All posts by Gary

Uncategorized

Driving Health and Safety: How to Avoid Driver Fatigue

Driving safely means more than keeping your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. It also means keeping your focus on your environment so that you give yourself the best possible chance of anticipating hazards and reacting to events you cannot anticipate.

This means staying awake at all times, literally and figuratively. The team at Nottingham Driving School share some tips on how to do so.

Only drive when you have had enough sleep

This tip is both self-evident and for some people (especially parents of young babies) an obvious case of “easier said than done” but it is still arguably the single, most important precaution against driver fatigue.

If you are tired before you start the car then you will be fighting against fatigue throughout the whole of your journey and you may lose. Even if you do not actually fall asleep, your concentration is bound to be impaired and this can have disastrous consequences, especially if you need to react quickly.

Be careful about driving when on medication

If you’re on medication, check the packaging carefully to see if it is likely to make you feel sleepy.

Avoid driving when you are under the weather

Fighting off an illness, even a minor one like a cold, can really be tough on your body. That’s why the best prescription is often rest. When you’re under the weather, it can be dangerously easy for fatigue to creep up on you without you noticing – until it’s too late.

Try to avoid driving after meals, at least heavy meals

If you eat heavy food, your body has to work to digest it and your natural inclination will be to take a rest while it does so. The heavier the food, the more rest you will need and the more you will want to sleep.

Alcohol can also be dangerous to your concentration, even if you’re technically under the legal limit. If you’re in a situation where alcohol is flowing but you know you’re going to need to drive, then just say so or, at the very least, stick to drinks with relatively low alcohol and a lot of liquid (like beer or spritzers).

Keep the window down as much as possible

Given the Great British weather, you may need to keep the window up most of the time for your comfort and safety, but if you can roll it down, even a bit, then the fresh air can do a lot to keep you awake.

Use refreshing scents like citrus and menthol

Citrus and menthol scents really do stimulate the mind, at least for short periods, after a while either the scent fades or the body tunes it out (or a combination of both), but spraying either or both of them from time to time can be enough to get your brain (back) in gear.

Plan your trip to allow for regular breaks and use them wisely

There are two ways you can use a break in a long trip. The first is to get active. Physically get out of your car (assuming it is safe to do so), at least roll down the window to get some fresh air (if you possibly can) and in either case do some stretches. The second is to have a short sleep.

First Aid Safety, Health Issues

Workplace Hazards for Hospitality & Hotel Workers

Written by Zachary O’Dell

Most duties of housekeepers in the hospitality industry are intense and grueling.   Hotels today are competitive and offer more amenities to their guest and as a result, in an increase of workload and unseen hazards that can lead to an increase of serious workplace injury. Data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics from 2017 shows that hotel and motel workers had a nonfatal injury and illness incidence rate of 4.3 while total recordable cases of all industries including private, state, and local government are 3.1.   Safety agencies are reporting a significant increase in occupational injuries and diseases among hospitality employees, safety advocated are proposing proper training and safety procedures that can teach housekeeping staff how to prevent muscle drain to the body, and provide proper preventative measures and procedures to prevent violence in the workplace.

COMMON HAZARDS AND INJURIES FOR HOSPITALITY WORKERS  

Hotel housekeeping staff is a very physically demanding job that includes many, varied tasks including, vacuuming, dusting, changing linens, and making beds.  Housekeeping staff is subject to turning over mattresses that can sometimes weigh more than 100 pounds.  While daily cleaning and scrubbing of bathrooms can expose health risks with chemicals used in cleaning products.  As a result, housekeeping hotel employment could lead to any of the following injuries and hazards:

  • Slips and falls: Scrubbing floors of bathtubs, showers in bathroom floors create ideal conditions for slip-and-fall accidents.
  • Respiratory: Exposure to chemical cleaning agents that can cause respiratory long-term problems
  • Infectious diseases: Waste disposal can expose hotel housekeeping staff to pathogens, needs, broken glass, and other body waste.
  • Stress: excessive workload and exposure to other hazards can cause occupational stress
  • Muscle Injuries: Repetitive movements of vacuuming, scrubbing, dusting, etc. of hotel rooms requires housekeeping staff to move their body in ways that can strain and even tear muscles and tendons
  • Harassment and violence: An increasing amount of workplace harassments and violence has been reported in hotels across Canada and the United States.  Violence and harassment can be defined as any act in which a person is abused, threatened, intimidated or assaulted in his or her employment.

SUGGESTED PRECAUTIONS FOR HOSPITALITY WORKERS  

  • Safety authorities suggest hotel cleaners take the following precautions for their workers:
  • Muscle Injuries –to prevent unnecessary muscle tension, workers are encouraged to ask for help from co-workers if they need to lift heavy mattress to avoid and injuries while changing linens and making beds or moving heavy furniture.  Staff is encouraged to switch arms to avoid overexertion of muscles and tendons of one arm
  • Take Regular Breaks – Hotel shifts can be long and exhausting; employees are encouraged to stretch and take regular breaks.
  • Preventative technology:Hotel housekeeping workers are considered lone workers, and employers are responsible for the health and safety of workers, including procedures or a system in place to ensure workers are safe when working alone while cleaning rooms.

