Category Archives: Ergonomics

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>
Ergonomics, Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Health Issues

Workplace Plumbing Safety Tips

Following the correct guidelines when performing any plumbing ask is essential to ensuring complete safety for yourself and whomever you are doing the work for. Knowing about your responsibilities as a employee and also if you are an employer, knowing what you have to do is critical to be sure you are abiding by the law with all the work you, and your company does.

 

Main Employer Responsibilities

 

  • the provision and maintenance of plant and systems of work that are safe and without risk to health (this includes the supply of all necessary personal protective equipment)

  • safety in the use, handling, storage and transport of articles and substances

  • the provision of information, instruction, training and supervision as necessary to ensure the health and safety at work of employees

  • the provision of access to and exit from the workplace that is safe and without risk

  • the provision of adequate facilities and arrangements for welfare at work.

  • provide a health and safety policy statement

  • undertake regular risk assessments

Main Employee Responsibilities

  • take reasonable care at work of your own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by what you do or do not do

  • do not intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse anything provided for your health and safety

  • co-operate with your employer on health and safety matters. Assist your employer in meeting their statutory obligations

  • bring to your employer’s attention any situation you think presents a serious and imminent danger

  • bring to your employer’s attention any weakness you might spot in their health and safety arrangements.

As a plumber it is necessary you understand what types of actions are to be taken by you or your employee in order to keep the workplace or worksite safe at all times, there are statutory regulations in place in order to keep safety to a maximum and to make sure you do not have any law suits coming your
way.

 Some of the actions taken to keep safety to a high are risk assessments, method statements and permit to work statements. The permit to work statement is a list of checks which you would carry out before taking on any dangerous plumbing jobs
like going up high to fix a broken pipe.

When
on site it is important to lay down a list of requirements for safety. If you are on a plumbing job which may take you a few days, it is essential to make sure your plumbers read these before working on the site. Some regulations to take into consideration can be found below.

 generally ensuring a safe place of work

  • precautions against falls from height or into excavations

  • protection against falling objects

  • protection against structural collapse (while work is taking place), i.e. the building falling down! safeguards when working in excavations

  • prevention of drowning (falling into water)

  • provision of safe traffic routes (on sites)

  • prevention and control of emergencies (site emergency evacuation procedures, etc.)

  • provision of welfare facilities – WCs, washing facilities, canteens/rest areas, shower facilities (if required)

  • provision of site-wide issues – clean and tidy sites, adequate lighting, constant and fresh air supply, etc.

  • training, inspection and reports – proper training of staff, use of properly trained staff to do the work, proper supervision of staff and monitoring the work carried out by staff to ensure it is carried out in a safe manner.

 

Plumbing safety tips

To ensure you always stay safe when working, it is best to follow these simple, yet somewhat obvious instructions.

  • Do not walk under a ladder that has somebody working up it

  • Wear the correct safety equipment (ie boots, hard hats etc.)

  • Always make sure to not work with plumbing issues near electric whilst power is on, turn all power off to prevent anything tragic happening

  • Make sure you have received full training on the job you are about to undergo

  • Do not work if tired as many times we have seen work going wrong due to sleep deprivation

  • Follow the correct health and safety guidelines (mentioned above)

  • Be sure to use the correct tools for the job to ensure you complete it safely

 Author Bio

This article was written by Dan Mawson who is the owner and founder of Multicore emergency plumber wigan.

He is an avid blogger, plumber, electrician and web developer hoping to share his knowledge through the web.

 

Ergonomics, General Safety Issues

How to Conduct an Effective and Safe Training Session?

How to Conduct an Effective and Safe Training Session?

Nothing is impossible in the world. Once you decide that you need to get yourself trained for the most challenging but helpful skill of the world, you only need to concentrate. Just give yourself to your trainer and follow the instructions carefully. But here lies the immense accountability of the trainer. So, here is an action plan to conduct a safe and effective training session by https://bodycompblueprint.com/ :

 

Balanced Diet: Balanced diet is the first and foremost step that must be taken before beginning any physical activity at any age. Be it dancing, exercising or learning Martial Arts. It should be properly studied according to the age groups and foods should be taken on time. A chart must be made of all the macronutrients and micronutrients with the quantity required by adults and non-adults and the foods which would supply that quantity. Then the balanced diet can begin before 1-2 months.

