Category Archives: General Safety Issues

General Safety Issues

Why is Health and Safety Important at Workplace?


Health and safety is an important aspect of corporate world. You might not realize it like this but health and safety is majorly being taken care of at workplaces throughout the world. It is so important that the US government has written separate set of rules and a proper act to encourage healthy and safety at workplaces. However, people are not really aware of the importance of the health and safety at workplace even though there are a lot of reasons for which health and safety should be encouraged at workplaces at all costs.

To avoid haphazard at workplaces

A lot of hazards can occur at workplaces. These hazards could include mishandling of machinery, chemicals, electronics or any other equipment included during daily work. However, implementing health and safety policies at workplace helps to prevent such hazardous activities and ensure a safe and struggle free environment at corporate setups. Companies which do not follow these health and safety rules face a lot many incidents as compared with the rest of the companies.

Decreases legal liabilities

All the laws in the world majorly support the victims of workplaces activities. Companies support the health and safety act for workplaces to avoid unwanted situations as well. If any employee gets hurt during working hours in accidents at the expense of professional work then the company is accountable for the expenses. Additionally, if the injuries are severe and irreversible the company can come under legal liabilities. Therefore, it is better to implement health and safety policies to avoid legal liabilities of such sorts.

Reduces absents and leaves of employees

By implementing health and safety policies at workplaces, the employers help the employees to avoid unnecessary injuries and illnesses which also decrease absenteeism and leaves. If an employee gets hurt during working hours, he would be liable to get absent without any objections and this can reduce the productivity rate of work. Therefore, safety policies are highly beneficial for both personal and professional reasons for the employees.

Increases productivity during working hours

Health policies increase productivity at workplace since the employees would be perfectly fit and well to continue their daily tasks with great attention and efforts. When healthy environment is promoted at organizations employees are less likely to fall sick which not only improves their attendance but also affects their work performance for professional tasks. Therefore, employers must implement health and safety policies at all costs in companies so that the employees are healthy and well to perform at a high level.

Avoids minor injuries and accidents

Minor injuries and accidents by furniture can also happen and those situations can get pretty bad sometimes. Therefore, if proper health and safety rules are followed and implemented, then these minor injuries can be easily avoided and uncertain situations are much more controlled.

Improves brand reputation

Companies that implement health and safety measures at workplaces indirectly promote the safety of their customers and clients. For instance, if we are talking about a supermarket, people would not prefer to go to a place which is too congested with the furniture placed too closely increasing the chances of accidents and injuries. Similarly, any restaurant which does not work by the rules of health and safety and cooks cleanly reduces its own chances of attracting the customers. No one would like to eat food which is cooked in dirty spaces. Therefore, health and safety at workplaces not only benefits the employees and employers but also the outsiders like clients and customers.

Some safety tips to be adopted by the workers

The health and safety for workplace act should be strictly implemented and followed by the employers and administrations of organizations but it is a wise idea that the employees take care of themselves on their own as well. Following are some of the tips which you can follow to ensure your own safety:

⦁ Understand the risks included in your field of work.
⦁ Manage workplace stress.
⦁ Take regular breaks.
⦁ Wear protective equipment and clothing according to your field of work.
⦁ Communicate your concerns with the higher management and administrations.
⦁ If your field is mechanical, then handle the chemicals and equipment with a lot of care to avoid injuries and burns.
⦁ As an employee you have several rights while being at the workplace and even after that and you should clearly understand them in order to avail the benefits.
⦁ Know the architectural space of your workplace and learn all the emergency exits.

Workplace health and safety is an integral part of the corporate world and employers that do not implement the act in their organizations often face several consequences as well. There is a lot of importance of these rules and few are discussed above as well. Along with that employees should stay vigilant too in order to avoid such incidents.

AUTHOR BIO
Mitchell Starc is an experienced researcher at Essay Writing Service with double masters in social sciences. He is an avid reader and habitual writer to facilitate the newbies in the professional world. He has been writing for over 20 years.

General Safety Issues

Checklist: Top 8 Things You Must Do for A Safe Work Environment

There are many benefits to having a safe work environment. Not only does it prevent employees from getting injured, it boosts productivity and efficiency as well. People work better and produce higher results when they are comfortable in their surroundings and when they don’t need to worry about various threats or dangers.

Creating a workplace safety checklist is the first step you should take to ensure that your business is safe. Identify potential hazards and share solutions or procedures that detail how to handle these issues with your employees. Start crafting your list now.

A Few Things to Remember

Before you get started, there are a few things that you should keep in mind.

  1. Read and learn about the health and safety regulations that apply to your state and industry. You can find information by state here.
  2. Keep an organized and accessible binder of regulations that your employees can access at all times.
  3. Include health and safety checklists in the binder mentioned above.
  4. If there are any emergency procedures that your employees need to know, have them read it during their on-boarding process. Regularly review these procedures as needed.
  5. Stay accessible for any questions or concerns that your employees may have regarding the company’s safety standards.

