Category Archives: General Safety Issues

Ergonomics, General Safety Issues

WORKROOM IMPROVEMENTS TO PROMOTE LEARNING (GUEST POST)

 Learning should never be confined in the four corners of the classroom. As long as people live, they will seek intelligence. As Aristotle said, “all men by nature desire knowledge.” After graduating, people depend on their work to satisfy their desire for knowledge. How they perform in their companies, have an effect on how much they boost their cognitive ability.

But how can their jobs be conducive to learning if their workroom does not promote better work performance? Ergonomics has a lot to say on this. Various studies show that cognitive performance is linked to environmental design and human factors.

Few renovations and improvements can help employees do better in their jobs and satisfy their desire for knowledge. To help you, here are a few ergonomic tips that ignite learning in a working environment:

Workroom Layout

During a busy day at the office, do you find yourself going from the printer, copy machine and back to your station and feel easily worn-out? You’ll never perform well if your workroom is not fit to human factors. Every important tools should be convenient to reach. Otherwise, it can limit people’s action and interrupt work flow. Tables and chairs should also fit the height of the user to avoid posture problems. Adequate space under the workstation is important to leave room for the feet to relax.

Room Design

Why do you think Google, one of the best companies to work for is very appealing among job seekers? It’s because everyone loves to work in a working environment that promotes fun, creativity and learning. Just imagine working in office like of Google. For sure, you will feel inspired to go to work every day.

But not all are as rich as Google. To get the same effect, apply visual ergonomics in your workroom. A well designed room helps promote learning and better performance. According to the color of psychology, green represents energy, power and rejuvenation. It is known to help people avoid eye-strain because of its soothing effect. Paint this color on your walls, or add green accents, like fresh plants to get your employees inspired to work.

Lighting

Productivity is related to light condition. Wrong light system can cause eye-strain and eventually, physical exhaustion. Monitor glare is the major roots of eye fatigue so light source should be ceiling suspended and does not directly hit the work station. To control light from an outside source, use a window blind or shade. No matter how visually pleasing the lights in your office are, if it is too dark or light that you squint to properly see what you are working at, it won’t do much in boosting productivity.

Eye-to-screen Distance

Your computer monitor emits light. This also causes eye-strain. Ergonomics tells you to keep a safe distance from your monitor when working in front of the computer for long hours. How far is far? Well it is hard to tell, but experts suggest that users have to avoid getting closer than the resting point of vergence (RPV). This is the point when the eyesight projected in both retinas are almost the same. It is the safe zone to avoid double images and eye fatigue. Farther is better! but make sure that you are comfortable reading the texts. In the end, it is in your judgment to tell, which distance fits your work condition. You have to consider the screen and font size.

Task Design

Cognitive growth in workplace is associated to the amount of task that people do, and amount of resting period they get. That is why tasks should be properly designed to fit the human condition. If there are too much workload, employees should get ample break to regain energy. Managers are responsible in keeping the productivity of their workers by knowing their capabilities and limitations. Enough social interaction is also healthy, to perform better at work.

Why do you think employees often use “lack of growth” in their resignation letters? That is because they don’t feel growing in terms of experience, performance and knowledge. Work performance is linked to employee’s cognitive development. To make employees learn new things, you have to promote productivity in a workroom.

Although ergonomics is not the sole reason for human intellectual growth, the tips above can help promote learning in a working environment. 

Author’s Bio

Ethan Harvell is a blogger and writer for a corporate magazine. He has also contributed articles for different newsletters in various websites. He gets most of his writing experience from bestessays, a writing company, where he is currently employed.

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

Avoidable Workplace Health and Safety Hazards (Guest Post)

Because prevention is always better than cure…….. 

Any type of work involves risk, whether you are working in a home office or on an oil rig. The risk levels vary of course and some are prominent while others are subtle but this doesn’t change the fact that they exist.

