Monthly Archives: September 2018

Uncategorized

Away from Home: Protection of Health & Safety for Migrant Workers

Away from Home: Protection of Health & Safety for Migrant Workers

Studies reveal that more than 300 million people in the world are currently living outside their country of origin, and they form about 3.3% of the world’s population. They are the migrant workers who move to developed nations in search of work. They are crucial to the economy of their country of origin as they keep sending remittances home for their families.

We all know them, for they are around us, doing the jobs that we would never even think of doing in our worst nightmares. Going down the sewers of the city, unclogging drains, cleaning dishes at hotels and restaurants, cleaning dirty laundry, taking care of us at hospitals, cleaning glass panes at skyscrapers, and building bridges and dams – these are the jobs of the migrant workers of the world. The jobs they are involved in are called 3D jobs, for they involve ‘dangerous’, ‘demeaning’ and ‘dirty’ tasks.

They are subject to plenty of occupational hazards at the workplace, owing to their working conditions and wages. Hence, the need to look after the protection of basic health and safety is one of the key concerns at the UNO and WHO.

Health and safety risks in 3D jobs

Health and safety risks are a part of being involved in 3D jobs, and the migrant working population all around the world is facing the following hazards at the workplace every day.

⦁ Environmental risks and hazards at work

The inherent occupation setting of the jobs that migrant workers are involved in has some resultant environmental hazards, and they are as follow.

⦁ Exposure to chemicals – exposure to formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate, toluene, and ammonia

⦁ Exposure to pesticides – pesticides causing respiratory illnesses, cancer, and dermatitis

⦁ Exposure to hostile temperatures – exposure to extreme heat or cold, often sub-zero temperatures, ice-cold water or high-heat environments

⦁ Health and safety risks due to working conditions

Most employment sectors for migrant workers are physically demanding. They require the workers to toil so that the job gets done. Cleaning sewers, clearing roadblock or rubble, constructing buildings, bridges or dams are all physically demanding jobs. To add to that, they have their fair share of workplace problems as well. Here are a few of the workplace risks that migrant workers face days in and days out.

⦁ Denial of basic workplace rights – lack of official contracts, no guarantees on timely paychecks, high-stress and fast-paced work environment, trauma disorders from repetitive motion and accidents, and lack of basic sanitation facilities

⦁ Physical danger – Potential muscle strains and tears, infections, musculoskeletal injuries, exposure to dangerous equipment, exposure to big cutting tools, open flames and fire hazards, and falls

⦁ Abuse at the workplace – outright physical harassment, emotional trauma, discrimination and slurs, shows of disrespect from reporting managers, unfair work assignments, sexual abuse and violence, verbal abuse, and withholding of food

⦁ Trafficking and coercion – forced labor, human trafficking (especially among women and children), and very low-paying jobs involving a huge amount of physical labor

⦁ Lack of safety gear – lack of safety contracts, limited personal protection equipment, additional charges levied on safety gear, no proper safety training, and low levels of compliance in using safety equipment

Major factors affecting health and safety of migrant workers

When compared to native workers, migrant workers are at a greater risk of having poor health and safety infrastructure. This is a worldwide phenomenon, and there are reasons aplenty why it continues to be one of the major concerns for migrant workers. Here are the prime factors influencing the healthcare and safety status of migrant workers on a global spectrum.

⦁ Lack of proper health care services or access to healthcare services designed especially for migrant workers is an essential factor that needs to be addressed at the earliest. Poverty, lack of proper documents, erratic employment status, and limited knowledge of healthcare privileges are some of the main obstacles that they must overcome for better health and safety protection.

⦁ Gender discrimination issues remain one of the major concerns for the migrant working population. Females are more likely to be subject to higher cancer rates, poor mental health and occupational injuries. Women workers are denied of their basic rights to reproductive and sexual healthcare, making migrant women mortality rates shoot through the roof.

⦁ Hindrances in language and culture are also huge determinants when it comes to the health and safety of migrant workers. Given that a large portion of the migrant workers does not speak the dominant language in the country of their employment, they are more prone to occupational hazards. They are most often assigned the more risky jobs for their lack of expertise in the language.

⦁ Political factors and state policies, of course, determine the entire framework of migrant employment in the country. This is where we need to look closely, for better policies and actionable implementation can help bring about a positive change for the migrant worker population all around the world.

