Category Archives: Back Safety

Back Safety, Health Issues

Revolutionary Exercises For Aching Backs

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

Knee-To-Chest Stretch

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

Modified Pull Ups

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

Resistance Band

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

Quadruped Dumbbell Row

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

Lat Pull-Down

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

Conclusion

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

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

Back Safety

8 Workplace Safety Concepts Everyone Should Understand

With some types of workplace, safety is at the core of it. If you work in a hospital, on a construction site or in a laboratory it’s pretty likely that workplace safety is something you are already extremely experienced with. However, if you work in an office it’s likely that you aren’t as well-informed as to what exactly you should be doing to stay safe, since the risks tend to be far more hidden than in the other environs. In a counter-intuitive sense, there are also things that people in higher risk workplaces could learn about hidden risks and how to mitigate them. So, without further ado, here are eight tips for workplace safety.

  1. Understand Risks

Every office or worksite ought to have a health and safety manager who should be able to give you a thorough understanding of what the risks in that particular area are. Getting familiar with these is a great start since, if you don’t understand what is at stake you can’t act to address it.

  1. Posture

This is a huge one and universal to all careers. “It doesn’t matter where you work or what you do, posture can actually be a n issue which can cause serious life changing damage if not addressed”, says Anthony Allam, marketer at WriteMyx and NextCourseWork. It is particularly important though, if you sit at a desk for long periods of time. So, invest some energy in getting it right.

  1. Monitor Stress

Stress-levels dictate, to some degree, a lot of the way that your body and mind function. Mental safety is just as important, if not more so, than physical safety so it’s worth paying attention to workplace stress levels for that reason alone. However, stress also can affect your body, in your posture, in the way you breathe and move and, across time, can have damaging effects if left unchecked.

  1. Don’t Forgo Procedure

It can often seem painfully dry, but workplace procedure is there for a reason. “Procedures aren’t invented for the sake of torturing you with boring rules. It’s there to ensure that, even with slip-ups, employees will remain safe”, writes Ella Maguire, project manager at BritStudent and Australia2Write. It’s especially important in labs and on construction sites, but it applies in regular offices as well.

  1. Report Accidents And Problems

When something goes wrong, or something breaks or someone gets hurt, the first instinct can be to quickly solve the immediate issue and then try and put the rest of it behind you. Tis is the wrong approach. Incidents have to be reported for your safety and the safety of future employees. If something isn’t working, or there is a dangerous fault in a workplace it must be fixed to ensure safety, which won’t happen if incidents don’t get reported.

 

  1. Emergency Exits

You ought to be able to get out of any workplace with ease and speed. There can be a whole range of reasons why you might want to escape, from a gas leak to a fire drill. Obstructions to an exit are illegal but they are also often difficult to spot, sine it’s not until people are actually hurrying to safety that you realize that there is a problem, by which point it’s too late. That is the benefits of drills and vigilance over this aspect of safety.

  1. Be Careful When Lifting

If you’re on a construction site, then you have already likely done a lot of work on how to lift correctly. If you are in the office, probably not so much. But there are items all around the office which are heavy and can, therefore, damage your back if you lift it incorrectly. So, learn how to lift it well, or leave it to someone else.

  1. Take Breaks

Illness and injury come from over-exertion. Make sure you are always getting enough respite whilst in the workplace.

Conclusion

To conclude, all worksites represent risk and health and safety dangers, and it is your responsibility as someone on the site to establish those risks and do everything you can to ensure that safety is maintained, for yourself and others around you. It can be tough, but with these tips you’re already off to a good start.

Katrina Hatchett, a lifestyle blogger at Academic Brits and writer for Origin Writings, is involved in many business projects. She enjoys identifying project problems and finding solutions for these, and her goal is to improve efficiency of communication within companies. She also writes for the PhDKingdom blog.

 

Back Safety, Ergonomics, General Safety Issues

7 TIPS TO STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY WITH OFFICE WORK

7 TIPS TO STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY WITH OFFICE WORK

It’s true that some jobs will generally be riskier than others. However, no matter what kind of job you’re doing, you’ll want to stay safe and healthy. Even seemingly innocuous work environments like offices can come with their own occupational hazards. By being fully aware of them, you can mitigate the health hazard and safety risk to yourself. We spoke with Jessica Chen, who works for a cheap essay writing service and spends most of her day sitting in front of a computer screen. She gave us some useful tips to make it easier to stay safe and healthy at work.

