If you have never been involved with the energy industry, take time to read these interesting facts sent to us by Grattan Boyland of http://northseaworkwear.com. He has given historical information in an infograph highlighting just how much is demanded of workers who work in oilfields on land, or offshore. Providing us with power is a hazardous job that puts huge demands on workers, who must have the equipment to stay safe on the job. Texas America Safety Company, our parent company, also provides the same personal protective equipment that is required for worker safety. 
Category Archives: Eye Protection
TIPS TO KEEP YOU SAFE AT WORK (GUEST POST)
Getting to work safely, working in a well-managed environment and returning home safe in the evening is every employees right – but not all the responsibility for this can be held by your employer. It is true your employer had a duty of care to protect employees from danger whilst at work, but as individuals we also have a personal responsibility to ensure we do not place ourselves (or our colleagues) in any danger.
You will find that keeping safe at work is often common sense, so here a few tips based on common mistakes, which will hopefully make you think twice and help prevents accidents and injuries:
1- Understand and minimise the risks
Before you commence any task, stop for a moment and consider the task which is about to be undertaken. By doing so you will create an opportunity to briefly analyse the individual components of the task and highlight any aspects which could potentially cause injury. If you feel a safer alternative is available this should always be discussed and then implemented.
2. Use mechanical aides wherever possible
It is a well-known fact that the majority of back injuries at work are caused by incorrect lifting techniques or by individuals lifting more weight than they can comfortably manage. I’m sure we have all been guilty of this from time to time. Unfortunately this not only leads to injury for the individual but also to time off work and loss of production for the company. Therefore, if your company offers a training session on manual handling, it is strongly advisable (and often mandatory) that you attend. This can provide you with knowledge on safe lifting techniques that can also be used in the home, and save you from any potential injury.
3.Wear the correct clothing and footwear (P.P.E)
You wouldn’t dream of turning up to work at farm in a bikini and heels, would you? So why would it be deemed acceptable to work on, for e.g. a building site or indoors as a cleaner, without the correct clothing or footwear protection. Although this sounds like common sense many people shirk wearing the correct items as they deem them unnecessary, when reality safety boots will protect your feet from heavy objects or nails through the soles and hard hats will protect your head against knocks and falling objects, with safety goggles protecting our eyes from chemical splashes. Personal Protective Equipment is important, therefore if you feel you would benefit from any of these items but haven’t been issued any; don’t start the task without first speaking to your employer.
4. If working alone ensure you are aware of the procedures – and ensure you adhere to them.
If you have to work alone, as many people do, your organisation should have a process in place which you will be expected to follow. This usually involves regular communications with a control centre or named individual so you can ‘check in’ at the beginning if your shift, again at set times throughout and ‘check out’ at the end, and if a call is missed someone will be dispatched to check on you. If you currently work alone and don’t have a process to follow it may be worth discussing setting one up with your employer, as it could one day save your life.
5. Read and understand the risk assessment.
If you are asked to sign a risk assessment before you commence a task then please ensure you read, understand and appreciate it’s importance – this information is provided for you, so you are aware of any risks involved and how best to mitigate them, don’t brush these documents aside as just paperwork.
Remember when arriving at work – staying aware, assessing the task and minimising the risks are all that are required to keep you safe in the workplace.
Author Bio: Vivienne Ollis Journalist & Blogger for http://www.essexinsulation.co.uk
THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING CHEMICAL SAFETY
Look around your place of work or your home and you will be surprised by the number of chemicals you will find. Chemicals that you use at home include gasoline, paints, fertilizers, lawn chemicals, bug spray, paint strippers, kerosene, bleach, other household cleaners, and even hair spray. We must take care when cleaning to not mix cleaners with bleach, as the combination could cause unsafe fumes.
Chemicals you may use at work are facility-specific solvents, laboratory chemicals, fuels, paint, office copier chemicals, correction fluid, lubricants and corrosives. Other examples include toxics, corrosives, and solvents. As long as we understand and practise chemical safety and are provided the proper protection, these substances can be handled safely.
