Category Archives: Fall Safety

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

WORKING AT HEIGHTS: A GUIDE TO STAYING SAFE (GUEST POST)

 There are going to be many times in your life where you are likely to be required to work at heights; whether it’s due to a tree that needs trimming or your roof tiles need replacing, working at heights can be incredibly dangerous. However, there are a number of ways in which you can change the way that you work at heights in order to make the process safer and thus reduce the risk of accidents occurring. 

Regulations Regarding Working at Heights

There are a number of rules and regulations in place that prevent those who work at heights for a living from making potentially fatal mistakes. 

Organization

One of the most important regulations in place is that all work at height must be organized and planned thoroughly to avoid any incidents or accidents. This also means that you should plan your actions in accordance with any accidents that may occur; for instance what would you do if you fell from a great height? Do you have a method of contacting others in the event of an emergency? 

Qualifications

It’s essential that all of those that work in forestry, arboriculture, construction and many other trades are qualified to work at heights and are competent in doing so. If you are not qualified to work at heights you could be putting yourself and those around you at risk, you could also get into a lot of trouble as you will be held responsible for any mistakes that are made.  

Assessment

Before you begin a job that requires you to work at height you should perform a risk assessment and determine whether or not the job is too dangerous for you to participate in. Even if the task that you have been given is not the most dangerous job that you have encountered it’s still recommended that you utilize a powered access platform as these platforms are often surrounded by barriers that will prevent your fall.

If you do not make an assessment of the area that you will be working in before you begin it’s possibly that you could cause harm to others through fallen branches, displaced roof tiles or falling debris. 

Equipment

Once you’ve made an assessment of the task that requires you to work at height you must select the appropriate equipment that you will use for the job. It’s crucial that you keep an eye upon the condition of your fall protection equipment and ensure that it is maintained at all times; allowing your equipment to fall into disrepair can cause serious issues as it means that they are liable to break or make the task at hand much more difficult than it has to be. 

Overall there are many different aspects of working at heights that you must take into account, and these include the various dangers. Where possible we recommend that you avoid working at heights, but if it’s necessary you should follow the guidelines above.

We also ask that you remember that falling from a great height can cause a loss of mobility and in many cases the fall can be fatal; ensure that there are measures in place that will minimize the distance and the consequences of a fall if it should transpire.

Submitted by Kevin Grant
PromaxAccess.com

Ergonomics, Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

HAZARDS ARE LURKING EVERYWHERE!

We recently published an article regarding how to perform a job hazard analysis in the workplace.  There are hazards everywhere, in the workplace, home, school, businesses, just about anywhere you happen to go in everyday life. 

Have you ever noticed something in a store  that shouldn’t be there?  While  checking out of the grocery store, I noticed there were wires everywhere, around the area that customers had to pay out and pick up their sacks to leave.  They were installing new computers, but there must have been another way to put those wires where customers were not at risk.

Another example, a small local chain discount store had become extremely unorganized.  Seems that several employees had quit, and there were not enough employees to stock incoming merchandise, until it got to the point that it became dangerous to even try to find what you were looking for.  The risk of falling over something in the aisles was  bad enough that persons quit going into the store.  The local fire marshall warned the store to get it straightened out in a certain amount of time, or he would be shutting the door because the business had become a fire hazard.  Bringing in employees from area stores to help get everything stocked and neat again resulted from his visit.

Depending on the type of work we do, there are hazards in most all places of employment.  Biological Hazards can be extremely dangerous if the right safety precautions are not taken.  This includes anything that can be passed from one person to another.  Contagious biological hazards are flu, hepatitis, or HIV.  Mold and chemicals are also biological hazards. 

Fire Hazards in the workplace are one of the major causes of lost work time.  Work may be shut down because of fire damage to the building.  Employees should conduct fire drills often, and be trained in fire safety: where the fire extinguishers are and how to use them.  Exit routes should be clearly posted and never blocked.  Lives can be lost in fires, so this is a very serious concern.

Electrical Hazards are dangerous both at work and at home.  Never overload an electrical socket or extension cord.  Check all cords to ensure there are no frays that could start a fire. 

