Monthly Archives: March 2018

Fall Safety, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

Here Is What It Takes for You to Become A Demolition Expert

Here Is What It Takes for You to Become A Demolition Expert

 Did you ever wonder what does a demolition expert do?

Are you interested in pursuing this career, but have no idea what are the formalities involved with this job?

Firstly, you need to know who a demolition expert is, and only then can you know what they do.

Demolition experts or explosive workers are managers of any construction work and are experts in every sort of demolition work.

Now, what do they specialize in?                                            

They just don’t break things, if that is what you are thinking, a lot is involved here. Some of the important activities, an explosive worker undertakes are:

  • Decision Making and Problem Solving

They analyze and assess a problem and evaluates the results, based on which the most suitable solution is chosen to solve the problem.

  • Acquiring Information

They are required to make observations about their project and organize information based on that.

  • Documentation of Information

They are responsible for storing and recording the acquired information in the magnetic or electronic form.

  • Handling and Transporting Objects

A demolition expert is required to physically install, reposition, and move objects and also manipulate them.

  • Operation of Vehicles and Equipment

They are required to drive and navigate vehicles or mechanized automobiles like forklifts, aircraft, and cranes.

These are just to name a few. Seems like a lot of responsibilities, doesn’t it?

Now the next question is what the educational qualifications you would require for this job?

A traditional college degree is not necessary to become a demolition expert. You can, of course, have additional merit if you graduate with a bachelor’s degree in engineering or construction.

This might not seem much, but a person requires a lot of skills to become a demolition expert. Do you think you have what it takes?

Find it out yourself!

 

The necessary skills required to pursue this career are as follows:

  • Keen Observation and Monitoring Skills

You need to monitor and assess your performance and other performances, in order to make necessary improvements or corrections.

  • Ability to Critical Think and Analyze

You need to have sharp thinking skills and make use of your logic to analyze the weaknesses and strengths of various solutions, inferences and approaches to any problem in order to choose the best possible option for them.

  • Good Judgment and Decision-Making Skills

You need to be able to analyze the relative costs and benefits of any project and choose the most suitable one.

  • Complex Problem-Solving Skills

You should be able to identify complex problems and verify any related information in order to evaluate options and implement them.

  • Good Knowledge in Mathematics

You should have keen know-how regarding arithmetic, geometry, calculus and statistics and their applications.

  • Good Mechanical Knowledge

You should know how to operate machines and equipment and also must have knowledge about their designs and the ways to repair them.

You have seen what skills are required to work as a demolition expert, but do you think this job is suitable for you?

Take A Look at The Pros and Cons of Working In This Field:

 Pros

  • It is suitable for those who like practical hands-on work.
  • It is suitable for those who like to work outdoors.
  • It requires a person to work in teams and hence is suitable for those who like to work in supportive groups.

Cons

It is not suitable for those who are not willing to work for long hours as this job takes up to 40 hours per week.

Hopefully, this guide can help you as it almost covers everything that you need to know about pursuing a career as a demolition expert.

 

Ergonomics, Fall Safety, Head Protection, Hearing Protection

5 Important Construction Site Safety Procedures

5 Important Construction Site Safety Procedures

Construction site safety procedures don’t just stop after employee orientation. Maintaining safety on the job site requires frequent follow ups, inspections and training to ensure that workers are aware of crucial safety protocol and remain compliant each and every day. Here are 5 important construction site safety procedures that you need to know.

  1. Fall Protection

Employers have the duty to provide adequate fall protection for their employees. This extends to the site itself, where employers can point out any fall hazards that might exist in the facility. Safety lanyards should be put into use, preventing employees from suffering significant falls in the workplace.

In the case of fall protection, it’s important that you monitor your employees and check for any problem areas in their safety procedures. If you can see improper technique early, you can easily prevent mistakes from happening.

  1. Scaffold Safety

Scaffolds prevent unique hazards, such as the possibility of electrocution, falls, or injury due to falling debris. As a result, all employees must wear hard hats while working on, under, or around scaffolds. This simple piece of equipment can protect against potential impacts from all manner of falling debris.

It’s just as important to check for structural imperfections in the scaffold itself. It’s much better for your employees to take their time building the scaffold and prevent accidents than for them to rush the job and get hurt.

