Category Archives: General Safety Issues

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

First Aid in the Workplace: Team Bonding and Good Sense

First Aid in the Workplace: Team Bonding and Good Sense

Accidents will happen, and it’s a fact that most accidents happen at home or in the workplace. Even minor mishaps can result in injury – tripping on a loose carpet, for example, can lead to a fall and bruising or perhaps a fracture – and it’s not just accidents that require first aid. Some people suffer from conditions that mean they can fall ill, in a variety of ways, without warning, so it pays to be aware of this. At work, it also helps if you know where your first aid equipment is – we’ll come to this in more detail later – so it can be accessed more quickly and easily.

What can you do, as an employer or an employee, to make sure that there are sufficient personnel with first aid experience and knowledge to provide the assistance needed in the case of accidents at work? That’s what we’re going to look at in this short article, where we will also explain how it can be used to encourage team bonding too.

Basic First Aid

So, where do we start when it comes to first aid in the workplace? To begin with, let’s talk about the equipment you should always have close to hand, in the office, factory, shop or wherever it is that you work.

A basic first aid kit should contain the following: plasters, of various sizes; gauze dressings, also in different sizes; eye dressing patches; a variety of bandages; disposable gloves; scissors and tweezers; antiseptic cream and painkillers, plus a thermometer, tape for the bandages, and an eye bath. This is by no means a comprehensive list, as it is simply the basics. You may have certain requirements that apply specifically to your place of work, in which case your first aid kit will differ from some.

Now, that first aid kit should be neatly packaged in a secure box, and be readily available. There should be signage pointing out where to find the kit, and there needs to be responsible persons who are trained in its use, and who are tasked with the act of first aid where necessary. This brings us neatly to the subject of first aid training.

Who Should be Trained?

Every employer has a legal requirement to ensure that the workplace is a safe place in which to work. The regulations covering health and safety at work can be quite daunting, so it is advisable that you put your chosen employees through courses on this, and also send them on any first aid courses that may be relevant to your workplace environment.

The personnel you choose for this training should be trustworthy, reliable and sensible, and it helps if they have some prior knowledge of health and safety at work, and in first aid, although it is not essential. There are many first aid courses that you can send your team on, and some the take place at your premises. They vary in content, but to begin with, a course in basic first aid is perhaps recommended for anyone who has not been through one before. Many employers make this a condition of employment, and with good reason.

A basic first aid course will teach the attendants the simple facts they need to know, and will generally last half a day or a little longer. The attendants will learn about how to act when dealing with an emergency, dealing with heavy bleeding, what to do if someone is unresponsive or not breathing, and handling seizures. They will also be taught what they need to know in the case of someone breaking a bone, how to deal with head injuries, and more. This may sound daunting but it is all useful not just at work, but in everyday life, too.

It’s also worth remembering that first aid courses can be taken in a groups, and this has the benefit of encouraging team bonding. A workforce that learns essential skills together will get to know each other – very helpful if you have new employees who are still fresh to the environment – and most organizations offering first aid training make sure there is a fun element involved in what is a very serious subject, so your team will enjoy the course as well as learning from it.

Learning ABC

Among the primary teachings of a first aid course will be the focus on ABC; this easy to remember mnemonic is designed to remind those in attendance – primarily amateurs such as your working team – about the most important aspects of treating patients in a range of situations.

ABC stands for Airways, Breathing and Circulation. Put simply, these are the three main points to focus on if you find someone is suffering a trauma, has suffered an injury, or you come across someone who is unresponsive. The course will go into more detail, but in brief it is essential that the patient’s airways are kept clear, that they are able to breathe efficiently, and that they have adequate circulation. Attendees of first aid courses will be taught what to do in different circumstances in order to remedy a situation in which any of the above are compromised, to the best of their ability.

No first aid course can teach your team everything they need to know, but what it will do is give them a basic grounding – and more depending on the type of course you choose – in how to handle first aid in the workplace. It is also essential that you book regular refresher courses as skills that are learned but never used can be forgotten. Furthermore, you may have a new intake of employees who need to learn the basics, or one or more of your main first-aiders may move on to a new position.

Check out the various first aid courses available from a range of service providers now and get your team together for an enjoyable and informative, not to mention potentially life-saving, experience that will also help them get together as a team.