Know your Environment

No matter where you work, you need to learn about your work environment. In an office, you need to learn about everything, from where the cleaning supplies can be found to how to correctly use the copier. Most workplaces will provide training to help people stay safe at work. However, it is still upon you to stay mindful of your environment and watch out for any hazards that might be unfamiliar. If you ever have to deal with anything heavy, you’re going to have to try to keep your back straight.

Stay Relaxed

Believe it or not, one of the positions that puts you at the most risk is sitting. If you sit incorrectly then you may actually suffer from injuries to your neck and back. If you can seek audience with your boss then ask them to buy some ergonomic chairs and desks. This will pay off in a big way for you and your colleagues. As for your sitting, make sure you sit with your hips and shoulders aligned to prevent your back from suffering from undue pressure.

Don’t forget about your Eyes

Your eyes are another part of your body that you shouldn’t neglect. When you sit in front of a computer for a prolonged amount of time, then you are posing some serious safety risks for your eyes. They will suffer from long exposure to the screen. In light of this exposure, you need to take regular breaks in order to give your eyes time to recover. Also, don’t sit close to your screen as that can be detrimental for your eyes. Your best bet is to look away from the screen every 20 or 30 minutes. You should also get some screen covers for your laptop to filter most of the blue light that comes through. Blue light is usually the most harmful part of the light that comes from a computer screen.

Know all the Emergency Protocols of your Workplace

Every workplace has an emergency protocol in place and it is your duty to know everything about it. For starters, you need to know where all the emergency exits are. This doesn’t just apply to the floor on which you work, but also the floors that you don’t frequent as much. This will be useful knowledge when there is some kind of emergency at your place of work, such as a fire. Perhaps the most important factor that could save your life is knowing how to get out of a building in the quickest way. So make sure you don’t miss those fire drills.

Speak up when you have to

If you don’t like the conditions at your place of work, or you feel like the safety has been compromised, then do not hesitate to speak up. It is your boss’s duty to make the workplace as safe as possible, from the structural integrity of the building to the air conditioning. So when the air conditioner isn’t working very well and the office is particularly hot, do not hesitate to tell your boss about it. If you have to go to a ton of supplies to get to the photocopier because it happens to be located in the supply closet, then you’ll have to tell your supervisor about it so they can rectify the issue. If your boss does nothing about it, even after you repeatedly tell them about the appalling conditions at your place of your work, contact the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and let them know.

Be Kind to your Body

Try to take care of your body first before having great expectations of your boss to take care of it. It’s not a good idea to binge on junk food or go to work with a hangover. Working in an office is also likely to make you inactive, which means you will have to exercise daily to keep your body in shape and your energy levels high in order to avoid lethargy. Stay hydrated, watch your nutrition, and don’t overdo the sugar.

Do Breathing Exercises

Work can be quite stressful and, if left unchecked, that stress can affect your health in a negative way. As often as you can, stop what you’re doing and take at least 5 deep and slow breaths to let out the stress. Deep breathing exercises are known to help relax and relieve stress.

Know when to give yourself a Break

It’s tempting to keep going at your work even when your body is throwing out all kinds of protests. It’s not, however, a good idea to go to work when you’re ill. It’s not good for your body and it’s certainly not good for your colleagues’ bodies because they might catch whatever you have. If you’re not feeling so well, ask your boss for a break so you can get better. It’s better to have one person gone with the flu than the whole team.

Know your Rights

As a worker in the United States, you’re entitled to healthy and safe working conditions stipulated to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. By knowing your rights and responsibilities, you’re empowered to ensure that you observe your responsibilities and your employer observes your rights.

About the author

Samantha R. Gilbert has been working as a journalist at an online-publishing agency in New York, USA for 2 years. She is also professional writing expert in such topics as blogging, modern art and education. Meet Samantha on Google+.

 

Back Safety, General Safety Issues, Health Issues, Respiratory Safety

Stay Active & Increase Your Productivity At Work

Stay Active & Increase Your Productivity At Work

Many of us have jobs that require us to sit at desks for several hours together. In this case, we hardly find time to keep ourselves healthy and fit. When it comes to going to the gym, we conveniently find excuses for not going due to hectic work schedules. Moreover, when you are engrossed in your workload, you don’t remember to even stand up from your place and stretch.

Excessive sitting can cause a lot of health troubles like slowing down your metabolism, developing obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart attack, cancer, and more. According to WHO (World Health Organization), “new data published in The Lancet Global Health on 5 September 2018 show that more than one in four adults globally (28% or 1.4 billion people) are physically inactive. It has also listed inactivity as the fourth biggest risk factor for global mortality.”

