All posts by pat brownlee

General Safety Issues

BLOG4SAFETY THIRD WEEK IN A ROW! TOP 25 SAFETY ARTICLES, WEEK OF MARCH 8TH (GUEST POST)

 Top 25 Safety Articles of the Week: March 8

Posted by Erin Raub in Weekly Roundups

fire rope ladderSomething this simple can save your family’s lives.

It’s the little things in life, right? And while the phrase usually refers to life’s simple pleasures, “little things” can really be a lot of things. Like an inexpensive, compact fire ladder that saves a man’s life as he flees from a burning building.

Yes, it is the little things in life – little things that allow us to continue enjoying life. Safety measures are so important, not as a way to incite paranoia or fear but as prevention. We’ve all heard the maxim, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. So this week, we’re focusing on not just the latest safety news but also on the latest ways to prevent data fraud, childhood illness, and more. Be safe!

Home Safety

  1. Lauren of Safety Source, the blog for the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), shares with us a new tip sheet on outdoor electrical safety.
  2. If I haven’t yet convinced you of the importance of a fire safety plan, then you have to read this week’s story from John of the Culture of Safety on how a fire ladder saved a man’s life.

Family & Child Safety

  1. The Kids With Food Allergies Foundation shares evidence that certain airborne chemicals have been linked to immunoglobulin E (IgE) and asthma.
  2. The Huff Post and Moms Rising question the presence of questionably effective, possibly dangerous chemical flame retardants in kids’ products, like nap mats and pajamas.
  3. If you worry about your young driver acting irresponsibly in the car, KidSafe this week featured a new invention that stops teens from texting while driving. (I wish I could install in on every adult I ever pass while driving!)
  4. Tim from uKnowKids does it again, this time offering up some valuable info that is also heartwarming: check out his roundup of current anti-bullying and anti-cyberbullying movements around the U.S. 
  5. Alison the SafetyMom hits the nail on the head with this week’s post, titled with the self-explanatory With Parenting Styles, One Size Does Not Fit All. You got that right!
  6. Free Range Mom Lenore always brings us the latest on all things preventing kids from being kids, and this week she has some uplifting news: a public call to ditch the “misguided security blanket” afforded by helicopter parenting policies, and focus on the real problem: red tape and lawsuits.
  7. Pets are important members of the family, but we don’t always apply the same precautions to our furry friends as we do to our kids. Jim Tedford, Director of Animal Welfare Initiatives and Alliances, gives us all the details on pet-proofing to prevent poisoning.
  8. And speaking of your four-legged family members, Natalie Lester, a PetSafe Brand Communications Specialist, shows us how one door + one containment system can = independence for your pup.

Mobile & Cyber Safety

  1. Last Watchdog Byron reminds us that being on a smartphone or tablet does not make us invulnerable to data stealing, especially with the latest scams that have you clicking on links you never intended.
  2. Brian of Krebs on Security warns that suspicious activity this week prompted a password reset for all Evernote users, while Oracle’s Java also issued its third critical security update in a month.
  3. If you’ve ever been interested in the online dating scene, don’t miss this article from Safe Kids (they care about parents’ safety, too!) on online dating safety tips.
  4. Tim, of uKnowKids, clues us in to the latest sex trafficking scheme – using Facebook to find victims – and how you can protect your kids.
  5. If you’ve ever lost or had your smartphone stolen, Scott from A Silver Lining reminds us that these little touch-screens are actually mini-computers – and need to be treated as serious security risks.
  6. David of We Live Security has some excellent points on how hundreds of thousands of Facebook likes can be deceptive (and completely wrong). The article reminds me of what my mom always asked: If all your friends jumped off a bridge, would you do it too?
  7. Lisa, of Sophos Naked Security, peels apart the onion layers (it’ll certainly make you cry) of the latest debit-card fraud – scammers pretending to protect your from scammers.

Senior Safety

  1. Ryan of Inside Elder Care reminds us to really dig into the policies of our parents’ or other loved ones’ assisted living or nursing care communities. What will happen in an emergency? Will community staff perform CPR?
  2. Susan at Help! Aging Parents gives us some pointers on helping our parents make the best decisions for their health, like whether they should get life-changing surgeries.
  3. The Aging Wisely blog develops a debate about the work-family balance, and how it applies to work-at-homers and eldercare.
  4. Safety Mom Alison features a really cool infographic on the “communication lifeline” – the relationship between caregiver and seniors. Alison is also hosting a Twitter party on March 13 to discuss signs your aging parents need help.