Top 8 Things You Should Have in Your Workplace Safety Checklist

  • Keep the Floors Clear. You should have clear walkways at all times. Your employees shouldn’t struggle to get from one place to the other. If your organization constantly receives packages or boxes, be sure to have a designated area for them. Inform your employees to immediately clean up any spills or leaks that may happen. If you work in an industry that works with oils, be sure to educate your employees on how to properly clean and dispose of that.
  • Keep the Stairs Clear. Similarly to your floors, your stairs should always be clear. A crowded stairwell could cause accidents or prevent employees from being able to exit in the event of an emergency. Your stairwells should also be properly lit and have a handrail installed.
  • Install Proper Lighting. Whether you’re working on a construction site or in an office, it is imperative to have good lighting. Most employees feel safer in brightly lit areas. Having good light will also prevent falls and other accidents from taking place. Your outdoor parking area should also have good lighting to keep employees safe when getting to their car.
  • Require the Proper Dress Code. Wearing the right attire could prevent someone from getting seriously injured. If you are working in the construction industry, require your workers to wear steel-toed boots and shoes. They should also be the proper sizing. If you are working in the food industry, make sure to note that the kitchen staff should wear long sleeves and pants to prevent burns. They should also invest in non-slip shoes.
  • First-Aid Kits. Buy or create first-aid kits for your offices. Depending on how big your work environment is, you may need multiple kits. Each kit should have things to help wrap up cuts and scrapes, as well as, ointment to prevent infections.
  • Emergency Procedures. Email your employees important emergency procedures. You should also keep a set of the posted and accessible at all times. Your emergency exits should all be clearly marked. You should also inform your employees where the emergency equipment, like fire extinguishers, are housed in the office.
  • Keep the Office Clean. Make a conscious effort to keep the office as clean as possible. This doesn’t just mean tidy. This means keeping it clear of food, waste, and more. Not emptying out your trash frequently could cause insects and other critters to come into the building. The last thing you or your employees want is an unwelcome rodent infestation. You should also make sure that the bathrooms are cleaned daily.
  • Lock All Doors & Windows When Leaving. Your office or work environment should be secure at all times. In your safety checklist, provide a “closing office” checklist as well. Instruct your employees on how they should close down the office when the day is over. It is especially important to lock all your doors and windows so that none of your equipment gets taken or stolen. If your windows have blinds, they should be drawn closed so that people don’t see the valuables that you have.

 

Getting injured at work is not entirely preventable, but there are definitely steps you can take to decrease the chances of it happening. Follow these 8 tips and take the first stride to make your environment a safer one.

To learn more about what you can do if you were to get injured at work, speak to a workers compensation attorney.

 

General Safety Issues

OSHA-Based Solutions for Construction’s “Fatal Four”

Even the phrase used to identify construction’s deadliest hazards is enough to emphasize their danger. But make no mistake, it’s not just a fear-mongering tactic. The “fatal four” is how the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) refers to the four most common causes of death on the construction site.

 

OSHA has attributed 59.9% of construction deaths to the fatal four. These hazards, and the percent of deaths caused by each in 2017, are:
⦁ Falls (39.2%)
⦁ Being struck by an object (8.2%)
⦁ Electrocution (7.3%)
⦁ Caught in/between objects (5.1%)

 
OSHA certified training programs have dedicated entire courses to the prevention of the fatal four, which have so far proven effective. In 2016, fatal four related deaths on the construction site were 4% higher.
 
Still, there’s a long way to go, and OSHA estimates that eliminating these hazards would save 582 workers’ lives in the US each year.  Although completely eliminating them may be impossible, there are definitely strategies to prevent against them.

Falls
As can be seen by the above numbers, falls are the deadliest of the fatal four. There are a number of specific work site habits that contribute to the abundance of falls, such as:
⦁ Unstable ladders
⦁ Poorly secured scaffolding
⦁ Unguarded roof edges
⦁ Unindicated roof/floor openings

 
Ladders and scaffolding should always be tested for security. Similarly, personal fall arrest equipment should be worn on upper levels of a construction site. While many workers and employers overlook this, it can be life-saving. By strapping a harness around themselves, workers are anchored to the construction in a way that ensures any falls will be protected while still providing full mobility.
 
Many workers also overlook the indication of floor openings. These should be covered and labeled, whether with orange cones or caution tape. On multi-level structures, guardrails must be placed along the edges – this is not just a suggestion, but an OSHA requirement.
 
If the aforementioned precautions are taken when it comes to falls, nearly 381 workers’ lives could be spared.

Struck by an Object

 
Construction sites are filled with cement trucks, tractors, and other heavy-duty moving objects and vehicles. Therefore, it’s no surprise that injuries and deaths caused by objects are so abundant. At the very least, workers should wear their reflective vests at all times, increasing their visibility for other workers operating this machinery.
 
Personal protective equipment also matters. Safety goggles might seem like a small feat, but they can go a long way toward preventing blindness where falling and flying objects are present (whether it be sediment or sawdust).
 
