Our friend, Nate Miller, has sent this great infographic regarding which side of the road we should drive on. We think you will enjoy the information he has shared with us.
Monthly Archives: November 2013
APPOINTING A COMPETENT FIRE RISK ASSESSOR (GUEST POST)
Having a comprehensive fire risk assessment for your premises performed by someone suitably qualified could save you a lot of money and heartache in the long run. The safety of yourself, your staff and potential customers is priceless. A fire risk assessment is not an option – the responsible person for the business is legally required to undertake an adequate fire risk assessment for the business premises. So what is a fire risk assessment?A fire risk assessment is about a qualified person performing a critical evaluation of your premises to achieve two main goals. Firstly, the assessment seeks to identify the likelihood of a fire starting by detecting all potential fire hazards, and evaluates the ways in which these fire dangers can be eliminated or minimised. Secondly, it identifies the people who will be at risk should a fire actually occur on your premises, and helps you to develop a plan about how you can keep everyone safe.So the fire risk assessment will look at both fire prevention, and how to deal with an actual fire on your premises.
A good fire risk assessment should include written records of how existing fire controls measure up, what changes need to be made or what additional controls should to be incorporated. It is not about recording all findings, just anything that is significant. Like many other aspects of your business, a fire risk assessment is not something static – it changes as your business premises and activities change, so it is something that needs on-going review.
How to appoint a competent fire risk assessor
A fire risk assessment is an organized process carried out by assessors who understand the principles of fire safety. However, the duty of care for the safety of everyone on your premises remains with you, not the fire risk assessor. As the duty holder, you need to make sure the assessment being carried out is adequate. As a start, you need to take reasonable steps to ensure you are hiring someone competent to do the job. This could involve checking that the potential assessor has registration with, or certification from, a professional body such as BAFE (British Approvals for Fire Equipment), or in the U.S., certification from the U.S. Fire Administration. Being registered with a professional body is a sign of the assessor’s competence, so look for BAFE approved companies to carry out your particular assessment, or those registered on the BAFE SP205 scheme.
Another way of ensuring that you hire someone competent is to look for people or companies with a third party certification for their competence by a UKAS accredited body.
Other ways to attain an adequate assessment include checking that your potential assessor has experience in assessing your type of business, as well as asking for references as proof of their previous work. The scope of the work to be carried out should be documented, and you should get a few quotes so you can compare them. Be wary of anyone who offers to do the same job for a significantly lower fee.
It is vital that your business takes the time to source a qualified and certified fire risk assessor. This will give you and your staff peace of mind that the business premises is free from any fire risks, and should the worst occur, the correct equipment is place and in full working order.
In the U.S., the same would apply; as contacting the Fire Prevention Association or other Fire Officials are certified to do the risk assessments.
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 of 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 glasses 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: 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.
Arc Flash Precautions (Guest Infogram)
DO YOU HAVE A “STAND-UP JOB?”
Is your job a stand-only one? Any prolonged position can hurt your body, and standing is no exception. The best position is standing in a variety of ways, where you equally distribute loads on different parts of the body but causes no physical strain. There is no single, ideal body position for several hours of remaining upright while working.
Workers often sit or stand for long periods of time, for example: salesperson, machine operator, assembly-line worker, bank teller, store clerk, nurse, cooks, and waitresses. They suffer many discomforts, such as muscular fatigue, low back pain, sore feet, or stiffness in the shoulders and neck.
Excessive standing also causes the joints in the spine, hips, knees and feet to become temporarily locked. This immobility can later lead to rheumatic diseases due to degenerative damage to the tendons and ligaments. Those whose jobs require standing most of the time, should take frequent breaks and do some walking around the workplace to exercise their joints from being in the same position. Stretching before and after work could help. If you spend most of your time at work standing, here are some tips you can do to improve your posture and reduce the ill effects:
Proper position
If you work in a standing position, always face what you’re working on, keeping your body close to the work. Adjust the workspace so that you have enough space to change positions. Use a foot rail or portable footrest to shift your body weight from both legs to one or the other leg. Use a seat whenever possible while working, or at least during rest breaks. Avoid over-reaching behind or above the shoulder line, or beyond the point of what is comfortable. Instead of reaching, shift your feet to face the object. If you must stand to work, take frequent rest breaks. Stretching through the day will relax your muscles. Bank tellers or convenience store clerks could have a stool located behind them, in order to sit while not attending to a customer.
Proper standing surface
The floor you stand on also greatly affects your level of comfort. Wooden, cork or rubber-covered floors are better than concrete or metal, but if you must stand on hard floors, stand on mats. Floor mats should have slanted edges to help prevent tripping. They must be dense enough to cushion the feet, but not too thick. Too much cushioning, from thick foam-rubber mats, for example, can cause fatigue and increase the hazard of tripping.
