Category Archives: General Safety Issues

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

The Roles and Responsibilities of a Workplace Health and Safety Representative

Written by Peter Scully

Employers have a duty of care towards their employees and that duty extends not just to talking (i.e. providing employees with relevant information and training) but also to listening, i.e. providing a channel through which employees can communicate any concerns they have about health and safety in the workplace.

One of the options for doing this is by means of a workplace health and safety representative. The team at ​Watson & Watson Health and Safety Consultants​ discuss the importance of appointing a health and safety representative in the workplace.

Companies may choose to forgo workplace health-and-safety representatives if they wish

It’s important to note that, at current time, it is optional for companies to have specific workplace health-and-safety representatives. If employees are happy to talk directly to business leaders then it is perfectly acceptable for them to do so and in smaller organizations this may be the most practical way of managing health-and-safety issues.

In larger organizations, however, the idea of having a direct line between employees and management may sound appealing in theory but in practice it could well turn out to be a recipe for confusion, which is bad news in any situation and, in particular, where health and safety is concerned.

Electing a workplace health-and-safety representative

Another key point to note is that workplace health-and-safety representatives are elected by workers, either directly or via their Trade Union, rather than being appointed by managers.

There are many reasons for this, not least the need for the workforce to have trust in them.  It is unusual for workplace health and safety representatives to be dedicated purely to health and safety duties, instead they are more likely to be workers who take on the role as an extra responsibility.

This can both promote trust and provide them with greater insight into how their colleagues feel about health-and safety issues.  At the same time, however, if the role is to have meaning, then the representative has to be given sufficient time (and resources) to perform it effectively.

The responsibilities of a workplace health-and-safety representative

According to the letter of the law, health and safety representatives appointed via a Trade Union are automatically granted stronger powers than health-and-safety representatives appointed directly by the workforce.

Specifically, they can inspect the workplace and also conduct investigations into accidents, hazards, near misses and any other health and safety related issues. Employers can, if they wish, grant these powers
to health-and-safety representatives appointed directly by the workforce and it may benefit them to do so in order to inspire a greater degree of confidence in them on the part of their staff, otherwise, the role of a directly-appointed health-and-safety representative is essentially one of a communicator and a facilitator.

Directly-appointed health-and-safety representatives will be expected to attend all relevant training, so that they are well-informed on health-and-safety matters (and so that their knowledge is kept up to date) and will act as a central point of contact for employees to raise health-and-safety concerns which they wish to be passed on to senior management.

Likewise they may be tasked with updating their colleagues with relevant information such as action taken by management on the issues raised. They may also be required to liaise with the HSE and any other relevant authorities.

General Safety Issues

Anticipating, reducing and mitigating risks using portable EX Equipment

Written by Christopher Latter

When you work in extreme environments like underground mining operations, there are various risk factors which need to be addressed. You can take various measures to cope with these risks, including performing risk assessments and modifying environments as necessary to minimise risks. When the primary risk on a site is an explosive atmosphere due to the presence of certain gases and temperatures, there are very specific steps that should be taken. One of the key measures is to implement portable EX Equipment that can be taken to the site during use and removed once the job is done.

What is EX Equipment?

EX equipment is designed and manufactured with systems that protect against ignition and thereby minimise the risk of explosion. It has to be fully compliant with ATEX directives on explosive atmospheres and protective systems to be used in them. It means workers can get the lighting, heating, ventilation and power they need without the fear that the hardware could cause an explosion in a volatile atmosphere.

Working in these types of extreme environments is impossible without electrical equipment such as:

  • Tools
  • Lighting
  • Ventilation
  • Generators

But ordinary electrical equipment is prone to heat and surges that could ignite flammable gases and lead to disaster. When a site is being assessed, the assessor should identify the hazards and specify what equipment will be needed. In addition to flammable gases, this could also involve hazards like darkness and toxicity of the air. Recommendations can then be made for the equipment to be implemented that will make the environment workable.

