Yearly Archives: 2018

General Safety Issues, Protective Clothing

5 Basic Safety Tips for Construction Workers

Construction work is considered to be one of the most dangerous occupations so ensuring worker safety is vital. Heights, heavy and mobile equipment, heavy lifting, edges, deep holes and wobbling stairs are a reality in many construction and construction clean up sites regardless of how careful the contractors claim to be. Here at Results Staffing, we are vigilant about ensuring the safety and security of our day laborers and skilled laborers. Here are a few tips for you to keep in mind to protect your own safety when working in hazardous conditions:

  1. Wear Protective Apparel and Use Personal Protective Equipment

Temp agencies should provide the proper protective equipment (PPE). At Results Staffing, we make sure that our workers have the right equipment. We will usually provide all necessary PPE unless otherwise noted and we are careful to let you know if any additional equipment is needed. If you do not have the necessary equipment, resolve it with your employer and be sure that you are prepared.  Well-fitted helmets and protective eyewear are a necessity. Ear plugs or muffs should be used when working in noisy areas and protective gloves should be worn when you are around toxic chemicals or lumber. Anti-slip footwear or protective boots should always be worn especially in dusty, wet or toxic environments. Fall harnesses are very important for every construction worker. If you have been approved to work at heights through our Skilled or Final Clean Divisions, ensure your harness is sturdy and secured to a strong anchorage point. Since workers work in all types of weather, make sure to dress appropriately for bad weather with climate protective gear and clothing. Heavy machine operators should wear highly visible clothing so they can be located and seen with ease when working with heavy.

  1. Inspect Your Areas

Scaffolds are commonly used on construction sites and are linked to a high number of injuries, which is why Results Staffing does not allow employees to work on them. If you are asked to work on them, contact your branch immediately. We want to ensure your safety first. For those that become permanent employees of a construction company keep in mind that you should never work on a fragile scaffold that does not have a strong platform or base. Ladders are another essential construction site tool that carry a high potential for danger. Inspect the ladder carefully before use and make sure you are in compliance with Results Staffing’s policies on ladders for your particular division. If you find any part of it wobbly, do not use it. All of the steps of slabs of the ladder should be secured properly.  A ladder should be of proper strength and of a height that always keeps it at least one meter above the landing. The upper and lower end of the ladder should preferably be fastened or secured properly. If not, ensure someone is manually securing the ladder to prevent a fall. Heavy machine operators need to be extra careful to double check their work areas and equipment.

  1. Be Cautious with Electricity and Equipment

Construction sites typically need a lot of electrical installations. Lifting equipment mostly involves electricity and weights. When working with such equipment, heavy machine operators need to ensure there is no wear and tear in the machine and be sure to follow the listed safety precautions. If you do not know them, seek help from a site supervisor or a coworker who has experience using the equipment. If you are using plugged-in portable devices, such as grinders or drills, you should always check that the cables are protected, the metal casing is grounded and the power supply is supplied with an earth leakage circuit breaker. Never allow the electrical tools anywhere near water. Never stand or work directly below a heavy suspended load and always be sure to not exceed the permissible levels of load. You’ll need proper training before operating some equipment, especially a material hoist and crane.

  1. Keep a First Aid Kit Handy

While it is always a good idea to keep your own personal first aid kit handy while doing day labor and skilled labor, it is not always possible. Both the site supervisor and contractor should ensure that first aid is always accessible to workers. If you are missing a necessary first aid supply on the site, inform your supervisor immediately and contact your branch. Basic first aid for minor burns, cuts and falls should be available on site so that medical attention can be provided immediately. This is beneficial for the employer as well because it allows the worker to be treated and return to work as quickly as possible. Some injuries are immediately treatable which helps limit the damage and prevents the infections from spreading.

  1. Maintain Fencing and Prevent Fires

Many falls and fatal injuries happen in areas with no fencing protection. Dangerous areas that you see without fencing or with broken and damaged fencing should be avoided until they are completely repaired or a proper fencing is provided. If this is not happening in time, talk with your supervisor and branch immediately. With the machinery involved in construction along with the combustible chemicals and welding operations, there is the possibility of fire on a construction site. Remain alert and take preventative measures. Construction sites have flammable materials present so do your best to prevent open flames. All workers should also know the escape and exit routes and the location of the fire extinguisher and how to use one.

