Category Archives: Fall Safety

Back Safety, Ergonomics, Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

WORKPLACE SAFETY: DON’T OVERLOOK THESE COMMONLY FORGOTTEN RISKS (GUEST POST)

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By Maire Hunter

Have you ever taken the time to consider the risks that surround you when you’re at work? Unless someone’s been paying close attention, there could be a hazard around every corner of your workplace. While you don’t want to be paranoid, you do want to be aware of the potential dangers you face, so you can take steps to avoid them. Here are some common workplace safety hazards that are often overlooked.

Gas

Gas is often an odorless hazard. Not only can it lead to a risk of fires, but it can also lead to asphyxiation risks. There are many types of hazardous gases potentially found in the modern workplace, from carbon monoxide to natural gases and even corrosive contaminates, and many cannot be detected without special detection equipment. Gas detection equipment is an essential part of keeping workers safe on the job. Simply set up the gas detector you need, calibrate it and you won’t have to worry about gas leaks endangering your employees.

Falling

That puddle of water may seem innocent enough, but an unsuspecting worker could easily slip and fall, injuring himself in the process. Workers should be taught to attend to spills quickly, whether they cause them or simply see them. Leaving spills on the floor puts everyone at risk. Other fall risks include unsafe climbing, leaning on rails and failure to use safety harnesses when working on scaffolding or ladders.

Fire

Sure, everyone in your workplace knows that fire is dangerous, but do they really know how risky it is at your specific location? Make sure that your employees know what fire hazards are affecting them at work, and what they should do in the event of a fire. A fire drill may seem like something for kids in school, but it’s a good practice to have one occasionally. You need to know that your workers know how to get out if they need to evacuate quickly.

Lifting Injuries

That box you are about to lift actually is a workplace safety hazard. Sure, it might look innocent enough, but lift it incorrectly and you’re left with a strained back or slipped disk. Proper lifting technique is an often-overlooked part of workplace safety. Always lift using the muscles in your legs, not your back. This means bending at the knee, picking up the item, and then using your leg muscles to lift yourself and the item back to a standing position. Pay attention to the weight on the box, because many boxes are heavier than they look and may require two people to lift.

Yes, the workplace can be a dangerous place if you’re not paying attention. Even an office with few serious hazards can present potential risks. So take the time to think about safety around your workplace, and don’t forget to consider these often forgotten hazards. By doing a little planning now, you can protect yourself or your workers from serious injury later. Combine safety equipment, awareness and training to keep everyone safe.

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

BE SMART WHEN IT COMES TO THE DANGERS OF THE HIGH LIFE (GUEST POST)

Reducing the dangers of the high life 

The risks of working at heights are obvious with potential for accidents whilst climbing to and dismounting from the raised point and while carrying out the work once there. In legal terms the word ‘height’ is applied to any surface above the ground from which a fall could result in injury. This could equally be the middle rung of a ladder or a raised operations platform. When it comes to this type of hazardous work, there are certain legal requirements which must be met by the employer. Here we will look at some of the key rules set out in the Working at Height Regulations 2005 pertaining to access and platform safety and safeguard mechanisms for arresting falls (Schedules 1, 3 and 4 of the government legislation) 

While most employers will search for alternative ways to complete work at raised points, such as using mechanical long arms for window and gutter cleaning, it is more often necessary for a hands-on approach to ensure the task is done correctly. The most important areas where safety must be assured are the access points and the working platforms, both of which will be upholding an operator who will be in varying degrees of motion, depending on the task. Therefore, the principal regulations for both sections are the same. The access route and platform must be suitably stable, strong and rigid for the purpose and large enough to hold the person safely upon it. There must be substantial fall-prevention mechanisms in place and no gaps through which any person may fall or become trapped. They must also both be constructed with a non-slippery surface. 

In the event of a fall, certain safeguards can be in place to prevent injury. However, the safeguard must enable the work to be carried out freely without adding to the risk, for example with excess ropes dangling or creating a trip-hazard. If it is indeed ropes which are in use, then training is obligatory for all operators, such as the IRATA (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association) qualification for abseiling. Rope-based safeguarding techniques must also take into account the elasticity of the rope on impact, meaning a much shorter rope than the actual drop distance. If it is an airbag or landing mat being used then this must be secure and stable upon the ground. The safeguard must also be such that it does not injure any person when put to use. 