SAFETY CHECK-INS AND THE PANIC BUTTON MANDATE 

In some states the United States, safety bills have been proposed to help protect hotel housekeeping and room service workers against assaults and harassment.   The state of New Jersey was the first in the country that requires hotel employees to provide a panic button device to all hotel employees who are assigned to work in a guest room without co-workers present according to Senate, No. 2986.  When the panic button device is activated, a staff member, manager, or security officer must response immediately to the workers’ location.  This law is scheduled to go into effect in January 2020, and the law applies to all hotels in the state of New Jersey with more that has more than 100 guest rooms.

Recently in Victoria, BC, a hotel worker was assaulted, tied up, and robbed in the early hours of the morning.  This disturbing event is an example of the risks of working alone during the late and early hours of the morning.  In British Columbia, Canada employers are required to develop a working alone policy and procedure, including a working alone monitoring device to check the well-being of workers at predetermined intervals. An extra feature such a panic button device can trigger an alarm and expedite help when it is needed.

SafetyLine

General Safety Issues

5 Ways to Make Your Company Office More Secure

Workplace security is the process of protecting employees from injuries, illnesses related to work and intruders. Having a workplace security plan is important because it ensures that important information, equipment, data, networks and other company assets are protected. In the recent years, the rate of cybercrimes and theft has been on the rise.

Generally, a company office that is secure improves productivity and performance in the long run. This is because employees don’t have to work in fear of being intruded or losing their personal belongings. An organization that does not prioritize security will definitely perform poorly and end up with nothing in long run.

According to edubirdie review, a secure company office reduces the turnover rate. Employees will definitely leave a company office that is insecure. No one wants to risk his or her life for a job they can swap whenever they want.

Plus, high turnover rate is a huge expense for the organization because of the interviewing process and training. An organization that retains its employees will attract best candidates which will ultimately lead to improved productivity and performance.

Another important aspect is insurance. A research conducted by college paper review found that insurance is an important aspect of security in your company office. Enhancing security in your company office will reduce the amount of premiums you have to pay every year because the risk of employees being injured will be low.

Employees are the most valuable assets of an organization. An organization is not the office, furniture or equipment. An organization is the people behind it. Without your employees, there’s nothing much you can do to keep your company moving forward. So, isn’t it not wise to protect your employees?

For every company in the world, safety and security are big issues not only for the managers but for the employees and clients as well. All companies should have a security policy in place to avoid wastage of time and money in the long run. Security is a big issue because just like a car accident, you can never see disaster coming. It’s the person who has everything in check that will survive through a security breach.

How can you make your company office more secure? Here are five proven tips that will enhance security in your premises.

  • Organize and lock everything

Before leaving your office, it’s important to take a few minutes to arrange things on your desk. The same also applies to your employees. Ensure you’ve locked your computer to make it harder for intruders to access your files.

Also, lock confidential papers in a cabinet where children and intruders can’t have easy access. You should dispose documents that you don’t need on your table. A paper shredder can do this job for you perfectly. Once everything is organized and locked up, check the windows and doors and lock them if necessary.

  • Protect your data

As bestessayservicereviews reports, your confidential data is just as important as your physical property. It’s important for you to hold confidential information about your employees, clients and yourself on a secure server. You should also consider installing an antivirus, using a firewall and limiting access. There are tons of online software that can help protect your data quickly and easily.

You should keep all the important passwords private or hand them over to someone who you trust. You should avoid giving all your employees passwords because the risk of giving them out goes up higher. Once your security is compromised, it will take some time for you to reach the level you were.

  • Label office equipment

You should always label your office equipment with stickers or ID with your logo or inventory number. Keeping a comprehensive and updated list of all the items in your office will help you keep track of everything and maintain order at the workplace. Your employees will also have an easy time when looking for an equipment.

  • Identity badges

According to australian writing, all your employees should have their names boldly written on their badges. Identity badges are important especially if you have a big organization or hundreds of people coming into your organization every single day. You should also have identity badges for your clients. With these badges, you’ll know who is walking in or out of your premises.

  • Go for alarm systems

Adding alarm systems is one of the most effective ways to enhance security in your office. Installing alarm systems will prevent people with insidious motives to walk away.

People will be careful how they come in or go out of your organization because no one wants to sound an alarm and embarrass himself or herself. The best thing about alarm systems is they alert the authorities anytime criminal activity is traced. Thieves and trespassers will also avoid visiting your premises.

Additional Tip: Emergency plan

As the popular saying goes, failing to plan is planning to fail. You should always have an emergency plan in case things go haywire. If you notice any suspicious activity in your premises, you should not wait until the alarm goes on or the activity takes place.