Risk reduction and mitigation

If the working environment contains a gas that obscures vision or is toxic when inhaled, there needs to be ventilation to minimise the presence of that gas. But if there is also a flammable presence, an ordinary fan and shaft system could potentially cause an explosion. But with portable EX equipment, you get a solution that is tailored to deliver the safest possible environment where these types of risks are present. The portability of the solution makes it easy to install and modify to vent the gas, and the explosion resistance mitigates the risk of ignition. The result is the safest possible working environment where workers can be productive without worrying about the hazards of the space.

EX Equipment is an essential component of a comprehensive risk management plan for hazardous work environments. It provides the full range of necessary equipment to make an environment workable whilst reducing the risk of ignition and explosion to the bare minimum. It is built to the exacting specifications of the European ATEX directives, and no extreme work environment should be without it.

 

General Safety Issues

Keep Your Workplace Safe in Emergency Situations by Avoiding These 5 Common Mistakes

Written by Nora Mork

When there’s an emergency at work, you’ve got to stay calm, think clearly and have an effective plan in place in order to keep the situation under control. If something unexpected, frightening and potentially dangerous is taking place, it’s natural for people to begin panicking, but in order to keep everyone safe, being prepared for these situations is key.

Whether big or small, it’s essential to be ready for an emergency situation that may present itself. Here are 5 mistakes you’ll want to avoid to help maintain a safe workplace during an emergency:

Not Doing Drills

It’s one thing to talk about a plan, but it’s another to work through it in real time. It’s absolutely crucial that you’re drilling the plan you have in place in order to ensure all staff know what will happen, and what they need to do. Not only will this help them stay calmer during an emergency, because they know what’s happening, but you’ll also be able to see what potential snags your plan may run into.

“Things can happen by chance, that you may not have thought about before. For instance, perhaps there is a designated emergency exit for staff, but there was a heavy snowfall the night before, and now that exit has been blocked off. Drilling this before a real emergency happens means you can identify these problems and figure out solutions beforehand,” explains safety blogger Judith Archer of SimpleGrad and StudentWritingServices.

Miscommunication or lack of communication

When it comes to workplace safety, everyone has a role to play, whether they’re leading workers to safety, or simply remaining calm to help keep others calm. It’s important to effectively communicate your safety plan to everyone involved, so they know their role, and what everyone else is responsible for. If there’s a lack of communication or miscommunication about things, it’s easy for a stressful and panicked situation to quickly become chaotic.

Old or Missing Equipment

It’s great to have a fully prepared staff, but if the necessary equipment isn’t around or working when it’s needed, your plan will quickly become irrelevant. Make sure that there are plenty of the necessary supplies that would be needed in any emergency situation, they’re easily accessible and always in the same place. “If there’s maintenance that needs to be done, for example with a fire extinguisher, or if certain equipment has a shelf life, make sure that these things are being taken care of. Designate a specific person to look after these things, and have a secondary person act as a follow-up,” suggests Betty Gaddis, a health writer at Rated Writing and LetsGoAndLearn.

Not Keeping an Updated Emergency Plan

Things are always changing, so it’s important that your emergency plan is reflecting those changes whenever necessary. Whether it’s rearranging the setup of office furniture, adding more staff member or saying goodbye to a staff member who played an integral role in the emergency plan, there needs to be a frequent evaluation of the plan to ensure things are kept updated.

Being Ignorant to the Risks

There may be a very low risk for certain emergencies within your workplace, but it’s still important to have a plan and be prepared, regardless of what emergency you may be faced with. A trained safety consultant can present you with a number of different scenarios and help walk you through them. Just because something hasn’t happened yet doesn’t mean it never will, so it’s good to be prepared even for an emergency that has a low risk of happening.

Whether the emergency is big or small, it’s important to be prepared for any situation that may present itself. Things can quickly become chaotic and even more dangerous if there isn’t a prepared plan in place. Avoid these mistakes, and you can help create a safer work environment that’s ready for any emergency situation.

Nora Mork is a business writer at Assignment writing services and Top Canadian Writers. She helps businesses create better content and writes posts for Grade on fire blog.

General Safety Issues

Best Practices for Aerial Lifts in Construction

Written by Brandon Olson

Working on a construction job site is a risky business. The hazards that can lead to injury or death are many and varied. Using an aerial lift on the job increases the risks. That’s why it’s so important to practice safety on the job at all times. Here are five common aerial lift accidents and how to prevent them.

