Category Archives: Fall Safety

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection

TRIED AND TRUE CONSTRUCTION SITE SAFETY MEASURES (GUEST POST)

Tried and True Construction Site Safety Measures

Construction is the most dangerous private sector industry in the U.S., but that does not mean that workers have to be put in constant danger. Instead, many of the issues that plague construction sites can be avoided by simply adhering to basic construction site safety measures that have been mandated by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Unfortunately, many construction sites fail to utilize the necessary measures due to time and financial constraints. When this happens, the results can be disastrous. In fact, 721 people died on a construction site in 2011, and approximately 150,000 workers are injured every year.

Basic Safety Measures

  • Warning Signs  The importance of securing a construction site cannot be emphasized enough. After all, the fatality and injury rate is disproportionate to every other private sector industry, and this means that it is necessary for every employee to take extra precautions. The most common construction site accidents are tripping and falling. To avoid these issues, it is imperative for the work site to be cleared of extraneous debris, and any potential hazards such as cracks need to be either patched up or clearly pointed out. Utilizing signage is the best way to let workers know that there is a trip hazard or a slick surface, and these signs should be visible from every access point. 
  • Secured Ladders  The majority of falls that happen involve ladders. A simple way to reduce the number of falls is to ensure that each worker is tethered to the ladder. If workers are required to be 30 feet up on a ladder it makes sense for them to be secured. Workers should always wear safety hard hats to reduce the risk of head injuries, and it is also a good idea to use construction bubble wrap underneath the ladder if the conditions appear to be difficult. In other words, if a worker is going high up a ladder on a windy day, extra safety measures should be used to prevent an injury or fatality. 

The Importance of Documentation

In addition to using basic safety measures, it is also imperative for each construction site to properly document everything. After all, if a required safety inspection is performed but the results are not written down, it will be difficult to prove that the inspection took place. The safety leader at each construction site needs to inspect the site on a regular basis for any potential hazards, and all of the equipment should also be checked for defects.

Workers’ Compensation Claims

Failure to follow the proper procedures will make it difficult for an employer to turn down a worker’s comp claim. On the other hand, if an employee fails to follow the safety measures that are in place, they could forfeit their right to make a claim. There is a bill currently pending in North Carolina that would require employees to go through the legal system before they are eligible to file a worker’s compensation claim. Although this law may come into play, personal injury attorneys Charlotte based will confirm that under worker’s compensation laws in North Carolina, a worker who gets hurt doing any job-related task is entitled to benefits and a claim should be placed. There are specific rules in place in each state that need to be followed, and the law is constantly changing.

Regardless of the state that you are working in, it is vital to report any safety violations. After all, this is the best way to protect yourself and your co-workers. However, if you are still involved in a work site accident, you should contact a construction accident attorney immediately.

The wife of a Special Inspector, Nickey Williams knows a great deal about construction safety. The Auger & Auger personal injury attorneys Charlotte based understand that employers and insurers sometimes fail to live up to their legal obligations, and therefore, fighting for the benefits you are legally entitled to is their top priority.

 
Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Home Safety Products

FIVE MOST COMMON KITCHEN HAZARDS (AND HOW TO AVOID THEM) (GUEST POST)

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The kitchen is, after the bathroom, the most dangerous room in the house—and with the average kitchen’s complement of knives, exposed heat sources, glassware, ceramics, and household poisons, perhaps that is unsurprising. Kitchen accidents cause millions of disabling injuries and tens of thousands of fatalities every year. Here are a few ways to make your kitchen safer, without overhauling your routine or spending a lot of money.

Falling – Slipping and falling incidents in the kitchen are common, and the presence of hazards on countertops can make the resulting injuries much more serious. A newly-cleaned floor or a fresh spill can make it easy to lose your footing, and sustain concussions and lacerations from the floor and countertops. The involuntary flailing associated with a fall can also spill hot liquids, shatter glassware, or bring the arms in contact with stovetops or knives.