⦁ Employment and immigration status plays a huge role in the shaping of the future of migrant workers who move to more developed countries in search of better livelihood prospects. Migrant workers without proper legal authorization are prone to more occupational risks than the documented ones. Since undocumented workers are far less likely to lodge official complaints against the employer in spite of workplace violations, they are put in more dangerous jobs. Neglecting the health and safety factors for undocumented workers is thus commonplace in most countries that employ migrant workers.

Protection of health and safety factors for migrant workers

It is 2018, but rampant discrimination all over the world continues to separate the migrant workforce from the native ones. However, the following methods can work towards eliminating the thin line of discrimination and bring about better health and safety measures for migrant workers the world over.

⦁ Formulation of policies by focusing on health and safety issues for migrant workers

The need to formulate policies that are significant in the struggles of migrant workers is real. The Sustainable Development Goals, for example, can be a good place to start, keeping in mind the problems that migrant workers face all around the world. The health factors should be included in the policies, and must focus on the issues from a global perspective.

⦁ Organizing widespread awareness campaigns and interventions regarding policies

Formulating policies alone won’t cut it, since the word needs to reach the workers themselves. The public health approach can provide an equitable solution regarding this matter. Interventions and awareness campaigns that deal with disease prevention training and improved healthcare facilities are thus the need of the day. Migrant worker populations will benefit from these campaigns, with improved knowledge on health and safety issues at work.

⦁ Fortifying health monitoring and health information systems

Using health monitoring systems for keeping a track of the health hazards and conditions for migrant workforces is imperative so that better healthcare facilities and resources can be provided. Once a proper health monitoring system is established globally, member nations can conduct and share research and insights regarding the condition of health and safety matters for migrant workers.

⦁ Betterment of safety training for migrant workers

Providing information and adequate training for migrant workers so that they can be more careful in their workplaces is also an essential part of promoting their health and safety factors. They should be made aware of the occupational hazards and the ways that they can prevent accidents at work during the training. The purpose and use of protective or safety gear and work equipment must form a vital section of the training program.

⦁ Organizing awareness campaigns for the well-being of women and children

Women and children are among the ones who are mostly at the receiving end of problems arising due to poor health and safety conditions for migrant workers globally. Essential health care services and sexual and reproductive healthcare packages should be put on priority lists of provisions for migrant workers. Maternal, neonatal and postnatal healthcare provisions and sanctions for women migrant workers should also be making it to the list of must-haves.

⦁ Combating xenophobia and improving communication

Migration and displacement act in strange ways to instill baseless fears, apprehensions and prejudices in the minds of the workers and recruiters alike. Since most migrant workers enlist themselves as semi-skilled or unskilled labor, it is obvious that such prejudices arise from the lack of proper educational resources. However, organizing awareness campaigns to counter xenophobia and other prejudices is a huge step towards improving the mental health of migrant workers.

⦁ Pairing up with inter-country and inter-agency collaborators

The United Nations and WHO are two of the most important organizations that need to be kept in the loop of migrant workers’ health and safety policies and their implementation. At the governance level, state heads and cabinet members must come together to establish programs and policies that uphold the rights of migrant workers in their respective countries. Ringing in better coordination and developmental health sectors, the government and global organizations must work in parity with the global working conditions for migrant workers.

⦁ Promoting gender equality and empowerment programs

Most migrant workers hail from developing countries, and have their own perceptions of gender roles. However, the need to emancipate them from the shackles of age-old patriarchal mindset is the only way to educate them towards self-awareness. Hosting gender equality and awareness campaigns designed for both men and women is thus one of the most effective ways to educate and enlighten them about revamped gender roles in a developed country.

⦁ Reinforcing fairness in recruitment processes and policies

Fairness in recruitment processes and policies can also bring about a whole world of change when it comes to ensuring safety and proper healthcare for migrant workers. Many migrant workers fall prey to fraudulent practices and sham agencies that exploit them economically and sexually with false promises of high-paying jobs. Migrant workers often put themselves in debts to secure a job in a developed country through fake recruitment agencies. Ensuring a fair recruitment process can thus bring about a positive change in health and safety measures for migrant workers all around the world.

Parting words

Migrant workers are part of a global community, recruited in jobs that are considered too dirty, demeaning or dangerous. Hence, they deserve every bit of respect and basic healthcare and safety measures, just like any other citizen. Protection of their healthcare and safety rights is thus a global responsibility. Fair and just policies and their implementation at all levels can make sure that migrant workers have a better work environment and access to health care services, regardless of what their immigration status is.

