All posts by pat brownlee

General Safety Issues

KEEPING DATA FROM LOSS BY MONITORING YOUR EMPLOYEES’ ONLINE ACTIVITY (GUEST POST)

A business environment can provide a stressful environment for both the management and its employees. The majority of employers are concerned about keeping their employees motivated towards attaining productivity and the major concern on keeping company data and information secured is among the manager’s responsibility as well. Employees at most times are free to use the company resources especially using the internet in doing other activities that can compromise the company’s business data. The data, privy only for the company’s use, can be disseminated online without the consent of the management to the prejudice of the company. Therefore, it is very important that the company has its efficient way of monitoring employees’ online activity.

The Importance of monitoring employee’s online activity

While the complete protection of data is considered the most important reason why the management should monitor the online activities of their employees, there are also other reasons why they need to do it. Loss of worker productivity can also impact the company’s business which makes employee monitoring important too. It is also possible that company data may likewise be sent to a third party without the authority from the management which contributes to the data loss and a worker loss of productivity during official time at work whenever employees are free to use company resources for personal use without close monitoring on their activities at work.

Moreover, every company has a trade secret that accounts to the success of the company. These secrets vary from different strategies, sources of supplies, methods of production, quality of materials and most importantly finances of the company. When these information or data leak, this leaves the company vulnerable for losses. The transfer of these data can be either deliberate or unintentional.  Either way, the person doing it will be held legally liable to the company as this information is basically proprietary in nature which is something that only the company must share or provide other entities when it sees proper.

Deliberate sharing of data takes place when an employee, with full knowledge of the harm, transfers or shares data to anyone. While unintentional data transfer takes place when a data is, without the employee’s knowledge and consent, transferred or shared through the internet that can be brought about by malware and other snooping software.

Best Practices to reduce or eliminate prohibited data sharing

1.       Use monitoring software

There is a lot of monitoring software available on the internet these days. While the most effective monitoring software costs a lot, it is considered to be a good company investment in order to protect valuable company assets and trade secrets. Spy software on company issued devices may be installed to monitor the exchange of communication made between the employees and other persons. The installation of CCTV technology will also help the employer to monitor all activities of the employees across the workplace including their communication activities and data access and it can also serve as a protection to employees against false accusations on data leakage or sharing. With a monitoring software (check Netspysoftware) you can also block certain online activities that employees can do at the workplace which limits their ability of compromising company secrets and data.

2.       Make known to employees the restriction against data sharing

Making known to your employees the company’s stringent rule against sharing of company data and information from the beginning of their employment is a good management practice. This can be done during the orientation or having a memorandum circulated across the workplace or have it printed on the employee handbook. Employees will hesitate to share company data to third parties when they know that such is a prohibited act with a corresponding penalty from the company and will likely refrain from doing things that can cause trouble in their employment.

3.       Establish a good communication process

The moment you first heard about company data leakage it is important to verify the report and learn the extent of the data loss and compromised information if there is any. Sometimes, data leakage may occur unintentionally as when an employee casually mentions something to friends or family members without knowing that the information communicated is a vital source of information. Allowing the employees to explain the root of the problem will help prevent the company from taking drastic moves against the employee.

 Guest Post by Stacy Carter, a technology article for http://www.netspysoftware.com netspysoftware.  She covers articles about PC security, mobile news, apps, Android, iPhone and tracking technology.
General Safety Issues

DIY GAS SAFETY TIPS FOR HOMEOWNERS (GUEST POST)

Homeowners often forget the hazards gas leakages can cause. Even though it’s common sense that smoking near inflammable things is hazardous, candles left overnight can cause fire hazards, but rarely does anyone pay attention to the safety of his or her home when it comes to gas hazards.

If you’re one of the many people who have unintentionally overlooked the importance of gas safety, here are some DIY tips for you. Make sure to use these tips to avoid gas hazards and ensure a safe and secure home for you and your family.

1.       Buy a Carbon monoxide Detector

The thing about gas is that you can’t see it. Since carbon monoxide is gas, you can’t see it but it can kill you if it spreads in your home due to a gas leak in a pipe, stove or fireplace. Buy a smoke detector, a carbon monoxide detector that can detect gas and alert you instantly so you can take necessary action.