If your work requires you to come into contact with volatile chemicals on a daily basis, it can pose a risk to your long-term health. When new chemicals are approved for use on, in, or by humans, there has usually not been sufficient time allowed to determine whether they pose a long-term health threat. Daily exposure to chemicals has been associated with increased cancer risk, particularly when chemical particles are inhaled or ingested, even in tiny amounts. If your workplace provides on-the-job protection, such as protective suits, goggles, or masks, make sure you use them properly and daily to minimize the risk of chemical exposure.
Regardless of the type of chemicals you are around, there are various ways of being exposed. (1) Ingestion, such as eating contaminated food; (having lunch in work area with airborne contaminants.) (2) Inhalation: breathing in dusts, vapors or mists (i.e., mixing bags of concrete, cattle feed or similar chemicals without a respirator, or working in dusty environments. (3) Absorption: skin contact with a chemical affects eyes or can cause dermatitis. (4) Injection: forcing an agent into the body through a needle -needle stick or misuse of drugs.
By all means, protect yourself as much as you can! Read container labels, material safety data sheets (MSDSs) and safe-work instructions before you handle a chemical; (How many times have you started a project that you didn’t read the instructions until after you failed to figure it out?) Find eyewash stations before you begin working and know how to use them.
As mentioned before, use personal protective equipment (PPE) for the task at hand; including chemical-splash goggles, a respirator, safety gloves, apron, steel-toed shoes, safety glasses with side shields, etc. Ensure the PPE fits properly and you are trained in its use. Look for defects in the PPE such as cracks, missing parts, rips, etc. Leave your contaminated clothing at work. If you wear the clothes home, you can expose your family to the hazards. (Better yet, wear disposable clothing where applicable.)
These chemical hazard color codes and numbers on the labels are especially important for you to know:
- 1. Red – Fire Hazard.
- 2. Yellow – Reactivity Hazard.
- 3. Blue – Health Hazard.
- 0 –Minimal Hazard
- 1 – Slight Hazard
- 2 – Moderate Hazard
- 3 – Serious Hazard
- 4 – Severe Hazard
Other types of warnings on containers of chemicals include symbols, pictures with words, such as flammable, poisonous, etc. Information on the white part of the label include National Fire Prevention Association labels – acid, radioactive, corrosive. Hazardous Materials (HMIS) on the white section of the label recommends the type of personal protective equipment that should be used. After you have READ labels first, consult the Material Safety Data Sheets if you are still unsure. Chemical hazards can be very harmful to your body and health, and all those working around you. If you suspect a chemical spill, call the National Response Center, toll-free, 800-424-8801 and report what you suspect has spilled and approximately how much is spilled. The NRC also has an online reporting tool on their website.
Last, but not least, washing hands often is of the utmost importance. Especially while you are working, before and after you eat, and before you leave your work. Also, keep any chemicals (cleaning products, etc.) out of children’s reach and/or away from your pets.
Avoidable Workplace Health and Safety Hazards (Guest Post)
Because prevention is always better than cure……..
Any type of work involves risk, whether you are working in a home office or on an oil rig. The risk levels vary of course and some are prominent while others are subtle but this doesn’t change the fact that they exist.
This is why it is important to take precautionary measures in any work environment. Common health and safety hazards in the workplace include; slipping and falling, transmissible diseases, transportation accidents, internal violence, toxic events (chemical and gas exposure), electrocution, ergonomic injuries, eye injuries, and hearing loss.
Of the examples given above, some are direct causes of injury while others slowly and steadily deteriorate our health. In certain professions the hazards are fairly obvious and each working environment is different so firstly, all potential risks in your particular workplace need to be identified.
Here are some tips to avoid a few of the most common health and safety hazards in the workplace:
Slipping and tripping
This is probably the most obvious and it can happen anywhere! It may be a bit trivial but industrial and commercial industries are at risk here not only for workers but for members of the public as well. General insurance does not cover compensation in the aftermath of an injury sustained by a member of the public so this is slippery ground for business owners (excuse the pun). Rather have things in place to avoid this simple hazard.