The key to increasing your productivity in the workplace is to stay active all day. Yes, you read that right. It doesn’t mean you only have to go the gym for becoming fit and active. Not that it is wrong to do so but putting some simple, yet effective efforts while at work can also help you a lot.

There are plenty of ways to remain active at work and improve your health and fitness, along with increasing the productivity. Let us dive in to know how you can do this more effectively.

Walk Or Ride To Workplace

Instead of taking a cab or train, you can practice walking to your work. It will give you a much greater amount of exercise. Moreover, it is an easy and convenient way of incorporating physical activity into your routine. Of course, not everyone stays this close to their work to take a walk. But, you can make at least a part of your trip by including any of these physical activities. It will make you more energetic and active during your work.

Conduct Standing Or Walking Meetings

Unlike sitting in the conference hall, you can keep walking or standing meetings with your colleagues or employees. Standing is a great form of exercise, as it engages your leg muscles and makes them stronger.

The meetings that stretch for 1 hour can be accomplished in 15 minutes if you plan your meeting in this manner. Getting active during working hours can be highly beneficial.

Seek Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is one of the best ways to improve your fitness and increase the flexibility of the body. Physical therapists offer excellent fitness and wellness programs to help you achieve your fitness goals. Moreover, you can also do some stretching exercises to help relax your muscles and relieve the pain thereof.

According to Advantage Osteopractic Physical Therapy, “Everyone can learn to stretch, regardless of age or flexibility. Stretching should be a part of your daily routine, whether you exercise or not. It does not have to involve a huge amount of time, but stretching can end up giving you huge results!”

Wear Comfortable Shoes And Clothes

Studies show that when you wear comfortable clothing and footwear, you are more likely to be active. Moreover, when you have heels in your feet, climbing stairs is rarely or not at all appealing. Even when you have a dress code for your office, try to make it more comfortable by incorporating flexible and suitable fabric that allows you to stretch.

Track Your Steps

Usually, we get lethargic to walk and try to skip whenever possible even a small physical activity. Incorporating a tracking app in your watch can help you monitor your steps during the day. Also, when you plan to lose weight, it will help you in doing so. Tracking can be an excellent way to motivate yourself and remind yourself of your goals. So, make a habit of walking distances even if they are small.

Walk Instead Of Calling Or Emailing

If you have to email or call your colleague, it is better to walk across to their desks and talk out the matter instead of emailing or calling. Use every opportunity to engage in physical activity. It will add to your energy levels and make you more active during your working hours. Additionally, it gives an extra benefit of socializing with them.

Make The Most Of The Lunch Time

During your lunch break, instead of ordering food at your desk, you can go to pick your lunch parcel. Alternatively, you can also go on a brisk walk after your lunch. Moving is vital to keep your body energetic and active. You can also involve your co-workers in this routine and it can become fun. Incorporating small physical activities into your routine can be greatly helpful in staying active.

Habituate To Taking Stairs

For one or the other reason, we try to avoid taking stairs and take the elevators instead. However, you should make a habit of climbing stairs, which can add to improving your fitness and health. If you find it hard, you can aim at doing it at least once a day. Eventually, you will get habituated to doing so.

Take Breaks To Move

Avoid prolonged sitting, and make sure you stand up from your place and move at regular intervals or every 1 hour. If you don’t remember to do so, then keep an alarm at your desk and make it a point to stand up and move. You don’t have to take a long walk. Just a break of 5-10 minutes is sufficient enough to give your body some movement.

Staying active at work can help you increase your productivity to a great extent. So, indulge your body in some physical activity, even if it is a small one, and make it energetic.

Back Safety, General Safety Issues, Health Issues

Here’s How To Minimize The Pain That Stems From Workplace Injuries

Here’s How To Minimize The Pain That Stems From Workplace Injuries

Written by Rozy Andrews

If your job demands you to involve in intense physical activities, then receiving workplace injuries is quite natural. The injuries that you get at your workplace not only lead to enormous pain and discomfort, but they also reduce your productivity. And if you fail to subside the pain, you won’t be able to get back to your work immediately; therefore, seeking quality treatment is utterly crucial.

Whether you injure your lower body parts such as hip, knee, and ankle or your upper body parts like lower back, shoulder, neck, and elbow, etc., seeking physical therapy can prove to be highly significant for you.