  1. Proper Ladder Use

Improper use of ladders while on a job is a leading cause of workplace injury. This can be due to a multitude of factors, such as wrong choice of ladder, improper ladder placement, attempting to carry tools while climbing a ladder, and others. Simple training on the proper use of ladders and ladder selection will quickly fix this problem.

Another aspect of ladder use that deserves attention is proper use of the steps. If a ladder advises against going above a certain step, those guidelines should be followed by your employees.

  1. Protective Equipment

Depending on the hazards of your construction site, employers may be required to provide their workers with several options when it comes to hearing protection, eye protection, and respiratory masks that can protect employees from mold and other harmful elements. Clear procedures and guidelines must be put in place and disseminated to all of your employees.

Especially in the case of mold, dust, or toxic vapors, where contaminants can cause long term illness that may take years to fully develop, it’s imperative that employees use the proper protective equipment.

  1. Hard Hat Use

When it comes to construction site safety procedures, one of the most basic has to do with the proper use of hard hats. Impact from falling debris can cause serious injury, even death.

There are plenty of technological advances when it comes to workplace safety, but something as simple as putting on a hard hat can be the difference between a fatal accident and a minor annoyance. Not only should training materials mention the importance of hard hat safety, but this should be strictly enforced as well.

Safety is Paramount 

In all aspects of the construction process, employee safety is the number one priority. It might be tempting to ignore safety and speed through a job, but this only tends to backfire in the form of workplace injury. It’s much better to do the job right the first time.

There is a variety of simple actions that you can put into place to ensure complete safety for your employees. Whether it’s in hard hat safety, proper use of ladders, or any other type of workplace safety, it’s up to you to provide clear information and instructions and strictly enforce those procedures on a daily basis. This way, you’ll have a safe workplace that’s free of the possibility of any injuries.

Author Bio:

Carolyn Clarke is a freelance writer based in Los Angeles, CA. Her writing has appeared across dozens of digital platforms, with an emphasis on workplace safety. In her free time, she takes her dog running along the Malibu coastline.

Images:

https://www.pexels.com/photo/construction-worker-safety-danger-8159/

https://pixabay.com/en/scaffold-scaffolding-construction-14253/

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:AVONDALE_SHIPYARD_WORKER_WEARS_SPECIAL_EAR_MUFFS_FOR_PROTECTION_FROM_THE_HEAVY_LEVEL_OF_INDUSTRIAL_NOISE_POLLUTION_-_NARA_-_546041.jpg

General Safety Issues

4 Most Innovative Security Inventions That Have Changed The Face Of Home Security

4 Most Innovative Security Inventions That Have Changed The Face Of Home Security 

Safety will always be at the top of your priority list! Period.

The world of home security is evolving at an expected rate because of the high levels of crime. Everyone is looking for a better mousetrap to ensure the safety of their loved ones. It is difficult to feel completely secure even when you are at your home because of the many criminals cases that you read about every day. If you are not able to focus on your work or rest your mind due to such concerns, then your productivity and happiness are both altered.

It’s better to invest in top-notch security solutions than to stay worried all day long.

Don’t focus on the price, look at the benefits!

Safety Solutions

The following are some top-notch security inventions that can help you breathe in peace and serenity:

  1. Video Surveillance In A Lightbulb

A light bulb connected to the Wifi with an inbuilt camera in itself sounds fascinating. All thieves know the importance of disabling the security cameras before entering the house, but what if they don’t know about the hidden cameras? Sounds like the perfect trap, right?

Many features can be added to this concept like an alarm system or a mobile app for live tracking to make it more exciting and secure.

  1. Facial Recognition Bot

A facial recognition bot that recognizes a friendly face and alerts you when they scan a stranger has changed the level of home security solutions. It can be integrated with a mobile app, and every time it recognizes a stranger, it notifies you on the app, allowing you to not only track its feed live, but also to alarm the authorities when needed.

One major feature that can be added to the bot is a fire alarm system, to make your home safer.

  1. Smart Bike Pedal

Tired of hearing about bike thefts? What if your bike can notify you its location and also the fitness information that you so crave to know? Smart bike pedal is an invention which takes an aluminum pedal integrated with GPS technology and Wifi, feeding the information to a mobile app installed on your phone. The bike thieves will regret their decision if they look your way. Stay safe, stay notified!

Another feature that can be added is a safety lock on the app which can lock the tires for as long as you desire, to prevent the thieves from enjoying their win.