To mitigate the risk of a falling injury, never cook on a wet floor, and clean spills thoroughly as soon as they happen. Turn the handle of any pots and pans over the stovetop, so they’re less likely to be knocked over in the event of a fall.

Knives – Lacerations from kitchen knives are so common that the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System actually subdivides them by the item being cut. A blade slip while cutting raw chicken is the most common form of kitchen laceration, followed by potatoes, apples, onions, and bagels. Those five categories alone account for over 15,000 emergency room visits every year, with patients experiencing extreme blood loss and potentially permanent nerve damage.

Cutting injuries are mostly the result of dull knives, badly-secured cutting boards, and improper knife technique. As much as possible, use sharp, high-quality blades, especially on slippery items like raw meat. Invest in a non-slip food cutting-board or slide a wet towel underneath the board to secure it. While cutting, keep your hands as dry as possible, firmly grip the knife, and always curl the fingers of your free hand.

Stovetops – Improper use of a stovetop (particularly a gas range) can result in fire, burns, and scalding. Loose sleeves, neckties, or long hair can ignite in contact with the burners, so it’s important to keep hair tied back and any loose-fitting clothing away from the range. Never leave a stovetop unattended, especially while using a glass casserole dish; they can explode violently from the heat, and spray shards of glass all over the kitchen. Also be sure to keep small children away from the range, and turn your pot handles over the stovetop so as to be out of reach.

Liquids on a stovetop can also be extremely dangerous, especially if they boil over or spill. It only takes a second of exposure to boiling water to inflict third-degree burns, and potentially permanent loss of the affected tissue. Don’t use a receptacle that is too small to accommodate the liquid, and never leave a boiling pot unattended.

 Bacteria – 128,000 Americans are hospitalized with foodborne illness every year. Not all of these incidents begin at home, but you can take steps to design a kitchen that will reduce your risk. Firstly, wash your hands and all cooking utensils before and after preparing food—and do not switch from preparing raw meat or seafood to preparing vegetables without washing. Never put cooked food right back on the plate where you prepared it raw—the blood and juices can easily reintroduce bacteria.

Take special care to sanitize your countertops and cutting boards, and be ready to replace them if they sustain deep gouges from knives—those crevices can be a haven for bacteria, and are difficult to clean properly. If you use rags and sponges, wash and (especially) dry them thoroughly—often they will do more to spread bacteria than to remove it. Also remember that refrigerators slow bacterial growth, but do not stop it. Leftovers can become dangerous to eat without any noticeable change in flavor or odor, so minimize the time your leftovers spend at room temperature, and eat them within (at most) one week of preparation.

Poisoning – Accidental poisoning is an extremely common cause of injury and death in the United States, among adults as well as children. The easiest way to avoid kitchen poisoning is to keep your cleaning and cooking separate, and make sure your cleaning supplies are well-secured under the sink if you have small children. To prevent food poisoning from canned or jarred goods, never eat food from a can that appears swollen, or releases pressurized gas when you open it. Respect the expiration dates on your packaged foods, and never leave an open can or jar at room temperature for more than an hour.

Mike Freiberg is a staff writer for http://www.homedaddys.com, a resource for stay-at-home dads, work-at-home dads, and everything in between. He’s a handyman, an amateur astronomer, and a tech junkie, who loves being home with his two kids. He lives in Austin.

Thank you, Mike, for this enlightening article.  Imagine the thousands of restaurant employees who are injured in the kitchen.  There are many types of personal protective wear such as cut-resistant gloves, and gloves for food handling.

Eye Protection, Fall Safety, First Aid Safety, Hand Protection, Head Protection

STAYING SAFE ON THE CONSTRUCTION SITE (GUEST POST)

On-site injuries have long been a problem for nearly every construction company, and for good reason. 

Each year, construction companies face hundreds of thousands of accidents related to situations that could be avoidable with the right precautions in place. In 2011 alone, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, there were 4,069 workers killed on a construction site, most of which were avoidable. Though some of these problems truly are unavoidable, many of them can be minimized by following simple procedure. Every company is unique, but there are some practices that should be universal for any construction company, whether they are building a high-rise building or a small house.

