All posts by pat brownlee

General Safety Issues

MISTAKES OF CYCLING: TIPS TO STAY SAFE ON THE ROAD (GUEST POST)

Cycling on the road can be tricky at the best of times. You need to be constantly aware of your surroundings. By reading these safety tips you can prepare yourself for dangerous situations you’re likely to come across.

Red lights

Just like cars, when the red light appears you need to stop too. You may be scoffing at this suggestion but people still do it, just as cars do – don’t take the risk. Unlike when a car jumps a red light, as a cyclist you will definitely end up worse than the other party. It could cost you more than a £30 fine. (That’s $45 in the U.S.)

Parked cars

When moving around an obstacle such as a parked car, always check over your shoulder that the coast is clear. Although you may be ahead of a car, don’t assume the driver will slow down and allow you into their lane. If the parked cars are spaced out, you should ride in a straight line rather than dodge in and out – motorists will just have to wait to overtake you.

Left corners

When approaching corners where cars can turn left, make sure you position yourself in between cars. Riding next to a car when approaching a left turn could cause an accident, particularly if you are in the driver’s blind spot.

Buses

Large vehicles like buses can make passing on the curb dangerous, but you need to be wary of travelling between them too. Resist the urge to shoot through at the mere sight of a gap as it can close just as quickly as it appears. The large structure of a bus can make it difficult to read the road ahead which may cause a gap to get narrower – be patient.

Drains and gutters

It can be tempting to ride as close to the curb as possible to make it easier for drivers to pass you by, but drains and gutters pose their own problems. Not only is it uncomfortable to ride over these, they could cause your bike to suddenly stop at any moment which could lead to you flipping over your handlebars. These hazards can also be extra slippy when wet.

Signalling

It’s annoying when cars turn without signalling isn’t it? Well, it’s the same vice versa too. No one can read minds so signalling can help motorists act in advance to accommodate you.

Fingers on brakes

After a period of cycling on the road without any accidents you’ll start to feel safe. But letting your guard down is when accidents are most likely to happen. One of the first signs of over confidence is taking your fingers away from the brakes. This however prevents you from making an emergency brake out of the blue.

Jasey Rae is a passionate cycling blogger and writes on behalf of Access Legal.

For more information visit Cyclist Safety,
http://www.cemex.co.uk/cyclist-safety,-a-key-part-of-the-logistics-agenda.aspx

An added note: wearing a high-visibility vest is another safety suggestion for cycling.

 

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

SAFETY FIRST: WHEN FALL PROTECTION IS NEEDED (GUEST POST)

Sent to us by Maire Hunter:

Many workplaces—including factories, warehouses and construction sites—have work areas and conditions that expose employees to certain dangers. To minimize these risks and keep employees out of harm, safety measures must be in place. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration establishes workplace safety regulations and enforces them at various work sites.

In general, fall protection is needed whenever workers are exposed to a potential drop of more than a few feet. A variety of safety measures may be required in these situations, and workers and/or employers may also choose to take additional precautions in addition to those mandated by regulators. Read on to learn more about the various protective equipment that may be used in a work setting.

Protective Barrier

Any area where a drop to another level is present should be outfitted with a protective barrier, such as a guardrail. Depending on your local regulations and your work setting, a guardrail should at least be comprised of a toprail near waist height, as well as a midrail and toeboard to prevent slips and falls underneath the toprail. This applies to even temporary structures, such as supported scaffolding.

Harnesses and Other Supports


When working at heights, harnesses are the most common form of protection. Beam straps are common protective equipment at steel beam construction sites; the straps are anchored around overhead beams and can move along the beam as you walk up and down performing various tasks. These can also be used in combination with safety nets, which are set up around the perimeter of a structure to catch individuals and equipment that fall from a great height.

In other cases, harnesses will be worn to catch you in the event of a fall. In some cases, such as when painting and washing windows, you may be suspended from a height wearing a harness. By making sure the harness is designed for regular use in protecting falls, you can give yourself the greatest degree of safety possible.

Fall Protection Gear

Personal fall protection gear can provide a number of protections in any fall situation. Preventing a fall is always the primary goal, and there are a variety of items and tools that will help improve the safety and function of harnesses and other fall protection products. Body belts, carabiners, lanyards, rope grabs and other specialty anchors should be on hand at work sites so they can be brought in as replacements when other equipment wears down or breaks.