  1. Hi-tech Home Security System

Automated home security is nothing new, but have you heard about the hi-tech home security system which covers it all; from voice commands and facial recognition to infrared systems, motion sensors and security cameras, all integrated with a Wifi and operated from a mobile app. A little too much to handle, but what if the interface is straightforward and fun to use? You can turn off the lights, raise the alarms or shut down your whole house with such a security system.

Secure Your Home! Secure Your Life

The security sphere will keep on revolving and evolving because as the security solutions are enhancing, the criminals are improving too. A perfect mouse trap is still a dream, but it has been achieved to some extent with inventions like these.

Even though, these inventions are revolutionizing the world of security, but it has still not completely replaced the need for security guards because there are many venues or settings where a security guard can prove to be a better help than these security solutions.

Security will always remain a concern because everyone fears for their safety, and a calm mind is a luxury that can only be experienced with a perfect security solution.

General Safety Issues

Protecting Your Business Against Sexual Harassment at the Workplace

Protecting Your Business Against Sexual Harassment at the Workplace

 

“Casting couch” doesn’t seem to be such an archaic term anymore, does it? If anything, the last few months have shown us that sexual harassment is not just a Hollywood phenomenon. But, it took a worldwide #MeToo campaign and celebrity support for this effort at the 2018 Grammy Awards and Oscars to get people talking about it. From Harvey Weinstein to Larry Nassar and now Steve Wynn, women are speaking up even about people we would have considered untouchable a few months ago.

 

We Live in Interesting Times

In the wake of all these revelations, a November 2017 article in the Independent stated that powerful men have been trying to silence abused women since the Medieval Times. In fact, the article goes so far as to quote the Bible to show how men have tried to police women since time immemorial. And, they were largely successful till now.

 

It is social media that has finally given voice to women, says a similar November 2017 article by Praxis Legal Solutions. The article goes on to say, “Social media platforms have made public a critical mass of testimony to bad behavior that simply cannot be ignored.”

 

With the ancient Chinese curse coming true and bringing us really interesting times to live in, business owners need to, now more than ever before, ensure that they have a safe workplace, with the right sexual harassment policies in place. You not only need to protect vulnerable employees, you also need to protect your business, after all.

 

Protection Against Sexual Harassment

According to the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), sexual harassment refers to any “unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.” It can also include offensive remarks about a person’s gender, the EEOC says. And, if the conduct is such that it creates a hostile work environment or leads to “tangible employment action,” including promotion, firing, hiring or even demotion of an employee, the individual can file a sexual harassment claim.

 

It is the employer’s legal obligation to ensure that the workplace is a safe environment, not just physically but also in terms of sexual harassment. This means that you, as a business owner, need to ensure that you have a well-defined anti-harassment policy that is well publicized within the company and effectively enforced. This policy should also include a process for complaints being lodged and all such complaints being appropriately investigated.

 

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits not just gender discrimination but sexual harassment and discrimination due to race, nationality, religion and more. Apart from this federal law, each state has its own laws against sexual harassment. The legal obligation to put in place effective anti-sexual harassment policies applies to any business that employs 15 or more people, including state and local government bodies. The federal law also applies to all employment agencies, labor organizations and federal government bodies.

 

It is also important to train all employees, including supervisors and managers, with training sessions being held at least on an annual basis. These sessions should inform employees about what is considered sexual harassment, their right to a harassment-free workplace, the complaint procedure and the company policies related to sexual harassment. Managers and supervisors, apart from being familiarized with all of this, also need to know how complaints are to be dealt with and what their responsibilities are in this regard, says an article by Nolo.

 

Creating a harassment-free work environment is only good for business. If you fail to create a safe workplace, employee morale and productivity will be low, while claims and lawsuits will be high. So, don’t become another statistic among all the sexual harassment claims being filed these days. Do your homework!

 

Back Safety, Ergonomics, Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hearing Protection, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Issues

Most Common Workplace Safety Hazards You Can Easily Avoid

Most Common Workplace Safety Hazards You Can Easily Avoid

Workplaces aren’t the same and have different health and safety hazards. But, there are a couple of common workplace safety hazards that you can easily avoid if you are aware of them. Even if you think your workplace is at low risk for these dangers, it is always better to be safe than sorry as some can be costly. Accidents can happen when you least expect, therefore, for the interest of your company as well as your employees, everyone at the workplace should be educated on where the safety hazards lie.

