Yearly Archives: 2018

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

Most Common Workplace Safety Hazards You Can Easily Avoid

Most Common Workplace Safety Hazards You Can Easily Avoid

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

6 Safety Hazards and How to Avoid Them

 

1. Falling Hazards 

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

2. Electricity Hazards

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

3. Fire Hazards 

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

4. Ergonomic Hazards 

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

5. Biological Hazards 

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

6. Noise Hazards

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

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

 

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

How to Move Heavy Construction Equipment Safely

How to Move Heavy Construction Equipment Safely

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

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

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

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

Mock Training Sessions:

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

Appropriate Clothing:

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

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

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

Communication and Blind Spots:

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

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

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

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

Do Not Rush:

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

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

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

Know Your Machines:

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

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

Hire Professional Movers:

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

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

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

 

 

 

Eye Protection, Fall Safety, Head Protection, Protective Clothing

Safety Precautions to Take Before Working on Your Roof

Most of us are fortunate enough to live in areas where a variety of contractors are available for most home maintenance needs, including roof repair. But, for those who prefer to maintain a home on their own, working on the roof can be one of the more daunting maintenance challenges.

 

Before heading up that ladder, some very important precautions should be taken to avoid becoming one of the 15,500 Americans every year injured by falls. Consider incorporating the following recommendations before you head up on the roof.

Ensuring Your Ladder Is Safe

Several steps can be taken to make your ladder more secure during roof work. Ensure your ladder’s feet are on stable, level ground. If you’re working on a patio or other hard surface that may be slippery, inspect the feet of your ladder for grip. Your ladder should have serrated rubber boots on the feet that give it the grip will need.

Make sure your ladder is three rungs, or three feet, above the point at which it touches the roof. This will give you an extra bit of ladder to hold onto while you’re starting your descent. You can also tie the top of your ladder off to a roof bracket. You can purchase roof brackets that can adjust according your roof’s pitch. These brackets are easy to install into a secure point such as a rafter, and will give you a bit of added security, not to mention peace of mind.

Keep The Working Area Clear

Never climb up the ladder with tools or materials in your hand. Instead, put your materials in a five gallon bucket attached to a rope to hoist up once you are on the roof. You can continue to use the bucket to keep tools and materials contained while you are working on the roof.

Larger tools and power tools should be kept free of your immediate working space. Similar to the ladder, tying off power tools to anchor points would ensure they aren’t going anywhere. Or, by resting a 2×4 along two roof anchors you can create a ledge on which to rest your materials and power tools, avoiding the chance they’ll take a tumble.

Personal Safety

Your personal safety should be your top priority while working on the roof. Spending a little money for proper safety gear is well worth the investment. The best piece of equipment you can buy is a safety harness. Wearing a safety harness attached to a secure point of the roof will prevent you from completely falling off the roof. Though a near fall will give you a considerable scare, the safety harness will make sure you don’t fall further. Other personal safety equipment to consider is a hard hat, goggles or safety glasses, and boots with thick rubber tread for grip.

While you’re up on the roof, focus on the task at hand. Don’t let your mind wander, and don’t spend any time looking at the view. If you feel the view calling you, take a break and sit down, or wait until you are done with your work to look around at the scenery. Also, take the weather forecast into mind. You never want to work on a roof that’s wet from rain, or when a forecast for rain or wind is forecasted.

Make sure you are not working alone. You should always have a partner on the ground keeping an eye on you, anticipating any safety issues, and providing you anything you may need, so that you spend less time going up and down the ladder.

 Author’s short bio:

Frazier Roofing and Guttering is the second oldest roofing company in Grand Prairie Texas,we have over 18 years of experience in roofing and have been happily serving all of Tarrant County and surrounding cities with their gutter and roofing demands. Founded by Rich & Sheila Frazier in 1977, the year that Elvis “The King” left us. Over the years, we have built up our team of Arlington roofing contractors and have become one of the most distinguished roofing companies in the area.

Back Safety, Ergonomics, Eye Protection, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, High Visibility Safety, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Issues, Respiratory Safety

Recommended Gear for Best Workplace Safety

Why is protective equipment important in a workplace? What kind of gear does it include? There are certain jobs where safety gear is not only recommended but also required. Here is all you need to know to stay as safe as possible.

Why Is Protective Equipment Important at a Workplace?