If you’re in an office, make sure that the computer, internet and phone cables are covered or take them off the floor completely, mount them against walls or desks. Where liquids are commonly used such as in a kitchen, ensure rubber mats are used and workers are geared in proper uniform.
Transmissible diseases
In a results driven society, people are encouraged to work even when they’re sick. Enforcing a different sick-day policy may cost the company, but rather have one worker stay home as opposed to having four workers infected with the same virus become bed-ridden. Unfortunately viruses can be incurred anywhere and it has an inordinate effect on an employer especially where deadlines need to be met. A tummy bug or a flu going around in a work place is not an ideal situation at all. Rather put the infected worker in home quarantine!
Hearing loss
This happens mostly in industrial environments like construction and mining. Correct gear is of utmost importance in environments where there is excessive noise like earplugs and headphones. Where possible, loud machines should be separated from the workforce.
Education and prevention
Employees should be aware of the risks they face in a particular job. As much as legal regulations guide workplaces in safety precautions, many accidents occur due to negligence or operating equipment incorrectly. Workers should be educated on how to prevent accidents and training should also be provided by the employer to ensure that workers know how to handle all apparatus in the workplace.
Accidents are unforeseen which is why there should be intervention to avoid misfortunes. The simplest of products could make a huge difference. Anything from cable ties to dome mirrors, wheel stops to corner guards can be used to minimise potential hazards. Unfortunately the good old computer-typed sign is hardly effective anymore in today’s bustling workplace.
Bio
Emily Ford is a writer for the bollard shop, a Perth based supplier of numerous building safety devices including custom designed bollards, parking protectors and traffic barriers.
Author Bio: Emily Ford,
Copywriter | Property Institute
SIGNAGE AND ITS IMPORTANCE IN THE WORKPLACE (GUEST POST)
As an employer, health and safety has to be at the forefront of everything you do. All employees must be kept away from potentially dangerous situations in the workplace, and one of the most important ways in which any company can do this is through appropriate signage.
Think about your workplace. How many signs do you pass daily, be it directing you towards one area of the building, prohibiting entry from other areas, or instructing you on how to avoid injuring yourself? There can be literally hundreds, but as an employer, which ones do you need to use in order to protect yourself from potential health and safety breaches?
Warning Signs
Although the name seems self explanatory, warning signs can encompass anything that makes employees aware of possibly dangerous or hazardous equipment. This can include high voltage electrical equipment, flammable items, trip warnings, asbestos danger, and low ceilings. Essentially anything that might cause injury needs to be pointed out to safeguard the well-being of employees.
Access Signs
In the workplace access signs can be very important in ensuring safety. Be it a No Entry sign, a Pedestrian walkway sign, or a Keep Clear sign. They are paramount to minimizing potentially dangerous situations and confusion in order to uphold general health and safety practice.
Fire Safety Signs
One of the biggest dangers in the home or in the workplace comes in the form of fire. Fire can strike at any time, and without proper procedures in place, and the proper signage to indicate where employees should go or not go in order to stay safe in the event of a fire, the consequences can be fatal. As such signs indicating where fire exits can be found, indicating that fire doors are to remain shut, and detailing general fire safety regulations are a legal requirement in any place of employment. There are also no smoking signs, which are of course essential inside buildings but also in the proximity of flammable substances to prevent potential combustion.
Other Safety Signs
Aside from the obvious there are a number of other signs that are an absolute must to safeguard the well-being of employees. Any area that requires specific protective headgear, eye-wear, or hearing protection should be indicated, as well as the location of first aid kits, non smoking areas, and recycling or waste disposal areas.
In general, signage can make a big difference in the workplace, and protect employees. However, correct signage also operates as protection to employers from any potential legal action owing to injuries incurred, and removing possible liability for those injuries. As such the importance of having the correct safety signs cannot be underestimated.
Guest post provided by UK Safety Store.
WORKING SAFELY WITH CONCRETE AND CEMENT (GUEST POST)
Whether you are a professional tradesperson or a DIY enthusiast, safety should be at the top of your list of priorities when working with concrete. Unbeknown to many, concrete and cement products must be treated with care during all stages of handling, application and storage. We have devised an essential guide to concrete safety so you can take care of yourself during an upcoming residential upgrade or larger commercial project.