This is why it is important to take precautionary measures in any work environment. Common health and safety hazards in the workplace include; slipping and falling, transmissible diseases, transportation accidents, internal violence, toxic events (chemical and gas exposure), electrocution, ergonomic injuries, eye injuries, and hearing loss.

Of the examples given above, some are direct causes of injury while others slowly and steadily deteriorate our health. In certain professions the hazards are fairly obvious and each working environment is different so firstly, all potential risks in your particular workplace need to be identified.

Here are some tips to avoid a few of the most common health and safety hazards in the workplace:

Slipping and tripping 

This is probably the most obvious and it can happen anywhere! It may be a bit trivial but industrial and commercial industries are at risk here not only for workers but for members of the public as well. General insurance does not cover compensation in the aftermath of an injury sustained by a member of the public so this is slippery ground for business owners (excuse the pun). Rather have things in place to avoid this simple hazard.

If you’re in an office, make sure that the computer, internet and phone cables are covered or take them off the floor completely, mount them against walls or desks. Where liquids are commonly used such as in a kitchen, ensure rubber mats are used and workers are geared in proper uniform.

Transmissible diseases 

In a results driven society, people are encouraged to work even when they’re sick. Enforcing a different sick-day policy may cost the company, but rather have one worker stay home as opposed to having four workers infected with the same virus become bed-ridden. Unfortunately viruses can be incurred anywhere and it has an inordinate effect on an employer especially where deadlines need to be met. A tummy bug or a flu going around in a work place is not an ideal situation at all. Rather put the infected worker in home quarantine!

Hearing loss 

This happens mostly in industrial environments like construction and mining. Correct gear is of utmost importance in environments where there is excessive noise like earplugs and headphones. Where possible, loud machines should be separated from the workforce.

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Education and prevention 

Employees should be aware of the risks they face in a particular job. As much as legal regulations guide workplaces in safety precautions, many accidents occur due to negligence or operating equipment incorrectly. Workers should be educated on how to prevent accidents and training should also be provided by the employer to ensure that workers know how to handle all apparatus in the workplace.

Accidents are unforeseen which is why there should be intervention to avoid misfortunes. The simplest of products could make a huge difference. Anything from cable ties to dome mirrors, wheel stops to corner guards can be used to minimise potential hazards. Unfortunately the good old computer-typed sign is hardly effective anymore in today’s bustling workplace. 

Bio

Emily Ford is a writer for the bollard shop, a Perth based supplier of numerous building safety devices including custom designed bollards, parking protectors and traffic barriers.

 Author Bio:  Emily Ford,
Copywriter | Property Institute

 

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

SIGNAGE AND ITS IMPORTANCE IN THE WORKPLACE (GUEST POST)

As an employer, health and safety has to be at the forefront of everything you do. All employees must be kept away from potentially dangerous situations in the workplace, and one of the most important ways in which any company can do this is through appropriate signage.

Think about your workplace. How many signs do you pass daily, be it directing you towards one area of the building, prohibiting entry from other areas, or instructing you on how to avoid injuring yourself?  There can be literally hundreds, but as an employer, which ones do you need to use in order to protect yourself from potential health and safety breaches?

Warning Signs

Although the name seems self explanatory, warning signs can encompass anything that makes employees aware of possibly dangerous or hazardous equipment. This can include high voltage electrical equipment, flammable items, trip warnings, asbestos danger, and low ceilings. Essentially anything that might cause injury needs to be pointed out to safeguard the well-being of employees.

Access Signs

In the workplace access signs can be very important in ensuring safety. Be it a No Entry sign, a Pedestrian walkway sign, or a Keep Clear sign. They are paramount to minimizing potentially dangerous situations and confusion in order to uphold general health and safety practice.

Fire Safety Signs

One of the biggest dangers in the home or in the workplace comes in the form of fire. Fire can strike at any time, and without proper procedures in place, and the proper signage to indicate where employees should go or not go in order to stay safe in the event of a fire, the consequences can be fatal. As such signs indicating where fire exits can be found, indicating that fire doors are to remain shut, and detailing general fire safety regulations are a legal requirement in any place of employment. There are also no smoking signs, which are of course essential inside buildings but also in the proximity of flammable substances to prevent potential combustion.