 Compulsory Jogging: Jogging has to start from the very first day. It is a very effective strengthening exercise for making every muscle of ours ready for Martial Arts kind of tough sport. One thing needs to be understood that jogging differs from running. Running is little faster as compared to jogging. Jogging is done with little steps and has slow effects but they stay for a long time.

Before-After Warm up Exercises: Warm-up exercises are the exercises necessary for blood circulation which is made to do by the trainees only before the exercises or practice of martial arts games. But this goes incomplete. It should be practiced both before and after the exercises.

Beginner Exercises: After getting convinced for warm-up pre and post the exercises, now it is time to go for the exercises for beginners. The trainees are often very excited to do much in less time but the trainer should not get carried away in the heat of the emotions. He should make them start with beginner exercises only.

Core Exercises: After practicing the beginners’ exercises for 2-3 months regularly with proper balanced diet and a healthy routine now the trainer can take the trainees to the core exercises. The core muscles are the organs which aid us in digesting and reproducing. It is the area which is just below the navel. There only is the target area where we call flat stomach if achieved.

Disciplined Routine: The routine of the trainees has to become punctiliously disciplined. All the activities should take place on time. If they are not followed on time it can be a serious problem. As when we start doing something new to our body, it becomes habitual of it and it tends to demand that on time as the body programs itself for certain functions in that context and if it does not take place the organs may get troubled and we may become uncomfortable.

Regular Training Sessions: The training sessions after exercising can now properly begun with light movements of the opted game of Martial Arts and the training sessions should take place on time with proper dedication & commitment.

 

 

Ergonomics, Fall Safety, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Issues

Health and Safety Concerns in the US Cleaning Industry

Health and Safety Concerns in the US Cleaning Industry

 

The US Cleaning Industry is growing at a rapid pace, owing to the growth of industries such as healthcare. For instance, the employment of janitors and cleaners is expected to witness 6% growth from 2014 to 2024, a fact revealed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, in its Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition, Janitors and Building Cleaners.

 

Working in the cleaning industry can be a physically demanding task, especially while working outdoors, such as cleaning windows of high-rise buildings. Here’s a review some of the key health and safety concerns and what the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends to address these issues.

Safety and Heath Related Tips for the Cleaning Industry

  • Personal Protective Equipment – OSHA recommends that all equipment for personal protection be safely designed and constructed. These must meet or be equivalent to the standards developed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The guidelines recommend the equipment fit comfortably, something that can mean the difference between “safely covered” or “dangerously exposed.”

 

  • Safe Work Practices When Using Chemicals – As per OSHA, it is the responsibility of the employer to train workers on safe practices while handling cleaning chemicals. Gloves act as good personal protective gear while dealing with chemicals. Natural latex gloves are recommended by experts at Signature Restaurant Supply, even while taking on messy cooking chores or at the time of cleaning and washing dishes.

 

  • Preventing Falls – One of the leading causes of work-related injuries and deaths is falls. Employers in the cleaning industry must provision for equipment like safety harnesses and safety nets. Another step that can be taken to prevent falls is to keep the floors in the work areas clean and dry at all times.

 

  • Protection Against Respiratory Issues – The use of respirators protects workers against work environments where there is lot of dust, smoke, vapors and allergens in the air. A respirator will either work by providing clean air from an external source or by filtering particles and chemically purifying the air. Some of these apparatuses such as a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR) might require special training on how to use it safely.

 

  • Ergonomics – A good work place manager will always focus on the ergonomics aspect of the cleaning process. There are many concern areas for a cleaning worker, from moving furniture to carrying buckets and many things in between. For instance, the more tools and supplies that are loaded on a cart or a barrel, the greater the amount of force needed to push it.

 

  • Confined Spaces – Several areas, given the fact that they aren’t designed for humans, are termed as “confined spaces” and are occupational work hazards if adequate safety precautions are not taken. For someone in the cleaning industry, such areas could include tanks, vessels, pits, manholes, tunnels, large storage bins, etc. For instance, a blocked leachate line in a composting toilet, where liquid waste is backing into the waste vault, will be termed as an example of a “confined space” hazard for someone in the cleaning industry, according to The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) guidelines.

 

  • Electrical Safety – For an all-important issue of electrical safety, OSHA recommends never to operate electrical equipment while you are standing in water. Only a qualified and authorized person must inspect the electrical wires. Fallen electrical lines must not, therefore, be handled by janitors and cleaners, and must be reported to the utility company.