Dust protection
The dust caused by the handling of cement can cause a real nuisance to tradespeople and home improvers, and precautions must be taken to ensure your airways remain clear during application. Always wear a dust mask and eye protectors to ensure dust does not get inhaled or make its way into your eyes, especially during the cutting or drilling of dried concrete.
Cement dust can also cause considerable irritation to your skin, so make sure you wear good quality overalls to protect your entire body. Personal protective gear is essential to the correct and safe handling of cement and concrete, and will ensure you are fully safeguarded especially when working in enclosed areas.
Handle with care
It’s not just dry cement powder that causes complications during handling and application, wet concrete also causes difficulties and irritation. Make sure the wet concrete solution does not come into contact with your skin, which isn’t always easy with the splashes created during pouring.
If the wet concrete does come into contact with your skin, eyes or nose, use a mild soap and clean water to remove.
Working with concrete accessories
The concrete accessories you use during the application process also come with their dangers. Concrete buckets must be treated with particular diligence, especially during movement. Never ride on the buckets whilst they are in motion, and take care when the buckets are being lowered, swung or pulled to a height.
Forming pins can also result in a trip to the emergency room if precautions aren’t taken. It is recommended that you paint these forming pins in a bright colour to ensure they are fully visible to each and every contractor working on site. Opt for a reflective coating to prevent trips and falls come day or night.
Use your head
In addition to using respirators, goggles and protective overalls, you must wear a hard hat to protect your head during preparation, application and storage. Head injuries are a common occurrence on site but by using a hard hat you can ensure you are fully protected whether working at height or at ground level.
Think about your back
When working with concrete products, it is all too easy to damage your back and legs with incorrect lifting techniques. Make sure you are fully clued up on how to move heavy materials, lifting with a straight back and bent legs is a sure-fire way of preventing serious back injury. If the concrete mix you are looking to move is too heavy, don’t suffer and struggle in silence, ask a friend or work colleague to assist you.
This post was written by Brittany Thorley. She works for ReadyMix Concrete (http://www.readymixonline.co.uk/) and regularly advises both professional contractors and homeowners about health and safety when working with concrete and cement.
INTERESTING OFFICE SAFETY TIPS (GUEST POST)
Ensuring office safety is a serious thing. As an office is a place housing hundreds to thousands of employees, business owners and managers must consider office safety a high priority. They should create a safe workplace for their employees, implementing safety mandates and ensure a hazard-free office environment.
Ergonomics
Heard about this term before? For those who have no idea what ergonomics is, it is a science which main concern is between workers and their environment. It looks at how employees do their work and ensure body safety of the employees when doing such work. We can basically say that ergonomics protects and prevents employees from strain and injury.
In a workplace, for example, an employee must be provided with a desk and a chair that he or she can adjust to her body size. He or she should be able to sit straight and comfortably when working. For the flooring, a special padded rubber mat that absorbs shock is needed if a worker must stand while doing his or her work. These things may seem unimportant but provide protection and prevent casualties in a workplace.
Housekeeping
It is a normal scene in restaurants and fast-food chains to see cleaners put on warning signs when the floor is wet to prevent accidents. This should be done also in offices where a worker could trip or fall. General housekeeping must be safely done both by directing janitorial crews to clearly mark wet floor areas and in-house electricians to prevent damaged cords out in the open. It is recommended that office cleaning be scheduled when most workers are out of the office.
Fire Hazards
Fire hazards pose a big danger in the workplace. Professional should regularly check both the computer systems, as well as electrical systems. Workers should be warned about the dangers of overloading single outlets and using too many extension cords. Offices must run regular fire drills and develop a fire escape plan for employees.
Lighting
Employees who spend most of their working time in front of a computer are more prone to getting headaches and eyestrain, sometimes caused by either too much lighting from sun or inadequate light fixtures. This problem can be avoided by placing computer monitors in appropriate positions. Cornell University Ergonomics Web recommends that the computer be positioned directly in front of the user and the lighting isn’t too bright. To block the sun’s rays, shades should be provided by the company.