General Safety Issues

Advantages of Providing Safe Workplace to the Employees

ADVANTAGES OF PROVIDING SAFE WORKPLACE TO THE EMPLOYEES

Benefits of safe workplace

Most businesses ignore the various safety regulation in order to reduce the short term operating cost of their business operations. However recent studies on the subject shows that the creation of a safe workplace is more beneficial to the companies. The main benefits of developing a safe workplace are given below

  1. Increase in employee safety: The development of a safe workplace helps to reduce the number of accidents that happen at a workplace. The implementation of the proper safeguards helps to improve employee morale. These measures also help to improve the productivity of the employees. The creation of a safe workplace helps to create strong bonds between the employees and employers. These strong bonds help to improve the overall efficiency of the business operations of the company.
  2. Reduction in operating cost: Businesses have to pay at least one million US dollars to employees as compensation every week in order to settle the lawsuits related to workplace accidents. The development of a safe workplace helps to reduce the number of lawsuits that are filed against the company as well as the compensation paid by the company to injured employees. The decrease in the number of accidents at a workplace also helps to reduce the number of absent employees. The reduction in the number of accidents at a workplace also helps to reduce the chances of a complete shutdown of the business operations of the company.
  3. Positive effect on public perception: The reduction in the number of accidents at a workplace has a positive impact on the general perception of the public about the company. Customers usually prefer to buy products from companies who care more about their employees as compared to other companies. The creation of a safe workplace helps the company to increase customer retention by building a positive public image.

Facts related to Workplace Safety

One worker dies every 15 seconds due to a work related accident. More than 150 workers are injured during various workplace accidents at the same time. The implementation of poor health and safety regulations is responsible for reducing the global GDP by more than 4 percent. The implementation of poor health and safety regulations by businesses is responsible for 317 million workplace related accidents. More than half million employees are injured during workplace related accidents every year in Australia. A study conducted by the National security council of Australia shows that 85 % of the businesses fail to properly implement the necessary safety measures. The survey also concludes that most of the workplace related accidents occur in the Construction sector. The Mining sector, Forestry & Fisheries sector, Transport & Storage sector and Manufacturing sector are the other four sectors that are responsible for most of the workplace related accidents.

Measures for increasing Workplace Safety

The main steps that can be used by the businesses to increase worker safety are given below

  1. Staff training: The businesses should provide adequate safety training to their employees in order to create safe The first aid training can help the employees to provide basic medical assistance to the injured patients in case of a work related accident. This will help the businesses to reduce the number of workplace related deaths.
  2. Implementation of Work Health and Safety Act 2011: The Work Health and Safety Act 2011 was developed by the Australian government in order to reduce the number of workplace accidents. The act contains a list of rules that can help businesses to minimize the risk of workplace related The implementation of the new law also helps the Australian businesses to minimize their legal obligations in case of a workplace related accident.
  3. Implementation of safety incentive plan: The implementation of a safety incentive plan helps to reduce the risk of workplace related The businesses should create and distribute various procedural manuals and promotion videos. This information will help employees to make effective decisions in the case of a workplace related accident.
  4. Use of Protective safety equipment: Businesses should equip their employees with Protective safety equipment in order to better protect their employees from chemical, mechanical and radiological hazards. The companies should also provide special training to these employees in order to reduce workplace related.

About the author

I’m Jessica Gross. I read and write every day on various topics related to society, culture, academics, business and lifestyle. I have been working as an academic consultant for Australian assignment help for more than a decade. You can catch me on twitter.

 

 

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Protective Clothing

The 3 different types of gloves that every Plumber Needs

3 Different Types of Gloves That Every Plumber Needs

As you probably already know, a plumber’s number one asset is his hands, and as such, you should be doing everything you can to keep them (and yourself) safe while on the job. Gloves are an essential part of this equation, as they are often a plumber’s first line of defense against the various health and safety hazards they run into on a daily basis – things like chemicals, heat, sparks, or flames when soldering or welding, and raw sewage.

This may seem straightforward enough, but there are still a lot of plumbers who feel that gloves restrict their range of motion, and because of this, stay away from them altogether. While it’s true that some gloves do make a job more complicated or frustrating than it has to be, the risks that come with not wearing gloves should be enough to convince any plumber who enjoys his health to start wearing them. Not all gloves are made the same however, so we did our own research on the three gloves that are most useful to an everyday plumber.