Since physical therapy involves the use of drug-free treatments techniques like dry needling, Kinesio taping, and cold laser therapy, etc., you will never complain of having side effects.

However, if you use drugs and surgical treatments to improve your condition, you might experience side -effects.

Here’s How A Physical Therapist Treats Workplace Injuries:

  • They Examine The Severity of Your Injury

Before offering any treatment to you, your physical therapist will examine the severity of your injury. Whether you have injured your muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves, bones or joints, the physical therapist will offer the treatment after they arrive at a reliable diagnosis.

To figure out how serious is the injury, they will ask you to perform physical activities. For example, if you are suffering from a knee injury or a back injury, they might ask you to walk or bend down to pick up something from the floor, to check the severity of your pain. Besides, they also focus on identifying the location of the injury, so that they can treat it effectively.

  • They Use Treatment Techniques That Suit Your Needs

After identifying how severe is your injury, your therapist will create a personalized care plan to meet your needs. They will include only those treatment techniques that can show quick results.

For example, if you want to treat your back pain, then they might use techniques like dry needling for ensuring a quick recovery. It’s a painless treatment technique, and while administering it, your physical therapist will use fine sterile needles. Your therapist will insert these needles into the specific points in your back to enhance blood flow, reduce pain, and to improve the natural healing process of the body.

Apart from that, your physical therapist might also include therapeutic exercise in the treatment plan. Based on your injury, they will pick specific moves that can strengthen your muscles, bones, and joints, so that you can get back to your work quickly.

The might use both strength building exercises and quality stretches, to ensure a quick recovery.

According to James River Physical Therapy, “Therapeutic exercise refers to a wide range of physical activities that focus on restoring and maintaining strength, endurance, flexibility, stability, and balance. The goal of therapeutic exercises is to return an injured patient to a fully functioning, pain-free state.”

  • Physical Therapy Relieves Pain Quite Fast

Whether you talk about dry needling, therapeutic exercises, Kinesio Taping, and cold laser therapy, each of these techniques help in minimizing pain quickly. Since they help in enhancing the blood flow to injured tissues, you can see a quick improvement in your health. In short, increased circulation helps in providing nutrients to the damaged area of your body, which eventually accelerates the natural healing process and relieves pain.

  • It Restores Your Normal Range of Motion

When your therapist starts offering treatment to you, they monitor your condition frequently. They keep examining your range of motion during the physical therapy sessions. And if the treatment they are offering to you is not showing expected results, then they will use some other techniques.

The best part is that they work one-on-one with you, for example, when they ask you to perform stretching exercises, they will teach you every move in the beginning. And once you learn them, you can do them on your own.

Since exercise helps in enhancing your flexibility, it proves to be utterly helpful in restoring your natural range of motion.

Your therapist will use different types of exercises to achieve different goals. For example, they will teach you specific moves, when it comes to promoting relaxation. Similarly, for improving the range of motion, they will ask you to perform exercises that increase your muscle strength, flexibility, and endurance.

If you sit in front of your desk for long hours, and you are having back pain, then it might be because of poor posture. So, in this case, your therapist will teach you postural exercises to strengthen your spine. It is crucial for you to learn the right sitting techniques to avoid problems like back and neck pain. Besides, they may also ask you to take short breaks in every 2 hours to reduce the stress on your back.

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

Most Common Workplace Safety Hazards You Can Easily Avoid

Most Common Workplace Safety Hazards You Can Easily Avoid

Workplaces aren’t the same and have different health and safety hazards. But, there are a couple of common workplace safety hazards that you can easily avoid if you are aware of them. Even if you think your workplace is at low risk for these dangers, it is always better to be safe than sorry as some can be costly. Accidents can happen when you least expect, therefore, for the interest of your company as well as your employees, everyone at the workplace should be educated on where the safety hazards lie.

6 Safety Hazards and How to Avoid Them

 

1. Falling Hazards 

Employees can slip, trip and fall anywhere, whether the location is on a highly dangerous job site or in a small office space. This kind of accidents can cause head and back injuries, broken bones, cuts, sprains and pulled muscles. Employees can slip on wet surfaces, fall over cables and equipment or due to uneven surfaces. No matter the location, when an area is wet, it is important to put a caution sign out or to dry the area asap. Cables should be installed neatly so that they do not cause obstruction and equipment should be put in place after use. When working in areas where uneven surfaces are being faced, the right footwear should always be used.