When it comes to workplaces and job sites, safety should always come first. Personal safety should never be compromised or dismissed in favor of some other aspects of the job, such as the financial, for example. Safety or protective gear keeps the entire project running more smoothly, and allows everything to be done more efficiently and without the unnecessary hazards. Workplace injuries happen often, but can be prevented and decreased in number if proper precautions are taken.

All businesses and business owners in the sectors that require it, such as construction, for example, should adhere to the rules and safety regulations and provide their workers with the corresponding personal protective equipment (PPE). This way, the workers are protected, a possibility of injuries and illnesses is significantly decreased, and the businesses and companies can avoid potential disputes, liability issues, or even lawsuits.

The recommended gear that ensures best workplace safety includes equipment such as hard hats or protective helmets, safety glasses or goggles, work gloves, safety footwear, face mask, respirator, earmuffs or earplugs, coveralls, vest, etc. Depending on the nature of the job and workplace, workers should wear some or most of them.

Protective Gear for the Head, Eyes and Face

When it comes to a head, it is the most important part of your body that should be protected. It also includes some of the most critical and delicate parts such as eyes and ears, what is also a priority when it comes to safety and protecting them properly. The safety gear includes head protection, hearing protection, eye and face protection, and respiratory protection. Here are some of the basic pieces of equipment.

Hard Hats/Protective Helmets

Protective helmets keep workers safe from any possible head injury at a workplace, such as any kind of impact, and flying or falling objects, as well as from burns and electrical shock.

Earplugs/Earmuffs

Whenever there is a possibility of some hearing damage, when the noise levels or the duration of exposure to that noise cannot be reduced, the workers are required to have some kind of protection for their ears, such as earplugs.

Safety Glasses and Face Masks

These pieces of PPE are required whenever there is a risk of exposure to some dangerous chemicals, flying particles, gases, vapors, and any dangerous liquids that could cause damage to the eyes or other parts of the face and skin.

Protective Gear for Feet and Legs

Safety equipment for your feet and legs is also of great importance, especially if your workplace involves walking on unstable objects, hazardous surfaces, or working at heights. Protective footwear is designed to prevent major injuries such as falling and slipping, electrical hazards, sharp objects, heavy objects falling on the foot, etc.

Working at heights, for example, should involve slip-resistant shoes, i.e., shoes with slip-resistant soles, hard materials that protect the foot from falling objects and metal protection for the toes. And on top of it all, they should also be comfortable enough for whole day work.

When it comes to the health of workers, the shoes have to be comfortable and also made in the way that they offer enough support for your feet. Standing on your feet all day and working can be hard for your feet as well as for your back and posture. Quality of the soles is also very important. They should be strong and flexible, but also shock-absorbent. The entire shoe should be made out of natural, breathable material to keep the foot fresh and repel the water.

Best workplace safety is achieved by using a proper, recommended gear. Safety regulations are there to prevent accidents and injuries, or at least to make sure their number is significantly decreased. They protect both the workers and their employers and also ensure maximum safety and project efficiency. Some of the basic and best pieces of protective equipment any workplace should include are hard hats, earplugs, goggles, safety shoes, face masks and others, depending on the nature of the job site.

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

Workplace Safety New Year Resolutions to Stick to in 2018

Workplace Safety New Year Resolutions to Stick to in 2018

With a new year comes new hopes. Are you looking to change your ways in 2018 when it comes to workplace safety? Well there are numerous steps you can take. It is always an admirable approach to make your business and workplace safer as a resolution. There are many steps you can take to achieve such a goal. Prioritizing safety principles, fostering teamwork, and implementing modernized strategies toward material handling are just a few of several ways any organization can promote continuous improvement in their daily operations. For those that know where to begin, here is a comprehensive guide on how you can meet and exceed those new year resolutions in 2018:

  1. Enhance Safety – Driving safety is virtually synonymous with continuous improvement, which is the simple act of recognizing and introducing better and safer ways to do the same job. We are vehement in this principle because quite frankly it works. These improvements bolster employee morale and reduce levels of incident. These are two positive results of reinforcing, prioritizing, and enhancing safety practices. In many cases, the changes most enterprises seek simply begin with this. Managers and administrators should take the appropriate measures to encourage employees to innovate new and safer ways to handle all the challenges and rigors that accompany performance of their daily functions. This should also be taken into consideration when quality managers are authoring a set of standardized-operating procedures

 

  1.       Cultivate A Transformative Work Culture – Promoting synergy in the work environment is another easy way to boost safety. Taking such an approach wields a wide range of benefits. Safety is found in teamwork as cohesion is essential for all team-oriented tasks to begin with. There are many ways to cultivate a positive and transformative work environment. In the realm of safety awareness, incentive-based reward programs have been known to be impactful. This is because these programs are often associated with communication enhancement which is essential in hazard identification and conveyance of possible perils. Exciting staff and personnel to do so only makes the workplace that much safer and progressive.