These regulations are just a few of those which apply to all work carried out at height. Jobs which must abide by these rules include telecommunications rigging, window cleaning, film crews, building, scaffolding and cladding construction. It is legally the employer’s responsibility to ensure their workforce’s safety at all times, but designers and planners must also consider the risks when a new project is being developed. Risk assessments are then used to decide the type of precautions to be put in place so that with sufficient planning and preparation, work carried out at heights can be both safe and productive. 

This article was written by Emily Banham on behalf of Groves Window Cleaning, established in 1985, has over 25 year’s experience of commercial window cleaning. More information on Working At Heights can be found on the following link – http://www.groveswindowcleaning.co.uk/working-at-heights.html.

 

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

AVOID WINTER-RELATED INJURIES AT HOME THIS SEASON (GUEST POST)

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By Carrie Van Brunt-Wiley

Each season brings its own unique safety concerns for families. In the spring, allergies are rampant and unexpected rain showers can often make driving a challenge. In the fall, we worry about flu season and slipping on leaves in walkways and sidewalks. During the summer, there are heat waves and perilous slip ‘n slide injuries. The winter season often brings the widest variety of safety concerns, from cold weather and slippery road conditions to hazardous holiday decorations. Here are a few tips to help you keep your family safe this winter:

Cover up

If you work outside, like to play in the snow or otherwise spend a lot of time outside in the cold, cover up. Your extremities are the first to lose circulation in cold weather, so be sure to wear gloves and warm socks. Prevent the majority of your body heat from leaving your through the top of your head with a winter hat, and be sure to wear proper footwear. If you’re working in heavy snow, boots or other shoes with good traction are highly recommended to help prevent falls.

Remove ice and snow from walkways and stairs

Slippery surfaces are one of the leading causes of winter-related injuries. If your driveway, walkways and other surfaces you regularly use are buried under snow and ice, don’t try to walk on them until they’re cleared. Children and older guests are especially vulnerable to falls on slippery surfaces, so it’s extremely important to do some preventive maintenance and shovel your snow before any injuries are likely to occur. Keep in mind that many cities that suffer extreme weather require that you keep your sidewalk and driveway clear.

Injuries can also occur during the process of shoveling snow. It’s always a good idea to warm up before you start in order to avoid overexertion. Stretch your arms, back, legs and shoulders. Don’t be afraid to stop to rest for a couple of minutes if you start to feel tired or sore. Finally, take your time. Use a light-weight shovel and push small amounts to the side instead of trying to throw large amounts out of the way.

Use caution when decorating or undecorating

While holiday decorations help add some cheer to the winter season, they also come with their own set of dangerous hazards. Make sure your Christmas lights are plugged into safe sockets that won’t overload your electrical system. Never leave them plugged in while you’re away for an extended period of time, especially if you’ve got loose pets roaming around the home. If you’ve set up a real Christmas tree, make sure you water it often. A dry tree and hot lights are the perfect combination for a not-so-festive holiday fire.

Supervise children outside

When the first snowfall of the season occurs, everyone wants to run outside to build snowmen and snow angels and pelt each other with snowballs. It’s so exciting that it’s easy for a child to forget to put on a jacket, not to mention a cumbersome hat and gloves. As a parent, it’s your job to make sure your children are properly wrapped up for the winter weather. It’s also a good idea to coax them inside every hour or so with some hot chocolate or warm cookies to prevent them from losing too much body heat. It’s also easy to slip and fall on ice when you’re dodging speeding snowballs, and a snowball to the face has the power to knock the wind out of any poor victim. Keep an eye on your kids any time they’re outside in the snow to make sure they’re playing safely.

Following these tips will help you stay safe around the house. It also will help keep others safe when they visit or walk past your home. Then all you’ll have to worry about is the coming of the next allergy season.