How to Avoid Worker Electrocutions

Electrical shock is a leading cause of aerial lift worker deaths. Electrical safety on a construction job starts with this: always treat overhead lines as live unless told otherwise by a power company rep. Other safety best practices include:

  • When possible, don’t position the lift between overhead power lines
  • Belt off only to the lift’s attachment points; do not use a pole or other structure
  • Keep at least 10 feet away from live power lines at all times
  • Have the power company shut down the power lines in the work zone before starting a job
  • Wear insulated gloves, boots, clothing, and hard hats when working on or near power lines
  • Use insulated buckets near overhead power lines

Make sure all workers wear fall protection equipment . If a worker becomes unconscious after receiving a shock, the equipment can prevent a fall.

How to Prevent Falls from Aerial Lifts

Falls are the leading cause of death for construction workers. They account for one-third of all deaths in the industry. Not all of them are falls from aerial lifts. But there are enough of them to mandate fall protection gear for aerial lift workers.

Preventing falls from aerial lifts starts with walking the work site to identify hazards. These can range from nearby workers or vehicles to unsafe weather or terrain. Nearby objects that could strike the lift are another hazard to be dealt with. These hazards are why OSHA requires all aerial lift workers to wear fall protection equipment. This includes body harnesses, lanyards and fall arrest gear that attach to the platform or basket. Other fall prevention best practices include:

  • Ensuring all access gates or openings are closed before raising the platform of bucket into the air
  • Standing firmly on the floor of the bucket or platform
  • Not climbing or leaning on the guardrails
  • Never using ladders or planks while in the lift bucket or platform
  • Never tying off to structures or poles while in the bucket

All aerial lift workers should be trained in fall protection practices. Managers need to make sure workers follow them.

Avoiding TipOvers and Collapses

Tipovers and collapses lead to some of the deadliest accidents because they can crush people in the bucket and on the ground. Tipovers have many causes. The two most common are improper handling of the lift and careless pre-start inspections. Tipovers can also result from:

  • Exceeding the lift’s max load limit
  • Carrying objects that are too large
  • Driving the lift with the platform raised
  • Exceeding vertical and horizontal height limits
  • Operating the lift during strong winds or severe weather

To practice tipover safety best practices, stay within the lift’s load limit at all times. Never travel to the job site with the bucket or platform raised. Don’t raise the platform while driving on soft, uneven or sloping terrain. Avoid using too much horizontal force when working on scissor lifts. Don’t raise the platform in high-wind conditions.

Collapses most often occur due to mechanical failures. These can be avoided through regular maintenance and detailed pre-start inspections. Training plays a key role in knowing how to conduct a good inspection.

How to Protect Against Objects Falling from Lifts

There’s a reason hard hats are required on construction sites – falling objects.

Even more so when the job involves an aerial lift. Workers on the ground are usually the victims of falling objects. But workers on lift platforms can get injured as well.

Objects fall from aerial lifts for many reasons:

  • Carrying objects larger than the platform
  • Carrying unstable objects or unbalanced loads
  • Failure to close all openings on the bucket or platform
  • Striking a fixed object that causes items on the lift to fall off

Best practices to prevent falling objects involve doing the opposite of these bullet points. Operators should also avoid setting up the lift underneath overhead objects. Ground workers should avoid working underneath or near the lift when it is in the air.

Preventing Ejections from the Lift Platform

Ejections are a type of aerial lift fall that can lead to serious injury and death. They can occur for one of three reasons:

  • The bucket or platform makes forceful contact with another object
  • Falling objects hit workers on the bucket or platform
  • A sudden jerk of the lift causes workers to lose their footing

Avoiding worker ejection begins before the lift even goes up into the air. It starts with making sure the outriggers are set on solid, level ground. If not, they should be set on pads. The operator needs to check that the lift brakes are set. Wheel chocks should be used on sloping surfaces, but only when safe to do so. Warning signs should be placed around the work zone. Once in the air, operating the lift according to OSHA guidelines can also help prevent ejections.