Latex or Nitrile gloves

These thin, moisture resistant gloves are a must have for any plumbing jobs that include exposure to infectious, and other biologically hazardous materials. Remember to wear them on simple jobs like drain cleanings, and during the more complex ones, like installing a new sewer line, as both of these projects involve handling raw sewage. You can also use Nitrile gloves for the same instances, if you’re allergic to latex.

Tip: Most plumbers agree that wearing a pair of these gloves under their normal leather “work” gloves offers better protection.

Drain Cleaning “Work” Gloves

Drain cleaning gloves can be made from leather, PVC (Rubber), or synthetic materials, and are the most commonly used type of glove among plumbers. They offer added protection against the cuts and abrasions that commonly occur when handling a metal drain snake, as well as protection from the sewage and other bodily fluids that follows the snake up. Leather-based or synthetic gloves should be utilized whenever the job calls for physical labor, for increased grip and protection.

Tip: Again, it’s a good idea to wear latex or nitrile gloves under these, and it should be noted that rubber gloves are great for avoiding chemical-related injuries, and offer the most protection when working with commercial-grade solvents.

Welding Gloves

Gloves with a high level of heat resistance are crucial for plumbers that do any kind of welding or soldering work on a daily basis. Typically, welding gloves are made of thick leather, have extra long cuffs to prevent spatter burns, and offer varying levels of fire resistance.

Tip: When choosing a pair of welding gloves, make sure that the gloves you choose match the type of welding work that you will be doing, as different types of welding and soldering come with different temperatures.

Wearing the wrong gloves or no gloves at all is the perfect way to injure your hands on a job. It’s a fact that using gloves on any plumbing job is important, but what’s not so obvious is just how important choosing the right kind of gloves for each job can be.

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

Frequent construction site accidents and how to avoid them

Frequent construction site accidents and how to avoid them

Working on a construction site can be an extremely dangerous job. In fact, several hundred people have lost their lives while working in or being on a construction site in 2016 alone in the United States.  The ‘Fatal Four’ are the top four leading causes of construction site injuries and deaths in America every year. These are:

  • Falling
  • Being stuck by an object
  • Electrocutions
  • Caught-in/between*

*This means that the worker was caught-in/compressed by objects or equipment. They were then struck, caught, or crushed in a collapsing structure, equipment, or material.  These accidents can lead to:

  • Scarring
  • Disfigurement
  • Back or Neck injuries
  • Spinal chord injury
  • Brain injury
  • Blindness
  • Deafness
  • Amputated limbs
  • Death

One thing is more shocking than the ‘Fatal Four’, and that is how many deaths are caused by them each year. In 2015, 364 workers died from falls, 90 from being struck by an object, 81 from electrocutions, and 67 from caught-in/betweens. Then numbers have only gotten worse just one year later. In 2016, 384 workers died from falls, 93 from being struck by an object, 82 from electrocutions, and 72 from caught-in/betweens.  The total number of ‘Fatal Four’ deaths each calendar year equals more than half of all construction worker deaths. Out of all occupations’ work-related deaths, construction deaths make up over 20 percent. That means one in five workplace deaths are from construction alone, which is also the highest of all the industries.

Causes of the ‘Fatal Four’  Falls: 

  • Misuse of ladders
  • Unguarded, protruding steel bars
  • Improper scaffold construction
  • Unprotected sides, wall openings, and/or floor holes

Being struck by an object: 

  • Masonry walls
  • Falling/flying objects
  • Vehicles

Electrocutions: 

  • Lack of ground-fault
  • Contact with power lines
  • Improper use of equipment and cords
  • Path to ground missing or discontinuous

Caught-in/betweens: 

  • unsafe spoil-pile placement
  • Unsafe access/egress
  • Failure to inspect trench and protective systems
  • No protective systems

How to prevent accidents for all of you construction workers  

Equipment:  ToolsCritic.com recommends that all hand tools and equipment non-machine-operated should be cleaned and properly stored away in a designated area after being used,. Before use, be it hand tool or machine, all equipment should be checked to make sure they are in proper working order. By taking a few extra minutes doing this, you’re eliminating the risk for faulty equipment and accidents that are caused by equipment laying around.

Following safety guides and training:  The safety guides and training all employers are required to give are designed and set in place by OSHA, Occupational Safety and Health Administration. These are specifically for the health of every construction worker.

