Monthly Archives: June 2019

General Safety Issues

How to Stay Safe in a Parking Lot

Written by Mark Taylor

Parking lot accidents are more common than you might think. More than 500 deaths and 60,000 injuries occur from over 50,000 parking lot accidents every year in the US, says an NSC report quoted by EHSToday.

Many types of accidents can occur in a parking lot, including theft, fender benders, and cars hitting other vehicles and pedestrians while backing out. Here are some tips for drivers and pedestrians on how to stay safe in a parking lot.

Stay Focused

One common reason for parking lot accidents is distracted driving. In fact, according a recent survey conducted among drivers nationwide by the US National Safety Council, around 66% respondents said they talk over phone, while 63% program their GPS systems, when driving through parking lots. This could be dangerous. Drivers and pedestrians should avoid all kinds of distractions and stay focused while driving or walking in a parking lot. Some other common types of distractions to avoid include sending and receiving emails, texting, taking snapshots or watching videos, and using social media while driving. 

Add Safety Features

One way to minimize the extent of damage from a car accident is by adding safety features to your car. Modern cars with advanced safety features not only help keep you safe in the event of a parking lot accident, but they also save you money on insurance.  Many of today’s newer cars have safety features that prevent collisions, so they could cost less to insure than older cars, according to a blog post by Oliver L.E. Soden Agency.

Choose a Safe Place to Park Your Car

Ideally, you should park your car in a well-lit area close to your destination point, so you can keep a watch on it from distance. Another good idea would be to park near the entrance or exit of a parking lot. That way, it would be easier to find your car when you return. To reduce the risk of theft and damage, consider avoiding dark areas. Parking your car between two tall vehicles, such as vans or trucks is also a bad idea, as it gives potential burglars a safe place to hide.

Secure Your Car

Before you head to your destination, check if you’ve locked the doors and rolled up the car windows. Also, make sure that you aren’t keeping any valuables in plain sight, suggests a blog post on Consumer Reports. If you have to leave some expensive items in the car, make sure you conceal them under a cover.

Leverage Modern Technology

Nearly 9% of the deaths from parking lot accidents happen as a result of cars backing up and hitting pedestrians, says a new report NSC. One way to avoid this is by installing a rear view camera in your car. That way, you can get a clear view of the back of your car from your driving seat. However, don’t depend on technology alone. Make sure you also check out the surroundings and look at the car mirrors when backing up.

Keep Keys Handy

When returning to your car in the parking lot, make sure you have the keys out in your hand. You don’t want to spend time looking for the keys in your purse or pockets. Avoid talking to strangers. As soon as you return, get inside the car and lock all the doors immediately. Also, drive away as soon as possible without wasting time on checking your mobile phones or GPS.

Finally, while your drive into or away from a parking lot, keep the speed low and drive cautiously. Watch out for oncoming cars, low-laying objects and pedestrians.

General Safety Issues

Aerial Lifts Indoors: Best Safety Practices and Other Operating Tips

Aerial lifts, scissor lifts and other aerial work platforms (AWPs) are used for outdoor work activities, but are also important for indoor use as well, including maintenance, repair, construction, and much more. Indoor aerial lift and scissor lift operations have their own unique set of hazards. What are some of the best safety practices to consider when using an AWP indoors? We went right to the source: AerialLiftCertification.com CEO Tom Wilkerson. Mr. Wilkerson’s training firms offer OSHA compliant training for scissor lifts, aerial lifts, forklifts, pallet jacks, and other industrial equipment. Here’s Mr. Wilkerson’s take on important indoor aerial lift use.

One of the most common misconceptions about aerial lifts is that they’re strictly used for outdoor work. In fact, many indoor tasks require aerial lifts, scissor lifts, and other AWPs. Here are just a few of the jobs that require indoor aerial lifts and scissor lifts:

  • Maintenance
  • Surveillance (for security at concerts, sporting events, and more)
  • Construction
  • Repair
  • Electrical work
  • And much more

Most AWPs used indoors are scissor lifts, which typically have a maximum elevation of 40-50 feet. According to the U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), scissor lifts are considered scaffolding, not actually aerial lifts. OSHA standards 1926.451 and 1926.453 were updated a while back to reflect this critical change in thinking.