Delaying can lead to serious consequences that could be difficult to reverse. You should contact the police or your office security immediately for the investigations to start.

Conclusion

Huge amounts of money are being lost every year due to security breaches. While you cannot be entirely secure or risk free, it’s important to do what you can to reduce the risks as much as possible. The more you protect your employees and other assets, the better your organization will be.

In case of any issue, you can always contact your security company or the police to avoid disaster. With the five tips discussed above, your company will be a safe place to work in. Go for these items today!

Author Bio

Michael Gorman is high skilled freelance writer and proofreader from UK who currently works at academic writing services uk and best assignment writing services. Being interested in everyday development, he writes various blog posts for dissertation writing services and paper writing service and discovers new aspects of human existing every day. He can be reached 24/7 via Facebook and Twitter.

General Safety Issues

9 Tips on How to Improve Your Workplace Safety Culture

Workplace safety is one of the most sensitive topics that employers must never neglect. When you run a company, you’re responsible for everything that’s going on, especially your employees’ wellbeing.

When an employee gets hurt, you may often get blamed for it because of your poor workplace safety culture. Many times, things can get nasty. Some employees will leave your company and sue you at the same time.

If there are more than a few accidents that are related to your company’s policies (or lack thereof), your brand’s reputation will also be damaged. In that case, finding new reliable and hardworking workers will be harder than you might think.

For these obvious reasons, you should treat the workplace safety aspect with a great deal of attention. In today’s post, you’ll learn 9 insightful tips on how to improve your workplace safety culture. Pay close attention and start applying everything you learn here!

Properly Document Your Safety Procedures

The documentation of your safety procedures isn’t difficult at all. The most important thing you have to do is keep your employees’ contact information updated in order for your managers to be able to immediately get in touch in case something bad happens. Nevertheless, other basic safety measure documentations include:

  • Ensuring that all the equipment is properly checked by performing regular routines
  • Making sure that vital information such as access codes are available to more than one person
  • Keeping all the sensitive information in secure places
  • Placing first aid kits in every department and making sure they are easy to reach
  • Changing the security passwords and codes on a regular basis

Moreover, you need to ensure that your company leverages reliable emergency disaster plans. If you’re not familiar with those or if you believe that they need to be improved, a wise move would be to hire professionals to do that for you. Some services I would recommend are:

Keep the Workplace Tidy and Safe

To reduce a lot of potential problems, try to keep your workplace as tidy, clean, and safe as possible. What you should aim to do is keep your landscape, buildings, and worksite neat and in good repair. A well-tended business is often avoided by thieves because it looks professional, and professional places are often well-guarded. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Keep boxes and furniture away from windows. In case of a fire, your employees will have big troubles escaping.
  • Keep all your windows and doors in perfect condition.
  • Implement safety signs and informational posters that will let the newest employees know what to expect.
  • Start relying on video cameras. Place them over all exits and entrances, but also in the rooms where you handle and store your money.
  • Make sure that you have exterior lights outside the building.
  • Regularly check your fences
  • Regularly repair your buildings

Help Fresh Recruits Understand the Safety Protocols

When a new employee joins the company, he should go through an educational safety procedure. That means that you or your manager should clearly instruct the new workers what they must and mustn’t do while establishing the expectations. Let your new employees know that you’re not encouraging or tolerating the principle of results over safety.

Involve Your Employees in the Process

Involving your employees in the process means giving them little responsibilities that can contribute to a safer workplace. For example, some of your workers should be responsible with the regular reassessment of the safety protocols, while others may be responsible for the behavior or work ethics of their colleagues.

Make Your Employees Reliable Whisperers

As an employer or manager, you won’t be able to see or hear everything that’s going on. For that reason, you should involve all your employees by asking them to report anything that they consider to be wrong:

  • Suspicious individuals that keep scouting the surroundings
  • Equipment that needs to be replaced
  • Slippery floors
  • Dark spots that need more light
  • Colleagues who are doing something wrong
  • Colleagues who are under a lot of stress

Adopt a Zero-Tolerance Policy Towards Bad Behavior

Toxic employees can do a lot of harm. They can induce stress and turn your other employees into sloppy workers. The cumulative effect of bullying and threats can lead to even more extreme behavior like violence. To avoid that, simply adopt a zero-tolerance policy in your company. Don’t be afraid to fire employees who don’t respect others!

Organize Safety Control Meetings

By organizing regular meetings where you and your employees or colleagues are assessing the safety-related events that happened during the past can give everyone the opportunity to learn how to act in future situations.

Moreover, by organizing these short meetings, you’re raising the expectations concerning the safety procedures that everyone must respect.

Establish Money Handling Protocols

If you run a business that is constantly handing cash, you might already be leveraging basic money–handling procedures. If you don’t, it is highly advisable that you start establishing strict rules for each of the employees that are handling cash.

