Category Archives: Head Protection

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

Unseen Dangers of Workplace Nobody Will Tell You About (Guest Post)

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It would not be wrong to say that every workplace has some dangers lurking for the employees. These often go unnoticed by the employees,  sometimes causing much damage and irreparable injury.  It could be a result of carelessness on the part of the management, lack of required security for workers or simply ignorance about the existence of the danger a particular activity or device holds. This post looks into those potential dangers and discusses workplace hazards we need to be careful and alert about. 

Workers in the Hospitality and Services Industry 

All those working in hotel kitchens and whipping up delicious dishes would probably never have thought about constant dangers they are exposing themselves to. The heat and fumes that they are constantly functioning in are extremely damaging to the health of the lungs. The hot pans and bulky vessels are other sources of burns and injuries that workers in the kitchen often work with and take little care. Poor lighting in kitchens, uncared for inflammable substances are other dangers lurking around in the kitchen. 

The owner of the place must ensure proper lighting, storage, ventilation and functioning appliances in proper condition for the employees.   On the other hand, the relatively innocent looking fryers and pans could also be sources of danger. While there should be a warning board displayed in every restaurant kitchen for newbies, that isn’t the case always. And so nobody will tell you that you never put anything frozen in a fryer, the oil will bubble up and burn your hands. Similarly you must always use gloves to handle pans and pots, even those that have handles. Also a slightly unwelded or loose handle can cause the pan and its contents to fall on you. Sharp objects in the kitchen exist in abundance and you must always be careful when handling knives, scissors, peelers and other sharp objects. 

Workers in the Construction Industry 

Construction workers have one of the most high risk jobs. They are constantly exposed to all sorts of danger at work. Four workers falling to their death on Christmas Eve in Toronto was a complete jolter and again brings into focus the nonchalant, lackluster attitude some employers have towards the safety of their workers. 

While working around a backhoe, being electrocuted, cut by machines and crushed between boulders and vehicles are the obvious dangers workers are encountering at all times, there is another latent kind of danger that is of late becoming increasingly common in the construction industry. It is this phenomenon called “independent contractors”. A lot of desperate, migrant workers function as cheap labor and pump in their blood and sweat (literally) into these industries. The scarey fact here is, that employers are completely exploiting these “independent contractors” as they are not properly covered within the employment benefits.  The employers as well as the insurers can get around not paying them benefits and worker’s insurance coverage. 

States must take into account these desperate workers and make laws that help them to cover expenses and financial blows experienced due to an injury at the workplace. These workers can also seek legal counsel from aggressive and dedicated personal injury lawyers who will fight for their rights and litigate to secure them the best possible settlement in the given circumstances. 

Besides these, construction workers are exposed to a number of other things that can be highly dangerous to them. Contaminated building products lead to a lot of damage in the worker’s bodies but one building product that few people know is very harmful for workers is asbestos. Painters, demolition workers, roofers, masons and bricklayers are all exposed to asbestos in some form or the other. There has been an increased incidence of peritoneal cancers and lung cancers in asbestos exposed workers. Studies have revealed that employers are using much higher concentration of asbestos than recommended,  which is immensely harmful for the employees.  Respirator protection, eye protection, and safe gloves are required for these workers.

When Working as Drivers

Motorbike delivery services, truck drivers, taxi-drivers, chauffers may get into the job thinking it is relatively risk-free. After a few days into the job they will know it’s not. You are expected to meet deadlines when you are in the delivery service and travelling on a bike, you will be speeding for your job. A fall or an accident can never be too far and you are always at risk.

Those jobs that involve loading and unloading can give you serious spine and back injuries. Many drivers also become a victim of violence and assault while on the road, which most of them do not expect and are not prepared for.  Prolonged sitting on the job  can lead to a lot of health problems like backaches and bad posture. Handling of constant communication tools even while on the road is dangerous though not deemed so by the owner of the vehicle or the driver. If you are in this profession, avoid using your cell phone as much as possible. Moreover, your job can involve engines, brakes, doors malfunctioning anytime, which can again lead to serious accidents.Regular servicing and maintenance of the vehicle is a must to make the automobile/truck as safe as possible for the drivers.