 

Well, the guidelines are out there to be followed. It is the primary responsibility of the employers in the cleaning industry to ensure compliance and provide a safe and healthy working environment for their workers.

Ergonomics, Hearing Protection

The Best Noise-Cancelling in Ear Headphones

The Best Noise-Cancelling in Ear Headphones

Now a day many people use mobile phone in their day to day activities that is much useful for them. It also used for many purpose like entertainment, games, apps and educational purpose etc. Some of the people use mobile phone only for hearing songs because they like to do that. But the sound of songs disturbs others and if the person is in happy mode then they like to hear the song loudly which creates disturbance to others. So ear phones are introduced for hearing songs without disturbing to others. It not only used for hearing songs can also useful for make communication with other person secretly.

 

Way for removing unwanted noise

Using ear headphones is a way to hear audio without cause any disturbance to other people. But it causes some ear diseases to the user who hears songs in high volume. Due to the high volume of song it affects the ear by produce some unwanted sounds which is called as noise. So it is necessary to remove noise from ear headphones and protect the ear. There is lots of methods are available used to remove the noise:

  • One of the best ways is use the Bose quietcomfort 20 which is best ear headphones for removing the noise. It is selected as a best noise removal ear headphone by the experts who conducts many experiments and compare qualities of ear headphones with each other. The sound quality of that ear headphone is much better than others and has a great battery life which is over 17 hours.
  • A later version of best noise cancelling ear headphone is Bose quietcontrol 30 that gives better noise cancellation without wire from ear to the phone. It is a wireless technology because there is no wired connection between the mobile devices and ear. It is based on the Bluetooth version which is used for establish connection between two sources and also comfortable to use by everyone.
  • Another technology for removing the noise from the ear headphone is called as budget wired noise canceller which based on the wired medium but it does not reduce more noise than other ear headphones.

Features of the noise cancelling ear headphones

Generally the noise cancelling ear headphones can be categorized into two types that are wired and wireless. The best example for the wireless ear headphones is Bose quietcontrol and example for wired ear headphone is budget wired noise canceller. The Bose ear pair provides a good sound effect without affecting the ear of a person. The cost is also based on the usage of ear headphones which is used at the different environment includes at flight and train. Because the frequency can be changed for every place in which the ear headphones are used. The noise cancelling ear headphones can used 15 hours in flights and 12 hours in train travelling. The quietcontrol 20 noise cancelling ear headphone can be handled lower frequency range and quietcontrol 25 which is the later version of the quietcontrol 20 deals with both lower and higher frequency ranges.

The design of ear headphone is most important factor because it is not only for removing the noise from the headphones and give comfortableness to the users. In some situation the user sleeps with the ear headphones that do not affect the comfortable sleeping of the user. The noise created by the ear headphones which contain 75decibels of pink noise and the circuit of the noise can be measured further. Anything below 75 decibels in noise indicates the noise cancelling or noise reduction from the overall noise creation and in the modern technology there is an app to remove noise from the ear headphones before using of that app must be installed on their mobile devices, but it is not easy to implement.

The ear headphones can be work based on the frequency of an audio which is to be heard. The noise cancelling is the based on the factors like type of mobile phone which indicates android phone, keypad phones. The noise is not an analog signal and it is a digital signal because it is used in the digital device.

Author Bio:

Tom Berdinger has written about headphones, earphones, and other topics for many websites. Having more than three years of experience in earphones and headphones, we can say that he is a true audioholic. .

 

 

Ergonomics, General Safety Issues

Safety Boots Standards Explained

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Safety Boots Standards Explained

Safety boots are essential gear for construction and electrical work. They’re also great for casual or personal use: working in the yard, around the house, or helping a friend with job. But how can you choose the safety boot that both fits your needs and is appropriate for the job at hand? After all, no one wants to spend all that money on a boot, only to end up with a nail through the sole and a sore foot! Fortunately, safety boots come labeled with the standards they meet, making it easy to choose the pair that’s best for you.

Boots labeled with a GREEN TRIANGLE indicate that this is a class 1 toe-capped boot with a puncture-resistant sole (no nails biting through to your feet!). The green triangle indicates that the boots would be appropriate for construction or other heavy industries.

