Category Archives: Head Protection

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

LIGHT STEEL FABRICATION: THE BACKBONE OF SECURITY GRILL DOORS IN MELBORNE (GUEST POST)

Have you observed the tall buildings that are raised all over the city?   Taking a close look to these structures will show that these buildings are actually made of metal structure. Yes! Metal fabrication is the process that has made it possible. This article discusses as to how this metal structure has played the role of backbone for these skyline.

In modern times, almost each and every object that exists around us is made of metal. History says that metal has literally helped in shaping up the world that we see now. Though plants have always been necessary and favoured fabric in most of our lives, but for homes, workplace and buildings, construction is impossible without the existence of metal. At present, metal fabrication has raised its head as one of the popular choices and key components to raise strong buildings and constructional structures all around the world. 

Going back to the history of ‘fabrication’:

As we have mentioned the term, ‘fabrication’, do you know what it actually means? ‘Fabrication’ is a process under which metal structures are built in different ways. These manufacturing processes include cutting, milling, bending, and shaping of the metal using machines and computer numerical control (CNC) that is used for welding, laser cutting process, press breaks and so on. As mentioned earlier, metal fabrication stands as the backbone of architectural structure, but that’s not the only material used to exist earlier. Taking back to the primitive days, the fabrication processes begins with crude materials like mud, rock, thatch, clay that was primarily used as substantial materials for construction. Slowly and steadily with the civilisation, people started to look for strong structural material and thus, metal was discovered. With this, metal fabrication was also born. 

Use of the fabricated metal:

This fabricated metal became the de-facto material for large buildings so that the buildings got strong foundation. On the other hand, the increasing demand of strong metal also led to the necessity of advanced metal fabrication method. This advanced fabricated metal is used not only for constructional purpose. It is also used for related services like covering a building from both outside as well as inside. In order to serve this purpose, steel has turned up as the standard metal. That’s why; steel fabrication technique is simultaneously popular in the market at present.

Now, when you look at highrise buildings in the city, a close view into it will show the existence of steel structure in these buildings. Similarly in the architectural field, need for steel—especially light fabricated steel—becomes prominent. 

Getting fabricated steel from the proper location:

As the demand for lightweight fabricated steel increases, similarly the customers also begin to look for the place where they can get this metal of best quality. When the question arises about best quality, you can vouch on laser cut stainless steel panels. These panels are around 63 cm in width and 143 cm in length. Now, if you are the customer and are looking for such précised laser cut stainless steel, you will obviously look for those places where you can get such high quality metal. Above that, if your project demands a strict deadline, it will become necessary to receive these parts within the next few days. In such instance, it becomes pertinent that you choose a dealer who should not only be capable of giving high standard metal but that too within the promised date as well. 

Author Mark Aurthur says, “Where should you go then?   Reputed metal working companies offering light steel fabrication for Security Grill Doors in Melbourne that can meet all your metal structure based needs in a short span of time. One such company is Dandenong Wrought Iron.  If you want, you can definitely approach Dandenong Wrought firm to get assured services. Beside this, the internet is also there to help you out with appropriate information to meet your requirements. 

 Note: Because welding is a common fabrication process, workers in this environment must be provided with personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, hearing protection, protective footwear and head protection.  Local exhaust ventilation should be used to remove harmful welding fumes from metals and/or gases.  In the U.S., OSHA requires compliance with their safety regulations regarding the fabrication process.  We know our friends in Australia also comply with the safety regulations established byWHS (Work and Health Safety).

Source: OSHA; docstoc.com

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection

SAFETY MEASURES FOR PROFESSIONAL RACING DRIVERS (GUEST POST)

Professional racing is a huge industry worldwide and can cover a whole range of differing disciplines, but whether it’s Formula 1 racing in Monaco or the Dakar Rally in a Freelander, safety is always top of the drivers’, officials’ and governing bodies’ agenda. However, whilst Formula 1 drivers hit the top speeds, they do so in an incredibly controlled environment — the track. Rally drivers, who have to drive in a standard road-car body shell, must contend with public roads, rough terrain and hairpin bends, all of which can mean the challenge of maintaining driver and spectator safety is a big one.

