Category Archives: General Safety Issues

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Protective Clothing

5 ways to reduce injuries in the workplace

5 ways to reduce injuries in the workplace

With more than 80,000 workers suffering from work-related ill health each year in the construction sector alone, more needs to be done to avoid workplace accidents. In addition to the financial costs, such as loss of production, absence from work, and healthcare costs, the total costs of workplace injuries includes both the financial costs and valuation of human costs. Understanding and preventing risks is the first step to avoiding accidents and protecting workers. Below are 5 top tips to minimize workplace injuries.

  1. Wear PPE

PPE is one of the most important piece of equipment to protect the user against risks. These include items such as safety helmets, gloves, eye protection, high-visibility clothing and safety footwear etc. Although PPE contributes to a safer workplace, a staggering 98% of employees have said they have seen others in their workplace not wearing the correct PPE equipment due to poor fit, lack of accessibility and discomfort.

As an employer, it is your legal duty to provide a safe work environment. Under the Personal Protective Equipment at work regulations 1992, employers must take reasonable steps to ensure that the PPE provided is used properly and responsibly.

PPE should be:

  • Properly assessed before use to make sure it’s fit for purpose
  • Maintained and stored properly
  • Provided with instructions on how to use it safely
  • Used correctly by employees.

Although often overlooked, workers should also receive adequate training on the correct use, fit, care and storage of their PPE.

  1. Creating a safe workplace

Common work practices may lead to work injuries and it is always best to deal with any hazards promptly. According to the HSE, slips and falls account for 24% of workplace accidents.

This is mainly caused by preventable dangers such as slippery floor surfaces, trailing cables and poor lighting. Preventative measures is usually straightforward, so act quickly and mop up any spillages, repair broken steps and encourage staff to report maintenance faults straightaway so this can be fixed.

  1. Creating a culture of safety

Employers have a duty to protect and tell you about health and safety issues that affect you. It is important to communicate health and safety policies to all staff. This might be by including information in training, induction packs, staff handbooks or posting it on the notice board. By creating a culture of safety, employees are educated and understand the important of health and safety at work.

Proper training of employees can also mitigate the threat of injuries. Informed, educated employees are less likely to be involved in accidents because they are aware of and informed about potential hazards.

Policies should also be reviewed at least once a year or more often to keep up to date with legislation.

  1. Carry out a risk assessment

Prevention is the best cure. All businesses are obliged to carry out a health and safety risk assessment to identify the potential hazards in the workplace. By undertaking a risk assessment, this provides guidance to help businesses understand what they need to do to assess and control risks in the workplace and comply with health and safety law.

Risk assessments reduce accidents by formally looking at an area at work, identifying the hazards that are there, then looking at the possible accidents or injury that could take place. For example, are employees required to carry heavy items or work from height? It is important to keep a written record of your risk assessment and any steps you take to reduce the chance of accidents.

 Clear signage

Clearly marked signage in all potentially dangerous areas are required by law to inform employees of potential risks. Even if it is not required for your small business, these signs can be an invaluable tool in protecting employees and warn them of the hazards.

It is important that employers ensure that their employees are aware of and understand the meaning of safety signs and signals either seen or heard during their work, including providing training where necessary.

Article provided by Nexon Hygiene.

Fall Safety, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

Here Is What It Takes for You to Become A Demolition Expert

Here Is What It Takes for You to Become A Demolition Expert

 Did you ever wonder what does a demolition expert do?

Are you interested in pursuing this career, but have no idea what are the formalities involved with this job?

Firstly, you need to know who a demolition expert is, and only then can you know what they do.

Demolition experts or explosive workers are managers of any construction work and are experts in every sort of demolition work.

Now, what do they specialize in?                                            

They just don’t break things, if that is what you are thinking, a lot is involved here. Some of the important activities, an explosive worker undertakes are:

  • Decision Making and Problem Solving

They analyze and assess a problem and evaluates the results, based on which the most suitable solution is chosen to solve the problem.

  • Acquiring Information

They are required to make observations about their project and organize information based on that.

  • Documentation of Information

They are responsible for storing and recording the acquired information in the magnetic or electronic form.

  • Handling and Transporting Objects

A demolition expert is required to physically install, reposition, and move objects and also manipulate them.