A YELLOW TRIANGLE, on the other hand, means that the shoe is a class 2 toe-capped boot. This means that the shoe is better for lighter jobs, in which you would encounter fewer hazards, while still boasting puncture-resistant soles. They are a little weaker than boots with the green circle.

For situations in which you don’t need to worry about puncture resistance, look for boots bearing a GREY SQUARE with an R encased by a circle (grade 2 protection with no sole puncture protection) or a BLUE SQUARE (grade 1 toe protection, no sole puncture resistance) to suit your needs.

If you’re an electrician, you’ll want to avoid boots with the RED SQUARE with the black “C” on it. This indicates a boot that may not protect you in environments in which you may encounter electrical charges. Instead, if you are working on a job where you are at risk of encountering live electrical conductivity, you will want to purchased boots denoted with a WHITE SQUARE bearing an orange Omega. These will protect you in “live wire” situations.

On the other hand, if you are not working around electricity per se, but rather in environments with a risk of static discharge, boots marked by a YELLOW SQUARE and “SD” will offer you the controlled electrostatic discharge you need in a boot. These boots have been tested and approved for anti-static protection.

Finally, if you’re working a job that requires the use of chainsaws, look for boots that have a green tree on a white background. This indicates that the boots are approved for protection against chainsaws – perfect if you work in the forestry industry or are a logger!

In addition to these markings, you can find a series of codes inside the tongue of your safety work boots. These codes will advise if the boots are for men (M) or women (F); if they offer impact resistance (I); compression resistance ©; metatarsal resistance (mt); conductive properties, which measure the shoe’s ability to drive static electricity away from the body (CD); electrical hazard protection (EH); static dissipative properties (SD); puncture resistance (PR); chainsaw resistance (CR); or dielectric insulation, which gives extra protection from accidental contact with electricity (DI).

All of these markings can be found on the sole or the tongue of the boots. Check out this infograph on the safety boots standards so that you can choose the best boots according to your need. The next time you’re shopping for your next pair of boots for work or an at-home project, be sure to examine them carefully in order to best protect yourself in any situation.

 

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/

 

 

Ergonomics, General Safety Issues

Six Advantages to Manual Handling Training for Employees

Six Advantages to Manual Handling Training for Employees

Manual Handling Training looks to ‘prevent’ workplace injuries that can be endured when competing tasks such as Manual Handling.
Using method ‘prevention is better than cure’, we will outline 6 better ways of Manual Handling that will improve your employee’s knowledge, training and experience of good safe practice within the workplace. This will help to reduce and hopefully prevent any further injuries as a result of poor Manual Handling training.

To learn from the following 6 benefits to manual handling training for your employees; sit-up straight, make sure your back is stretched and the lights in your room are lit well enough for reading. Once you have completed those steps, please begin the 6 advantages to Manual Handling Training for Employees:

1) Raises Awareness

One of the biggest mistakes that an individual tasked with manual handling tasks make is to have a poor awareness of the risks associated to manual handling and the injuries that they may incur as a result of poor form and practice.

Manual Handling Training will raise awareness to your employees to the possible risks and dangers directly related to Manual Handling, heightening the importance of good practice within your employees and bettering their understanding of the potential outcomes if practices are ignored and Manual Handling techniques are not employed. Raising Awareness is not a stand-alone practice that will ensure good Manual Handling practice is met and implemented within their work, regularly!

2) Good Practice

An excellent outcome of Manual Handling Training is the understanding and learning of form and good practice. Manual Handling instructors will provide employees with the knowledge of best, safe and most effective practice. By understanding the best method to carry out Manual Handling, employees should understand the opposites; bad practice.

By teaching an understanding of the differences of good and bad Manual Handling, employees may be able to start implementing good practice techniques within their own work.

3) Employees in their Environment

One of the most valuable Manual Handling Training practices is to host the course on-site, within the environment employees will be using their training on a daily/ frequent basis. This method helps to cement the knowledge accrued within their own working environment rather than needing to ‘mentally’ envisage using the taught Manual Handling techniques at their own workplace (which may not have an identical layout, many variables can enter the training process etc.)

4) Teaching Employees How to Use Mechanical Aids

An extremely positive outcome of Manual Handling Training courses on-site is to enable the instructor to show the intended and correct use of Mechanical Aids within their own working environment to ensure employee safety when using such machines. Typically, employees using mechanical aids will have already been briefed and understood the additional safety requirements necessary to operating those particular machines.