When You are a Farmer or a Rancher

While many believe farming as one of the most safe and satisfying occupations, the truth is slightly deviated from that. Satisfying, yes, probably for most, however, there are a lot of dangers lurking in farming as well. Constant exposure to various types of chemicals, fertilizers and pesticides can lead to breathing problems as well as allergies. Ask a farmer and you will believe me.  In addition, you are also dealing with some pretty big animals (who have horns and teeth) on your ranch. They are well behaved and somewhat tame, but if any of these animals get out of control, they can severely injure you – causing fractures, deep cuts, or spinal injuries.  Hence, it is not surprising to know that the death rate percentage among farmers and ranchers as high as 21.3 per cent, which makes it  actually counted as one of the most dangerous occupations in U.S.A.

Conclusion

Most of us spend the largest chunk of our lives at the workplace whether it is a farm, car or office. Each place and each job comes with some inherent risks and potential dangers. Some of these dangers are known to us and we know how to tackle them. But there are other physical and emotional dangers associated with the job as well, which we may not be aware of and that is what makes them all the more risky. If you have discovered any such unknown danger at the workplace, letting others know will help save many from injuries, fatigue and fatalities.

Author’s Bio: 

Attorney Mike Hulen is a personal injury lawyer at the Law Office of Hulen & Leutwyler, LLC in Colorado. Hulen has more than 30 years of legal experience in helping the people to rebuild their lives after being injured in accidents.  Whether you are looking for a strong representation in your personal injury case or need immediate help, call us at 888-717-7891.

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

SAVING LIVES ON CONSTRUCTION SITES BY REDUCING HAZARDS (GUEST POST)

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In order to keep the staff and management safe on construction sites, it is important that both parties participate in the proper safety standards and regulations. Not adhering to safety rules can put everyone involved in danger, can damage equipment and can cost the project time and money. Construction sites are some of the most dangerous work environments because of falls, equipment malfunctions, cuts, electrocution, backovers and so much more. Here are few suggestions for keeping your construction safe for all present and to finish your project with all of your staff still intact.

1) Employee Training

         When hiring a staff to perform construction duties, it is easy to want to hire the cheapest labor possible, but that also means you may be paying for less experience and training. Many people assume that any able-bodied person can work with a construction company but this is a job that requires equipment knowledge and experience to perform the proper safety measures. Taking the time to educate your staff on safety standards and OSHA regulations can protect your staff from injury and your company from legal consequences. Making sure new hires are familiar with safety techniques, equipment and tools can save from surprises later on down the road. Having continuous education for your staff on new innovations in the field is another way to keep them safe and valuable.

2) Equipment Maintenance

         Keeping equipment properly maintained and updated is essential to keeping construction staff safe. When you start to notice that certain tools or instruments used by your crew are beginning to malfunction or fall apart, be sure to mark them and put them aside from the other tools. Construction equipment is expensive and can break easily but it is better to throw these pieces away instead of having someone pay for negligence with a visit to the emergency room or the morgue. Every six months, inspect the tools and equipment the labor uses and be sure that your managers are informing you and the staff when certain equipment is out of commission.

3) Loose Wires and Exposed Hoses

         Usually there is a lot going on at the average construction site. And in the confusion it can be easy for something small like a loose wire or an exposed hose to become to a big problem. During the process of installing the electrical systems, there are often hanging wires and loose cables lying around a site. These wires are dangerous because they can cause electrocution to a member of the staff or become entangled in equipment and be damaged. Improper electrical work will cost time and money later on and likely cause the finish date of your project to be postponed. Instead, use cable protectors from companies like Brahman Systems to protect the cables and wires that your staff need to operate. Exposed hoses are also a common site during the construction process. Hoses should be protected with steel reinforced hose protectors so that what they supply or transport can be properly maintained and not damaged by vehicles or materials.