Varying time and routes while depositing cash is one of the many safety procedures you’ll want to adopt. Establish exactly the amount of money that your employees can handle at any one time and make sure that they understand exactly how to record the documentation and reports.

Discourage and Punish the Employees Who Don’t Abide by the Rules 

When I used to manage an academic service that had specific rules, I had to fire my best essay writer. Why? Because he was constantly neglecting the company’s policies. Once I did that, the other employees have started to care more about the company’s rules.

Be firm and punish the employees who don’t really care about the safety procedures. Give them a warning first, let everyone know of their warning, and make sure to respect your word and cut them loose in case they commit the same mistakes!

Takeaways

A stable and well-organized company will always put its clients and employees first. By optimizing your safety procedures and plans, you’ll attract more reliable buyers in the close and far future. The health and continuity of your business are highly dependent on the way you handle the workplace safety procedures, so make sure you start leveraging today’s tips and tricks and get everything right!

Sharon is a business consultant and the best essay writer who works for https://bestessayservicesreview.com/bestessays-review/. She is also a regular blog post contributor and the manager of Dissertation Writing Services Review. She loves to sing, read, write, and travel.

 

Back Safety, Health Issues

Revolutionary Exercises For Aching Backs

Unfortunately, the daily grind for many of us means sitting in an office chair… maybe getting up for lunch… then sitting in an office chair again. For a really long time. There are many downsides to this, such as the rapidly rising numbers in the obesity crisis due to office workers eating too many calories and not exercising proportionately – or, often times, at all – but there is one unspoken menace that people often don’t consider when they think about this problem. That menace is back pain. Back pain can hinder you in your work life, home life and even while you’re trying to sleep. It can haunt your mornings as you try and get out of bed, and every time you need to straighten your spine. It’s horrible, and an awfully common problem. But there are some things you can do to reduce it; these exercises have been proven to reduce back pain, making life much more bearable day-to-day for sufferers.

Knee-To-Chest Stretch

“Getting into a stretching routine every morning can be difficult, but starting it off with an easy stretch can make all the difference, and keep you motivated to stay in your routine every morning,” Iris Moose, a health writer at Last minute writing and Writinity, says, “and there’s no better example than the knee-to-chest stretch. Simply lie on your back and pull each knee up to your chest, then both. Repeat it two to three times, and you’ve got yourself a warm-up stretch that won’t leave you dreading every morning’s routine – you’ll be pumped up and ready to keep those muscles warm and loose with this stretch!”

Modified Pull Ups

Pull ups are among the more infamous exercises, but you might not have heard of their more easy-going cousin, the modified pull up. While pull ups can be amazing for your back muscles, not everyone has the pre-existing strength and muscle definition to complete them successfully, and certainly not several in a row. So, if you don’t want to break your routine’s flow but still want to include pull ups, modified pull ups are the way to go. You need a sturdy bar, like with a regular pull up, but you’ll want to make a diagonal line with your body going under the bar, before tensing your back and tightening your shoulder blades, and pulling your body up until your chest is only a little way from the bar, think one or two inches. Then, carefully move back to the ground, still in your diagonal line, and repeat – it’s that simple!

Resistance Band

“Resistance bands are great pieces of kit in the gym, and they can do wonders for the start of a workout, when you’re still trying to hit your groove,” states James Beck, a lifestyle blogger at Draft beyond and Research papers UK, “but make sure that you choose the right resistance band for you. Practice with a couple to make sure that you’re challenging yourself without exhausting yourself, and then get started with your workout! Stretch it out horizontally, equally with both arms, pulling it back and forth so that your shoulder muscles have to compress and extend when necessary. It’s great for starting off your workouts and keeping your back in check.”

Quadruped Dumbbell Row

This is a good one for rectifying your posture issues, and any to do with form. Before you attempt any sort of rowing exercises, you should definitely do this first, because it’ll warm up the right muscles and stop you injuring yourself unnecessarily. With a dumbbell in both hands, go on all-fours and pull one dumbbell at a time up towards your stomach. Alternate between the arms that you use, and make sure that you keep all parts of your body straight and in-line – you should be able to do twelve reps on each side for around three cycles, or work yourself up to that level.

Lat Pull-Down

This exercise can be done on one of the widely popular exercise machines with a pull-down option, or with a resistance band of your choice – but, like with the above resistance band exercise, take heed to the type of resistance band you are using and make sure that it’s right for you. Once you’ve got your equipment sorted, pull down the weights towards your chest, but don’t let yourself fall backwards and give in to the demands of your torso – stay strong, and keep that torso straight! Engaging your back, from the upper to the middle, throughout this exercise will make sure that you get the most out of it, and, most importantly, work those back muscles.