Other Safety Signs

Aside from the obvious there are a number of other signs that are an absolute must to safeguard the well-being of employees. Any area that requires specific protective headgear, eye-wear, or hearing protection should be indicated, as well as the location of first aid kits, non smoking areas, and recycling or waste disposal areas.

In general, signage can make a big difference in the workplace, and protect employees. However, correct signage also operates as protection to employers from any potential legal action owing to injuries incurred, and removing possible liability for those injuries. As such the importance of having the correct safety signs cannot be underestimated.

Guest post provided by UK Safety Store. 

 

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, High Visibility Safety, Protective Clothing

FIVE WAYS TO DECREASE THE DANGER OF YOUR SMALL WORKSPACE (GUEST POST)

Workplaces and warehouses can be dangerous places;  it is important that they allow you to work quickly, efficiently, and safely. Small workplaces such as garages and small warehouses can often be poorly ventilated, and cluttered with numerous hazards. Here are five tips to help improve and maintain the safety of your workspace.

At the height of winter small workplaces can not only be a burden to work in, but also be a threat to your health. It goes without saying that warm clothing should be used including fingerless gloves which will not hamper you when performing any manual tasks. Professional standard space warmers should also be considered, as many domestic heaters are not up to the job and are highly inefficient. It is also worth checking the efficiency of any windows and doors, they should be providing a notable barrier from the cold and not allowing any heat to escape. The price of new energy efficient widows and doors may be costly initially, but they could save you a considerable amount on your heating bill and help to keep you warm during any harsh winter days. Heated flooring could also be considered, but the expense can be very large, and wearing thick socks and professional standard boots can be enough to stave off cold feet.

If you work with any large or dangerous machinery,  a cluttered workspace can become a death trap. Working around cluttered spaces is bad enough, but tripping or falling into heavy machinery can be fatal. To decrease clutter it is worth utilising some shelving for items that are frequently used, and find designated areas for items that are less frequently used (a place where they can be stored for long periods of time without being in your way). Any heavy machinery should be out of the way of other items, so space organising around machinery should be of the upmost importance.

If you have a large quantity of clutter, or some very bulky items, it can be worth contacting a professional clearance company. For example companies such as A1 Clearances specialise in the removal of large scale or bulky items from a workspace, and will often consider any item for removal regardless of size. If the clutter you have is manageable then you should designate one day to sift through everything in your workspace and take any redundant items to nearby skips or recycling facilities. By clearing out redundant items you will find that you have more shelf space as well as floor space, hence making your work less dangerous and more efficient.

Make Precautions For Fire 

Even if you are working in a small garage it is important that you lay down your own fire safety regime. The most important part of this is identifying and maintaining a fire exit. In a warehouse you should have an official fire exit and this should never be blocked. In a garage or similar workspaces you should have an exit that can always be reached, and no heavy machinery or other items should be in the way of this exit. Things you can normally dodge will become more of a tripping hazard when panicking due to fire and smoke. You should have the correct fire extinguishers in your workspace as well. For example, a water based extinguisher should be used for any wood or textile based fire, and a CO2 extinguisher for any flammable liquids or electrical equipment. Failing to use the right extinguisher can not only make a fire worse but could also cause a fatal explosion. 

Be Seen At All Times 

If a forklift truck is in operation then high visibility clothing must be worn by all others in the workspace. This simple precaution costs very little but it a proven lifesaver. A forklift truck can easily crush anything in its way, but wearing high visibility clothing can help the driver identify a potential hazard much more quickly. A hard hat should also be used when driving a forklift incase anything heavy is knocked off a high shelf.

 

Author Bio: Robert works with A1 Clearances , a UK-based domestic clearance & removals business.