The most critical part of this declaration is directly involved with worker safety; since scissor lifts are technically classified as a type of scaffolding, they don’t have the same fall protection safety requirements that accompany aerial lifts. Specifically, this means that scissor lifts used for indoor work do not require the worker to be tied to the equipment.

Despite less fall protection requirements for scissor lifts, every indoor lift operator should be aware of certain hazards. Plus, OSHA still requires every employer to ensure all scissor lift workers are properly trained to meet compliance standards.

Here are some best safety practices to keep in mind while using AWPs (for the purposes of this article, that means scissor lifts) indoors:

  • Mind your overhead hazards. Indoor lighting, scaffolding structures, fire safety sprinklers, ceiling fans, HVAC ductwork and more – there is no shortage of overhead hazards to contend with while working on scissor lifts indoors. With that in mind…
  • Properly assess hazards before work. Check with your site safety supervisor or manager to review any obvious hazards, including potential overhead dangers. A sound safety plan uses actual experience from other lift operators to provide a solid foundation of jobsite knowledge – this is very important in maintaining a safe workplace, and it’s just one of the many things covered by our OSHA compliant safety training!
  • Ensure proper stability. All too often, scissor lift operators working indoors focus on everything above the ground. But no indoor scissor lift is possible without a stable, sure-footed setting. Follow your equipment’s recommended stability requirements, and always choose a flat, firm surface before working. For more information, check out OSHA’s helpful Scissor Lift Hazard Alert resource.
  • Follow a solid maintenance plan. Operator errors are responsible for many scissor lift accidents indoors, but never overlook potential equipment malfunctions, too. Many of these scissor lift issues can be avoided with a regular maintenance plan. Maintenance is critically important for both scissor lifts and aerial lifts!
  • Keep up with your training. AerialLiftCertification.com provides OSHA compliant training for any company that needs expert, affordable help with their compliance and safety program. The cost of non-compliance includes heavy financial penalties, possible company shutdowns, and employee injuries or deaths. Training can help prevent these and many other negative consequences. Sign up with our training programs, and enjoy a safer workplace today!

About the Author

Tom Wilkerson is workplace safety leader in the forklift and aerial lift industries. The CEO and owner of CertifyMe.net (which includes AerialLiftCertification.com), Mr. Wilkerson’s training firms specialize in providing affordable, OSHA compliant, online accessible training modules to help companies with training gaps and compliance requirements. AerialLiftCertification.com is used by companies across the United States for all aspects of aerial work platform (AWP) operations. With a broad, wide-ranging background in industrial equipment safety and OSHA compliance, Mr. Wilkerson leverages his experience to help any company improve their safety profile – and more importantly, keep their employees safe from accidents and injuries. For more information, please visit CertifyMe.net or AerialLiftCertification.com.

 

Uncategorized

Independent Power Producers – Can They Really Boost Your Profitability?

Sites eager to boost their mining power and power generation reliability may benefit from contracting an independent power producer.

Although short-term power solutions have their advantages, independent power producers are effective in combating power outages and other power-related problems.

In Africa, mining is one of the largest energy consumers. Combined with fluctuating fuel prices and varying power demands, obtaining reliable power solutions for remote sites can be challenging.

By choosing the right Independent Power Producer (IPP), you can boost your site’s profitability through flexible power options that are underpinned by greater reliability. IPPs are non-utility generators that are co-located at individual mine site operation – an “in-house” dedicated electricity supplier, if you like. They’re renowned for providing significant compliance with power production requirements and an ability to provide continuous power supply on a 24/7 basis all year round.

If you’re looking to boost profitability and power reliability, here’s why you should consider an IPP.

Increase Efficiency and Minimise Downtime

It can be cost-inefficient to take on the operation of your own power plant, something that is rarely within the core skill set of mining personnel. Instead, IPPs have a sole focus and responsibility to stable, energy-efficient power geared for long-term results.