Conclusion

On their own, none of these exercises are overnight ‘miracle cures’. They need to be added into existing routines or crafted alongside other exercises into new routines, and they need to be worked on. The exact same exercises don’t work for everyone, so you might need to change things up, and equipment availability will factor into some people’s experiences. That being said, they are all guaranteed to soothe back pain in the long run and improve your back muscles, making future pain and injuries unlikely, so there’s absolutely no harm in slotting them into your workout routine!

Angela J. Bryant writes and edits successfully at Lucky Assignments, as well as Gum Essays, and is a social media and job seeking specialist. She understands the woes of the common worker, and finds pleasure in life when she helps everyday people with their problems.

General Safety Issues

A Step-By-Step Guide On How To Maintain A Safe Working Environment

A surprisingly large percentage of employers take workplace safety for granted, even though it is one of the first segments of the business they are supposed to deal with. But this is exactly why so many job-related accidents happen on a daily basis.

Private employers reported almost three million non-fatal workplace injuries in 2018. Another study shows that a worker is injured on the job every seven seconds. The numbers are staggering and represent a clear signal that you must take workplace security to the highest level.

There are many ways to do it, so keep reading to see a step-by-step guide on how to maintain a safe working environment in your company.

  • Identify Pain Points

The first thing you need to do is identify the biggest weaknesses of your security system and detect pain points that could jeopardize the safety of your workers. It all begins with a risk assessment that pinpoints potentially dangerous places and procedures in your company.

The list of possible issues is almost endless and it mostly depends on the nature of your business. We can, however, mention some of the most common pain points such as:

  • Not enough training to operate heavy machinery
  • Incidents caused by employee exhaustion
  • Long overtime work
  • Not wearing protection gear
  • Create a Safety Strategy

Now that you understand the dangers, it is easier to create a safety strategy and keep your employees protected around the clock. Generally speaking, it is the official document that explains how to identify and react to operational hazards. A safety strategy also states who is in charge of which protocol and how to implement it.

If this sounds like a little bit too much, keep in mind that even the safest environments need to have this strategy in place. This includes even an essay writers service such as My Assignmenthelp or EasyEssay – not to mention other businesses operating in factory-like conditions.

  • Train Your Employees

Another detail you need to take care of is employee training. This is particularly important for newcomers because they must get used to your safety protocols and go through the onboarding program.

Jake Gardner, a security analyst at the top paper writing service reviews, claims that each member of the organization has to learn how to behave in case of fire, machine failure, or any other type of incident: “Although it sounds trivial, employee training can really save lives and help your people get out of the trouble injury-free.”

  • Beware of Equipment

The safety of your employees largely depends on the quality of gear and equipment. Therefore, you should invest a sufficient amount of money into high-quality apparel (helmets, vests, etc.) and machines to ensure maximum security.

Besides that, don’t forget to check each item regularly. Things tend to wear down rather quickly, especially when people use them all the time. In such circumstances, a special safety board should organize periodical inspections and test the quality of every item to keep your workers safe and sound 365 days a year.

  • Regular Safety Meetings

Another thing you should think about is organizing safety meetings to inform the members of your team about possible changes or new rules in the field of workplace security. Once again, the idea is to keep it consistent and hold a meeting every once in a while.

If you don’t do it like that, rest assured most employees are going to forget your safety instructions. Therefore, consistency is the key if you want to establish and promote a genuine “safety first” culture in your organization.

  • Introduce Visual Safety Aids

No matter how often you organize safety-related meetings, employees will forget about official procedures if you don’t keep reminding them 24/7. The only way to do it is by introducing visual safety aids that everyone can notice regardless of the position.

This includes features such as posters, warning stamps, digital signals, special color schemes, brochures, and similar. Of course, each document must contain the latest safety regulations and follow the existing employee protection technology.

Security experts at the essay writing help agency called Assignment Helper believe digital signs make the biggest influence on workers. Such tools are more dynamic and easy to change, which means that even careless employees must notice the warning and react to potential hazards.

  • Make It Entertaining

The last tip on our list is very important because we all know that security meetings are often boring and don’t inspire employees to engage. How can you make an entertaining security session?

In order to do it, remember that people learn best through games. This basically means that you should try to create a friendly atmosphere in which your personnel will be glad to learn about security issues.

Although it’s a serious topic, workplace safety can be more attractive if you use the following elements:

  • Organize quizzes or trivia
  • Encourage people to play certain roles and imitate real-life situations
  • Use safety videos
  • Give small incentives to the most successful learners

You can think of many other ways to make learning fun and entertaining, but the ultimate goal is to spread the word about workplace protection and keep your staff safe.

Conclusion

Every business owner should put workplace safety on the top of his/her priorities. It’s a critical issue because you need to prevent injuries, preserve professional credibility, and protect your organization from possible lawsuits.

In this article, we presented a step-by-step guide on how to maintain a safe working environment in your organization. It’s a serious process, but you can make it simpler, entertaining, and more engaging with new workplace protection mechanisms.

Have you ever used any of these tactics? Let us know about your experiences in comments!