Staying alert:  With any job, it is necessary to pay attention to your work, but construction workers need to pay extra attention. Others may mess up a task, but construction workers could lose a lot more. By paying attention to your surroundings, watching for anything falling, making special note of any possible hazards, you’ll increase your chance of going home safe and sound.  Extra precautions:

Say what you see. If there are unsafe working conditions, don’t be afraid to tell your employer. It’s part of your job. Doing so can save your life or someone else’s.

Take a break. It’s easy to get exhausted, especially when working in construction. Eating, staying hydrated and allowing the body even a few minutes of rest can keep you and other construction workers to stay focused and more alert to what’s happening.

See and be seen. You won’t be the only one on site, usually. Wearing bright color clothing, as well as a neon vest, can keep you visible to others. This is important because accidents aren’t only a one person event. People can run into each other, be throwing things around the site, or a number of other factors that could trigger an accident. So make sure to make yourself easily seen and to see others.

Put up signs. It’s common to put up signs around the site for high-risk areas. Whether it is because of a high voltage area, an area where debris will fall, or another reason, putting up a sign can alert others and remind yourself to stay clear of the area or to be extra cautious. Remember to look for them as well, since others may have put up a sign.  Remember, if you have an accident or see someone else have one while on site, follow the appropriate steps to seek immediate medical attention for the worker. Accidents can and do happen, but the numbers can become a fraction of what they are now if these measures are taken.

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

Workplace Safety & Workers Insurance Creates a Loyal Workforce

Workplace Safety & Workers Insurance Creates a Loyal Workforce

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, around 3 million non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses were reported by private industry employers in 2016. Of the most searched safety concerns in America, workplace safety is a major cause for concern for both American employers and employees.

Workplace accidents have a severe impact on workers, which could be both physical as well as psychological, leading to reduced productivity. Accidents at the workplaces, including near misses, is a clear indication of having some uncontrolled hazard that needs to be identified and removed before it can cause any further accidents and injuries.

Workplace accidents hurt not only to employees but also employers and the business. The reduced productivity results in lower staff morale, lost sales and even closure of the business, in the worst-case scenario.

Employees are a Business’ Biggest Asset

In 2016, 40% of the employers worldwide had difficulty filling positions, representing a 2% increase from 2015, according to a 2016-17 Talent Shortage survey conducted by Manpower Group. Lack of available applicants and hard skills were cited as major reasons for employers being unable to fill positions.

Needless to say, skilled employees are a company’s biggest asset, not just because they are rare to find but because these talents provide a competitive advantage to the business. Hiring and retaining the right talent is the single most effective way of achieving results and reaching growth goals for a company.

Why Workers Compensation Insurance is a Must

When employers show they care, employees are likely to feel more motivated and believe in the company’s goals. It is for this reason that businesses make sure to provide workers compensation coverage for their workers. Worker compensation insurance is also a state mandate program, the aim of which is to provide workers with much-needed protection.

In case the employee suffers a work-related injury or illness, the insurance covers lost wages and medical treatment, so that the worker can focus on getting well, rather than trying to get back to work quickly, even before they have recovered fully, to avoid missing out on wages, says an expert at Danskin Agency.

Although workers compensation covers for medical expenses for the initial and follow-up treatments, as well as physical and occupational rehab therapies, medication, etc., it is better to prevent workplace accidents in the first place.

3 Most Important Aspects of Workers Safety

1.      Ensure Fall Protection

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) on occupational injuries and illnesses, falling from a height to a lower level was the reason for nearly 5% of all worker injuries and illnesses in 2013, accounting for 13% of all fatal work-related injuries.

To provide fall protection, employers need to first identify locations that are high risk areas and train employees on proper protective gear while working at a height.

2.      Identify Cause of Workplace Fatigue

At work, fatigue is a major safety issue. Occupational fatigue is often the result of heavy workload, long working hours, lack of sleep, as well as several environmental factors and medical conditions.

It is the employer’s responsibility to help employees combat fatigue by offering them breaks and scheduling their work during their most alert and active hours, while emphasizing upon the importance of sleep, as published by Safety and Health Magazine.

Providing workers compensation insurance is a great way to let workers feel cared for and know that their efforts are valued.

3.      Electrical Hazards

Inappropriate use of extension cords can become a major cause of workplace mishaps. Over time, their insulation wears down, being subjected to traffic abuse by feet or forklifts, which can create shock hazards.