Slips, Trips, and Falls.  These are hazards that could happen anywhere.  In the home, stairs should be well lighted, and both in the home and workplace, good housekeeping is a must.  Clutter or other things out of place can cause someone to trip over them.  Wiring from computers stretched out in the office are a cause of falls.  Trips and falls can result in sprained muscles or worst case scenario, broken bones.  Falls from high places are always a threat to those who must work on ladders or six feet or more off the ground.  This is when fall protection is required.

Lifting Improperly.  How many times have you been told to bend at the knees when lifting a heavy object, only to bend over and use your back?  If you think that the load is too much for you, ask for help.  Four hands work much better than two in many cases.  Wearing a back brace offers some extra back support, and makes one aware of the weight they are lifting, but can’t prevent an injury if the load is too heavy.

Noise Hazards.  If you work in a place where you and your co-workers have to yell at each other, you need hearing protection.  Businesses such as manufacturing, airports (those working near the planes), around racecars and other loud machinery, need to protect their hearing.  Once hearing is damaged, it can’t be fixed.  Rather than have to wear a hearing aid, why not start off with hearing protection at the beginning of your career?  And for parents, encourage your kids to keep their music at a normal level.  When you can hear their music through their earplugs, it’s time to turn it down, and save their hearing.

Let’s help protect our coworkers and others when we notice something that could cause someone to get hurt.  Report any hazards at work; also, report hazards that you see in a store where you are shopping.   You could save someone from injury, and also save a company from a lawsuit.

Back Safety, Ergonomics, Eye Protection, Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, Respiratory Safety

DO YOU KNOW HOW TO DO A JOB HAZARD ANALYSIS

In our blog, we are always mentioning “perform a job hazard analysis” in our safety tips; however, it made me ask: “Just exactly what is a job hazard analysis?”  So I went to the OSHA site and am sharing the instructions on how to conduct this analysis.  This information is for employers, foremen, and supervisors, but employees are encouraged to use the information as well to analyze their own jobs and recognize workplace hazards so they can report them to you. It explains what a job hazard analysis is and offers guidelines to help you conduct your own step-by-step analysis. The document (OSHA 3071)  also continues with pictures and form samples that you may use to complete your analysis.

What is a hazard?

A hazard is the potential for harm. In practical terms, a hazard often is associated with a condition or activity that, if left uncontrolled, can result in an injury or illness. Identifying hazards and eliminating or controlling them as early as possible will help prevent injuries and illnesses.

What is a job hazard analysis?

A job hazard analysis is a technique that focuses on job tasks as a way to identify hazards before they occur. It focuses on the relationship between the worker, the task, the tools, and the work environment. Ideally, after you identify uncontrolled hazards, you will take steps to eliminate or reduce them to an acceptable risk level.

Why is job hazard analysis important?

Many workers are injured and killed at the workplace every day in the United States. Safety and health can add value to your business, your job, and your life. You can help prevent workplace injuries and illnesses by looking at your workplace operations, establishing proper job procedures, and ensuring that all employees are trained properly.

One of the best ways to determine and establish proper work procedures is to conduct a job hazard analysis. A job hazard analysis is one component of the larger commitment of a safety and health management system.

What is the value of a job hazard analysis?

Supervisors can use the findings of a job hazard analysis to eliminate and prevent hazards in their workplaces. This is likely to result in fewer worker injuries and illnesses; safer, more effective work methods; reduced workers’ compensation costs; and increased worker productivity.  The analysis also can be a valuable tool for training new employees in the steps required to perform their jobs safely.

For a job hazard analysis to be effective, management must demonstrate its commitment to safety and health and follow through to correct any uncontrolled hazards identified. Otherwise, management will lose credibility and employees may hesitate to go to management when dangerous conditions threaten them.

What jobs are appropriate for a job hazard analysis?

      Jobs with the highest injury or illness rates;

       Jobs with the potential to cause severe or disabling injuries or illness, even  if there is no history of previous accidents;

       Jobs in which one simple human error could lead to a severe accident or injury;

      Jobs that are new to your operation or have undergone changes in processes and procedures; and

      Jobs complex enough to require written instructions.