If these workers can put their lives and health at risk to ensure that we have clean sewers, better roads and warm food at our tables, shouldn’t we all be doing our bit to ensure that they gain access to basic health and safety rights? It is time to ponder over health and safety issues of millions of migrant workers worldwide, and adopt ways that we can help them attain basic human rights.

Author bio:
Gracie Anderson, a public policy expert based in Brisbane, and a ghost writer by choice at My Assignment Help. She likes to share her wisdom and expertise on administrative policymaking and governance with students struggling with their academics.

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

5 Smart Tips for Employees to Stay Safe in the Workplace

Tips for staying smart and safe in the workplace

According to a report by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), in the year 2014, more than 4,000 U.S. workers were killed while on the job. Now, this is not a stat to be taken reluctantly. Death in the workplace is perhaps the most unfortunate and alarming thing to happen.

From construction workers to desk job employees, none of them is safe in their individual workplace if the right kind of precautionary measures and safety tips are not taken into consideration. Not only occupational hazard can take place due to safety issues, but employees can be exposed to other risks for not being smart enough to know their rights and provisions at the workplace.

Thus, in order to fight off the evil and become a smart and safe employee in the workplace, here are a few of the most effective suggestions that can help you stay safe, smart and secured in the office.

  • Get accustomed to the emergency plans and modules of your workplace

This is perhaps the first and foremost point of concern an employee should consider taking note of. Every workplace has an emergency plan and provision for its employees. For example, you are caught amidst a fire at your workplace and you do not have a fair idea regarding the emergency exits, then that might prove to be a traumatic situation for you.

So, the idea is to inquire and figure out all emergency exits in your office beforehand, so that in times of trouble and mishaps, you don’t panic or get injured while trying to escape the situation in the wrong way.

Takeaway: Try not to miss out on attending the fire drills in your workplace. You get to learn a lot of safety measures to be taken in times of emergencies.

  • Get some rest for your eyes – take short breaks in between

If you have a desk job, try not to develop eyestrains by staring at the computer constantly. It goes without mentioning that it’s your job and you cannot afford to take the task lightly.

Have you ever thought if an overly stressed schedule takes a toll on your health? You might end up developing eyestrains, allergic reactions, eye infection and the likes. How would you manage to come to work for the rest of the week?

Thus, it is always a smarter choice to take short breaks in between, keep your eyes off the computer, and get some refreshments for yourself and then sit back to work with a fresh mind.

Takeaway: According to NIOSH (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health), computer users should have an eye test before they start working on the device. You should also maintain a routine check-up schedule once a year thereafter.

  • Stay well informed of the area where first aid kits are kept

This is yet another crucial suggestion to be kept in mind, as far as being safe in the workplace is concerned. It goes without mentioning that physical hazards, health issues, chronic injuries and the likes can occur at any time. Now, being a responsible and smart employee, it is your utmost concern to stay alert and aware of the area where first aid box and other safety kits are usually kept. According to a study, around 1.3 million workers suffered from health issues related to their job in 2016/2017.

Now that it is pretty visible and evident that the count of workplace illness has reached an alarming stage, keeping track of your health and being accustomed with the first aid kits at your workplace is perhaps one initiative that could help you to save yourself and others from the wrath of a sudden heart attack, chronic injuries, breathing problems, allergic reactions and the likes. Until the time a physician attends the victim, effective and timely first aid supplies could keep the situation under control.

Takeaway: Make sure your office first aid kit contains cold packs, calamine lotion, alcohol wipes, paracetamol tablets, hand sanitizer, allergy medicine, gauze rolls, saline wound wash and pain relievers.

  • Be smart enough to discard the habit of multitasking

Posted in workplacepsychology.net, a Harvard Business Review has suggested that multitasking results in a 40% drop in productivity, a 10% drop in IQ and also increases stress at the end of the day.
Employees, who have developed stress, become less productive in the workplace. Often, he/she suffers from a poor IQ, because of which carrying out all responsibilities and taking care of daily job targets might turn out to be an intricate affair for them.

Instead of making situations complicated by attempting and failing to do multiple tasks, all at once, it would probably be a smarter and much safer choice for an employee to finish one work at a time.

Takeaway: Take a close look at your job sheet, figure out one task which is of utmost importance and needs to be delivered at the earliest. Complete that particular assignment at first; take a deep breath and move on to the next one with a fresh mind.

  • Check and confirm if the chairs and standing desks in your workplace are in good condition

According to a report, CDC (Center for Disease Control) has cited “falling” as the biggest and probably the most common cause of injuries to occur in a workplace. It could occur due to slippery, wet floors, sitting in an unstable chair, using chairs instead of ladders and the likes.

