All posts by pat brownlee

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, High Visibility Safety, Protective Clothing

WHEN DO I NEED SAFETY WEAR, AND WHAT DO I NEED? (GUEST POST)

Safety wear is used to protect you in work environments but to the majority, it becomes part of the uniform and we forget its benefits. This article is going to give you a run down of what you need and when you might need it.

Labouring jobs and outdoor jobs are perhaps the most obvious occupations in which workwear is required. When you are working in a building environment for example, there is a risk with carrying heavy goods in case you dropped  something on your toe. When your work outdoors, perhaps doing road works, there is a risk in foggy or dark conditions with your lack of visibility. Hazards exist everywhere you look but jobs, like the ones described, carry a higher risk. This is why you need safety wear. Safety wear decreases the chance of accidents and injuries.

But what is needed and why?

First of all let’s start with what is available.

  • Socks with extra cushioning so you can feel comfortable while wearing safety boots.
  • Safety boots – most contain steel toe caps to protect your toes and you should look for ones with anti-slip surfaces to ensure you remain steady on your feet.
  • Work trousers – containing durable material, knee pads and lots of pockets.
  • Safety gloves – to protect your hands.
  • Safety goggles – your eyes are the most precious part of your body and although goggles might look unattractive, it is worth it to save your vision.
  • High Visibility clothing. Vests and jackets help you stay noticed in unclear conditions.
  • Knee pads – knees are weak parts of the body and the extra padding can be crucial if your spending a lot of time knelt down on the floor during your job. It is all about making you comfortable.
  • Hard hats with cushioning to protect your head and brain are very important.

Who needs what though?

Well,  if you are in a labouring environment, it depends. 
Builders will more than likely require steel toe work boots in case any materials are dropped while doing the job. They also require hard hats and gloves are a must have, particularly if working outdoors in blustering conditions.
Mechanics need work trousers and knee pads. When they are knelt on the ground and under vehicles, comfort is essential and these must-haves are necessary to protect your knees.
Welders require safety goggles. This is a dangerous job and your eyes are the most sensitive part of your body. They are critical safety products.

If you are outdoors, maybe working on the roads as a traffic officer or as an highway operative, you need to ensure you stand out and people can see you. This is not always easy when the weather conditions are poor or even when it is dark; this is why your role requires high visibility clothing. Hi-vis jackets and vests come in fluorescent designs and contain extra reflective strips to ensure you are noticeable and in turn accidents are avoided. Jackets come in a variety of styles so if you are working in the cold, you can opt for a fleece lined parka that will keep you warm but also safe and secure.
Emergency services also wear hi-vis clothing to ensure they are apparent and people recognise them easily; this is particularly important for crucial situations.

Most workers require some sort of safety uniform but for occupations outdoors or in labouring environments, a specialised range of safety wear has been deigned to decrease any unexpected risks. It is very important and statistics suggest you need these items. Take a look at our range of workwear here http://www.sportsdirect.com/pages/workwear and stay safe!

 

 

 

General Safety Issues

HOW TO PARENT SAFELY IN THE DIGITAL WORLD (GUEST POST)

Parenting in the digital world is not an easy task. A recent survey in UK, shows that among 7-16 years old, seventy-five per cent of them use the internet. Children are giving more and more importance to this new media for multiple purposes such as for information, entertainment, relieving tension, communication (chat, email, instant messages) and most preferably for downloading contents. For many families, internet is a fragile medium, confusing and easier to gets wrong then right.

No doubt, Internet is a source of learning but it is also a place where cyber-stalkers are lurking for the target person. Parents give mobile phones to their children to remain in contact with them when they go outside either for their school or for some other activities.  Internet is full with lots of software, games, music videos and adult content that encourage children for downloading. As children are not good in downloading and using the internet, they may  become an easy target of cyber attackers.

That’s not only one problem that parents have to face regarding their children safety, sometimes games and video downloading shake your budget estimate with huge bills. These expensive apps have more attraction and adventure for kids. Pornographic videos are such a content that disturbs children behavior and attitude towards real world in a very bad way. It not only disturbs their health but also affects their norms and values.

If you have views that all Smartphone apps are wrong then you are thinking in the wrong direction. Many Smartphone apps are useful for kids and they make things easier for them. Many apps purely based on enjoyment and those apps create a real fun in people’s life. As it is already mentioned that not all apps are suitable for children so parents have to understand this concept for their children safety and security. 