Work Safety

  1. In the U.S., construction mishaps account for 17 percent of all work-related accidents. Carl at Blog4Safety provides 5 tips for a safer construction workplace.
  2. Blog4Safety gives us another good one on how to identify the dangers of asbestos.
  3. And speaking of creating a safer workplace, Kevin from the Safety at Work Blog discusses the lack of a “safety culture” for employers and employees.
  4. If you’re in the U.S., your time is going to change this weekend. Roy at The Society for Human Resource Management reminds us all to be careful that sleep deprivation doesn’t lead to workplace accidents next week.

Thanks, Erin, for including us in your top twenty-five list of safety articles.  You offer a whole range of reading for our supporters, and we are honored to be part of it.  Pat

General Safety Issues

A GENTLE REMINDER: THAT’S ALL IT TAKES!

For those of you that live in the time zone affected by Daylight Saving Time, be sure to set your clocks one hour ahead before you go to bed tonight.  We “Spring Forward”.  There’s been many pros and cons about this time change, the main reason was to conserve energy.  Since it began, there are split decisions, we don’t save the electricity for lights, due to the fact that it is darker in the mornings, rather than earlier evening darkness in the Central Standard Time.  Drivers going to work must watch for children on their way to their school bus stop.  It should only take a few days to adjust, so please drive carefully and enjoy the new, longer lasting sunshine each day.

Also, we are reminded to change our batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.  This is an ideal time to perform that function that could save your life.  Have a good week ahead!  Wednesday, March 20th, is the first day of Spring.

General Safety Issues

NORTHERN DRIVING FOLLIES: WHAT TO AVOID WHEN DRIVING IN THE SNOW (GUEST POST)

Navigating a snow storm is a difficult and treacherous task. This is especially true for residents in the northern part of the United States and along the Canadian border. Winter always brings a significant amount of snow in this region where lake-effect snow from the Great Lakes can converge with rain systems moving up the east coast. This sets the stage for a classic nor’easter, which is a regular event on the eastern seaboard. Everyone should have an emergency pack in the vehicle, but there are some general rules on what situations to avoid when driving in dangerous weather conditions.

Evaluate Road Conditions
Temperatures normally stay near or below the freezing point in snow events, so any precipitation may also occur while previous snow fall is still on the ground. This is particularly true at higher elevations. The combination of weather events results in significant stretches of time where all individual forms of transportation are done on snow-covered roadways. Many cars have difficulty here, but cars sports utility vehicles can usually be effective in reasonable conditions due to their ability to switch into 4×4. Regular drivers must develop a knack for driving in hazardous conditions, with the primary focus being awareness and significantly reduced speeds.
Avoiding the Ice
Ice is practically impossible to navigate safely. Patches of ice can be just as damaging as solid ice because it can instigate a sliding situation, which endangers everyone in your pathway since neither you nor they have vehicular control. Depending on the situation though, tire chains can be effective. Motorists should always remember that chains are only for emergency conditions in deep snow and ice. Studded tires might also help, but they are still a short term alternative. It is just best to avoid ice altogether though, because other drivers may not be as considerate or observant of dangerous conditions. 

Do Not Drive Any Motor Vehicle Impaired
Driving any motored vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a chargeable offense and can land an impaired driver in huge trouble. This obviously also includes operating cars purposely built for navigating snow. Alcohol use is very problematic for irresponsible users. Not only is it illegal as any DUI lawyer in Massachusetts or Vermont will tell you, but the capacity for bad judgement is intensified and reactions to hazardous conditions are greatly reduced. Being able to react quickly in a skidding or sliding situation is hard enough for sober drivers. It’s the best policy never to drive drunk, but especially not when there is snow or ice on the roads. Even a short trip to the store can result in several more to the courthouse. Accidents happen far more often during inclement conditions, so the opportunity for very serious accidents increases.

Many drivers do not realize that any blood alcohol content level can constitute a charge for driving under the influence. This is a bad practice in good weather, but it’s especially dangerous in bad weather. Minimal amounts of alcohol can result in a reckless driving charge, even if the operator is not impaired enough for a DUI conviction. The fact that someone was driving impaired in inclement weather can be a material fact in any case and might impact punishment. Accidents happen, regardless of impairment, and automatic negligence is common in cases involving impaired drivers.

