Monthly Archives: September 2013

General Safety Issues

PRECAUTIONS FOR KEEPING YOUR SMART PHONE DATA SAFE (GUEST POST)

Keeping your smartphone safe has become a great challenge for the users – it is not just one item that needs to be secured, in fact it is a lot more. The contents inside the phone are more valuable than the phone itself – losing a phone means that you have lost all your information and data – if fallen in wrong hands can be misused and can be a potential threat to your security. For example, apps like OVI or Google maps reveal lots of information about the user – they can give the details of your residence, your current location and your past travels.

External and Internal threats

Smartphones face threats in various forms, including threat to the device, infiltration in the software. This form of threat is more vicious, as the user gain access to the deep secrets of the information stored in the phone. Easiest way of obtaining data is by installing a cell phone spy or a keylogger into the phone, from where data can be accessed and information can be breached.

The most obvious way of securing both your phone as well as all the data stored in it, is by protecting it physically – make sure it doesn’t get lost or gets into the hands of a dodgy person. Such precautions could make it harder for the intruder to gain access to your information on your phone from a remote stand point, but if the phone lands in hands of a thief then there is absolute threat to the user.

Phone lock – old, but useful technique

Assume that your phone has been stolen and your entire data is at the mercy of the thief. How will you save yourself from being harassed and threatened? The only option that works in this scenario is phone lock. It works much like the keypad lock in symbian phones – the cell phone lock in smartphone comes into action when the phone is left idle for some time. A password or code is set to unlock the cell phone and make the functions active – the phone lock system is available on every smart phone operating system, however, the lock depends on the type of phone software. iPhone require four digit code to unlock the device, on Android phones a password is assigned, based on a pattern of 3×3 grid and Blackberry sets a unique password.

Remote wipe comes in handy

Remote wipe is another useful device which comes in handy when the phone is already stolen. Between the times the phone has been stolen and thief trying to unlock the phone, remote wipe will come to rescue. Through remote wipe you can wipe of all data from your smartphone if it goes missing – this will delete contacts, messages, pictures and almost all the data stored in the device. The flip side to this precaution is that if you manage to find your phone back, you would have lost all your precious data. The only consolation is that your data is safe from getting into the hands of dodgy people.

Sent to us by Natalia David.

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

SAFE DIET MEALS FOR WORKING MEN AND WOMEN (GUEST POST)

Losing weight has become an obsession for most people these days. Due to pressures at work, exhaustion or lack of time to hit the gym, most working men and women have a hard time keeping fit. As a result, most men and women resort to diet meal plans circulating these days in order to maintain a certain figure. Little do they know that some diet plans may be unhealthy thereby doing more harm than good in the body. 

What constitutes a safe and healthy meal plan? 

To avoid falling into the trap, keep in mind that a healthy diet plan should provide all the necessary nutrients needed by your body and at the same time, staying within the recommended daily calories. Your body still needs carbohydrates, protein, fiber and an amount of fat to keep you energized all throughout the day. In fact, eliminating a certain group in the food pyramid can be harmful to the body. 

Therefore, a safe and healthy eating plan is concentrated on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and low-fat dairy products. Lean meat, fish, poultry, eggs and a little cholesterol, salt and sugar are likewise recommended. 

To better guide every working men and women, below are some foods you can use to have a healthy and fit body. 

Breakfast 

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day so you’re going to need all the nutrients to help you last all throughout the day. For breakfast, make sure you have – 

  • ·         Eggs.
  • ·         Carbohydrates in the form of whole grains. This includes oatmeal, cereals, brown rice, brown or wheat pasta or whole wheat bread.
  • ·         Fruits or vegetables on the side such as orange, banana or apple.
  • ·         Low or nonfat dairy products. This includes milk, cheese or yogurt.
  • ·         Lean meat since it is a good source of protein which can keep you pumped up the whole day. Lean meat can be turkey, chicken, salmon, fish or loin products. 

Lunch 

Meals during lunch shouldn’t be as heavy as breakfast food. Nonetheless, you will still need carbohydrates and protein for added energy since your day isn’t over yet. Go for whole grain products such as whole wheat bread or crackers and combine it with lean products. It can be a turkey sandwich or a smoked salmon sandwich with unsweetened drink on the side. Don’t forget to have some fruits too such as apple or banana. 

