Monthly Archives: May 2018

General Safety Issues, Health Issues, Uncategorized, Weather Protection

Rising Temperatures Bring Increased Risk to Lone Workers

Rising Temperatures Bring Increased Risk to Lone Workers

With temperatures on the rise, the risks of heat-stress related illness are going to increase in the workplace.  This is very concerning and extremely dangerous for workers that are unaware of the symptoms and conditions that can apply when working in a high-risk environment. In this article, we will look at what heat stress is, what the symptoms are, and how to properly monitor and treat potential illness and injuries.

WHAT IS HEAT STRESS? Heat stress is a serious condition that occurs when the body temperature heats up faster than it can cool itself down. Naturally, the body sweats to cool itself, however this isn’t always enough.

The Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety states that
“Most people feel comfortable when the air temperature is between 20°C and 27°C and when the relative humidity ranges from 35 to 60%. When air temperature or humidity is higher, people feel uncomfortable. Such situations do not cause harm as long as the body can adjust and cope with the additional heat. Very hot environments can overwhelm the body’s coping mechanisms leading to a variety of serious and possibly fatal conditions.”

When exposed to extreme heat, people become at risk for either heat exhaustion, heat rashes, or heat stroke. The effects of heat stress can vary from mild to life-threatening, which is why noticing symptoms and treating them early can be crucial to saving a life.

FACTS CAUSES OF HEAT STRESS

Some major causes of heat stress include

• Air temperature

•Humidity

• Dehydration

• Poor health

• Physical exertion

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

The signs and symptoms of heat stress can vary depending on the severity of the condition.

Here is a list of the different types of heat stress and their symptoms (Arranged by progression of severity)

• Heat Cramps

o Muscle cramps & spasms

• Heat Exhaustion

o Headache

o Fatigue

o Nausea

o Dizziness

o Fainting

o Increased heart rate

• Heat Stroke

o Nausea & vomiting

o No longer sweating

o Confusion

o Irregular pulse

o Cardiac arrest
PREVENT HEAT RELATED ILLNESS – TECHNICAL GUIDELINES FOR LONE WORKERS

• Drink water every 15-20 minutes

• Take frequent breaks in shade/air conditioned room

• Acclimatize to the environment

• Exposure limits

• Establish safety check-in procedure

According to Berg Insight; International Data Corporation, there are 53 million lone workers in North America and Europe alone – which is approx. 15% of the overall workforce! International Data Corp. also predicts that by 2020, 72% of the workforce will be mobile.

Many of those mobile users will be lone workers that will be working alone continuously, or at sporadic times throughout their workday in the heat nonetheless.
Consider getting a complete safety network on all your devices by investing in lone worker software. Workers check-in using their regular devices, and if they need help, monitors will be alerted. Many lone worker software’s have features that will provide peace of mind to lone workers and help mitigate the risks of heat stress.

Written in part by Zachary O’Dell at SafetyLine Lone Worker

 

General Safety Issues

Improving Workplace Security with a Surveillance System

Workplace Security

The world is getting more complicated, and the more complicated things become, the harder it is to deal with the security problems. When things get more modern and abstract, the large-scale consequences get more intense and become even more dangerous. As more technological threats compound, it also makes more sense to be extra cautious. Government units need to have a mechanism to protect against such technological threats. Fortunately, we now have new technologies in place to make sure that security issues in companies and government facilities are even more secure. One of the methods and tech to do this is a business surveillance system, or a Closed Circuit Television commonly known as CCTV.

The Surveillance System

One transformative event that’s ever happened to companies today is the implementation of business surveillance systems. This IP Video Surveillance system has achieved a lot of things regarding security benefits for companies, but one of them would be to prevent crimes from happening. Sure, we can use CCTV cameras to protect against theft and to ensure that the employees we have are showing at the right time that they should be reporting to work. However, these are not as life-threatening as that of the threat of being shot in an alley at midnight. Because of quality and precise video surveillance companies, there has already been a decrease of crimes in specific communities.

Benefits of Video Surveillance Programs

When offices install surveillance systems, they get to enjoy a lot of benefits. Other than the apparent prevention of crimes, these surveillance systems can also make employees feel safe while working and can increase their productivity. These CCTVs can also limit the business liability of the owner because it’s easier to investigate injury cases with a video recording of the entire sequence of events. Moreover, when there’s a video system installed, the employees who would complain about any issue of harassment against any of their colleagues could also get a better read of the situation because of the video recordings. No more reason for anxiety to set it for not being able to back-up their complaint since there’s already a video recording installed.