Workstation set up
Any stand-up workstation should be adjusted according to your height, using elbow height as the guide. For example, precision work, such as writing or electronic assembly, requires a work surface that’s 5 cm above elbow height; your elbows should be supported. Light work, such as assembly-line or mechanical jobs, require a work surface that is 5 to 10 cm below elbow height. Heavy work, demanding downward forces, requires a surface that is 20 to 40 cm below elbow height.
Wear Comfortable footwear
If your feet hurt, your legs, back and hips will also hurt. The comfort of your feet depends largely on your footwear. Choose footwear that accommodates the hazards in your workplace. Your shoes should be as wide as your feet, leaving room to move your toes. They should have arch supports to prevent flattening of the feet, and a heel with a firm grip to prevent slipping. Lace-up shoes are best, because they allow you to tighten the instep of your footwear, keeping your foot from slipping inside the shoe or boot. The footwear should have heels that are not flat, but are no higher than 5 cm (2 inches). Wear padding under the tongue if you suffer from tenderness over the bones at the top of the foot. And if you work on a metal or cement floor, cushion your foot with a shock-absorbing insole.
Many professional women – attorneys, legislative employees, and others are required to dress for the job, including dress shoes, some with very high heels. The only advice to give them is to wear a pair of walking shoes while climbing up stairs or walking to their jobs, and don the heels once their day at work actually begins. Years later, they will possibly pay the price for standing all day in 4-5″ heels (to be fashionable).
Source: Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety
Note: Texas America Safety Company recommends using posters to promote ergonomic safety for those workers who have to stand or sit in the same position all day.
THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN DRIVING IN EXTREME WEATHER (GUEST POST)
If it’s not thick snow, it’s heavy rain; not to mention fog or even glaring sunlight. This country seems to throw it all at us – making driving a hazardous occupation all year round.
Don’t let the weather get the better of you this winter.
Here are a few handy hints and things to keep in mind next time the elements try their hardest to make your journey to work even more difficult than it already is.
Driving in Rain
When road surfaces are wet it can take twice as long to stop your vehicle and regular stopping distances go out the window. You should always keep your speed much lower when driving in the rain and keep that extra bit of distance from the vehicle in front.
If you are driving through standing water then make sure drive slowly, using a low gear and trying to keep the engine revving at a high rate. Move forward continuously so that you don’t stall
Should you lose control of your vehicle in the wet – remember – Don’t brake or steer suddenly as you have no control of the steering or brakes when aquaplaning. Try to bring the car to a slow halt by changing down the gears.
- Slow down
- Don’t brake hard
- Use low gears
Driving in Fog
As fog is usually patchy, it’s best not to speed up when the weather seems to have cleared. Keep a steady speed (slower than normal) as there’s a good chance you will run into other patches further up the road.
You also need to keep your headlights dimmed so that other drivers can see you, and in extreme conditions (visibility less than 100m) you should also turn your rear fog lamp on.
- Keep a steady speed
- Dim headlights
- Use fog lamp
Driving in Snow and Ice
Before going anywhere you should always make sure your car is clear of snow. As well as the windscreen you must also clear the roof of your car, as snow that has settled here can slip down when you brake; obscuring your vision.
As obvious as it sounds – you should keep your speed down when driving in snow and ice. This isn’t just to avoid a speeding fine; it gives you more control over the vehicle.
If you do need to stop, try to slow down gradually by using the gears. Braking suddenly could cause your car to slide uncontrollably. Sticking to roads that have already been gritted is a safer option, even if everyone else has the same idea.
- Clear windshield and roof
- Don’t brake suddenly
- Keep to treated roads
Driving in Wind
You may not think so – but driving in windy conditions can be as dangerous as any other inclement weather. If you are driving a van or high-sided vehicle you may need to check ahead for any road or bridge closures.
You also need to be aware of falling objects like trees or branches. If you normally take a back road or short cut to work via country lanes; it may be wise to stick to major roads until the storm has passed.
- Plan ahead
- Be aware of falling objects
- Stick to main roads
Our thanks to Caddick Davies (Motoring Offence Lawyers) for sending this helpful driving tip information. The same applies to the U.S., Canada, and other countries who experience extreme weather conditions.
AID FOR THE PHILLIPINES
Following the most horrific typhoon to ever hit land anywhere, last Friday, November 8th, almost two million people of the Phillipine Islands, were either killed, hurt, or left homeless, without food or clothes. The hardest hit was Tacloban City, Leyte province in the central Phillipines. The death toll remains unknown, because of the destruction and devastation thoughout the country. President Benigno Aquino declared a state of national calamity. Local military have been assisting citizens as best they can, passing out water and also trying to control looting.