Modern society was built by construction workers. A construction worker must exercise caution at all times. Day labor and skilled labor require workers to be extra vigilant. While temp agencies can do all they can on their end, workers on the ground have to follow their own best practices to maximize their own safety.  These are some basic tips for ensuring your safety on a construction site, but is by no means meant to be an exhaustive list. Always use your best judgment and err on the side of caution. Always follow instructions during an emergency and alert your supervisor and coworkers to any unsafe conditions. Using these tips will help to prevent from accidents and injury.

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

How safe is DIY?

 

If horror movies are to be believed, every encounter with a power tool is just moments away from turning into a terrifying bloodbath.  The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, anyone?

But just how dangerous is DIY, really? Are we likely to lose a limb or end up in hospital after trying to carry out a simple home improvement job?

As it turns out, DIY isn’t likely to be fatal. Around 70 people a year die in DIY-related accidents in the UK. This might sound scary, until you consider that nearly 2000 people a year die in car accidents, and that doesn’t stop you getting in your car. Your chances of ending up in a fatal accident trying to replace your toilet seat are very slim!

That said, your chances of being hospitalized in a DIY accident aren’t quite so tiny. Approximately 200,000 people every year are sent to hospital with DIY injuries, with the most common being the result of falls from ladders, and cuts and lacerations from knifes and other sharp blades.

However, you shouldn’t let this put you off. Most accidents are preventable and if you get clued up on proper DIY safety precautions it should all be plain sailing. DIY is empowering and creative, and definitely worth giving a go!

We’ve created this infographic to give you the full lowdown on DIY safety. We’ve  perused the available data and compiled all the statistics you’ll need to answer your burning questions:

  • How many DIY accidents are there in the UK every year?
  • Which tools and materials cause the highest number of DIY injuries?
  • What are the most common injuries during DIY?

We’ll also share our top tips for DIY safety and preventing injury!

If you’re looking for more guidance on DIY safety, take a look at these top tips (with a focus on hand and power tools):

  • Always wear appropriate protective clothing. Depending on the task, this could mean safety goggles, hard hats, dust masks, gloves, earplugs and even steel-capped boots.
  • Avoid loose-fitting clothing, which can get caught in blades and machinery.
  • Look after your tools and inspect their condition regularly.
  • Never carry power tools by the cord or yank the cord out of the wall.
  • Turn off all power before carrying out any electrical jobs.
  • Store tools safely away when they’re not in use.
  • Always unplug power tools when they’re not in use, or when you want to switch accessories such as blades.
  • Keep tools sharp, clean and well-maintained.
  • Make sure you’re working in a place where you have good footing and won’t trip over. If possible, try to stay on solid ground when using power tools.
  • Keep workspaces clean and tidy to reduce tripping hazards.
  • It sounds obvious, but make sure you read the instructions before you use power tools!
  • Take care with on/off switches when using power tools, particularly making sure you don’t accidentally turn it on when you don’t mean to.
  • Use clamps to secure your work pieces.
Ladder Safety

Be extra cautious when using ladders. Falls from ladders are the single biggest cause of injury when undertaking DIY work, with approximately 30,000 accidents per year that require hospital treatment. Take heed of these safety tips:

  • Use the right type and height of ladder for the task.
  • Place the ladder on a level, secure surface and make sure it’s resting against a solid wall.
  • Always check the condition of a ladder before use. If rungs, feet and stiles are bent , damaged, or missing, do not use the ladder.
  • Never over-reach when using a ladder or lean to one side as you could lose your balance and fall.
  • Use the 4:1 rule. That means for every four feet of ladder height, your ladder should be one foot away from the wall.
  • Don’t leave tools at the top of ladders – they could fall off and injure someone below.
Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