Here are some of the most common issues that lead to injuries on the construction site: 

Lack of Training 

Every worker, regardless of what he or she is doing, should have a thorough understanding of not only what they will be doing, but also how to operate the heavy machinery they will be using. This might sound redundant, but thousands of injuries every year are caused by careless behavior on the part of the construction manager through lack of oversight. All operators of heavy machinery should have verifiable training on the machine or equipment they will operate. Many construction dealers will offer free tutorials for their machinery, such as videos, user manuals and quizzes. Some even offer a verifiable certificate to each person that passes the course. 

Overhead/ Buried Obstructions 

Before building anything, be sure to thoroughly inspect the construction site for buried or overhead obstructions. One phone call to your local utilities service will ensure that there are no buried pipes or wires, and can potentially prevent thousands of dollars in damages, along with any worksite injury that could occur. If you have exposed cables, be sure to use a cable ramp to ensure that machinery does not interact with them. 

Loading and Unloading Equipment 

Problems arise at every turn of a construction site, even on level ground. When loading and unloading equipment, it is crucial to make sure that no one is in the direct path of any heavy equipment, and that heavy equipment has enough room to comfortably maneuver around the construction site. This often requires a spotter to be nearby at all times. It is also important to make sure that the machine you are working with can clear the ramps that it uses, and that there is no crowding within that machine’s path. Use proper tie-down procedure, and use safety-ties to avoid pieces coming out of place. 

Though construction companies will most likely never be truly inevitable, we have come a long way in terms of construction safety in the past several decades. Since 1970, fatalities related to construction have been reduced by over 60 percent, and with a little bit of luck, this trend should continue.  

Patrick Rafferty is the marketing assistant for Brahman Systems, a Louisiana based construction company with a patented all-steel enclosed hose and cable protection. 

Note: All companies must provide personal protective equipment items.  From hardhats, vests, gloves, safety glasses, to first aid kits, they must be prepared properly.  Pat

 

Eye Protection, Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, Protective Clothing

MANAGING THE STRESSORS OF PERSONAL INJURY (GUEST POST)

 

After drunken night at Chris' II_MMVI

 

Dealing with a personal injury can be a life-altering experience. In addition to the physical pain and discomfort, you may also have to contend with an assortment of mental, financial and personal issues related to your claims process. The following are tips to help manage the stress and hardships associated with a personal injury experience.

Two Types of Injuries

Medical malpractice and getting hurt on the job are two well-known areas associated with a personal injury. When you’re feeling sick or injured, you put your trust into your physician or hospital facility. With many of them on patient overload, they occasionally make mistakes and offer inadequate treatment. This form of neglect could even result in a permanent injury or fatality. Close to 100,000 deaths are related to medical malpractice cases every year, often leaving victims floating in a sea of debt. An on-the-job injury is just as serious, and typically happens due to neglect or safety code violations. Thousands of people are hurt in a work related injury every year, and their emotional and financial processes are often lengthy and stressful.

Dealing with the Stress Related to a Personal Injury

It can be difficult to deal with the pain, stress and aggravation that is typically associated with a personal injury. Depending on its extent, you may have to contend with an endless pile of bills, limited to no money coming in, and physical and mental anguish. This can have a crippling effect on your work, personal and family life. A knowledgeable and experienced personal injury attorney can determine if you have a case or not. In doing so, they can aggressively pursue the appropriate avenues to determine if neglect was at the center of these issues. If so, they can seek the proper monetary compensation for the client, and possibly prevent this from happening to anyone else.

Note that most reputable personal injury firms follow the contingency model; they do not take a fee unless you get financial recovery. If a permanent injury or death was the end result, you or your family members may need the help of a physical therapist or counselor/therapist to get through this traumatic ordeal.