One thing about internet which makes parents more suspicious about their children is the open availability of pornographic videos. As parents do not remain close to their children all the time in a day,  it’s very difficult for concerned parents to prevent their kids from undesirable  material.

Games always attract children due to their adventurous characteristics. Children love to play games as they give them new ideas and imagination. Many children instantly download a game when their latest version release onto their mobile phone. Although many games can be downloaded free of cost from Smartphone apps, it doesn’t happen all the time. There are some games for which you have to pay a handsome amount before downloading.

As technology advances the mobile industry, similar  technology makes advancement in games and now games are becoming more adventurous and realistic. There are also some games which contain violence, bad language and sexual content. Malware and viruses are another danger because these malwares can damage your child’s phone permanently.

Another danger in downloading different mobile apps is malware and viruses. The problem is that these apps are advertised free of cost and if you download them, these apps damage your mobile phone with malware.

You can easily prevent your child from having access to such sites with the help of the mobile tracking app like this available here http://www.mspy.fr/. Once you install cell phone spy, it will give you access to all data relating to your child’s cell phone usage and remains unnoticed by your child. In addition to this, you can block sites and downloading via this app.

Sent to us by Jessi Singh

Thanks, Jessi, for this information on keeping our children safe while using their computers, tablets, etc.  Another thing to mention is cyberbullying, which causes some young people to be driven to suicide.  This is an all-too common occurance, and parents must step in and be in control. pb

General Safety Issues

WHAT ARE WORKPLACE INJURIES? HOW CAN THEY BE STOPPED? (GUEST POST)

Accidents can happen in the workplace, we all know that. 600,000 of them happened in the year 2010-2011, over a third of which resulted in an employee taking more than three days off work. What’s more, you’ll be surprised how many accidents in the workplace occur as a result of poor practice from the employer.

Whether in a white-collar environment or a busy warehouse, employers that don’t care for their staff with proper health and safety will invariably see them get hurt – harming morale and costing the business in sick pay and diminished productivity.

What are the most common workplace injuries?

Irresponsible health and safety at work can result in illnesses, injuries and maladies of all shapes and sizes. From fractured limbs and bruising from slips, trips and falls to posture-related back and neck injuries as well as the psychological effects of stress and depression, there’s barely a condition that can’t be contracted at work.

However, because blue-collar workers are traditionally moving around more and exerting themselves more physically than their counterparts in offices, it makes sense that more injuries occur in warehouses, factories and industrial areas than in white-collar locations. According to the Health and Safety Executive in the UK, slips, trips and falls account for more than half of all major injuries and nearly a third of serious over 3-day injuries.

When it comes to fatal injuries, falling from height remains the biggest threat for employees with 40 dying in 2011/12 – again something that affects workers on construction sites and warehouses.

Why do employers neglect health and safety?

There’s no denying that businesses have cleaned up their act over the last 20 years and industrial areas are significantly safer than they were a few decades ago. But there are still employers out there that endanger their staff by flouting their health and safety responsibilities.

Why do employers ignore health and safety? There are a number of reasons. Although it’s tempting to think that injuries arise as a result of prudent penny-pinching businesses, it’s not quite as simple as that. Very often, a serious injury will occur not because a company has neglected to invest the necessary time and money, but because of failed communication or through the fault of individuals.

How to protect employees from injury at work

To be successfully implemented, health and safety in the workplace needs to be dealt with from top to bottom – from senior managers deciding the safest course of action through to supervisors ensuring that the directions are being safely and completely carried out. It also requires full training for all employees – and for all workers to feel comfortable enough to regulate themselves. By letting their seniors know if any work that they’re due to carry out carries a risk they’re not only reducing the risk for themselves at work, but for their colleagues too.

Author – Accident at work solicitors at Hugh James specialise in assisting employees and family members to make a claim if workers were injured on the job. From agricultural and manual handling accidents to slipping and tripping at work and workplace violence, the Hugh James team can help injured workers to receive the compensation they’re due if employers were found to flout their responsibilities.

Our thanks to Ben Magee for sending this article regarding the importance of employers living up to their responsibilities.  Every employee should be well trained, and understand the hazards and risks associated with their particular job description. pb

 

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

LET’S FOCUS ON PREVENTING EYE INJURIES

The month of October is designated as National Eye Injury Prevention Month.  Protecting our eyes is a full-time job.  Did you know that more than 2,000 eye injuries happen per day?  The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that about 70 per cent of eye injuries studied are the result from falling objects, or sparks striking the eye.