All About Height Safety Systems And Aluminum Roofs Guards

All About Height Safety Systems And Aluminum Roofs Guards 

Industrial accidents are one of the leading causes of fatal injuries and deaths. Falls from ladders and roofs are pretty common. To avoid such dangerous occurrences at your worksite, you may consider the use of height safety systems. Working at heights has its own set of hazards and difficulties. Common causes of falls are roof edges, slippery and damp surfaces, fall prone or fall risk surfaces. Roof has to be safety compliant under any circumstance. If you do not ensure this, you can land in trouble. There are hundreds of companies offering height safety systems to make working at greater heights, a safe and secured task. There is no chance of injury due to fall, if you tighten the safety system at your worksite. Fall protection systems or components may be constituted of aluminum material, due to the range of benefits it offers. Simply providing the employees their monthly salary will not do. As an employer, you must take necessary steps to save them from any type of accident or injury. This is important from the point of workers’ safety and from the point of your business reputation as well. Worker’s law of your state is really strict and if any worker is injured while working, your business place may be shut down or you may have to give hefty amount as compensation. To avoid such circumstances, it is better to choose suitable height safety system. Workplace must be safe for working to ensure the well-being, health and safety of employees.

Height Safety Systems made of Aluminum 

Aluminum is the best material for height safety systems. If you are confused what material to consider for fall devices, you cannot go wrong with aluminum. Items used in the site must be lightweight, rust resistant, durable and must require low maintenance. It is only aluminum which solves the whole purpose. It can bear any kind of weather condition, whatsoever. Even if the condition is wet, the items will not rust or corrode. The material is flexible and may be customized easily. Steel material is extremely strong and is difficult to customize much, unlike aluminum which is lightweight and flexible. Wood, on the other hand, can expand, chip and warp when the conditions are wet. So, Using Fall Protection and Height Safety System of Aluminum can Render the Following Benefits:

  • You can easily customize fall safety system to suit the roof specification and layout
  • You can get the entire range of roof protection system in aluminum material
  • Aluminum material is so flexible that you may create walkways out of them and make several roof safety zones as well
  • You can make changes to the items of aluminum to suit the roof layout

High Grade Height Safety Systems 

Roof safety systems of aluminum material can be used together to enhance the safety level. You may use aluminum walkways, guardrails or the access ladders as well.

Some of the Items that form the part of Height Safety Systems are as the following:

  • Roof walkways provide safe access to the roof. You may make wonderful walkway areas, free of hazards and trips. Aluminum walkway may be used on the roof to protect skylights and roof
  • To reduce the number of falls, use aluminum guardrails on your site. They may be installed around the roofs, fire escape areas, stairways and access hatch
  • to provide access to the roof mounted tools and equipment, one needs to use static lines
  • roof access ladder can be used to access any area situated at a greater height

To access roof edges or the fall risk areas, you must consider the installation of roof anchor points. All the items relating to height safety systems can last for decades if you consider aluminum material. Look for permanent height safety and fall protection solutions. The fall guard system must comply with Australian standards.

General Safety Issues

How Proper Forklift Maintenance Prevents Accidents and Injuries

How Proper Forklift Maintenance Prevents Accidents and Injuries

Forklift accidents are usually associated with a careless act behind the wheel or ignoring certain safety precautions. While those epic forklift fails all over YouTube and other websites grab headlines, it’s the small, detail-oriented aspects of proper forklift use that can also cause serious accidents and injuries.

Take forklift maintenance, for example.  According to the U.S Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), powered industrial truck (the official-sounding term for a forklift) infractions were once again a top-10 violation in 2017. Nearly 2,500 violations involving forklifts were documented last year – and many of those could’ve been prevented with a smart, focused, comprehensive maintenance plan.

You wouldn’t run your car without a thorough maintenance schedule – or at least you shouldn’t, anyway. To get the most miles out of your car – and to keep your automobile running as safely as possible – regular maintenance checks are required.

The same principle applies to forklifts. Common sense maintenance isn’t a luxury – for safe forklift operation, it’s a necessity.

Forklift Maintenance – An Underrated, Overlooked Aspect of a Safe Workplace

According to OSHA guidelines, forklift maintenance is one of the foundations of effective, efficient, safe workplace practices. OSHA’s maintenance requirements include compliance directives, maintenance plans, and general hazard references. Employers are required to perform sensible, sustainable maintenance of all powered industrial trucks.