2.       Keep Your Home Well Ventilated

Keeping your home well ventilated can prevent many hazards as cross ventilation allows an outlet for gas to move out of your home. Tight and congested places can contain gas, and the hazardous affect can come to surface sooner than you can call for help.

3.       Check Stoves, Fireplaces , Chimneys

Even though many people do follow this tip, it is extremely important to mention because gas leaks can cause severe hazards, fires and explosions. Always make sure to turn off stoves properly before stepping out of your home. Also, check for gas leaks around fireplaces and heaters. In addition, make sure the air passage from the chimney is clear; a blocked chimney can contain gas indoors and cause fire hazards.

4.       Keep a Look Out for Hazard Signs

Keep a check on all your gas appliances. If you see any condensation in the room, or dark patches around a gas appliance, may be its time to have it checked. If you see dull yellow flames when you turn on your stove, and see low gas pressure; it’s a sign of possible gas leakage. Be cautious of these signs and get in touch with a gas safety professional instantly.

Be Safe Rather than Sorry

Even though the above DIY tips come in handy, and are essential to know to ensure your home is safe, sometimes you can’t prevent hazards on your own. It’s better not to DIY gas related problems, such as fixing a gas leak, etc; leave it to the pros because they know best.

Many plumbing solutions providers offer expert plumbers who can fix your plumbing problems be it a gas leak or a hot water pipe burst. Get in touch with a professional gas plumber in Melbourne who knows his or her job well and is able to identify the problem and solve it in time for you. Many plumbing solution companies in Melbourne provide best quality gas plumbing services round the clock; because a gas leak doesn’t occur in day time, afternoon, or office hours – it can happen at any time of the day and it’s not a good idea to delay getting it fixed.  Qualified gas plumbers in Melbourne (or your home town) can help prevent gas hazards and make your home a safe haven.

Author Bio:

Alan Alaxandar is a writer having an experience in writing for small businesses currently he is writing for Doherty Plumbing Solutions who are professional plumbers in Melbourne, VIC. Find Alan on Twitter, Facebook, and on Google+

 

General Safety Issues

THE IMPORTANCE OF LIGHTING ON JOB SITES (GUEST POST)

Five Things to Consider Before Switching to LED

Humans are blind without light. For construction workers and miners, lighting is even more important because projects must be completed around the clock and in poorly-lit conditions. Night shifts are not at all uncommon in such industries because strict deadlines must be met and for safety considerations, adequate lighting needs to be implemented. While any type of illumination can make working in the dark a more plausible task, LED technology is the preferred choice these days, for not just safety and environment concerns; we delve into why they are such a popular lighting equipment on job sites.

1. LEDs are very bright

One of the most important qualities of a light source is its brightness. In most cases, brighter lights are better lights because they allow an individual to see more of his or her surroundings, but whilst you want the work area illuminated, it’s also just as important to not have bright lights shining directly in workers (or passer-by’s) eyes. Brighter lights cut through the darkness like a knife through butter, and they provide vision for those who need it most when they need it most whilst still being flexible enough ensure only the required area is lit up. Laser-emitting diodes are much brighter than traditional incandescent bulbs and compact fluorescent lamps. They have longer throw, which is critical in tunnels that may stretch on for miles. A tiny LED unit the size of a box of cards can emit light at an intensity that is at least three to four times that of an incandescent or CFL unit that’s the same size.

2. LEDs are extremely durable and reliable

When you buy a product, you expect it to function as advertised and for a long time. With LED technology, you get both every purchase. The lifespan of an LED light is up to 50 times longer than that of an incandescent light and five times longer than that of a CFL. Incandescent bulbs have filaments that can burn out, and CFLs can be easily destroyed with impact. LEDs, on the other hand, are nearly indestructible. They are extremely shock resistant and can take a beating in even the harshest environmental conditions. Since LEDs don’t have filaments, they won’t ever burn out. In mining tunnels or unfinished structures where danger lurks around every corner, LED lights can save lives because they work reliably all the time – as long as they are plugged in or powered by batteries. In the event of a tunnel or structural collapse, surviving workers can count on LED lights to guide them to safety.