Saam Banai is a freelance writer and editor, and he has spent years navigating the snowy roads of the north and avoiding drunk drivers. Jack Diamond is an experienced DUI lawyer in Massachusetts who has over a decade of experience representing drunk drivers in and around Boston. As an accomplished and passionate attorney, he will deal with your case involving intoxication, accident, and field sobriety with expertise and compassion.
General Safety Issues

FIFTEEN INTERNET SCAMS: HOW TO AVOID THEM (GUEST POST)

1 Comment
 
 

The Internet is a powerful resource that connects you to the rest of the world and helps you access knowledge in the blink of any eye. It can also, however, put you in the precarious position of sussing out legitimate offers versus complete cons. These 15 Internet scams are quite popular, but you can avoid falling victim to them by learning to recognize their common red flags.

  1. The Nigerian Scam – Also known as a 419 scam, Nigerian scams offer targets a portion of the email sender’s inheritance in exchange for help claiming the money from a foreign government. Early versions of this email usually cited Nigeria as the country where the money was supposedly held, but updated versions may claim a variety of African nations.
  2. Lottery Scams – The first red flag that a lottery win notification is fraudulent is the fact that you haven’t been playing the lottery, but email notifications can be convincing and the promise of a big reward enticing. If you haven’t played any lotteries or entered any contests, you should regard any email claims that you’ve won one as dubious.
  3. Convincing Fakes of Official Entities – An email that appears to be from a reputable payment processing service or your bank explaining that your account has been compromised is a popular phishing scam, largely because it tends to work. Don’t click on any redirecting links within an email and never give out your account number or password. When in doubt, contact your bank directly.
  4. Item for Sale Scams – Selling an item on an auction site or online classified site can open the floodgates for messages and emails, some of which have fraudulent aims. Anyone asking if they can overpay you for an item in exchange for a wire transfer or cashier’s check seems fishy because it is; in most cases, the check or payment method will prove to be fraudulent, leaving you bereft of your goods and holding the bag on a bad debt.
  5. Employment Scams – In a particularly despicable turn, employment scams are becoming more and more popular as an increasing number of Americans find themselves without a job. Employment ads and websites created by these hucksters may seem legitimate, but they’re actually sophisticated ways of collecting your personal information for floods of spam email or even identity theft.
  6. Disaster Relief Scams – Preying upon the inherent desire to help your fellow man, messages soliciting donations for a natural disaster in some tiny, obscure, developing nation is a lucrative business for scammers.
  7. Travel Scams – Sometimes you’re forced to sit through a presentation about timeshares, but sometimes your information is collected for marketing mail and identity theft. Be wary of any email claiming that you’ve won a free vacation.
  8. Get-Rich-Quick Scams – The idea of building an empire by stuffing envelopes or selling a nutritional supplement isn’t a new one, but the scope and reach of the Internet has created a flood of get-rich-quick scams preying on people’s hopes of hitting it rich.
  9. Sweetheart Scams – A person who pretends to be someone they’re not in an online relationship is called a “catfish.” Catfish may simply be seeking attention and validation, but most are playing a part in order to get as much money as possible out of an unsuspecting mark before mysteriously dying or staging a dramatic breakup scene.
  10. Prime Bank Note Scams – Con artists offering “bank guarantees” that they can purchase at a bargain and sell for top dollar take a fortune from their unsuspecting victims. To make their claims seem even more attractive, these scammers claim that their “guarantees” are issued by “prime banks,” hence the name.
  11. Letter of Credit Scams – The only legitimate letters of credit are issued by banks directly to a recipient for international trade agreement and payment guarantees. Anyone offering a “letter of credit” investment opportunity will probably try to sell you the Golden Gate Bridge if you show an interest.
  12. Goods Not as Listed Scams – Relatively mild in the scheme of things, goods-not-as-purchased schemes generally happen on unregulated classified ads sites or auction sites that openly condone trade in pirated goods. After remitting payment, you will almost always receive some sort of package. In most cases, the goods are completely different than they were described and you have no recourse for regaining your money.
  13. Rogue Anti-Virus Software Scams – The idea that your computer has been infected by a virus is a scary one; after all, what if you lose all of your precious pictures, videos and important documents? Scammers know that most people will fall victim to these cons out of fear of losing their files, so they create convincing anti-virus alerts that require you to pay an activation fee to remove a virus that doesn’t even exist.
  14. Survey Scams – The best case scenario for those who fall victim to a survey scam is that they waste their time and get a few spam emails. More elaborate scams will take your personal information for marketing and identity theft purposes, even though you think you’re just participating in legitimate market research.
  15. Something for Nothing Scams – You’ve probably heard the old adage about things that are too good to be true, and it definitely holds water on the Internet. Anyone offering you fame, fortune and riches simply for being you is almost certainly trying to scam you somehow.