In most cases, rally cars must be based on a standard four-seat production model which has been produced for use on public roads and in numbers greater than 25,000. However, there are some races for specific vehicles, such as the Defender Challenge. This is a ‘one-make’ rally for drivers of Land Rover Defender 90 Hard Tops. A similar race is the British Cross Country Freelander Challenge, which features the RACE2RECOVERY team (comprising former British servicemen who have been injured in combat operations).

Image source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Land_Rover_Defender

However, regardless of the race type or the levels of heroism shown by the competitors prior to taking up the sport, the cars you see flying over hills and haring round tight corners are not the same as the standard car sitting on your driveway. They are fitted with specially designed enhancements designed to keep the drivers, co-drivers and spectators safe.

One of the first features you’ll see as you peer through the rally car window is that all unnecessary fittings, including the rear seats, have been removed. This is as much about ensuring the cars are fast as it is about safety. The two seats that remain are fitted with racing harnesses akin to those in an F1 car, with the belt positioning designed to ensure the torso of the driver (or co-driver) is restrained, thus reducing injury. The seats themselves are made of molded carbon-fiber, which is also intended to reduce the effects of any impact.

Perhaps the most crucial safety feature for a car guaranteed to be cornering at high speed is the metal roll-cage. This is made from tubular steel and is welded into the chassis of the car to prevent the roof from collapsing if the car tips over. In addition to this, all rally cars are also fitted with side-impact protection, which aims to dissipate the force of any impact and prevent serious injury to the driver and co-driver. You can check out Dynamic Metals for info on the best materials for automobiles, and also info on them sponsoring the Race2Recovery Freelander Challenge.

Finally, the speeds at which these cars race make braking a priority, and the brake discs on a rally car, which are made of carbon-fiber, are massive. In some cases, these brake discs are bigger than the wheels of a standard car and will heat up so much during braking that they will glow red-hot.

Whether you’re racing in Wales, Africa, or the U.S., on roads or off-road, ensuring your car is safe is vital. Making the right choice in metals for your roll cage and making sure all of your security features are top-notch can be both vital and a basic entry requirement for happy and safe racing.

Author Bio.

Jack writes for Dynamic Metals, a company sourcing and supplying high-grade and exotic metals for all major industries including: Motor Racing, Aerospace, Defense, Advanced Engineering, Medical and Oil & Gas. He covers topics on the safety and effectiveness of specific metals chosen.

Note: for those who love to attend these races, we would suggest you wear earplugs to protect your hearing! pb

 

Eye Protection, Fall Safety, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Weather Protection

WORKING FROM HEIGHT, ARE YOU DOING IT RIGHT? (GUEST POST)

Working at height is a common requisite of almost any construction, maintenance or development work and should be conducted with extra care. According to the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), falls from height remain one of the most common causes of fatality in any workplace, with a large proportion of these being a result of proper checks and basic assessments having not been carried out.

If you are an employer running your own business where working at height is frequent, it is crucial that you are familiar with the Working At Height Regulations 2005 and that you are continuously implementing the right health and safety protocol within your work site. If you are an employee, it’s important to be aware of the necessary safety checks so you can be sure you are not putting yourself in danger whilst at work. 

1.     Assess the work to be done.

Thorough and practical assessment of the work to be carried out will allow the work to be controlled responsibly throughout, minimising the likelihood of setbacks or emergencies.

It is stressed by the HSE that work should be done at height only when absolutely necessary. Ask yourself: can this work be done from the ground, with specialised equipment? Or can it be done using lower-level or interval platforms, reducing the risk of fall or injury?

Also identify the risks themselves, including the height of the work to be done, and how realistically accessible it is, even with the use of elevated platforms and other equipment. Determine how many people are required to complete the work, so as not to compromise the safety of more than what is absolutely necessary. Decide whether the work to be done is of a long or short duration (short duration is work that is measured in minutes rather than hours). 