3. LEDs do not pose any apparent health risks

All compact fluorescent lamps contain mercury, a poisonous substance that is hazardous to human health. While the mercury is essentially harmless when contained within the CFL bulb, it can easily leak if a CFL bulb is shattered. Stepping onto fragments of CFL bulbs can cause a severe reaction that destroys tissue.

In construction zones and mines, accidents occur all the time. Things get knocked down, bent and dented for one reason or another. Many times, these occurrences aren’t even the fault of the workers. In such accident prone workplaces, LEDs are the only sensible lighting option because they rarely break and don’t contain harmful chemicals. CFLs and incandescent bulbs are simply too fragile to withstand the abuse, and that means they can fail when you least expect it to pose the biggest health risk of all: potential death. 

4. LEDs use less energy and run cooler

Research suggests that LED lighting uses about 75% less energy than incandescent lighting. That huge decrease in consumption translates to huge savings over time, and who wouldn’t want to save money? Mining and construction businesses usually spend a lot of money to run daily operations, and a big part of that goes to lighting. Replacing existing light fixtures with LEDs can cut a lot of energy costs and spare funds for more useful purposes.

Being the efficient light sources that they are, LEDs produce very little heat as a result. Heat production isn’t only annoying for workers because it can raise local temperatures and make the job even more difficult to endure than it already is, excessive heat can also set off explosions in mining tunnels where volatile gases often exist. Saving money and saving lives are both very convincing reasons for any individual or company to switch over to LED lighting. 

5. LEDs can be expensive

LED lighting is great, but let’s be honest – there are pros and cons to everything. The biggest drawback of implementing LED lighting in construction and mining sites is cost. Yes, you’ll save a ton of money in energy expenses, but purchasing the LED units themselves could cost you a small fortune initially. That’s especially true if you run a large business and plan on phasing out your entire stock of incandescent or CFL lights. The good news is that LED lights have gone down greatly in price since their introduction years ago. This means that they are more affordable for the average consumer. However, the fact remains: LED lights are still more expensive than more conventional forms, and they probably won’t get into the same price range until another cutting-edge lighting technology comes along and goes mainstream.

This is the age of LED lighting. This powerful, rugged, and efficient technology is clearly superior to incandescent and CFL technology, and it’s on the path to seeing mainstream use. In industries such as construction and mining, using LED lighting can prove to be a huge advantage that increases vision, productivity, and safety. Unfortunately, not all LED lights are made the same. Product design and quality of manufacture can determine whether or not an LED light lives up to its reputation or bites the dust far before it’s supposed to. When shopping for LED lighting, always do research to ensure that you get a quality product that is as dependable as sunlight.

Author Bio

This article is written by Jayde Ferguson, who writes for AllightSykes, one of the world’s largest suppliers of lighting towers; designed, engineered and built in Australia to meed the world’s toughest standards.  

Note:  Try the LED lights that can be attached to caps and hardhats, offered by Texas America Safety Company (tasco-safety.com)  Remember that 5% discount if you mention the blog! Thanks, pb

 

 

 

 

 
Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Hearing Protection, Respiratory Safety

DECEMBER 6TH – NATIONAL MINERS’ DAY!

In 2009, Congress proclaimed that each December 6th would be recognized in remembrance of the 1907 Monongah coal mine disaster, which resulted in the deaths of 362 miners, becoming the worst industrial accident in American history. The Proclamation designates this date ‘in appreciation, honor and remembrance of the accomplishments and sacrifices of the miners of our Nation; and encourages the people of the United States to participate in local and national activities celebrating and honoring the contributions of miners.’  Being unaware of this occasion, I failed to write about this important day; however, we still can ask Americans to appreciate these mine workers everyday, and be aware that December 6th is “National Miners’ Day.” pb
American miners play a much larger role in our lives than most people realize: Raw materials that they extract, such as coal, copper, phosphate, silver, limestone, iron and zinc–ores that are essential components in the products we use every day. Do you know that coal, and the electricity generated by coal power, play prominent roles in our homes, businesses and communities?  The roads we travel are full of gravel, crushed stone, tar, asphalt, road salt and cement – materials produced by miners to make travel safer. Miners also produce rock and mineral products for bridges we build to span canyons and rivers.