By teaching employees on-site, best practice techniques can be ensured to be passed on and understood. Teaching employees within their own environment has an instrumental impact on the effectiveness of Manual Handling Training for employees, this is heighten when Mechinical Aids are involved within the process.

5) Learning through Experience

For employees, learning through experience in their workplace may be a critical aspect to bettering their understanding of the best work practices/ techniques within their own work environment – improving confidence.

Due to the inclusiveness of learning from experience, many employees may be able to provide insight into their past methods and techniques which have now been corrected. This level of teaching may be highly beneficial to individuals.

In addition, employees that have picked up and developed bad habits which are translating into their daily work practices have a chance to ‘refresh’ their understanding in a learning environment with an expert which should help to improve their abilities to fulfil the role and improve the safety of their work.

6) Promotes a Healthy Workforce

One of the most under-estimated benefits from Manual Handling Training for Employees is the promotion of a safer, healthier and happier workforce with a greater understanding of the roles and jobs they are to fulfil.

It has been widely cited that a healthy workforce has benefits on productivity. Manual Handling Training promotes this by teaching good, efficient and safe practice within the workplace.

For your business to benefit from Manual Handling Training, please visit our website at www.ofi.co.uk.

Ergonomics, Fall Safety, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

10 of the Most Common Workplace Accidents and Injuries

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You probably already know that health and safety legislation is a favorite punching bag for a certain type of newspaper columnist, but what you might not be aware of is that there are hundreds of thousands of accidents – many of them serious – in workplaces every year. That’s why it’s so important to take the proper precautions at work.

Of course, even the best prepared among us can still fall victim to accidents at work – but to be forewarned is to be forearmed, as the saying goes. Here, in no particular order, are ten of the most common accidents and injuries in the workplace.

1. Fights at work: These aren’t quite as rare as we might like to think. Simmering workplace tensions can bubble under for months or even years before spilling over into physical confrontation, or alternatively one workmate can take another’s opinion on last weekend’s football the wrong way. Fights in the workplace can, unsurprisingly, result in nasty injuries. Effective procedures for dealing with employee grievances can help reduce the risk of them coming to blows, though.

2. Walking into objects: It’s probably safe to say we’ve all done this at some point. Maybe you’re chatting absent-mindedly or maybe you’re feeling a little under the weather, when you suddenly find yourself on the sharp end of a door, table, wall or cabinet. Needless to say, these injuries can sting a bit. Luckily, many such accidents can be avoided by reminding employees to be vigilant and putting unnecessary hazards out of the way where people won’t walk into them.

3. Slips, trips and falls: Whatever your particular work setting is – whether you work in a shop, a factory or an office – you’re likely to encounter slippery surfaces at some point, so it’s not a totally remote possibility that you might come a cropper on one. Another big risk for many is falling while working at height; falls from ladders are most common, but falls from scaffolding and other platforms can also be dangerous.

4. 2. Muscle strains: Strained muscles are another commonplace work-related injury, as anyone who regularly lifts heavy items at work will probably know already. Back and neck strains, in particular, are all too frequently sustained while working. These injuries can be avoided easily – some basic training on proper lifting techniques can make a big difference.

3. Exposure to loud noise: You might think that industrial deafness is a thing of the past and went out with all those old heavy industries, but that’s not the case – not least because many industrial workers continue to be exposed to loud noises while at work. Industrial deafness can also result in major compensation payouts further along the line, so it’s very much in employers’ interest to nip this particular problem in the bud. Safety measures such as ear protection can do much to prevent it.

5. Being hit by falling objects: Plenty of workers find themselves on the receiving end of falling objects – and what’s more, this isn’t just a problem in warehouse-type environments. Objects which fall from shelves or out of cupboards can cause some nasty injuries, particularly if the individual who ends up feeling the full force doesn’t see it coming. Providing adequate storage cages and reminding employees of how to store items safely can go a long way to reducing this risk.

6. Crashes and collisions: Accidents resulting in crash or impact injuries are also quite frequent at work. Whether they involve cars, lorries or even smaller vehicles such as forklift trucks, they can have seriously nasty consequences. It’s therefore up to employers to ensure that seatbelts and other safety precautions are both in place and in use where appropriate.