Most importantly, however, are hard hats. In an 8-year study, traumatic brain injuries accounted for one-quarter of all construction fatalities. While concussions might seem like a commonplace occurrence on the worksite, it shouldn’t be. And there’s no telling when what seems like a simple head injury could lead to dire circumstances.
 

Electrocution
Electrocution on the construction site typically occurs when a tall object, like an aerial lift, crane, or scaffold, comes into contact with a power line. For this reason, electrical sources (be they power lines or transformers) should always be marked and identified prior to beginning construction.

 
This way, when planning the layout of equipment, it will be kept well away from those structures.
 
Ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) should also be used when installing the electrical work on a building. They are programmed to trip or shut off automatically when they sense a “ground fault”. A ground fault is a connection between an electric conductor and a ground wire caused by an accidental electric path (i.e. a human body).
 
As a result, GFCIs are regular fixtures on construction site due to their immense effectiveness in preventing shocks and electrocutions.

Caught In/Between
Displacement of land is almost always necessary where there is major construction. Wherever excavation leads to trenches, there is always a hazard of cave-ins or slipping sediment that can cause workers to get trapped.

 
For this reason, trenches deeper than five feet must always be equipped with one of the following protective systems:
⦁ Sloping for easier accessibility
⦁ Shoring to hold up a weak or unstable object that has a risk of collapsing
⦁ Benching to level access to the trench by adding steps/stairs
 
This hazard also accounts for workers who get caught in/compressed by equipment or moving machine parts, such as miter saws, conveyor systems, or rotating pump shafts. Proper machine safeguards should be implemented to prevent amputation or more dire circumstances.

Extra Precautions
The best precaution of all is to ensure that workers are properly trained. OSHA’s website contains countless resources for workers and construction site managers on how to combat every hazard imaginable. Third-party OSHA-approved providers can also delve into deeper detail regarding prevention methods.

 
Of all the workplaces, the construction site calls for the most diligence. A survey of construction leaders by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in 2018 attributed 58 percent of dangerous work sites to unskilled workers. However, it is up to these construction leaders to ensure their employees are getting the proper training.
 
With construction leaders and management setting the right example and training requirements, the impacts of the fatal four could surely be diminished.
 

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

Benefits of Having a Hazard Free Workplace

Workplace security is important, especially for many electrical suppliers in Metro Manila. Now that the typical workplace is incredibly automated, there will always be at least a few hazards that will be found in some places. Of course, many companies have ongoing efforts to create a safer and hazard-free workplace.

By making sure that workplace hazards are almost non-existent, you’ll avail yourself of the many benefits that come with it! Your workplace is not just a place where your employees work, it’s also the place where they’ll be spending the majority of their day in. That is why you should ensure that your work environment contributes to keeping your employees safe.

 

Take a look at what you can get just by making sure that your workplace is virtually hazard free!

 

 

Less Stress

 

The feeling of being secure and safe within your workplace goes a long way. It can give you the freedom to do some of the things that you wouldn’t normally do! For example, an office that is equipped with GFCI receptacles is protected from any kind of electrocutions that might happen because of spilt liquids—so you don’t have to worry too much about getting shocked every time you spill your coffee.

 

Much of what strains employees are the different possible problems that they might encounter during their workday. That includes the simplest of accidents and injuries from hazards that weren’t accounted for. Taking out hazards from the workplace will surely have an impact on the amount of stress that your employees will get!

 

Higher Productivity

 

A work environment that is safe from any kind of obstacles should show in their performance. Companies that makes sure that their workspaces are free from distractions and hazards will most likely have a better time doing their work!

 

Remember, your employees would probably find it easier to work when they don’t have to worry about anything too much. Focusing on a task is very important for any worker that needs precision and accuracy at their job. The less they have to think about, the more engrossed they can be to their work, the better their outputs will be!

 

Happier Workforce

 

A workplace that is devoid of any kind of hazards will eventually lead to safer and healthier work environment. Complimented by the two mentioned above, and you’ll get an incredibly happy workforce! When your workers are content and satisfied with the many benefits that working for your company brings, they will show it in how they work and how they act.

 

By removing the things that would be deemed as a hazard, a distraction, or a problem from the workplace, your employees should become happier with what the company provides, eventually leading to a stronger, more efficient workforce!

 

Key Takeaway

 

Every electrical supplier in Metro Manila values workplace security. It’s in their best interests to make sure that everyone of you knows the benefits of having a workplace that is free from any kind of hazard. Your workforce is what keeps your company going. Don’t let the simplest of hazards prevent them from working at their maximum capacity.