Thousands of everyday consumer goods are made with the fundamental materials secured by miners. These range from cosmetics to toothpaste, from cookware and dinnerware to appliances.  Think about the components in electronics that we use every day, such as smartphones, computers, and televisions.  Gold, silver and copper wiring, silicon processing and memory chips, as well as ceramic insulators are essential components in those electronics.  These components are the brought to you by our hard-working miners, who deserve protection on the job from workplace hazards that have killed tens of thousands and injured hundreds of thousands of miners throughout our history.

We are making progress. In 1907, the same year as the Monongah disaster, 3,000 miners died in tragic accidents. Fatalities numbering in the thousands were not uncommon during the first part of the 20th century. These numbers decreased to about 140 in the 1970s due in large part to the passage of the Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 and the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977. The 1977 Act created the Mine Safety and Health Administration in the U.S. Department of Labor to oversee the safety and health of miners. Thirty-five years later, we have seen the lowest fatality rate in this nation’s history. And, through the “End Black Lung–Act Now” initiative and other occupational health efforts, we are making progress in limiting miners’ exposure to respirable dust and other harmful contaminants. While more needs to be done to prevent death, injury and illness in the nation’s mines, our efforts and collaboration with labor and industry stakeholders are showing positive results.

From the Department of Labor: “We will continue to work hard to send miners home safe and healthy at the end of every shift. On this National Miner’s Day, we honor their contributions and thank them for the sacrifices they have made on behalf of this nation. We hope the American people will join us in commemorating this day of recognition.”

Source: Department of Labor

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Respiratory Safety

ANAPHYLAXIS IN THE WORKPLACE

If you suffer from allergies or know someone who does, read  this article from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.  A personal note: Several years ago, I experienced anaphylaxis, and it is a very frightening event.  We will never know what caused the reactions that I had, but I was traveling and the nearest hospital was about 30 miles away.  My reactions began with continuous sneezing, and watery eyes; later, the sneezing stopped and suddenly I couldn’t breathe through my nose.  Then my ears began to itch and felt like they were closing.  The most frightening part was when my throat started swelling.  We barely reached the hospital in time; thankfully, I met a doctor in the hallway, who immediately escorted me to the emergency room.  Epinephrine was one of the first drugs I was given.  Because I was having reactions to some of the medications, either raising or lowering my blood pressure to extremes, I really felt my life was being threatened.  The hospital staff worked fervently and once things calmed down, they kept me for several more hours.  The following article can help someone who suffers allergies to know what to expect.  (My physician advised me to carry an antihistamine at all times.)  This information could save someone’s life:

Anthony was climbing a ladder when he accidentally disturbed a nest of angry hornets. He was stung several times and when his throat began to tighten and he had trouble breathing, he knew he was in trouble. His swollen red face alarmed his co-worker who made the lifesaving 911 call. Anthony is one of millions in North America who experience a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction each year.

Anaphylaxis is a dangerous allergic reaction that can develop quickly, affecting many different body organs and systems. Allergic reactions can be mild, affecting only the skin, to severe, affecting the airways and/or the heart, resulting in death.

Signs and symptoms
Anaphylaxis includes a range of symptoms that can occur in various combinations and be hard to recognize. If you are having an anaphylactic reaction, you may experience a few or all of these signs and symptoms:

  • hives and itching, flushing, or swelling of the skin
  • rapid heart rate
  • itching and/or swelling of the lips, tongue, palate, and throat
  • swelling of the eyelids, and itchy, watery eyes
  • weakness, faintness, and loss of consciousness
  • abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
  • difficulty breathing, wheezing, and asthma
  • a feeling of impending doom

Severe symptoms can develop within minutes after being exposed to an allergen, and the severity usually peaks within three to thirty minutes. There can be an equally serious second phase reaction, one to eight hours after the initial anaphylaxis.

Causes
Anaphylaxis can be triggered by many different allergens, the most common being those found in certain foods such as peanuts and shellfish, and in insect venom such as bee or wasp stings. These severe allergic reactions may also be caused by medications, certain chemicals (for example diisocyantes), latex, and less commonly, exercising within 2-4 hours after eating a food to which you are allergic.

What can be done

Everyone deserves a safe workplace. There are things employers can do to prevent and prepare for anaphylaxis, and ensure they can respond effectively to protect the lives of their employees.  Workers should be informed about the hazards they are exposed to and how to work safely. While it may not be possible to completely eliminate the risk of anaphylaxis in the workplace, employers and employees can take steps to reduce the risk, and respond effectively if and when someone has a life threatening reaction.