Preventing Accidents and Injuries

There are a number of steps you can take on your own to prevent medical malpractice or work related injury situations. You can research and find a physician and hospital facility that are on the ball and have their patients concern at the forefront. You also need to follow the doctor’s recommended care and treatment plan for your ailment. If something looks to be out of the ordinary, you need to speak up and ask questions. Also, don’t discount the value of getting second opinions, and pay attention to your own intuition. 

Injuries at work can be avoided by making yourself aware of any on the job hazards. An employer should also follow the OSHA safety guidelines to protect the employees and customers within the facility. To ensure your work environment is safe, you need to follow your workplace dress code. This could include making sure your hair is tied back, and wearing proper safety goggles and footwear, and the correct personal protective equipment that meets the risks of the job involved. Essentially, your role is to follow the established codes of conduct, read any safety manuals provided by your place of employment, and if necessary, ask other employees about past injury situations so you can learn from past mistakes.

A personal injury caused by medical malpractice or work related injury can have long-lasting repercussions. Taking the appropriate steps to prevent them before they occur, and knowing how to deal with the stresses once they happen, can help relieve some of the emotional burden.

Akilah Richards is a former legal assistant who has seen how vital an attorney can be for a person who suffered pain or injury due to someone elses negligence. Price Benowitz, LLP,  offers information and resources for individuals in need of legal representation for any Maryland work accident or malpractice occurrence.

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

PREVENT AND ARREST FALLS FROM HEIGHTS

This article is  from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety monthly newsletter that we subscribe to: 
An apprentice carpenter was severely injured when he fell through a stairwell opening and landed on the concrete floor 37 feet below. In another incident, a roofer unhooked his lanyard from the lifeline and then slipped on frost, falling to his death, 53 feet below.

Every year workers die or are injured as a result of falling from ladders, scaffolds, roofs or other elevations. Falling is a risk faced by construction workers, painters, solar panel installers, window washers, firefighters, live performance workers, and others who work at heights. Ideally it would be safest to eliminate the risk all together by eliminating the need to work at heights, however in many occupations such as construction and other trades, this is not practical, and working at heights is a part of the job.

There are however, steps that employers and workers can take to minimize the risk, and help prevent falls and the injuries that go along with them.

Risk Assessment
Any work at heights should be properly planned, supervised, and not carried out in dangerous weather conditions. Conduct a risk assessment to identify and address any hazards related to the work to be performed. This information can help you select the right equipment for the job, and take adequate control measures and precautions to ensure the safety of workers and others.

Fall Protection Plan
When workers are working over 7.5 metres (25 feet) in height and are not protected by permanent guardrails the employee must develop a written, site-specific fall protection plan. The plan should include the fall hazards and fall protection systems that are in place in each area, and the procedures for using, maintaining, fitting and inspecting fall protection equipment. The plan should also include procedures for rescuing a worker who has fallen, and is suspended by a personal fall protection system or safety net.

Training and Supervision
People working at heights must be trained in practical fall prevention and fall arrest techniques. Whenever personal protective equipment is used, the employer must ensure that workers know how to properly select, fit, use, inspect, and maintain the gear they will be using. The employer is responsible for providing appropriate training, and safety equipment that complies with safety standards, and ensuring that workers use the fall protection system provided at all times.

Fall Protection
If you are at risk for falling three meters (ten feet) or more, you should use the appropriate fall protection system when working. There are various fall protection methods and devices to protect workers who are at risk of falling. Each has their appropriate uses; depending on the situation, use one or more of these fall protection methods:

Guardrails should be installed at the edges of construction sites, roofs, and scaffoldings whenever possible to prevent falls. Standards for guardrails dimensions may vary from province to province.  Fall restraint systems such as work positioning devices that prevent workers from travelling to the edge of the building or structure must be provided if the use of guardrails isn’t practicable.

Fall arrest systems (full body harnesses and safety nets) are used to stop workers in mid-fall to prevent them from hitting the surface below. Full body safety harnesses attached to secured lanyards are widely used, however to be effective, they must be fitted properly to each worker. Although a poorly fitting harness will stop a fall, it can injure the worker who is dangling in mid-air if the straps and metal supports are not contoured to the individual’s shape.