7. Repetitive strain injury: RSI is another problem that’s become increasingly commonplace at work over the years, though even now some employers don’t seem to take it entirely seriously. It’s not just a problem for those of us who regularly use keyboards in our work, either – in fact, it can result from any repetitive motion of the joints. The cumulative impact of RSI can be severe in some cases, so it makes sense to take precautions. Employers can help prevent RSI by encouraging and reminding workers to take appropriate breaks. Likewise, ergonomic equipment, like hand trucks can help to alleviate the strain.

8. Cuts and lacerations: All sorts of office implements can end up leaving their user nursing a painful cut. From power saws to paper trimmers, it’s easy to do yourself a mischief at work. The most common causes of these lacerations include poor training, inadequate safety procedures and failing to wear the proper protection. Bosses can help prevent such accidents by providing adequate safety equipment and putting the right procedures (including training) in place.

9. Inhaling toxic fumes: While most of us don’t work with hazardous chemicals, those of us who do may be at risk of skin or eye reactions as well as potentially more serious injuries when exposed to them without protection. Protective equipment such as safety goggles is indispensable in these situations, so employers must be sure to provide workers with the gear they need to avoid dangerous exposure.

10. Exposure to loud noise: You might think that industrial deafness is a thing of the past and went out with all those old heavy industries, but that’s not the case – not least because many industrial workers continue to be exposed to loud noises while at work. Industrial deafness can also result in major compensation payouts further along the line, so it’s very much in employers’ interest to nip this particular problem in the bud. Safety measures such as ear protection can do much to prevent it.

Although there’s no shortage of ways people can injure themselves at work, as we’ve already noted there are various things employers can do to prevent their employees from coming to any avoidable harm. Good training, clear signage and access to the necessary safety equipment can all be a big help. Regular risk assessments are also a very good idea. You can’t always legislate for sheer absent-mindedness, but you can at least avoid a lot of unnecessary mishaps.

If you would like to read this and news about workplace safety visit Slingsby website.

Back Safety, Ergonomics, General Safety Issues

The 5 Golden Rules Of Office Safety

Your office work may not be as risky as, let’ s say, building construction, but it still holds some not – so – obvious hazards. So what can basically happen when your job involves sitting on a chair and staring at a computer? Surprisingly, a lot. Even the administrative employees suffer severe injuries that could have been prevented with a little attention and workplace modifications. Here are a couple of ways to ensure the office safety and minimize the risks.

Golden Rules Of Office Safety

1. Mind Your Steps
Trips, slips and falls are some of the most common sources of office injuries. Did you know that employees are 2.5 times more likely to experience a fall in an administrative environment than anywhere else? The first step is to keep your office clutter – free. All free standing boxes and various items like stretching cords pilled on the floor constitute a serious danger. Cleaning the spills and splashes will also cut the chances of slippery floors. Always keep an eye on the floor while walking.

2. Protect Your Back When Lifting
Every now and then your office job may require an actual manual labour. It doesn’t matter what you need to lift, there are some key points that will prevent a back trauma. Before directly approaching the box, first move it with your feet. This will help you determine the weight of the box. Instead of bending at the waist and lifting with your back, preserve your posture straight. Your upper body and your legs should be in a same line. Then get the box and push it with your legs.

3. Safe Climbing
When it comes to inadvertent injuries, hard to reach shelving and storage units are an all – time classics. You need to get something that is placed too high? Use only approved ladders and don’t try to climb the shelving.

4. Use Technology Properly
Not taking precautions while using tools and machinery may not always result with an injury. In the rare cases when it happens, it can turn into a disaster. Use to tools in the right way and don’t take shortcuts. Don’t underestimate the risks, even if it’s about a simple thing like a stapler.

Golden Rules Of Office Safety2

5. Fire Safety
Cleaning chemicals and products should be stored in a well – ventilated room, away from heat or fire sources. Some cleaners are extremely inflammable. Be sure you know all the fire exists and you are fully prepared in case of emergency.
Although these are the most common examples of injury threats, there are many more safety issues that need to be discussed and that are specifically related to your work environment. Good planning and smart strategy are the best way to keep the level of risk at the office low.
You can consider assigning a safety committee or improving and establishing safety plan. Print the basic rules and place them on a spot where everyone can see them. Employees should be familiar with all the rules – from office cleaning and de – cluttering to fire safety tips.
For more helpful tips visit: industrial cleaners in Islington