The first line of defense in managing the risk of anaphylactic reactions is strict avoidance of allergens. It’s important to be aware of the ingredients in foods, stay away from at-risk areas if allergic to insect venom, and reduce or eliminate exposure to chemical sensitizers.

Epinephrine is the preferred first treatment for anaphylaxis. However, at-risk people don’t always own or carry epinephrine auto-injectors. In fact, many people don’t know they have an allergy until their first anaphylactic reaction begins.

Prevention of occupational anaphylaxis
Occupational anaphylaxis results from causes and conditions that exist in a work environment. Work-exacerbated anaphylaxis is pre-existing or co-existing allergy (for example, a food or pollen allergy) to a particular agent that is triggered by workplace exposures. Some persons cannot tolerate an insect sting- scorpions or as mentioned, hornets.

Avoiding worker exposure to sensitizers is the primary effort to prevent work-related anaphylaxis. Whether at the source (elimination, substitution, local exhaust ventilation), along the path (enclosure of emission source) or at the worker level (administrative controls, respiratory protective equipment) this must be done. Employers are encouraged to consult experts such as engineers and occupational hygienists to find ways to substitute or eliminate allergens from the workplace, or to reduce exposures as much as possible.

For instance, elimination of exposure to natural rubber latex (a causative agent) would involve making the environment latex-free. In some production processes elimination is not always possible. In these situations, employers should make every effort to reduce airborne concentrations of the allergen. With latex, this may involve changing from powdered latex gloves to powder-free low-protein latex gloves to reduce airborne latex particles. For a healthcare worker or anyone who is allergic to latex, the use of latex-free surgical or dental procedures is necessary.

Employer preparedness and response

Ask employees if they have a life-threatening allergy to certain foods, insect bites, medications, chemicals, or other materials.  Educate employees about the dangers of anaphylaxis, how to recognize and respond to the signs of anaphylaxis, and how best to avoid known allergens.  Promote basic principles of allergen control including handwashing, cleaning and disinfecting work surfaces, and properly handling and/or preparing food.

Employees with known anaphylaxis

Tell your manager and co-workers about your allergies and help create your emergency response plan together.  Keep an epinephrine auto-injector with you at all times, and another labeled with your name, in a readily available location at work. Replace auto-injectors when they expire.  Tell your manager and others where to find your epinephrine auto-injector.
Wear identification such as a medical alert bracelet or necklace that would alert others of your allergies if you were unable to do so.
Seek immediate emergency medical treatment after use; an epinephrine auto-injector does not prevent a reaction from re-occurring.
Replace your epinephrine auto-injector immediately after use.
Obtain permission from employees with allergies to make information and identification sheets about them (photographs, allergens to avoid and an emergency response plan) readily available to others in the workplace.
Teach employees how to recognize the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction and how to use an epinephrine auto-injector properly.
Provide immediate assistance if an employee is unable to self-administer the epinephrine auto-injector due to the severity of the anaphylactic symptoms; a delay could be fatal.
Ensure that your employee gets immediate emergency medical treatment after use of the epinephrine auto-injector either by calling 911 for medical assistance and/or taking the victim immediately to an emergency care facility.

This article  endeavors to raise awareness of this serious issue so that everyone involved can take steps to ensure worker safety and even save lives.

Additional resources

Anaphylaxis, World Allergy OrganizationImportance of Anaphylaxis Awareness in the Workplace PDF, American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM);Managing Anaphylaxis in the Workplace Health and Safety Checklist PDF, ACOEM; Work-related Anaphylaxis PDF, Allergy Society of South Africa; Anaphylaxis, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease; Anaphylaxis Canada; Allergy/Asthma Information Association; Association québécoise des allergies alimentaires; The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Alliance; Analphylaxis: Tips to Remember, American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI)

 

 

General Safety Issues

SAFETY PRODUCTS MAKE GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFTS!