2. Electricity Hazards

Wires that are exposed can cause electrocution directly or indirectly, and faulty wires can even lead to a fire. Electrical installments should be done by a trusted professional and maintenance should be kept in consideration. In areas where working with equipment is part of the job, workers should wear electrical hazard rated footwear.

3. Fire Hazards 

The first step to fire safety is to make sure your business has a fire detector and fire alarm installed as well as fire extinguishers throughout the building. Maintenance checks to these installations should regularly be made. Employees should familiarize themselves with how the alarm system and fire extinguishers work. When a fire should happen when no one is around, having a fire alarm system can help prevent disaster. In the case of a fire during working hours, it can help save lives if a proper escape plan was presented to the employees beforehand. The employees should also be aware of fire hazards that can be caused by equipment or appliances that are left on or flammable liquids and gases.

4. Ergonomic Hazards 

A strain on our body can be caused when you stay in the same position for a long time. Whether you are working in sitting position or standing position, your body can be at risk of injury. The same goes for a job that involves repetitive movement that affects your back and posture. The ergonomic principle should be implemented in your working environment to help avoid pain, fatigue, or even illnesses. When doing the heavy lifting, there are specific guidelines to follow that can help stay clear of injuries. Having breaks at certain times do not only prevent ergonomic hazards, but they give you a mental break as well.

5. Biological Hazards 

Workers that are working with chemicals are in most cases well aware of how harmful exposure to certain chemicals can be if they are not taking the needed precautions. But, there are other exposures that employees might come in contact with unknowingly. These are biological hazards, which are often not easy to notice and therefore overlooked. Bacteria, viruses, insect, and droppings from animals as well as bodily fluids are natural hazards that can cause illnesses and diseases. Personal hygiene is the first step to keep yourself protected. Maintaining a clean working environment is vital for good health. And calling in sick (when you are!), will avoid spreading viruses to your co-workers. Another biological hazard that is hard to notice is black mold that can occur in a building when moisture is high, because of poor ventilation or water damage to the roof. If mold symptoms are detected, it is essential for the health of your employees to contact a professional who can take care of the “silent killer.”

6. Noise Hazards

Loud noises can indeed cause permanent damage to your hearing, unfortunate for those music festival lovers out there. Hearing loss can happen over time when exposed to loud noises on a regular basis and also immediately in cases where explosive sounds are produced. In specific jobs, it is impossible to avoid loud noises. Therefore, it is up to the employer to provide hearing protection in areas where needed. By controlling the exposure to loud noise through closing off areas where the noise occurs, you keep those employees who are not involved with the noisy act itself safe.

Not all working areas call for frequent training on workplace safety and equipment. Roofers for instances will be trained on the dangers that lie on top of a rooftop, while factory workers would be educated on the dangers of factory machines, electricians will focus more on electrical safety, and the list goes on. Some workplace safety hazards are apparent, and sometimes all it takes is some common sense to avoid an injury. Either way, it is in your best interest to inspect your business for safety hazards and educate your employees on how to prevent incidents. A safe working environment will help your employers feel at ease and can even help increase the work efficiency.

 

Back Safety, Ergonomics, Eye Protection, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, High Visibility Safety, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Issues, Respiratory Safety

Recommended Gear for Best Workplace Safety

Why is protective equipment important in a workplace? What kind of gear does it include? There are certain jobs where safety gear is not only recommended but also required. Here is all you need to know to stay as safe as possible.

Why Is Protective Equipment Important at a Workplace?

When it comes to workplaces and job sites, safety should always come first. Personal safety should never be compromised or dismissed in favor of some other aspects of the job, such as the financial, for example. Safety or protective gear keeps the entire project running more smoothly, and allows everything to be done more efficiently and without the unnecessary hazards. Workplace injuries happen often, but can be prevented and decreased in number if proper precautions are taken.

All businesses and business owners in the sectors that require it, such as construction, for example, should adhere to the rules and safety regulations and provide their workers with the corresponding personal protective equipment (PPE). This way, the workers are protected, a possibility of injuries and illnesses is significantly decreased, and the businesses and companies can avoid potential disputes, liability issues, or even lawsuits.

The recommended gear that ensures best workplace safety includes equipment such as hard hats or protective helmets, safety glasses or goggles, work gloves, safety footwear, face mask, respirator, earmuffs or earplugs, coveralls, vest, etc. Depending on the nature of the job and workplace, workers should wear some or most of them.

Protective Gear for the Head, Eyes and Face

When it comes to a head, it is the most important part of your body that should be protected. It also includes some of the most critical and delicate parts such as eyes and ears, what is also a priority when it comes to safety and protecting them properly. The safety gear includes head protection, hearing protection, eye and face protection, and respiratory protection. Here are some of the basic pieces of equipment.