Thus, the idea is to check and confirm if your office chairs and standing desks are stable and in good condition. If you find anything wrong, consider escalating the issue to the Facilities department at the earliest and rope in a set of sturdy furniture which can ensure a safer work environment.

Takeaway: Check the springs, examine the legs of the chairs and see if the furniture offers sufficient lumbar support, along with the availability of synchro-tilt mechanisms.

It is a known fact that we tend to spend most of the productive hours of the day in the office or amidst office chores. This, as a result, certainly calls for a better safety measure, hazard identification and risk management strategies for a smarter and secured work culture.

Author Bio – Alice is a risk management expert associated with a private agency in Australia. Apart from that, Alice is an online assignment help provider, working on behalf of the firm MyAssignmenthelp.com. Alice is also a passionate pianist.

General Safety Issues

Travel Safely With These Construction Zone Tips

Travel Safely With These Construction Zone Tips


It is very much important to get save while traveling through the under construction area respectively. Most of the people do not take care of these safety precautions signs on the road. If we look at an average of 700 incidences occur in the work zones every year. In this case, the pedestrian and the vehicle drivers need to get careful while crossing the road construction area respectively. It is also very much important for the traffic control department to change the route for the heavy trucks and the buses to provide the best chances to the small vehicles and the cars to move easily without getting stuck in the huge traffic.

This is a major fact that large trucks are the main cause of the major accidents on the road construction areas are areas. Here we will discuss some important points regarding the safety of the construction zone and how you have to move under the circumstances?

  • Pay complete attention to the road

It is very much important to have complete attention on the road respectively. You should have to plan your route first. Make sure not to get the route where construction work is under process. If you don’t have the idea about the construction of the site, get pass the area by maintaining some specific distance from the vehicles as well as the construction site respectively. You will surely get pass through the area in a better way without getting hurt or loss.

  • Slow down the speed of the vehicle

Obviously, it is the basic factor to slow down the vehicle on the construction site. As we all know very well due to traffic rush it is important to slow down the speed of the vehicle at a limited speed which will also mention on the signboard of the construction area. It is also your duty to take care of the workers of the site by maintaining the sufficient distance from them respectively. Do not approach the workers to get a side; you can ultimately get the sufficient space to drive the car in a limited speed.

  • Only move into the open lane

If you are passing through the road paving area you have an idea that you should have to pass through the open lane. Driveway paving contractor has already prepared the way for your ease to get pass the area easily. You should have to maintain a specific distance while crossing the lane. Make sure to drive the vehicle according to the mentioned speed.

  • Follow the signs of the construction area

It is also mandatory to follow the visible signs on the construction site. These signs will let you know the further condition of the road by displaying the specific message on it. It is your duty to follow the signs strictly and to save the workers from any type of mishap respectively. As we all know very well that crashes of the cars are very much common on construction sites. The basic reason is to not follow the signboards of the site and also people hate to control the vehicle speed while they are in hurry. It is also mandatory for the vehicle driver to provide the sufficient room to the worker on the construction site. You should have to respond quickly when you see the open lane with much space to pass through the area.

Conclusion:

After discussing these important points finally, we get the best idea to utilize the strategy while the road or building is under construction. It will be the best thing to follow the signboards of the construction site well and maintain the sufficient gap between the vehicles to get save and reach save to the destination.

General Safety Issues

5 Workplace Safety Issues Too Serious To Be Overlooked

5 Workplace Safety Issues Too Serious To Be Overlooked

One of the tragic mistakes people make is putting productivity first, and safety at the workplace second. Not only is this just a lawsuit waiting to happen, but it’s highly immoral as well. But, you would be surprised how often safety issue springs up not due to malice, but due to negligence. Some people simply forget some very basic safety precautions that are supposed to be practiced in the workplace. That’s why we’ve compiled this list as a reminder, just in case.

Mold

One of the first things people overlook is mold build-up. It can cause a host of issues, from asthma, to allergies. It is absolutely horrible for people’s health, and will destroy productivity. It can even cause skin and eye irritation in more serious cases. Know that if you have an office that is low, on bottom floors or even inside of a basement, that you are at high risk of getting mold. Perform regular check-ups, hire somebody to deal with it if you have to.