Seating
Many employees develop sciatic pain in their backs and legs from hours of sitting. Our bodies were not designed to be in a seated position for a long time. Workers can avoid this problem by taking several break periods though the day. Employees should stand up and move around the office as much as they are permitted. Aside from using ergonomic chairs, employees can do arm and neck stretching and other simple exercises while in the workplace.
AUTHOR BIO
Shiela Flakes works as a Research Associate for help.plagtracker.com. Aside from doing research, she also does writing and editing consultations to many different people. Reach Shiela through her Google+.ele
TOP TIPS FOR STAYING SAFE DOING DIY PROJECTS THIS WINTER (GUEST POST)
Image source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/criminalintent
DIY is something that most of us will tackle at some point or another around the home. Yet, if not done carefully, it can result in accidents and injuries, and is one of the top reasons for a visit to hospital. With winter in full force, this time of year can pose further challenges for DIY enthusiasts, so read on for some top tips to stay DIY safe this winter.
Always read instructions
There’s always so much to do in the run up to special guests or holidays; a growing to-do list, you might want to tackle those neglected DIY projects in time for the festive season. However, no matter what DIY job you tackle, always make sure you are fully prepared and equipped with the right tools for the job. Read instructions and understand what needs to be done. Accidents may well occur if you’re in a rush to get things checked off your list.
Let there be light
Natural light levels are low in wintertime, so make sure that you tackle any DIY tasks with sufficient extra lighting. If you can’t see what you’re doing properly, then you may end up banging a nail into your finger, instead of the wall!
Be careful using ladders
No matter what time of year you use ladders, it’s always important to be safe and careful when using them. In winter, using ladders outdoors can pose more of a compromise to safety, especially if your boots are muddy making the steps slippery. Don’t go up a ladder in windy weather, either. If there’s a problem that needs fixing, for instance with your roof, then call a professional out.
Electrical awareness
We’re prone to wetter and windier weather in winter, so if you need to do any DIY work in the garden involving the use of electrical items, make sure that you don’t operate them on a wet day. Electricity and water don’t mix, and could result in a nasty electric shock.
Don’t mess with gas
During winter we are reliant on our boilers to keep us warm and provide hot water. If your boiler conks out on the coldest day of the year, don’t be tempted to tamper around with it, in an effort to get it up and running again. Messing with gas can be very dangerous, especially for the amateur DIYer, so it’s always worth calling out a professional if your boiler does end up letting you down.
Wear protective equipment
Don’t cut corners with any DIY tasks by not protecting yourself. Make sure your eyes, ears, hands or feet are protected for the particular DIY tasks that you are undertaking.
Lifting heavy objects
Many people like to have a makeover or shift furniture around as the different seasons change. If you need to lift, move or carry anything at home, make sure that you do it safely and don’t cause injury to your back in the process. Get help to carry items, if needs be. The last thing you’ll want is to spend your time laid up in bed with a back injury because you were too impatient to get your DIY tasks done, or didn’t ask for help.
A lover of all things DIY, Justine writes for one of the UK’s leading online suppliers of high quality tools and machinery – Tool Orders UK.
FIVE SMART TIPS FOR REMODELING YOUR KITCHEN (GUEST POST)
If you are looking to breathe a new lease of life into your kitchen then you would be wise to bear in mind the following tips. Each of them could not only save you money but also ensure that you end up with a kitchen that looks absolutely fantastic.
1. Leave it to the professionals. I really can’t stress this point enough. Renovating a kitchen is a very skilled job. It takes years of training to be able to do it properly. There are plenty of people out there that try to jump in and do it themselves thinking that it will save them a bit of money. It won’t. In fact, most people find that they cause enough problems in their kitchen that it ends up costing them more money in the long run! This is why it is suggested that you take the time to find a good company that provides Phoenix Home Remodeling. It honestly will save you a lot of time and money in the long run. You are also going to end up with something that looks a LOT better.
2. You should try to change the layout of your kitchen as little as possible. This is especially important when it comes to changing the position of major appliances. You may think that it is no big deal moving the sink a little bit closer to the oven. However, when you realize just how much it is going to cost you to plumb the sink into the new location you will quickly realize that yes, this is a big deal!