 

Author Bio:
This article was sent in by Sharlene Andrade, a freelance writer who specializes in workplace safety, electrical hazard prevention and anything precautionary related.
General Safety Issues

4 Power Tools Safety Tips

Guest Blog Written by Daniel Brown

There are numerous reasons why people use power tools both in their line of work and for private purposes. First of all, they have the advantage of speed and scale, which allows you to do tasks you would be unable to do before or to handle a previously possible task with several times greater speed. Still, with greater power comes greater responsibility and, in this case, a greater hazard. Handling power tools inadequately can cause some serious injuries, far greater than those that could occur with hand tools. With that in mind and in order to prevent such a thing from happening, you need to know a couple of tips regarding handling power tools. Here are some of them.Photo by https://www.bidvine.com

  • Be focused

The problem with handling power tools lies in the fact that it can be quite boring at the time. It takes only a second for you to make a mistake that you could regret for a lifetime. This is why you need to stay alert, awake and focused on what you’re doing. Do what you’re doing and take as long as you need. You’re saving time (in comparison to doing the same task with regular tools) either way, so there’s no point in rushing. As soon as you notice that there’s a lapse in concentration take a break. Power tools usually cause a lot of noise, which is why you would do well to get some rest from this, as well.

  • Use protective gear

The next thing you need to understand is the fact that the right gear might protect you in more than several ways. Hardhats are there to protect you from debris and recoil (which might happen with some power tools). Safety glasses are vital in keeping your eyes safe, especially when cutting something. Ear plugs are there to help you stay focused on the task at hand. Now, safety shoes may seem as optional but they’re actually a vital piece of protective gear. Lastly, the importance and pragmatism of gloves are more than self-explanatory. Safety vest is also important, seeing as how it enables your coworkers, bypassers or bystanders to notice you in time. This will help avoid a scenario where they bump into you by accident.

  • Preparing for the worst

Keep in mind that you won’t always be able to prevent an accident. Sure, you might be focused and careful but what if someone else bumps into you while you’re handling a dangerous power tool? What if the device malfunctions or interacts with a material that it’s working on… well, in a way it shouldn’t? This is why it’s important that you have a strategy that will help you behave even if the worst is to happen.

What you need is to unplug the tool and find a first aid kit right away. Then, seek aid from a professional medical expert. Keep in mind that ramifications of this aren’t always medical but legal as well. For instance, if you’ve suffered an injury at work you might also be in need of work compensation lawyers. While some may see this as too pessimistic, it’s always for the best to be prepared ahead of time.

  • Mind the surroundings

Keep in mind that these tools aren’t the only thing that you need to be focused on. Think of it like experience similar to driving a car. What are you looking at while you drive? The road ahead, the pedestrians, other cars or the rear-view mirror? The answer is simple, you’re looking at all of them and the same thing you need to do while handling the power tool. Mind the surroundings both before you start work and clean it up, if necessary. Do so while working and make sure to inspect are after you’re finished. In this way, you’ll make it much safer for work.

In conclusion

    At the end of the day, you need to keep in mind that while power tools may sound dangerous, especially from the information we’ve discussed above, this is not really so in practice. Most people go through their entire lives without having a single power tool-related accident and, if you follow the above-listed four tips, you just might do the same.
General Safety Issues

Tips to prevent common forklift accidents

 

They might look fun to operate, but forklifts are nothing to be toyed with. They are a serious workplace hazard. Forklift drivers are constantly at risk of injury when operating them. Accidents range from human injury to equipment destruction. Proper safety precautions are absolutely necessary to keep this from happening. Here are some examples of how to implement safety measures.

 

1. Be wary of pedestrians

 

Forklifts are dangerous pieces of equipment. Combined with the weight they lift, they can have a combined weight of thousands of pounds. Something this heavy is always dangerous, especially if it is constantly on the move. Pedestrian deaths aren’t uncommon when mishandling forklifts. Heavy loads can fall or the forklift can tip over and crush a person quite easily. Preventing this should be your number one goal.

 

The easiest way to do this is to physically separate the pedestrians from forklifts. A barrier should be installed between where people walk and where the forklift operates. Brightly coloured lines don’t do the trick, they just serve as reminders to watch out. You want to actually prevent accidents from happening. Low visibility is another cause for incidents, so high-visibility clothing is recommended for workers in the warehouse.

 


2. Reduce collisions

 

Forklifts don’t just pose a danger to pedestrians, they are just as dangerous to everything else in a warehouse. Anything from walls to other machinery is in danger if you don’t properly handle a forklift. Even other forklifts aren’t safe from collisions. The most common kind of collision is one where the driver accidentally reverses into equipment or walls. Since they are pretty heavy, anything you crash into will have a dent in it.

 

The best way to prevent this is spatial awareness. Drivers should check their surroundings and always do a three-sixty visual check of the area they are navigating in. While driving the forklift, they must keep their eyes on the road at all times. Eliminate distractions that could divert attention from the drivers. Slower navigation is always a bonus, the slower you go the lower the chance of a collision.

 

3. Proper training

 

Human error is one of the main factors when it comes to forklift accidents. Putting the blame on drivers alone won’t cut it, though. Forklift drivers are people too. You should focus on getting them the necessary training they need to avoid these types of accidents. Even experienced drivers need a reminder or two on occasion. Refresher training should be provided to even the most seasoned drivers.
Training offers some indirect benefits to your business as well. Due to being a safety measure, it will reduce insurance premiums. The lack of accidents as a result of the training will lead to less money spent on repairs. If you provided all the necessary tools and instruments for operators to improve themselves, your liability in the event of a disaster is decreased. Organizations like OSHA might even mandate some degree of refresher training for workers. Research your labour laws regarding this.