Probably folks will ask, “Why shop for Christmas gifts at a safety store?”  You would be very surprised at the variety of things you can find at Texas America Safety Company.  T.A.S.C.O. has been selling quality safety products for more than 20 years. Being the parent company of Blog4Safety, both our goals have been to provide our customers and readers with safety gear and safety tips; we serve people from over the world who purchase personal protective equipment from T.A.S.C.O., as well as those who contribute to our safety blog.   

Many of you will be looking for gifts for co-workers, and this is the perfect place if you work in an industry that requires the use of personal protective equipment.  Check out http://www.tasco-safety.comfor the 70+ section of their website that lists gift ideas from $2.50 to over $50.00.  It’s divided into price segments, and there’s something there for workers, as well as hunters, bikers, and walkers.  

Deer hunters can always use fall protection when climbing up and down into their deer stand.  They also need to wear hi-visibility clothing, like a bright orange vest.  Shooters could also make use of our electronic earmuffs.  Bicyclists and those who enjoy walking or running also should wear a hi-visibility vest and other gear.  If I were walking outdoors in almost dark conditions, I would love to have the LED lights that attach to a ball cap.  You could see and be seen with those! 

The Mechanix Original touch gloves are a great addition to our inventory.  Anyone who uses their cell phone, laptop, or tablet outdoors can use these gloves to send messages without removing their gloves. 

For the working gals, there are pink earmuffs at a very reasonable price, as well as Mechanix Original pink gloves, and pink hardhats.  

Check out all these suggestions on our website, and see if you don’t agree that these types of items might be something your friends or family could use all year.  Remember to mention the 5% “I read it on the blog” discount.  Merry Christmas, Season’s Greetings, Happy Holidays, and all good wishes to you and yours.   

Have a safe shopping season and safe travels.  We look forward to serving you in 2014! Pat

General Safety Issues

HOW TO SECURE SAFETY FOR THE BUSINESS PLACE WHEN YOU ARE NOT THERE (GUEST POST)

Small business owners are always considering the safety of their employees and customers. Some owners forget to take into account safety when business is done for the day. This can lead to dangerous accidents, crime, and lawsuits that can ruin a company. While every business is different in nearly infinite amount of ways, there are tips and resources that can be tailoring to keep an operation running smoothly without injury or breaches of security.

Security Alarm Systems

Advanced technology has produced excellent business security alarms at prices that have never been cheaper. Wireless systems now have options to allow you to monitor your business from your smartphone so there is no reason a business should be without a security system that offers these benefits:

  • The ability to remotely stream security camera footage to a mobile device or computer.
  • Alerts that detect fire, floods, gas leaks, or unusual temperature changes.
  • The ability to access information when doors are accessed, and who accesses them.

These affordable options will keep your business safe from potentially violent intruders or dangerous situations that could harm your employees or customers. An added benefit of having security cameras is the ability to have an eye witness if lawsuits ever come about that you believe may be frivolous or unwarranted. Good security could be your first step in ensuring that your business stays open and danger free.

Protect Life and Property

A security system does not ensure safety in itself. The physical property that your business resides on could present hazards when no one is around to enforce safety standards. OSHA’s small business handbook is a great place to start helping you determine if you are leaving a safe environment when everyone leaves for the day. Having said that, just because it complies with OSHA standards, it doesn’t mean all dangers are eliminated. Here are some basic questions that may apply to your business.

  • Is it secure? If there is an outside area with machinery or other dangerous materials, then it should be properly protected by fences, locked gates, hazard warnings, etc. Do everything in your power to keep out those who would present a danger to your property or themselves.
  • Light it up. Make sure the space surrounding your business is well lit. This will discourage intruders as well as making any hazards easily distinguishable. Lighting indoors afterhours is also a good deterrent while making it safer for those locking up late or opening up early.
  • Know your Police. Know who patrols the area your business is located. Employees, and anyone authorized to be in your business after hours, should try to be on familiar terms with your officer.

Data Security

Technology can be used to ensure the safety of our business and those it. Often overlooked are the dangers that can occur when data security is compromised. Employee personal information could be stolen and used for nefarious purposes. While the physical safety of persons is not necessarily at risk, data breaches can have very real physical effects.