What’s the best safety practice of all? Making sure all aerial lift workers are OSHA trained and certified before they get on the lift. It won’t prevent all accidents. But it will greatly reduce the chances of one happening on your job site.

Tom Wilkerson is CEO of CertifyMeOnline.net (CMO), a national leader in online, OSHA-compliant aerial lift training and certification. CMO has helped thousands of companies throughout the U.S. discover the easy way to self-certify their aerial lift operators in-house.

Resources:

http://www.elcosh.org/document/1596/d000538/Aerial+Lift+Safety+in+Construction.html https://www.certifymeonline.net/blog/safety-tips-for-construction-workers/

General Safety Issues

Things to do if You are Involved in a Car Accident

Written by Eada Hudes

Car accidents can happen any time and that is why it is a good idea to be prepared in advance – at the least, you need to know what you need to do if you are ever involved in a car accident. Of course, no one wants to be in one but car accidents are unexpected and can take place due to variety of factors. And if you prep in advance, then you could well save a life, the next time you are involved in a car accident or a big pile up on the highway.

  • Have the required numbers on speed dial: If you are involved in a car accident, then the first thing that you need to do is to dial for help. It is a good idea to have the local cops, some important medical centers/ hospitals on speed dial so that you can call in for assistance right away.
  • Check yourself: The next thing that you need to do is to slowly examine your body; granted that you would be in shock, but you need to carefully examine your   body as well as various external parts to ensure that you are not seriously injured or bleeding from anywhere. And if you are bleeding  from some parts of your body, then you need to immediately staunch   the flow and apply first aid to that particular area.
  • Check out the other party: Make sure that you check out the other party and see if they are If they are injured, then carry out an assessment. And if they happen to be unconscious, then you may have to carry out CPR as well, to make sure that they continue breathing.
  • Check the vehicle: You may also want to check out your vehicle and the extent of the damage to the same. If your car is totaled, then you may not have much option other than to search online for agencies that advertise their services as ‘cash for scrap cars’. You can contact these agencies and they would send someone over who   can carry out an on-spot assessment and valuation and they would let you know how much they are willing to pay, to take your totaled car.

Just Google “scrap car removal in Auckland” and that should help list the various agencies that would be more than happy to take your car off your hands.

  • Exchange information: Make sure that the other party is comfortable enough; now, you can exchange contact information as well as insurance details with each other, as you wait for the authorities to arrive.
  • Do not drink: Yes, a car accident would indeed be a sudden shock but that does not mean that you immediately consume alcohol to help deal with the same.   Furthermore, when the authorities arrive and they find you drinking on the scene, they are immediately going to assume that you caused the accident. So make sure that you stay well away from drinks and  other artificial stimulants.
  • Check others: You may also want to check your passengers, as well as the other party’s  passengers to make sure that no one else is hurt as a result of the  accident. You may also want to apply first aid to any cuts and  bruises as well.

These are some of the things that you need to do when you are involved in a car accident. You may want to read over these tips again and again until you feel that you have prepared yourself. It is important that you take all measures to prevent accidents but failing that, you may want to make sure that you know what to do, when you are involved in an accident. Furthermore, it is a good idea to always know CPR, for you never know when you need it and it would help save other lives as well.

General Safety Issues

Safety Tips For Those Who Work Around Conveyor Belts

Written by Eada Hudes

Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/logistics-stock-transport-shipping-852935/

It’s true that conveyor belts and rollers can make the production process easy and smooth but there are certain risks that come along with it too. Just like safety measures in the workplace, there are certain safety measures that you must take while working around conveyor rollers.

Here are some of the safety tips to keep in mind while working around conveyor belts.

  1. Awareness

This is a safety measure that needs to be taken at the managerial level. Inform and make your workers or employees aware of the fact that conveyor belts can be hazardous and dangerous. Tell them that it is important to be careful while working around them. Educate them about the hazards and risks involved.

  1. Signs and Markings

Put up enough signs, warnings and markings so that there is a constant reminder of workplace safety near the belt conveyor. Informing your workers of hazardous zones and dangers with the use of sign boards and markings will ensure that they are aware of the conveyor belt dangers at all times.