 


4. The right equipment matters

 

The cause of an accidents doesn’t solely rest on the shoulders of a driver. Sometimes it’s the equipment that is at fault. Forklifts are machines like any other. They can fail just like any other piece of equipment. The difference is that when they fail, they can cause catastrophic injury or loss of life. Employers have to make it their duty to get the best kind of equipment in order to mitigate the number of accidents. It’s one area where it pays off not to be frugal.

 

If a forklift breaks down, you will obviously need to fix it. Regular maintenance is important for any piece of machinery. Companies like MLA Holdings can provide these services regularly. While one machine is getting fixed, you should find a rental replacement while you wait for the first to be fixed. If it’s unsalvageable, you should consider getting a new forklift or at least a quality used one.

 

5. Keep an eye on the loading dock

 

Driving around a warehouse isn’t the main point of a forklift. You load and unload heavy objects and packages. Sometimes the loading process will include a van or truck. While they are moving vehicles, they aren’t supposed to move during loading and unloading. This is where accidents come in. A variety of things can happen in this process. Early departure is one of them. If a driver starts creeping away while the forklift is still inside, bad things can happen.

 

You have to make sure the weight being carried isn’t too heavy. If something extremely heavy is unloaded into a truck, it could tip at the nose. This is why landing gear is important. Keeping the vehicle securely in place is a must. Otherwise, either the forklift or the vehicle can cause injury or loss of equipment. Aim for several layers of safety. Things like hooks, wheel chocks, and wheel locks are helpful aides. Additionally, consider a system of lights for the drivers. Red light usually means stop, while giving the green light lets them know it’s fine to proceed.

 

Conclusion
Working with forklifts isn’t the safest job in the world. There are tons of things to watch out for. You’re working with thousands of tons in heavy machinery and one wrong move can cost you a lot of money. Injuries aren’t all that uncommon, either. Safety precautions should be on your list of things to strive for.

Liam Smith is a young and aspiring Australian blogger with a passion for everything related to home, design and lifestyle. He has a B.Sc. in Interior design and is an avid reader.
https://twitter.com/LiamSmith2034
https://www.linkedin.com/in/liamsmith2034

 

General Safety Issues

Workplace Updates that Promote Safety

Your office is your daily sanctuary. Sometimes, you even spend more time in the day in your workplace than inside your own home. And because of that, it’s vital that the environment is safe and less prone to accidents. Unfortunately, not all offices are like that. For a variety of reasons, some companies are not able to maintain a safe and peaceful working space for their employees, and this creates tension within the business. If people feel they’re unsafe while doing their job, they’re more like to decrease their productivity or even quit altogether. And if it leads to that, then down goes the company.

It’s actually not that difficult to maintain a safe work environment. You just have to know what steps to take and which part of the office that need sprucing up. Once you’ve fixed what needs fixing and cleaned what needs cleaning, you’re good to go. For a clearer perspective on the matter, here are workplace updates that promote safety.

Polished Floor

The floor can oftentimes be the cause of many workplace accidents. If it’s too cluttered, people might trip over and break their items. When it’s too wet, some will definitely slip and lead to painful injuries. A clean and well-polished floor is a surefire way to ensure safety in the workplace. Brush off any dust, polish with some wax, take out a few unnecessary objects lying around, and it’ll be as good as new. In fact, another way to maintain the floor is to cover them with anti-fatigue mats. Not only will they be easier to clean, but it’ll also be relaxing for your employees and can improve overall productivity.

Wider Spaces

Sometimes, a mark of an old and run down office is how tight and cluttered it all seems. Desks are too close to each other, there’s no more room on the floor, and objects keep on getting lost. and because of such small spaces, employees will keep bumping into each other or to furniture. If your office is like this, it’s time to upgrade into a more spacious one. There isn’t even much need for a lot of storage furniture as a lot of files can now be digital. As for the desks? The sleeker and simpler, the better. Go for ones that can handle you and your equipment, but are still compact and narrow so that people can still walk around freely in the office.

Better Electrical Wiring

Before even starting your company, check first if the electrical wiring is good. Oftentimes, especially with reused office spaces, the wiring in such areas can be too cluttered and messy. This will be more if you’re planning to upgrade the systems with more modern and state-of-the-art technologies. So before upgrading your gadgets, upgrade the wiring systems first. Make sure it has enough spaces and can handle more electricity, cover up all the wires and systems that need covering up, and you’re all set!

Stable Furniture

Is your furniture in the office stable? Are they sturdy enough to hold all the paper files, computers, and other office supplies? At all the wooden desks and chairs nailed in place, with nothing sharp poking out that might scratch anyone? If not, then you need to upgrade your workplace furniture. Find ones that you’ll be able to store all your work in, whether digital or physical files. For the chairs, choose those that are comfortable and light, but strong enough to hold the employees sitting for hours in a day.