2.     Take note of environmental conditions.

Work at height should never be undertaken or allowed in extreme weather conditions that could endanger anybody’s health and safety. Also bear in mind the surrounding environment of your work site, such as a noisy environment that could affect communications between those working at height and those co-ordinating on the ground. Nearby unstable matter can also pose an extra risk of injury, distraction or obstruction, so it’s important to maintain the worksite and its surrounding area to as high a standard as possible.

Although environmental conditions very often cannot be controlled, they can be noted and prepared for accordingly. 

3.     Check the relevant equipment.

Use of the right equipment is obviously the backbone of any work being carried out at height; whether this involves ladders, scaffolding, or the use of mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPS) such as scissor lifts or cherry pickers.

What should not be overlooked, however, is the checking and maintenance of this equipment on a regular basis. Different equipment and machinery will have various maintenance specifications; scaffolding checks for example, ought to be carried every seven days, whilst harnesses require a pre-use check, detailed inspection and interim inspection at various stages of their lifetime.

Equipment checks should ideally be carried out by someone assessed under a registry body (such as the Construction Industry Scaffolders Registration Scheme), or at least with sufficient experience in the use of the height equipment being used. 

4.     Ensure employees have the right training.

In light of the previous point, anybody using specific height equipment should have had the right training in its operation – this is essential. If your business engages in the use of mobile elevated platforms, it is absolutely crucial that all employees have undergone IPAF training and hold a current Powered Access Licence card (PAL) that proves they are capable of operating MEWPs safely.

IPAF training can be carried out by an IPAF approved training provider, and courses can be completed in just one day, with different packages to suit your business’ needs. If you are an employee, speak to your employer about possibly setting up a course to secure a fully qualified workforce (and some excellent team building opportunities). 

5.     Prepare for the worst.

It sounds simple, but the law requires that there is always a plan in place for emergencies and rescues when working at height. Use all means possible to minimise the distance and consequences of a fall should one occur, such as safety nets or bean bags; rest platforms at regular intervals, and the wear of safety clothing.
“Adele Hallsall writes for Kimberly Access, which provide access platform equipment for construction jobs. They have been serving businesses with access equipment for many years now and have a loyal customer base. They also provide training such as IPAF training.“

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, High Visibility Safety

PREVENTING AUTO ACCIDENTS IN WORK ZONES – KEEP YOUR WORKERS SAFE! (GUEST POST)

Road workers brave many of the most unsafe working conditions around, including inclement weather, dangerous heavy equipment, work performed from heights, and potential electrical hazards. On top of these already risky conditions, motor vehicle traffic speeds by the work site constantly, threatening the unwary worker with serious injury or death.

Motor vehicle collisions with road workers are an all-too-common occurrence.  According to a recent U.S. Bureau of Labor study, 962 workers were killed at road construction sites from 2003 through 2010. Of these deaths, nearly half (442) occurred when a worker was struck by a vehicle or moving equipment. The study found that workers are equally as likely to be struck by highway traffic as they are mobile construction equipment.

To reduce the risk of injury and death, road workers and construction managers can implement a few simple procedures:

Increase Visibility

When it comes to keeping workers safe from highway traffic, visibility is key.  The Bureau of Labor study found that of the 92 people killed while flagging or performing traffic control duties, only 20 were wearing reflective or high-visibility clothing at the time.

Every precaution should be taken to ensure that workers are visible to oncoming traffic. High-visibility clothing should be worn by every person, but especially those conducting traffic. Yellow or green reflective clothing is preferable to orange, as different colors keep workers from blending in with orange construction signs.

Slow Traffic Down

According to several studies around the country, one of the most effective ways to slow down traffic before entering a construction zone is to plant a stationary police vehicle ahead of where road work begins. One Virginia study showed that the presence of a police vehicle slowed traffic by an average of 12 to 14 miles per hour.

In addition to a police presence, traffic can be slowed by using funneling or lane reduction techniques. Single lanes of traffic tend to move much slower than two or three lanes of traffic. In addition, cars are less likely to try and pass slower vehicles when there is only a single lane. This can prevent an aggressive motorist from swerving into a construction zone while trying to pass.