A job hazard analysis can be conducted on many jobs in your workplace.   Where do I begin?   Involve your employees.

It is very important to involve your employees in the hazard analysis process. They have a unique understanding of the job, and this knowledge is invaluable for finding hazards. Involving employees will help minimize oversights, ensure a quality analysis, and get workers to “buy in” to the solutions because they will share ownership in their safety and health program. 

Review your accident history.

Review with your employees your worksite’s history of accidents and occupational illnesses that needed treatment, losses that required repair or replacement, and any “near misses” —events in which an accident or loss did not occur, but could have. These events are indicators that the existing hazard controls (if any) may not be adequate and deserve more scrutiny. 

Conduct a preliminary job review.

Discuss with your employees the hazards they know exist in their current work and surroundings. Brainstorm with them for ideas to eliminate or control those hazards.  If any hazards exist that pose an immediate danger to an employee’s life or health, take immediate action to protect the worker.

Any problems that can be corrected easily should be corrected as soon as possible. Do not wait to complete your job hazard analysis.  This will demonstrate your commitment to safety and health and enable you to focus on the hazards and jobs that need more study because of their complexity.  For those hazards determined to present unacceptable risks, evaluate types of hazard controls. 

List, rank, and set priorities for hazardous jobs.  List jobs with hazards that present unacceptable risks, based on those most likely to occur and with the most severe consequences. These jobs should be your first priority for analysis. 

Outline the steps or tasks.

Nearly every job can be broken down into job tasks or steps. When beginning a job hazard analysis, watch the employee perform the job and list each step as the worker takes it.  Be sure to record enough information to describe each job action without getting overly detailed. Avoid making the breakdown of steps so detailed that it becomes unnecessarily long or so broad that it does not include basic steps. You may find it valuable to get input from other workers who have performed the same job.

Later, review the job steps with the employee to make sure you have not omitted something. Point out that you are evaluating the job itself, not the employee’s job performance. Include the employee in all phases of the analysis—from reviewing the job steps and procedures to discussing uncontrolled hazards and recommended solutions. 

Sometimes, in conducting a job hazard analysis, it may be helpful to photograph or videotape the  worker performing the job. These visual records can be handy references when doing a more detailed analysis of the work.

How do I identify workplace hazards?  A job hazard analysis is an exercise in detective work. Your goal is to discover the following:  What can go wrong? What are the consequences?  How could it arise? What are other contributing factors?  How likely is it that the hazard will occur?

To make your job hazard analysis useful, document the answers to these questions in a consistent manner. Describing a hazard in this way helps to ensure that your efforts to eliminate the hazard and implement hazard controls help target the most important contributors to the hazard.

Good hazard scenarios describe:

Where it is happening (environment), who or what it is happening to (exposure), what precipitates the hazard (trigger), the outcome that would occur should it happen (consequence), and  any other contributing factors.

Rarely is a hazard a simple case of one singular cause resulting in one singular effect. More frequently, many contributing factors tend to line up in a certain way to create the hazard. Here is an example of a hazard scenario:

In the metal shop (environment), while clearing a snag (trigger), a worker’s hand (exposure) comes into contact with a rotating pulley. It pulls his hand into the machine and severs his fingers (consequences) quickly.

To perform a job hazard analysis, you would ask:

 What can go wrong?  The worker’s hand could come into contact with a rotating object that “catches” it and pulls it into the machine.

• What are the consequences?  The worker could receive a severe injury and lose fingers and hands.

• How could it happen? The accident could happen as a result of the worker trying to clear a snag during operations or as part of a maintenance activity while the pulley is operating. Obviously, this hazard scenario could not occur if the pulley is not rotating.

• What are other contributing factors?

This hazard occurs very quickly.  It does not give the worker much opportunity to recover or prevent it once his hand comes into contact with the pulley. This is an important factor, because it helps you determine the severity and likelihood of an accident when selecting appropriate hazard controls. Unfortunately, experience has shown that training is not very effective in hazard control when triggering events happen quickly because humans can react only so quickly.