  • Operation of Vehicles and Equipment

They are required to drive and navigate vehicles or mechanized automobiles like forklifts, aircraft, and cranes.

These are just to name a few. Seems like a lot of responsibilities, doesn’t it?

Now the next question is what the educational qualifications you would require for this job?

A traditional college degree is not necessary to become a demolition expert. You can, of course, have additional merit if you graduate with a bachelor’s degree in engineering or construction.

This might not seem much, but a person requires a lot of skills to become a demolition expert. Do you think you have what it takes?

Find it out yourself!

 

The necessary skills required to pursue this career are as follows:

  • Keen Observation and Monitoring Skills

You need to monitor and assess your performance and other performances, in order to make necessary improvements or corrections.

  • Ability to Critical Think and Analyze

You need to have sharp thinking skills and make use of your logic to analyze the weaknesses and strengths of various solutions, inferences and approaches to any problem in order to choose the best possible option for them.

  • Good Judgment and Decision-Making Skills

You need to be able to analyze the relative costs and benefits of any project and choose the most suitable one.

  • Complex Problem-Solving Skills

You should be able to identify complex problems and verify any related information in order to evaluate options and implement them.

  • Good Knowledge in Mathematics

You should have keen know-how regarding arithmetic, geometry, calculus and statistics and their applications.

  • Good Mechanical Knowledge

You should know how to operate machines and equipment and also must have knowledge about their designs and the ways to repair them.

You have seen what skills are required to work as a demolition expert, but do you think this job is suitable for you?

Take A Look at The Pros and Cons of Working In This Field:

 Pros

  • It is suitable for those who like practical hands-on work.
  • It is suitable for those who like to work outdoors.
  • It requires a person to work in teams and hence is suitable for those who like to work in supportive groups.

Cons

It is not suitable for those who are not willing to work for long hours as this job takes up to 40 hours per week.

Hopefully, this guide can help you as it almost covers everything that you need to know about pursuing a career as a demolition expert.

 

General Safety Issues

4 Most Innovative Security Inventions That Have Changed The Face Of Home Security

4 Most Innovative Security Inventions That Have Changed The Face Of Home Security 

Safety will always be at the top of your priority list! Period.

The world of home security is evolving at an expected rate because of the high levels of crime. Everyone is looking for a better mousetrap to ensure the safety of their loved ones. It is difficult to feel completely secure even when you are at your home because of the many criminals cases that you read about every day. If you are not able to focus on your work or rest your mind due to such concerns, then your productivity and happiness are both altered.

It’s better to invest in top-notch security solutions than to stay worried all day long.

Don’t focus on the price, look at the benefits!

Safety Solutions

The following are some top-notch security inventions that can help you breathe in peace and serenity:

  1. Video Surveillance In A Lightbulb

A light bulb connected to the Wifi with an inbuilt camera in itself sounds fascinating. All thieves know the importance of disabling the security cameras before entering the house, but what if they don’t know about the hidden cameras? Sounds like the perfect trap, right?

Many features can be added to this concept like an alarm system or a mobile app for live tracking to make it more exciting and secure.

  1. Facial Recognition Bot

A facial recognition bot that recognizes a friendly face and alerts you when they scan a stranger has changed the level of home security solutions. It can be integrated with a mobile app, and every time it recognizes a stranger, it notifies you on the app, allowing you to not only track its feed live, but also to alarm the authorities when needed.

One major feature that can be added to the bot is a fire alarm system, to make your home safer.

  1. Smart Bike Pedal

Tired of hearing about bike thefts? What if your bike can notify you its location and also the fitness information that you so crave to know? Smart bike pedal is an invention which takes an aluminum pedal integrated with GPS technology and Wifi, feeding the information to a mobile app installed on your phone. The bike thieves will regret their decision if they look your way. Stay safe, stay notified!

Another feature that can be added is a safety lock on the app which can lock the tires for as long as you desire, to prevent the thieves from enjoying their win.

  1. Hi-tech Home Security System

Automated home security is nothing new, but have you heard about the hi-tech home security system which covers it all; from voice commands and facial recognition to infrared systems, motion sensors and security cameras, all integrated with a Wifi and operated from a mobile app. A little too much to handle, but what if the interface is straightforward and fun to use? You can turn off the lights, raise the alarms or shut down your whole house with such a security system.