Shared with us by Hannah Howard of longhornleads.com

General Safety Issues

FINDING THE RIGHT WORK BOOTS (GUEST POST)

1 Comment

For those working in a field like construction, proper footwear is not only recommended, but it’s a requirement to ensure comfort and protection. The key, however, is to get shoes that suit both your needs and the needs of your particular job. So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at what you should keep in mind when selecting work boots.

Know Your Needs
Different jobs require different types of boots. Some will require slip resistant soles, while others will demand steel-toes. While getting an all-around boot protects you in a variety of work situations, knowing what the job you’re doing absolutely requires ensures that you have a boot that will protect you in your specific situation.

Get Professionally Sized
While it’s pretty obvious when the boot you have is too small, it may be less obvious if the boot is too big. Bill Gardner, owner of Red Wing Shoes, offering http://www.redwingrichmond.com, says that “many of us are walking around in the wrong size, leading to unnecessary discomfort.”

Bill recommends being sized at your boot store to make sure you get the size you actually need. You may think you’re a size, but in a particular boot you may be a 12.5 or 13 with socks and inserts. It’s worth the time to make sure the boots fit correctly and comfortably since you’ll be spending a lot of time in them.

Invest in Quality
Ask anybody and they’ll tell you the same thing – quality work boots are expensive. There is, however, a reason for the price. Quality construction and materials cost more, and investing in a boot that will protect your feet, ankles, and knees is worth it in the long run. Quality boots will have soles that won’t fall apart, construction that won’t pull apart, and will use materials that while needing regular upkeep, will be durable for years to come.

Don’t Forget the Accessories
Extra laces, boot socks, and perhaps most importantly, insoles, are all things to consider as part of your boot purchase. These items help contribute to the comfort and durability of the boots. Your sales specialist should be able to help you choose the accessories you’ll need for your specific feet and boots.

Sent to us by George R. Perry

For any of your other safety needs, check out Texas America Safety Company  for all types of personal protective equipment, from hardhats, gloves, to first aid products!

General Safety Issues

EDUCATION, NOT INTOXICATION: DANGERS OF BINGE DRINKING IN COLLEGE (GUEST POST)

2 Comments

Education Not Intoxication: Dangers Of Binge Drinking In College

The college years are enjoyable for all students who are deciding what they want to pursue as a profession. It is the first taste of true freedom for many teenagers and a true test of time management skills and direction. It is easy for a college student to be influenced by other students who may or may not be on a successful academic or professional path. Using alcohol is almost considered a rite of passage for the typical college student, but binge drinking can become a problem faster than the untrained drinker can realize.

1. What Is Binge Drinking

Rehabilitation professionals normally claim that anyone consuming over three drinks in an evening are binge drinkers. That threshold may not be reasonable to the average person. The average human can filter one ounce of alcohol per hour through their body, so it generally takes two drinks per hour to initiate intoxication. Even students who are drinking in this pattern are clearly at risk for developing long-term alcohol abuse problems. Serious binge drinking generally carries a component of drinking as a priority.

2. Avoiding Drinking Games

The popularity of drinking games has been a major contributor to collegiate binge drinking behavior. Alcohol consumption as a competitive sport is never a good idea. Novice drinkers do not have the tolerance that regular drinkers have built over time; therefore, it is just not a smart practice. Peer pressure can be a difficult situation to manage, but the best decision is always drink moderately or not at all if under the legal drinking age. This is especially true in public or strange locations because out-of-control situations happen quickly.

3. Educational Issues

Traditional college students are young and normally have the physical ability to recover quickly from a night of binge drinking.  However, this can easily become a daily habit which would then affect focus, organizational skills, and priorities. Class attendance may plummet along with grades. The effects could possibly be academic probation, the loss of a scholarship, and ultimately a dismissal from school altogether.

4. Legal Issues

The most obvious legal danger for a drinking college student is possession of alcohol. All states require individuals to be twenty-one years of age to purchase or possess alcohol. Public intoxication is also an illegal possession charge, so fines can be increased and jail time may be the consequence especially if caught driving under the influence. This could cause a student to miss a number of days from classes. It will create a time consuming battle with their perspective state’s DMV which will hinder driving privileges and cause a number of days missed to attend to the matter. Also, if attending college in Virginia, the attorneys’ at the Wilson Law Firm, would suggest that the defendant should pre-enroll in the 20-hour program, Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP), to show initiative to the court. This, too, would take time from classes and studying.

5. Medical Issues

The short-term effects of drinking are blackouts, promiscuity, and possibly violence. The long-term effects this process can have on the body are numerous. It is particularly true of liquor. Long-term binge drinking can create medical problems with all organs and can eventually cause death from alcohol poisoning. It is proven that brain damage can occur from alcohol abuse. It can hinder the ability to learn and to hold on to knowledge. Additionally, the possibility of a serious accident of any kind is much greater when an individual is intoxicated. Many individuals have suffered a lifetime over accidents that occurred while they were intoxicated.