Working Sprinkler Systems

Office fires are more common than you think. While they might not be the big ones that would really make the headlines, small fired within the workplace can still cause considerable damage. To avoid such, make sure you installed sprinkler systems that work well. Put in a smoke detector so that even the slightest whiff of smoke will turn on the sprinklers in no time. Also, ensure that the sprinklers are installed in each and every room, especially ones full of electronics as they’re more likely the most prone to starting fires. This is one of the most important workplace updates you’ll need for your company, to prioritize this well.

Undamaged Door Knobs

Ever carried a whole load of work and then you suddenly crash on a closed door? Or when you’re going to get something inside the supply closet and you realized you’re trapped there? These are just some accidents cause by damaged doorknobs, an often overlooked workplace problem. You’d think that since doors are rarely closed or locked during working hours, there’s no need to update them with working knobs, but this shouldn’t be the case. People can get considerably hurt or even injured when faced with damaged doorknobs. And if there’s a need to evacuate the area, what will happen to those people who aren’t able to open the door fast enough because of such? Fix each and every doorknob in the workplace to ensure a safe environment for your employees.

Your workplace doesn’t have to be dangerous, especially if you upgraded it. And once you do, you’ll find that this newer and better office will do wonders for you and the business altogether!
General Safety Issues

How EHS professionals can promote workplace mental health

As the debate continues over whether mental health should fall under EHS professionals’ responsibility, we look at both sides of the argument and find out the best ways to promote good mental health in the workplace.

On 6th June 2018, Safety+Health Magazine launched apoll titled Should Mental Health in the Workplace be Part of the Safety Pro’s Responsibility? Six months and 248 comments later, the results are nearly even: 52% respondents voted yes and 48% voted no. The poll is still open, but it’s far from a decisive result.
Should the EHS professional be responsible for worker mental health?

The question that’s divided the EHS community. In the poll’s comment section, there are a myriad of opinions.
One commenter wrote: “No the safety professional should not be responsible for the workers [sic] mental health issue. They can direct them to an [sic] HR representative if a concern arises. We are not babysitters.”

 

And another wrote: “As safety professionals. It is our duty to maintain a health relationship with all of our employees … If we as safety professionals are ignoring a person’s mental health, we might as well ignore all hazardous conditions that aren’t tangible.”

 


Screenshots of comments on the Safety+Health Magazine

At the moment, mental health and physical health are treated unequally under Health and Safety Regulations 1981, with a greater focus on the latter. However, despite mental unwellness being an “invisible” illness, its brunt can be felt in working environments.
How poor mental health can impact the workplace
It’s arguable that poor workplace mental health can cause safety risks. According to the World Health Organization, mental health problems can increase error rates and accidents, and result in substandard decision-making.

 

It can mean reduced productivity and working days lost. In the UK alone, 12.5 million working days were lost due to work-related stress, depression or anxiety in 2016/2017. Mental health problems can also present itself as physical conditions, including heart disease, ulcers and skin rashes – which may result in further days off.
And finally, poor mental health can result in bad working relationships and an increase in disciplinary problems.

 

But what is the economic impact? For UK employers, it costs £35 billion a year – that’s £1,300 for every employee. The largest portion of this cost is the reduced productivity of staff continuing to work with their mental illness, and the second largest is job turnover.  300,000 people with long-term mental health problems leave the workforce each year.

 

What causes poor workplace mental health?

 

One in four people will experience mental disorders at some point in their lives. At any time, 450 million people worldwide are suffering suffer from a mental illness – making it one of the main causes of disability and ill-health around the globe.

 

Anxiety and depression are the most common; and while stress is not a psychiatric diagnosis, but it is closely linked to mental illnesses. Mental health problems can cause stress, and stress can cause mental health problems or make diagnosed mental illnesses worse.

 

Workplaces can be a breeding ground for stress – up to a staggering 80% of American workers suffer from substantial work-related stress.

 

The following workplace factors can cause stress:
⦁ Long hours,
⦁ Overload of work,
⦁ Complex tasks,
⦁ Lack of variety,
⦁ Poor workplace ergonomics,
⦁ Unfavorable working relations and organizational culture.

 

In response to these undesirable work factors, the individual worker may experience the following:
⦁ Feeling unable to enjoy yourself/depressed
⦁ Having a sense of dread
⦁ Feeling neglected or lonely
⦁ Finding it hard to concentrate
⦁ Eating too much or too little
⦁ Smoking or drinking alcohol more than usual
⦁ Experiencing sleep problems
⦁ Experiencing headaches
⦁ Experiencing chest pains
⦁ Having panic attacks
⦁ Feeling irritable or aggressive

 

© Mind. This information is published in full at mind.org.uk.

 

Contrary to mental illnesses, employers are legally required to protect staff from workplace stress. HSE have a risk assessment document for employers to carry out and act upon if required.