Snacks 

You are after a safe and healthy meal plan to help you on your diet and snacks shouldn’t compromise your weight loss goals. Avoid going for sweets, processed products or junk foods just to keep you awake. Fruits such as banana or cantaloupe, nuts, a cup of yogurt with fruits, an ounce of sunflower seeds, roasted almonds are much better and can help boost your energy rather than processed and unhealthy ones. 

Dinner 

As the saying goes, eat like a pauper during dinner since there is not much enough time to burn off all the calories you had. Still, skipping dinner is not advisable. Nonetheless, it’s a must to have carbohydrates such as a cup of brown rice or whole wheat dinner roll. Protein is likewise needed and broiled salmon; grilled loin steak can be consumed. Cap off your meal with steamed vegetables and a cup of fat-free milk. 

It’s up to you on how you want to spice your everyday meal. Always remember that in every meal plan, make sure you have carbohydrates, protein, fiber and a little amount of fat. As much as possible, do not eliminate any food group and eat in moderation. 

Author Bio: 

Marshal Gatlin is a health & fitness enthusiast. He reviews commercial diet plans like Diet To Go. Through Ratingdietplans.com he strives to help everyone achieve their fitness and weight loss goals and provide access to the information and education they need to do to so.

General Safety Issues

GREAT IDEAS TO REDUCE WORK-RELATED STRESS (GUEST POST)

If you ask any employed person today, they are bound to say that they are stressed. While a little bit of stress is desirable, a lot of it and consistent quantities of it isn’t good for a person’s health, wellbeing or productivity. But did you know that reducing work-related stress isn’t that hard. Here are a few tips that can help you reduce work stress very easily.

Let the Serenity Prayer be your work mantra

The Serenity Prayer by Reinhold Niebuhr which is widely used by AA and other rehab/support programs has people asking God to grant them the power to change what they can and to accept what they cannot. For someone trying to reduce work stress, it can be a powerful mantra. Most work related stress is caused by inter-office dynamics and one’s relationship between co-workers. If you chant the Serenity Prayer or have it stuck to your workstation, you would be able to learn to mentally distance yourself from negative, stress causing thoughts, events and people.

Don’t take too much on your plate

Have you ever run on a treadmill that was set at a speed beyond what your body can endure? We’re guessing not and the reason behind doing so is that we all know the limits of our body very well. But most of us tend to take on too much work trying to get ahead in our careers. This is the single biggest contributor to work related stress in employees. Even if you are the best at everything, learn to delegate, to be a team player and to say no to tasks when you just don’t have the time or energy to do them.

Multi-task only when you absolutely need to

Multi-tasking has been revered as the career-minded person’s mantra to success. Unfortunately, it is also a great contributor to stress. Just like you cannot write on two different pages with both your hands at the same time without making grave mistakes on both pages, multi-tasking at work too reduces the amount of focus you can provide to every task that try to do at the same time. In fact, when you devote all your attention to a single task, you get it done more effectively, efficiently, in less time and with a lot less stress.

Use a day planner

Trying to remember all the things you need to get through a work day while actually doing all those tasks will leave your brain in a mush. It will also keep you on your toes all day long needlessly. A great way to reduce time management related stress is to simply use a day planner to chalk out all the work that you need to get done in a day. Remember to include the time you might use up in breaks and commutes and you would be able to spare yourself the heartache of trying to get work done while remembering all the things that you need to do.

Don’t bring work home

Most employers wouldn’t look too kindly upon it if you brought your laundry to work and tried to get it done during a meeting with clients. Just like bringing your home chores to work wouldn’t be a great idea, bringing work home also isn’t good. You need to remember that a good home life is essential to keeping you feeling emotionally satisfied which as we all know is key to optimizing productivity at work. Use your time at home to take a break from work and you will find yourself refreshed and enthusiastic about getting work done the next day.

Socialize every day of the work week

A lot of us don’t like the people that we work with and many of us complain that our work takes up so much time that we hardly ever get to see our family and friends. Socializing, however, helps ease the buildup of stress by releasing serotonin and endorphins aka the happiness hormones.  When you socialize, you not only get a mental break from the work that you were doing, you also get to vocalize your stress and release it while the proximity to people you like helps you relax and feel refreshed. Hence, a 10 minute coffee run with a colleague you like, meeting up with close friends for a sandwich during lunch time and even retreating to your special, secret “clubhouse” in the office building during coffee breaks with co-workers you’re friends with, can help you reduce work stress while allowing you to create a positive mental connection between working and feeling happy. 