Insisting on Safety in the Workplace

While OSHA makes an effort to inspect various work sites to ensure regulations are being followed at all times, this doesn’t guarantee 100 percent compliance. Whether intentional or accidental, some work settings may fail to provide adequately safe working conditions. Employees may be hesitant to refuse to work in these unsafe conditions because they don’t want to ruffle feathers, but that’s a dangerous move for anyone. By demanding safe working conditions, you’re only asking that the law be followed. Don’t be afraid to speak up and request the necessary precautions.

The presence of protective gear can greatly reduce the risk of a fall or the damage resulting from such an incident. Employees should familiarize themselves with regulations so that they know what to expect and demand. There’s nothing to be gained by taking these risks, so don’t allow yourself to be put in a potentially dangerous situation.

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Head Protection

HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN USING A MOBILE ELEVATED WORKING PLATFORM (GUEST POST)

When it comes to working at height, people can be forgiven in thinking that there is a bigger risk to their personal safety due to the additional circumstances, which could cause severe injury or even death such as high winds and falling debris.  Fortunately, modern technology and innovation have allowed us to create what is known in the construction industry as ‘Mobile Elevated Working Platforms’ or ‘MEWP’s’ for short. 

MEWP’s are specialised machines, which have been designed solely to reduce risk of injury and death for operators and engineers who have to work at large heights.  MEWP’s are the only proven and safest method for working at height as they allow operators to reach a task efficiently – with specific security measures in place such as restraint belts, guard rails, anti-crush devices and toe boards to prevent any kind of injury. 

Although we now know that MEWP’s help prevent operators from sustaining severe injury or death whilst they are in operation, what a lot of people fail to realise is that the key to reducing the potential for injury or death starts long before the MEWP is in operation with what’s knows as a ‘MEWP Risk Assessment’. 

A MEWP Risk Assessment in general terms is like a checklist of things to do before an MEWP is declared safe to use. 

Different countries and different construction companies have different guidelines and health & safety processes they follow, however, in this article, we will be identifying the key points to a MEWP Risk Assessment so that safety is always paramount.

Height

How high is the task which needs to be completed from the ground? It is essential that you know the exact height (or within an accurate degree of estimation) so that you can hire the ideal MEWP for the job.

Machine Type

Do you have the correct MEWP for the job? It is essential that you know what type of MEWP is suitable for the task. Will you be working on un-even ground that will require a MEWP with stabilisers or will you be working in very high winds, which will require a MEWP with additional strength in the ‘arm’.

Conditions

What are the conditions like? Again, like above, it is essential to know the conditions you will be working in. Do you require a MEWP that needs to be remotely controlled due to a tight working space or do you need a MEWP that can operate in a variety of different working conditions.

Operators

Are the people who will be using the MEWP adequately trained? Although a variety of MEWP’s do not require specific licences, it is essential that the operator(s) using the MEWP be adequately trained with sufficient experience and qualifications. Also, are the operators in good enough health to operate the machine?

Obstructions

Are there any potential obstructions to be wary of? When working on specific types of structures such as electricity pylons and bridges, there can be additional hazards such as low-hanging wires and supports which the MEWP could be caught in. In addition, are the any potential issues for the public such as roads or footpaths, which need to be cordoned off?

Restraint

Are there any additional support features that need to be acquired such as operator restraints? One of the key things for MEWP safety is the correct level of support facilities for the operator such as restraining belts, anti-entrapment devices and fall arrest systems. Also, will the operator be required to exit the MEWP at height? If so, it is recommended to assess what additional safety measures will be needed for the operator when they exit the MEWP.

Maintenance

Has the MEWP been well maintained? It is always a good idea to do some safety checks when the MEWP arrives to make sure it is well maintained and to identify any other potential safety hazards. 

So there you have it, if you need to complete a task which requires you to work at height, it is always best to utilise the services of a MEWP with a thorough MEWP Risk Assessment and although the above list covers only the very basics of a MEWP Risk Assessment, it does give a great platform from which to build a more bespoke risk assessment depending on the task at hand and any other unique hazards which could become a problem. 

Author Bio: 

Carl Smith is a copywriter for Kimberly Access Group who is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of Cherry Picker Hire and other types of MEWP hire.