  1. No Games

Make sure that everyone is well aware and warned that conveyor belts are no games and it’s completely prohibited to sit, stand or walk on conveyor belts. At times, workers may play games or just have fun with conveyor belts which can actually be very dangerous and hazardous.

  1. Check all operator controls

Assign someone to check the conveyor belt operator controls first thing in the morning before starting work so that the smooth operation of the same is ensured. The emergency stop button must work at all times because that is the first and foremost saviour, in case something goes wrong.

  1. Regular Maintenance

You must ensure regular maintenance of the conveyor belt because irregular and improper care of the conveyor roller can cause multiple problems with the smooth functioning of the conveyor and  result in more accidents.

  1. Workers’ Clothing

Workers have to be careful about the kind of clothing they wear around the conveyor belt and rollers because it can also cause accidents and hazards in the workplace. Advise them to wear tight and fit clothing instead of baggy attires and not to wear jewellery at the time of work. Jewellery like watches, bracelets, rings, earrings can easily get stuck in the conveyor rollers and cause mishaps.

Advise workers who have long hair to keep their hair tied and tucked under a cap. There are always chances of long hair getting stuck in conveyor rollers, so make it compulsory for everyone to wear caps and tie their hair if they are of shoulder length.

  1. Training

All workers who have to work directly with conveyor belts must be trained and educated properly. They must receive regular training to brush up on their operation and safety skills to ensure they are operating the machinery correctly and safely at all times.

  1. Signal At The Start Of The Conveyor Belt

There should be an audible signal that is sounded at the start of the conveyor belt to ensure that everyone becomes aware and knows that now the conveyor rollers are starting. You can also assign a staff member to make an announcement in the local language that everyone understands.

Conclusion

Safety around conveyor belts and rollers is extremely important to ensure that no accidents take place. There are different types of conveyor belts and each type poses a different kind of threat, hence there are certain precautions which are essential in a workplace that has conveyor belts and rollers around it.

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

3 Grain-Handling Hazards & How to Prevent Against Them

Written by Ellie Batchiyska

The agricultural industry is one of the most hazardous in the United States. Most people are not as familiar with its hazards as they are with the construction industry’s, making them often overlooked. This contributes to further danger, however.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the fatality rate for workers in the agricultural industry is seven times that of other private industry workers. Even workers who are injured often face permanent impairment, making it extra important to know the primary hazards associated with this kind of work.

Grain-handlers are particularly impacted by agricultural hazards. These are workers in facilities that process, ship, and handle corn, wheat, oats, barley, and other similar commodities.

There are three main hazards grain-handlers face, but the Occupational Safety and Health Administration fortunately offers sustainable solutions to prevent against them.

Engulfment & Suffocation in Grain Bins

Although not dangerous unto themselves, grain bins can be a risky environment. This is where grains are stored in large volumes, and unfortunately, where a vast number of deaths occur. Workers that maintain grain bins can become suddenly buried or trapped by grain while on the job. As a result, they can suffocate.

There are four causes of sudden grain engulfment.

  • Standing on flowing grain. Flowing grain turns into quicksand. This is most common when the auger is operating. The auger drains grain from the bin, causing a steady flow until the bin is emptied. If a worker is standing on flowing grain, they will sink into it, and the constant movement will make it impossible to get out. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) states that a 6-foot tall worker can become enveloped by grain in 11 seconds, and escape becomes impossible after 5 seconds. Workers should never enter grain bins while the auger is in operation.
  • Standing on or below bridging. Bridging refers to moist or moldy clumps of grain that stick together to form a “bridge”, therefore resulting in an empty space underneath them. If a worker steps on one of these, it will break and the walls of grain beside the bridge will begin to cave in.
  • Trying to loosen a pile of grain. Never overestimate a wall of grain’s sturdiness. Trying to loosen or un-clump it will cause a domino effect, and the rest of the grain will begin to avalanche. Clumped grain should be loosened from the outside of the grain bin, by knocking against it with a pole or stick through an access cover.
  • Dangerous atmospheric conditions. Sometimes, oxygen levels in a grain bin can be low, or hazardous gases may be present. The air quality and oxygen levels should be evaluated before any workers enter, or they could suffocate.