Note: This very thing happened to the son of one of my friends about two weeks ago.  The fingers of the gloves he wore were slightly too long, and the glove got caught in a piece of equipment, injuring his hand before the machine could be stopped, to remove his hand.  He missed some days of work, but luckily, none of his fingers. pb

Source: OSHA

 

 

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

‘TIS THE SEASON FOR SAFETY! (GUEST POST)

 It’s the most wonderful time of the year—children are on their best behavior, feasting is an accepted pastime, and Christmas lights twinkle down every street.  Out of all of the holiday preparation that goes into making the magic of the season, hanging outdoor Christmas lights is perhaps the most precarious (unless, of course, you are frying a turkey for Christmas dinner—but that’s another topic entirely).  Whether you are creating your own LED masterpiece a-la Clark Griswold, or assisting an aging loved one, it is imperative to follow a few simple (yet crucial) steps to make sure that you spend your holidays at home (not in the hospital).

Subscribe to the Buddy System

There is safety in numbers, and silly though it may sound, hanging Christmas lights is no exception to this rule.  Having just one other person makes a monumental difference in installation safety, time, and effort.  For example–when using a ladder to reach the gutters, it is beyond beneficial to have another person there to hand you clips, lights, etc.  The buddy system will eliminate your up-and-down the ladder trips, and thus decrease your odds of falling off of the ladder due to reaching, fatigue, or haste.  If you can’t immediately get at least one other person to help, it is advisable to wait.  Should you insist on going it alone, make sure to work within your means, and consider investing in a harness.

Asses your Materials

It is crucial to check the integrity of your light strings and extension cords; if any are broken, cracked, or frayed, do NOT use them.  While you’re checking on the condition of the materials, make sure that all of the bulbs are fully functioning.  If any are broken or dead, replace them now while it’s convenient.  Follow the instructions on the manufacturer’s boxes regarding light connections and maximum string attachments in order to avoid blowing the circuit.  Measure the area(s) you want to cover to make sure that you have enough lights; this isn’t a deficit you want to discover hours into the project.  If you are doing this solo and in regards to the harness suggestion above, think about investing in a full body harness, vertical lifeline, or roof anchor.

Let there be Light

Once you have a buddy (or harness), the right amount of properly functioning materials, and a precipitation-free day, proceed with operation Christmas-lights.  When climbing the ladder to hang lights off of the gutter, don’t lift an uncomfortable or awkward amount of weight.  Jerking and straining your back half-way up a ladder is nobody’s idea of a good time.  Do not staple lights to the roof; rather, use hooks to either hang them from the gutter or the shingles.  Make sure that the ground where you are resting the ladder is flat and solid—otherwise don’t risk it.  If the home you are decorating has multiple stories, consider hanging wreathes or lighted displays in the windows rather than attempting to hang lights off of the second/third story.  If you start to run out of daylight, find a stopping point and continue the project the next day.

It is important to remember that no decorative project is worth jeopardizing your health.  Your loved ones and neighbors alike will understand if you can’t safely attempt to totally light up your home.  If, however, you plan on successfully installing outdoor Christmas lights this year, just keep these simple tips in mind in order to have a happy (and safe!) holiday season.

 

Madison Hill  is a Seattle-based mother of two who takes pride is still being able to embarrass her children despite their ages.  She spends her free time deciphering petroglyphs and pictographs.  When she’s not pruning her bonsai tree or baking homemade shoofly pie, you can find her writing about home care.

 

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

HOW TO PRESSURE WASH ROOFS WITHOUT DAMAGING THE SHINGLES – OR YOURSELF (GUEST POST)

It is very important to clean the roof of a house from time to time to improve its durability. And if you haven’t cleaned your rooftop in a long time, maybe it’s time to pressure wash it for a thorough and effective cleanup. You can always power wash your tiled roof, but it can be risky for a roof having shingles, asphalt shingles in particular.