Secure Your Home! Secure Your Life

The security sphere will keep on revolving and evolving because as the security solutions are enhancing, the criminals are improving too. A perfect mouse trap is still a dream, but it has been achieved to some extent with inventions like these.

Even though, these inventions are revolutionizing the world of security, but it has still not completely replaced the need for security guards because there are many venues or settings where a security guard can prove to be a better help than these security solutions.

Security will always remain a concern because everyone fears for their safety, and a calm mind is a luxury that can only be experienced with a perfect security solution.

General Safety Issues

Protecting Your Business Against Sexual Harassment at the Workplace

Protecting Your Business Against Sexual Harassment at the Workplace

 

“Casting couch” doesn’t seem to be such an archaic term anymore, does it? If anything, the last few months have shown us that sexual harassment is not just a Hollywood phenomenon. But, it took a worldwide #MeToo campaign and celebrity support for this effort at the 2018 Grammy Awards and Oscars to get people talking about it. From Harvey Weinstein to Larry Nassar and now Steve Wynn, women are speaking up even about people we would have considered untouchable a few months ago.

 

We Live in Interesting Times

In the wake of all these revelations, a November 2017 article in the Independent stated that powerful men have been trying to silence abused women since the Medieval Times. In fact, the article goes so far as to quote the Bible to show how men have tried to police women since time immemorial. And, they were largely successful till now.

 

It is social media that has finally given voice to women, says a similar November 2017 article by Praxis Legal Solutions. The article goes on to say, “Social media platforms have made public a critical mass of testimony to bad behavior that simply cannot be ignored.”

 

With the ancient Chinese curse coming true and bringing us really interesting times to live in, business owners need to, now more than ever before, ensure that they have a safe workplace, with the right sexual harassment policies in place. You not only need to protect vulnerable employees, you also need to protect your business, after all.

 

Protection Against Sexual Harassment

According to the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), sexual harassment refers to any “unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.” It can also include offensive remarks about a person’s gender, the EEOC says. And, if the conduct is such that it creates a hostile work environment or leads to “tangible employment action,” including promotion, firing, hiring or even demotion of an employee, the individual can file a sexual harassment claim.

 

It is the employer’s legal obligation to ensure that the workplace is a safe environment, not just physically but also in terms of sexual harassment. This means that you, as a business owner, need to ensure that you have a well-defined anti-harassment policy that is well publicized within the company and effectively enforced. This policy should also include a process for complaints being lodged and all such complaints being appropriately investigated.

 

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits not just gender discrimination but sexual harassment and discrimination due to race, nationality, religion and more. Apart from this federal law, each state has its own laws against sexual harassment. The legal obligation to put in place effective anti-sexual harassment policies applies to any business that employs 15 or more people, including state and local government bodies. The federal law also applies to all employment agencies, labor organizations and federal government bodies.

 

It is also important to train all employees, including supervisors and managers, with training sessions being held at least on an annual basis. These sessions should inform employees about what is considered sexual harassment, their right to a harassment-free workplace, the complaint procedure and the company policies related to sexual harassment. Managers and supervisors, apart from being familiarized with all of this, also need to know how complaints are to be dealt with and what their responsibilities are in this regard, says an article by Nolo.

 

Creating a harassment-free work environment is only good for business. If you fail to create a safe workplace, employee morale and productivity will be low, while claims and lawsuits will be high. So, don’t become another statistic among all the sexual harassment claims being filed these days. Do your homework!

 

Back Safety, Ergonomics, Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hearing Protection, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Issues

Most Common Workplace Safety Hazards You Can Easily Avoid

Most Common Workplace Safety Hazards You Can Easily Avoid

Workplaces aren’t the same and have different health and safety hazards. But, there are a couple of common workplace safety hazards that you can easily avoid if you are aware of them. Even if you think your workplace is at low risk for these dangers, it is always better to be safe than sorry as some can be costly. Accidents can happen when you least expect, therefore, for the interest of your company as well as your employees, everyone at the workplace should be educated on where the safety hazards lie.

