Our thanks to Thomas Fairclough, for sharing these ways to keep workers safe and healthy!
All posts by Doug
UK Road Traffic Accidents (Guest Post)
Blog4Safety is fortunate to have many guest authors from the United Kingdom. Matthew Blake shared this infographic with us, highlighting statistics of road accidents in the U.K. Keep in mind the number of accidents that happen in the U.S. every day; use this information to help you remember that most accidents could be prevented. At the end of the infographic, there are five safety instructions that apply to drivers in all countries. Drive safely! pb
A timeline of car safety – (Guest Infograph)
Heavy Lifting Infographic (Guest Post)
Blog4Safety wants to share this important message from Asons regarding the risks of heavy lifting. You may want to consider wearing a support belt if this is your line of work.
The Roadside Debate (Guest Infographic)
Our friend, Nate Miller, has sent this great infographic regarding which side of the road we should drive on. We think you will enjoy the information he has shared with us.
Arc Flash Precautions (Guest Infogram)
WHAT IS LYME DISEASE? (GUEST POST)
The Dangers of Being a Pedestrian (Guest Post)
CHILD SAFETY DURING HOME IMPROVEMENTS (GUEST POST)
If your home is undergoing major renovations, it’s not always possible to simply keep the kids away until the job is done. For that reason, there are a few safety practices that every parent should be aware of during home improvements.
1. Talk to your kids about the project
If your kids are old enough, a quick conversation about the project can be enough to prevent most accidents. Talk about any potential dangers from the project, including breathing dust, falling debris. or even just being underfoot when workers are busy. Set clear rules for behavior during the project, and explain why those rules are necessary for safety.
2. Separate the work zone from the rest of the house as much as possible
One of the best rules you can make for kids is simply to stay away from the work zone. This may be more difficult if you’re remodeling your kitchen, but in most cases you can cordon off the zone and make it “off-limits”. Not only will this protect your kids from the dangers in the work zone, it’ll also reduce the likelihood of workers bringing other hazards out of the work zone (spare nails, tacks, shards of tile or masonry, etc.)
3. Ask contractors about their safety practices
If you’ve hired a contractor to perform your renovations, be sure to have a conversation about safety practices before you sign. Find out who the supervisor on site will be, and what kind of insurance the contractor carries. It might go without saying, but you should never hire a contractor who isn’t licensed and accredited—because holding them accountable in the event of negligence or breach of contract will be a lot more challenging.
4. Double-check for construction and demolition waste
When the project is over, clean the area thoroughly. Dust, paint fumes, and other potential toxins and allergens can linger if the area isn’t properly wiped down. (This can be especially problematic for toddlers, who are more inclined to contact walls and floor with their hands and mouth.) Also be on the lookout for large debris that can have jagged edges, as well as exposed nails or carpet tack strips.
5. Don’t forget to restore any childproofing
Be sure to check your childproofing and replace it if necessary. Especially if you’ve had a kitchen or bathroom remodeled, the chemicals under your kitchen sink and bath vanity may not be secured against small children after a project. It’s a small detail, but too often overlooked. Also, make sure any child locks on doorknobs are still present and intact—they’ll be in the line of fire if heavy objects are being carried in and out of the house, and usually aren’t robust enough to take much of a beating.
Mike Freiberg is a staff writer for HomeDaddys, a resource for stay-at-home dads, work-at-home dads, and everything in between. He’s a handyman, an amateur astronomer, and a tech junkie, who loves being home with his two kids. He lives in Austin.