Asbestos

Asbestos is an absolute no-go. The health issues caused by asbestos have been documented for a long time. And yet, people still sometimes use it, against any and all regulations. And in some places, it isn’t regulated at all. But no matter where you live, know that this isn’t a joke.

Asbestos can still be found in many old buildings, since it’s an excellent insulator. However, your office building needs to be checked for any trace of asbestos. Its seriously cancerogenic, and you need to get rid of it stat. It should, in fact, be your number one priority.

Rails and Fences

This one really depends on your line of work. Namely, if you work at a place like a construction site, or any other field where there is a chance a person can actually fall and hurt themselves, you need to invest in proper safety precautions. There are always high-quality temporary fence panels for sale somewhere, as well as rails and walkways. Don’t go cheap, try to get the best you can.

You need to keep your people protected, and an unsafe work environment will destroy morale and efficiency. Not to mention how cheap your company will end up looking. If needed, redistribute your budget. Invest in all the safety and warning signs you need as well.

Stress Management

Stress is a mind killer. For decades now, doctors have been warning about just what kind of damage stress causes. That’s why you should do everything you can do regulate it. Depending on your line of work, you need to manage stress accordingly. Did you notice one of your employees has been overworked, putting in overtime every day for a month? Give them a day off, help them relax.

Did your whole team just finish an incredibly stressful and difficult project? Treat them, give them a bonus, or let them leave work early for a couple of days. Furthermore, you can avoid the actual occurrence of stress if you practice due diligence. Have plan A, B, C, and D ready to cover any issue that may show up. Provide adequate stress management training as well. Know that if it snowballs, stress can cause serious burnout and waste of talent.

Emotional issues

Emotional safety at the workplace is all about trust and feeling respect. It can be loosely defined as the employee having enough trust placed in the employer to feel open and vulnerable. An employee should feel that he or she can bring up any issue or problem to the employer and that he or she will be respected and heard.

An employee needs to know that the employer has their best interest at heart. The opposite of this would be any kind of bullying or harassment they may suffer. Being strict but fair is one thing, but a manager venting his frustrations at his workers will absolutely tank productivity and morale.

Remember, the last thing you want is somebody getting hurt due to negligence. And some of these issues, like stress management and employee emotions, may not come to mind at first. But, know that they are just as important as asbestos, mould, and lack of proper railings. You need to keep both your employee’s minds and bodies safe.

Weather Protection

How Businesses Can Become More Environmentally Friendly

How Businesses Can Become More Environmentally Friendly

By February this year, air pollution levels had already exceeded the legal limit in London. This is alarming considering that only recently the toxicity in air pollution was linked to a child’s death in the capital. Not only does pollution have a detrimental effect on people’s health, but it also contributes to global warming – damaging earth as we know it. It’s clear the stakes are higher than ever with people’s lives being directly at risk, so responsible business owners need to be thinking more about what they can do to lessen their impact. Read on for more information on how businesses can become more environmentally friendly:

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

With rapid advancements forever progressing modern technology, it seems appropriate that we utilise it to benefit the environment. For example, the idea of a business going paperless 10 years ago would have sent a company into despair, but now, it’s an easily achievable solution to business waste. Request emails instead of letters and transfer your filing system by having files saved electronically on a secure drive. In many instances, it’s actually more secure for the business to keep sensitive documents on a computer with backup capabilities anyway, as there’s less chance of them being damaged or stolen.
Furthermore, encourage recycling in the workplace. Have designated clearly labelled recycling bins to promote recycling amongst workers. You could also upcycle old office furniture to give it a new lease of life. An excellent way to save the business money, and also helps the environment.

Combat Pollution

Pollution can be extremely harmful to an employee’s health, particularly if you are a business located in a city centre. Business owner’s need to consistently evaluate hazardous aspects of working life that could impact their staff. This includes indoor pollution. It could be beneficial to install stainless steel ductwork for larger companies to have more control over the air quality and temperature in the building. This will ensure employees are operating under safe conditions, improving their overall health and wellness. In turn, this could lead to them taking less sick days and becoming more motivated.

Monitor Energy Usage

Another easy way to sustain an environmentally friendly business is to implement restrictions on energy use. This could be something as simple as turning all equipment off at night by the switch instead of leaving it on standby. You could also introduce energy saving lightbulbs which can greatly reduce your waste over the coming years. If staff spend too much time indoors, in offices or warehouses for example, it can become dull and depressing. Try to choose daylight lightbulbs to emulate natural light as this is beneficial to your staff because they create a more bright and positive work environment.