Bio

Sharon is marketing specialist in assignment masters and writer from Manchester, UK. When she has a minute, she loves to share a few of her thoughts about marketing, writing and blogging with you. Currently, she is working as a marketer at college essay writing service. You could follow Sharon on Facebook.

Uncategorized

10 Easy Steps to Take to Increase Workplace Safety

Every hour, there are about 510 injuries reported at workplaces in the United States alone. These events can result in serious injuries and even death.

In economic aspect, millions of hours are lost to the effects of deteriorating workplace safety, findings made by a research paper writing service has revealed. Automatically, companies suffer from numerous compensations, medical treatments, and severance rates from these injured employees. Given these numbers, reinforcing accident prevention is critical. The best way to avoid this painful process is to invest in workplace safety.

As emphasized by different industries need security attention. In this regard, some suggestions may be of great value for maintaining employee protection parameters and measures. Check out these 10 steps to accident prevention in the workplace!

Steps to Take to Increase Workplace Safety

  • Ensure the workplace tidy and organized

Many accidents occur due to the clutter on the desk. A tool dropped on the floor and a leakage on the floor can be costly. When these oversights add to the intensity of work routines, the result can be dangerous for everyone.

In this respect, little but simple care can make all the difference. Ensuring an organized workplace is the duty of all the workers. Teamwork results in a risk-free environment where everyone can move and act smoothly.

  • Prioritize value for focus at work

All work needs to be done with focus. Especially in risky positions, it is critical to be aware of environmental factors that can pose safety hazards. With increasing forms of distraction, it is important to determine rules for worker protection and the priority with their obligations. According to assignment writing service, conversations, cell phones and even factors such as tiredness can expose workers to accidents.

  • Avoid reckless risk exposure

Accidents often happen because of employees’ recklessness. If any situation demonstrates imminent danger, stay away from it. This thinking must be cultivated throughout the company so that it becomes a broad idea.

Do not visit places that you do not have prior permission to be there. Also, avoid getting around areas and equipment which you’re not qualified to use.

  • Implement and ensure the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The failure to use personal protective equipment can result in an unplanned cost of around £50m every year, according to a research by one of the dissertation writing services in the UK.

A company is required to provide, at no cost to the worker, all PPE that may be required in their operation. Employees will have different protection demands to perform their tasks safely.

Likewise, once the PPE is in the employees’ possession, he is obliged to use it, as well as to ensure their integrity. The company has a duty to provide and the right to enforce the use of PPE. These include gloves, goggles, breathing protection, hearing protection, fall belts, helmets, boots, among others.

  • Take care of yourself and your co-workers

Accident prevention is a teamwork. It is necessary for co-workers to guide one another to avoid accidents. A good example is with the use of PPE as mentioned above. One employee must always remember and supervise the other to generate the right culture.

Another important thing is to avoid performing tasks in isolation, especially in hazardous areas. Follow-up, whether by another partner or a work safety technician, is important.

For this to work, it is important for co-workers to form partnership among themselves. Thus, the environment becomes safer and it strengthens the culture of accident prevention.

  • Report incidents

According to best essay writing services, unaddressed incidents can easily become accidents. Anything that happens out of the ordinary in your tasks should be communicated to your superiors. Typically, each company has its own incident reporting procedure, so it is critical to follow it.

Each experience will alert other people in the same situation. Future problems can be simply avoided by adopting corrective and preventive practices. Reporting incidents should be a habit. The more the company learns about them, the more it can work objectively to eliminate risks. This cycle tends to result in an increasingly safe work environment.

  • Only use work machines that have been reviewed

Using serviced and certified machines is a good way of preventing accident. However, some companies do not always worry about a proper maintenance routine. Lack of time, cost, and the need to use them for tasks are factors that cause this problem. The employees, however, should not take any chances.

Every machine needs care and frequent overhaul. Else, it is susceptible to malfunctions that can lead to accidents. The problem will not always be limited to poorly executed work. The consequences can hit the employee who is using it. If you notice a problem, notify the maintenance guys about the need for maintenance. Regular reviews are essential.

  • Avoid using tools in poor condition

Tools are also items that can create problems and should enter the accident prevention routine. They are subject to natural wear and tear, which can also endanger those handling them in everyday life.

It is essential that the employees stop using tools that are in poor condition, especially those exposed to impacts which can have consequences.

Breaking a cable, for example, can cause the worker to lose control, resulting in some shock to his own body. Injuries of different levels can happen and take the employee out of activity.

The proper thing to do is to introduce new tools and stop using those that are no longer efficient. As for the company, it is necessary to inspect the equipment regularly and arrange for replacement when necessary.

  • Limit yourself to your duties only

Workers should not execute tasks which they are not trained for, especially those involving risks. Many industrial tasks require intensive training and courses, precisely what qualifies employees to perform them.

At no time should this practice be done. It is illegal, can cause accidents and harm the company. The employer should not ask an unprepared employee to do something they do not know how to do. Along with this, it is also up to the worker not to risk doing jobs that are not within his competence.