The lanyard, or line that stops the fall, and the anchor point for the lanyard are just as important as the harness. Anchor points must be carefully planned, usually in consultation with an engineer, and the length of the lanyard must allow for the stretch in the material resulting from the fall. Manufacturers can provide information to help you choose the correct length and avoid contact with the ground or other objects.

Safety netting can be used effectively in construction of industrial framed buildings. Trained personnel are required to install, dismantle and inspect the netting, and no worker should work above nets without proper training.

Suspension Trauma
When fall arrest systems are used, the possibility of suspension trauma is a serious concern. This condition, which can be fatal, occurs when a person is suspended motionless in a vertical position in the harness while awaiting rescue. When a person is suspended vertically and perhaps in shock, blood tends to pool around the legs, putting extra pressure on the heart while it attempts to pump blood to the brain. The situation can be made worse by the constrictions of the harness. Suspended workers with head injuries or who are unconscious are particularly at risk. The person must be rescued quickly (under ten minutes) and gradually brought to a horizontal position to avoid potential cardiac arrest. This is why it is critical to have a rescue plan with procedures for rescuing a worker who is suspended by a personal fall protection system.

Preventing the fall, or rescuing the fallen, the best way to protect workers from injury is to create a culture of safety that values the input of both employers and workers.

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety

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

HOME DEMO SAFETY TIPS FROM AN INDUSTRIAL DEMOLITION CONTRACTOR (GUEST POST)

Safety is the first priority of any industrial demolition contractor. When a project is safe, employees are happier and the work finishes on time. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets safety regulations for demolition contractors for a reason – the work is risky. With this in mind, homeowners should also keep safety in mind when embarking on a demolition, remodeling or building project.  

Look for environmental hazards. Some construction materials contain toxins such as mold, formaldehyde, lead or asbestos. If you’re not sure what went into the building materials you’re demolishing, hire a professional to figure this out. If there are toxins in the environment, let the pros handle it. 

Analyze the materials. A sledge hammer isn’t the go-to tool for every type of building material. Before starting a project, analyze the materials so you can pinpoint the right demolition tools. 

Make a plan. If there aren’t any hazardous materials in your home, plan to work from the top down. In your plan, include a safety checklist with items like sealing off the area, shutting off the utilities, where to place chutes and so on.   

Prevent fall hazards. If you are ever going to be four feet or more off the ground, implement these fall protection measures: 

  • Install stair rails, handrails and guardrails.
  • Cover holes will floor boards or toe-boards.
  • Keep the floors dry.
  • Use a harness and lines whenever you’re four feet or more off the ground.
  • Learn how to use a ladder safely. (A ladder is one of the most deadly items on a demolition site.) 

Demolition Tools  

Pry bars: Use a pry bar to pull out nails, remove tiles and loosen flooring. If you need something stronger to loosen flooring, give a San Angelo bar a try. 

Hammers: A standard claw hammer is great for removing nails and making small holes in drywall. Use a mini-sledgehammer for tougher tasks, like removing interior framing and wood support beams. Reserve the full-size sledge hammer for materials like bricks or concrete. As you work with nails, take the time to knock them flat so they don’t end up lodged in a foot – or better yet, keep the area clean so you don’t step on piles of debris. 

Excavators: Excavators can increase the efficiency of your project when an experienced operator is in the driver’s seat.

Demolition Safety Equipment & Best Practices 

Spend a little money and save a lot – including your life – with PPE personal protective equipment and other safety materials. You should also consider implementing the demolition best practices below. Recommended safety equipment includes: 

  • Safety glasses
  • Hard hat
  • Work gloves
  • Ear protection
  • Respirators or dust masks
  • Shatterproof goggles
  • Steel-toed boots or boots with shanks in the soles
  • Harness for work on the roof or around open holes
  • Electrical tester (to make sure power lines are dead)
  • Fire hose
  • First aid kit
  • Safety buddy 

Put safety first. Always use safety gear, and inspect it prior to starting work. 