Hard Hats/Protective Helmets

Protective helmets keep workers safe from any possible head injury at a workplace, such as any kind of impact, and flying or falling objects, as well as from burns and electrical shock.

Earplugs/Earmuffs

Whenever there is a possibility of some hearing damage, when the noise levels or the duration of exposure to that noise cannot be reduced, the workers are required to have some kind of protection for their ears, such as earplugs.

Safety Glasses and Face Masks

These pieces of PPE are required whenever there is a risk of exposure to some dangerous chemicals, flying particles, gases, vapors, and any dangerous liquids that could cause damage to the eyes or other parts of the face and skin.

Protective Gear for Feet and Legs

Safety equipment for your feet and legs is also of great importance, especially if your workplace involves walking on unstable objects, hazardous surfaces, or working at heights. Protective footwear is designed to prevent major injuries such as falling and slipping, electrical hazards, sharp objects, heavy objects falling on the foot, etc.

Working at heights, for example, should involve slip-resistant shoes, i.e., shoes with slip-resistant soles, hard materials that protect the foot from falling objects and metal protection for the toes. And on top of it all, they should also be comfortable enough for whole day work.

When it comes to the health of workers, the shoes have to be comfortable and also made in the way that they offer enough support for your feet. Standing on your feet all day and working can be hard for your feet as well as for your back and posture. Quality of the soles is also very important. They should be strong and flexible, but also shock-absorbent. The entire shoe should be made out of natural, breathable material to keep the foot fresh and repel the water.

Best workplace safety is achieved by using a proper, recommended gear. Safety regulations are there to prevent accidents and injuries, or at least to make sure their number is significantly decreased. They protect both the workers and their employers and also ensure maximum safety and project efficiency. Some of the basic and best pieces of protective equipment any workplace should include are hard hats, earplugs, goggles, safety shoes, face masks and others, depending on the nature of the job site.

Back Safety, Ergonomics, Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, Respiratory Issues

How to be Safe in The Trade Industry – A Professional Guide

Working in trade is tough and each job comes with its own challenges and tasks that make it unique. From plumbers to builders you have to be skilled, qualified but most importantly, safe. Safety in the workplace has become a huge part of a day to day trade now and each profession is different. Lucky for you, we have teamed up with TradesmenTricks.com to provide a guide on safety for some of the top trades in the industry.

 Plumber

There are many aspects of being a plumber which can cause danger which will need equipment to prevent hazardous materials damaging items of clothing or even skin.

Full overalls or protective clothing is required, with minimal points that can be caught by obstructions as this can cause an issue if caught on nails for example. When working with possible electrical currents, non-conductive clothing should be worn for the safety of the plumber. The eyes should also be protected from sparks, drips, and dust, and leather or latex gloves are a necessity to guard against any injury to the hands or contact with hazardous or unpleasant materials.

Electrician

Electricians are tasked with a whole host of jobs and tasks including fitting, repairing and inspections just to name a few. Often working in confined spaces and will handle dangerous products which can cause electric shocks! So, remaining safe with PPE is vital.

Electricians should be equipped with rubber insulating gloves, with liner gloves used inside to diminish discomfort and leather protective gloves optionally worn over the top to protect against cuts, scratches, and punctures. Gloves should fit well and maintain flexibility to allow for dexterous handling of smaller items.

Plasterer

From walls and ceilings appliance to overseeing larger projects on construction site, plasterers are working with equipment which can cause damage to clothing and risk to the tradesmen’s health and well-being. With risks of developing problems such as rhinitis which can be solved by using a face mask to avoid breathing in harmful air containing dust.

Dust can also cause damage to the eyes so an eye mask or goggles and the perfect protective item to prevent danger, along with a hard hat being used at all times.

Plasterers can also be exposed to chemicals through skin contact, so full-body coverings are recommended, as are thick gloves to prevent injuring or irritating the hands.

Carpenter

Carpenters are in need of major protection as coming in contact with wood is dangerous. Producing sawdust, wood chipping and splinters are just a few minor risks. With working with power tools which can cause harm to the worker which will need protecting against also.

Anyone working extensively with wood needs to protect both their eyes and their ears. On-site carpentry involves lots of cutting and shaping, so safety glasses should be used to prevent sawdust invading the eyes, and proper hearing protectors must guard against the constant noise created by power tools.