Use Traffic Barriers

Cones, barrels, and other lane separation techniques keep motorists at a safe distance from workers. Barriers also provide a cushion of safety from inattentive or distracted drivers. A driver who does hit a barrier will hopefully be jolted into awareness before driving into and injuring road workers.

Train Workers on Safety Awareness

Every worker should be trained on the best way to minimize their vulnerability while working next to traffic. A worker’s situational awareness is vital for avoiding both highway traffic and heavy construction equipment moving around the site. Thirteen per cent of all deaths in the Bureau of Labor study were caused by workers simply passing through the construction site. Teaching workers the proper techniques for entering, exiting, and passing through a site can significantly decrease the number of injuries and deaths reported every year

Analyze the Activity Area

Trained safety professionals should review a changing worksite on a regular basis to look for potential hazards. These professionals should try and minimize the zones where heavy equipment will need to back up, and should look for ways to implement any engineering, administrative, or personal protection measures that are needed to improve safety.

No matter what precautions workers take, injuries can still happen, especially with inattentive, distracted, or impaired drivers on the road. By taking the proper precautions, however, road workers can minimize their risk of injury and increase their odds of returning home safely. 

These road worker safety tips are provided by the South Florida personal injury firm of Gordon & Doner. Our firm is dedicated to holding negligent and irresponsible drivers accountable for the injuries caused to road workers in construction zones.

Our thanks to Jason Swilley for these great tips.  Again, April 7-11 was National Work Zone Awareness Week, and we can’t remind drivers too many times to slow down and watch for those who build our roads and keep them safe! pb

 

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Respiratory Safety

APRIL IS INJURY PREVENTION MONTH, SO PLAY IT SAFE!

 Our parent company, Texas America Safety Company, is dedicated to providing the very best safety products for all types of business, from construction, office, manufacturing, healthcare, oil field, law enforcement, to the military.  Because April is Injury Prevention Month, we want to tell our readers that “Safety” is our middle name, and we are encouraging everyone to be as safe on the job, on the road, or at home or play as they can be. 

Safety is a keystone in every company’s foundation. Without a strong safety program, all other aspects of a company’s performance suffer.  Every company should have the goal of providing the best personal protective equipment and safety training for the entire work fleet.  Employees may become bored with the usual safety meeting presentations, so it is important that they are able to participate and be a part of the company’s plan in order to be in compliance with OSHA standards.  New employees should have the opportunity to understand what they are expected to do on their job – be trained the right way to do things, and have it explained in their home language in case they don’t comprehend English very well. 

There are many statistics on how many persons are injured or killed annually in car accidents, home accidents, sports, and work.  Our main objective is to help protect those who go to work every day with the plan of coming home safely at the end of their shift.  If you observe someone at your workplace who is “an accident waiting to happen,” tell your supervisor before it actually does!  We know there will always be someone who takes chances on the job, knowing they are at risk.  One false move may be their last.  Anyone who gets behind the wheel knows they are at risk of being in an accident.  The best advice is to pay attention to the other driver, and forget about the cell phone and other distractions.  Farmers know the best ways to operate equipment and how to handle animals.  They also know that an accident can happen at any time.  Construction workers are at the top of the list for injuries.  There are  many hazards for most jobs; we just can’t be too cautious about being injured. 

We ask that everyone uses a strategy to avoid becoming injured.  Taking your time and doing the job right, whether it is yard work, housework, playing sports, office work, or physical labor, do it right, and don’t risk having to go to the hospital.  Lost work time costs the employer; it may require hiring another person to replace someone temporarily while the worker recovers. 

Our EMT’s, firefighters, and law enforcement are to be commended, as they are the first responders in times of accidents; they treat the injured and rush them to hospitals for care.  Their jobs are not easy ones, and even they sometimes get injured on the job.  

Whether your job requires eye, head, hand, respiratory protection, or any other equipment, check out www.tasco-safety.com for your special needs.

Let’s all play it smart and stay safe.