Pressure-washing may rupture the protective grit that the shingles are coated with, affecting their durability to a great extent. However, if unwanted stuff such as algae, moss or mold on your rooftop is fully grown up, roof cleaning  won’t be effective without a pressure wash. So, when you pressure-wash your shingled roof, make sure you apply minimal pressure and don’t damage it. Here’s how:

Use the Right Wand and Cleaning Solution

Connect a spraying wand to the hose of your pressure washer and fill it with a fine cleaning solution depending upon what (mold, algae or moss) you want to remove from the rooftop. For example if it is algae you are trying to remove, you’ll have to use a cleaning solution specially compounded to clean algae.

Here are some other tips:

  • Be sure the ladder you are using is safe and sturdy.
  • Do not place the weight of the ladder against the metal strip of the roof.
  • Position yourself near the metal strip on the top most of the line, so that you don’t damage shingles much.
  • Consider using some sort of fall protection; a fall from the roof can be very dangerous.

Keep the Pressure Minimum

When you’ve positioned yourself well on the roof, turn the pressure-washer on. Set it on the lowest point and hold the wand upright, allowing too much of pressure in the beginning to scatter. Point the washer toward the shingles in such a way that the water falls on them only and doesn’t disturb the seal.

It is important to be highly careful here because water flowing towards the shingle edges will exert pressure and untie them. Also, doing so will prepare a wet and moist environment for algae to grow quickly.

Clean the Roof in Segments

Don’t try to spread the flow of water on the entire roof at once. Instead, clean the roof in segments. You can begin to wash the roof towards the bottom from the top first and then side to side. Divide the roof into segments in such a way that you need not to change your position too frequently and the pressure of water can easily reach all of them. Leave the portion of the roof where you’ve positioned the ladder for the last.

Following these steps sounds much simpler, but when you actually implement them they’re hard to pull through. In an event when you feel that things are going out of hands, it’s best advised to call upon an expert roof cleaner who will fix things for you.

Author Bio :- Myezy Handyman   is a reliable company which is offering you professional home maintenance and repair services. We have skilled professionals who work with their abilities as well as with experience.  Sent to us by Brett Myors.

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

HOW TO KEEP A ROOF IN GOOD REPAIR (GUEST POST)

Damp is one of the biggest problems you will encounter when it comes to your roof. In order to prevent it from causing damage, your roof should always be kept in a good state of repair. When your roof is fully maintained it will be efficient at shedding rainwater. This will prevent damp from entering and causing problems further down the line.

If you own a house that was built before the development of modern transport links, it is likely that your roof materials were sourced from the area you live in. The type of maintenance work your roof will require depends on what it is made from. Most commonly, they are made from:

Tiles

A commonly used roofing material, tiles can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They offer an extremely durable surface, where the only real concern is tiles becoming cracked or dislodged. By staying vigilant and checking your roof often, you can identify potential problems before they become serious.

When you identify a problem tile, they are easily removed and replaced.  If your roof needs to be fully re-tiled, then it is standard practice to replace the wooden battens that they are attached to.

Stone or Slate

The most durable choice for roofing, stone or slate can last years without needing anything more than general maintenance. However, when the roof does start to deteriorate, large-scale repairs are generally needed. Be aware that the nails attaching your slates to the roof can decay and rust, leading to further problems.

Thatch

Available in many different forms, a thatched roof will require the most maintenance. This type of roof traditionally has a layer added to it when needed, leading to a buildup of materials. Eventually, when the weight becomes too much, the entire roof will need replacing.

With a thatched roof, you need to keep on top of its condition at all times. Things such as moss or algae can cause a lot of expensive damage if left unchecked. Remove this kind of growth at regular intervals and get rid of any overhanging trees; these can restrict airflow to the roof and make existing problems worse.

If your home is a listed building then you may have to obtain planning permission before you carry out any work.

Flat roofs

If your home has a flat roof, it will usually be over something like a porch or extension. The most common material for flat roofs is lead.  The main thing to look out for here is corrosion. Corrosion can lead to small holes in the roof. These will require a specialist contractor to fix, so keep an eye out for damage, and get it fixed before it becomes a large problem.