First, it is important to take care of our children’s eyes.  Early detection and treatment of eye conditions and diseases are important to keeping good vision at every stage of life.  Children with a family history of childhood vision problems should be screened for common childhood eye problems before they are 5 years old.  Children’s eyes are as sensitive to excessive sunlight, water reflections, snow, etc. as adults; therefore, it is important that they wear sunglasses to protect them.  Most young adults have healthy vision; however, if problems such as pain, flashes of light, visual changes, seeing spots, excessive tearing or excessive dryness occur, the American Academy of Opthalmology recommends they get to an eye doctor.  Those adults between the ages of 40 to 65 should have an eye checkup every two to four years.  Those over the age of 65 should see an eye doctor at least every one to two years.  The key to preventing eye injuries and health is to take a more proactive approach to maintaining healthy vision.

Out of the 2,000 eye injuries that happen annually, approximately one-half of those injuries happen in American workplaces alone.  Ninety per cent of eye injuries are preventable when wearing protective eyewear.     It is important to wear the right type of eye protection that comes the closest to the demands of the job.  Wrap-around safety glasses and safety sunglasses protect the eyes from objects entering the eye from the side.  Goggles are required for those who work around chemicals, and other hazards such as particles entering the eye.  Welders wear shields that contain the right amount of shade to protect their eyes, in addition to protective eyewear.

It’s no surprise that the BLS reports that about three out of every five workers injured were either not wearing eye protection at the time of the accident or were wearing the wrong kind of eye protection.  Eyewear must fit properly and be designed to protect workers while they work.  As stated above, it is possible to prevent about ninety per cent of eye injuries if workers wear their safety eyewear.  OSHA has standards requiring employers to furnish their workers with appropriate eye protection.

For working in the yard, you must remember to slip on those safety glasses or goggles while mowing , trimming trees, or stirring up any dust and particles.  We only get one pair of eyes, so we must do all we can to keep them safe and healthy.

 Source: U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services; Atlantic Eye Institute

Ergonomics, Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Hearing Protection, Respiratory Safety

KEEPING FOOD AND BEVERAGE EMPLOYEES SAFE (GUEST POST)

Workers of food and beverage industry are subjected to a large number of hazards. The primary of them are mentioned below:

  • Workers are often subjected to same level falls arising from slippery conditions. Such falls may cause strains and sprains.
  •  They are exposed to sharp instruments like knives.
  •  Workers may collide with internal transport like containers and forklifts.
  •  The workplace often has poorly designed process flow and inadequate space of work. Workers are exposed to repetitive work and manual lifting. These factors lead to problems caused by poor work posture.
  • Workers are exposed to excessive levels of noise caused by operations like use of beverage bottle fillers, conveyors, bottling and canning.
  •  Workers in this industry are exposed to chemical hazards caused by handling of chemicals used in disinfection and cleaning operations.
  •  They area also exposed to biological hazards caused by ingestion and inhalation of dust. Working in highly humid conditions also exposes the workers to microbiological and biological agents.
  •  This industry involves varying temperature conditions arising from activities like freezing, chilling and heat treatment. Workers are exposed to high temperatures during canning processes and pasteurization. They are exposed to chilling cold conditions while working in refrigerated spaces.

Measures to be taken for minimizing risks and hazards and maximizing workplace health and safety:

  • The working surfaces and walkways should be kept dry and clean to prevent slips and falls. Workers should be provided with footwear having anti-slip features.
  • Workers should use gloves while working with knives and other sharp instruments. This would safeguard them from cuts and similar injuries.
  • Working areas and transport passages should be deferentiated. Handrails should be placed on stairs and platforms.
  •  Spillage of liquids and water on floor should be avoided.
  • Training should be provided to workers on proper lifting techniques. To maximize the workspace of the workers, workstation should be created for each worker.
  • For reduction in the noise levels, it is important to undertake engineering control measures.
  • Emphasis should be made on the personal protection of workers.

Conclusion:

It is important for the safety personnel of food and beverage industry to design effective accident prevention methods and strategies aimed at making the workplace healthy and safe for the employees. A safe and healthy workplace would also lead to increased productivity of workers.