  • Always make sure that passwords and firewalls are utilized. Any step that you can take to make it more difficult for information to be had is better. Hackers are usually looking for the easy win so make it not worth their time. Additionally it’s a good idea to give all your employees their own username/password.
  • Make a computer accessible only to you. Do not connect this computer to any networks and use it solely for employee and business information. Information that you need to share can always be saved on a thumb drive and uploaded elsewhere.
  • Take steps to secure information before it’s too late. Data theft is a silent crime that is often undetectable until it’s too late. Preventative measures are the only way to be sure you are protected.

Safe Business Thrives

A safe business is a business that can be confident. When safety is assured you can turn all your resources to ensuring that your business survives to benefit you, your employees, and your customers without worrying it could be taken from you at any moment. Enact these steps, and strive toward a safe and productive workplace.

Our thanks to Zachary Trupp for this advice that all business owners should consider, if they haven’t already done so. pb

 
Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

‘TIS THE SEASON FOR SAFETY! (GUEST POST)

 It’s the most wonderful time of the year—children are on their best behavior, feasting is an accepted pastime, and Christmas lights twinkle down every street.  Out of all of the holiday preparation that goes into making the magic of the season, hanging outdoor Christmas lights is perhaps the most precarious (unless, of course, you are frying a turkey for Christmas dinner—but that’s another topic entirely).  Whether you are creating your own LED masterpiece a-la Clark Griswold, or assisting an aging loved one, it is imperative to follow a few simple (yet crucial) steps to make sure that you spend your holidays at home (not in the hospital).

Subscribe to the Buddy System

There is safety in numbers, and silly though it may sound, hanging Christmas lights is no exception to this rule.  Having just one other person makes a monumental difference in installation safety, time, and effort.  For example–when using a ladder to reach the gutters, it is beyond beneficial to have another person there to hand you clips, lights, etc.  The buddy system will eliminate your up-and-down the ladder trips, and thus decrease your odds of falling off of the ladder due to reaching, fatigue, or haste.  If you can’t immediately get at least one other person to help, it is advisable to wait.  Should you insist on going it alone, make sure to work within your means, and consider investing in a harness.

Asses your Materials

It is crucial to check the integrity of your light strings and extension cords; if any are broken, cracked, or frayed, do NOT use them.  While you’re checking on the condition of the materials, make sure that all of the bulbs are fully functioning.  If any are broken or dead, replace them now while it’s convenient.  Follow the instructions on the manufacturer’s boxes regarding light connections and maximum string attachments in order to avoid blowing the circuit.  Measure the area(s) you want to cover to make sure that you have enough lights; this isn’t a deficit you want to discover hours into the project.  If you are doing this solo and in regards to the harness suggestion above, think about investing in a full body harness, vertical lifeline, or roof anchor.

Let there be Light

Once you have a buddy (or harness), the right amount of properly functioning materials, and a precipitation-free day, proceed with operation Christmas-lights.  When climbing the ladder to hang lights off of the gutter, don’t lift an uncomfortable or awkward amount of weight.  Jerking and straining your back half-way up a ladder is nobody’s idea of a good time.  Do not staple lights to the roof; rather, use hooks to either hang them from the gutter or the shingles.  Make sure that the ground where you are resting the ladder is flat and solid—otherwise don’t risk it.  If the home you are decorating has multiple stories, consider hanging wreathes or lighted displays in the windows rather than attempting to hang lights off of the second/third story.  If you start to run out of daylight, find a stopping point and continue the project the next day.

It is important to remember that no decorative project is worth jeopardizing your health.  Your loved ones and neighbors alike will understand if you can’t safely attempt to totally light up your home.  If, however, you plan on successfully installing outdoor Christmas lights this year, just keep these simple tips in mind in order to have a happy (and safe!) holiday season.

 

Madison Hill  is a Seattle-based mother of two who takes pride is still being able to embarrass her children despite their ages.  She spends her free time deciphering petroglyphs and pictographs.  When she’s not pruning her bonsai tree or baking homemade shoofly pie, you can find her writing about home care.

 

Back Safety, Ergonomics, General Safety Issues

UNDERSTANDING BACK SUPPORTS (GUEST POST)

If you work a job that requires you to stand for most of the day or if you have to lift heavy materials, you’ll likely need substantial support for your back to prevent injury. It’s important to know which back support device will work best for your body and prevent your muscles from being strained. You’ll also need to keep a few safety tips in mind that will help you make the most of the back support products you purchase.