Flashings

Flashings are added to the point where your roof is connected to things such as chimneys. They provide a waterproof seal at junctions and are the part of the roof which is most prone to deterioration. As with flat roofs, they are usually made from lead. Keep an eye out for deterioration and if it has begun to set in, get in touch with a professional contractor.

Depending on when your home was built, you will need to figure out which roofing type your home is fitted with. Once you know this, you can find out how it can be repaired.

This piece was written by Mark Enright, a writer for Beddard Roofing, specialist roofing contractors.

Note:  Anyone doing their own roof repair will need good fall safety protection. Don’t take a chance! pb

 

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, High Visibility Safety

IT’S DEER HUNTING TIME, SO LISTEN UP TO THESE SAFETY TIPS

Deer hunting season is upon us again, so one can never emphasize paying close attention to all safety tips.  A hunting trip gives the family or friends an opportunity to bond and enjoy the great outdoors.  It’s also fun to bring your trusty four-legged friend, your dog, along, too.  When youngsters are involved, it is a good idea for them to first have a gun training safety course. 

In deer country, driving safety is foremost.  No driver wants to injure or kill a deer or any other animal by driving too fast, disregarding the fact that there are more deer roaming about in the month of November, due to hunting and also deer mating season.  

Driving tips issued by the Insurance Information Institute are to 

  • Be aware that deer usually travel in groups;
  • They are most active in the evening, around 6 to 9 p.m.;
  • They can be highly unpredictable, especially when caught in headlights;
  • Exposed to loud noises such as horns and large noisy trucks;
  • Confused by fast-moving vehicles.

According to the Institute, deer whistles mounted on the car or pickup are not too reliable, despite advertising claims have not proved effective at keeping deer out of a vehicle’s path.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found in a recent study of fatal animal crashes, sixty (60) per cent of people who died in these crashes were not wearing safety belts.  Most human deaths could be prevented if every driver buckled up and every motorcyclist wore a helmet. 

Deer hunting involves a lot of eager men, women, and children armed with high-powered rifles and unfortunately, not everyone is as safety conscious as they should be.  One tip is to never pull the trigger unless you are sure without doubt, that your target is a deer.  This sounds simple enough, but it is surprising how many hunting accidents are from hunters shooting other hunters by accident.  

Hunting and alcohol definitely don’t mix.  Just recently, some teenage boys were on an outing, (not deer hunting, just critter hunting), when one youngster accidentally shot and killed his best friend.  It was determined that it was an alcohol-involved accident.  Leave the beer at the campsite for after the hunt.  If you are underage, leave the beer at the store. 

Never hunt alone. Having a partner is a safety-must.  Be sure to tell your family or friends where you plan to be and when you plan to arrive home.  Keep your cell phone charged and in range, if possible.  

Be sure other shooters know that you are human, not a deer, by wearing hi-visibility gear, such as vests and caps.  LED lights that clip onto your cap also help you navigate in the dark.  

If you have a hunting stand, be sure to check it out for safety before using it.  Never carry a loaded gun up or down a hunting stand.  To ensure safety for entering and exiting a hunting stand, use a fall arrest system.  Figure out a plan on how you will safely lower yourself back to the ground should your fall arrest system catch you after a fall. 

Following proper gun safety rules means that you handle any gun as though it were loaded at all times.  Only load the gun when you are ready to use it.  Never point the gun at another person. Keep the gun’s muzzle pointed in a safe direction, usually toward the ground.  Always keep the gun’s safety on until you are ready to shoot. 

Please hunt safely and legally.  Obtain a license and as you do, ask if there are any safety brochures you can take along.  Prepare your children in the right way to respect guns and hunting.

Happy Hunting and Stay Safe!