This article was contributed by Carrie Van Brunt-Wiley, Editor of the HomeInsurance.com blog. Carrie has been writing insurance news and consumer information for HomeInsurance.com since 2008. She graduated from the University of North Carolina in Wilmington in 2005 with a B.A. in Professional Writing and Journalism.

Another winter tip that you may not know: children need eye protection from bright snow in the winter as well as sun and water in the summer.  Their eyes can be damaged just as easily as an adults’.  Sunglasses provide UV protection all year.  Pat

 

 

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Head Protection

Preventing Winter Head Injuries (Guest Post)

By Sheldon Warden

Winter brings with it a magical feeling for most people. The season is full of holidays that bring family and friends closer together. Unfortunately, this season also brings with it an increased chance of sustaining detrimental head injuries. Most people would obviously realize that icy roads can increase the likelihood of a vehicular accident which could cause a brain injury, but there are many other ways that a person can sustain a brain injury that don’t sound nearly as treacherous as frozen over streets.

Why Winter increases the Risk of Brain Injuries

Just like icy streets, frozen over sidewalks present a danger for those walking across them. Slip and fall accidents are common throughout the year, but once ice has settled on the ground, the occurrence of this type of accident can go through the roof. It’s important to remember, however, that the following activities also greatly increase the risk of a person sustaining a traumatic brain injury during the winter.

  • Ice Skating
  • Sledding
  • Skiing
  • Snowboarding

The aforementioned activities combine slick surfaces with high speeds, and while all of these things are enjoyable, this combination proves disastrous for numerous people every winter.

Preventing Serious Brain Injuries

There’s probably not a person in the world who knew that they were going to sustain a brain injury before taking part in the activity that caused it. Unfortunately, the winter months make this occurrence a constant possibility. Luckily, there are ways that a person can lessen the likelihood that they or someone they love will sustain massive head trauma.

Wear a Helmet when Appropriate

The most obvious safety step for people participating in sledding, snowboarding, hockey and other high risk winter activities is to wear a helmet. Helmets save innumerable lives every year, and it’s simply reckless to not wear one when engaged in an event where accidents are liable to occur.

Always Buckle Up

Another safety step that should be incredibly obvious is to always wear a seatbelt. This should be common sense year-round, but during the winter months, accidents can easily happen even if a person is driving superbly. Our Reading personal injury lawyer in Pennsylvania has handled many winter crash cases and warns that it only takes a fraction of a second to lose control of a vehicle on ice, and failing to be secured properly in your vehicle can easily lead to a serious head injury.

Take Precautions to avoid Slips

Slip and fall accidents account for many serious brain injuries. During the winter, it is important for those in extremely cold areas to apply salt to their driveways, walkways or sidewalks if they have frozen over. Doing this on the sidewalk in front of a person’s house will decrease the chance that they or their neighbors will slip and fall. It also isn’t a bad idea to wear slip resistant shoes or snow boots during this time of the year.

Signs of a Serious Brain Injury

Many people believe that if they have a head injury, they will notice obvious overbearing symptoms that lead them to seek treatment. This, however, is not always the case. There are a few common symptoms of brain injuries that many people may not even consider serious.

  • Unconsciousness, even if for only a few seconds.
  • Seizures.
  • Repeat vomiting.
  • Prolonged confused states.
  • Blurred vision.
  • Headache.
  • Sudden change in sleep patterns.

These symptoms are all hallmarks of serious brain injuries. While it is true that these warning signs can occur due to other reasons, their appearance after a head injury, regardless of how seemingly minor, are a likely telltale sign of a traumatic brain injury.

No one should live on edge during the winter months. It’s obvious that the likelihood of a serious brain injury will go up during this time of the year, but there are ways to avoid these tragedies. Furthermore, a person who recognizes symptoms of a brain injury should seek medical attention immediately. Winter can be a treacherous time, but with the right proactive measures, individuals will likely enjoy this magical time with no brain injury at all.

Shelby Warden is a legal researcher that pays special attention to safety laws that were created to prevent injuries and protect the public. The Law Firm of McMahon, McMahon & Lentz and their Reading personal injury lawyer team in Pennsylvania have helped many people who were injured due to the negligence of another get the compensation they deserve so they could get their lives back on track. Their firm does not receive any fees or expenses until you have received the compensation for your losses.