The people of the Phillipines are homeless, starving, and sick. Twenty-one countries have pledged to send relief through food and sanitation products, as well as medical assistance, and money. People are camping in the Tacloban City Astrodome, which brings back memories of the people of New Orleans, staying in the Superdome when Hurricane Katrina hit. With thousands of people jammed inside the structure, one can only imagine the lack of sanitation. Disease will take its toll on those who remain homeless.
In Tacloban, a hillside mass burial was held Thursday, November 14th. Bodies still remain in the streets. Only few survivors have received water and food, due to the delay in reaching them. Aid material is plentiful but because the airport was heavily damaged , planes couldn’t land, in addition, destroyed and blocked roads had to be cleared. Desperately needed aid has begun to reach some of the one-half million people that have been displaced by the disaster. The U.S.S. George Washington aircraft carrier arrived on the Phillipine Sea near the Gulf of Leyte Thursday. They will set up a position to assess damage and furnish needed food, water, and supplies. Twenty-one helicopters aboard the carrier will be able to view and hopefully get to inaccessible places. Six more U.S. ships are in the area, as well as the Marines.
Over 4,000 persons have been confirmed dead, but those numbers are expected to far surpass the total. It is going to take a long time to completely assess the damage and complete loss. Medical aid and supplies are needed urgently. Rescue workers and medical personnel will need personal protection, such as medical grade gloves, respirators, and other important gear to avoid disease.
Worldwide charities will be gathering money, donations of food and clothing, and other items that can assist the typhoon victims. Most of them have only the clothes they were wearing last Friday. If you are able to help, please choose the charity you know will be dedicated to sending relief for the people of the Phillipines as soon as possible.
HOW TO DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR FORKLIFT OPERATION (GUEST POST)
Forklift operation is serious business—one wrong decision by an inexperienced driver can cause catastrophic injury to people and equipment. By training your workforce on proper forklift operation, not only are you keeping your employees safe, but you’re also preventing workers’ compensation claims.
For some companies, forklift operation is necessary to keep business processes moving. If an untrained employee causes the truck to tip over, drops a load or causes a vital part of the machinery to break, those processes are disrupted. A loss in output means a loss in revenue.
So, it’s a good idea to develop a simple yet comprehensive training program that ensures all forklift drivers understand the risks involved, the parts of the machine and what to do during emergencies. This article will introduce you to four topics that must be addressed during that training period:
1. Pre-Operation Checklist:
Forklift drivers should answer these questions before turning on the machine:
• Are “no-go” zones marked with fences and signs?
• Is there a sufficient amount of ventilation and lighting to work safely?
• Is there a lot of noise around that may impair your ability to hear?
• Are road surfaces even and clear of obstacles?
• Are rail tracks and ramps in place?
• Are there overhead structures, such as fittings, cables, power lines or low doorways?
• Are there any other obstructions?
• Are there dry or wet areas? Spills?
• Are the loading docks clear? Do they have edge protection?
• Is there sufficient room on storage racking or capacity?
• Are the forklift-operating paths wide enough?
• Are there any areas that are congested?
• Are there any blind spots?
• Will there be any interactions with traffic or pedestrians during operation?
2. Workplace Injury Prevention:
Workers Can Do the Following to Prevent Injury:
• Position the forklift arms lower to ground level.
• Ensure the parking brake is set.
• Make sure all controls are in neutral.
• Do not jump from the forklift.
• Maintain three points of contact when you get on and off the forklift.
• Minimize the amount of times you need to get on and off the truck.
• Make sure to park and work in well-lit areas so your vision is not obstructed, and you can see the road surfaces, traffic and pedestrians.
• Forklifts should be fitted with anti-slip surfaces and grab-rails.
3. Basic Safety Tips:
Here are a few safety tips for basic forklift operation:
• Only use the forklift for its intended purposes.
• Wear a seatbelt.
• Obey speed limits.
• Obey warning signs.
• Drive at speeds suitable for the traffic conditions and road surfaces.
• Wear safety glasses or goggles to protect your eyes from debris and dust.
• Use extra caution when driving on ramps and inclines.
• Report damaged racking to the supervisor.
• Slow down and sound off the horn before driving through a doorway or before entering a busy aisle.
• Always travel at a safe distance behind other vehicles or forklifts.
• Be aware of blind spots.
• Do not reach through the mast or place parts of your body outside of the forklift.
• Be aware of hazards, such as electrical cables and power lines.
4. People and Forklifts:
When workers become too comfortable around industrial machinery, they might make a careless decision—like letting passengers ride in the forklift. Here are a few guidelines that should be addressed regarding the interaction between people and forklifts:
• Do not carry passengers on forklifts that are not designed to do so.
• Do not raise people on the fork pallets or arms.
• Be conscious of people working around the truck.
• Do not allow people near stacked loads.
• Do not allow people to be around a forklift while it is being loaded or unloaded.