 

Back Safety, Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety

WORKING SAFELY WITH CONCRETE AND CEMENT (GUEST POST)

 Whether you are a professional tradesperson or a DIY enthusiast, safety should be at the top of your list of priorities when working with concrete. Unbeknown to many, concrete and cement products must be treated with care during all stages of handling, application and storage. We have devised an essential guide to concrete safety so you can take care of yourself during an upcoming residential upgrade or larger commercial project. 

Dust protection 

The dust caused by the handling of cement can cause a real nuisance to tradespeople and home improvers, and precautions must be taken to ensure your airways remain clear during application. Always wear a dust mask and eye protectors to ensure dust does not get inhaled or make its way into your eyes, especially during the cutting or drilling of dried concrete. 

Cement dust can also cause considerable irritation to your skin, so make sure you wear good quality overalls to protect your entire body. Personal protective gear is essential to the correct and safe handling of cement and concrete, and will ensure you are fully safeguarded especially when working in enclosed areas. 

Handle with care 

It’s not just dry cement powder that causes complications during handling and application, wet concrete also causes difficulties and irritation. Make sure the wet concrete solution does not come into contact with your skin, which isn’t always easy with the splashes created during pouring.

 If the wet concrete does come into contact with your skin, eyes or nose, use a mild soap and clean water to remove. 

Working with concrete accessories 

The concrete accessories you use during the application process also come with their dangers. Concrete buckets must be treated with particular diligence, especially during movement. Never ride on the buckets whilst they are in motion, and take care when the buckets are being lowered, swung or pulled to a height. 

Forming pins can also result in a trip to the emergency room if precautions aren’t taken. It is recommended that you paint these forming pins in a bright colour to ensure they are fully visible to each and every contractor working on site. Opt for a reflective coating to prevent trips and falls come day or night. 

Use your head 

In addition to using respirators, goggles and protective overalls, you must wear a hard hat to protect your head during preparation, application and storage. Head injuries are a common occurrence on site but by using a hard hat you can ensure you are fully protected whether working at height or at ground level.

 Think about your back 

When working with concrete products, it is all too easy to damage your back and legs with incorrect lifting techniques. Make sure you are fully clued up on how to move heavy materials, lifting with a straight back and bent legs is a sure-fire way of preventing serious back injury. If the concrete mix you are looking to move is too heavy, don’t suffer and struggle in silence, ask a friend or work colleague to assist you.

 

This post was written by Brittany Thorley. She works for ReadyMix Concrete (http://www.readymixonline.co.uk/) and regularly advises both professional contractors and homeowners about health and safety when working with concrete and cement.

 
Ergonomics, General Safety Issues

FIVE TIPS TO PREVENT COMMON JOINT INJURIES (GUEST POST)

Are you looking after your joints? As the places in our bodies where bones meet, joints are essential for everyday movement. They are also very susceptible to damage and injury.  According to statistics from safeworkaustralia.gov.au, chronic joint conditions or strains of joints represented 40% of employees who received work-related compensation in 2010.

Some of the most common joint injuries include sprains and strains in the back, knee, wrists, ankles, wrists and elbows. Inflammatory joint conditions can also be very painful and sometimes debilitating. Examples of these include arthritis, bursitis, carpal instability, tendonitis and plantar fasciitis.

Here are five pointers to help you prevent common joint injuries. These can be applied effectively in the workplace but are also relevant for everyday activities like gardening and home maintenance.

Don’t overuse body parts that are already injured

Already suffering from pain and inflammation in your joints? Avoid putting undue strain on those affected areas. When working with an injury you need to keep in mind that tired sore muscles will not be working at optimal levels of strength. Trying to work through the pain can often cause further damage.

Correct lifting techniques

When heavy or awkward lifting is involved as part of your job make sure you know and use correct lifting techniques. These include bending at the knees and hips so that, instead of your back to taking the strain, your major muscles do the hard work instead.

Companies should have a manual detailing safe lifting on hand for staff to read.