Employers need to make sure that extension cords being used are new and heavy gauge and are placed at a maximum possible distance from human interaction.

When employees know that they are working in a safe environment, their satisfaction levels will increase, and absenteeism will drop. Establishing safety programs and offering workers compensation insurance will create a more contented workforce, which will ultimately help the business.

General Safety Issues

4 Reasons for Hiring a K9 Security Team for Events

4 Reasons for Hiring a K9 Security Team for Events

Man’s Best Friend is always looking out for you! Our furry four legged friend has been protecting us for ages, so why not use them for providing security at events? They have been serving us as house pets (or rather a family member), so no wonder (with roper training) they will excel at being excellent security forces. Some may think differently, but no need to, because a task force of dogs works like clockwork, when it comes to protection and discipline!

There are many companies that offer their services, but you should never stray past the reputed ones. Just have a look at testimonials and references and you will be able to find companies like K9 Patrol Ltd, who have the best security dogs and SIA (know more about it from Wiki!) approved contractor status.

  • Why Should You Consider Hiring Security Dogs for Events?

It is not just about events! Dogs can offer top notch security for a variety of places like malls and airports to name some. The risks that a person might not be able to take to, the dogs have better ability to adapt and emerge victorious. Many event organizers have already turned to the four legged security force. Why are you still feeling sceptical about it? The dogs will do a fantastic job at securing the event!

Here are the perks that you will get to enjoy with the security dogs:

  1. Professional Behaviour: It is not a secret that dogs take training far better and faster than a human being! The dog handlers make sure that you have full security and professional behaviour from the dogs. They will never allow anybody to pet the dogs. Each event will be different from the other! One might have loud music, while another event might be peaceful, the dogs have been trained in such a way that nothing can distract or spook them! They ensure that your event will run as smoothly as possible.
  2. Versatile & Quick Response: The dogs have been trained to do a multitude of tasks, from sniffing to tackling perpetrators. Whatever the event and need of the hour, the K9 security members will complete it with a lot of gumption. Do not fall for their cute looks, behind those cute eyes are versatile security individuals!
  3. Enhanced Senses: Everybody knows about this! Dogs have better senses, and as such, are considered the best animals to be used as detection dogs. The best sense that dogs have is, the sense of smell. They have this amazing capability of sensing and differentiating between varieties of smells. This has made them a popular option for various places and events. If you hire reputed security forces, then you need not worry about training, because they will provide the highest standards of security.
  4. Enhanced Sense of Security: The visitors or attendees at the event always feel safe, when they see dogs around them. You might or might not like dogs, but everyone knows how loyal and protective creatures they are. Hence, the attendees of the event will feel more secure; and in the event of any issues, they will remain calm.

Dogs have been extensively used as therapy animals and pets, but even in the realm of security, they have been top performers. They fit into this role like a perfectly fitted glove! Almost tailormade!

Many people have a doubt — can man’s best friend attack a perpetrator (a human)? Well, they surely can, if they have been trained to, and feel others are threatened by that man! It would seem as if they can sieve out the bad from the good (to everyone’s benefit)!

For this reason, you need good handlers and excellent trainers, which a reputed K9 security company will be able to provide. Call upon the dogs, and see your event run without a glitch!

General Safety Issues, Protective Clothing

5 Basic Safety Tips for Construction Workers

Construction work is considered to be one of the most dangerous occupations so ensuring worker safety is vital. Heights, heavy and mobile equipment, heavy lifting, edges, deep holes and wobbling stairs are a reality in many construction and construction clean up sites regardless of how careful the contractors claim to be. Here at Results Staffing, we are vigilant about ensuring the safety and security of our day laborers and skilled laborers. Here are a few tips for you to keep in mind to protect your own safety when working in hazardous conditions:

  1. Wear Protective Apparel and Use Personal Protective Equipment

Temp agencies should provide the proper protective equipment (PPE). At Results Staffing, we make sure that our workers have the right equipment. We will usually provide all necessary PPE unless otherwise noted and we are careful to let you know if any additional equipment is needed. If you do not have the necessary equipment, resolve it with your employer and be sure that you are prepared.  Well-fitted helmets and protective eyewear are a necessity. Ear plugs or muffs should be used when working in noisy areas and protective gloves should be worn when you are around toxic chemicals or lumber. Anti-slip footwear or protective boots should always be worn especially in dusty, wet or toxic environments. Fall harnesses are very important for every construction worker. If you have been approved to work at heights through our Skilled or Final Clean Divisions, ensure your harness is sturdy and secured to a strong anchorage point. Since workers work in all types of weather, make sure to dress appropriately for bad weather with climate protective gear and clothing. Heavy machine operators should wear highly visible clothing so they can be located and seen with ease when working with heavy.