A Environmentally Friendly Future

Every business should look into ways they can help the environment, both for the benefit of their employees and the planet. If a business is operating from an industrial site or city centre, it is particularly advisable that they evaluate their practices as they are most vulnerable to pollution that could affect their employees’ health. On the whole, a company should be more aware of their carbon footprint as they have a responsibility to protect the environment for a better future.

Uncategorized

Five Steps to a Safe and Healthy Workplace

Five Steps to a Safe and Healthy Workplace

Every business owner, no matter how small or big his business is, needs to prioritize and seriously take care of the workplace’s health and safety. This is actually the first aspect you should take care of before you start the business, so you’ll be sure that nobody will ever be endangered while they’re at work.
Therefore, in today’s post, we’re presenting you 5 steps which will guide you towards a safe work environment and a healthy atmosphere that anyone can work in.
Design the Workplace Safely
It all starts with the way you choose to design the workplace. If your priority is to promote a safe and healthy atmosphere in the workplace (as it should be), then you know what to focus on while you design it.
Here are some questions you can ask yourself in order to create a functional, safe, and healthy design:
  • What are the best triggers for motivation, productivity, focus, and efficiency you can implement in the workplace design?
  • What is the healthiest atmosphere to work in for your employees’ minds and bodies?
  • What equipment, machines, substances, and materials will be needed and what measures should be taken for using everything safely?
Provide the Right Gear
To promote a safe and healthy atmosphere in the workplace, you need to think in terms of quality and not quantity. It is extremely important to provide the right gear even if is for the office or for the work side.
As Mark Devens, the HR manager at assignmentgeek.com.au, advises, “You’d better not look at the price and prepare a flexible budget. Otherwise, the cheaper products will be extremely tempting. You see, the cheaper the gear is the lesser it will last, and the more pollutant and dangerous it will become over the years.”
Make sure you do good research on the company you’ll be using before buying your equipment and materials, just to make sure your employees won’t get cancer after using Monsanto’s cleaning products. As well, buy only the gear that is truly necessary and fits your purposes best.
Provide All the Necessary Training
Even if the employees are qualified to work with the machines and equipment used in the workplace, you need to provide training for all the employees, especially if some of the gear may cause some severe injuries.
As you’re the employer and the one responsible for all the aspects of your workplace, you must do everything that stands in your power to prevent any possible unfortunate incident. Therefore, you must provide:
  • Right training
  • Written instructions
  • Safe work procedures
  • First aid kit
  • Open discussions about risk prevention.
  • Encourage the employees to speak up if they feel unsafe.
Regularly Inspect and Renew the Gear
In order to prevent any possible hazard in your workplace, you must make sure that everything is working perfectly. So, you must plan a regular inspection to check if every gear is working on safe terms.
As well, renew the damaged gear as soon as possible. Of course, the safest would be to renew the gear before it gets broken and has the chance to represent a danger for your employees and even for you.
Investigate Incidents and Keep Records
No matter of the incident’s gravity, you should always conduct an investigation. This is crucial because you must acknowledge the real cause and course of events and figure out what measures you must take to ensure it won’t happen again.
Moreover, you should keep records of any incident, any first aid treatment, any incident investigation, any inspection, and any provided training. This will help you identify a solution to prevent any unfortunate event from now on.
Conclusion
Everyone should feel safe and healthy while they’re in the workplace. This is the only way you can keep your employees productive and focused on work and growth. Not to mention that if you fail to take care of such important aspects like safety and health, you’ll have to deal with a lot of unfortunate events that will cost you money and your reputation.
Take our tips and tricks into consideration and do what’s right for your business. One mistake could cost you everything, so better not risk it!
About the writer:

Mary Whitman is a blogger and freelancer from Adelaide, South Australia. In her spare time, she enjoys talking about Sustainable Development and Art. Find Mary on Twitter.

Back Safety, General Safety Issues, Health Issues, Respiratory Safety

Stay Active & Increase Your Productivity At Work

Stay Active & Increase Your Productivity At Work

Many of us have jobs that require us to sit at desks for several hours together. In this case, we hardly find time to keep ourselves healthy and fit. When it comes to going to the gym, we conveniently find excuses for not going due to hectic work schedules. Moreover, when you are engrossed in your workload, you don’t remember to even stand up from your place and stretch.

Excessive sitting can cause a lot of health troubles like slowing down your metabolism, developing obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart attack, cancer, and more. According to WHO (World Health Organization), “new data published in The Lancet Global Health on 5 September 2018 show that more than one in four adults globally (28% or 1.4 billion people) are physically inactive. It has also listed inactivity as the fourth biggest risk factor for global mortality.”