Avoid repetitive movements for long periods and take a break

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) is a potentially debilitating condition resulting from overusing mainly upper body parts (hands or elbows) to perform a repetitive task, such as typing, clicking a mouse, or work on an industrial chain). Vary your work tasks so that you get a break between those tasks that might lead to RSI.

Keeping a prolonged sitting or standing position can also lead to joint inflammation conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis and plantar fasciitis. Contact your OHS representative to report your problems or concerns and ask to get a more ergonomic work desk or seat. Consult an occupational therapist who can come to your workplace and help you set up your workstation correctly.

Keeping fit outside of work

Maintaining a healthy body weight and exercising including strengthening exercises can help to reduce stress on joints. Stretching is equally important to keep muscles supple and relaxed.

Incorporate stretching as part of your daily routine. At work it’s optimal to get up from your workstation and take a short stretch every 20 minutes.

Know your limits

Depending on your age, size and physical fitness your joints will be able to undertake various amounts of strain. Stop at the first sign of pain or irritation in your joints. Know when a task is too much for you and avoid undertaking those tasks that push you too far

Working within a range of motion and not over extending your joints helps to prevent common injuries such as sprains, strains and the onset of problems such as Bursitis.  Work related injuries will often require a discussion between your doctor, rehabilitation counsellor and employer.

Even normal, healthy joints deteriorate over time. It’s important to protect your joints and maximise their use, mobility and function now to save you a world of pain later in life.

While the best treatment is prevention, if detected early there are many options to help with joint pain such as physiotherapy, chiropractic treatment or massage. With the rise in popularity of natural alternatives you can also find many other natural ways to help with joint injuries such as the OSMO Patch which can help decrease swelling and inflammation.

 Author Bio: Danniel Jacques holds a B.Med.Sci from UNSW and is passionate about joint health and the benefits and importance of exploring natural alternatives in health care.  Google plus page – https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/109883296254635691947/106413800886668779908/

Note: Texas America Safety Company and Blog4Safety want to thank Danniel for this valuable information.  Taking care of your joints at a young age will benefit your body as time and age progress.  Added support of joints, such as elbows, knees, and back may be needed to help protect those joints that are overused. pb

General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

Respiratory Products That Promote On-The-Job Safety

Approximately 5 million workers in 1.3 million workplaces are required to use respirator products, according to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). Offering protection against a multitude of different hazards, respirators and other respiratory devices can help reduce incidences of cancer, lung impairment and disease caused by job site exposure. OSHA’s research indicates that compliance with its Respiratory Protection Standards could potentially prevent thousands of illnesses and hundreds of deaths every year in the United States.

What Do Respirators Do?
A respirator is a protective device which reduces exposure to dangerous inhaled substances, including toxic chemicals and other infections particulates. Respirators are considered a vital piece of equipment for work in hazardous environments. Selecting the right type of respirator is critical, and dependent upon each individual workplace. Respirators perform two basic functions: decontaminating breathable air and providing a clean supply of air from an external source.

Air-Purifying Respirators
Particulate respirators, which fall under the category of air-purifying respirators, provide simple, cost-efficient and moderate protection against dust particles, but are an insufficient defense against chemicals, gases and vapors. They work by filtering particles out of breathable air, and are best suited for workplaces with low hazard levels. Also referred to as dust masks, these filtering facepieces are commonly used in healthcare settings for protection against infectious diseases. When particulate respirators become damaged or clogged, they need to be replaced.

Personal Protective Equipment

Using caution is key when it comes to protecting yourself from workplace hazards.

Chemical cartridge/gas mask respirators are an alternate type of air-purifying respirator. These perform a similar function except they filter chemical gases instead of airborne particulates. This two-piece apparatus includes a cartridge or canister, as well as a facepiece which attaches via straps to the head. The type of filter depends on the hazards to which you will most frequently be exposed. These replaceable cartridges are color-coded to make the selection process easier.

Combination respirators have filters for particulates as well as gases and vapors and can be used in settings which may contain both types of threats.