Most of these can be prevented by making workers aware of the preventative measures. Workers should avoid walking on grain, always wear a body harness, and have an observer/partner present at all times.

Combustible Dust Explosions

In the last 35 years, there have been more than 500 grain dust explosions in grain handling facilities. These have taken the lives of more than 180 people, and injured approximately 675. Grain dust can easily combust if it becomes airborne or accumulates on a surface. Ignition sources, such as overheated motors, misaligned conveyor belts, and welding surfaces, can serve as sources of danger.

If the accumulation of grain dust occurs in an enclosed space, the pressure will rise, causing an explosion. Usually, there is an initial explosion, which dislodges the dust into the air. If ignited, this dispersed dust will cause a secondary (and far more deadly) explosion.

To prevent this, there should be consistent monitoring and assessment of potential ignition sources and enclosed spaces. Cracks and corners should always be investigated for grain dust particles.

Falls from Heights

Much like in construction, this is a major factor to consider, and one that is continuously overlooked. Grain-handling employees can experience falsl from heights much like any other workers in manual labor: from machinery, unguarded/unlabeled floor openings, platforms, etc.

However, the exterior ladders on grain bins also pose a risk. These ladders are usually used to gain entry to the grain bin. As workers move from the ladder to the roof of the grain bin or grain entrance, one minor misstep can endanger their life.

For this reason, a body harness should always be worn when accessing a grain bin, as previously mentioned. Someone on the ground should also be supervising at all times, and be available to direct the worker into the entrance or onto the roof in case visibility is hindered for any reason.

Other Hazards

Amputations can also occur in grain-handling facilities, though less common. Grain bins contain mechanical equipment, covers, augers, and other fixtures that workers can easily get caught in. Spoiling grains can also release hazardous gases, and pesticides or other fumigants can cause poisoning.

Grain-handlers should not underestimate the dangers of working amongst large volumes of grain. The casualness associated with this profession often makes its employees even more vulnerable to hazards. Frequent housekeeping and assessment of grain bins is essential to the safety of workers in this industry, so managers should ensure this work is well-distributed.

 

Ellie Batchiyska is a writer for Advance Online, the first web-based training provider to be accepted by the OSHA Outreach Program for DOL OSHA completion cards.

 

General Safety Issues

Dangers of Intoxication in the Workplace

Written by Ellie Batchiyska

You’ve started to notice something about your co-worker. Some days they’re fine, cheerful, and on top of their work. On others, they’re slurring their words, seeming out of sorts, and having problems with basic cognitive tasks.

While it’s not unusual for someone to have an off day – maybe they didn’t get enough sleep, are sick, or taking a medication that’s affecting them — the signs of intoxication on the job are usually pretty telling. They include:

  • Lowered inhibitions (doing/saying things they normally wouldn’t)
  • Slurred speech (too loud or too fast)
  • Poor balance (struggling to get their footing)
  • Glazed-over, glossy appearance to the eyes
  • Nausea and/or vomiting

It’s easy to see how these symptoms of drinking can deeply impact work performance. However, it’s still a sensitive issue to address, and one that must be handled gently. It should immediately be taken to a manager or a Human Resources representative.

Risk factors

There are multiple risk factors for alcoholism in the workplace. Some of them can be issues in the individual’s personal life, but others can be direct changes in the work environment. These can include:

  • Extended shifts, and changing work environments
  • Isolation in the work environment; employees who have little contact with other coworkers, clients, or their work space is away from the majority of employees
  • Hostile workplace environment; an employee feeling bullied or harassed may seek out alcohol as a way to dull the feelings of depression or anger they feel at work
  • Lack of proper supervision
  • Changes to job; a change in department, expectations, or structured environment may lead them to feel unneeded or disvalued

In general, male workers between 14-29 years of age have the highest risk of showing up to work inebriated. Even more concerning, it’s more common in tradespeople and manual laborers in mining, agriculture, manufacturing, and construction – fields where inebriation can have detrimental, or even deadly, effects.