Author’s Bio: Alisa Martin is a guest blogger who writes quality articles on workplace safety. In this article she has written about workplace health and safety in food and beverage industry. Her articles are highly informative and useful to the readers.

General Safety Issues

TOP TEN FORKLIFT FAUX PAS – HOW COMPANIES ARE AVOIDING FATAL ACCIDENTS (GUEST POST)

No matter what industry you’re in; oil and gas, shipping and receiving, warehouse or construction, there is one common factor that business owners, including myself, have a difficult time dealing with… workplace accidents! In particular, forklift accidents. It’s easy to blame it on inadequate forklift maintenance or even a freak accident but in the world of business there shouldn’t be these types of errors. A typical forklift
accident is usually the fault of who’s operating it. Take a look below to find the most common operator errors!

Top 10 Common Forklift Faux Pas

• Traveling too fast – speeding
• Operating with elevated loads
• Erratic jerking while driving
• No communication with staff
• Hitching a ride or giving a ride
• Inadequate breaking, turning and backing
• Improper parking
• Blocking railway car/semi-trailer wheels
• Horseplay
• Intoxication

How to Lower These Risks

It’s important that you and your staff are on the same page.  If you have a few bad apples this can trickle down hurting your bottom line. To ensure proper safety and employee compliance, get rid the operators that are not following the safety guidelines and properly train a select few to carry on with business.

When I started to grow my online retail store I never thought it would blossom into what it has today. After 3 years I expanded largely and needed a warehouse where I can ship and receive goods. After one of my workers received a debilitating injury I vowed it would NEVER happen again! I decided to sit down with my staff and get down to the important stuff. My first question was “what can I do to make your job safer?” 

With a great deal of hands rising up I was shocked to see such an immediate and persistent response. The first answer I received was more training! I was a bit surprised since I had assumed that if I hired a package handler they knew how to handle packages and if I hired a forklift operator he knew how to operate a forklift! I also posted general safety guidelines throughout the warehouse assuming that would be enough. I was wrong! Since these men and women came from different situations I needed to gather them together and get everyone thinking about safety first! 

I set up mandatory weekly safety training meetings where we would discuss possible risks, watch forklift training videos and go over any areas of the warehouse that needed tending to. The overcrowded aisles became a hazard and dealing with those issues has helped tremendously! It’s important to properly train your employees the way you want them trained, never assume they know how you want your operation ran!

Author Bio – Sarah Shade is a research assistant for safetyvideos.com, she researches the latest in industrial news and brings her readers helpful information.

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

FOUR SOLID CONCRETE SAFETY TIPS YOU SHOULD KNOW (GUEST POST)

Concrete is one of the most widely used materials in construction yet many contractors lack knowledge of the potential dangers posed by concrete and the equipment used to pour and finish it.

Thankfully, the deaths caused as a direct result of working with concrete are extremely rare. The injuries incurred from working with the material carelessly, however, are higher. And, like most workplace accidents, a significant proportion of these injuries were probably avoidable.

With that in mind, here are four essential concrete safety tips for anyone regularly working with concrete or related machinery.

Concrete burns; keep covered up and wear protective equipment

Concrete burns are one of the lesser understood risks of working with fresh concrete, principally because the thick, cold consistency of concrete isn’t something you’d expect to have a burning property.

However, fresh concrete has a high alkaline content, which makes it extremely dangerous to human skin. Even worse, alkaline attacks nerve endings meaning that those exposed to concrete might not feel the effects until well after initial contact. The severity of concrete burns can range from minor irritation to dermatitis and burns.

To avoid the risk of concrete burns, ensure that all skin that could potentially be exposed to concrete mix is fully covered; this includes forearms, legs and a face mask and goggles if possible. It goes without saying that you should invest in some hard-wearing protective gloves when handling concrete too.

Protect yourself from concrete dust

Concrete dust from pre-mix concrete is one of the more dangerous elements of working with concrete, as prolonged exposure and inhalation can lead to the development of asthma and other occupation-related respiratory illnesses. In the short term, it can also lead to severe irritation of the eyes.

Fortunately, protecting yourself from the effects of concrete dust is relatively simple. Always wear protective goggles and a face mask when pouring your concrete into a mixer. If any other unprotected workers are in your direct proximity at the time, tell to stand clear until the dust has cleared.

