also about ensuring they are safe. Many workplaces have the potential for slips. In fact, slips and trips are the most common hazard in the workplace, with over a third of all major injuries coming from them. That’s why it’s important to make sure your staff have the correct footwear.  

So what can you do to make sure you and your staff are more comfortable at work? Here are our top tips: 

  • Give them a variety of jobs – changing their duties regularly means they move about in different ways and this gets their blood flowing, preventing muscle tension and pain.
  • Give your staff the opportunity to stand or sit if possible. A mixture of the two is best.
  • Do risk assessments – could staff slip or trip? If so think about the right, anti-slip footwear.
  • Make sure staff have short breaks when they are standing all day, as this again promotes movement.
  • Cushioned or anti-fatigue matting can help make a difference.
  • Make sure your employees’ footwear conforms to UK and European guidelines and is also comfortable and suitable for the job they are doing, because happy feet = happy staff.

Kay Riley has year of experience is the health and safety sector and is now a writer for Shoes For Crews Europe. Kay is looking to reach out to the industry to share her knowledge. I look forward to answering any questions or comment you have on the piece.

 

General Safety Issues

HOW TO SAFELY REPAIR YOUR AIR CONDITIONER (GUEST POST)

This post shares some great tips on how to repair some of the most common central AC system problems on your own. So, if you want to deal with many air conditioning problems on your own and save big on a service call, read on. 
However, before we move ahead, it is essential to know the following four most important components of air conditioning units.
 
  • Evaporator – The fan in an AC unit blows hot air past the evaporator, a component that actually cools the air.
  • Condenser – This is perhaps the most important part of a component of a central AC unit. And yes, it is the same box you always see outside the window of your home. 
  • Expansion Valve – This component takes out the pressure from the liquid refrigerant so as to convert it into vapor form.
  • Compressor – It is a pump that is installed to circulate the refrigerant within the air conditioning unit.
 
A glance at Central AC Malfunctioning and its Fixes!
 
You can’t stand in front of your refrigerator all day to stay cool! You need to decide if you will wait for the technician or at least try fixing your central air conditioning problems on own. In this post, we’ll see which AC problems can be handled on your own and how we can successfully and safely replace those 3 parts of AC unit that cause most of the outdoor condenser unit failures.
 
To become a DIYer for your troubled central air conditioning system, you would require a few tools including a standard Multimeter and insulated needle-nose pliers. Now I am assuming that you have inspected your sick AC unit and furnace circuit breakers in the main electrical panel, in addition to cartridge fuses. To fix the problem in your AC system, you may either replace all 3 parts at once or do the replacement one by one.
 
Step 1 – Check the Furnace
 
First adjust your thermostat into A/C mode and then lower the temperature. If the furnace fan stars, the problem isn’t in the furnace. But if the fan doesn’t kick in, reset the circuit breaker in the furnace.  If the problem is still not resolved, next you may check the outside condensing unit. Your compressor and fan should be up and running by now. But if not, call a pro!
 
Step 2- Clean Contactor Relay or Replace It
 
Blow air into contactor relay to clean it completely. If you fail to dig out all debris, you will have to replace the relay and then again try starting the system. The contactor relay rarely fails, but often it gets clogged with insects that trespassed in checking things out. 
 
Step 3 – Replace the Capacitor
 
Your central AC system has two capacitors – ‘Start’ and ‘Run’ capacitor – that store electrical energy to kick start the compressor and fan motor.  Some systems have a single capacitor for this two-in functionality. These capacitors have very high failure ratios, and when this happens, then the compressor and fan won’t start. In this case, you need to replace the old capacitor(s) with new one(s).
 
Step 4 – Replace the old fan motor with a new one 
 
First of all remove the cover out of the condenser unit. Then take out the fan assembly from your air conditioning system and don’t forget to mark the bottom, so you can replace it in the right direction. Disconnect the motor by loosening the blade-retaining nut and pulling it off from the motor shaft. And fix a new motor.
Warning: Don’t forget to switch off the power supply before you start testing or repairing your AC system on own. And it is strongly recommended to avoid this job on your own, if you have no idea of electrical components and safety rules that need to be followed while working with them.
 
If the above fixes don’t work, call Cape Coral air conditioning repair pro and leave the rest on their shoulders.  AC service Cape Coral is best known for their award-winning customer services, top-quality work and highly reasonable prices across the state of Florida, USA.
 
Sent to us by Samaira Brown