College is an exciting time for the students and one of concern for parents in hopes that they prepared their son/daughter for this day of autonomy with high hopes for higher learning, great memories, and the start of a successful life. The pressures to make adult decisions can lead a student to make the decision to drink alcohol. This could lead to binge drinking which almost always results in intoxication beyond legal limits. This gives way to situations that could rapidly escalate out of control. There are just too many dangers that can stem from this practice.

Kelly Dennie is a mother of a rising college freshman who is filled with excitement and concern. The attorneys’ at the Wilson Law Firm has a checklist for defendants arrested for DUI: document the situation to the best of their ability, consult with a lawyer, pre-enroll in VASAP, obtain a copy of their driving record, and gather commendations in preparation for their defense. This situation may seem frightening but, the first step in gaining control is to understand the charges, process, penalties, and to hire an experienced lawyer.

Eye Protection, Fall Safety, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, Respiratory Safety

SAFE WORKING AT HEIGHT (GUEST POST)

From Jason of riskatmedia.com 

There are particular hazards associated with working at height, some of these hazards accompany almost all types of work activity, such as manual handling and slips and trips.  Others, such as falls from height and contact with moving or falling objects are of particular concern to personnel who work at height.  Falls from height are the leading cause of fatal injuries at work. While contact with moving or falling objects is the third greatest cause of workplace fatality and the second greatest cause of major accidents at work. 

Manual Handling  Manual handling related activities are a major cause of occupational injury.  Low back pain, joint injuries and repetitive strain injuries affect over a million people each year, and many of these injuries are the result of manual handling. Prior to carrying out any unavoidable manual handling activity, you should help to protect yourself from injury by following good manual handling practices.  Consider the task to be carried out and the nature of the load, and be aware of your own capabilities and the environment in which you are working. In particular, tools, equipment and materials can be extremely heavy and you should give consideration to safe manual handling practices before undertaking any job that involves lifting these items while working at height, where manual lifts may be made more difficult by space restrictions and the potential to fall. 

Slip, Trips and Falls  Slips and trips represent a significant cause of work related injury.  Slips and trips can result from contamination, obstacles, inappropriate footwear, reduced visibility, the environment and people’s attitudes. It is extremely important that elevated work platforms and access ladders are kept clear of slip and trip hazards that could result in a possible fall from height.  By removing waste materials to waste skips you can contribute significantly to good housekeeping.  You can also reduce the risk of slips and trips by properly routing any cables that you use, by only taking the tools, equipment and materials necessary to the job aloft, by appropriately storing all such items and keeping walkways clear, by ensuring that you always wear appropriate footwear, and by taking responsibility for your own and your colleagues safety and containing any spills that you might discover. Scaffolders should ensure that no loose scaffolding materials are ever left on a finished scaffold. 

Contact with Moving or Falling Objects  Contact with moving or falling objects is a significant hazard to personnel involved in work at height, as well as to personnel who may be working in the areas beneath operations conducted at height.   Access to the area in which you are working from a ladder should be restricted by barriers when moving vehicles, trailers and hand bogies pose a collision risk.  Suitable barriers and signs should be used to keep the access roads used by Mobile Elevated Work Platforms clear. This will reduce the risk of collision with structures, people and other mobile plant and vehicles.  Care should still be taken to ensure that the platform’s boom or knuckles do not impede the access and working areas used by other plant and vehicles. 

Safe working practices should always be followed to prevent the fall of materials from a height.  All tools, equipment and materials essential to work aloft should be appropriately stowed to ensure that they do not fall.  Any excess materials and all debris should be removed from elevated work platforms, all loose items should be placed in storage boxes, bagged or secured where possible, edge protection should be used to prevent items falling from sloping roofs and all items you need to carry while using a ladder should be held in a belt pouch.  Where there is still a possibility that materials may fall from a height, access to the work area should be restricted by barriers and appropriate warning signs or by posting a banks-man. 

Elevated Working Platforms  Where work at height cannot be avoided, safe working practices should always be followed to reduce the risk of falling any distance which could cause injury.  You should always use an approved and safe means of gaining access to elevated working platforms.  Wherever possible, work at height should be carried out from an appropriate working platform with edge protection, making use of a safety harness and any other available work equipment and fall arrest systems to prevent falls from height.  Where this is not possible, work of a light nature and short duration can be undertaken from a ladder, while other work can be undertaken by suitably trained, experienced and medically fit individuals using a body harness and other fall arrest equipment identified during detailed planning.  You should never use temporary makeshift working platforms.