The key to increasing your productivity in the workplace is to stay active all day. Yes, you read that right. It doesn’t mean you only have to go the gym for becoming fit and active. Not that it is wrong to do so but putting some simple, yet effective efforts while at work can also help you a lot.

There are plenty of ways to remain active at work and improve your health and fitness, along with increasing the productivity. Let us dive in to know how you can do this more effectively.

Walk Or Ride To Workplace

Instead of taking a cab or train, you can practice walking to your work. It will give you a much greater amount of exercise. Moreover, it is an easy and convenient way of incorporating physical activity into your routine. Of course, not everyone stays this close to their work to take a walk. But, you can make at least a part of your trip by including any of these physical activities. It will make you more energetic and active during your work.

Conduct Standing Or Walking Meetings

Unlike sitting in the conference hall, you can keep walking or standing meetings with your colleagues or employees. Standing is a great form of exercise, as it engages your leg muscles and makes them stronger.

The meetings that stretch for 1 hour can be accomplished in 15 minutes if you plan your meeting in this manner. Getting active during working hours can be highly beneficial.

Seek Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is one of the best ways to improve your fitness and increase the flexibility of the body. Physical therapists offer excellent fitness and wellness programs to help you achieve your fitness goals. Moreover, you can also do some stretching exercises to help relax your muscles and relieve the pain thereof.

According to Advantage Osteopractic Physical Therapy, “Everyone can learn to stretch, regardless of age or flexibility. Stretching should be a part of your daily routine, whether you exercise or not. It does not have to involve a huge amount of time, but stretching can end up giving you huge results!”

Wear Comfortable Shoes And Clothes

Studies show that when you wear comfortable clothing and footwear, you are more likely to be active. Moreover, when you have heels in your feet, climbing stairs is rarely or not at all appealing. Even when you have a dress code for your office, try to make it more comfortable by incorporating flexible and suitable fabric that allows you to stretch.

Track Your Steps

Usually, we get lethargic to walk and try to skip whenever possible even a small physical activity. Incorporating a tracking app in your watch can help you monitor your steps during the day. Also, when you plan to lose weight, it will help you in doing so. Tracking can be an excellent way to motivate yourself and remind yourself of your goals. So, make a habit of walking distances even if they are small.

Walk Instead Of Calling Or Emailing

If you have to email or call your colleague, it is better to walk across to their desks and talk out the matter instead of emailing or calling. Use every opportunity to engage in physical activity. It will add to your energy levels and make you more active during your working hours. Additionally, it gives an extra benefit of socializing with them.

Make The Most Of The Lunch Time

During your lunch break, instead of ordering food at your desk, you can go to pick your lunch parcel. Alternatively, you can also go on a brisk walk after your lunch. Moving is vital to keep your body energetic and active. You can also involve your co-workers in this routine and it can become fun. Incorporating small physical activities into your routine can be greatly helpful in staying active.

Habituate To Taking Stairs

For one or the other reason, we try to avoid taking stairs and take the elevators instead. However, you should make a habit of climbing stairs, which can add to improving your fitness and health. If you find it hard, you can aim at doing it at least once a day. Eventually, you will get habituated to doing so.

Take Breaks To Move

Avoid prolonged sitting, and make sure you stand up from your place and move at regular intervals or every 1 hour. If you don’t remember to do so, then keep an alarm at your desk and make it a point to stand up and move. You don’t have to take a long walk. Just a break of 5-10 minutes is sufficient enough to give your body some movement.

Staying active at work can help you increase your productivity to a great extent. So, indulge your body in some physical activity, even if it is a small one, and make it energetic.

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

Right Type Roof Height Safety – Preventing Accidents at Workplace

Right Type Roof Height Safety – Preventing Accidents at Workplace

Roofs play an essential role in enhancing the overall look of any house. It is a fact that working on roofs can be dangerous and many people have fallen off and suffered injuries in the process in order to avoid frequent mishaps, roof height safety must be given utmost importance.

Introduction of Roof Height Safety – Done for Convenience

Earlier, there was nothing like a height safety system. With the advent of technology, roof height safety has been introduced for the convenience of workers. The introduction of fall prevention systems has proved to be really convenient. However, people need to be trained to install the same on the roofs.

It takes a few minutes to get a job done but working on roofs asks for safety measures, unlike other construction works. Accidents cannot be prevented; however, certain inclusions can reduce the risk of accidents to a great extent.