 

  1.      Integrate Best Business Practices – There are several philosophies and ideologies that comprise what is regarded as “best business practices”.  This is none other than Kaizen, LEAN, Six Sigma, and Agile Methodologies. Whichever school of thought you subscribe to, all champion safety optimization amongst matrix-driven increases toward efficiency and productivity. According the AFSI, many of these programs call for the integration of supply chain management technologies that isolate and eliminate deficiencies in several material handling operations.  In addition to diminishing liabilities and identifying exposures, these devices also improve inventory accuracy and reduce costs. Moreover, these applications work hand-in-hand with automation which allows you to invest your human capital in safer landmark tests. Introducing and implementing a set of these best business practices is a great long-term goal that goes well beyond the new year. These philosophies can revitalize, revamp, and catalyze any business to new heights.

 

Bio: Tom Reddon is a forklift specialist and blog manager for the National Forklift Exchange. He also sits on the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA) Executive Dialogue team. Follow him on Twitter at @TomReddon.

 

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

How to Ensure Safety in These 6 Different Work Scenarios

How to Ensure Safety in These 6 Different Work Scenarios

Workplace accidents can take place even in the most organised settings and on the other hand, they may never occur in areas where safety arrangements are below the mark – that’s just a matter of chance. However, considering real situations, workplace accidents are on the rise across the globe. Accidents happen either due to negligence or lack of safety arrangements. Either way, it can be fatal at worst and can result in absenteeism at best. Further, the problem gets worse with the intervention of lawsuits and insurance claims.

This article will educate you on safety aspects in 6 different work scenarios so that you never risk the safety of yourself and people around you. Read on to learn more.

Pressure Cleaning

Pressure cleaning is a fast, effective way to clean driveways and outdoor furniture, but on the flip side, there are safety concerns that must never be overlooked. While using a pressure cleaning equipment, make sure to wear safety gloves, boots and eyewear to protect yourself from the high-pressure jet of water. The jet is so powerful that it can cut through flesh and cause fatal injuries. In case of an electric pressure washer, electricity and water work in close liaison; therefore, it is important to ensure proper insulation between them to avoid electrocution.

Working at Construction Sites

Precarious ladders, slippery surface, loose electrical wires and poor fall-protection arrangements are a few of the major reasons behind accidents at construction sites. Working at construction sites sometimes also means working at heights. Therefore, individuals working at heights must use a safety harness to prevent a hard fall, and  those working at the ground level must wear safety helmets to protect themselves from a free-falling brick or a piece of concrete.

Working Around Industrial Machinery

Industrial machinery can be tricky. If you are not careful enough while working around it, chances are you might get roped in an accident. More than any safety gear, it’s your alertness that plays a vital role in ensuring your safety. If your industrial machinery or equipment is installed outdoors, and when not in use, make it a point to cover it with heavy-duty tarpaulin to prevent any potential hazards. If you happen to be an industrial technician, don’t forget to carry your eyewear, gloves, kneepads and a handy pouch to work.

Working in Confined Spaces

Working in confined spaces is a big challenge because of a high degree of risk attached to it. While limited oxygen supply is one issue, limited body movement is another. If you work in confined spaces, make sure you are equipped with powered air respirators to ensure adequate oxygen supply to keep you functional and efficient and prevent panic attacks.

Working in Dynamic Warehouses

Gone are the days when a warehouse used to be an enclosed space to store commodities on static racks and shelves. Modern industrial warehouses are more dynamic than ever. They are equipped with conveyor belts and a wide range of material handling equipment, such as forklifts, to expedite the process and make warehousing operations less tiresome. Amidst all this, human safety remains one of the prime concerns. When working in the vicinity of conveyor belts, always maintain a safe distance and avoid wearing full-sleeve shirts with loose cuffs. If you are a forklift operator, do not exceed the recommended speed limit while doing maneuvers.