Supplied Air Respirators
Supplied air respirators provide clean air from an external source. Airline respirators use a hose to deliver clean, compressed air from a stationary source. These lightweight and long lasting devices are appropriate for use in areas where there is no immediate danger.

Combination respirators have a self-contained backup auxiliary air supply, and are ideal for entry into compact spaces, as well as extended use in potentially hazardous environments.

Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) generate their own supply of respirable air. Commonly used by firefighters, SCBAs consist of a wearable air tank, and offer the highest level of protection against toxic chemicals. Weighing in at more than 30 pounds, however, they require specialized training and knowledge regarding use and maintenance. These contain a limited air supply — generally less than an hour — which is dependent on a number of different factors, such as breathing rate. Despite these downsides, SCBAs provide the best protection in hazardous situations.

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SCBAs help firefighters perform their lifesaving work.

The Importance of Test Apparatus
A respirator is useless if it doesn’t work to optimal standard. Respirators should provide a snug seal around the entire face during inhalation. Any leaks may cause exposure to contaminated air. While they come in a variety of sizes to accommodate different facial shapes, the only true way to determine whether a respirator works is through fit testing. Kits are available for both face-to-respirator seals and gas/vapor seals which help determine whether performance criteria is being met.

Between contagious diseases, everyday workplace hazards and job site accidents involving toxic chemicals, respirators serve a critical safety purpose. Proper planning and preparation ensures an optimal outcome in any situation.

Byline:
Joanna Hughes is a freelance writer who covers everything from lifestyle and beauty to financial matters, such as getting an auto loan with bad credit.

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

MEDICAL INSURANCE PROTECTION FOR HIGH-RISK OCCUPATIONS (GUEST POST)

The importance of having a medical insurance is apparent to most employees who consider this as a factor in determining which company to work for. However, some occupations offer greater risks than regular jobs that require employees to report to the office at 9am to 6pm.

These occupations include active duty military personnel, skydiving instructors, fishermen, offshore oil workers, flight instructors, civilian contractors in dangerous areas, firefighters, construction workers, police officers, pilots, and scaffold workers. Because these occupations are considered “high-risk occupations,” or occupations that carry higher risk in terms of death, disease, injury or disability occurrences, it could be difficult to get insurance for these positions, and insurance companies will usually charge higher premiums for these jobs as opposed to jobs that have less risks involved.

Although most insurance companies do not offer policies for high risk occupations, there are still some insurance companies that specialize in giving these occupations coverage. Here are some high risks occupations that some insurance companies provide special coverage for:

1.     Journalists

–          Some insurance companies provide international life and accident insurance with an international coverage for reporters, TV crew and production team who are stationed at remote areas, war zones and politically unstable locations that might be far away from areas that offer sufficient medical assistance. Journalists also get medical cost benefits for treatment, evacuation and repatriation if ever they should go through an accident, illness or a terrorist attack. Another insurance that journalists may avail of is the kidnap and ransom insurance for reimbursing ransom payments if this ever happens. Finally, a high risk travel insurance can protect journalists from accidents and can ensure that they get proper medical care when they’re travelling. The travel insurance can also ensure that possessions and flights of the insured are covered.

2.      Oil and Gas Employees

–          Similarly, suppliers, contractors and employees of oil and gas companies can benefit from international life and accident insurance, which can provide protection for death and give financial help for injured or permanently disabled employees. Oil and gas employees may also get the international disability insurance, which can provide income to the insured if they are temporarily disabled, or provide a lump sum for those who are permanently disabled. Meanwhile, the international medical insurance is also helpful in providing oil and gas employees or contractors with medical assistance near R&R stopovers and rigs. Since the oil and gas industry is prone to claims from the public for environmental accidents, it is also advisable to get the international liability insurance to protect companies from claims.

3.     Overseas Contract Workers

–          Employees who work overseas at remote locations where insurance is not valid should avail of the personal accident insurance, which can give them protection from death, dismemberment, and disability. As employees who work at high risk regions, overseas workers should also get international travel insurance to get coverage for areas where terrorism or political strife is prevalent. Another insurance plan ideal for overseas workers is the international medical insurance which may be used to cover medical costs of treatment, evacuation and repatriation brought about by either illness, accidents or terrorist attacks. It is also advisable to get a worker compensation scheme for local and expat workers.