 

How the EHS professional can promote workplace mental health
While mental health may still be in the pipeline for inclusion in health and safety regulations, there are still actions you can take.
HSE recently launched their updated mental health first aid guidance – mere days after business leaders submitted an open letter to the Prime Minister calling for legislation in protecting workplace mental health.

 

It is recommended to follow the HSE Management Standards approach in reducing workplace stress. Identifying stressors, then minimising or eradicating them will result in happier and healthier employees.

 

The Standards approach involves looking at six key areas of work design: demands, control, support, relationships, role and change. Poor management of these areas has been proven to result in poor health; lower productivity; and an increase in accidents and sick days.

 

Thriving at Work: The Stevenson/Farmer Review of Mental Health and Employers, designed six ‘mental health core standards’ to be used by all employers, regardless of company size and industry.
They advise to: develop a mental health at work plan; raise employees’ awareness of mental illness; have support available; provide good working conditions and people management; and monitor mental wellbeing amongst staff.

 

Mental health charity Mind have also published their own Wellness Action Plan for Line Managers, which you can access here.

 

One Barbour webinar invited professionals to discuss their workplace mental health initiatives. Each company cited the importance of developing a thorough mental health plan, then sticking to it. Employers must show commitment to get employees on board.

 

In conclusion
Whether or not you believe employees’ mental health should fall under the employer or EHS professionals’ responsibilities, there’s stacking evidence as to how workplace mental health and stress can carry an impact, not least as a safety risk.

 

As we are moving towards a greater awareness of workplace mental health, tools are out there to act proactivity. It is much easier for an employee to stay in work if the situation has not reached crisis point.

 

Mentally well employees mean a happy workforce with increased productivity levels and a reduced safety risk, plus a healthy economic impact. It’s time to act now and strive towards good workplace mental health.

About the author

Holly Callender is a Digital Marketing Executive at Pro-Sapien Software, an EHS Software solution on SharePoint & Office 365. Visit the website at www.pro-sapien.com.

General Safety Issues

Invest in Health and Safety at Work and Reap the Benefits

Most business owners just focus on productivity and implementing new strategies to make their employees work harder. This approach may be efficient in the short-term but will soon fail. After all, your employees are people, not robots. If you want to invest in your company’s productivity and quality of service, you need to meet your employee’s basic needs. In other words, you need to make sure there are no risks of getting hurt or sick on the job. 

1. Come up with a procedure 

You should always work towards preventing health and safety issues from ever happening, but sometimes that’s simply impossible. In these scenarios, it’s important to have a coherent plan of action. Coming up with a procedure for dealing with these emergencies will help minimize the consequences and return business as usual as soon as possible.

This all implies you should know exactly what to do in cases of fires or other work emergencies. What you’ll do depends on the type of venue your workplace is at and its location. It might be a good idea to ask a professional for help in planning or to hire someone to do that job for you. You can even have a first aid technician on the worksite present at all times.

2. Maintain your facilities

Regardless of where you’re doing your business, you need to pay attention to the state of your facilities. This is especially true if you’re in an old building with a weakened structure. Old pipes, crevices, and spaces between the walls can all be potential risks for injury or disease. This is because pests will have easy access to your workers.Whether we’re talking about an office or a construction site, the consequences could be fatal. Rats can sneak in and chew the wiring important for your work, causing potential short-circuits and fires, while bugs can spread disease and interfere with the work process. Making sure no pests can be found on the worksite will make your employees much more relaxed and productive. They won’t have to stop work just to deal with another issue and you won’t have to spend more money on solving an additional problem.

3. Train and educate your workers

Most injuries are caused by untrained workers who don’t know what they’re doing. So, in order to minimize the risk of injury, you need to battle ignorance. Do this by training new employees and educating old ones. You may have a skilled crew in your hands, but everyone needs a little reminder on safety. Also, make sure to encourage safe behaviour on the job. You can do this by rewarding their good behaviour with a compliment or pat on the back.This way, your workforce won’t be on sick leave or at home, healing from a work injury. You’ll have a strong and healthy crew, ready to take on any project you give them. You’ll also get to avoid potential lawsuits. This all saves you a lot of time, energy, and money while increasing productivity.

4. Get proper and quality equipment

More and more countries are realizing just how effective having proper equipment can be. Take Australia, for example. It’s realized the equipment is the key to preventing injuries and promoting health. If your employees wear good quality equipment necessary for their job, they’re far more likely to do their job well because they’ll have some help.In fact, Aussies take it so seriously that control measures have been implemented to make sure everyone stays safe and healthy. That’s why you’ll find that Australian safety boots, hard hats, high visibility clothing, and safety harnesses meet all the necessary regulations. As a result, you won’t hear that anyone’s gotten sick or injured at work, and productivity is at an all-time high.

5. Maintain the hygiene

Maintaining the hygiene of any work venue is essential from keeping sickness at bay. Disease spreads faster in unclean environments so you need to counter that. Pay special attention to bathroom areas, and kitchens if there are any. If not, make sure the place where your workers take their lunch break is up to standard.