6 Safety Hazards and How to Avoid Them

 

1. Falling Hazards 

Employees can slip, trip and fall anywhere, whether the location is on a highly dangerous job site or in a small office space. This kind of accidents can cause head and back injuries, broken bones, cuts, sprains and pulled muscles. Employees can slip on wet surfaces, fall over cables and equipment or due to uneven surfaces. No matter the location, when an area is wet, it is important to put a caution sign out or to dry the area asap. Cables should be installed neatly so that they do not cause obstruction and equipment should be put in place after use. When working in areas where uneven surfaces are being faced, the right footwear should always be used.

2. Electricity Hazards

Wires that are exposed can cause electrocution directly or indirectly, and faulty wires can even lead to a fire. Electrical installments should be done by a trusted professional and maintenance should be kept in consideration. In areas where working with equipment is part of the job, workers should wear electrical hazard rated footwear.

3. Fire Hazards 

The first step to fire safety is to make sure your business has a fire detector and fire alarm installed as well as fire extinguishers throughout the building. Maintenance checks to these installations should regularly be made. Employees should familiarize themselves with how the alarm system and fire extinguishers work. When a fire should happen when no one is around, having a fire alarm system can help prevent disaster. In the case of a fire during working hours, it can help save lives if a proper escape plan was presented to the employees beforehand. The employees should also be aware of fire hazards that can be caused by equipment or appliances that are left on or flammable liquids and gases.

4. Ergonomic Hazards 

A strain on our body can be caused when you stay in the same position for a long time. Whether you are working in sitting position or standing position, your body can be at risk of injury. The same goes for a job that involves repetitive movement that affects your back and posture. The ergonomic principle should be implemented in your working environment to help avoid pain, fatigue, or even illnesses. When doing the heavy lifting, there are specific guidelines to follow that can help stay clear of injuries. Having breaks at certain times do not only prevent ergonomic hazards, but they give you a mental break as well.

5. Biological Hazards 

Workers that are working with chemicals are in most cases well aware of how harmful exposure to certain chemicals can be if they are not taking the needed precautions. But, there are other exposures that employees might come in contact with unknowingly. These are biological hazards, which are often not easy to notice and therefore overlooked. Bacteria, viruses, insect, and droppings from animals as well as bodily fluids are natural hazards that can cause illnesses and diseases. Personal hygiene is the first step to keep yourself protected. Maintaining a clean working environment is vital for good health. And calling in sick (when you are!), will avoid spreading viruses to your co-workers. Another biological hazard that is hard to notice is black mold that can occur in a building when moisture is high, because of poor ventilation or water damage to the roof. If mold symptoms are detected, it is essential for the health of your employees to contact a professional who can take care of the “silent killer.”

6. Noise Hazards

Loud noises can indeed cause permanent damage to your hearing, unfortunate for those music festival lovers out there. Hearing loss can happen over time when exposed to loud noises on a regular basis and also immediately in cases where explosive sounds are produced. In specific jobs, it is impossible to avoid loud noises. Therefore, it is up to the employer to provide hearing protection in areas where needed. By controlling the exposure to loud noise through closing off areas where the noise occurs, you keep those employees who are not involved with the noisy act itself safe.

Not all working areas call for frequent training on workplace safety and equipment. Roofers for instances will be trained on the dangers that lie on top of a rooftop, while factory workers would be educated on the dangers of factory machines, electricians will focus more on electrical safety, and the list goes on. Some workplace safety hazards are apparent, and sometimes all it takes is some common sense to avoid an injury. Either way, it is in your best interest to inspect your business for safety hazards and educate your employees on how to prevent incidents. A safe working environment will help your employers feel at ease and can even help increase the work efficiency.

 

Ergonomics, Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Protective Clothing

How to Move Heavy Construction Equipment Safely

How to Move Heavy Construction Equipment Safely

Image source:

Moving heavy construction equipment is no easy task, that too safe and sound! Each year, quite a many workers end up endangering their lives just because of incorrectly handling heavy equipment and eventually succumb to it.

When it comes to moving heavy industrial machinery, it is imperative that all the safety measures are taken into full consideration to avoid any mishap and that no worker’s life gets jeopardized in any way. In fact, safety should and must be the first and foremost priority, and there should be a proper guideline issued to every worker before the work begins.

Hence, we have vowed to put forward in this post, at least the basics, to ensure worker’s safety.