Of course, it never hurts to have the training, skills, and knowledge to give yourself a comprehensive understanding of safe forklift operation – and that includes powered industrial truck maintenance.

Let’s look at a few ways proper maintenance can prevent workplace accidents.

  • Underinflated tires. When forklift tires are worn or underinflated, accidents are more likely. From load imbalances to skidding across surfaces, it’s important to keep forklift tires properly inflated at all times – and that’s something regular maintenance checks take care of!
  • Fluid levels. All forklift fluids – coolant, oil, hydraulic fluids – require regular attention. For example, low oil levels can cause engine failure, which can create numerous hazards in the warehouse, on a construction site, and many other places. Every forklift maintenance plan should have fluid checks – if it doesn’t, accidents are waiting to happen.
  • Safety equipment checks. Flashing beacons, backup alarms, brake lights, and other safety-related mechanisms increase a forklift operator’s safety – and the safety of everyone around the lift. A routine pre-shift check of your forklift’s safety systems are a great idea.
  • Uneven forks. After time, the lift’s forks may become slanted or uneven. If your forklift’s lifting mechanism isn’t level, there’s a good chance that load stability can be compromised. Make sure you regularly check the forks – when they’re uneven, accidents are more likely.

These are just a few things to check on your forklift. Remember, a thorough maintenance plan is essential for safe operation. If you’re not sure about your company’s maintenance schedule, always consult with your safety supervisor.

About the author

CertifyMe.net was founded in 1999 when Tom Wilkerson recognized a need for OSHA training when his contracting operations were impacted by new OSHA legislation. Rather than pay top dollar for training from a costly 3rd-party provider, Wilkerson created interactive computer learning solutions for his own company. Today, Wilkerson’s online and DVD-based training courses include some of the most popular, widely-used OSHA training courses available anywhere.

General Safety Issues, Health Issues, Protective Clothing, Uncategorized, Weather Protection

Hot Weather Safety Tips for Aerial Lift Workers

Hot Weather Safety Tips for Aerial Lift Workers

 

With the warmer weather of spring and summer quickly approaching, it’s time to start thinking about working outdoors in the heat. Heat stress and heat stroke are some of the most common types of illness-related accidents for construction, forestry and utility workers during the summer. Like most workplace accidents, heat stroke and heat stress can be prevented with the proper training and equipment. Here are some tips to make working during the heat of summer, just a little cooler.

Modify Your Work Schedule

For supervisors, this may seem challenging, but on those extremely hot days, it’s safer for you and all of your workers, especially those spending time in aerial lifts, to consider a lighter work schedule. What does this mean?

  • Plan heavy work during the coolest part of the day.
  • Limit the time workers spend exposed to direct sunlight, especially utility workers that are maintaining lines from aerial lifts.
  • If possible, work at night when it’s cooler and when the exposure to the sun is limited.
  • For forestry workers, do tree trimming work in the morning, to protect both you and the trees you’re working on from the heat.

Take Frequent Breaks

This is really important for protecting workers from heat illness. During the heat of summer, make sure that employees are taking plenty of time to rest and find shade or a place to cool down. For aerial lift workers who don’t have access to shade, it’s important that you frequently come down from your lift and take shelter under a canopy or in the air conditioned cab of your vehicle. Keeping your body cool and near a normal temperature is the first step to avoiding heat illness.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking water and keeping the internal temperature of your body regulated is very important to working safely during the summer. If your aerial lift basket has space, bring your water with you. Otherwise, come down from your lift frequently for water breaks. Don’t guzzle your water, take small drinks frequently, or about 1 cup of water every 20 minutes. You may want to supplement your water with diluted energy drinks like PowerAde or Gatorade to replenish electrolytes. Whatever you do, definitely avoid alcohol, soda and caffeinated beverages, since these can dehydrate you very quickly.

Wear the Right PPE

Construction and utility workers need to have the correct clothing and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for summer work. This includes:

  • Long-sleeve shirts
  • Long pants
  • Brimmed hats
  • Sunglasses
  • Light-colored clothing
  • Sunscreen

Work in Teams

It’s very important that when you’re outdoors working in the summer that you don’t work alone. For aerial lift workers, this is a great way to limit the time exposed to heat. You and your partner can take turns working in the lift and cooling down. It can also be difficult to tell on your own if you are suffering from heat illness, and it’s often easier for a coworker to tell if you are starting to be impacted by the heat.