 

This Post is written by Margaret. She is a writer/blogger. She writes articles on Technology, social media, WordPress, Gamification, luxury interior design, website development and online development etc. These days she contributes on punchh

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, Hand Protection, Hearing Protection

TOP SAFETY TIPS WHEN WORKING WITH GLASS (GUEST POST)

Working with glass can be hazardous, but there are several safety tips you can follow to protect yourself and others from injuries. If you don’t take the proper precautions, you may face lacerations, punctures and cuts to your eyes, skin and even tendons and arteries. Working with glass is nothing to mess around with, but you can know that you are safer in the workplace by remembering the following safety tips by heart every time you work with glass.

Wear Eye Protection

Wearing proper eye protection is essential any time you enter a workspace where you or machinery handle glass. Be sure to always wear good quality goggles or safety glasses whenever you are cutting or grinding glass and spend a few extra pounds (dollars) on a high quality pair of goggles or safety glasses to provide protection for all areas of your eyes.

Wear Ear Plugs

Protect your sensitive ears by wearing ear plugs when working around loud noises. These will protect your sensitive ear drums and also prevent shards of glass from entering your ear canal and causing serious damage to your inner ear.

Handle Glass Breakage Correctly

Always use a dustpan and brush or another approved method of collecting broken glass. Never use your bare hands or materials such as sponges, napkins or towels to pick up broken glass as tiny glass particles can get stuck in them. It’s also important to post a warning sign in the area of the glass breakage to alert others about the potential danger.

Wear Closed-toe Shoes

The best way to protect your feet against damage from glass is to wear closed-toe shoes that completely cover your feet. Never wear sandals or other open-toe shoes whilst working.

Keep covered up

Keep the rest of your skin protected by wearing long sleeves. Tank tops and shorts are not proper attire for a glass workspace. Broken glass can cut the skin on your arms and legs, and dangerous chemicals and solder can burn and damage your skin.

Keep Long Hair Secured

If you have long hair, always ensure it is tied up into a ponytail or otherwise secured. Bending over and getting your hair caught in a glass grinder can be very painful. A hat or protective hair net is also helpful for those with shorter hair too.

Don’t Smoke or Eat Around Glass

Never smoke or bring your food around your glass workspace. You may be handling chemicals that can be easily transferred to your cigarettes or food. If tiny glass particles end up in something you are about to put to your mouth, they can cause serious internal damage to your body.

Keep a Well-stocked First Aid Kit

It is important to have a well-stocked first aid kit nearby and to know where it is and how to use all of the items in the kit. A well-stocked first aid kit should include bandages, burn ointment, alcohol, scissors, antiseptic wipes and gloves. Ideally, a glass workplace will also include an eyewash station.

Wear Protective Gloves

You should wear thick protective gloves whenever you have a piece of glass in your hand. Be sure that the gloves have a cuff and that they are at least as thick as a typical pair of gardening gloves.

Keep Untrained People Out of Workspace

Even if you know how to protect yourself when working with glass, injuries can still occur if untrained people enter the glass workspace. They can touch things they shouldn’t, which can cause serious injuries to both themselves and to you.

You do not need to panic when working with glass, but it is essential that you follow these safety tips to prevent injuries to yourself and others in the workspace.

Laura writes for Britannia Glass & Glazing who are expert emergency glaziers in Croydon, London, UK. They provide glass replacement and window repair in all areas of London from Glaziers in Enfield and Camden, to Hackney and Hounslow. 

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Health Issues, Respiratory Safety

TOP SAFETY TIPS FOR HUMIDIFIER USE (GUEST POST)

Humidifiers are widely used in residential, commercial and industrial environments, especially as the colder months of winter approach and lower temperatures causes the air in our homes and on-site offices to lose moisture. Unbeknown to many people, dry air is just as damaging as air with excessive moisture and humidifiers are the perfect appliance to get your humidity levels where they should be. 

However, whilst the health benefits of maintaining the recommended up to 45% humidity level are widely known, owners of humidifiers must exercise caution when operating and maintaining these useful devices and getting the most out of their air quality enhancing features. Check out our three steps to safe and efficient humidifier use… 

Regularly Measure Humidity Levels 

Maintaining the right level of humidity is the key to creating a happy and healthy work environment especially in the trade industry due to the amount of dirt, dust, debris and other harmful particles brought into the office space by workers. Whilst avoiding dry air is important, avoiding exposure to excessive moisture is equally vital, and offices and homes using a humidifier should measure their humidity levels regularly to ensure they strike the right balance. 