The Leading Video Surveillance System Today

One of the leading companies today that install video surveillance is Mammoth Surveillance. The security cameras in their line-up have been used to help companies regulate the safety regulations and compliance protocols that are needed to ensure quality products in the workplace. With such surveillance system, it is better to gauge whether these safety policies have been set in place and how effective they are. Also, with the new state regulations that address the disconcerting accidents happening in workplaces, the installation of such security system provides a much-needed consolation.

The Importance of Having One

It can’t be overstated how useful the installation of video surveillance system in any corporate office. Accidents are a constant in any business operations, and the best thing we all can do these days is to minimize the accidents, the injuries and unwanted situations in workplaces. Fortunately, with video surveillance systems like Mammoth Surveillance, preventing them from happening won’t be such a trouble.

General Safety Issues

5 ways incorporating green technology can lead to a safer workplace

5 ways incorporating green technology can lead to a safer workplace

Source

Green technology is the latest term that has taken the corporate world by storm. According to a survey by Tech Crunch, more than 54 percent of American businesses have started implementing green programs formally.

But ‘going green’ is not just a temporary fad. Research proves that adopting environmentally friendly workplace practices have many advantages. Some of them include lower taxes, energy savings, improved brand image and a better response from the consumers. According to an article published in Business News Daily, customers are more concerned about how products are made rather than just what is being offered. So, taking corporate social responsibility seriously can have positive effects on your company’s bottom line.

Source: http://businessfeed.sunpower.com/business-feed/why-adopt-sustainable-business-practices

Apart from saving you lots of money and improving sales, can green technology actually help you create a safer workplace for your employees? This is a question to ponder upon, as satisfied employees build a successful organization. In fact, happy employees tend to be 12% more active than their counterparts.

Here’s a look at some of the ways how green technology can help you create a better working environment for your employees. Many companies have already taken note and are seeing the payoff!

1- Renewable energy jobs are safer

If your organization is using a renewable energy source rather than fossil fuels, then according to Journal of the American Medical Association, your workers’ health is in safe hands. Workers working in a factory using a renewable energy source will have lower health risks and accidents as compared to fossil fuel industries.

We can’t deny the fact that the energy sector is one of the most dangerous industries for workers to work in. Hence, a transition to green technologies that utilize sources like wind and solar energy can potentially help reduce untimely worker deaths by a huge percentage. Switching to green technologies might seem like an expensive option as compared to the traditionally cheaper fossil fuels, but the “hidden costs” including workers’ overall health should not be taken lightly.

2- Daylight is better for the human eye

Turning off the excess lights and switching to a natural light source will not only lower your company’s expense, but it’s also a great way to enhance your vision. According to a study, time spent in natural light can reduce the risks of nearsightedness. In fact, spending three hours in natural light daily can help stimulate dopamine- the growth hormone and also regulates eyeball growth.

Light from artificial sources can do serious damage to your vision. Your vision problems can increase by spending long hours in artificially lit environments. According to VisionAware, spending more than 5 hours in fluorescent lighting can lead to headaches and eye strain. Halogen lighting also produces a lot of heat. In fact, local governments consider them to be a fire hazard if used for extended periods of time.

No wonder, most of us feel low and unproductive after being cooped up in an office for long hours.

3- Better employee health and productivity

Companies invest thousands of dollars to create the perfect physical environment so that their employees can perform their best. A recent study from Harvard confirms the fact that workplace design can have a huge influence on our professional performance as well as overall mental well-being. Green technologies such as air purifiers and proper air filtration on HVAC systems can lead to a healthier workplace environment which keeps employees in top-notch health throughout the year.

An article in Forbes examined the relationship between the workplace environment and its occupants. It concluded that people working in green-certified offices showed a 26% boost in cognition and 30% fewer absences.

So, don’t underestimate the power of adopting green technologies in your workplace as it can boost employee health and overall productivity.

  1. Improved disaster recovery

Taking up green business methods can help your organization overcome even the most devastating of disasters. You can’t expect important documents like payroll, customer information and more to make it in case a natural disaster strikes.

This is why it is suggested to switch to Cloud-based business services. Not only will all your data be completely safe, but it will also be accessible from anywhere. Plus, using online cloud-based storage also helps in saving paper, hardware expenses and other maintenance wages.

5- Prevent electricity-related accidents

If you bring simple changes in your workplace and switch to greener solutions, such as using solar energy software– you can avoid any unforeseen accidents. Instead of plugging your phone in a power cable every few hours, try a solar charger that sticks on your window with the built-in suction cup. The solar panels in it can save about 10 hours’ worth of electricity that can be used to charge a small device.
Conclusion:

With investments in renewable energy reaching a global high of $286 billion in 2016 and accounting for more than half of power generated in the whole world- you know that this is something to be taken seriously.