This negligence hinders accident prevention! If the employee is instructed to do something he or she does not know how to do, he or she should go to a superior or an occupational safety technician to report that he or she does not have the necessary qualifications.

  • Operate machines responsibly

Machines are needed for various jobs in factories and large companies. Therefore, the operation requires basic usage parameters. Good practices range from attention when performing work to the use of PPE. Many machines are sharp, heavy and have other characteristics that, if not considered, pose serious risks.

It is then critical that the operator is primarily qualified to work with the machine. In addition, he needs to be very careful when operating, especially when other workers are nearby.

Conclusion

Accident prevention practice is extensive, but fundamental for the company and its employees. As pointed out in a workplace manual by good practices that increase workplace safety help make the workplace safer for everyone, curb downtime and therefore increase productivity.

Author Bio

Sharon is marketing specialist and custom essay writer from Manchester, UK. When she has a minute, she loves to share a few of her thoughts about marketing, writing and blogging with you. Currently, she is working as a marketer at professional essay writers and essay-writing service. You could follow Sharon on Facebook.

 

General Safety Issues

High Cost of Work-Related Injuries

Written by Mark Taylor

  • The fact that were around 2.8 million non-fatal workplace injuries reported by private employers in 2018 alone might come as a surprise. This is what figures released by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics Nearly one-third of these nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses resulted in days away from work. However, a large portion of work-related injuries also go unreported because those who are afflicted treat themselves at home or visit a nearby physician. The true numbers could be as much as two or three times greater.

This is just the tip of the iceberg as a closer look at the statistics published by the National Safety Council show. Every seven seconds, a worker is injured on the job, which means 510 injuries per hour, 12,600 per day and 88,500 a week. In 2017, in the US alone, there were 104 million production days lost due to work-related injuries. The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) reported that the cost of these injuries is estimated at $250 billion to $360 billion a year.

The first stages of injury usually go undetected, since the symptoms are mistaken for work-related fatigue, but later stages evidence pain that carries on into the next day, accompanied by an inability to perform work. According to experts at Jersey Rehab, people usually think that pain management is only necessary when they are suffering from persistent or chronic pain, but treatment also be provided for any sudden or acute pain.

  • The Usual Suspects
  • A look at the type of injuries will reveal the usual suspects. The broad categories of injury were muscle sprains and strains, soreness or pain and cuts and lacerations. A closer look reveals:
  • 8% injuries were caused by trips and falls
  • 26% were caused by being struck by an object, getting caught or crushed
  • 54% were caused by repetitive movements, such as lifting or lowering heavy objects
  • In the US, there is a high prevalence of back injuries, with roughly 25% workers complaining of back pain. The most common reason for back-related injuries are slips, trips and falls, besides lifting heavy objects, leading to absence from work for more than 7 days.
  • If you think work-related injuries are confined to work that requires physical effort, think again! Carpal tunnel syndrome is also prominent in the lineup of work-related injuries. Carpal tunnel syndrome affects roughly 1.9 million people, and 300,000 to 500,000 surgeries are performed each year to fix this common injury, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome can just as easily be caused by long hours at the computer, since it is likely to be caused by forceful gripping, repeated lifting of objects over 1 kg in weight and the vibration caused by handling power tools, according to research conducted by the National Institute of Health.
  • Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders

There is a name to these causes. Together, they are referred to as Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs). WMSDs usually result in muscle, tendon or nerve injuries. WMSDs are commonly associated with:

  • Fixed or constrained body positions
  • Continual repetition of movements
  • Force concentrated on small parts of the body (for example, hands and wrists)
  • Work pace that does not allow adequate rest intervals between movements

The best way to reduce workplace injuries is at the source. Unfortunately, not all workplaces are ergonomically designed to handle the various causes. Human factors, such as force applied, body position, work pace and repetition, need to be aligned to the workplace layout, selection of tools and implementation of safe work practices. And, given the high cost of work-related injuries, the short-term cost of making workplaces safer far outweighs the cost of treating the nation’s workforce.

Uncategorized

Haven’t Been Wearing Ear Defenders? 3 Vital Reasons Why You Must Start Wearing One

Written by Precious Marho

A few months ago, I accompanied a friend for a purchase at a wood vendor. Startlingly, the employee who was delegated to sawing the wood to size neglected to wear an ear protection, despite the machine’s loud noise. Simply looking at him from afar, working handily with the machine- totally exposed was terrifying. Afterwards, I deemed it necessary to educate him on the demerits of exposing his ears to such loud noises. A lecture that was perhaps better apt for the employer.

Unfortunately, this occurrence is commonplace in industries and companies around the world. Employees are left unprotected from the dangers of loud noise and their employers- not caring too much about the safety of the workers, or perhaps ignorant of the damage, are unconcerned. The health and safety of workers must be considered paramount, and in particularly loud industries, their ears must be protected from noise hazards. But, with what should it be protected?