General Safety Issues

STOP THE RUMOR THAT STEEL-TOED BOOTS ARE DANGEROUS (GUEST POST)

Wade Myer grew up under the watchful eye his father, a contractor, who taught him the tools of the trade. Even though he can swing a hammer with the best of them, he’s always been drawn to the written word where he can frame sentences rather than walls.  Currently he writes on behalf of Steiner Homes LTD, who builds Valpraiso Custom Homes.

 There is an idea that boots can actually cause more damage to your foot than if you were wearing regular work boots. The common belief is that if a heavy object falls on the toe of the boot, the steel will shear off and will sever the toes. I’m not sure how this rumor got started, and maybe at one point in time something like this happened, but it is completely unfounded if you’re buying certified steel toed boots and there are multiple reasons to wear them on the job.

It Is Safer?

Steel toed boots have to go through rigorous testing to be sold as safety boots. The toe caps are placed into an industry standard, official machine that drops a 20kg (44lb) wedge directly onto the cap (this is for ANSI standard). A malleable substance that was placed inside the cap is measured before and after the drop test and if the difference is too great, the cap doesn’t pass the test. All of this being said, steel toed boots are not designed to protect your foot from every imaginable object that could fall or crush your foot. While tissue damage might happen while wearing steel toed boots, the cap is designed to protect the bones from being broken or amputated.

They Protect More Than Your Toes

If your employer requires you to wear steel toed boots and you choose to forgo his warnings and suffer an injury to your foot, you could very well end up not receiving workers comp, insurance coverage, and could even lose your job since you were not following proper regulations.

Common Sense

The argument for steal toe boots really boils down to this: if an object falls on the shoe with enough force to break the steel cap and cut off the toes, the toes would have been lost regardless due to how bad they would have been crushed. There are different ratings for steel toe boots, so make sure you get the proper ones that will withstand your environment.

Do You Have To Pay For These Specialty Shoes?

With all of your other daily expenses in your daily life, buying a specialty shoe when you already have perfectly good leather boots can be a pain. Yes the steel-toed boots are safer, but you don’t plan on getting injured. There is a chance depending on your company’s guidelines that you will not be required to purchase your own steel toed boots.

According to OSHA 1910.132(h)(1) and (2) safety provision employers are required to pay for specialty safety equipment unless employers allow the workers to wear them outside the work place. In those circumstances employees are required to buy equipment that employers decide are necessary for safety with their own money. If the employees are not allowed to bring the shoes home, the employer must pay for the shoes.

Whether or not steel toed shoes are required on the construction zone, wearing them can protect the feet better than regular work boots. Even if your employer is not required to supply them, you should consider investing in your own pair. Your toes will thank you.

General Safety Issues

APRIL IS ALCOHOL AWARENESS MONTH

April is National Alcohol Awareness Month, an observance sponsored by the NCAAD (National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence) that promotes knowledge and education regarding all aspects of alcohol abuse and addiction. National Alcohol Awareness Month is in its 27th official year, with the slogan for 2013 being: “Help for Today. Hope for Tomorrow.”

Alcohol Awareness Month is designed to increase public consciousness and reduce stigma surrounding alcohol dependency and addiction issues. “National Alcohol Awareness Month is an excellent outlet to educate people about the huge weight of alcohol addiction and abuse in our society,” said Pax Prentiss, CEO and co-founder of the Passages Addiction Treatment Centers in Malibu and Ventura, California. “Through events like Alcohol Awareness Month, people become more educated about what causes addiction and other co-occurring disorders, causing stigmas to diminish and the quality of treatment to improve,” explained Prentiss.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), more than 18 million Americans (8.5% of the population) suffer from alcohol dependency or alcohol abuse issues, and 25% of children have been exposed to alcohol abuse within their families.

One of the main goals of Alcohol Awareness Month is to promote prevention practices amongst teenagers and adolescents through education about health risks, drunk driving, addiction, coping skills, self medicating, depression, anxiety, and more. Communities are encouraged to participate through local, state, and national events including educational talks, social media engagement, or most notably the “Alcohol Free Weekend” challenge from April 5-7.   

Before one more high school student dies in an alcohol-related accident or another college student dies of alcohol poisoning or another family breaks up because of alcohol, the seriousness of the public health problems associated with alcohol and alcoholism must be spotlighted by public awareness. 