Think about your organization as a pillar of the community and play your part by adopting smart energy today. Turning over to green technology has its fair share of benefits, and it can contribute towards a safer workplace. Look for alternative solutions, and you’ll be surprised that almost anything can be done using eco-friendly technology and products.

How do you incorporate green technologies in your workplace? Have you witnessed a safer workplace environment after adopting eco-friendly solutions? Share your ideas with us in the comments below:

Author Bio:

Evie harrison is a blogger by choice.  She loves to discover the world around her. She likes to share her discoveries, experiences and express herself through her blogs.

Find her on Twitter:@iamevieharrison

 

Ergonomics, General Safety Issues

It’s all about you: workplace tips you need to know

It’s all about you: workplace tips you need to know

It’s a thing of the past when the workers were left at the mercy of their employers. Since the dawn of the 20th century, employees around the world have gained a lot throughout the years. Today, every business considers employees as an immensely important part. There are numerous laws in the modern world that protect workers’ rights and make sure they don’t become victims of any kind of discriminations, as well as ensuring their safety and well-being.

As an employee, you need to be aware of your rights, so you don’t get denied anything that is yours by law. Maybe you are already familiar with some of the following workers’ rights, and maybe some will come as a surprise to you. Either way, take a closer look and learn more about your privileges and working place rights.

1. Protection from harassment

Any kind of discrimination is forbidden in working place. This includes being forced dating anybody from the company, being given racial or gender-related comments or being bullied psychologically or physically. In case any of these types of discrimination happens to you, you should stand up for yourself and speak up, as is your right.

2. Minimum wage ensured

Every country has a limit of a minimum wage that must be provided to each and every employee in any company, without exceptions. Furthermore, overtime hours have to be paid even more by the hour. In short, no matter what company you are working in, your right to a minimum wage needs to be fulfilled. If that is not the case, you need to talk to your employer so as to correct the paycheck.

3. Using appropriate tools and machines – safety issues

Whenever you are using tools or machinery, make sure you follow safety procedures, as ignoring them can lead to serious injuries. It is your right to warn your supervisor if you are not properly trained to handle a certain tool or a machine. Another way of getting injured is not lofting or moving heavy items properly. You need to be provided with an appropriate tool if you are to handle heavy items. There should be a clear procedure for handling smaller and bigger items in the workplace.

In short, if you are working in dangerous conditions, you have the right to file a report in case the standards of safety have not been fulfilled and you feel your safety is endangered more than necessary.

4. Having an emergency and disaster plan

Eventually, something unexpected will occur and the company needs to be prepared for that. The emergency action plan is a must in every company, and it should include practicing fire drills, storm or earthquake drills, as well as teaching employees to keep water and snacks within their reach in case of a disaster. The first aid kit needs to be regularly updated, while the offices have to be insured. If you, as an employee, notice some of these points have not been covered, talk to your employer and make sure the emergency plan is solid and detailed, for your own safety and safety of others.

5. Family leave

Inform yourself on how many unpaid weeks per year you have the right to. In case you decide to stay at home after having a baby, it is your right to do it. Also, if a family member is suffering from a serious disease, it is also a time you can exercise your right for a family leave.

6. Workers’ compensation

In case of an injury at work, you are eligible for appropriate medical treatment, as well as compensation. For example, you can get hurt because of your employee’s fault or negligence. In this case, you have the right to come back to work once you are capable of work or get a similar job. If you have to move to another position because of the injury, you are entitled to the same level of pay and benefits as before. To be completely familiar with your rights after an injury, professionals like Withstand lawyers will help you understand and exercise your rights.

7. Having a safety task force

There is a possibility to gather several employees in the company to assemble a safety task force whose task would be reviewing safety standards and manuals, as well as focusing on keeping the offices safe. They can also talk to the staff about their worries and suggestions about how to improve safety at the office. In short, it means getting a direct input from those whose safety is at risk every day and coming up with a solution. This may not be obligatory in a company, but sure can be a recommendation for the future.

Final comment

Every worker needs to feel appreciated and safe in the workplace. Workers’ rights today are on a much higher level than a century ago but it still doesn’t mean that somebody’s rights are being violated. The way to make sure it doesn’t happen to you is to know exactly what your rights as an employee are.

Audrey Taylor was born in San Francisco, and moved to Adelaide at the age of five. Marketer researcher and social media manager on hold, full – time mommy of a cheerful two-year-old. Graduated from Queensford college, worked in a couple of marketing agencies across Australia, eager to learn more about business and share her experiences. Traveled across the Europe. Her hobbies include: home decor, fashion, travel, music, old movies.