One may have the know-how of a specific thing, but it is the professional guideline which provides the full information and guides regarding the dynamics. Expert guidance is often brushed off and only taken into consideration when a calamity strikes which should not be the case. In fact, it should be the very first preference before beginning with the task of moving to avoid any disaster or mishap as mentioned earlier.

Mock Training Sessions:

Training is the fulcrum to succeed or excel in any field.  Similarly, investing time as well as capital in training is pivotal to ensure the safety of workers. It is highly essential to be acquainted with the skill set and knowledge associated with the moving of heavy construction equipment, and that could only come through training under the supervision of experts. In addition to this, it is essential to know about the machine specifications (weight, attachments, etc.) beforehand so that moving does not seem something as an unachievable task, which is, by all means, natural.

Appropriate Clothing:

Just like there is prescribed attire for every social gathering, the task of moving heavy construction equipment also requires a proper dress code. While the former is to maintain the sanctity of the event, the latter is to ensure safety.

For example, make sure to avoid loose shirts or baggy pants as they can result in serious accidents, say perhaps by being caught in machines or coming in the way of others and resulting in a fall or trip. Other than this, strictly avoid wearing any type of jewelry.

Also, it is often reported that the majority of the accidents occur due to the negligence of workers – more importantly, the failure to wear proper clothing. It should be noted that while doing such a crucial task, it is rudimentary to have a uniform to wear. The dress should be High-visibility safety apparel (HVSA), and the footwear should be steel-toed boots.

Communication and Blind Spots:

Effective communication is an ultimate key to success in nearly every aspect of life as well as work. Two-Way radio or walkie-talkie can come handy when it comes to having constant communication.

It is with the help of continuous exchange of information only that one can closely monitor the blind spots and minimize the risks and hazards associated with this daunting work of moving heavy construction equipment.

In addition to this, it is crucial to forming a nexus with the spotter so that the potential threats could be detected in time should there be anyone between or behind the blind spot.

Do not ever have any assumptions that the people around the workspace know your next move. It is part of your task to formally put out instructions that no one is to come within the boundaries of the moving process.

Do Not Rush:

It is entirely understandable how stressful meeting deadlines can be, and in the pursuit of these deadlines, one often ends up working haphazardly and unintentionally inviting danger. For example, moving equipment in haste is never a smart idea.

An expert is not someone who carries the task in lesser time, but who does it smartly within the allotted time frame while ensuring the safety of everyone involved.

Remain focused and do not let the stress overpower you. It is advised to take the time and devise strategies beforehand as to how the deadlines must be met with minimal risks. A careful pre-planning in combination with professional advice would bring up fewer problems during the process.

Know Your Machines:

Before using any machinery as an aid in moving the equipment, learn its usage well enough to avoid any catastrophe. Adequate information about the machine is of paramount importance. Make it a point to ensure that it is serviced and no old or faulty components are being used.

It is recommended that the equipment should be turned off when refueling or repairing. Moreover, keep it under strict notice that both equipment and attachments are regularly inspected to keep track of the fact that it is and shall continue to be safe to use. Most importantly, do not shy away from taking the expert advice in case there is any confusion as to how to use a specific machine or any query regarding machine safety. Keeping a staunch check on little things can lead to the safe completion of the task.

Hire Professional Movers:

Moving heavy industrial equipment is not and can never be everyone’s cup of tea. If you think you cannot tackle and might end up creating a mess, we strongly advise you to seek professional help. Being wise, after all, is the best option. Putting oneself in uncomfortable shoes is the most absurd thing to indulge in.

It is a general perception that professional movers only caters to the carrying and lifting of the machines which is not true. From making an inventory list, packing, organizing to securely loading as well as unloading later is what they do and that too with sheer expertise. A reliable commercial mover can also help you move office furniture including desks, cabinets and cubicles.

Right from the start till the end of the day, the professional movers renders an immaculate service which obviously won’t be possible when dealing it all on own. They see things which an amateur like you might miss and ensure that not even a single critical aspect gets overlooked during relocation.  Not to mention the added peace and satisfaction which would drive in, seeing everything taken care of exceptionally well!