4) Proper Uniform

         The proper uniform should always be present at construction sites and is the employee’s first line of defense against injury. Proper uniform includes rubber soled shoes, hard hat, gloves, safety goggles, denim jeans, and reflective vest if working at night. If the employee is going to using equipment that is extremely loud like a jackhammers or nail guns, be sure they are wearing protective earmuffs or foam earplugs. Another aspect of proper presentation should be that no employee be found under the influence of drugs or alcohol. When one employee is not of proper state of mind, they put everyone at the site in danger and place the company under huge liability. Construction sites should have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to drugs and alcohol on the job.

 This post was written by M.G. Bachemin in association with Brahman Systems, a Louisiana producer of cable and hose protectors that decrease worksite hazards.

 

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

Interesting Trends in the Oil & Gas industry: A (Guest) Infographic

If you have never been involved with the energy industry, take time to read these interesting facts sent to us by Grattan Boyland of http://northseaworkwear.com.  He has given historical information in an infograph highlighting just how much is demanded of workers who work in oilfields on land, or offshore.  Providing us with power is a hazardous job that puts huge demands on workers, who must have the equipment to stay safe on the job.  Texas America Safety Company, our parent company, also provides the same personal protective equipment that is required for worker safety.  North-Sea-Workwear-IG

Back Safety, Ergonomics, Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Head Protection

TIPS TO KEEP YOU SAFE AT WORK (GUEST POST)

 Getting to work safely, working in a well-managed environment and returning home safe in the evening is every employees right – but not all the responsibility for this can be held by your employer. It is true your employer had a duty of care to protect employees from danger whilst at work, but as individuals we also have a personal responsibility to ensure we do not place ourselves (or our colleagues) in any danger. 

You will find that keeping safe at work is often common sense, so here a few tips based on common mistakes, which will hopefully make you think twice and help prevents accidents and injuries: 

1- Understand and minimise the risks

Before you commence any task, stop for a moment and consider the task which is about to be undertaken. By doing so you will create an opportunity to briefly analyse the individual components of the task and highlight any aspects which could potentially cause injury. If you feel a safer alternative is available this should always be discussed and then implemented. 

2. Use mechanical aides wherever possible

It is a well-known fact that the majority of back injuries at work are caused by incorrect lifting techniques or by individuals lifting more weight than they can comfortably manage. I’m sure we have all been guilty of this from time to time.  Unfortunately this not only leads to injury for the individual but also to time off work and loss of production for the company. Therefore, if your company offers a training session on manual handling, it is strongly advisable (and often mandatory) that you attend. This can provide you with knowledge on safe lifting techniques that can also be used in the home, and save you from any potential injury.   

3.Wear the correct clothing and footwear (P.P.E)

You wouldn’t dream of turning up to work at farm in a bikini and heels, would you? So why would it be deemed acceptable to work on, for e.g. a building site or indoors as a cleaner, without the correct clothing or footwear protection. Although this sounds like common sense many people shirk wearing the correct items as they deem them unnecessary, when reality safety boots will protect your feet from heavy objects or nails through the soles and hard hats will protect your head against knocks and falling objects, with safety goggles protecting our eyes from chemical splashes. Personal Protective Equipment is important, therefore if you feel you would benefit from any of these items but haven’t been issued any; don’t start the task without first speaking to your employer. 

4. If working alone ensure you are aware of the procedures – and ensure you adhere to them.

If you have to work alone, as many people do, your organisation should have a process in place which you will be expected to follow. This usually involves regular communications with a control centre or named individual so you can ‘check in’ at the beginning if your shift, again at set times throughout and ‘check out’ at the end, and if a call is missed someone will be dispatched to check on you. If you currently work alone and don’t have a process to follow it may be worth discussing setting one up with your employer, as it could one day save your life. 

5. Read and understand the risk assessment.

If you are asked to sign a risk assessment before you commence a task then please ensure you read, understand and appreciate it’s importance – this information is provided for you, so you are aware of any risks involved and how best to mitigate them, don’t brush these documents aside as just paperwork. 

Remember when arriving at work – staying aware, assessing the task and minimising the risks are all that are required to keep you safe in the workplace.  