Improved fuel efficiency can be achieved to positively impact on profitability. Typically, the mining operation will supply fuel to the IPP, who is tasked and measured by agreed fuel efficiency targets. Financial penalties apply to IPPs that don’t meet the fuel efficiency targets (effectively reimbursing the customer for the cost of extra fuel consumed above the agreed target rate). Some contracts may also specify a shared fuel savings model, which can increase profitability further by sharing in fuel savings achieved above an agreed target.

Fuel consumption efficiency is a critical measure but must be achieved without sacrificing reliability and financial penalties also apply under the IPP model if power outages occur.

These penalties and savings mechanisms provide great assurance to the mining customer that they will have reliable, cost efficient power supply for their operation.

IPPs are also now combining thermal baseload power with renewable innovations, such as solar hybrid technology, which contribute to further savings and lower emissions.

IPPs help keep mining operations profitable through renewable resources, long term performance and cutting edge technology to meet varying power demands for individual sites.

Lower Implementation and Infrastructure Costs

For mining sites who want to be more flexible with funding and achieve a lower risk profile, contracting an IPP can help reduce capital and operating expenses.

Building, running and maintaining your own power plant comes with high capital outlays and ongoing operating expenses in parts, consumables, oil and labour. However, IPPs relieve these financial pressures by combining them into one guaranteed electricity supply rate, leaving you with more financial leverage.

For your power system to be fully flexible and cost-effective, it must be specifically designed to meet the requirements of your mine site. A reputable IPP will work with you to meet these objectives and increase your site power output and capacity.

Improve Sustainability

Because IPPs offer less fuel consumption for both diesel and gas gensets, power density is increased and fewer carbons are emitted, ultimately boosting sustainability.

The use of renewable resources also contributes to sustainable power generation practices for remote mine sites.

Sustainable long-term alternatives for power generation offer more efficient solutions, reduce costs and help to conserve the local environment. Solar, hybrid, wind and water power minimise energy costs, as well as position your site as green-friendly.

Manage Safety

Along with fuel and energy costs, safety is one of the most critical considerations for mining sites.

To minimise your site’s risk profile, IPPs handle the entire safety concerns and risk management relating to mine site power supply.

IPPs can offer valuable long-term power solutions. But before mine sites invest in contracting an IPP, it’s important to consider other factors such as market demand, contract procurement and revenue security.

Author Bio

This article is written by a local content writer, Jayde Ferguson. Catch her on LinkedIn.

 

Uncategorized

Ten Ways To Use Armco Barriers For Protection

Armco Direct 

Armco barriers are an excellent way of offering maximum protection to pedestrians, buildings, equipment and expensive machinery.

Whether it’s intended or not, when a moving vehicle collides with something, it has the potential to wreak havoc, causing costly damage and injury in the process.

Constructed from the toughest steel, Armco barriers are galvanised to BS 1461 standards and are exactly what’s needed to stand in the way of a moving vehicle, taking the brunt of the impact and protecting whatever lies behind it.

When you install an Armco barrier in a warehouse, car park, shop front, pedestrianised area or side of a private road, you know that no moving vehicle is getting past it, no matter how hard it tries.

Reasons Armco Barriers are used

Here are ten popular industrial ways to use Armco Barriers for protection:

  • In front of shops and retail outlets to prevent ram raiding and theft.
  • To protect pedestrianised areas from out of control vehicles or acts of terrorism.
  • Used in agriculture to segregate and contain livestock, where fencing may not be as effective.
  • To protect warehouse equipment, workers, pallet racking, wall structures and shelving from collision with a forklift.
  • Used in warehouse loading bays to prevent injury to workers when loading and unloading HGVs.
  • Used in car parks for crash barrier protection and to ensure vehicles only go where they’re supposed to.
  • For tree protection on building sites where trees are present and the local authority has stipulated that they must be protected from damage.
  • Armco Barriers can act as a visual deterrent to trespassers to indicate an area which is unsafe, or should not be entered.
  • They can be used on the side of roads to prevent out of control vehicles from straying off the road or onto the opposing carriageway.
  • And they can be used on bridges to prevent out of control vehicles from leaving the bridge and falling into the water below.

Armco crash barrier and other protection products, such as bollards and beams, will faultlessly ensure whatever needs to be protected, will indeed be protected, offering peace of mind to all involved that their equipment, machinery, stock or personnel will remain safe, regardless of the situation.