Work platforms on scaffolding should have full guardrails and toe boards.  A safety harness is required if full guarding is not possible, or if the work involves reaching over. Mesh should be installed if scaffolding is designed specifically to store bulk materials. 

Appropriate fall arrest equipment attached to a suitable anchor point inside the platform should be used whenever you work from a mobile elevated work platform. 

Edges of roofs from which a person could fall should be provided with a barrier that is properly constructed, anchored and fitted with toe boards as appropriate.  Roof openings should be protected by barriers or covers.  Fragile roof areas should be identified and protected by a barrier, or fitted with crawling boards, crawling ladders or duck boards that are properly supported.

Where ladders must be used, they should be securely lashed at the top, tied at the bottom, or held by a second person to ensure that they do not move or slip.  Ladders should be long enough to allow 3 or 4 rungs above the working step, 3 points of contact should be maintained at all times and a harness clipped to a secure anchor point should always be used. 

Structural Integrity  Elevated working platforms should be structurally sound to prevent accidents which could lead to falls from height.  All scaffolding should be erected by trained and competent personnel, they should verify that all materials are fit for purpose and that the load bearing ground and surfaces are fit for purpose.  Never be tempted to make unauthorised alterations to scaffolding. Prior to using any scaffolding on site, you must check that the scaff tag is in date and valid.  Scaffolding should be inspected weekly and following adverse weather conditions by a competent person.  If you are at all unsure that the appropriate inspections have been carried out, do not use the scaffolding and report to your manager. 

All ladders should also conform to the relevant Standard, be free from patent defect, and be inspected once a week by a competent person.  If you have any reason to doubt that a ladder has been appropriately inspected, do not use it and report to your manager.

Lanyards should be inspected before each use and should be subjected to a detailed inspection by a competent person at least once every six months.  If you have reason to think that any fall arrest equipment has not been properly inspected, please do not use it and discuss the matter with your manager. 

Planning  To reduce the risk of personnel falling all work at height should be suitably planned. Where the use of a body harness cannot be avoided for work at height, a competent manager should provide a plan which incorporates safe access and egress, as well as the type of harness and double lanyard that should be used. 

A suitable rescue plan should also be in place where a harness or restraints are used.  The rescue plan should ensure that effective communication links have been established so that assistance can be summoned. 

Training  All personnel need appropriate training and experience to safely carry out operations which involve working at height.  Only suitably trained and authorised personnel are allowed to use mobile elevated work platforms and body harnesses.  Cradles should only be used by personnel who are suitably trained and experienced. 

Human Factors  Human factors play a significant role in safe working at height.  For this reason, personnel should not work at height if you are tired or otherwise unable to give your full attention to the task at hand.  If you feel that your medical history, age, health or fitness might affect your ability to carry work at height, please discuss this with your manager.  Remember that you should never come to work in possession of, or under the influence of, alcohol or drugs.  These substances expose everyone on site to risks that are unnecessary and easily avoided. 

Environments  The risks associated with work at height can be increased by the environment in which you are required to work, Hot and cold environments can result in physical stresses and affect concentration, as they have the potential to raise or lower you body core temperature beyond safe limits.  Confined spaces limit your ability to move around, can be poorly lit and may increase the length of time taken to provide medical assistance in the event of an emergency. It is therefore extremely important that you follow safe working practices when working at height in these environments. 

Hot Works  Particular attention should be given to establishing a safe place of work and to following safe working practices when you carry out hazardous tasks, such as hot works, at height.  The risks associated with fumes, explosions and electric shock can result in falls from height.  Ensure that you use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE, that you use and store gas bottles safely and that all items of electrical equipment carry a valid appliance testing label. 

Personal Protective Equipment PPE  PPE is an important means of reducing the risks associated with work at height.  At least standard PPE with safety glasses, construction hard hats and gloves should be worn, with a harness attached to suitable fall arrest equipment while accessing or working on elevated platforms.  Additional PPE, such as dust masks, breathing apparatus and hearing protection may be required for particular tasks, as outlined in the relevant risk assessment.

You should also wear close fitting garments, not wear a tie or jewellery and tie back long hair and long beards to reduce the risk of entanglement.  Only PPE in good working condition will reduce the hazards associated with your work, so it is important to remove, clean and store your PPE correctly. 