 

 

 

 

Back Safety, Ergonomics, Eye Protection, Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Health Issues, Hearing Protection, High Visibility Safety, Respiratory Safety

Fatal and Non-Fatal Injuries In The Workplace

This interesting infographic is from Rebecca Fox, of Westermans International, a UK-based welding company.  We appreciate this shared information and can learn what illnesses are prevelant in their respective industries.   

Eye Protection, Fall Safety, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, High Visibility Safety, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety, Weather Protection

SEARCHING FOR MUDSLIDE VICTIMS; LATER SEARCHING FOR ANSWERS

The Washington State area devastated by a mudslide Saturday, March 22nd, has seen much clear-cut logging.  Native American tribes and environmentalists have long warned that clear-cut logging could raise the risk of landslides.  Although the mountain ranges of the Pacific Northwest may appear solid and stolid, they are a geologically active part of the physical environment, including regular earthquakes, landslides, and the occasional volcano. Sometimes, human activities – including the clear-cut logging that patch-marks much of the region – have an important impact on forests, soils, and water patterns. 

The massive mudslide that hit  Saturday, March 22,  about 55 miles northeast of Seattle was part of that picture, all but wiping out the community of Oso across the North Fork of the Stillaguamish River.  As rescue and recovery efforts continued Friday morning, officials reported that the number of confirmed dead remains at 17 with another nine bodies located but not yet recovered. Ninety more individuals are still unaccounted for – large numbers in a small community of around 180 people.

The demand for lumber, plywood, paper, and other wood products is part of an industry that once dominated Washington State and Oregon.  Logging’s impact has been a concern for a number of years. Large, older trees take up more water than younger stands, which can take decades to mature and may be cut down before they reach full maturity. The Tulalip Tribes were so concerned with landslides hitting the Stillaguamish River and its prime salmon habitat that they blocked a proposed timber sale above an earlier slide in 1988.”There were some very large clear-cuts planned for that area, which made us very concerned,” Kurt Nelson, a hydrologist with the tribes, told KUOW, the NPR affiliate at the University of Washington in Seattle.  “That reach of the North Fork has multiple, ancient, deep-seated landslides,” Mr. Nelson said. “There’s a lot of unstable terrain in that area.”  Landslides have followed logging in that area at least four times, KUOW reported.

“This had been known at least since the ’50s as one of the more problematic areas on the Stillaguamish for perennial landslides,” Mr. Kennard,  (Geomorphologist Paul Kennard, who worked for the Tulalip Tribes in the 1980s and now works for the National Park Service at Mt. Rainier) reported.  Although state logging regulations have been tightened in recent years, The Seattle Times reports that a clear-cut nine years ago “appears to have strayed into a restricted area that could feed groundwater into the landslide zone that collapsed Saturday.” 

Heavy rains and winds are hampering rescue efforts, by both professional rescue teams and volunteers. The careful use of heavy equipment, helicopters, and other means of rescue continue.  Personnel are wading through debris, muck, trees, ice, and foul water.

 Meanwhile, the request by Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (D) for more federal assistance to help with recovery efforts in the Oso area has been approved. The money will be used to help local and state government agencies recover a portion of the estimated $4.5 million expected to be spent on emergency response, protective measures, and debris removal. Safety precautions should be used by all; pros and volunteers.  Wearing respiratory protection, gloves, goggles, hardhats, and protective clothing is important for the safety of those exposed to all types of hazards.

At his briefing Friday, Snohomish County Fire District Chief Travis Hots asked corporations and businesses in the region to donate money to help those affected. “Some of these people have lost their homes, some have lost their cars, some have lost their entire family,” he said. “Funerals will have to be paid for. Please dig deep.”  Chief Hots is the spokesman for search and recovery efforts.

 

Source: Christian Science Monitor, Associated Press

General Safety Issues, Head Protection

HARDHATS: DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THESE OPTIONS? (GUEST POST)

 When talking about hard hats, using your head takes on a whole new meaning. Wearing a hard hat is first and foremost a wise safety decision; in many cases they are part of the required attire designed to help protect and save lives on construction sites. The hats protect against falling debris as well as accidental bumps and blows. Secondly, hard hats can be invaluable on a site to differentiate who is who in line of command and to identify co-workers.