Uncategorized

Why You Should Get Forklift Certified Online

The ​forklift certification​ process can vary based on who is providing the training. A formal instructional or educational training on forklift operation must be provided. This can include a lecture, online training courses and videos, written materials and study guides and other educational information on forklift operation and safety.   The research shows us that a high volume of the forklift accidents reported are attributed to human error. This could be due to numerous reasons from negligence of the operator to unfamiliarity with the operating equipment.

In this article we are going to be discussing why you should get forklift certified online! We are going to be taking a look at the numerous benefits that come with being forklift certified and how to get the ball rolling and finally get forklift certified.

Why Certification Matters

When it comes to operating forklifts there are all sorts of associated risks and dangers that can impact business. Forklift certification results in minimising risks and having a solid risk management strategy in place.

So, it makes sense that when it comes to being a forklift operator, certification is crucial for best business practices. The certificate serves the purpose of demonstrating that the operator is sufficiently trained and able bodied to operate the equipment.

The Benefits of Getting Forklift Certified

It is pretty obvious why certification is necessary for forklift operators. The appropriate training must be carried out to best minimise potential dangers and risks that come with the nature of the job.

Not only is it great for forklift operators themselves, but it’s good for business also! Research shows us that companies which adopt and successfully implement a strong forklift training program are more likely to succeed in numerous avenues.

Firstly, the cost to the business is lowered because staff are adequately trained and more competent when using the equipment. This results in the reduction of how many forklift accidents occur and, as such, lowers the potential costs associated with accidents and their downtime.

The implementation of inspections before every shift is another fantastic way to minimize associated dangers and work on developing the skills of the operator.

Not only is being forklift certified safer for the operator, better for business, and beneficial for the bottom line, but it is also an OSHA requirement.

How to Get Forklift Certified

Did you know that you can get forklift certified online? It’s true! At first it does seem like it would be necessary to have physical training, but this course isn’t about teaching you how to drive a forklift! Instead, it is about satisfying OSHA safety requirements.

So if you are already an experienced operator, then online forklift certification is perfect for you. Once the training is completed, your certification will be current for the next 3 years. Most courses are set up by your employer because it is their responsibility to ensure the safety of all operators as per the ​Occupational Safety and Health Administration​.

What You Need to Know to Get Started

So now that you have successfully established whether or not this particular forklift certification is right for you, we are going to explain a little further about exactly what is involved.

The course only takes about 1 to 2 hours. However, this is just the average time that students take and you are able to take absolutely as long as you need. You can even intermittently work on the course requirements and come back at another time convenient to you to finish it.

You must pass the test by achieving 70% or more correct answers. Also reliant on completion is ensuring your employer satisfies training requirements, evaluations, and reviews.

This online certification course successfully meets OSHA requirements and provides you with additional training that gives you an edge amongst your colleagues.

If you’ve never driven a forklift, know that you can learn at places like trade schools, trucking schools, and local community colleges.

However, if you have identified that forklift certification is precisely what you need at this time in your career, then get online to get your certification fast! As mentioned above, in just 1 to 2 hours you can become completely OSHA compliant. Start your online training today!

AUTHOR: Norm Lanier BIO: Norm Lanier is the owner of US Forklift, providing online OSHA-required forklift safety training and certification for as little as $28.

General Safety Issues

Safety Tips for your Health When Travelling to California

Written by Simon Morris

Are you planning for your vacations? If yes then there are many cities or places where you can visit with your friends or family members. You shouldn’t choose a place on a random basis, so pay attention to some important factors to make your final decision. You can consider the option of California while selecting a place to visit in your vacations. Well, it is one of the most popular and beautiful destinations for tourists. By spending your vacations here, you can get unlimited fun and enjoyment. There are lots of things that you can do to make your vacations memorable and full of fun.

You may all know the fact that California is a U.S. state where you can see a lot of great things to get enjoyment. If you are a traveller, then the vibrant cities, beaches and parks of California will grab your attention. When you choose this destination, then it will help you to have an ultimate travelling experience. Many other opportunities are waiting for you in California. Well, these will also compel you to visit this place again and again. To know all about this beautiful destination, you should read the details that have been mentioned in the further paragraphs.