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

HERE’S A NEW SPIN ON SAFETY: WATCH THIS VIDEO (GUEST POST)

In our everyday quest to bring safety to the forefront, we welcome guest authors from all over the world to present their take on safety.  It is amazing how many ways we all think about safety.  We recently heard about this video.  Based on the tune to “I’m Sexy and I Know It,” there’s a new version called “I’m Safety and I Know It”.  We think you will find it amusing, as well as presenting much of the safety equipment that is required to keep everyone SAFE!  Here is Dave Clare’s (General Manager of ATC) response to our request to share this video:

G’day Pat, 

We would be pleased if you would share about our video. As a non-profit organisation, we are hoping to reach out to as many people as we can about working safe. There are different regulations all around the world about safety, but the end game is all the  same, lets help people embrace safety as a part of what they do and how they do work and let everyone come home alive and in one piece. 

Safety is our No.1 core value at ATC and we wanted to find a fun way to make it relevant to a broad range of people. 

Sit back and enjoy this Australian video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=PGxKPf9eEhg

Apprentice & Traineeship Co. Midwest is a not for profit company that works with engaged partners to inspire the development of tomorrows leading workforce…today!

 

 

Eye Protection, Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

SAFETY IN THE CHEMISTRY LAB (GUEST POST)

By Maree Kyle

Safety is valued in any workplace, but in areas where dangerous materials and other hazards are present, it’s essential that workers and businesses create a safe environment where accidents are mitigated. Unfortunately, even the best workplace environments boasting well-trained workers are susceptible to the occasional accident, making it crucial that emergency protocols be developed and taught alongside accident prevention measures.

In chemistry laboratories, safety considerations are amplified. Accidents when working with volatile and potentially dangerous materials can be permanently damaging and, in some cases, fatal. Good chemical hygiene is of utmost importance and this encompasses many facets of lab operations. Here are some steps every lab should take to minimize the risk of an accident and to improve emergency response when mishaps do occur.

1. Demand storeroom organization

Maintaining organization and order in a storeroom makes for more efficient lab work, but it also greatly enhances safety in the workspace. Workers need to keep track of a number of chemicals, many with expiration dates, and old chemicals need to be properly disposed of. Additionally, better organization helps ensure property inventory levels of various chemical materials. A good approach to handling the storeroom is to put one worker in charge of the storeroom, managing its contents and handling upkeep as needed.

2. Display safety signs as intended

A little signage can be very helpful for reminding workers of the dangers present in the workplace. Make sure all signage is properly displayed to maximize its efficacy in helping workers avoid accidents.

3. Demand proper attire

It’s not unheard of that some confident chemists will occasionally decline to wear certain safety gear, considering it more a nuisance than a form of protection. But that’s a risky move that’s bound to end up in failure at some point. From the lab’s perspective, a failure to wear safety gear creates extra risks that could be a liability to the facility. Outline proper attire requirements in various situations and strongly enforce the protocol for failing to follow lab rules.

4. Clean, clean, clean

According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, the third-leading cause of workplace injuries is slips and falls. The vast majority of these are preventable by making sure hazards and obstacles are kept out of the workspace at all times. Clean floors, countertops and other workspaces frequently to eliminate fluids and other hazards that can lead to accidents. The lab should also be stocked with good materials for quickly and easily cleaning up messes. Other lab-specific safety measures include keeping clutter off of countertops, keeping excess chemicals in proper storage, and handling waste products properly and quickly.

5. Offer proper training on equipment

Greater familiarity with various lab equipment will prevent devices from being misused. Teach lab workers how to identify faulty devices, further preventing accidents resulting from equipment errors.

With so many dangerous materials present, chemistry labs can be particularly prone to serious accidents. Every lab needs to invest time and resources into educating their workers and instituting safety measures. Don’t let safety awareness be a one-time thing: Keep workers mindful of safety concerns with random inspections and continued training workshops to reduce your lab’s risk of a preventable accident.