  1. Inspect Your Areas

Scaffolds are commonly used on construction sites and are linked to a high number of injuries, which is why Results Staffing does not allow employees to work on them. If you are asked to work on them, contact your branch immediately. We want to ensure your safety first. For those that become permanent employees of a construction company keep in mind that you should never work on a fragile scaffold that does not have a strong platform or base. Ladders are another essential construction site tool that carry a high potential for danger. Inspect the ladder carefully before use and make sure you are in compliance with Results Staffing’s policies on ladders for your particular division. If you find any part of it wobbly, do not use it. All of the steps of slabs of the ladder should be secured properly.  A ladder should be of proper strength and of a height that always keeps it at least one meter above the landing. The upper and lower end of the ladder should preferably be fastened or secured properly. If not, ensure someone is manually securing the ladder to prevent a fall. Heavy machine operators need to be extra careful to double check their work areas and equipment.

  1. Be Cautious with Electricity and Equipment

Construction sites typically need a lot of electrical installations. Lifting equipment mostly involves electricity and weights. When working with such equipment, heavy machine operators need to ensure there is no wear and tear in the machine and be sure to follow the listed safety precautions. If you do not know them, seek help from a site supervisor or a coworker who has experience using the equipment. If you are using plugged-in portable devices, such as grinders or drills, you should always check that the cables are protected, the metal casing is grounded and the power supply is supplied with an earth leakage circuit breaker. Never allow the electrical tools anywhere near water. Never stand or work directly below a heavy suspended load and always be sure to not exceed the permissible levels of load. You’ll need proper training before operating some equipment, especially a material hoist and crane.

  1. Keep a First Aid Kit Handy

While it is always a good idea to keep your own personal first aid kit handy while doing day labor and skilled labor, it is not always possible. Both the site supervisor and contractor should ensure that first aid is always accessible to workers. If you are missing a necessary first aid supply on the site, inform your supervisor immediately and contact your branch. Basic first aid for minor burns, cuts and falls should be available on site so that medical attention can be provided immediately. This is beneficial for the employer as well because it allows the worker to be treated and return to work as quickly as possible. Some injuries are immediately treatable which helps limit the damage and prevents the infections from spreading.

  1. Maintain Fencing and Prevent Fires

Many falls and fatal injuries happen in areas with no fencing protection. Dangerous areas that you see without fencing or with broken and damaged fencing should be avoided until they are completely repaired or a proper fencing is provided. If this is not happening in time, talk with your supervisor and branch immediately. With the machinery involved in construction along with the combustible chemicals and welding operations, there is the possibility of fire on a construction site. Remain alert and take preventative measures. Construction sites have flammable materials present so do your best to prevent open flames. All workers should also know the escape and exit routes and the location of the fire extinguisher and how to use one.

Modern society was built by construction workers. A construction worker must exercise caution at all times. Day labor and skilled labor require workers to be extra vigilant. While temp agencies can do all they can on their end, workers on the ground have to follow their own best practices to maximize their own safety.  These are some basic tips for ensuring your safety on a construction site, but is by no means meant to be an exhaustive list. Always use your best judgment and err on the side of caution. Always follow instructions during an emergency and alert your supervisor and coworkers to any unsafe conditions. Using these tips will help to prevent from accidents and injury.

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

How safe is DIY?

 

If horror movies are to be believed, every encounter with a power tool is just moments away from turning into a terrifying bloodbath.  The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, anyone?

But just how dangerous is DIY, really? Are we likely to lose a limb or end up in hospital after trying to carry out a simple home improvement job?

As it turns out, DIY isn’t likely to be fatal. Around 70 people a year die in DIY-related accidents in the UK. This might sound scary, until you consider that nearly 2000 people a year die in car accidents, and that doesn’t stop you getting in your car. Your chances of ending up in a fatal accident trying to replace your toilet seat are very slim!

That said, your chances of being hospitalized in a DIY accident aren’t quite so tiny. Approximately 200,000 people every year are sent to hospital with DIY injuries, with the most common being the result of falls from ladders, and cuts and lacerations from knifes and other sharp blades.