Hard hats should be worn anytime there is a risk of injury. While site rules will determine who is required to wear them, anyone entering onto a construction site, from the mailman to a visiting architect, should follow suit.

While the brain is a pretty vital organ to protect, it is commonplace amongst workers to loathe the out-dated design and heavier build of typical hard hats. Unfortunately, a better and cheaper alternative has yet to hit the market so workers must make do. This doesn’t mean that there still aren’t choices out there. Forget the boring yellows and check out these fun and unique hardhat options.

Man holding blueprints

 This man wishes he had some more options. Yellow was so last year.

Howdy, ya’ll!
For the man or lady who doesn’t go anywhere without their Stetson, the cowboy hard hat will surely make them smile. In typical Western style, the cowboy hard hat is OSHA certified and provides extra sun protection for those sweltering Texas style summers.

Cowboy style hard hats are available in all the classic colors, from black or white to tan or grey. This hardhat option has even proven popular with tv stars in the hugely successful Extreme Home Makeover. If you want to inject a little John Wayne into the daily grind, the cowboy hard hat will fit the bill.

Oh, say! Can You See?
Love of country is a respectable quality in any man (or woman). While carrying a flag to work may cause a safety issue, you can wear your pride proud with a patriotic hard hat. There are a wide variety of patriotic designs out there, but the American Flag, Camo, and American Pride are all winners.

An American themed hard hat turns your boring old safety equipment into a cool accessory your coworkers will love. Switch out the plain colors for a patriotic hard hat, a very cool alternative.

Support the troops at the day job.

Touchdown!
Are you a football fanatic who spends their work week counting down until Sunday? Did you know you could get a hard hat with your favorite team’s logo on the side? Show your support for the NFL with a licensed hard hat.

Team hard hats are a great way to show team allegiance, and can be especially fun when you are rooting for a team different than most of the people you work with. There are also NCAA, MLB, NASCAR, and NHL helmets, something for all the sports fans out there.

200286962-001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Channel your favorite player on the site. He never plays without a helmet, why would you?

While these hard hat options may be slightly more expensive than their boring, plain counterparts, don’t forget that you can claim business safety equipment on your tax return. Don’t let any tax deductions slip by, save money and go to work in style all at the same time. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what is on your head, as long as it is protected. Still, injecting a little personality into a long work day can make all the difference.

Jessica Galbraith is a full-time writer and author of the travel blog The Fly Away American.

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection

HOW TO PREVENT WORKPLACE ACCIDENTS (GUEST POST)

When it comes to safety in the workplace, there should be a cooperative effort between the employer and workers to avoid accidents and injuries while on the job. As the employer you are legally responsible to ensure that proper safety procedures are in place in the workplace, and as an employee it is in your best interest to follow them. By taking preventive action you can drastically decrease accidents and create a work environment that is void of hazards and promotes your company’s stance on health and safety. 

According to the latest statistics from the UK’s Health and Safety Executive, HSE, between 2012 and 2013 there were 27 million working days lost due to workplace injuries or illness, 78,000 officially reported injuries and 148 deaths. 

Almost all work-related injuries are preventable, yet they are still happening at an alarming rate. Employers need to take responsibility for the health and safety of their employees by creating stringent policies that are strictly enforced. These three steps will help you to avoid accidents in the workplace, and move forward toward a safer and brighter future for all.

 Implement Company Safety Policies 

Every employer should have formal safety rules and procedures in place for their employees to follow. If you don’t have an official company policy yet, this is a great place to start. Creating a Health and Safety section in your company handbook that employees can reference not only provides helpful guidance, but is there officially when an employee does not follow official protocol. 

There should be a person in your company that is in sole charge of safety at the workplace. This safety coordinator ensures that protocols are followed, policies are adhered to, and government regulations are being met. 