As mentioned earlier in this article, the recommended humidity level for the winter season is 25% (35% to 45% during summer) so if your humidity level goes above 50% you must stop using the humidifier unit for a period of time until these levels have returned to normal. If the humidity levels remain high, then the number of dust mites, mold and airborne contaminants will multiply, exposing your workers to an increased number of health risks. 

Clean Regularly to Minimize Bacteria Exposure 

As you can imagine, humidifiers are a breeding ground for bacteria and mold due to its air processing and moisture restoring methods so it is important to clean the tank of your humidifier periodically for maximum cleanliness and efficient performance. It is recommended that you refresh the water in the tank every day and give the tank and its surroundings a wipe down regularly. Give the device a thorough clean and dry when you are storing the humidifier away on the lead up to the summer months, disposing of any used filters. 

Go for Bottled Refills 

When refilling the tank of your humidifier opt for bottled, distilled water instead of tap refills. This will ensure you avoid the build-up of troublesome limescale (caused by the minerals in tap water) that makes many appliances unsafe to use and inefficient. 

Using these safety tips you can ensure that your office humidifier is kept in good working order and provides the safe and healthy working environment you need through the efficient restoration of moisture. 

The author of this post is Martin Davies. As well as being an avid blogger in the home improvement and trade industries, he works for the Air & Water Centre to provide efficient solutions and improved air quality with the latest humidifying and purifying technologies.

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection

STEPS TO STAY SAFE IN THE WORKPLACE (GUEST POST)

We all have the right to feel safe and secure in our workplace, whatever line of work you are in. Although all employers are legally obliged to take precautions to minimize health and safety risks in the workplace, we also need to take personal responsibility for our own safety.

The good news is that you don’t need to wrap yourself in bubble wrap and constantly wear a crash helmet to keep yourself safe, it is mainly basic common sense. These are a few tips to help you protect yourself whilst at work-

  • Communication is vital, not just for your safety, but your colleagues and customers as well. If you notice that equipment is getting worn or something looks faulty, notify your supervisor or health and safety representative as soon as possible.
  • Familiarize yourself with your company’s health and safety procedures. Every employer needs to conduct a risk assessment which will include ways to avoid hazards and the correct, safe way of performing tasks to avoid injury. You should also be made aware of the location of emergency exits, evacuation assembly points and first aid boxes as part of your orientation.
  • If you ever out on the road as part of your job or spend time working alone, consider downloading a personal safety application on to your smart phone, such as the personal safety app from Lookout Call. These have features that ensure that you get a speedy response if you are in danger and to locate you if you break down in the middle of nowhere.
  • When you are in a profession where you have to enter stranger’s premise, for example if you are an electrician or plumber, you can sometimes get a bad vibe straight away. Always trust your gut instinct and arrange for somebody to call you so that you have an excuse to leave if you feel unsafe. If this isn’t a viable option, try to get a personal safety app for your phone with features that autodial for you or that will raise an alarm if you don’t respond to a prescheduled call.
  • Don’t use any machinery or perform any tasks that you have not been trained to do. If you have been trained but can’t remember the correct or safest way to do it, don’t be nervous of asking your supervisor or trainer for some refresher training.
  • It may sound very basic, but ask anybody entering your premises, such as delivery or repair persons for ID. If you work in a space by yourself, for example in a petrol station or cleaning in the evening, try not to let anybody in that you are not expecting.
  • When you have to travel for work, make sure that somebody knows where you’re going and what time you are expected to be there so you can arrange ‘check in’ calls.
  • If you work with hazardous chemicals always read the bottle and act on any safety precautions the manufacturer’s advice, such as the use of gloves and ensuring you have ventilation.

It is very easy to keep safe at work as long as you maintain good communication with your employers and colleagues and don’t take unnecessary risks.

BIO: Katie Matthews is a manager within lookout call, a  loneworker applications and safety specialist in the UK.  Katie has worked in the technology industry for a number of years and has reviewed and written about a number of technology niches.

 

 

 

General Safety Issues

HAPPY “END OF LABOR DAY”

The anticipation of a holiday weekend is almost as much fun as the holiday itself.  Traveling, going to a lake, skiing, fishing, camping, or to a city to see the sights, Labor Day is usually the “last roundup” of summer vacations.