Fundamental First Aid

Be proactive to remain well. On the off chance that you do become ill, make a move to recover your wellbeing. (See my rundown of emergency treatment things to pack from home.)

Cerebral pains and Other Aches: Tylenol (or some other over-the-counter agony reliever) mitigates migraines, sore feet, sprains, wounds, Italian traffic, headaches, and numerous other minor issues. In case you’re getting it abroad, Europeans might be increasingly acquainted with the expression “paracetamol”.

Swelling:  A bundle of solidified veggies functions as a shabby ice pack. In the event that your foot or leg is swollen, purchase or get a can and drench the influenced region in virus water, or sit on the edge of a cool pool. Take a mitigating medication like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Utilize an Ace swathe to immobilize, diminish swelling, and offer help. It isn’t useful to “work out” a sprain — rather, cut back on exercises that could disturb the damage.

Fever: A high fever merits therapeutic consideration, especially for youngsters. On the off chance that your thermometer peruses 40°C, you’re bubbling at 104°F. You can utilize Tylenol to cut down a fever, alongside putting cold washcloths on your brow for help.

Colds:  It’s enticing to go, go, and go while you’re in Europe — yet in the event that you drive yourself to the point of becoming ill, you’ve achieved nothing. Keep yourself sound and clean. In case you’re feeling run-down, register with a decent inn, rest soundly, and power liquids. (My trap amid the tumultuous scramble of TV generation is to suck on nutrient C with zinc tablets.) Stock each spot you remain with boxes of juice upon landing. Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) and other virus containers are normally accessible, however may not come in the same number of assortments.

Scraped areas: Clean scraped spots altogether with cleanser to forestall or control contamination. Gauzes help keep wounds clean however are not a substitute for cleaning. A bit of clean material can be sanitized by bubbling for 10 minutes or by singing with a match.

Exercise:  Physically, travel is extraordinary living — sound sustenance, bunches of action, natural air, and every one of those stairs! In case you’re a habitually lazy person, endeavor to get fit as a fiddle before your outing by going for long strolls. Individuals who normally work out have a lot of alternatives for keeping fit as a fiddle while voyaging. Biking is an extraordinary method to consume a few calories — and get close with a goal. In spite of the fact that running isn’t as boundless in Europe for what it’s worth in the US, it’s not viewed as odd either. Voyaging sprinters can appreciate Europe from an uncommon viewpoint — at day break. Swimmers will find that Europe has a lot of good, reasonable open pools. Whatever your racket, in the event that you need to gravely enough, you’ll discover approaches to keep by and by as you travel. Most huge city private tennis and swim clubs welcome remote visitors for a little expense, which is a decent method to make companions just as remain fit.

Get enough rest: Expertise much rest you have to remain sound (for the most part 7–8 hours out of every night). In the event that I go over two evenings with less than six hours’ rest, I make it a need to get up to speed — regardless of how bustling I am. Else, I’m essentially ensured to get the wheezes.

Give yourself mental zip talks: Europe can do to specific voyagers what southern France did to Vincent van Gogh. Sentimental people can get the tangible curves, loyalists can get their banners consumed, and anybody can experience the ill effects of culture stun.

Europe isn’t especially awed by America or Americans. It will challenge givens that you constantly accepted that were over the trial of reason, and the vast majority of Europe in the city doesn’t generally think that much about what you, the authentic and social explorer, have held up so long to see.

Enjoy a reprieve from Europe, regardless of whether it’s a long, dull, cooled trek back to California in a cinema; a charming sit in an American international safe haven perusing room encompassed by birds, photographs of presidents, Time magazines, and different Yankees; or a visit to the campaign of a world-class lodging, where any trace of the conventional culture has been lost under a major business pail of intercontinental whitewash. It can do miracles to revive the battling voyager’s soul.

Let’s know more

There are many reasons why most of the people prefer to visit California with their friends and family members. If you know all about this popular destination, then you may also get encouraged to visit here. Well, this tourist destination offers lots of things for everyone, and it is the main reason why you should visit here instead of other destinations. California is a type of destination where you can visit with your family or friends to get relaxation.