Alcohol is America’s most frequently used drug, resulting in more than 100,000 alcohol-related deaths each year, and young people consume it more frequently than they use all other illicit drugs combined. Alcohol is responsible for the deaths of approximately 6,700 youth (those under the age of 21) each year:

  •           Motor Vehicle Accidents: 2,400
  •           Accidental death by fire, falls and overdose: 2,400
  •           Homicides:1,600;
  •           Suicide: 300. 

The earlier children are exposed to alcohol, the greater the probability of alcoholism and addiction. In fact, recent scientific research suggests that early use of alcohol by teenagers may contribute significantly to dependence on alcohol and other drugs later in life, with 40% of children who begin using alcohol before the age of 13 becoming alcohol dependent at some point in their lives.  

Too many dismiss underage drinking as a “youthful indiscretion” or a rite of passage from adolescence into adulthood, and many underage drinkers are often first presented with alcohol in their own dining rooms, living rooms and kitchens. Alcohol is marketed to them aggressively and associated with athletic and social events that are popular with high school and college students. Bars and clubs that knowingly serve alcohol to minors, do so often with a wink and a nod to fake identification. 

Nationally, the annual economic cost of alcohol-related problems exceeds $224 billion. That equates to $746 per person — more than substance abuse and tobacco. Cost includes healthcare., business and criminal justice costs and costs due to lost productivity.  Alcohol-related problems and alcoholism affect ALL of us, directly or indirectly, and is our nation’s number one public health problem. Alcohol is a drug that affects every cell and organ system in the body, affecting judgment, coordination and long-term health. 
If you know someone who needs help with alcohol addiction, encourage them to seek help. The addict is the only one who can actually make it happen;  they have to want to stop this bad habit. Our teenagers should be warned about all the risks they are taking when they break the law and drink.  Life isn’t just One Big Party.  Too many times there are consequences to pay. What better time than now to have “Help for Today-Hope for Tomorrow.”

Sources: NCAAD;  PreventionFirst.net

 

General Safety Issues

WEIRDEST HOME PLUMBING MYSTERIES SOLVED (GUEST POST)

 By Chelsea Terris 

The inner workings of household plumbing systems are not fully known to every homeowner. Often, problems arise that appear to have no logical explanation. Mysterious though they may be, most plumbing issues have logical causes. Check out the below issues and their strange but sensical origins. 

Condo Conundrum

When the resident manager of a multi-building condominium association is called for help, he finds water leaking down the wall of the kitchen to the bottom floor. A review of the plumbing situation in the unit directly above reveals no leaks and no water running down. As it had been raining constantly for several days, he investigates flashing on fireplace exhausts, adjacent to the wall of each kitchen unit, but detects no leaks. Meanwhile, the amount of water coming into the lower unit increases by the day.

Finally, a leak from the dishwasher in the unit on the very top floor is discovered. The water found its own level through an incomplete brickwork job behind the dishwasher and traveled down, passing the two units below, ending up back in the bottom condominium unit. Mystery solved!

Snaking Clogs

In the city of Jakarta, Indonesia a luxurious home with many bedrooms, each with a full bath, is having problems with clogged toilets. No reason can be found by the homeowner for these clogs. More confusing is the tendency of the plugging problem to switch from one toilet to another in a seemingly random manner.

The solution turns out to be a resident python. The snake entered the home’s plumbing through the network of sewers in the city. The solution? When chemical cleaners were placed in four toilets at once, the unhappy snake decided to clear out of the fifth toilet, post haste.

Shower Shock

In an old house, a homeowner experiences electrical shocks each time he uses a shower in the main bedroom.   The cause is the location of some very old wiring, wrapped around the shower water supply pipe where the insulation had worn away. Once the wiring was replaced, the issue resolved.


When weird plumbing issues strike, your best bet is to call a professional plumber. You never know the real story until a trained expert takes a look, and the causes may amaze you!

 

 

Chelsea Terris

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

CUT THE CLEANING BILL? CLEANING RISKS AND HAZARDS FOR EMPLOYEES (GUEST POST)

 Many businesses have been finding ways to cut down on bills and expenses. In their minds, some services are becoming ‘unnecessary’ or they can already be done by a contracted employee for the same pay.  Some businesses are cutting down by eliminating the need for cleaning services. 

 Employees in many businesses and big corporations will notice a growing trend of providing a communal rubbish and recycling bins in one or two locations on each floor. This is a development from having trash bins at every single desk in the workplace. This method promotes the idea of decreasing the amount of trash generated. In addition, it forces employees to contemplate whatever they are throwing away and walk the distance between their desks and the trash bin. For the cleaning crew, it takes only half the time in comparison to remove trash from every bin and recycling from the building. 