Power tools are also a danger but can’t be avoided for the job, we recommend making sure that the surface you work on is clear and no obstructions are around which could lead to dangerous complications.

Post provided by  Oliver at  TradesmenTricks

Back Safety, Ergonomics, Eye Protection, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Issues, Respiratory Safety

Industrial Fabrication Quality and Safety Practices

Industrial Fabrication Quality and Safety Practices
When you’re in the metal fabrication industry, there are certain quality and safety practices you should follow to ensure that your workers are safe and that your clients are satisfied. Whether it is steel or aluminum fabrication, welders are always exposed to hazards that can endanger their lives.
In this article, we will discuss some of the guidelines you can follow to improve the quality and safety of welding practices in your workshop. Whether you’re working for a large construction company, a small metal fabrication workshop or a welding-centric company, you will find the something useful in this post.
Studying the Manual Carefully
These days, https://www.nist.gov/sites/default/files/documents/el/whitepapers.pdf new technologies are always introduced to the metal fabrication workshop</a>. When operating the equipment, it is important that welders carefully read, study and follow the manual. Take your time to familiarize yourself with the manual’s content so that you can use the equipment efficiently. If you lose the manual, you can always contact the manufacturer and request for a replacement. You can also go online and download the manual from the manufacturer’s website.
Wear the Proper Work Clothing and Gear
People inside the work area should not wear shorts or short-sleeved shirts. No matter how long or short you’d use the machines, you should always wear proper safety gear which includes protective clothing and gloves, among others.
It is advisable for workers to wear flame-resistant clothing with tightly woven material. Some welding jackets may be thick and heavy, but you can always search for manufacturers that offer flame-resistant clothing that is lightweight.
Make sure that no skin is exposed to the damaging and harmful ultraviolet and infrared rays coming from the welding machine. This means that you should also make sure that your pockets, shirts and pant cuffs are buttoned. The aforementioned may catch sparks and get your skin smoldered.
When it comes to gloves, you do not have to settle for the generic ones. You can find ergonomic gloves that are designed with curved fingers, making certain welding processes more comfortable. Of course, you should not forget to protect your feet too. So, wear high-top leather shoes or boots and avoid wearing tennis or fabric shoes that may catch sparks. Moreover, do not let the legs of your pants go over your shoes.
Ensure Proper Ventilation
Constantly breathing in the fumes and smoke coming from the welding process can be dangerous to your health. Inside an enclosed work space, toxic fumes or shielding gases may accumulate and replace the breathable air. So, do not forget to mount an exhaust hood so that workers can have proper ventilation inside the work area.
Keep your Eyes Protected
Welders who do neglect to wear proper eye gear may experience an ‘arc flash’. Although temporary, this condition can be painful and it is caused by exposing the eyes to the rays from the welding arc. Sometimes, people experience an arc flash hours after exposure and it would be too late for them to realize that they should have worn protective eyewear.
Do not neglect to wear a helmet that is fitted with a filter shade that protects your eyes. Moreover, under the helmet, remember to wear safety glasses with side shields and ear protection. Whether you’re doing steel fabrication or simply observing, always remember to wear a protective helmet.
Get Auto-Darkening Helmets to Avoid Stress Related Injuries
If you want a better option apart from traditionally fixed helmets, then go for auto-darkening helmets. Helmets like such are lighter which reduces neck fatigue. When they have to drop the hood, welders do not need to snap their head because of the helmet’s lightweight nature.
You can also save some seconds in between welds because of the auto-darkening function. When you’re working on bigger metal fabrication jobs, these few seconds can accumulate to several minutes. Consequently, you will have a faster turnaround time that will profit the business.
Keeping the Welding Workspace Organized
One of the most important safety practices in metal fabrication is organizing the workspace. Every piece of welding equipment must be clearly labelled and have a designated storage space. Moreover, the welding workspace must only have the tools and equipment that the welder uses and nothing more. For a more efficient and organized workspace, it is advisable to get a welding table with a scissors mechanism. This allows the welder to adjust the height according to the application so that they won’t have to switch from one table to another.
Encourage Efficient Operations by Using Boom-Mounted Wire Feeders
Wire feeders that are mounted with booms are efficient for welders who work on a high-production welding station. Having one increases the work station’s efficiency, flexibility, and comfort. Place the drive assembly at the end of the boom and the controls of the wire feeder at the 12- or 16-ft. boom’s base.
This option allows you to rotate the boom at 360 degrees. The set-up also allows you to move the boom up and down at 60 degrees, giving you around 24 to 32 ft. work area diameter. After setting the boom in its position the counterbalance will hold it in place.
Encourage Welders to Comply with Safety Rules
When new programs are rolled out, workers see the project as something that will only last for a few months. Metal fabrication companies can implement a different approach to promote welding safety.
Little by little, incorporate the guidelines listed in this article into the daily work activities of the welders. If they comply, motivate them by providing them with incentives. You can even encourage them more by using a weekly point system that will be rewarded by the end of the month.
Another effective approach you can use is the ‘stick’ in the ‘carrot and stick’ technique. When employees violate the quality and safety rules, give them a demerit. Implementing consequences lets workers know that you are serious about your guidelines. Some may think that this is a harsh way of treating your subordinates. However, you can combine it with the incentive program so that they will still have the motivation to do their best.
People working in the metal fabrication industry are exposed to hazardous processes. Apart from the equipment and the products, the labourers are the most important assets of a company. When they are kept healthy, safe and happy, you can ensure quality workmanship and business success.
Author Bio:
Ashley Batman is a writer at <a href=”http://ramfab.com.au/“>RamFab.com.au</a>. She worked as an online video editor before she started her writing career.
Photo Credit: <a href=”https://www.flickr.com/photos/highwaysagency/“>Highways England</a>
Back Safety, Ergonomics, Eye Protection, Fall Safety, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, High Visibility Safety, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Issues