Electricity and Overhead Power Lines  Electric shock can result in death and severe burns.  In addition, serious injury can occur if an individual falls from height as a result of an electric shock. All items of electrical equipment should carry a valid test certificate or label to reduce the risk of electric shock.  Testing should be carried out by suitably trained individuals.   If any item of electrical equipment does not carry a valid test label, it should not be used and you should inform your manager.  You should also carry out a visual pre-use inspection of all equipment to ensure that it remains undamaged. 

Because of the risk of electrocution, aluminium ladders should never be used where there is a risk of contact with electricity.

Electric shock can also occur as a result of contact with overhead power lines.  Where mobile elevated work platforms are to be used near overhead power lines, an appointed person should plan and supervise operations.  Power lines should be made dead where at all possible.  Where this is not possible, work under power lines should be of short duration and all appropriate restraints and barriers should be in place to ensure that the platform cannot reach or accidentally come into contact with live power lines. 

Mobile Elevated Work Platforms MEWPs   Other safe working practices are necessary to prevent mobile elevated work platforms from overturning during work at height.  The manufacturer’s safe working load should never be exceeded and the platform should never be operated in high winds.  You should also avoid handling sheet type materials in windy conditions.

Where the use of a platform on uneven ground cannot be avoided, they should be used at reduced speed, they should not be turned on slopes and the use of road plates should be considered. 

Emergency Procedures  In the event of an emergency while working at height, isolate any equipment that you have been using, make your work area safe and use a safe means of egress to evacuate the area according to the site emergency procedures.  If you are involved in an accident, seek immediate assistance. 

Riskatmedia – Safety Training Videos

General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

KNOW THE DANGERS OF ASBESTOS (GUEST POST)

1 Comment

Know the Dangers of Asbestos

Asbestos has been used as a building material since the 1950’s and
though everyone has heard of the deadly material, why exactly is it held
with such fear and what does exposure to the material mean for those
involved?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring material, which has been exploited by
the building trade for over 50 years. The material was particularly
popular due to its excellent insulating qualities as well as it
providing good protection against fire and corrosion. However, unbeknown
to tradesmen working with the material years before and many DIY
enthusiasts of today, the material that seemed to have so many amazing
properties does have its dangers, dangers which were only revealed
decades later.

Where is Asbestos Found?

All buildings constructed before 2000 are at risk of containing
asbestos and scarily this deadly material can be found in a variety of
places both in domestic and commercial environments. Asbestos Containing
Materials (ACMs) can be found in ceiling tiles, pipe insulation,
boilers, sprayed coatings, structural supports and cement roof sheeting
found on industrial roofs and walls.
Asbestos is also found in artex, these textured wall coverings were a
staple feature in 1960’s and 1970’s homes and as times have changed so
too have the interior design trends. More homeowners are putting
themselves at risk of asbestos exposure by removing artex coverings from
their walls and ceilings in favour of a more modern interior but before
completing any home improvement it’s important to know the dangers
behind asbestos so that if encountered, the asbestos can be handled and
disposed of correctly.

Identifying Asbestos

Identifying asbestos is a tricky thing and a job that should be done by
an asbestos specialist licensed by the Health and Safety Executive.
Asbestos was actually mixed with other materials during construction
making it hard to identify even to this day. According to a study by the
British Lung Foundation, around two-thirds of people said they couldn’t
confidently identify asbestos, making it even more important that you
call in a professional if you are concerned that you home may contain
the deadly material.

The Hidden Killer

If inhaled, asbestos can cause a variety of health concerns, and though
it may take anything from a few minutes to a few years for your body to
be exposed to asbestos, symptoms of exposure can take decades to
develop. Once symptoms show however, it is often too late for the person
involved, resulting in serious complications and even death.
Asbestos exposure has caused a number of conditions, the most serious
being Mesothelioma. This is a form of cancer, which affects the lung and
digestive tract lining and in recent years it has been exclusively
linked with asbestos. Asbestosis is also a result of heavy exposure,
this disease scars the lungs causing shortness of breath and other
breathing difficulties.  Asbestos exposure has also been found to cause
thickening and swelling of the lung lining, which also restricts the
lung’s capabilities causing shortness of breath and discomfort.

This article was written by LocalTraders,  the home improvement
specialists with expertise in the identification and removal of sbestos, as well as other home and garden upgrades. Their quick and
easy enquiry system connects homeowners with reliable local tradesmen
 or high quality solutions for their residential or business properties.