 

 

 

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

Workplace Safety New Year Resolutions to Stick to in 2018

Workplace Safety New Year Resolutions to Stick to in 2018

With a new year comes new hopes. Are you looking to change your ways in 2018 when it comes to workplace safety? Well there are numerous steps you can take. It is always an admirable approach to make your business and workplace safer as a resolution. There are many steps you can take to achieve such a goal. Prioritizing safety principles, fostering teamwork, and implementing modernized strategies toward material handling are just a few of several ways any organization can promote continuous improvement in their daily operations. For those that know where to begin, here is a comprehensive guide on how you can meet and exceed those new year resolutions in 2018:

  1. Enhance Safety – Driving safety is virtually synonymous with continuous improvement, which is the simple act of recognizing and introducing better and safer ways to do the same job. We are vehement in this principle because quite frankly it works. These improvements bolster employee morale and reduce levels of incident. These are two positive results of reinforcing, prioritizing, and enhancing safety practices. In many cases, the changes most enterprises seek simply begin with this. Managers and administrators should take the appropriate measures to encourage employees to innovate new and safer ways to handle all the challenges and rigors that accompany performance of their daily functions. This should also be taken into consideration when quality managers are authoring a set of standardized-operating procedures

 

  1.       Cultivate A Transformative Work Culture – Promoting synergy in the work environment is another easy way to boost safety. Taking such an approach wields a wide range of benefits. Safety is found in teamwork as cohesion is essential for all team-oriented tasks to begin with. There are many ways to cultivate a positive and transformative work environment. In the realm of safety awareness, incentive-based reward programs have been known to be impactful. This is because these programs are often associated with communication enhancement which is essential in hazard identification and conveyance of possible perils. Exciting staff and personnel to do so only makes the workplace that much safer and progressive.

 

  1.      Integrate Best Business Practices – There are several philosophies and ideologies that comprise what is regarded as “best business practices”.  This is none other than Kaizen, LEAN, Six Sigma, and Agile Methodologies. Whichever school of thought you subscribe to, all champion safety optimization amongst matrix-driven increases toward efficiency and productivity. According the AFSI, many of these programs call for the integration of supply chain management technologies that isolate and eliminate deficiencies in several material handling operations.  In addition to diminishing liabilities and identifying exposures, these devices also improve inventory accuracy and reduce costs. Moreover, these applications work hand-in-hand with automation which allows you to invest your human capital in safer landmark tests. Introducing and implementing a set of these best business practices is a great long-term goal that goes well beyond the new year. These philosophies can revitalize, revamp, and catalyze any business to new heights.

 

Bio: Tom Reddon is a forklift specialist and blog manager for the National Forklift Exchange. He also sits on the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA) Executive Dialogue team. Follow him on Twitter at @TomReddon.

 

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

How to Ensure Safety in These 6 Different Work Scenarios

How to Ensure Safety in These 6 Different Work Scenarios

Workplace accidents can take place even in the most organised settings and on the other hand, they may never occur in areas where safety arrangements are below the mark – that’s just a matter of chance. However, considering real situations, workplace accidents are on the rise across the globe. Accidents happen either due to negligence or lack of safety arrangements. Either way, it can be fatal at worst and can result in absenteeism at best. Further, the problem gets worse with the intervention of lawsuits and insurance claims.

This article will educate you on safety aspects in 6 different work scenarios so that you never risk the safety of yourself and people around you. Read on to learn more.

Pressure Cleaning

Pressure cleaning is a fast, effective way to clean driveways and outdoor furniture, but on the flip side, there are safety concerns that must never be overlooked. While using a pressure cleaning equipment, make sure to wear safety gloves, boots and eyewear to protect yourself from the high-pressure jet of water. The jet is so powerful that it can cut through flesh and cause fatal injuries. In case of an electric pressure washer, electricity and water work in close liaison; therefore, it is important to ensure proper insulation between them to avoid electrocution.

Working at Construction Sites

Precarious ladders, slippery surface, loose electrical wires and poor fall-protection arrangements are a few of the major reasons behind accidents at construction sites. Working at construction sites sometimes also means working at heights. Therefore, individuals working at heights must use a safety harness to prevent a hard fall, and  those working at the ground level must wear safety helmets to protect themselves from a free-falling brick or a piece of concrete.