 

Author Bio: Vivienne Ollis Journalist & Blogger for http://www.essexinsulation.co.uk

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Health Issues, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety

THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING CHEMICAL SAFETY

Look around your place of work or your home and you will be surprised by the number of chemicals you will find.  Chemicals that you use at home include gasoline, paints, fertilizers, lawn chemicals, bug spray, paint strippers, kerosene, bleach, other household cleaners, and even hair spray.  We must take care when cleaning to not mix cleaners with bleach, as the combination could cause unsafe fumes. 

Chemicals you may use at work are facility-specific solvents, laboratory chemicals, fuels, paint, office copier chemicals, correction fluid, lubricants and corrosives.  Other examples include toxics, corrosives, and solvents. As long as we understand and practise chemical safety and are provided the proper protection, these substances can be handled safely.

If your work requires you to come into contact with volatile chemicals on a daily basis, it can pose a risk to your long-term health. When new chemicals are approved for use on, in, or by humans, there has usually not been sufficient time allowed to determine whether they pose a long-term health threat. Daily exposure to chemicals has been associated with increased cancer risk, particularly when chemical particles are inhaled or ingested, even in tiny amounts. If your workplace provides on-the-job protection, such as protective suits, goggles, or masks, make sure you use them properly and daily to minimize the risk of chemical exposure.

Regardless of the type of chemicals you are around, there are various ways of being exposed.  (1) Ingestion, such as eating contaminated food; (having lunch in work area with airborne contaminants.)  (2) Inhalation: breathing in dusts, vapors or mists (i.e., mixing bags of concrete, cattle feed or similar chemicals without a respirator, or working in dusty environments. (3) Absorption: skin contact with a chemical affects eyes or can cause dermatitis. (4) Injection: forcing an agent into the body through a needle -needle stick or misuse of drugs.

By all means, protect yourself as much as you can!  Read container labels, material safety data sheets (MSDSs) and safe-work instructions before you handle a chemical; (How many times have you started a project that you didn’t read the instructions until after you failed to figure it out?)  Find eyewash stations before you begin working and know how to use them. 

As mentioned before, use personal protective equipment (PPE) for the task at hand; including chemical-splash goggles, a respirator, safety gloves, apron, steel-toed shoes, safety glasses with side shields, etc. Ensure the PPE fits properly and you are trained in its use.   Look for defects in the PPE such as cracks, missing parts, rips, etc.  Leave your contaminated clothing at work. If you wear the clothes home, you can expose your family to the hazards. (Better yet, wear disposable clothing where applicable.) 

These chemical hazard color codes and numbers on the labels are especially important for you to know: 

  • 1.      Red – Fire Hazard.
  • 2.      Yellow – Reactivity Hazard.
  • 3.      Blue – Health Hazard. 
  • 0 –Minimal Hazard
  • 1 – Slight Hazard
  • 2 – Moderate Hazard
  • 3 – Serious Hazard
  • 4 – Severe Hazard 

Other types of warnings on containers of chemicals include symbols, pictures with words, such as flammable, poisonous, etc.  Information on the white part of the label include National Fire Prevention Association labels – acid, radioactive, corrosive.  Hazardous Materials (HMIS) on the white section of the label recommends the type of personal protective equipment that should be used.  After you have READ labels first, consult the Material Safety Data Sheets if you are still unsure.  Chemical hazards can be very harmful to your body and health, and all those working around you.   If you suspect a chemical spill, call the National Response Center, toll-free, 800-424-8801 and report what you suspect has spilled and approximately how much is spilled.  The NRC also has an online reporting tool on their website.

Last, but not least, washing hands often is of the utmost importance.  Especially while you are working, before and after you eat, and before you leave your work.  Also, keep any chemicals (cleaning products, etc.) out of children’s reach and/or away from your pets.