Thanks, Maree, for this invaluable information regarding safety when working with chemicals.  Texas America Safety Company has a whole range of personal protective equipment to ensure employees’ safety at work. Pat

 

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products

SAFETY BENEFITS OF SOLAR LIGHTS

With all the publicity out there,  most people are very conscious of efforts to help save our planets’  resources.    Many people are beginning to change their lifestyle in small and large ways.  There are recycle plants or drop-offs  in most cities and even towns in the country.   Finding ways to re-use products is becoming popular.  One of the more simple ways to help save our planets resources are solar lights and other solar products. 

Solar lights are using the suns’ energy by storing it in a solar panel.   At dark, after a days sunlight charge,  solar lights can last up to 8-10 hours.   The main cash outlay with solar lights and products is the cost of the item.  After that, the sun charges the solar lights – no plugs, wires or outlets. 

Outdoor Solar lights come in different shapes, sizes and for different uses.  They usually turn on automatically when dark, although some do have an on/off switch in case you do not want it to light up one night.  Solar powered lights are not dependent upon conventional electrical supply. This means that you can automatically light up any dark corner or stairway.   Line a walkway or pathway.  All this means a safer walk or stair climb for you, your family and guests.  

Solar lights come in different degrees of brightness.  Solar spot lights, for example, usually have a brighter LED for brighter light output.  Because it is a spot light you can aim the light directly where you want it to shine.  Do you have an out-building or a fence out in the back of your property?  You can easily find it and walk to it with more safety.  You can outline an entire fence line with solar cap lights. 

The ability to place these solar powered lights just about anywhere you wish makes them unique in the lighting world.   They provide added safety wherever you have them.  Knowing you are saving money and the earths’ resources at the same time makes them very practical, as well. 

Solar powered barricade lights, solar powered revolving and flashing lights, as well as several models designed for 24/7 operation are available in amber (caution) and red (stop) for drawing attention in low-visibility areas where dangerous conditions or obstructions exist. Waterproof, steady-on or flashing lights, also solar-powered, are available for marine or extremely wet applications.

Installing flood lights outside a home makes good sense because these kinds of lights improve visibility and they also increase security around your property. However, the high costs of conventional flood lights can put many people off – until they look for alternatives such as solar powered flood lights. Solar energy technologies over the recent past have provided many affordable lighting solutions and the solar powered flood lights in particular provide you with a great means of keeping your home safe and without going over your budget.

Just like any other solar lighting system, the solar powered flood lights too require sunlight in order to get their energy which is converted with the help of DC electric power and stored in batteries so as to provide power during the night. The main reasons for choosing solar powered flood lights are that they provide security and also safety which together and along with motion sensors make such lighting systems a more effective solution.

Typically, solar powered flood lights also make use of LED bulbs that are great for illumination while being energy conserving and which do not also waste any of the energy that they are supplied with. In fact, there are many useful functions that the solar powered flood lights can serve including lighting the backyards and boat docks as well as for your sheds and even for landscape.  The discerning homeowner too has become more aware about how solar energy can provide better lighting solutions than conventional lighting solutions. This means that they need to seriously consider using solar powered outdoor lighting solutions that provide numerous benefits. These lighting solutions include saving precious energy resources and being very easy to install. 

There’s no doubt the fact that solar powered flood lights are also very useful for lighting up business premises to secure the premises or to create a more beautiful landscape. Such flexibility means that you can use solar energy in many different places. 

An added  benefit of solar lighting: we recently received information that solar lights are much safer than oil lamps and candles when home power is out.  One family lost power for several nighttime hours during a thunderstorm.  The husband looked outside and noticed the solar lights shining brightly all around the outdoor area.  They walked outside and brought several of the solar lights inside and stuck them into plastic drink bottles, creating much needed light.    Another lady placed her solar lights in jars and bottles, which gave off lots of “free” light.  These lights will fit into most 2-liter bottles or 20-ounce water bottles, and can be weighted down by sand, marbles, gravel or whatever is available to keep them from tipping over.  Additionally, if you need an all-night light, place your solar light where needed, and then take it back outside so it can recharge and be ready again. 

Last, but not least, try some LED lights for your caps that help you be seen, as well as enhance your vision when you are walking or riding your bike.  These provide super safety!  Every home  needs a flashlight or two, as well.