However, you shouldn’t let this put you off. Most accidents are preventable and if you get clued up on proper DIY safety precautions it should all be plain sailing. DIY is empowering and creative, and definitely worth giving a go!

We’ve created this infographic to give you the full lowdown on DIY safety. We’ve  perused the available data and compiled all the statistics you’ll need to answer your burning questions:

  • How many DIY accidents are there in the UK every year?
  • Which tools and materials cause the highest number of DIY injuries?
  • What are the most common injuries during DIY?

We’ll also share our top tips for DIY safety and preventing injury!

If you’re looking for more guidance on DIY safety, take a look at these top tips (with a focus on hand and power tools):

  • Always wear appropriate protective clothing. Depending on the task, this could mean safety goggles, hard hats, dust masks, gloves, earplugs and even steel-capped boots.
  • Avoid loose-fitting clothing, which can get caught in blades and machinery.
  • Look after your tools and inspect their condition regularly.
  • Never carry power tools by the cord or yank the cord out of the wall.
  • Turn off all power before carrying out any electrical jobs.
  • Store tools safely away when they’re not in use.
  • Always unplug power tools when they’re not in use, or when you want to switch accessories such as blades.
  • Keep tools sharp, clean and well-maintained.
  • Make sure you’re working in a place where you have good footing and won’t trip over. If possible, try to stay on solid ground when using power tools.
  • Keep workspaces clean and tidy to reduce tripping hazards.
  • It sounds obvious, but make sure you read the instructions before you use power tools!
  • Take care with on/off switches when using power tools, particularly making sure you don’t accidentally turn it on when you don’t mean to.
  • Use clamps to secure your work pieces.
Ladder Safety

Be extra cautious when using ladders. Falls from ladders are the single biggest cause of injury when undertaking DIY work, with approximately 30,000 accidents per year that require hospital treatment. Take heed of these safety tips:

  • Use the right type and height of ladder for the task.
  • Place the ladder on a level, secure surface and make sure it’s resting against a solid wall.
  • Always check the condition of a ladder before use. If rungs, feet and stiles are bent , damaged, or missing, do not use the ladder.
  • Never over-reach when using a ladder or lean to one side as you could lose your balance and fall.
  • Use the 4:1 rule. That means for every four feet of ladder height, your ladder should be one foot away from the wall.
  • Don’t leave tools at the top of ladders – they could fall off and injure someone below.
Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

All About Height Safety Systems And Aluminum Roofs Guards

All About Height Safety Systems And Aluminum Roofs Guards 

Industrial accidents are one of the leading causes of fatal injuries and deaths. Falls from ladders and roofs are pretty common. To avoid such dangerous occurrences at your worksite, you may consider the use of height safety systems. Working at heights has its own set of hazards and difficulties. Common causes of falls are roof edges, slippery and damp surfaces, fall prone or fall risk surfaces. Roof has to be safety compliant under any circumstance. If you do not ensure this, you can land in trouble. There are hundreds of companies offering height safety systems to make working at greater heights, a safe and secured task. There is no chance of injury due to fall, if you tighten the safety system at your worksite. Fall protection systems or components may be constituted of aluminum material, due to the range of benefits it offers. Simply providing the employees their monthly salary will not do. As an employer, you must take necessary steps to save them from any type of accident or injury. This is important from the point of workers’ safety and from the point of your business reputation as well. Worker’s law of your state is really strict and if any worker is injured while working, your business place may be shut down or you may have to give hefty amount as compensation. To avoid such circumstances, it is better to choose suitable height safety system. Workplace must be safe for working to ensure the well-being, health and safety of employees.

Height Safety Systems made of Aluminum 

Aluminum is the best material for height safety systems. If you are confused what material to consider for fall devices, you cannot go wrong with aluminum. Items used in the site must be lightweight, rust resistant, durable and must require low maintenance. It is only aluminum which solves the whole purpose. It can bear any kind of weather condition, whatsoever. Even if the condition is wet, the items will not rust or corrode. The material is flexible and may be customized easily. Steel material is extremely strong and is difficult to customize much, unlike aluminum which is lightweight and flexible. Wood, on the other hand, can expand, chip and warp when the conditions are wet. So, Using Fall Protection and Height Safety System of Aluminum can Render the Following Benefits:

  • You can easily customize fall safety system to suit the roof specification and layout
  • You can get the entire range of roof protection system in aluminum material
  • Aluminum material is so flexible that you may create walkways out of them and make several roof safety zones as well
  • You can make changes to the items of aluminum to suit the roof layout

High Grade Height Safety Systems 

Roof safety systems of aluminum material can be used together to enhance the safety level. You may use aluminum walkways, guardrails or the access ladders as well.