 

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

SIGNAGE AND ITS IMPORTANCE IN THE WORKPLACE (GUEST POST)

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

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

Warning Signs

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

Access Signs

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

Fire Safety Signs

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

Other Safety Signs

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

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

Guest post provided by UK Safety Store. 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Make Precautions For Fire 

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

Be Seen At All Times 

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

 

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

 

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

WORKING SAFELY WITH CONCRETE AND CEMENT (GUEST POST)

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

Dust protection 

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

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

Handle with care 

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

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

Working with concrete accessories 

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

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

Use your head 

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

 Think about your back 

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

 

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

 
Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Head Protection

HOW TO ENSURE SAFETY IN SCAFFOLDING (GUEST POST)

Safety of workers is the primary concern in any kind of construction or maintenance work. There are basically three areas in which these issues take importance. They are:

  •          The work practices of workers
  •          Protective gear in use and
  •          The scaffold system being used

Scaffold System

The structure and the design of this support are very important to ensure that workers using it are safe. This can be ensured by a thorough inspection by the team and its leader. When inspecting following points should be kept in mind:

  •        Check footings since it is the foundation on which the entire support tower is standing. Footings must be sturdy enough to withstand weight of workers and equipment needed to be carried up.
  •          Toe boards, ladders, cross braces and guardrails are the other things to be sure about in terms of scaffolding safety.
  •          Guardrails should have some very minimum measurements; they should be 4 inches wide and 3.5 inches in height. 10 feet of spacing between them should be maintained. If these measurements are not adhered to then the scaffolding will not be very sturdy and can prove dangerous too.
  •          Now, when a building is being painted, cleaned or any other maintenance work  is done; there are bound to be passersby who may need to go underneath the scaffold. Their protection is also the responsibility of the contractor. This is where toe boards come in. These boards ensure that equipment or any other material does not fall down and cause injury to incent passersby.
  •          When workers need to get down or climb up they will be using ladders and cross braces; therefore easy access to them is necessary. Moreover they should be securely tied to the entire support tower.
  •          Poles should also be thoroughly inspected for any wear and tear.

Protective Gear

These cannot be emphasized enough. However, it is often seen that contractors are relaxed on this matter to save cost. This is highly unethical since people’s lives are at stake.

  •          Such protective gears include hard hats which should not only be worn by those working but also those people who may just be visiting the site for any reason.
  •          Non-skid shoes are another way to remain safe. These ensure that workers have a good grip in their upward or downward movement.
  •          Safety belts are another compulsory item on the list; this is especially important if the scaffolds are of the swinging type. These belts needless to say must be attached to something that is secure and reliable.

Work practices

There are some very important guidelines to be followed by all construction sites, their contractors and the workers there. These have been specified by the government.

As a logical thing to do; there should not be too much equipment or tools offloaded or put up on the support tower. Only the amount that will be used on the day should be taken and not the next day’s supplies too!

Author Bio

Matt Arthur – an expert and talented author, he involves in writing on creative and engaging content about various types of scaffolding, crane truck and temporary fencing.

General Safety Issues, Head Protection

FEBRUARY 2, 2014 – SOME BAD NEWS AND SOME GOOD NEWS

Today is Groundhog Day, and Punxsutawney Phil has predicted that we will have six more weeks of winter.  The way the weather has gone so far this year, I am betting on Phil!  Although the National Climatic Data Center has checked out his past predictions, stating that his record isn’t that good, folks around the country usually listen to the forecast by the furry critter anyway.  A little folk lore doesn’t hurt anyone!

The good news is, for football fans, that Groundhog Day actually fell on Super Bowl Sunday!  Phil isn’t making any predictions for the game, so it’s up to each fan to pull for their favorite team, either the Denver Bronchos or the Seattle Seahawks.

One thing for sure, it is certainly going to be a cold winter day for the Super Bowl.  Many folks are going to be staying inside and enjoy watching the game in the comfort of their homes, or at Super Bowl parties.  Hopefully, folks who plan to go the game or travel elsewhere will remain safe, because there are going to be icy roads throughout the country today.

If you don’t have your AFL Champions hardhat, or NFL hardhat,  and your team wins today, you’ll want to wear it to work and show everyone that your prediction was right all along!  There are NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NCAA and NASCAR, as well as patriotic styles to choose from. 

Have fun today and stay warm for the next six weeks, just in case Punxsutawney Phil is right!