Obtain permits. Before your project, verify whether you need a demolition permit. 

Handle hazardous materials wisely. The EPA has standards for handling environmental hazards. Work with a licensed company to remove them from your site. 

Be a good neighbor. As you work, be mindful of noise levels, dust levels and the debris produced. 

Consider a green demolition. Divert what you can from the landfill by salvaging usable building materials and reusing or donating them. Recycle what you can, and sell scrap metal to recoup some of your costs 

Demolition is all about forethought and logic. Never hesitate to talk to a demolition contractor if you have any questions or safety concerns about your project. 

Elder Demolition, a fully licensed demolition contractor located in Portland, Oregon, has provided safe, top-notch demolition services throughout the western United States since 1997. Elder Demolition

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

SAFETY CONCERNS OF WINDOW CLEANERS WORKING ON HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS (GUEST POST)

To some, it might not seem like the most hazardous job in the world, but being a window cleaner does involve a lot of risk. Merely cleaning ground-floor windows is fairly risk-free, however in most cases, workers within this profession have to scale entire buildings to make sure that every window pane looks spotless.

Back in the day, window cleaners very rarely had to clean any building more than three storeys high. However, as skyscrapers, tower blocks and modern glass-fronted offices became more widespread, so did the number of difficult jobs for window cleaners. In extreme cases, some jobs involved scaling heights of over 500 feet, which can be especially challenging if it is your first day on the job.

Material world
Today, height isn’t the only challenge that window cleaners face. Many modern high-rise buildings are covered almost entirely in glass. This means that they have to clean a larger surface, which requires greater mobility.
At the same time, glass-fronted buildings are also more difficult to hold on to, meaning that the safety of cleaners when working on such structures is even more questionable.
The Empire State Building is a prime example of a glass-fronted skyscraper which can be a nightmare to get cleaned. That, coupled with its impressive height, makes it one of the most dangerous buildings on earth that a window cleaner could possibly work on. A lack of friction on the surface means that cleaners have no choice but to use a harness.

Strings attached
In order to scale large buildings, window cleaners tend to use:

  •          (For buildings that are no taller than four storeys); A really long ladder
  •          A harness for really tall buildings that don’t have straight, flat surfaces
  •          A large suspended scaffold for some skyscrapers that’s erected at the top of the building and moved up and down when needed by someone at ground level

All three are, with supervision, safe to use when everything has been checked. Unfortunately, there’s still an inherent risk in this form of work, with the danger of plummeting hundreds of feet to the ground, should the harness or scaffold used be unstable or insecure.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fall Safety

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST CONSTRUCTION SAFETY HARNESS (GUEST POST)

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Accidental falls top the list of fatalities in the construction industry. For this reason, it is important to make the right choice of safety harness. This will have to depend on factors like the kind of work, environment, and the level of risk involved, among others.  A safety harness can come with many different features; here are some things to consider when your ready to buy:

  •        Padding
  •        Webbing
  •        Buckles
  •        Weight
  •        Features
  •        Accessories 

What about the safety harness features?

If you are looking for a safety harness that can meet OSHA compliance standards you will find that a basic safety harness will be affordable with a simple design and have a universal size.  This type of harness will certainly work, but is not ideal for a professional who uses a safety harness daily.

Most construction safety harnesses feature a padded waist belt for use with tools as well as side hip D-rings.  These features are specific to the construction industry but not included in all safety harnesses. 

Questions to ask about safety construction harnesses

What type of work will I be doing?

If you are always working at height, you might consider integrated tool pouches as well as tool belt that conforms and fits to your toolset.  If your work requires positioning, then you will need side D-Rings, these can be custom fit your harness. OSHA requires them to be proof-tested to a minimum load of 3,600 lbs. without breaking, cracking or becoming deformed. 

How long or often will I be wearing my safety harness?

Arguably the most important feature on a safety harness, padding provides much-needed comfort and adds a layer of protection in the event of a fall.  If your job consists of long hours in a harness, a question you might ask is; could I wear this all day?  The comfort of your harness should be one of the deciding factors when choosing a construction safety harness. 