Ergonomics, Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Hearing Protection, Respiratory Safety

KEEPING FOOD AND BEVERAGE EMPLOYEES SAFE (GUEST POST)

Workers of food and beverage industry are subjected to a large number of hazards. The primary of them are mentioned below:

  • Workers are often subjected to same level falls arising from slippery conditions. Such falls may cause strains and sprains.
  •  They are exposed to sharp instruments like knives.
  •  Workers may collide with internal transport like containers and forklifts.
  •  The workplace often has poorly designed process flow and inadequate space of work. Workers are exposed to repetitive work and manual lifting. These factors lead to problems caused by poor work posture.
  • Workers are exposed to excessive levels of noise caused by operations like use of beverage bottle fillers, conveyors, bottling and canning.
  •  Workers in this industry are exposed to chemical hazards caused by handling of chemicals used in disinfection and cleaning operations.
  •  They area also exposed to biological hazards caused by ingestion and inhalation of dust. Working in highly humid conditions also exposes the workers to microbiological and biological agents.
  •  This industry involves varying temperature conditions arising from activities like freezing, chilling and heat treatment. Workers are exposed to high temperatures during canning processes and pasteurization. They are exposed to chilling cold conditions while working in refrigerated spaces.

Measures to be taken for minimizing risks and hazards and maximizing workplace health and safety:

  • The working surfaces and walkways should be kept dry and clean to prevent slips and falls. Workers should be provided with footwear having anti-slip features.
  • Workers should use gloves while working with knives and other sharp instruments. This would safeguard them from cuts and similar injuries.
  • Working areas and transport passages should be deferentiated. Handrails should be placed on stairs and platforms.
  •  Spillage of liquids and water on floor should be avoided.
  • Training should be provided to workers on proper lifting techniques. To maximize the workspace of the workers, workstation should be created for each worker.
  • For reduction in the noise levels, it is important to undertake engineering control measures.
  • Emphasis should be made on the personal protection of workers.

Conclusion:

It is important for the safety personnel of food and beverage industry to design effective accident prevention methods and strategies aimed at making the workplace healthy and safe for the employees. A safe and healthy workplace would also lead to increased productivity of workers.

Author’s Bio: Alisa Martin is a guest blogger who writes quality articles on workplace safety. In this article she has written about workplace health and safety in food and beverage industry. Her articles are highly informative and useful to the readers.

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR ROOFING FOR MANY YEARS (GUEST POST)

Having a home may be a major milestone in a person’s life, but finding the right roofing in Tennessee or elsewhere may feel more like a burden.  If you’re like most people, your knowledge of roofing may be limited at best.  So, when you notice that dreaded drip coming from your ceiling, you know it is time to find an expert to take care of the problem for you.  The problem with this thinking is that by the time you’ve seen a leak in your ceiling, you’re likely looking at additional damage that may have already started many months before.  The cost of replacing a roof can be quite prohibitive, so if you’re smart about it, you’ll find ways to maintain your roof in good condition for as long as possible.
 
Have an Annual Checkup
 
The roof of your house is probably the most vulnerable part of your house; it will be subject to all manner of environmental conditions ranging from burning heat in the summer time to torrential rains, snow and hail in the winter.  It is important that you have it inspected at least once a year so that you can detect signs of damage before they become major problems.  Check the materials for cracked caulk, rust, buckling, curling or blistering; these are early signs that something is beginning to deteriorate.
 
Catch Leaks  Before They Start 
 
 If you notice any dark areas on the ceiling inside your house, paint beginning to peel or dampness around your fireplace, chances is that a leak has begun.  Once you see these signs you know it’s time for some prevention work to be done.  Get a professional in immediately to fix the problem.  The longer you wait the worse the problem will become.  Control the Environment 

Trees often have low hanging branches that can scrape and damage the roof over time.  Removing those branches can do a lot to save your roof from all sorts of problems.  Rodents, squirrels and other little creepy crawlies can use those branches to get on your roof and gnaw their way inside your house.  To avoid these types of problems it is best to remove any branches within 10 feet of your home. 

Most roofs will last for 30 to 40 years if they are maintained in good condition.  Learning how to watch for early warning signs of damage or potential problems can save you lots of money and even avoid other problems inside your home.  If you know the condition of your roof then you know the condition of your house too. 

For more information visit http://www.timleeperroofing.com

Note: When you are checking your roof, be sure you have a safe ladder, and some type of fall protection.  Remember, if you mention you read it on the blog, you get a 5% discount!  pb