Perform a Thorough Inspection of the Workplace 

Once you have a clear company safety manifesto in place, along with a person in charge of it’s implementation, you should do a top to bottom inspection of your workplace to pinpoint safety risks and create a response plan.

Identify areas that could be improved or that require further safety protection, and meet with the area’s supervisors to discuss possible solutions to the issues. 

Common problems include faulty vehicles, lack of proper personal protective equipment, debris and clutter, and areas prone to spillage. Do frequent checks to make sure your vehicles and machinery are inspected frequently and repairs are done as necessary. Requiring your employees to keep a certain standard of housekeeping and to wear protective equipment such as eye safety goggles, hard hats, and steel toe shoes will go a long way. Always be sure that any areas with safety concerns have clear signs informing employees, as well as company protocol that addresses the best way to handle those concerns. 

Provide Comprehensive Safety Training 

Safety in the workplace is an ongoing issue and should be addressed with your employees by providing regular training. Any new employee should be required to go through full training before stepping foot on the work floor, and permanent employees should have refresher trainings at least annually and anytime they will be using new equipment or performing a task they haven’t in the past. 

Putting a transparent and enforced safety policy in place at your workplace will help to decrease accidents and injuries on the job. Employees will be more productive and happier when safety concerns are at a minimum, and you will have done your legal duty to protect those under your watch. 

This article was provided by Essential Industrial, specialists in bearings and power transmissions and provide PPE equipment.

 

 

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

TOP FIVE TIPS FOR CREATING AN EFFECTIVE SAFETY PLAN FOR ONSITE EQUIPMENT OPERATION (GUEST POST)

Onsite equipment operation can put operators at high risk for injury, no matter their skill or experience level. In fact, it was reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics that in just one year, 8,450 amputations were performed due to occupational injuries caused by machine operation. To significantly reduce the risk of worker injury, it is imperative that employers make equipment operation as safe as possible on their job sites. While there is always risk for injury, there are certain measures you can take to eliminate a substantial amount of risk in your operations. To give you a better idea of how you can start developing a plan for safer equipment operation, we’ve provided the following five safety tips to help you get started!

  1. Safety equipment

Safety equipment is a vital component of any workplace, especially for onsite equipment operations. To increase the safety of your workers, facilitate and enforce the use protective clothing and gear. Goggles should always be supplied and used to protect your workers’ eyes. Depending on the type of equipment you operate on your site, you may want to use full face goggles. It is also imperative that your employees wear gloves and closed toe shoes. Hard hats are, of course, another important item to include in the safety gear you provide your workers with. You will also want to include ear protection, dust masks, safety signs, and first aid kits.

       2.  Training

Workers face fewer hazards when they have the proper training and information necessary to operate the machinery onsite. Employers need to provide employees with training, offer instruction manuals, and make certain that each employee can effectively operate their equipment before allowing them to work independently.

         3.  Driving and Operating

Before your employees operate any equipment, it is important that you make sure that it has been properly inspected and serviced. Training your employees to thoroughly check surroundings and confirm full clearance before moving or backing up will also prevent accidents. It is important that your employees know to never leave a machine on an inclined surface with the engine running and never allow additional riders on equipment that does not permit them.

       4.  Maintenance and Repair

When gear is under repair, place a sign saying “Under Repair” in the seat, remove the start key, or lock out controls. Remind your workers to stop engines during refueling and shut off equipment before making repairs. It will also be important to carefully inspect all used construction equipment before putting it to work to ensure that it has been properly maintained and is ready for safe operation.

         5.  Parking and Security

Remind your workers to always lower allocates and set the parking brake before dismounting the equipment. Be sure that they are securing the equipment when finished for the day, making sure it is clear of foot traffic. If it is not clear, they will need to mark it with glares or red lights and lock it up.

Your employees need proper training, safety evaluated work areas, proper safety equipment and effective operation procedures to operate industrial machinery and high-tech equipment. Safety is always the most important objective when operating heavy equipment. Now that you know how you can create a safety plan, it’s time to get to work! Start by developing policies, ordering necessary safety equipment, and updating your workers’ training as well as your machine maintenance.