4.      Security

–          Private security employees who are working in the Middle East and other areas where there are high risks of terrorism should get an international life and accident insurance able to provide coverage for death or give compensation to employees that are injured or permanently disabled while working overseas. It is also a must to get international medical insurance to get medical care right where the security employee is working overseas or at home where the risk is just as high. Another essential insurance coverage is the defense base act insurance, which can help out employees if their security company provides services to the US government.

5.     Logistics

–          For those involved in logistics work in areas that have wars, political strife, or possible terrorism, the primary concern is getting an international life and personal accident insurance that can cover disability as well as death protection for drivers, staff, and other members of the crew in transit. Just as importantly, medical expenses coverage should also be a must to get through accidents, illnesses or terrorist activities. It is also ideal to get a kidnap and ransom insurance for when logistics employees transport sensitive products and items.

After learning about the possible insurance options available for those who have high risk occupations, you are now ready to find the right insurance companies that offer these packages. Note that these specialized, high-risk occupation insurance policies could be more costly than regular insurance policies. To minimize costs for high-risk occupation medical insurance policies, try looking at group insurance policies.

 

Author Bio:  Article Written by Cristina Beltran – a blogger & writer at Compare Hero, Malaysia’s leading comparison website. This portal helps individuals in making the best decision by comparing rates from different finance and insurance providers.

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection

WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT HAND AND ARM VIBRATION SYNDROME? (GUEST POST)

Imagine struggling to pick up a small screw or not being able to button your shirt. While the typical person doesn’t even think about these daily tasks, thousands of people suffering from a medical condition called HAVS face this reality every day. While there is no cure for HAVS, there are ways to lower your risk of exposure as well as to stop its progression.

What is HAVS?
Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is a painful and disabling medical condition caused by the constant and repeated use of vibrating percussive power tools and handheld rotating tools, such as grinders, chipping hammers and pneumatic drills. Both frequency and amplitude are factors which lead to injury. Many people are more familiar with the condition being referred to as ‘Vibration White Finger’.

This descriptive term, “vibration white finger”, is used because of the condition’s signature symptom, which can be damage to fingers that results in a whitish appearance. However, the condition not only leads to complications related to the functionality of fingers, but also to the hands and arms.

People suffering from HAVS experience two different kinds of damage: blood vessels and arm and hand nerves. Their joint combination may lead to a condition called Raynaud’s phenomenon, in which individual fingers turn white and exhibit a loss or change of sensation. Overall, HAVS detrimentally affects the vascular, neurological and musculoskeletal systems.

Who is at Risk?
Any workers who handle vibrating objects are at risk of developing HAVS. The industries commonly affiliated with HAVS include construction, building and maintenance of railways and roads, grounds management, foundries, forestry, heavy engineering, mines and quarries, manufacturing concrete products, motor vehicle manufacture and repair, public utilities and shipbuilding.

HAVS 1

If they work with vibrating power tools, they are at risk of HAVS.

Perhaps HAVS and the operation of vibrational tools should be mentioned in the article called 12 Surprising Causes of Fatigue. Besides the related stress and fatigue associated with the use of vibrational tools, workers who typically operate hammer action tools for an excess of 15 minutes a day, or rotary tools for more than an hour daily are at increased risk of developing HAVS.

Signs & Symptoms
Recognizing the condition early can help prevent the progression of HAVS. If you experience tingling or numbness in your fingers, lack of feeling in your fingers, loss of hand strength, and fingertips turning white then red with a painful recovery, stop your work, alert your employer and consult with your physician.

If the hazardous exposure continues, the condition may gradually progress to involve fingers on both hands, a loss of sense of touch, and the inability to complete simple daily tasks. People who continue to use vibrating tools may eventually lose all sensation in their hands.