Ear defenders are personal protective equipment (PPE) designed to protect the wearer from extremely loud noises. In a ton of industries, employees are routinely exposed to noise levels higher than 85 decibels, which can be detrimental to their long term health. As an employee, it is your RIGHT to be adequately protected in your job and you must demand ear defenders from your employer.

There are two major types of ear defenders that can be used for protection against high level noise. There are the ear muffs and the ear plugs. Ear muffs, similar in appearance to a headphone, has acoustic foam which absorbs sound waves. Ear plugs however, are small cylindrical-shaped gadgets designed to fit onto the ear canal. Your choice of an appropriate ear defender will depend on your industry, ambient conditions, and individual requirements.

In industries where employees are required to wear other forms of PPE, say helmets and goggles, ear plugs which can easily be used in tandem with these PPEs are more suitable than ear muffs.

Ear muffs (ideally, thermal muffs) are better suited for workplaces in cooler climate. Conversely, with its small surface area, ear plugs are the go-to defenders for workplaces in warmer climates. Moreover, the less-cumbersome design of ear plugs means they are much easier for employees to carry around. However, employees with ear infections will be more comfortable wearing ear muffs because of its detachment from sensitive ear nerves.

Summarily though, ear plugs, which sit on the ear canal, guarantee the very highest levels of noise protection. As an employer, you may even consider advising employees to wear muffs and plugs together for greater protection against ultra-high noise levels (>103 decibels).

As kind of a bonus, newer models of ear defenders, whilst eliminating loud noises, enable the employee to hear signals and alarm calls and via a two way radio, communicate with their colleagues. This is very useful for workplaces where communication is essential amid high level noises.

Perhaps, you have soldiered on in your noisy workplace without ear defenders for a long time, or you’ve seen someone who has, and don’t really know what the noise is all about. There are several reasons why you absolutely, matter-of-factly need to use ear protection in your workplace. The consequences of continuous exposure to high noise levels can be highly damaging to your health and relationships. May we examine these consequences?

Physical consequences:

One time exposure or constant exposure to noise in the workplace may result in a condition called occupational noise induced hearing loss (ONIHL). That is temporary or permanent damage to the hearing abilities of one or both ears. ONIHL can occur immediately upon exposure or, every so often, subsequently after series of exposures.

Signs of hearing loss include: difficulty hearing and understanding words, tinnitus (ringing in the head or ears), ear aches, difficulty understanding consonant sounds, and a spinning sensation akin to vertigo. If you have experienced any of these symptoms, you should see an Otologist. Unfortunately, noise induced hearing loss cannot be cured, but it can be treated and managed.

Psychological health reasons:

High levels of noise can cause a range of psychological problems including mental health problems, stress, dizziness and vertigo, nausea, muscle cramps and just plain old noise annoyance. Working amidst high level noise can distract employees and reduce their concentration levels, causing mental, emotional or physical strain, which may result in depression.

Moreover, our bodies respond to noise during sleep, regardless of whether we are awoken or not. The ensuing sleep deprivation may result in fatigue, dizziness, memory loss, mood swings and an increased susceptibility to injuries and diseases.

Physiological health reasons:

Exposure to industrial noise may affect the workings of the cardiovascular system and lead to an increase in the heart rate. This increase in heart rate can cause high blood pressure and hypertension.

A study of aircraft noise  around Heathrow Airport found that high level noise was associated with coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease in the nearby area. And in a 2018 study by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), hypertension was found to be more common among workers exposed to loud noise in the workplace.

As an employer, the reality is that you have a lot to gain if your employees are protected from noise (and all) hazards in your workplace. In the event of workplace injury or harm to your employees, the medical, legal and compensation costs will fall squarely on your shoulders and, depending on the level of your business; that may be detrimental to your income.

An employee without the numerous health problems associated with high level noise will be far more focused, productive and effective in the organisation. This enhanced focus and concentration creates a safer condition in your workplace and reduces the potential for accidents.

In the event of an accident in your workplace that could have been hitherto avoided by wearing ear defenders, your company’s reputation may be tarnished and other companies are less likely to do business with you as a result. Providing ear defenders and all required PPEs for your employees will make those reputation-damaging accidents less likely.

Then again, procuring ear defenders for your employees do not suffice. You must organise trainings and workshops on how to properly use and maintain the defenders. Furthermore, you must regularly inspect the defenders for change in shape and reduced performance.

Adequate workplace protection is non-negotiable, and now more than ever, you must rise up to this challenge and ensure that every single person in your company is protected against all forms of noise hazards. If you don’t protect employees in your workplace and ensure their safety, no one else will. It is your OBLIGATION and a necessity for every company serious about doing business in the 21st century. Including yours.

About the author

Precious Marho is a freelance writer specialising in occupational health, safety and oil and gas.

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.