3. You should never undertake a kitchen renovation project without ensuring that you have absolutely everything that you need to hand. There are so many people out there that are so keen to get started on their renovation that they don’t care that a major component has yet to arrive. However, these people certainly will not be laughing when they realize that they need to remove something that took them ever so long to put in place just because they need to fit something else in there. This is going to be a waste of time and money.
4. You don’t actually need to spend a fortune to change the look of your room. In fact, you can do it relatively cheaply. For example, you don’t need to change your units unless they are very old. Instead you can look into a company that specializes in cabinet refacing in Phoenix. This is a service that will change the doors of your units. It is considerably cheaper.
5. Think about why you are renovating the kitchen. For example, if you are looking to increase the value of the property then you will wish to renovate based on the latest trends as opposed to your own personal taste. This will give you a much better chance of increasing the value and an even greater chance of actually making a sale. If you do not intend to sell within the next few years then you can design it however you please.
Sent to us by TWD Drywall
Author Bio: Brittney is a professional writer, writes for TWDAZ, a http://www.twdaz.com/bathroom-remodel-phoenix.php bathroom renovation, a kitchen renovation company in Phoenix area.
Note: If you are thinking of a DIY kitchen project, be sure that you have all the personal protective equipment you need to be safe. You surely will want some goggles or wrap-around safety glasses to keep particles from getting into your eyes, as well as gloves to protect your hands. pb
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR THE MOST DANGEROUS JOBS (GUEST POST)
We all need to get jobs; that’s a reality we all face. And all jobs, no matter how mundane they may seem, carry with them a certain level of danger. Of course, these levels of danger vary from to another. Let’s say you make a living wrestling and catching wild bears, then there aren’t really many effective safety precautions you can take aside from not catching and wrestling those bears. Working in a typical job, like an office or so, still can be dangerous, and here are some of the dangerous “normal” jobs out there and the safety precautions you can take to avoid accidents.
Construction and Related Fields
If you work in construction or some other job that requires you to be physically present in a construction site, the first step to staying safe is recognizing that the construction site is inherently a dangerous place. With all the dangerous materials, heavy equipment, and the work going around, the chances of an accident happening is extremely high, no matter the amount or quality of supervision. The common safety precaution for being in a construction site is to always wear a hard hat, as the primary risk is having something heavy land on your head. A hard hat is your friend. Keep it on your head at all times.
Jobs Involving Chemicals and Toxic Materials
Working with chemicals tends to be dangerous for your general health. There have been a lot of cases wherein people suffered burns, inhaled harmful substances, and other complications that came about due to exposure to these materials. When you work in an environment where hazardous chemicals and materials abound, the common safety precaution is to wear protective gear like goggles (in case of splash back), gloves, aprons, boots, and masks all made with protective materials like rubber or latex. In more extreme cases, hazmat suits are a popular choice.
Work Involving Animals and Fieldwork
Being amidst the natural elements has provided the world with officially the most dangerous jobs ever. Fishing, farming, ranching, and logging are considered to be jobs that have seen the most accidents. These accidents are hard to avoid, as most of them come from unpredictable elements like animal attacks. While there are a number of equipment that can be used to lessen work-related injuries in line with these trades, the number of these injuries can be reduced mostly by workers themselves. Working in pairs, taking extra care of themselves on and off the field (maintaining one’s self in tip top shape and getting enough rest does make one more focused and alert), along with other precautions, would be helpful.
At the end of the day, working is hard and dangerous as much as it is personally and financially rewarding. Whether you’re a nine to fiver working in an office, or out in the open ocean fishing, one small accident can alter your life forever. The best courses of action are watching out for yourself, getting yourself covered with a personal accident insurance plan, and hoping for the best.
Author’s Bio
Ryan Del Villar is a writer and online marketing specialist at Money Max, Philippines’ leading online comparison portal. Ryan is also a freelance writer at Helm Word, an Online Reputation Management company. He worked as an online video editor before he started his writing career.