Working Around Industrial Machinery

Industrial machinery can be tricky. If you are not careful enough while working around it, chances are you might get roped in an accident. More than any safety gear, it’s your alertness that plays a vital role in ensuring your safety. If your industrial machinery or equipment is installed outdoors, and when not in use, make it a point to cover it with heavy-duty tarpaulin to prevent any potential hazards. If you happen to be an industrial technician, don’t forget to carry your eyewear, gloves, kneepads and a handy pouch to work.

Working in Confined Spaces

Working in confined spaces is a big challenge because of a high degree of risk attached to it. While limited oxygen supply is one issue, limited body movement is another. If you work in confined spaces, make sure you are equipped with powered air respirators to ensure adequate oxygen supply to keep you functional and efficient and prevent panic attacks.

Working in Dynamic Warehouses

Gone are the days when a warehouse used to be an enclosed space to store commodities on static racks and shelves. Modern industrial warehouses are more dynamic than ever. They are equipped with conveyor belts and a wide range of material handling equipment, such as forklifts, to expedite the process and make warehousing operations less tiresome. Amidst all this, human safety remains one of the prime concerns. When working in the vicinity of conveyor belts, always maintain a safe distance and avoid wearing full-sleeve shirts with loose cuffs. If you are a forklift operator, do not exceed the recommended speed limit while doing maneuvers.

Working in Gardens

If you are a professional gardener, you would have come across a diverse species of creepies and crawlies than anyone else in your circle, unless of course, he is a gardener, too. Stings and bites are not only painful but can also cost you your life if not treated in time. As they say, “prevention is better than cure.”, wear gumboots and leather gloves to protect yourself from insect-bites or any allergy-causing herbs. If the weather is cool and pleasant, prefer wearing full-sleeve shirts and pants to keep mosquitoes at bay.

Workplace accidents can happen anywhere, anytime. One must be fully aware of the potential hazards in one’s vicinity so that any mishap can be prevented before it’s too late.

General Safety Issues

Basic rules and measures, which provide for safety at the construction site

Safety at the construction site and its role in the modern construction industry

To date, any modern construction site, regardless of the scale of a project, is always a place of a great danger for both passersby and workers. On such constructions site, you can see various mechanisms and equipment that have been put into operation, systems and units, as well as many other devices that require strict adherence to safety rules by the workers and all other people that even walk near them. Therefore, the tasks of a specialist who deals with safety measures at the construction site include the proper organization of the construction process, including the provision of safe working conditions that can prevent industrial injuries, as well as any other accident that might happen on the constructions site. In order to keep all the stuff save, such people plan and schedule briefings, training and systematic inspections at the facilities to make sure that all the safety measures are met.

If the correct labor organization at construction sites is necessary, safety rules and measures must necessarily provide for the elaboration of one of the most important documents that can provide trouble-free work at the construction sites. It necessarily takes into account all activities related to safety engineering, pointing to the means of mechanization, which allow providing heavy and labor-consuming work at a construction site, for example, like the horizontal and vertical transportation of construction materials. Also, this document describes all the types of building materials used, the possibility of their placement at a construction site.

Major safety rules and measures to meet at a construction site

To date, safety engineering at the construction site provides the following safety engineering events:

  1. Organization of the construction process and production of planned capacity of a product;
  2. Correct organization of warehousing of building materials, components, and parts;
  3. Arrangement of the construction site and convenient walkways for workers;
  4. Provision of light facilities on the territory of a construction site in order to inform workers and other stuff about emergency situations and other events;
  5. Professional technical supervision of the condition of the equipment and machines in use including cranes, transport facilities etc.;
  6. Training of all the stuff including working and maintenance personnel;
  7. Obligatory fencing of all the territory of a construction site includes the area where cranes operate;
  8. Constant and qualitative control over the serviceability of the mechanisms used and all the tools and equipment connected with the cranes;
  9. Strict observance of the operating rules of the crane in accordance with the instruction containing the rules for the installation and operation of the lifting device;
  10. Utilization of the alarm system only in accordance with the regulations and rules in force;
  11. Measures aimed at the electrical safety of maintenance personnel.

As a rule, all these events and measures are provided by the director or engineers in charge and they bear all the responsibility for the safety of all the stuff and maintenance personnel.

What are additional measures carried out to provide safety at the construction site?