Some of the Items that form the part of Height Safety Systems are as the following:

  • Roof walkways provide safe access to the roof. You may make wonderful walkway areas, free of hazards and trips. Aluminum walkway may be used on the roof to protect skylights and roof
  • To reduce the number of falls, use aluminum guardrails on your site. They may be installed around the roofs, fire escape areas, stairways and access hatch
  • to provide access to the roof mounted tools and equipment, one needs to use static lines
  • roof access ladder can be used to access any area situated at a greater height

To access roof edges or the fall risk areas, you must consider the installation of roof anchor points. All the items relating to height safety systems can last for decades if you consider aluminum material. Look for permanent height safety and fall protection solutions. The fall guard system must comply with Australian standards.

General Safety Issues

How Proper Forklift Maintenance Prevents Accidents and Injuries

How Proper Forklift Maintenance Prevents Accidents and Injuries

Forklift accidents are usually associated with a careless act behind the wheel or ignoring certain safety precautions. While those epic forklift fails all over YouTube and other websites grab headlines, it’s the small, detail-oriented aspects of proper forklift use that can also cause serious accidents and injuries.

Take forklift maintenance, for example.  According to the U.S Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), powered industrial truck (the official-sounding term for a forklift) infractions were once again a top-10 violation in 2017. Nearly 2,500 violations involving forklifts were documented last year – and many of those could’ve been prevented with a smart, focused, comprehensive maintenance plan.

You wouldn’t run your car without a thorough maintenance schedule – or at least you shouldn’t, anyway. To get the most miles out of your car – and to keep your automobile running as safely as possible – regular maintenance checks are required.

The same principle applies to forklifts. Common sense maintenance isn’t a luxury – for safe forklift operation, it’s a necessity.

Forklift Maintenance – An Underrated, Overlooked Aspect of a Safe Workplace

According to OSHA guidelines, forklift maintenance is one of the foundations of effective, efficient, safe workplace practices. OSHA’s maintenance requirements include compliance directives, maintenance plans, and general hazard references. Employers are required to perform sensible, sustainable maintenance of all powered industrial trucks.

Of course, it never hurts to have the training, skills, and knowledge to give yourself a comprehensive understanding of safe forklift operation – and that includes powered industrial truck maintenance.

Let’s look at a few ways proper maintenance can prevent workplace accidents.

  • Underinflated tires. When forklift tires are worn or underinflated, accidents are more likely. From load imbalances to skidding across surfaces, it’s important to keep forklift tires properly inflated at all times – and that’s something regular maintenance checks take care of!
  • Fluid levels. All forklift fluids – coolant, oil, hydraulic fluids – require regular attention. For example, low oil levels can cause engine failure, which can create numerous hazards in the warehouse, on a construction site, and many other places. Every forklift maintenance plan should have fluid checks – if it doesn’t, accidents are waiting to happen.
  • Safety equipment checks. Flashing beacons, backup alarms, brake lights, and other safety-related mechanisms increase a forklift operator’s safety – and the safety of everyone around the lift. A routine pre-shift check of your forklift’s safety systems are a great idea.
  • Uneven forks. After time, the lift’s forks may become slanted or uneven. If your forklift’s lifting mechanism isn’t level, there’s a good chance that load stability can be compromised. Make sure you regularly check the forks – when they’re uneven, accidents are more likely.

These are just a few things to check on your forklift. Remember, a thorough maintenance plan is essential for safe operation. If you’re not sure about your company’s maintenance schedule, always consult with your safety supervisor.

About the author

CertifyMe.net was founded in 1999 when Tom Wilkerson recognized a need for OSHA training when his contracting operations were impacted by new OSHA legislation. Rather than pay top dollar for training from a costly 3rd-party provider, Wilkerson created interactive computer learning solutions for his own company. Today, Wilkerson’s online and DVD-based training courses include some of the most popular, widely-used OSHA training courses available anywhere.