Be prepared for heavy lifting

Depending on the kind of concrete job you’re carrying out, workers might be required to lift heavy concrete blocks. Set concrete is extremely heavy, so ensure that you have the correct amount of workers lifting a block and that each worker follows the accepted ‘safe’ way to lift: a straight back, bent knees and lifting with the legs.

For heavier concrete blocks, you might require the use of machinery such as a crane. Before allowing a crane to lift a block, make sure that the block is properly secured and any risk of the block falling loose is minimal. Clear any workers out of the path of the block’s journey to avoid any fatalities should the block fall.

Stay safe with construction equipment

The finishing of concrete requires a lot of equipment, including some seriously heavy-duty machines such as ride-on power trowels. Safety checks should be carried out on this machinery before use; is everything in working order? Are there any loose parts? Also make sure that you fully train (or are fully trained) in the same use of all equipment you use – if you feel unsure or suspect that a worker might not be in a position to safely operate equipment, get someone else to operate the equipment and organise further training.

When using any construction equipment, other workers should be positioned well clear of the operating area.

Concrete is an extremely useful material and one that is relatively easy to use – so long as you follow basic safety procedures.

Christopher Smith is writing on behalf of Multiquip UK, suppliers of construction equipment

 

General Safety Issues

WHEN DO I NEED TO HIRE A PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY? (GUEST POST)

If you’ve been injured on the job, you may need to hire a personal injury attorney to help you with your workers compensation claim.  Your need for an attorney depends on a number of factors, including the severity of your injuries, behavior of the insurance companies and your knowledge of the workers compensation process.

Why Would I Need an Attorney?

It’s natural to trust that your employer has your best interest at heart, but unfortunately that’s not always the case. Certain employers and insurance companies will put their own interests ahead of your well-being without a second thought. Furthermore, some insurance companies will discourage you from hiring an attorney, claiming that attorney fees will cut into the compensation you receive.

It’s not always necessary to hire a lawyer, but it’s generally in your best interests to have one. Legal representation from a knowledgeable attorney means you have an advocate working to protect your health and livelihood.

Most workers compensation lawyers will meet with you for free consultation to review your claim and assess whether you need representation. Come to your meeting with the following information in hand:

  •          Medical records and bills
  •          Any relevant photos
  •          Witness contact information
  •          Any questions you have for the attorney 

On average, workers compensation attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning they will take a portion of the benefits you receive for their fees.  If you end up not collecting benefits, you won’t owe the attorney anything.

When to Call an Attorney

You should retain an attorney if:

  •          Your injuries are serious enough to need surgery.
  •          Your health won’t return to its pre-injury state.
  •          Your medical benefits are denied.
  •          You feel  you are not receiving the correct benefits
  •          You are no longer able to work on a regular basis in any job.
  •          Your employer has disputed a decision made by your state workers comp division.
  •          You need to dispute a decision made by your employer, their insurance company or your state’s workers compensation division regarding your claim.
  •          If you fear retribution for filing a workers compensation case.

If any part of your claim is in dispute with your employer, or your employer’s insurance company, it’s essential you hire an attorney.  The dispute process involves complex rules and procedures. You may be left at a disadvantage if you do not retain an attorney to represent your interests.

When an Attorney is Not Needed

Most on-the-job injuries aren’t very serious and result in quick medical care paid for by an employer.  If there is no significant loss of time from work and you expect to go back to work with your employer at your current job after a short recovery, it is unlikely you will need to hire an attorney.

However, if you think your employer is not giving you the compensation you warrant following a workplace accident or injury, you should start the search for a good personal injury attorney.

As a freelance writer for Jim Cover,a San Clemente personal injury attorney, Chris Anderson takes pride in lending hand to those who need aid. When he’s not writing, Chris follows his wife around their backyard garden with a shovel trying to look helpful.

 

 
First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, High Visibility Safety

TIPS FOR AVOIDING ACCIDENTS WHILE DRIVING (GUEST POSTS)

Every day, thousands of people in the United States are involved in car accidents while driving. Fortunately, many of these accidents are nothing more than minor fender benders, but some are much more severe. Even a minor accident can cause a lot of problems.

By learning how to drive more defensively, you can help to reduce the chances that you will be involved in an accident. You can never completely remove the risk of being in a crash, but by keeping the following tips in mind, you can make yourself much safer while behind the wheel.