In most cases, safety at the construction site provides a number of measures that are additional conditions for the safe operation of employees of the organization or a factory in addition to obligatory ones. These measures should also provide safety both for personnel and for all the people that can possibly be around the construction site or those who are forced to stay on the territory of a factory. In order to attain this goal, a construction site should be well-fenced in order to prevent any intruders on the territory of a site.

In addition, in the case of buildings under construction that are located along streets, motor roads or pedestrian public access routes should be equipped with fences. If there is a possible danger from the falling objects, these fences should also be equipped with protective peaks to prevent any accident.

In addition, the maintenance of workers must necessarily provide the construction of sanitary facilities at construction sites, which located in such a way to minimize the way workers should pass to reach sanitary facility and back. Such rooms include dressing rooms, dining rooms, showers, restrooms, etc. The number of such rooms, their space, and the intention must be indicated in a special document.

The main thing you need to remember being at the construction side both as a visitor and a worker, be attentive. Anything can happen in the course of the work and nobody is able to predict the horrible consequences that can cause falling projectiles or unfenced site. Follow all the ordered of the guide if you are a visitor and always refresh rules and requirements for all the workers in your mind if you actually work at the constructions site since consequences can be devastating.

About the author: The author’s name is Melisa Marzett is she is the one who cares about the safety at the constructions site because people’s carelessness can lead to even lethal consequences. Those who noticed her writing skills appeared to be right since she is a freelance writer working on writing papers like this one. However, her hobby is to do a research and find peculiar information that might be useful for almost any our reader.

Ergonomics, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, High Visibility Safety

Small Tips to Increase Safety at Work Nobody Thinks Of

Small Tips to Increase Safety at Work Nobody Thinks Of

Small business owners often put safety at the back of their minds and concentrate more on the actual work and finances. Some even believe that safety risks at their workplace are equal to nothing and that safety is the point where they could save money. However, it’s not true; any workplace has some safety risks, and even if they are minimal, you still have to eliminate even the smallest chance of injury. After all, your employees are your primary attribute, and without them, the company doesn’t exist.

To help you run your job easier and safer, we wrote a list of suggestions that should help you in your daily work.

Safety Tips for Your Company

 Clean Working Area

Keeping your working area clean is the number one thing you should do to ensure safe working conditions. As trivial as it sounds, keeping the mess away can have a massive influence on safety. A mess can cause injuries such as falls or slips. It would be best if you would keep the working area dry and free of objects that might cause the fall. Your workers will also keep the area clean if you warn them that it’s for their own safety!

Don’t Hire Anyone

If the business is going great, there is a chance you will probably need more workers. This might put you in the position to quickly hire someone. However, this decision might have significant consequences on the overall safety of your workplace. Hiring someone without necessary skills could increase a safety risk, not just for you and your workers, but for others as well. Instead, pick someone with enough experience and don’t have a hiring spree. By hiring a competent person, you will also increase the safety.

Invest in Education

It is very important to give proper instructions to your new workers. Even if they are skilled and have plenty of experience in that field of business, you should ensure that everything is clear, and warn them about the safety tips. Instead of just counting on their experience, it might be a good idea to teach them using proper techniques. Also, consider investing in educating your employees. Continual training won’t just improve their work, but it will also profoundly affect the overall safety of your workplace.

Provide High-Quality Tools and Equipment

It is not realistic to expect your employees to perform their best and practice safety without proper tools or equipment. Providing staff with the right equipment will make their job much easier, and at the same time allow them to work faster. For instance, shoes are essential safety equipment for roofers, since they assure them a bigger range of motion and more stability. Therefore, safety equipment can profoundly affect the efficiency of your employees.

Place Safety Signs

Even if you already explained all the safety tips and caution rules, your staff might simply forget something. This is where the sign system comes in and does wonders. Posting signs which remind of safety precautions can significantly help in making your workplace safer. Signs don’t have to ruin the aesthetics or transparency of your office or job site. These can be just some small signs, and they’ll still have a significant effect.

Ensure Correctly Maintained Tools and Equipment

Last but not least is maintaining your machines, tools, and equipment. This is one of many crucial steps to success. Ensure your working machines are well maintained and properly repaired. Poor devices decrease the productivity of your team, and handling an improper machine could also have fatal consequences for your workers.