Hidden Hazards for Employees  

Some businesses are taking a step farther. They ask employees to monitor the cleaning of their own workspaces, with the inclusion of the kitchen and bathroom.  General tidiness is a must and expected from all employees. This might be seen as efficient in a business point of view but many employers and employees are not aware of the activities’ hazards. There are many Occupational Health and Safety issues hidden within simple tasks like mopping the washroom floor or climbing up a ladder to store your own files. In Australia, employees expected to undertake such tasks must be properly trained to do so or the company will be at risk. Such risks are injury caused by manual handling and damage caused by chemical handling and exposure. 

In the first risk, manual handling is defined as any time an employee uses a ladder, must put something above a comfortable height, lifts a box or even pushes a vacuum. An employer who would require these actions should prepare a training for the employees by using a training module.   

Regarding chemical handling and exposure, if an employee suffers a chemical burn, chemical overexposure or any type of chemical related damage, this will be considered as OHS issue if the employee has no chemical handling training. 

Other Risks 

There are other risks for employees if they are also asked to do the cleaning of their workspace. For instance, the company will be held liable for any instance that an employee suffers an injury at work, whether from an isolated incident or repeat strain. This could happen anytime and it could led to medical bills due to injury. 

Another factor for consideration is the operation of cleaning equipment and machinery, chemicals, slippery and damp surfaces and other environmental elements which might not be taken seriously at first. However, these can be the things that may lead to a cleaning accident for the employees, whether they are trained or untrained. 

Cost is something that businesses take seriously. It is up to the business whether they wish to cut their cleaning costs and train their employees for cleaning tasks. It is also their choice to hire a professional cleaning company to get the job done. It might be even more practical and financially sound to simply hire people who are aware and trained in their work. 

This guest post was written by Sharon Freeman, an Australian freelance writer and blogger.  She has been writing about commercial cleaning services and workplace cleanliness articles for companies like http://cleangroup.com.au/

Sharon, this article should make us think about our own housekeeping duties in our work area.  workplace safety posters located throughout the area could communicate the importance of keeping their workplace safe and clean.  Many people don’t  appreciate their work enough to monitor this task. Whether their employer contracts cleaning crews or has their own, it’s still important that workers respect their workplace enough to keep it safe, and tidy, as well. pb

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

HOW TO AVOID SICKNESS (GUEST POST)

Illness is an inescapable part of life. Fortunately, there are a number of ways for people to bolster themselves against many of the harmful organisms and physical developments that negatively affect their health. Following are several tips that will show you how to avoid sickness, even when everyone else around you is feeling feverish and dizzy.

Sufficient Sleep
Depriving your body of sufficient sleep is one of the quickest ways to decrease your immune system’s abilities. While you may not be able to get a full 8 hours of rest every night, you should try to do so as often as you can. It’s important to remember that sleep balances your moods, keeps you focused and will help you to be more productive in both physical and cognitive tasks. Staying up late might seem like the best way to get more done, but it will actually have a detrimental impact on your efficiency and your overall health.

Dietary
Eating too many refined sugars and empty calories will negatively impact your general health and immune system. A diet that is rich in fresh vegetables and fruits will contain a vast array of vitamins that your body needs for optimal performance. In fact, the more colorful your produce selection, the better protected you will be against common forms of illness. This is especially important during the flu and cold season. You should also know that fresh onions and garlic have many anti-fungal and antiseptic properties. If you feel an illness coming on, indulging in homemade soup or a fresh salad that contain lots of onions and garlic may just help to stave this sickness off.

Drinking Water
Staying hydrated is another vital measure for avoiding illness. If your body doesn’t have sufficient fluids, many systems will begin to shut down. You should be drinking at least five, eight ounce glasses of water each day. If you exercise regularly, use tobacco products or consume a number of caffeinated beverages each day, you should be drinking more water to compensate for the effects of these activities.