Anyone working around asbestos should wear the proper protective equipment, such as protective clothing, and gloves, and not wear their work clothing home with them, but change into every day clothes in order not to bring particles into their homes and family. pb

General Safety Issues

FIVE UNUSUAL SAFETY DRIVING TIPS (GUEST POST)

We all know that when someone tells you to drive safely, first thought is… don’t drink and drive or don’t text while driving, buckle up or watch the road. Common safety rules that we often disregard and take for granted. What does it really mean when you say “drive safely”?

1.       Don’t slow down.

Normally the precaution is for you not to go over-speeding. But the opposite is also recommended. Don’t slow down too much as you may stop the flow of traffic. Other cars are moving in a normal and average speed and they can’t wait for the “king of the road” to pass. Driving too slowly may frustrate drivers behind and around you. This can be another contributing factor in road deaths! Just slow down when you are in unfamiliar places and make sure to keep your hazards blinking on.

2.       Do not accept calls while driving.

Some drivers think that answering calls with the use of mouthpiece, earpiece or loud speaking are okay. However, the call will get his attention and he will focus less on what’s on the road. The brain tends to split thoughts so it’s always better to ignore calls and simply call back later. The phone would have the number of the caller anyway and it would indicate how many times the call is missed. If it’s really urgent, the concerned person on the other line would send an SMS you can read when the traffic light turns to red.

3.       Always put on the seat belt.

If it’s a short-distance driving, you may have the habit of not putting on your seat belt thinking that it won’t be of any good use. You may be lazy or sometimes forget this act for safety. Realize that most accidents happen to drivers who do not buckle up behind the steering wheel. The seat belt should claim its purpose and you should maximize whatever is designed in the car for function.

4.       Forget the toys.

Stuffed dolls, small figurines, pillows and toys are put for decorations in the car. These are girly stuff that most drivers have to please their passengers who consist mostly of their family members. Sorry to burst your bubble but these fluffy toys would not help you be safe in any way. In fact, they may even pose as danger when they block the driver’s view. Instead of placing them on the dashboard or at the back near the compartment area, leave them inside the house to avoid the risks of accidents.

5.       Never assume it’s best to overtake.

Overtaking in many cases is dangerous, especially if you are a novice driver in such a narrow road. Blind spots will always be there so it’s best to never take a wild guess and think that it’s okay to overtake when the side of the road looks clear. There might be a fast-moving car to sweep you by and this implies death or massive injuries at your end in a matter of seconds.

Conclusion

With all these safety tips, the best thing is to always make sure your car is properly serviced and maintained. Before getting inside the car, check the lights and the brakes and remove anything unnecessary that will cause distractions. It’s better that you’re safe than sorry.

 

General Safety Issues

CAN YOU GET YOUR TRAFFIC TICKET REDUCED? (GUEST POST)

4 Comments
 When driving a vehicle, it is vital that you follow the traffic rules and regulations. There are specific traffic laws in every state and every driver has to abide by these laws when driving their vehicles. Failing to do so is illegal and will be considered as a violation of traffic laws. A traffic ticket is issued when you do not follow these traffic laws. 

There are mainly two types of traffic violations – moving violations and non-moving violations. Example of moving violation includes driving too fast and over the speed limit. Non-moving violation refers to parking violations and tickets issued for such violations are known as parking ticket, parking citation, or notice of illegal parking. Traffic tickets may be issued for both these types of violations. 

If you have received a traffic ticket, you may have a difficult time accepting it, especially if you think you have not done anything to deserve it. A traffic violation puts a bad impression on your driving record and a marred record can have several consequences. However, there are ways that can help you get the ticket reduced. 

In order to get a reduction on the traffic ticket, you would first need to do a thorough evaluation of your situation. If you decide to fight the ticket, there would be additional costs for court time and other legal proceedings. Experts believe your chances of beating the ticket gets slimmer with the number of violations you commit. Therefore, if this is your first time traffic violation, you will be more likely to get the ticket reduced and sometimes even dismissed than those who have multiple violations on their record. 

You would need to hire a competent attorney who would carry out the legal proceedings for you. For example, if the violation occurred in Las Vegas, you may hire an attorney who fights traffic tickets in Las Vegas. Once you have hired the lawyer, you would need to prepare a concrete plan regarding how the matter should be approached. According experts, the common type of reduction that you may get is getting a moving violation reduced into a non-moving violation. For example if you were issued the ticket for speeding, your lawyer may be able to get it reduced to not wearing a seatbelt. 

However, in order to get a good reduction, you would first need to have a clean driving record. Your chances of getting the ticket reduced gets dim if you have had received such tickets in the past.  

Author Bio: Rob Baptist is a personal injury lawyer and he shares his experiences by writing on line blogs and article. In this article he discusses about the traffic tickets in Las Vegas.