Construction Safety 101: Workwear, Safety Gear & Equipment

Construction Safety 101: Workwear, Safety Gear & Equipment

Keeping construction workers safe is a primary job among managers and foremen, with accomplishing the work to specifics and being on time being second. To support this main concern on construction sites, there are different pieces of safety vests and equipment that every worker should wear. These include items like safety vests, reflective T-shirts, and hard hats. Let’s walk through construction safety 101 while keeping your team sharp and safe on the construction site with these safety items.

Hard Hats

Protect the head in safety and style with an OSHA approved hard hat.  Hard hats should provide not just maximum protection from falling debris, but they should also deliver comfort factor for its wearer. For instance, if you need a high-performing hard hat with a Super-bowl style design, 2017 Super Bowl hard hats are approved for constructions site. These NFL hard hats are designed with comfortable and adjustable 4-point One-Touch Suspension for maximum protection and comfort.

Back Support Gears

Back injuries are among the most pressing health problems in construction sites by far. Hence, workers should promote maximum construction safety 101 by using back support gears to stay sharp and safe on the site.  The Allegro All Fit Back Support items are made in a universal size, so they fit most workers. Protect your back with these high-performance belts that deliver full back coverage, with neoprene pads for comfortable wear. For workers’ convenience, these back support gears come inside of a customized reusable zipper storage bag.

High Visibility Vests

Most construction workers require maximum flame resistance and maximum visibility at work. The Arc Flame Resistant Lime Class 2 Sleeveless Vest – Silver Stripe is preferred by many workers due to its wide range of applications. These High-Visibility vests come with silver stripes for excellent visibility as well as flame resistance. There are available in different sizes, so every worker will surely find the perfect size for him to work smartly and safely at the construction site.  They are also soft and flexible for maximum convenience.

Fall Protection

One of the most serious concerns among construction workers is falling. It is every employer’s responsibility to protect their employees from falls.  The Elk River Freedom Series Aerial Lift Kit is an OSHA-approved item that contains several fall protection products. If you work with platform lifts, buck trucks or scissor lifts, this item is a great product for you. They come with a unique D-ring harness for comfort and security while working high above the ground.

Safety Respirators

Protect your workers from gases, vapors and particles with high-performing reusable respirators. They

 

Provide protection against particles, gases and vapors with the 3M full line of reusable respirators. The 3M 5000 Half Face Respirator Kits are made to fit bigger head sizes. These safety respirators are very easy to set up and they can be used for wide range of applications.

Aside from these safety items, construction workers are also required to wear sturdy work shoes, long work pants, safety glasses, chemical splash goggles, face shields, hearing protection and protective gloves. At all times, practice construction safety 101 to keep your team safe and sharp at work.

 

Author Bio (Northbay)

Northbay is known for its high quality HVAC products and services that every client can depend on. They are proud to sell and install the finest air conditioning and heating products and carry out quality services for repair and maintenance. They can help you with all your HVAC needs, regardless of your system’s makes and models. They pride themselves for their unmatched customer service. http://www.northbayheatingandair.com/