Height Safety of Roofs – Great Concern!

Gaps and holes inside the roof enhance the risk of accidents. As numerous accidents occur at the time of working on roofs, roof height safety is a great concern. It will allow people to carry out their day-to-day roof construction work with utmost precision. In case of any type of height safety system, fall prevention is the first priority. This is the reason close analysis of the roof is duly carried out. Installation of a guard rail is mandatory to ensure a high level of safety to workers. It will also prevent objects from being kicked off the roof. As there are higher chances of materials falling off the roof, heavy precaution must be taken from day one.

Importance of Anchor Points – Used in Special Situations

Situations where guardrails are impractical, anchor points must be installed. It is preferable especially in case the roof has small inclinations. Workers equipped with a harness of appropriate length are less prone to fall off.  An ideal anchor point system purely functions on the principle of roof height safety at its best.

The anchor point is positioned in such a manner that the worker can easily prevent himself from any mishap. As they are unable to reach the edge of the roof, it is highly imperative for the lanyard to comprise of an appropriate length. It will prevent any unpredictable risk. More space will help you easily manage your task in the best possible manner.

Beware of Hazards!

You may expect to get the best equipment set along with highly innovative safety systems installed. But at the same time, your employees need to be trained to make the best use of all including roof height safety. With proper training, it will become easy to prevent all types of mishaps.

Inexperienced workers must be supervised by experienced personnel e. properly designed roof height safety serves to be the only barrier between a healthy work environment and serious accidents. It is highly imperative to install the best system with the guidance of a qualified team of Experts. People who desire to install height safety for roofs must do their research well. As this is a fairly new inclusion in the list of roof height safety systems, you might not find enough people who can guide you through. Also, there are several companies that guarantee high quality roof height safety systems; however, you cannot trust them blindly. You must consult those who have installed the height safety systems, seek their assistance and then invest in one. It is an expensive buy and thus you would not want to goof up on that front. To avoid frequent repairs, invest in a durable variety.

General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products

5 Safety Measures You Can Take to Prevent a Gas Leak

5 Safety Measures You Can Take to  Prevent a Gas Leak

Home safety is achieved when everyone in the household is educated on what to do when there are home emergencies. This is the best assurance you can give to yourself and the people living in your house. Whatever the size of your house and appliances you have, accidents are very unpredictable and can happen when you least expect them. However, it can be prevented by following safety measures. Gas leaks are one of the main causes of fires at home and even explosions. This hazard is life-threatening which is why you should be vigilant when it comes to home safety.
The most obvious sign of a gas leak is the smell of a gas and this is something you need to worry. Leave the area as soon as possible and call emergency services. If you want to prevent this kind of incident, follow these safety measures and let everyone in the house know about these.
1. Make sure it is properly installed
Sometimes the cause of a gas leak at home is poor and faulty installation. Before you use your appliances at home, make sure they are installed properly. Ideally, a Gas Safety Engineer (GSE) or any qualified gas installer should install your appliances to make sure they are properly and securely fitted.
2. Turn off gas appliances after use
Safety starts with you and everyone in the house. Be mindful and careful whenever you use your household appliances because anything careless increases your risk at home. You and your family should know and familiarise where your gas supply can be turned off so anyone can shut if off immediately right after use. Turning off your appliances after using is the best security you can deal at home.
3. Install a carbon monoxide alarm
Gases contain carbon monoxide that’s why a gas leak can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. It is easier to detect a gas leak in your household if you keep a carbon monoxide alarm so that you will be alerted if ever there are leaks. Make sure that is installed properly; otherwise, the alarm might not function properly and leave you prone to the dangers of gas leaks. Lastly, change the batteries every year to ensure optimal performance.
4. Save the national gas emergency number
For safety and emergency purposes, make sure to save the national gas number in your phone book or any area in your house where you can list important numbers. In this case, you can contact the number whenever you have an emergency gas leak at home.
5. Check the appliances on a regular basis
Even if your appliances are installed by a Gas Safe Register Engineer, it doesn’t mean you can just be relaxed when it comes to gas leaks. Remember that you use the appliances regularly and it’s possible that they can be dysfunctional because of continued usage. We highly advise having a professional GSE check your appliances on a constant basis to see if there are any issues.
Let your family members know all these safety measures to protect your household. Gas leaks are a serious matter which is why you should educate the people in your household to ensure no one gets hurt and no property gets severely damaged.