If the circumstances allow it, you can hire a cleaning service to regularly take care of your workplace. This takes the pressure off you while still making sure your employees are working in a clean environment. Finally, you should also encourage your workers to clean up after themselves and educate them on the importance of clean workstations. This way you’ll minimize the risk of disease entirely.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are a few things to pay attention to when it comes to making sure your employees remain safe and healthy. The attitude you have towards their well-being will surely reflect how they feel about you. If your employees respect and like you, they’re far more likely to do their job well and be motivated to give it their all to succeed. We’re confident that all your hard work will pay off in the long run if you follow some or all of the tips above.

About the author: Liam Smith is a young and aspiring Australian blogger with a passion for everything related to home improvement, design and style. He has a B.Sc. in Interior design and is an avid reader.

General Safety Issues

Top 7 Safety Tips To Keep Your Employees Safe From Insects

Workers are exposed to many dangerous things, including the unwelcome insects. Insects can be a nuisance, but they can also be a danger. If your workers are stung by an insect such as a bee or a wasp, or even a hornet, it might not be a big deal. In most cases, bites and stings cause discomfort. However, in other situations, most often with bites from more aggressive insect species, the bite can turn into an allergic reaction and if not treated immediately, lead to even catastrophic results. Every workplace needs to be protected from such occurrences. Something as small as a fire ant can cause a lot of damage and put your employees at great risk. The worksites with birdbaths, buckets of water, old tires, clogged gutters, and other outdoor equipment are at a much higher risk that indoor workspaces. However, the risk is still present everywhere.

‘’It isn’t just the conditions in which employees work. It is also their location. Just think of the West Nile Virus – it killed over fifty people in a single year, which is more than the highest casualty rate recorded in the past.’’ – shares Elisabeth Webber, writer at Brillassignment.co.uk.As a good employer, you want to protect your workers from diseases spread from insect bites, as well as complications that arise as a result of allergies, bacteria, viruses and parasites. The West Nile virus infection is just one of the many, since infected mosquitoes and ticks can carry anything from bacteria to Lyme disease. Statistics say that in a period of nine years between 2001 and 2010, an estimate of 6.8 million people visited emergency rooms in the US for insect sting and bite injuries.

With this in mind, you need to take the right precautions and measures to protect your employees from insects:

Keep them Informed

Before taking any measures to protect the employees, you need to inform them about ways to protect themselves. This is the only way to make sure that employees know what to do when an insect bites or stings them, what to watch for, and what to do to prevent it.

Your task is to discuss the following with them:

  • Appropriate outfit that prevents insect bites, such as long-sleeved shirt and long pants, as well as socks.
  • Use of repellents as stated in the label directions. Repellents can be used on clothing as per the label directions.
  • Working indoors when insects are most active outdoors. For example, mosquitoes are known to be most active at dusk and dawn.

Inspect the Workplace

Your task and that of your employees is to inspect the workplace regularly to rid of breeding grounds as soon as possible. You can train your employees to watch out for this too, and inform you when something like that happens.

Fix and Remove Dangers from the Workplace

Inspecting the workplace includes identifying the leaking buckets, hoses or other things that hold water, and fixing it. It also includes clearing the clogged rained gutters, drilling holes into plant saucers and outdoor containers to prevent water accumulation, keeping pools, ponds and fountains circulating, etc.

To move things father, you can install foggers and mosquito traps, or add mosquito fish to the water sources.

Have Safety Meeting

Have safety meetings as often as possible. On these meetings, your job is to discuss everything related to safety, including insect safety. Let the employees know where you keep the repellant, teach them how to use it, identify the dangerous areas with them, and train them to handle such situations.

Be Prepared

As a safety expert, you need to be the most prepared of them all. This means having epinephrine auto injectors, learn first aid for sting bites, learn how to remove stingers, and have all the equipment necessary to perform a fast, first aid insect bite procedure.

Keep the Work Area as Clean as Possible

Insects can be found in the areas we discussed above, but also in dirty areas. The cleaner you keep the work area, the lower are the chances that insects will come for, let’s say, discarded food.

Teach Employees Insect Bite First Aid

Keeping the employees informed includes this essential point. You aren’t the only one who should know how to react when someone is bitten or stung and has a bad reaction. All your employees should know how to help themselves, as well as co-workers in case you are not there at the moment.

The insect bite first aid for a stinging insect is:

  • Washing the site with water and soap
  • Removing the stinger with a gauze over the area
  • Ice application to reduce the swelling
  • Monitoring the worker to ensure that they don’t have an allergic reaction

Call emergency if the worker shows symptoms

That’s it – the seven preparation tips that will reduce the chances of your employees being stung or bitten by an insect. Remember – this can happen no matter how hard you try, so the most important thing is to be prepared.

About the authorScott Mathews is a professional content writer at recruiting, HR management and work productivity. Scott`s biggest passion is blogging and travelling. He regularly takes part in different conferences and contributes his posts to different websites. Contact him on Facebook and Twitter.