Detoxification
Ridding yourself of internal toxins on a routine basis is a great way to ensure that your body is in optimal condition for protecting itself. Healthy people are much less likely to get sick after having come in contact with illness than those who live unhealthy lifestyles. Unless you follow a strict natural and/or organic diet, you are (through no fault of your own) constantly introducing toxins into your body. These come from the foods you consume, the beauty and self-care products you are using and even your external environment. When too many of these build-up in your system, your immune system can become overwhelmed. Detoxification can be as simple as taking a break from junk foods, fast foods and even meat. You can go on an all-vegetable diet for several days or a juice fast. You can even purchase detoxification products from a local health store. These efforts work best at preventing illness if they are performed at least once every six months.

Regular Exercise
Any physician will tell you that staying active is a vital part of good health. When you engage in activities that increase your circulation, your body filters out toxins more effectively. You don’t have to become a marathon runner. Simply taking a walk for thirty minutes is enough to bolster your immune system. Studies have also shown that exercise can help your body prevent cancer.

Supplements
You can also stave off illness by giving your body more of what it needs in the form of herbal supplements. Products like black walnut hulls help to cleanse the intestines of parasitic organisms and they also restore internal pH balance. Colloidal silver, echinacea, garlic and other supplements will aid your fight against illness too, and one of the most effective supplement is fish oil. Most people could do with a daily dose of fish oil in addition to a multivitamin.

Ultimately, the key to avoiding illness lies in promoting optimal health. You are exposed to viruses, bacteria and germs all day, everyday, but if you’re well rested, properly hydrated and nourished with a proper diet, you will be far less susceptible to sickness when it passes your way. Exercising and ridding your body of toxins are additional measures that you can take to ensure a robust immune system.

Vincent Marguiles writes about health and nutrition. His recent work is on the Top 10 Most Affordable Online RN to BSN Programs.

Thank you, Vincent Marguiles, for this advice on how to keep well.  Keep hand sanitizer at work, and in your car, in order to cut down on the germs on doors, money, or any surfaces you touch.  Clean hands help avoid illness.

General Safety Issues

ADDRESSING WORK STRESS

 Introduction: I can’t think of a time that I wasn’t under some type of work-related stress, much of it probably my fault; but anyone who can perform their daily work tasks successfully without stress must have nerves on steel! This article describes ways that both the employee and employer can improve this problem. pat

Addressing Work-related Stress

You feel overloaded at work and they changed your shift schedule again without warning. You can’t get work off of your mind and are having trouble sleeping. To top it off, your stomach is acting up and those nagging headaches are back.When the demands and pressures of your job are too much for you to handle, and you don’t have much control over the situation, you may experience work-related stress (stress caused or made worse by work). If left unchecked for a prolonged period of time, stress can make you sick.

Why it’s important
Work-related stress is widespread. In the European Union, work-related stress is second only to back pain as the most common work-related health problem, affecting 28% of workers. According to a surveyby the American Psychology Association released in early March 2013, one-third of American employees experience chronic stress at work.

Whether it originates from within or out, the pressure to work at optimum pace and performance can take a toll on, and negatively impact, both the organization and the employee. Studies show that stressful working conditions are associated with increased absenteeism, tardiness, high staff turnover, reduced productivity and product/service quality, and increased compensation costs – all of which have a negative effect on the bottom line. The impact of stress on workers may include tobacco, alcohol or drug abuse, violent/bullying behaviour, sleep problems, anxiety, depression, inability to concentrate, and irritability. Chronic stress can also cause health issues such as back problems, heart problems, stomach ulcers, and hypertension, and can weaken the immune system.

Causes
Everyone has different thresholds for and triggers of stress, however some workplace factors are more likely to lead to stress than others.

Examples of potential causes of work-related stress include:

  • Training:  lack of training to equip employees for their jobs
  • Job design:  the job is not matched to worker skills and abilities; poor work shift design
  • Role:  lack of clarity about responsibilities and/or expectations; conflicting roles and/or multiple supervisors
  • Culture:  poor communication, poor social environment, lack of support and respect
  • Relationships:  constant discord, bullying, harassment or open aggressive behaviour
  • Control:  no control over planning and deciding how work should be completed, or solving problems
  • Demands:   unreasonable or unrealistic performance targets
  • Physical environment:   excessive noise, poor air quality, uncomfortable temperatures

Although some of these factors may occur in a workplace without leading to stress, the risk for stress increases when these factors occur in combination and/or for prolonged periods of time.