6 Safety Hazards and How to Avoid Them

 

1. Falling Hazards 

Employees can slip, trip and fall anywhere, whether the location is on a highly dangerous job site or in a small office space. This kind of accidents can cause head and back injuries, broken bones, cuts, sprains and pulled muscles. Employees can slip on wet surfaces, fall over cables and equipment or due to uneven surfaces. No matter the location, when an area is wet, it is important to put a caution sign out or to dry the area asap. Cables should be installed neatly so that they do not cause obstruction and equipment should be put in place after use. When working in areas where uneven surfaces are being faced, the right footwear should always be used.

2. Electricity Hazards

Wires that are exposed can cause electrocution directly or indirectly, and faulty wires can even lead to a fire. Electrical installments should be done by a trusted professional and maintenance should be kept in consideration. In areas where working with equipment is part of the job, workers should wear electrical hazard rated footwear.

3. Fire Hazards 

The first step to fire safety is to make sure your business has a fire detector and fire alarm installed as well as fire extinguishers throughout the building. Maintenance checks to these installations should regularly be made. Employees should familiarize themselves with how the alarm system and fire extinguishers work. When a fire should happen when no one is around, having a fire alarm system can help prevent disaster. In the case of a fire during working hours, it can help save lives if a proper escape plan was presented to the employees beforehand. The employees should also be aware of fire hazards that can be caused by equipment or appliances that are left on or flammable liquids and gases.

4. Ergonomic Hazards 

A strain on our body can be caused when you stay in the same position for a long time. Whether you are working in sitting position or standing position, your body can be at risk of injury. The same goes for a job that involves repetitive movement that affects your back and posture. The ergonomic principle should be implemented in your working environment to help avoid pain, fatigue, or even illnesses. When doing the heavy lifting, there are specific guidelines to follow that can help stay clear of injuries. Having breaks at certain times do not only prevent ergonomic hazards, but they give you a mental break as well.

5. Biological Hazards 

Workers that are working with chemicals are in most cases well aware of how harmful exposure to certain chemicals can be if they are not taking the needed precautions. But, there are other exposures that employees might come in contact with unknowingly. These are biological hazards, which are often not easy to notice and therefore overlooked. Bacteria, viruses, insect, and droppings from animals as well as bodily fluids are natural hazards that can cause illnesses and diseases. Personal hygiene is the first step to keep yourself protected. Maintaining a clean working environment is vital for good health. And calling in sick (when you are!), will avoid spreading viruses to your co-workers. Another biological hazard that is hard to notice is black mold that can occur in a building when moisture is high, because of poor ventilation or water damage to the roof. If mold symptoms are detected, it is essential for the health of your employees to contact a professional who can take care of the “silent killer.”

6. Noise Hazards

Loud noises can indeed cause permanent damage to your hearing, unfortunate for those music festival lovers out there. Hearing loss can happen over time when exposed to loud noises on a regular basis and also immediately in cases where explosive sounds are produced. In specific jobs, it is impossible to avoid loud noises. Therefore, it is up to the employer to provide hearing protection in areas where needed. By controlling the exposure to loud noise through closing off areas where the noise occurs, you keep those employees who are not involved with the noisy act itself safe.

Not all working areas call for frequent training on workplace safety and equipment. Roofers for instances will be trained on the dangers that lie on top of a rooftop, while factory workers would be educated on the dangers of factory machines, electricians will focus more on electrical safety, and the list goes on. Some workplace safety hazards are apparent, and sometimes all it takes is some common sense to avoid an injury. Either way, it is in your best interest to inspect your business for safety hazards and educate your employees on how to prevent incidents. A safe working environment will help your employers feel at ease and can even help increase the work efficiency.

 

Ergonomics, Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Protective Clothing

How to Move Heavy Construction Equipment Safely

How to Move Heavy Construction Equipment Safely

Image source:

Moving heavy construction equipment is no easy task, that too safe and sound! Each year, quite a many workers end up endangering their lives just because of incorrectly handling heavy equipment and eventually succumb to it.

When it comes to moving heavy industrial machinery, it is imperative that all the safety measures are taken into full consideration to avoid any mishap and that no worker’s life gets jeopardized in any way. In fact, safety should and must be the first and foremost priority, and there should be a proper guideline issued to every worker before the work begins.