Sources: Linkroll; Home & Garden Solar

 

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Head Protection, Protective Clothing

SAFETY OF MARITIME WORKERS: DO YOU KNOW YOUR RIGHTS? (GUEST POST)

Written by Saam Banai.

Every industry has workplace hazards, although some industries are more hazardous than others. Maritime occupations such as crab fishing rank as some of the most dangerous in existence. This is due to the unique variety of threats faced at sea and limited medical facilities. To exacerbate matters, receiving compensation for an injury at sea can be difficult.

Common Threats at Sea

Maritime workers face a variety of threats at sea, the least of which are the mundane threats faced by workers in any industry. Slip and fall accidents, injuries from overexertion, and even intentional acts caused by coworkers are all hazards while at sea. Due to the physically intensive nature of work at sea and the presence of excessive moisture, these ordinary threats become magnified for sailors.

Work at sea also entails threats unique to the ocean. The ship itself is one potential threat. Moving nets can snag workers, causing falls, muscle strains, broken bones, or even ejection over the side of the ship. Other moving equipment can cause blunt force trauma of any severity, including death. Unlike most working environments, ships are also at risk of sinking, thereby exposing workers to frigid waters and potentially harsh waves.

Exposure to severe weather is another hazard at sea. Severe winds can send equipment flying into workers or even send the workers overboard. Large waves can destabilize the employee’s footing, causing falls. In freezing temperatures, accumulated ice that becomes dislodged from the ship can also become a flying weapon.

Employer Duties and Employee Recourse for Injuries at Sea

The nature of an employer’s duty to its employees varies depending upon the nature of the vessel. The United States Coast Guard regulates fishing vessels while the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, otherwise known as OSHA, regulates the remainder of the industry and shipyards.  Employers regulated by OSHA are expected to provide employees with certain equipment, such as helmets and fall restraints, otherwise, our maritime injury lawyer tells us, they might be liable for negligence. Employers not regulated by OSHA will have less restrictive requirements.

The United States has a sophisticated workers’ compensation and tort system that will remedy most complaints. The Merchant Marine Act of 1920 extended this system to sailors, permitting them to bring actions for negligence and other traditional torts against the owner of the ship, the captain, or other individuals who committed the tortious acts. The action may be filed in state or federal court like any other tort action.

Actions for negligence require a showing that the actor breached a duty of care. The standard duty of care is to act reasonably. If the injured party is injured as a result of another party failing to act reasonably, then the injured party may recover for damages like any other plaintiff. Failing to comply with regulations may also constitute a breach of the duty. The defense will also contest the other elements of negligence, such as causation and injury.

In practice, recovering for injuries suffered at work while at sea can be more complicated. Vessels are routinely registered out of different countries and assigned for different purposes. There are also certain limitations as to what constitutes a sailor under the Merchant Marine Act. Anyone injured at sea should contact an attorney specializing in admiralty law. An attorney can give legal advice to injured plaintiffs and help them understand their options for recovery, if any. 

Saam Banai is a freelance writer, editor, and certified sailor.  He contributes this article for Doyle Raizner LLP, trial lawyers experienced in maritime law. Having a maritime injury lawyer on your side in the event of a work accident at sea might mean the difference between receiving compensation or not receiving compensation.

Thank you, Saam, for another informative article. I didn’t know that fishing vessels were regulated by the U.S. Coast Guard rather than OSHA.  It would seem that these industries would provide the proper safety supplies for their workers, because it is such a dangerous occupation.

Eye Protection, Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Hearing Protection

FIVE SAFETY HAZARDS TO AVOID AT CONSTRUCTION SITES (GUEST POST)

Another great article sent to us by Saam Banai

Whether you work in construction, have construction going on in your home, or you commute by construction on a regular basis, there are many things that you should be aware of in order to stay safe from injury around construction sites.  Over the years, construction related injuries and deaths have decreased dramatically due to the federal efforts of OSHA towards “collaborative safety,” but we can still do our part to pay attention our own personal safety regardless of regulations outside of our control.