If you’re training employees about proper forklift operation, it’s important that the lessons don’t stop when the training period ends. Make sure workers don’t get complacent by occasionally testing their knowledge. Ask them questions about proper operation at employee meetings, and encourage them to suggest ways to make the workplace more safe and productive.
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Tom Reddon is a Forklift Specialist for National Forklift Exchange and sits on the MHEDA Executive Dialogue Board. You can read his workplace safety and forklift blog or connect with him via Twitter @TomReddon.
Pat Brownlee wrote:
WHY HEALTH AND SAFETY IS IMPORTANT FOR YOUR BUSINESS (GUEST POST)
Whether you’re in a management position with a multi-million pound (or dollar) corporation, or whether you own a small business that employs only a handful of staff, health and safety should rank high on your priority list, and not only because of legal obligations.
It is unfortunate that many employers do not consider Health and Safety to be a pressing issue. There seems to be the mentality that it doesn’t matter if an employee suffers an injury at work as the business does have adequate insurance in place, should that employee decide to sue you in court, which they more than likely will do.
The point of the matter is that the effects of that original negligent act can be far reaching. The injured employee may not be able to continue with the same career path and could therefore be left jobless, which may affect their personal life should they have a mortgage or rent to pay. Then there is also the issue of dependencies, i.e. children/partner/spouse/parents who rely on the income from the employee.
Ironic, because the accident most probably could have been prevented at a very low cost.
In a perfect world, business owners and all companies would put the welfare of their employees first, but unfortunately we don’t live in a perfect world, especially when one considers just how “profit driven” the business world really is.
This is exactly why past governments introduced legislation regarding health and safety. One of these requirements involves carrying out a regular health and safety risk assessment. These assessments can be done by the business owner, any designated employee or employees, or else by way of a third party firm specialising in this field.
While there are no real hard and fast rules pertaining to the actual minimum requirements or standards, it is every employer’s responsibility to ensure their assessments are at least worth something. Inspectors who may call to see your company can and will make recommendations if they feel more could have been done, but that’s basically where it ends. Should you choose to ignore such advice, and something does go wrong, full responsibility lies with you the business owner, rather than with any inspector. Also, if a court decides your company’s health and safety risk assessment was inadequate, your insurance company may be closing their door in your face.
To put it mildly, health and safety is a serious issue, and it needs to be viewed as such. If a business is small enough to justify doing their own assessments, or perhaps get one of their staff members to do them, then at the very least they should make sure suitable training is provided.
Author Bio
This article was provided by http://www.safetywearworld.co.uk/. Safety Wear World has written numerous articles on home improvement, DIY and health and safety in the workplace.
We appreciate our friends in the United Kingdom for contribuing to our safety blog. pb
QUICK TIPS TO HANDLE FIRE ACCIDENTS AT YOUR WORKPLACE (GUEST POST)
“Safety never takes a holiday”. Truly, safety is the most important aspect of our lives. Following safety procedures is everyone’s responsibility. Can you imagine a day when someone knocks your door to inform that your loved one is in hospital in a serious condition, as the result of an accident? This is really heartbreaking news. Most accidents happen because they have not been prevented. So, taking health and safety training is very important to lead a safe and happy life. Employers must pay a lot of attention to manage health and safety at work to prevent accidents and ill health.
Fire accidents can strike anywhere and at anytime. Employees should undergo basic fire safety training because these accidents are expected to occur annually in most workplaces. Having ideas on fire safety tips is very important so as to prevent the likelihood of a fire that may result in injury, property damage or even death. There are many safety tips that employees should keep in mind which help them while fire accidents. Some of them are as follows:
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After noticing a fire, you should immediately call to a fire department. The sooner they come to know the faster they approach
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Employees should know exactly where the fire extinguishers are located, as well as how to use them
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Shout for help loudly
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Keep in mind that you should not use elevators during fire accidents. This is because if the power fails, you are stuck in the elevator with no means of escape
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If you find any papers or any other clutter lying on the floor, immediately throw them out as they spread the fire more quickly
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If your building is in fire check, you need to check before opening. If you feel any heat, then do not open that door
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Switch off all the electrical appliances
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Do not disturb the fire team during fire fighting
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Do not form into groups because it is difficult for the fire fighters to perform their tasks
Health and safety training effectively prevents the workplace accidents and injuries. Today, most of the business organizations are providing the best safety management systems as they understood the significance of the health and management that leads to:
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Cost reductions
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Improved employee relationships
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Improved public image
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Increase in the business productivity and reliability
Fire accidents are extremely deadly if you do not take proper precautions. As a business manager, you need to set up the health and safety notice board and keep it updated. Organize these health programs for your staff to reduce the hazards at your workplace and develop a safety action plan.
Author Bio: – Melvin is a medical student and is pursuing a firstaid course Glasgow. Apart from his studies, he likes to invest his time visiting patients in hospitals and clinics. He also likes to make general awareness on keeping health fit through his posts.