Get Trained

Construction, forestry and utility workers, especially those that spend time in aerial lifts should be well trained in how to work safely in the summer. This training should include the tips provided here, as well as training in recognizing the signs of heat illness (dizziness, nausea, accelerated heartbeat, confusion) and basic first aid for treating heat illness.

For those working in industries mentioned above, working outside in the summer is a necessary part of the job. However, with the right training, work schedule and plenty of smarts, working outside can be cool and comfortable for everyone.

About the Author

CertifyMeOnline.net is the number one online resource for OSHA-compliant training for employees that operate aerial lifts and scissor lifts. The safety and equipment experts behind CertifyMeOnline.net know how important good, OSHA-compliant training is for business owners, and how challenging it is to schedule onsite training. CertifyMeOnline.net is the easy way to certify and train all of your employees without any downtime.

Sources:

https://www.unitedrentals.com/project-uptime/productivity/warmer-weather

https://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_Hurricane_Facts/working_outdoors.pdf

https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/heatstress/prevention.html

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

Essential Fire Pit Safety Tips

Essential Fire Pit Safety Tips

 

A fire pit is a beautiful addition to any yard, but it can quickly become a hazard without the proper precautions. You might be familiar with the level of devastation that fire can create, and this includes your fun backyard fire pit.

We don’t want to scare you away from having this feature in your yard, but it is important that you know how to keep you, your family, and your property safe when you’re using a fire pit.

These fire pit safety tips make it simple:

 

Location, Location, Location

 

The placement of your firepit is essential to operating it safely. It doesn’t matter if you are using a portable one or have a permanently installed fire pit – these tips apply in all cases.

  • Fire pit should be AT LEAST 10 feet from any structures and neighboring property. It’s better to go the full 25 feet, but we understand that’s not always possible. More is definitely better in this case.
  • Never place it under low hanging branches, a covered porch, on the grass, or on a wooden deck.
  • Use a surface that’s not flammable such as concrete or cement blocks.
  • Put your pit on a level surface to reduce the risk of fire leaving the pit.
  • Add dirt and/or rocks around your pit that will help contain the fire if it should escape.

Once you have your firepit installed in a safe location in a safe way, you can move onto preparing it for the fire.

A great way to enjoy a firepit and reduce danger is to have landscaping that’s fire resistant. This lets you have a gorgeous yard without the risk of everything going up in flames.

Preparing for the Fire

 

Taking the time to prepare your firepit before a fire every time will help you reduce the chances of accidents. Here are the steps you need to follow:

  1. Clear anything from around the firepit and make sure the pit is level.
  2. Pay attention to the direction of the wind and make sure anything downwind from the pit isn’t flammable. Don’t light it if there’s too much wind.
  3. Avoid using lighter fluid, gasoline, or other flammable liquids to light the fire. The same applies to relighting it. A fire starter stick and kindling on top is the best method.
  4. Be sure that children and pets aren’t left unattended and that guests are a proper distance away. If alcohol is involved, increase the distance. Anyone near the fire should wear clothing that fits well and isn’t flammable.
  5. Never leave the fire pit unattended when there’s a fire burning.

How to Extinguish Your Fire Pit Safely

 

Before you light the fire, make sure you have a bucket of water close by and easy access to your garden hose. Additionally, have a shovel close so you can extinguish any flames that escape.

When you’re finished with your fire pit for the day and want to extinguish the fire, it’s important to do it safely and completely. Pour water on it and stir up the contents with your shovel to make sure all the embers are extinguished.

Remember that ashes can create a fire days after you put the initial fire out. Keep a container to hold the ashes and wait a few days to make sure they are cool enough before you discard them. When you throw them away, don’t put them in anything combustible.

A fire pit can be a very enjoyable part of your yard when used correctly. We hope you’ll be able to enjoy backyard smores, ghost stories, and more with yours all while staying safe.

 

This post was brought to you by TSC Restoration in San Diego, offering water, fire, and mold damage restoration throughout the county.

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.