One of the most common causes of automobile accidents is excessive fatigue. Too often, people head out on the road early in the morning or late at night when they are feeling tired and groggy. Trying to drive while you are tired is almost as dangerous as driving while intoxicated.  Be sure to get plenty of sleep the night before you have to drive anywhere. If you have a long commute to work every morning, do yourself a favor and go to bed early. This way, you will be much sharper and more alert when you are driving to work.

Avoid all distractions when you are behind the wheel. Your cell phone should be off. Do not try to eat, apply makeup, shave, or do anything else while you are driving. Listening to the radio is okay, but turn it on the station you want before you start your engine.  Even a momentary distraction, such as changing a radio station or picking something up, is enough to cause an accident. Keep your hands on the steering wheel and your eyes on the road at all times.

Give yourself a space cushion while you are driving. Never tailgate other cars, even if they are going more slowly than you find comfortable. You need to keep as much space as you can on all sides of your car while you are on the road. This way, if you need to swerve, brake or accelerate suddenly to avoid an accident, you will have room to do so.

Your eyes should be moving while you are driving. This does not mean that you should be staring at your feet or looking at your passengers. You need to check your rearview mirror, your side mirrors, and the space on all sides of your vehicle in a regular pattern. To drive safely, you should always be aware of what is in the immediate vicinity of your car, as well as conditions farther down the road.

The most important part of driving safely is developing self control. It can be hard to resist the urge to pass a slow driver, or to speed up for a yellow light. Remember that in the long run, the important thing is to make it safely to your destination. If you have to wait a few extra minutes to get there, that is a lot better than getting into an accident.

Developing safe driving habits helps you ensure that you and the other drivers on the road do not get into accidents. Use these tips to avoid any trouble while you are on the road.

Michael has been working in safety supplies and emergency kits industry for more than five years. As a product manager for  EDisasterSystems, he knows his merchandise and all the requirements from OSHA. He likes to write and share his ideas about the importance of safety and emergency prevention.

Note: Thank you, Michael for this information on driving safety.  Our parent company,  Texas America Safety Company, has been in business for the past twenty + years, providing the same type of safety products and understands the importance of safety gear. pb

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR ROOFING FOR MANY YEARS (GUEST POST)

Having a home may be a major milestone in a person’s life, but finding the right roofing in Tennessee or elsewhere may feel more like a burden.  If you’re like most people, your knowledge of roofing may be limited at best.  So, when you notice that dreaded drip coming from your ceiling, you know it is time to find an expert to take care of the problem for you.  The problem with this thinking is that by the time you’ve seen a leak in your ceiling, you’re likely looking at additional damage that may have already started many months before.  The cost of replacing a roof can be quite prohibitive, so if you’re smart about it, you’ll find ways to maintain your roof in good condition for as long as possible.
 
Have an Annual Checkup
 
The roof of your house is probably the most vulnerable part of your house; it will be subject to all manner of environmental conditions ranging from burning heat in the summer time to torrential rains, snow and hail in the winter.  It is important that you have it inspected at least once a year so that you can detect signs of damage before they become major problems.  Check the materials for cracked caulk, rust, buckling, curling or blistering; these are early signs that something is beginning to deteriorate.
 
Catch Leaks  Before They Start 
 
 If you notice any dark areas on the ceiling inside your house, paint beginning to peel or dampness around your fireplace, chances is that a leak has begun.  Once you see these signs you know it’s time for some prevention work to be done.  Get a professional in immediately to fix the problem.  The longer you wait the worse the problem will become.  Control the Environment 

Trees often have low hanging branches that can scrape and damage the roof over time.  Removing those branches can do a lot to save your roof from all sorts of problems.  Rodents, squirrels and other little creepy crawlies can use those branches to get on your roof and gnaw their way inside your house.  To avoid these types of problems it is best to remove any branches within 10 feet of your home. 

Most roofs will last for 30 to 40 years if they are maintained in good condition.  Learning how to watch for early warning signs of damage or potential problems can save you lots of money and even avoid other problems inside your home.  If you know the condition of your roof then you know the condition of your house too. 

For more information visit http://www.timleeperroofing.com

Note: When you are checking your roof, be sure you have a safe ladder, and some type of fall protection.  Remember, if you mention you read it on the blog, you get a 5% discount!  pb