Prevention
Workers at risk for HAVS can wear anti-vibration gloves. These gloves help to stabilize the hands and reduce vibrations from hand-held tools.

The progression of HAVS can be reduced if the condition is recognized at the onset. This allows workers to consult with a qualified medical professional about the symptoms and to make their employers aware of the problem.

Smoking and cold temperatures are known to exacerbate the condition so should be avoided when possible. Damage to the nervous system is permanent, but blood vessels can regenerate at least in part when exposure ceases.

HAVS 2

A simple text can be impossible for someone with HAVS.

Your employer is legally responsible for protecting you from HAVS. The best course is to find a different way to do your job free of vibrating machines and tools. If this isn’t possible, pursue healthier options, such as mandatory rest periods and improvements to tool design and maintenance.

If your employer is aware of dangerous conditions and fails to address them, he may be held liable for your financial losses and other costs related to the injury. Lawsuits can also be filed against the manufacturer of dangerous or faulty mechanical equipment.

People at risk of HAVS can play a direct role in lowering their risks by promoting good circulation: staying warm and dry, stopping smoking and exercising extremities during breaks.

While HAVS can be a debilitating condition, it doesn’t have to be life-altering. Limiting or ceasing work with handheld vibrating tools can stop the progression of the disease, while following best practices–and asking for your employer’s support in doing so–can completely prevent hazardous exposure.

Joanna Hughes writes on all subjects from health and wellness to business matters, such as how to promote via social media.

 

 
 
Ergonomics, Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

INTERESTING OFFICE SAFETY TIPS (GUEST POST)

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Ensuring office safety is a serious thing. As an office is a place housing hundreds to thousands of employees, business owners and managers must consider office safety a high priority. They should create a safe workplace for their employees, implementing safety mandates and ensure a hazard-free office environment. 

Ergonomics

Heard about this term before? For those who have no idea what ergonomics is, it is a science which main concern is between workers and their environment. It looks at how employees do their work and ensure body safety of the employees when doing such work. We can basically say that ergonomics protects and prevents employees from strain and injury. 

In a workplace, for example, an employee must be provided with a desk and a chair that he or she can adjust to her body size. He or she should be able to sit straight and comfortably when working. For the flooring, a special padded rubber mat that absorbs shock is needed if a worker must stand while doing his or her work. These things may seem unimportant but provide protection and prevent casualties in a workplace. 

Housekeeping

It is a normal scene in restaurants and fast-food chains to see cleaners put on warning signs when the floor is wet to prevent accidents. This should be done also in offices where a worker could trip or fall. General housekeeping must be safely done both by directing janitorial crews to clearly mark wet floor areas and in-house electricians to prevent damaged cords out in the open. It is recommended that office cleaning be scheduled when most workers are out of the office. 

Fire Hazards

Fire hazards pose a big danger in the workplace. Professional should regularly check both the computer systems, as well as electrical systems.  Workers should be warned about the dangers of overloading single outlets and using too many extension cords. Offices must run regular fire drills and develop  a fire escape plan for employees. 

Lighting

Employees who spend most of their working time in front of a computer are more prone to getting headaches and eyestrain, sometimes caused by either too much lighting from sun or inadequate light fixtures.  This problem can be avoided by placing computer monitors in appropriate positions. Cornell University Ergonomics Web recommends that the computer be positioned directly in front of the user and the lighting isn’t too bright. To block the sun’s rays, shades should be provided by the company. 

Seating

Many employees develop sciatic pain in their backs and legs from hours of sitting. Our bodies were not designed to be in a seated position for a long time. Workers can avoid this problem by taking several break periods though the day. Employees should stand up and move around the office as much as they are permitted. Aside from using ergonomic chairs, employees can do arm and neck stretching and other simple exercises while in the workplace. 

AUTHOR BIO 

Shiela Flakes works as a Research Associate for help.plagtracker.com. Aside from doing research, she also does writing and editing consultations to many different people. Reach Shiela through her Google+.ele