Working in Gardens

If you are a professional gardener, you would have come across a diverse species of creepies and crawlies than anyone else in your circle, unless of course, he is a gardener, too. Stings and bites are not only painful but can also cost you your life if not treated in time. As they say, “prevention is better than cure.”, wear gumboots and leather gloves to protect yourself from insect-bites or any allergy-causing herbs. If the weather is cool and pleasant, prefer wearing full-sleeve shirts and pants to keep mosquitoes at bay.

Workplace accidents can happen anywhere, anytime. One must be fully aware of the potential hazards in one’s vicinity so that any mishap can be prevented before it’s too late.

General Safety Issues

Basic rules and measures, which provide for safety at the construction site

Safety at the construction site and its role in the modern construction industry

To date, any modern construction site, regardless of the scale of a project, is always a place of a great danger for both passersby and workers. On such constructions site, you can see various mechanisms and equipment that have been put into operation, systems and units, as well as many other devices that require strict adherence to safety rules by the workers and all other people that even walk near them. Therefore, the tasks of a specialist who deals with safety measures at the construction site include the proper organization of the construction process, including the provision of safe working conditions that can prevent industrial injuries, as well as any other accident that might happen on the constructions site. In order to keep all the stuff save, such people plan and schedule briefings, training and systematic inspections at the facilities to make sure that all the safety measures are met.

If the correct labor organization at construction sites is necessary, safety rules and measures must necessarily provide for the elaboration of one of the most important documents that can provide trouble-free work at the construction sites. It necessarily takes into account all activities related to safety engineering, pointing to the means of mechanization, which allow providing heavy and labor-consuming work at a construction site, for example, like the horizontal and vertical transportation of construction materials. Also, this document describes all the types of building materials used, the possibility of their placement at a construction site.

Major safety rules and measures to meet at a construction site

To date, safety engineering at the construction site provides the following safety engineering events:

  1. Organization of the construction process and production of planned capacity of a product;
  2. Correct organization of warehousing of building materials, components, and parts;
  3. Arrangement of the construction site and convenient walkways for workers;
  4. Provision of light facilities on the territory of a construction site in order to inform workers and other stuff about emergency situations and other events;
  5. Professional technical supervision of the condition of the equipment and machines in use including cranes, transport facilities etc.;
  6. Training of all the stuff including working and maintenance personnel;
  7. Obligatory fencing of all the territory of a construction site includes the area where cranes operate;
  8. Constant and qualitative control over the serviceability of the mechanisms used and all the tools and equipment connected with the cranes;
  9. Strict observance of the operating rules of the crane in accordance with the instruction containing the rules for the installation and operation of the lifting device;
  10. Utilization of the alarm system only in accordance with the regulations and rules in force;
  11. Measures aimed at the electrical safety of maintenance personnel.

As a rule, all these events and measures are provided by the director or engineers in charge and they bear all the responsibility for the safety of all the stuff and maintenance personnel.

What are additional measures carried out to provide safety at the construction site?

In most cases, safety at the construction site provides a number of measures that are additional conditions for the safe operation of employees of the organization or a factory in addition to obligatory ones. These measures should also provide safety both for personnel and for all the people that can possibly be around the construction site or those who are forced to stay on the territory of a factory. In order to attain this goal, a construction site should be well-fenced in order to prevent any intruders on the territory of a site.

In addition, in the case of buildings under construction that are located along streets, motor roads or pedestrian public access routes should be equipped with fences. If there is a possible danger from the falling objects, these fences should also be equipped with protective peaks to prevent any accident.

In addition, the maintenance of workers must necessarily provide the construction of sanitary facilities at construction sites, which located in such a way to minimize the way workers should pass to reach sanitary facility and back. Such rooms include dressing rooms, dining rooms, showers, restrooms, etc. The number of such rooms, their space, and the intention must be indicated in a special document.

The main thing you need to remember being at the construction side both as a visitor and a worker, be attentive. Anything can happen in the course of the work and nobody is able to predict the horrible consequences that can cause falling projectiles or unfenced site. Follow all the ordered of the guide if you are a visitor and always refresh rules and requirements for all the workers in your mind if you actually work at the constructions site since consequences can be devastating.

About the author: The author’s name is Melisa Marzett is she is the one who cares about the safety at the constructions site because people’s carelessness can lead to even lethal consequences. Those who noticed her writing skills appeared to be right since she is a freelance writer working on writing papers like this one. However, her hobby is to do a research and find peculiar information that might be useful for almost any our reader.