A general rule when buying safety harnesses is that more padding=more comfort, the same goes for work boots and helmets.  If you’re planning on spending long hours in your safety harness, you should consider more padding; you will feel the benefits daily.

What material is my safety harness made with?

Dyneema and Kevlar are considered the premium webbing materials used for safety harnesses.  Both materials are comparable to steel and commonly used in military body armor.

Will I be sharing this harness with my co-workers?

For a construction worker, the ability to quickly snap in and adjust the harness can be a real timesaver.  Safety harness buckles come in three basic types, quick-connect, pass-thru, and tongue.  If your job requires you to share your harness with other workers, you may want to consider a harness with tongue buckles.  These are easy to adjust on the fly but not as precise as the quick connect buckles.

What about the size and weight?

The size of your safety harness is determined by your height and weight, always consult a safety professional to help determine the appropriate size for your build.  Additionally you should check the MFG sizing charts, if your total weight is over 310lbs (including tools) you should opt for a specially rated harness for increased capacity.  

With the appropriate type of harness, which conforms to OSHA standards, accidental falls, work related injuries, and fatalities can be minimized and your day can be just bit more comfortable! 

Note: Blog4Safety’s parent company, Texas America Safety Company, also has a huge array of safety harnesses! 

 
Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

FOUR ESSENTIAL BATHROOM SAFETY PRODUCTS (GUEST POST)

The bathroom is a place where you get yourself ready to face the day. It is also a room in your house that can present safety hazards such as wet tile floors and slippery tubs and showers. Electrical outlets situated near faucets can also lead to safety issues.
 
Shower Grab Bar
All shower stalls should be equipped with a sturdy, steel grab bar mounted to the wall either horizontally or vertically. Whether you do the installation yourself or have it done by a reputable contractor, you need to be sure that the bar you choose complies with the guidelines of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). For example, the ADA guidelines related to the size and placement of the bar state that the bar should have a diameter of 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches and that there should be 1 1/2 inches of space between the wall and the bar. The bar should be able to support up to 250 pounds.

Bathtub Handle
If you have a bathtub instead of a shower stall, you should have a handle securely mounted to the side of your tub. You hold onto this handle as you enter and exit the tub so that you reduce the probability of slipping and falling. One type of handle is semicircular and attaches to the side of the tub with vice-like jaws. The handle extends to 14 inches above the point at which it is mounted.

Shower Stall Mat
If your shower stall does not have a non-slip surface, you are at risk for injury that can result from an accidental fall. A square-shaped, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) shower mat is inexpensive and provides you with sure footing as you stand in the shower. This type of mat is equipped with many suction cups that grip the shower floor securely, and the square shape adapts easily to a variety of shower stalls. The mats come in different colors, and they are very durable and easy to keep clean.

GFCI Electrical Outlet
Any electrical outlet that is within five feet of a source of water should have Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection. This means that an electrical outlet mounted on a wall adjacent to a bathroom sink should be a GFCI outlet. This type of outlet is designed to protect you from getting an electrical shock because it has a sensor that can detect a difference between the amount of electrical current flowing into and out of any appliance that is plugged into the outlet. Whenever the current flow in does not equal the current flow out, the GFCI outlet will immediately shut down the circuit. For example, if you are holding a defective electric shaver with wet hands, there is a possibility that electric current could flow to you. If this happens, the GFCI outlet will sense that the current flow out of the shaver is not balanced with the flow into it. The power will instantly be cut.

According to the National Safety Council, hundreds of people are injured each year because they slip and fall in the bathroom. In any home, the bathroom presents safety challenges that can be overcome with a little thought and planning. Bathroom safety products currently on the market are relatively inexpensive and can help prevent you from slipping and falling as you go about your daily bathroom routine. 

Author Pam Johnson is a hospitality professional who maintains a lot of bathrooms, and always has to make sure that those bathrooms are safe for her guests. Her job can be found on the list of Top 10 Highest Paying Careers in Hospitality.