Hence, we have vowed to put forward in this post, at least the basics, to ensure worker’s safety.

One may have the know-how of a specific thing, but it is the professional guideline which provides the full information and guides regarding the dynamics. Expert guidance is often brushed off and only taken into consideration when a calamity strikes which should not be the case. In fact, it should be the very first preference before beginning with the task of moving to avoid any disaster or mishap as mentioned earlier.

Mock Training Sessions:

Training is the fulcrum to succeed or excel in any field.  Similarly, investing time as well as capital in training is pivotal to ensure the safety of workers. It is highly essential to be acquainted with the skill set and knowledge associated with the moving of heavy construction equipment, and that could only come through training under the supervision of experts. In addition to this, it is essential to know about the machine specifications (weight, attachments, etc.) beforehand so that moving does not seem something as an unachievable task, which is, by all means, natural.

Appropriate Clothing:

Just like there is prescribed attire for every social gathering, the task of moving heavy construction equipment also requires a proper dress code. While the former is to maintain the sanctity of the event, the latter is to ensure safety.

For example, make sure to avoid loose shirts or baggy pants as they can result in serious accidents, say perhaps by being caught in machines or coming in the way of others and resulting in a fall or trip. Other than this, strictly avoid wearing any type of jewelry.

Also, it is often reported that the majority of the accidents occur due to the negligence of workers – more importantly, the failure to wear proper clothing. It should be noted that while doing such a crucial task, it is rudimentary to have a uniform to wear. The dress should be High-visibility safety apparel (HVSA), and the footwear should be steel-toed boots.

Communication and Blind Spots:

Effective communication is an ultimate key to success in nearly every aspect of life as well as work. Two-Way radio or walkie-talkie can come handy when it comes to having constant communication.

It is with the help of continuous exchange of information only that one can closely monitor the blind spots and minimize the risks and hazards associated with this daunting work of moving heavy construction equipment.

In addition to this, it is crucial to forming a nexus with the spotter so that the potential threats could be detected in time should there be anyone between or behind the blind spot.

Do not ever have any assumptions that the people around the workspace know your next move. It is part of your task to formally put out instructions that no one is to come within the boundaries of the moving process.

Do Not Rush:

It is entirely understandable how stressful meeting deadlines can be, and in the pursuit of these deadlines, one often ends up working haphazardly and unintentionally inviting danger. For example, moving equipment in haste is never a smart idea.

An expert is not someone who carries the task in lesser time, but who does it smartly within the allotted time frame while ensuring the safety of everyone involved.

Remain focused and do not let the stress overpower you. It is advised to take the time and devise strategies beforehand as to how the deadlines must be met with minimal risks. A careful pre-planning in combination with professional advice would bring up fewer problems during the process.

Know Your Machines:

Before using any machinery as an aid in moving the equipment, learn its usage well enough to avoid any catastrophe. Adequate information about the machine is of paramount importance. Make it a point to ensure that it is serviced and no old or faulty components are being used.

It is recommended that the equipment should be turned off when refueling or repairing. Moreover, keep it under strict notice that both equipment and attachments are regularly inspected to keep track of the fact that it is and shall continue to be safe to use. Most importantly, do not shy away from taking the expert advice in case there is any confusion as to how to use a specific machine or any query regarding machine safety. Keeping a staunch check on little things can lead to the safe completion of the task.

Hire Professional Movers:

Moving heavy industrial equipment is not and can never be everyone’s cup of tea. If you think you cannot tackle and might end up creating a mess, we strongly advise you to seek professional help. Being wise, after all, is the best option. Putting oneself in uncomfortable shoes is the most absurd thing to indulge in.

It is a general perception that professional movers only caters to the carrying and lifting of the machines which is not true. From making an inventory list, packing, organizing to securely loading as well as unloading later is what they do and that too with sheer expertise. A reliable commercial mover can also help you move office furniture including desks, cabinets and cubicles.

Right from the start till the end of the day, the professional movers renders an immaculate service which obviously won’t be possible when dealing it all on own. They see things which an amateur like you might miss and ensure that not even a single critical aspect gets overlooked during relocation.  Not to mention the added peace and satisfaction which would drive in, seeing everything taken care of exceptionally well!