The Dangers of Heights

Perhaps the most dangerous element of construction sites is gravity.  Usually, heights are involved when constructing multi-floor buildings so it’s possible for workers to fall from high up.  This is when the need for fall protection equipment is imperative. It’s important to be aware of ledges and loose guard rails when working near the edge of a high story.  Additionally, it’s important to be aware of objects that are placed near these ledges.  Tools, boards, and metal pieces might fall on unsuspecting workers or bystanders, ones whom hopefully have access to the best injury lawyers.

Electric Hazards

Electricity is always flowing on construction sites.  Be aware of sockets and frayed wires when installing lights or working with power-tools.  If you’re doing work in your own home, do some research and talk to an electrician before digging into your walls.  There’s no sense in being a hero when repairing or installing electric components for yourself or your family.

Machines

Power-tools and large machines are obviously a source of danger on construction sites.  When operating heavy equipment like cranes or bobcats, be sure to understand all of the safety information in either the booklet or told to you by a professional.  Do the same when working with saws, nail guns, jackhammers, and soldering irons.

Chemical Hazards

Dangerous chemicals are perhaps some of the hardest hazards to avoid on construction sites, but only if you fail to have due diligence.  Asbestos, a cause for Mesothelioma, is one of the best examples of things to look out for.  Others include lead paint, varnish, solvents, and materials that are flammable.  Be sure to use masks and gloves when applicable.

Noise

This danger is less life threatening than others, but it can still cause unfavorable injury.  Constant work with jackhammers and other tools can result in loss of hearing.  That’s why it’s important to always wear protective ear guards when working with louder than normal equipment.  Noise can also prevent people from hearing the warning sounds of other dangers, like an approaching vehicle or falling object.

There are many things to avoid when working or walking around construction sites, and these are just a few.  If attention is paid, and regulations are followed, we can continue the trend of decreasing accidents over the years.  Everyone has to play their part though and be diligently aware of much that is going on while on the job.

Saam Banai is a freelance writer and editor.  He contributes this article for The Perecman Firm PLLC, some of the best injury lawyers in New York, specializing in construction accidents, workers’ compensation, wrongful death, and vehicle accidents.  They have helped victims of various accidents in New York City to obtain over $200 million in settlements and verdicts.

As Saam stated in this article, all types of occupational safety products are needed around construction sites.  Keep your employees safe at all times on the job. 

 

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

OSHA’s TOP TEN MOST CITED VIOLATIONS SO FAR THIS YEAR

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At the National Safety Council (NSC) Congress and Expo, which wrapped up yesterday, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced the Top 10 most cited safety violations at workplaces so far this year.

The deputy director of OSHA’s Directorate of Enforcement Programs, Patrick Kapust, presented the agency’s findings during a lecture at the Expo.  The Top 10 violations present key areas where OSHA can more actively enforce regulations as well as provide more training, outreach and assistance.

“”While great progress has been made in safety over the past 100 years, today’s presentation reminds us there is more to be done to make our workplaces safer.  We appreciate our colleagues at OSHA sharing their most recent data at our Celebration of the Century,” Janet Froetscher, the President and CEO of the NSC, said in a press release.

Business owners and managers can use this year’s Top 10 to better protect their employees. Many of the areas listed as the most frequently violated are simply overlooked in the workplace, either from overexposure or or lack of knowledge.

The Top 10 for 2012 so far are:

1. General lack of fall protection
2. Failure to communicate hazards
3. Improper scaffolding construction and safeguards
4. Insufficient respirators and masks
5. Unsafe ladder usage
6. Inadequate machine guards
7. Improperly maintained or used industrial trucks
8. Unsafe wiring methods
9. Lack of lockout/tagout tools
10. General lack of electrical protection

Number one was cited in 7,250 inspections of businesses so far this year, a staggering number given the priority OSHA has placed on the use of fall protection harnesses in the workplace. Be sure that your business is in compliance with this incredibly important safety regulation.  Those employees who are required to work at heights should have full protection from the risk of falls.

Companies that fail to comply with OSHA regulations are taking a chance with the lives of their employees first of all, plus having to pay large sums of money in fines, and lost time and productivity.  It seems it would be much easier to follow the rules than be reported as irresponsible.