Dangers inebriated employees can pose

Drinking can not only harm the employee’s productivity, but it can endanger them and their co-workers. Employees that must operate heavy machinery pose the largest risk. Being struck by an object accounted for 8.2% of construction worker deaths in 2017. This risk is already prevalent where heavy machinery exists, but even more so when that machinery is operated someone who is being cognitively stifled by intoxication.

Falls are the deadliest hazard in construction, accounting for 39.2% of deaths. Lack of balance is one of the biggest side-effects of drinking, meaning intoxicated employees are even more prone to this already widespread hazard.

Inebriated employees will make careless mistakes, especially in manual labor professions. According to the RAND Corporation, employees who drink alcohol at least three times per week are more likely to experience injury at work.

It sounds like common sense, but it is still so heavily overlooked. Many employees are afraid to report this behavior for the sake of workplace camaraderie, but reporting it to a manager or HR could save you (and fellow employees) from immeasurable harm.

Responsible drinking at workplace events

Maybe there’s a holiday or your company is celebrating a major milestone. As such, you may want to bring alcohol into the workplace. Nonetheless, you want to ensure things don’t get out of control and that everyone is drinking responsibly, but how do you do that?

There are a number of preventative measures that ensure responsible drinking in the workplace.

  • Hire a certified bartender. A certified bartender trained in the proper distribution of alcohol, and will remain objective and sober throughout the duration of the event. This means they can take the necessary measures to cut off individuals that have had too much, or contact emergency services if someone gets alcohol poisoning. They’ll also pour more reasonable portions.
  • Set drink limits. Don’t make it an “open bar.” Supply employees with drink tickets, and allow two beverages per employee. Or, have the bartender issue a stamp for each drink an employee buys.
  • Choose the alcohol selection wisely. Forego offering liquor at company events, and keep it at just beer and wine. Also avoid serving fruity, sugary drinks such as fruit punch, which can disillusion employees about the amount of alcohol they’re consuming.
  • Make sure you’re covered legally. Should an incident occur, make sure your company insurance policy will cover it. You might even want employees to sign off on a document before the event that reminds them they are liable for their own behavior and alcohol consumption.

We’ve heard “drink responsibly” on vodka commercials for ages, but some people have a hard time putting that advice into practice. Whether their intoxication on the job is a result of personal hardships or a one-time occurrence, it must be immediately addressed for the welfare of the company, fellow employees, and the worker in question. Although it may be an uncomfortable issue to tackle in the moment, you will be thanked for it by all those concerned later on down the line.

General Safety Issues

Learn Why Contractor Safety Equals Good Business

When you’ve been in the construction business long enough, you already know all the nuances, subtleties and shortcuts out there. You know dos and dont’s as well as priorities. And you absolutely know that keeping up with all the safety regulations is a must if you are a contractor.

The learning curve tends to get very steep for those who do not comply with these safety regulations. If contractors constantly neglect, ignore or fail to look after safety regulations, they are essentially in danger of running out of business. They are risking their careers greatly by putting the reputation on the line. And these records will not just go away as if nothing has happened if you choose to simply change the name of the firm and try to start over.

We are here to outline some of the consequences of keeping up or not following safety regulations strictly. They are directly connected with the success of you as a contractor or owner.

Everyone Should Be Held Accountable

Being an owner is not an easy task to fulfill, by any means. They carry a lot of responsibilities on their back since they need to concern themselves with potential risks of all sorts. Employees, tenants, property, and contractor all depend on the owner in one way or another, and she or he has to concern herself or himself with all of these things.

That’s why it’s crucial to make sure that the roles, responsibilities, and accountabilities are clearly defined. Demand only the best from the people you’re working with. Make sure to hire only the companies which have proved time and time again that they can carry out the task properly and satisfy the high standards by implementing the safety procedures and following the mandatory laws, among other things.

How Exactly Are You Saving Money By Following Safety Regulations Strictly?

A lot of contractors and owners try to cut costs by not complying with these safety regulations strictly. But what they are actually missing out and not realizing is that they are only losing money with this type of behavior – and not to mention that they are putting employees in great danger.

It is a common misconception that implementing and maintaining safety programs is both expensive and time-consuming. In reality, overhead costs and insurance and hidden costs of accidents are greatly reduced if the contractor implements various safety procedures such as fall protection, confined space entry, respiratory protection, hazard communication, etc.