Ergonomics, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, High Visibility Safety

Small Tips to Increase Safety at Work Nobody Thinks Of

Small Tips to Increase Safety at Work Nobody Thinks Of

Small business owners often put safety at the back of their minds and concentrate more on the actual work and finances. Some even believe that safety risks at their workplace are equal to nothing and that safety is the point where they could save money. However, it’s not true; any workplace has some safety risks, and even if they are minimal, you still have to eliminate even the smallest chance of injury. After all, your employees are your primary attribute, and without them, the company doesn’t exist.

To help you run your job easier and safer, we wrote a list of suggestions that should help you in your daily work.

Safety Tips for Your Company

 Clean Working Area

Keeping your working area clean is the number one thing you should do to ensure safe working conditions. As trivial as it sounds, keeping the mess away can have a massive influence on safety. A mess can cause injuries such as falls or slips. It would be best if you would keep the working area dry and free of objects that might cause the fall. Your workers will also keep the area clean if you warn them that it’s for their own safety!

Don’t Hire Anyone

If the business is going great, there is a chance you will probably need more workers. This might put you in the position to quickly hire someone. However, this decision might have significant consequences on the overall safety of your workplace. Hiring someone without necessary skills could increase a safety risk, not just for you and your workers, but for others as well. Instead, pick someone with enough experience and don’t have a hiring spree. By hiring a competent person, you will also increase the safety.

Invest in Education

It is very important to give proper instructions to your new workers. Even if they are skilled and have plenty of experience in that field of business, you should ensure that everything is clear, and warn them about the safety tips. Instead of just counting on their experience, it might be a good idea to teach them using proper techniques. Also, consider investing in educating your employees. Continual training won’t just improve their work, but it will also profoundly affect the overall safety of your workplace.

Provide High-Quality Tools and Equipment

It is not realistic to expect your employees to perform their best and practice safety without proper tools or equipment. Providing staff with the right equipment will make their job much easier, and at the same time allow them to work faster. For instance, shoes are essential safety equipment for roofers, since they assure them a bigger range of motion and more stability. Therefore, safety equipment can profoundly affect the efficiency of your employees.

Place Safety Signs

Even if you already explained all the safety tips and caution rules, your staff might simply forget something. This is where the sign system comes in and does wonders. Posting signs which remind of safety precautions can significantly help in making your workplace safer. Signs don’t have to ruin the aesthetics or transparency of your office or job site. These can be just some small signs, and they’ll still have a significant effect.

Ensure Correctly Maintained Tools and Equipment

Last but not least is maintaining your machines, tools, and equipment. This is one of many crucial steps to success. Ensure your working machines are well maintained and properly repaired. Poor devices decrease the productivity of your team, and handling an improper machine could also have fatal consequences for your workers.

 

General Safety Issues

5 Vital Warehouse Safety Principles To Keep In Mind At All Times

5 Vital Warehouse Safety Principles To Keep In Mind At All Times

 Source: pixabay.com

As far as warehouse safety is concerned, there are a great many things that people tend to overlook even to this day. As hard as this may be for some of you to believe, it is true for a lot of warehouses across the board. Things only go wrong when certain safety principles and procedures and completely disregarded and more people need to recognise this fact as soon as possible. After all, once the calamity has occurred, the damage is done and there is little one can do about it.

As they say – prevention is better than cure. Many warehouses across the board tend to neglect key aspects just to save money in the short term. However, the costs of neglecting the overall safety of a warehouse could prove to be extremely high in the long run. Unfortunately, a lot of warehouse owners don’t realise this fact until it’s too late.

Having said that, warehouses across the board need to make the implementation of all of the safety regulations a key priority in every sense of the word. Since the warehouse is the centre of every work and business related aspect across the board, one must ensure that it remains safe at all times. On that very note, let us take a closer look at the five most important safety principles of a warehouse:-

Be sure to eliminate all potential safety hazards: This means that there should be no “slip and trip” hazards anywhere to be seen plus the safety check needs to be carried out on a regular basis. Any cracks in the wall and floor plus loose equipment and wiring should be taken care of immediately.