Back supports are designed to stabilize the groups of muscles in the back and abdomen region.

Supports that Prevent Strain

When lifting heavy boxes and machinery, a back support that securely holds your lower lumbar area is best. Products like the Spanbak Allegro back support may be a viable option. The brace is made from spandex that is breathable, so it will easily take on the shape of your body without causing you to excessively perspire. The back support brace also comes with removable suspenders that you can wear for especially strenuous jobs. There are also stays on the brace that are made from carbon steel coated in plastic to provide support for your torso and back as you work.

Supports that Provide Stability

When you stand for hours at a time and have to turn your torso constantly to move objects or operate machinery, you’ll need a back support that will keep the midsection of your body stable. The All Fit Back Support by Allegro is a great choice in cases like this. The support device fits most body sizes and includes a neoprene pad that fits over the center of the back and covers the spine to keep your back in a healthy position. There are also padded cushions in the front of the brace so that the abdomen is protected.

Supports that Prevent Further Back Injury

If you’ve strained or injured your back at work before, you’ll need a brace that will prevent the injury from getting worse and help you to avoid further strain. A brace with lumbar support that provides relief from pain in the back and keeps the muscles from becoming weaker is the answer. It’s best that the back brace is lightweight so that your body won’t have to carry too much extra weight, which could be overwhelming for your already fatigued muscles. The Lo Plus Lumbar Support may be a helpful solution in this case.


Don’t forget to stretch your back muscles after being in a standing position for hours.

Other Ways To Help

In addition to wearing back supports during work, there are a number of foods you can eat to make your back and torso muscles strong. Foods that are rich in protein and antioxidants will strengthen the muscles and improve circulation, so be sure to eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables during your lunch break or at dinner. Nuts and seeds are healthy sources of protein and will give your muscles the endurance they need so you can do your job thoroughly.

Stretching the back safely before and after a long day at work can also keep your muscles from becoming stiff and inflamed. Remember to remove your brace as soon as possible after work to help it maintain its shape, and store it on a hanger so it will stay intact and be ready for everyday use.

P.S. Texas America Safety Company, tasco-safety.com, also carries the Spanbak lines of back support, as well as OK-1 Model SS, premier lifting belt.  Mention you read it on the blog, and you get 5% off. pb

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

NECESSARY WORK SAFETY MEASURES WHEN INSTALLING A GEOTHERMAL SYSTEM (GUEST POST)

Every industry has specific work safety requirements. Similarly, installing a geothermal heating or air-conditioning system in your home is not something you can do-it-yourself. You need professional help to install a geothermal heating or air-conditioning system.  (A geothermal system draws heat or coolness from the ground or body of water.)

A geothermal system provides great many benefits to homeowners. It ensures to provide adequate heating during cold weather and the cooling system keep the house pleasant and cool during summers. Here are the necessary work safety measures required when installing a geothermal heating or cooling system: 

1.  Inform the Residents of the Locality  

Geothermal contractors are required to inform the landowner, the residents of the locality and the officials that belong to different ministries that protect the environment. These contractors need permission in order to ensure they will use safe working methods and in case of a hazard, the concerned local authorities can help prevent it.

2. Make a Work Plan in Advance

The installers of geothermal units must provide the local government with the work plan, to ensure the system installed through horizontal boring will not create hazards for society. Once the plan is approved, the installation can take place. The plan should be developed with the help of a licensed engineer who knows the nitty-gritty of engineering and geothermal installation. 

3. Equipment and Safety Gear  

Last, but not the least, it is of chief importance for the geothermal unit installers to use appropriate safety gear that includes but is not limited to safety gloves, goggles, helmet, clothes. This is to keep any sort of hazard away that may be caused in case of contact with heating pumps, etc.  Moreover, the equipment used to install a geothermal unit should be of good quality and licensed. 

Having a geothermal heating system installed in your home can make the winter season enjoyable. Hire a professional who can install a geothermal heating system to ensure that the unit is installed in compliance with the necessary safety measures. Many contractors offer installation services for geothermal heating and cooling systems. These professionals can install the unit correctly in appropriate time.

Author Bio: Stephen Roshy is a professional writer and he writes quality and informative content on Ground Source Contractors. You can find him on Facebook , Twitter and Google+.