If you are an owner, you just need to make sure that the contractor is fulfilling these regulations which are already mandated by law.

If You Are An Owner, Choose Only To Deal With ’Safe Contractors’

This is the main reason why you want to choose the so-called ’safe contractors’. They are the ones who put a great deal of time and effort in following all the safety measures and programs out there.

For instance, companies like Jonishan contractors in Sydney are a good example of how to do these things properly. This is something which eventually only works to your benefit as an owner. Be sure to remember that this is not only about your reputation, but also about saving the lives of employees and money.

The Contractor And The Owner Should Work Closely On Safety Issues

It is often said that good communication is the key to success. It’s really no different in this line of business as well. When both the owner and the contractor are working closely together, they should be on the same page all the time.

Make sure to create an environment where safety procedures are a number one priority. Continue to insist on following all OSHA rules and laws throughout the whole time. This really is the only way to maintain the status and reputation for the upcoming tasks. Be sure to remember that no business is really successful without tightly following the safety regulations.

Conclusion

If contractors are not making efforts to fulfill their obligations under OSHA or the rules of civil liability and tort law, they are not just jeopardizing their careers, but they are ultimately risking people’s lives. You simply cannot overly stress the importance of safety work regulations and laws. When fatal injuries at work sites happen as often as they do in this day and age, you simply must pay more attention to this burning issue.

General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products

4 Important Reasons for having a Fire Extinguisher in the Home

Did you know that there’s been 355,400 home fires between 2012 and 2016? These fires caused 11,670   injuries, 2,560 deaths, and $6.5 billion in damages. Only 75% of homes own a fire extinguisher, that when used correctly, could make the difference between a small flare-up or extensive damage and injuries.

Now, let’s look at 4 important reasons for having a fire extinguisher in the home.

1. Cooking Fires are a Large Cause of Injuries
About 65% of home fires were from home cooking. More than half of cooking fire injuries happened when people tried to fight the fire themselves.

The type of fire extinguisher for the kitchen are either a combined A-B-C Class, or a specific one like K Class for grease and oil fires. These are best stored on a wall or under the sink for easy and quick access. Don’t mount it next to the stove, you don’t want to reach through the flames to grab it.

2. The Garage is Where the Majority of Fires Start
The garage can hold some pretty flammable material – paint, gasoline, solvents and other hazardous items. For many homes the garage is where the washer and dryer are located as well. Over 93% of home fires started in the garage and accountsfor an average of 30 deaths a year and are the most destructive.

The best type of extinguisher to keep in the garage is again a combination A-B-C class. Get the largest size you can handle easily to help extinguish larger fires or in a bigger space. Remember to store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

3. You need Clear Escape Routes
You and your family should have an escape route plan in place for any time there’s a fire.  It’s best to have several alternate routes in case of fire obstruction.

Next, you should have one extinguisher on each floor of your home to help clear your escape path. Remember to keep the extinguisher free of clutter, you don’t want to be moving stuff in order to reach it. Don’t try and fight large spreading fires – a good rule of thumb is if the fire is taller than you, it’s best to get out another way.

4. Sources of Heat are High Risk Areas
What do I mean by “sources of heat”? Here’s a few:
⦁ Fireplace
⦁ Wood or Pellet stove
⦁ Laundry room (dryer)
⦁ Electrical Panels
⦁ Furnace
The combination of electrical parts and heat is a sure opportunity of a fire happening. Again, do not store them right next to the heat source, at least 30 feet away is a good gauge for safety.

Conclusion
Everyone should learn how to use a fire extinguisher properly and efficiently, otherwise you defeat the purpose of owning one.

Remember though, these fire extinguishers work best on contained fires – a cooking pot, a wastebasket, an appliance, and such. Fires spread quickly, so if a fire is spreading quickly in your home, it’s best to get out quickly and wait for the fire department.

For more information on fire extinguishers or fire safety contact us – All Florida Fire Equipment.

About the Author:
Tracy Stine is a freelance writer, an online sign language tutor, and a disability advocate.

For more information on fire extinguishers or fire safety contact – All Florida Fire Equipment.