 

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

TAMING THE WORKPLACE HAZARDS OF AN OFFICE (GUEST POST)

Sent by Jay Akers, from Safety Services, whose team works diligently writing and preparting safety programs, training, posters, and other safety information.

The average office setting may not seem like a place where accidents ever happen, but the truth is there are few places in which you’ll find as wide a range of ways to sustain an injury. Don’t let a safety hazard catch you off guard by assuming that it won’t happen to you. We’ve put together some ways you can stay safe at work.

Begin by arriving to work safely. It’s not unusual for office hours to begin at very early hours, and the roadways can be dangerous and dense with traffic. Among the thousands of sleepy drivers who just got out of bed, you’ll want to be as alert as possible. Maintain a healthy diet and get plenty of sleep. If you have the option to take public transportation, you can save yourself the trouble altogether.

Some of the most common workplace injuries are the result of slips, trips, and falls. Evaluate the entire work area for possible trips like computer cords, slips like work surfaces that can be slick when wet and falls, especially in the more dimly lit places.

Copy and fax machines, computers, overhead projectors – there are a lot of sources for loose electrical cords in your office. Keep them organized and out of the way. In a situation where there are many cords bundled in the same location, tie them together with a band or twist tie. Try not to position electrical equipment across a walkway from the outlet. If it’s unavoidable, run the cords under a rug. Check your hands to ensure they’re thoroughly dry before handling electrical cords and equipment.

Always use an approved ladder if you need to reach an upper shelving unit. Don’t climb on the shelving or create makeshift ladders (such as stacked boxes or an office chair). Stock the shelves with larger, heavier items on the bottom to address the risk of items falling on you. If you can anchor the shelving to the wall behind it, do so.

Watch out for puddles. Large or small, they’re just a slip and a fall waiting to happen. Keep an eye on the break room and the communal water cooler where spilled coffee or water is more likely. Immediately clean up spills, and make sure to put out a sign to let your coworkers know that the floor is wet, if the spill requires a mop.

Keep your office supplies contained and organized. Don’t leave papers lying around on the floor, and maintain smaller items such as pins, paper clips, and rubber bands in a container on your desk. Move items away from the desk’s edge so that you don’t accidentally knock them off.

Office furniture poses threats of its own. Make sure garbage cans are out of the walkways. Filing cabinet drawers left open are a good way to get a nasty gash. Before you sit down, check that your chair (especially if it has rollers) is in position so you don’t take a nasty spill on your rear. When you’re carrying a load down a walkway, ensure that the way ahead is clear and that you can see over the load.

Make sure everyone knows company procedures in the event of a fire, from attacking the fire to evacuation. Locate fire extinguishers in your building and take the time to learn how to use them. Keep in mind that not all fire extinguishers are designed to eliminate the same kind of fire – read labels, get training, and make it a habit to regularly check that the fire extinguishers inspections are up to date. If there isn’t one already, consider assembling a fire safety team in your office that can monitor the environment for potential fire hazards as well as take point in the organization of emergency evacuations.

Your surrounding environment isn’t the only source of safety hazards in an office. Because an office job often involves long periods of sitting, standing, lifting, and repetitive movements, your body is just a hazard waiting to turn against you.

Know your personal physical capacity before you lift or move a load. Get a buddy if it’s beyond that rather than putting your back at risk. Make sure you’re using proper lifting techniques.

Implement appropriate equipment and controls that address individual work requirements. Use anti-fatigue mats for shifts involving a lot of standing, ergonomically designed chairs and computer equipment for working at your desk, and safety gearsuch as gloves or back braces if your day involves a lot of lifting. Remember to mix it up throughout the day – get up, sit down, stretch, and shake your hands out. Try to rotate through different sorts of asks throughout the day so that musculoskeletal injuries don’t have the chance to build.

Stay safe at work by knowing what to watch for and how to disarm hazards before they surface. Your body and your wallet, free from overwhelming medical bills, will thank you.