What employers can do

  • Treat all employees in a fair and respectful manner.
  • Match the workload to workers’ capabilities.
  • Assess the risks of work-related stress by looking for pressures at work that could cause high and prolonged levels of stress.
  • Take appropriate action to prevent the pressures from becoming negative stressors.
  • Design meaningful jobs that are stimulating and provide opportunities for employees to use their skills.
  • Allow employees to have control over the tasks they do as much as possible.
  • Clearly define roles and responsibilities.
  • Provide employees with the training, skills and resources they need to do their jobs.
  • Establish work schedules that are compatible with demands and responsibilities outside the job.
  • Involve employees in decision-making and seek their input on issues affecting their jobs.
  • Improve communications and reduce uncertainty about career development and future employment prospects.
  • Value and recognize individuals’ results and skills.
  • Provide opportunities for social interaction among employees.
  • Provide access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).

What employees can do
Often the source of the stress is something that you cannot change immediately. Therefore, it is important to find ways to help maintain good mental health and be proactive in dealing with stress. In the workplace, you may find some of the following tips to be helpful:

  • Try to relax; take several deep breaths throughout the day, or have regular stretch breaks.
  • Take 10 minutes at the beginning of each day to prioritize and organize your day.
  • Be constructive and make practical suggestions.
  • Be realistic about what you can change.
  • Take your breaks. Go for a walk at lunch or do something you enjoy that is not work-related.
  • Take constructive critism for what it is; do not resent it.

Respectful workplaces that encourage good communications and healthy work systems are more likely to have a healthy and productive workforce.

Resources
Workplace Stress fact sheet, Health and Safety Report, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety

Note: In reference to the Physical Environment of the workplace, employers must ensure that their employees have the proper personal protective equipment to protect their workers from excessive noises, respiratory problems, and hot/cold environments.

 

General Safety Issues

Tips for Making Your Child Safe at School (Guest Post)

1 Comment

No one wants to be a “helicopter parent” who hovers around their child in a constant state of vigilance, just waiting for a tragedy to happen. But being a completely care-free parent is not necessarily a viable option either. These suggestions will help you keep your child safe while allowing them to grow and learn. While they may seem like common sense, these tips are often over-looked by even the most guarded of parents.

To and From School

  • If your child walks to school or the bus stop, walk the route with them before school begins. If they are old enough to walk alone, take time to point out places they should avoid on their route; such as abandoned buildings or full parking lots. Have a conversation with your child about strangers and the risks involved with talking to them. 
  • Meet with your child’s bus driver. Write down their name, license number, and get a copy of their driving record. Speak to the driver about their policies regarding bullying or disruptions on the bus. Give the driver your phone number in case of emergencies. 
  • Do NOT put key chains or any sort of decorative item inscribed with your child’s name on their back pack, or anywhere easily seen by others. Kidnappers have been known to follow children and call them by name because they can see it. If a child thinks they know a person because that person knows them, they are more likely to be abducted as they will not have their guard up. 
At School

  • Teach your child conflict resolution tactics to prepare them for any negative relationships they may encounter at their school. If your child is being bullied, advise them to politely ask their tormentor to cease. If this does not work, they should walk away (or run if in danger of bodily harm) and seek assistance from an adult in authority. Nurture your relationship with your child and keep an eye out for warning signs that your child is being bullied, such as lack of appetite or change in grades. 
  • Before your child begins a school year, discuss with the principal the school’s emergency protocols. Ask what the policy is in the event of any situation you can think of, such as a fire, natural disaster or a school intruder. Get a copy of these procedures and go over them with your child. 
  • Come up with a safe word that only YOU and your child know. Encourage your child to call you (either from the school office or an emergency cell phone) if they are having a problem at school and need to be picked up. They can use the safe word so that you both know that they need to come home. Something unique but not too noticeable is best – like “scotch tape” or “refrigerator”.”
  • Update your contact information with the school. Give your child’s school a list of people that you have approved to pick your child up or remove from school should you not be available. Make it clear to your child that they are under no circumstances to leave the school with someone they don’t know, even if that person tells them that they know their parents. This is a good opportunity for your safe word as well, if you MUST have someone not approved on your list pick your child up, give them the safe word. Tell your child that this person will relay the word to them and then and ONLY then, may they leave with that person. 

Many of these tips may seem pretty obvious but you can never be too safe. Accidents and tragedies happen every day, help keep your family safe and stay informed. 

 
Jenna Sanchez writes about parenting, safety and education. Her recent work lists the Best Education Degrees in the US.