We hope that on this day those of you who are not working have had some great experiences and a safe weekend.  When it is time to head for home, please don’t drive too fast, or text and drive.  It is a known fact that our law enforcement officers (highway patrol) are out in full force, so leave early enough that you don’t speed.

On your way home, you might think about those who don’t get to celebrate Labor Day, but go about their usual business.  Some that come to mind are convenience store clerks, medical personnel,  nursing home staff, private caregivers, supermarket employees, transportation workers, and oilfield workers that must check their leases every day, 365 days per year.

Special thought is given to our military; this is just another day for them.  Those that are in harms’ way don’t get a day off.  During this trying time for decisions to be made, say a prayer for everyone of them.  It is thanks to them that we have the freedom to work and take time off every once in a while.

Hopefully, you will all arrive safely at home, get the kids ready to go to school, and start a “short week” with a good attitude.  Please work hard and stay safe!

 

 

 

 

 

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Health Issues, Respiratory Safety

WESTERN UNITED STATES STILL BATTLING WILDFIRES

This year, the Western United States has been charred by several wildfires, many still burning.  Droughts, less spring snowpack, and higher summer temperatures are the main causes of these fires.  Firefighters from all over the United States have helped in the battles in these eleven states:  Washington, Oregon, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, New Mexico and Arizona. 

When wildfire threatens, you won’t have time to shop or search for supplies. If ordered to evacuate, assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit with items you may need. Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers such as backpacks, duffle bags, or trash containers. Include:

  • Keep important family documents in a waterproof container. Assemble a smaller version of your kit to keep in the trunk of your car.
  • A three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food that won’t spoil.
  • One change of clothing and footwear per person and one blanket or sleeping bag per person.
  • A first aid kit that includes your family’s prescription medications.
  • Emergency tools including a battery-powered radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries.
  • An extra set of car keys and a credit card, cash, or traveler’s checks.
  • Sanitation supplies.
  • Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.
  • An extra pair of eye-glasses.
  • Pet food.  Make arrangements to get your pets to a shelter, if possible.

Health Threat From Wildfire Smoke

Smoke from wildfires is a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees and other plant materials. Smoke can hurt your eyes, irritate your respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases.  When smoke levels are high enough, even healthy people may experience some of these symptoms, caused by smoke:

  • Stinging eyes
  • A scratchy throat
  • Irritated sinuses
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Headaches
  • A runny nose
  • Coughing
  • Asthma exacerbations

Smoke may worsen symptoms for people who have pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as respiratory allergies, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), in the following ways:

  • Inability to breathe normally
  • Cough with or without mucus
  • Chest discomfort
  • Wheezing and shortness of breath

If you have heart or lung disease, smoke might worsen your symptoms.  People with heart disease might experience—

  • Chest pain
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue

In cases such as this, you should contact your physician as soon as possible.

Wildland Fires: Fire-Adapted Communities

How the Fire Service, local officials, and the public can work together to withstand the devastating effects of a wildland fire.  They are called grass fires, forest fires, wildland fires, or by a variety of names. Yet, no matter the name, they pose an evolving threat to lives and property in an increasing number of communities across the United States. 

Homes near natural areas, the wildland/urban interface (WUI), are beautiful places to live. These pristine environments add to the quality of life of residents and are valued by community leaders seeking to develop new areas of opportunity and local tax revenue, but these areas are not without risk.  It is up to each home owner to build their home with the right kind of landscaping, away from the house, and have a water supply available to wet down the home and surrounding area, in order to protect it. 

Because fires are a part of the natural ecology, living adjacent to the wilderness means living with a constant threat of fires. Fire, by nature, is an unpredictable and often uncontrollable force.  Firefighters will always give their best effort, but with wind and weather changes, it may be a puzzle to outguess the fire. 

The concept of fire-adapted communities (FACs) holds that, with proper community-wide preparation, human populations and infrastructure can withstand the devastating effects of a wildland fire, reducing loss of life and property.  This goal depends on strong and collaborative partnerships between agencies and the public at the State, Federal, and local levels, with each accepting responsibility for their part. 

Your Role in Fire-Adapted Communities frames the FAC concept and current efforts to define its scope, explain the roles that groups can adopt to improve their fire safety, and provide leadership for future steps. The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) believes that by reviewing the roles and responsibilities each group can adopt now, communities will become better prepared to realize the FAC goal in the future.

 

Sources: U.S.F.A.; FEMA