Make sure that safety equipment is used as much as possible: For items that are too heavy to lift manually, all the necessary provisions must be there such as hydraulic dollies as well as forklifts. Other important aspects are emergency exits, roof sprinklers and protective clothing. Not to mention the fact that all your workers should be aware of them as well.

Don’t forget to label any hazardous zones: All the hazardous zones need to be properly designated plus properly-installed safe walkways should be highlighted at every turn. The use of tape or even black and white stripes for this is recommended. This will ensure that no major accident takes place.

Safety lifting techniques are an absolute must: When a heavy load needs to be transported, you can be sure of the fact that the method of lifting needs to be analysed first. Once that is done, you will need to make sure that there are no obstacles in the way plus there is enough space to transport the load to its destination.

The aspect of refresher and training courses: This is to make sure that every member of your staff is up-to-date with all of the necessary practices and regulations within the workplace. In most cases, accidents tend to happen due to the fact that workers are not really that aware of the necessary safety procedures in a moment of crisis. Being aware of the regulations will also mean that they are fully aware of the consequences as well.

At the end of the day, you need to keep in mind that your warehouse needs to be free of any kind of hazards as much as possible. Only then can one expect the best possible work from their employees. And most importantly, educate the men under you about the potential hazards every step of the way. That will show that you care about them and you want to keep them as well-informed as possible in order to minimise risks in general.

General Safety Issues

Chemical Hazard Identification – Why Do I Need GHS Labels?

 Chemical Hazard Identification – Why Do I Need GHS Labels?

What is hazard communication, and why does it apply to my workplace?

The Occupational Health & Safety Administration (OSHA) recently aligned with a global system to simplify workplace safety. Hazard communication is a procedural standard set forth by the United Nations to standardize the identification, communication, and labeling of chemical related hazards.

The globally harmonized system (GHS) of chemical identification and labeling can be a bit complicated, so here we’ll try and dive in to the finer details and help make sense of it all. In order to understand hazard communication (also known as HazCom), first we must differentiate between common workplace containers.

Primary Container vs. Secondary Container Labels

Primary containers come straight from the manufacturer. They come in drums, tubs, pails, bottles, or other larger canisters that are pre-labeled with the chemical identifier. The “primary container” labels are required to include the manufacturer information. The next section is where things are a little confusing.

Often times, workplace operations require transferring chemicals from the original labeled container into a smaller secondary container (beaker, flask, or bottle). Additionally, certain manufacturing processes require hazardous materials to be transferred into larger containers (plating and finishing operations, semiconductor, and pharmaceutical manufacturing, etc.)

Secondary container labels do not require the manufacturer information. HCL Labels, a great source for safety signs & labels, offers chemical resistant GHS labels to help standardize your workplace chemical labels.

Labeling Requirements for Secondary Containers

The secondary containers are required to be labeled with a GHS chemical label, given if any of the following events occur:

-The material is not used within the work shift of the individual who makes the transfer.

-The worker who made the transfer leaves the work area.

-The container is moved to another work area and is no longer in the possession of the worker who filled the container.

-Labels on portable containers are not required if the worker who made the chemical transfer uses all of the contents during the work shift.

If you use chemicals in the workplace, chances are that you need GHS labels. These labels inform workers of chemical hazards, and keep the company compliant with the HazCom standard.

OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard
OSHA hazard communication federal standard [29 CFR 1910.1200(f)(1)] states the following:

“Employers must ensure that no worker uses, stores, or allows any other person to use or store any hazardous substance in a laboratory if the container (including bags, barrels, bottles, boxes, cans, cylinders, drums and reaction vessels) does not meet the following labeling requirements in OSHA’s Hazard Communication standard.”

The OSHA standard also indicates the primary aspects of a GHS Label.

-The identity of the chemical and appropriate hazard warnings must be shown on the label.
-The hazard warning must provide users with an immediate understanding of the primary health and/or physical hazard(s) of the chemical through the use of words, pictures, symbols, or any combination of these elements.
-The name and address of the manufacturer, importer or other responsible party must be included on the “primary container” label.
-The hazard label message must be legible, permanently displayed and written in English
HCL Labels, a leading online source for Hazard Communication labels that are compliant with the OSHA/GHS standard, specializes in the creation of secondary chemical container labels. Their website can be found here – www.hclco.com

Sources:
OSHA QuickFacts. Laboratory Safety Labeling and Transfer of Chemicals. Web. OSHA 3410 8/2011. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. www.osha.gov. 19 April, 2017.