It also offers many places that you can visit to enhance your travelling experience. You should also know about some famous cities in California. Well, these cities are listed below-

  • San Francisco
  • San Diego
  • Los Angeles
  • Napa
  • Santa Barbara
  • Berkeley

Plan your trip carefully

It is important to consider some beneficial tips before planning for your vacations in California. With the help of this, you can enhance your travelling experience and get some other benefits. When you visit this tourist destination, then you can also enjoy horse racing-related activities. In this way, you can come to know about the rules and other details. After visiting California, you will definitely fall in love with its various tourist attractions. Do not miss Cal Expo Racing on your trip.

You should find the trusted tour agents to plan your trip effortlessly. There are many other benefits that can be derived by getting help from these agents. Take your every step wisely while planning a trip to California.

Tourist attractions

No doubt, there are many places where you can visit if you are planning a trip to California. In order to know all about the tourist attractions in California, you should check out the details that have been underlined.

  • Golden Gate Bridge

Well, the golden gate bridge is one of the popular places that you can visit in California. Most of the visitors prefer to visit this place due to numerous reasons. Well, this bridge is also known as the most popular bridge in all over the world.

  • Disneyland

You may all have heard about Disneyland that is also known as the most famous destination of California. It is a fantastic amusement park where you can get unlimited fun and enjoyment. In this park, you can enjoy numerous types of rides, shows as well as games.

  • Universal Studio Hollywood

The most popular attractions in California also include the universal studio Hollywood. Well, it is a movie studio as well as an amusement park. If you are going to visit California with your friends or family, then it is must to visit the place. It is also a good vacation spot where you can enjoy with your family or friends.

General Safety Issues

Safety in the Warehouse

There are fewer growth areas in the modern world stronger than warehousing. As the high street is pushed closer to oblivion by online shopping habits, online retail – which necessitates large warehouses and storage space is on the rise.

This is one part of a constantly evolving business landscape and highlights the burgeoning need to introduce safety measures and procedures in the warehouse to keep everyone safe. There are a great number of accidents that happen in warehouse environments, including trips and falls, collision from forklifts and other forklift related incidents.

All of this means a loss of key staff, a decrease in staff morale, potential lawsuits and increased insurance costs. There are so many ways that you can make the warehouse a safer space both in terms of reducing the likelihood of physical trauma, and also boosting the mental health of staff.

Manual handling and other training

As with most things, the prime driver for accidents in the warehouse environment is inadequate training. By ensuring that your staff and managers are properly trained in manual handling you will boost your warehouse safety and staff morale.

Your manual handling training will hopefully make you aware of:

  • The best techniques for manual handling
  • Risks and why accidents happen
  • How best to use warehouse machinery
  • Best practice in task management and employee awareness of the warehouse environment
  • Practical advice to adjust poor habits

In addition to manual handling, some of the workers and managers may need to be trained in working at height safely. There are a whole range of training programs accredited by industry standards IPAF and PASMA designed to educate people on safely working on MEWPs and cherry pickers, while increasing awareness of other risk factors.

Barriers and column protectors

There are many ways of introducing safety equipment into a warehouse, but one important method is to install column protectors, corner guards and a variety of specially designed steel safety barriers and pallet protectors. All of these can help prevent the loss of stock resulting from damage, minimize the chances of accidents and injuries caused by forklift collisions and other bulky machinery. As people feel like they are working in a safer environment they will also be more productive and less prone to lapses in concentration.

Fireproof and hygienic doors

Depending on the scope of the business and the ease of exit you will benefit from fire resistant doors. Some are capable of withstanding fire for 30 minutes, others 60 minutes and there are even doors capable of resisting fire for up to 240 minutes. These and other, non-fire rated doors on the market can also benefit from concealed intumescent strips that are particularly unfriendly to bacteria and as such can help stop it from spreading to employees.

Clear labelling and signposting

Having clearly defined lanes for forklifts in a warehouse is a safety must, as is clearly signposting exits and areas that are only to be used for certain activities. In addition, marking up racking systems for maximum safe stacking heights will help boost safe warehousing practice.