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Improving workplace security – Think like an intruder!

Improving workplace security – Think like an intruder! Trap him

 

If I ever think like an intruder, then I will put myself as an intruder and would think about all the possibilities which will be a breakthrough for me to intrude in anyone’s home. This is the best way to resolve issues by going deep into the problem. You must be thinking if we will think like an intruder then how can we improve workplace security? Because being an intruder, I would come across only those points that would be supportive for me to break-in. In this article, I am going to let you know how to stop an intruder and what is that essential information which should keep secret from a burglar? Take a look

System Information should keep Secret

Being an intruder, I will try to get full system information through their brand details. They can easily find out for what they are looking for. No matters how many attempts they have tried.

Detail brand study can be harmful to your workplace security. Make sure brand information is secret to prevent any burglary. What would we get by doing this? Then let me tell you that brand details are easily searchable on the internet. They might discover several ways of resetting a factory then obviously it would be difficult for you to deal.

Possible modes of malfunctioning with Access Control

 

You need to ask some questions from yourself. We all know access control systems require swipe cards for verification purpose to enter in the workplace. Can I have a duplicate copy of that card? Can I steal pin number? Can I easily get into the building especially at lunch time with a bunch of people? These are some queries which would be mostly searched by intruders who want to intrude.

 So you have to decide either you are going with the card system, choosing to have facial recognition or some other kind of advanced biometric systems because these will not let anyone easily getting into the building directly. To reduce malfunctioning with access control systems, you have to get rid of pin number system because your employees can share pin numbers with each other quickly.

Social Media Tracking

These days intruders don’t let go of any chance to track you even on social media. Make sure you are not giving them any clue through your recent check-ins. Just keep some details secret from them. Being an intruder, I will not leave any chance to follow. This is a strategy of an intruder to keep all the updates about you. Just ensure that you are not giving them a chance of doing anything. Is there any function or seminars at your workplace? And if you have already updated the participation of outsiders then probably intruder can easily get the way of how to get into the building directly.

Scamming with your CCTV

Invaders keep themselves up to date through latest technologies about cameras as ordinary people use to do that. Employees shouldn’t have access to the monitoring room. Only a few individuals should allow. An intruder can easily sabotage the security parameters by easily getting the information about the camera technology. In my Essex workplace, our management is ensuring that no employee has access to camera and while CCTV installation in Essex and our Manchester branch it is a priority to keep all the information secret regarding cameras.

 

These are some top practices which I get to know after placing myself in place of a burglar. These queries need your practical answers. So by having answers of these, you can protect your workplace by giving your best. It’s difficult to say the latest technology wouldn’t let any intruder to break-in. They achieve their false attempts quickly, so it’s up to you how will you keep your premises secure

9 Ways to Whittle Your Waist and Boost Your Back

9 Ways to Whittle Your Waist and Boost Your Back

Has your doctor suggested you shed some pounds to ease your low back pain? Carrying extra weight is bad news for your back. Each pound puts more stress on the spinal discs, muscles, and ligaments. If the weight is carried in the stomach, the pelvis can be pulled forward, further straining the lower back. What you can do about it you’ve probably been told that losing weight is simple: just take in fewer calories. If you’d like some more specific ideas, read on: 1. Check with your doctor first. The last thing you want is to make your pain worse by charging into the wrong kind of physical activity. Ask your doctor which kind of exercises are best for you and which should be avoided. Low-impact moves, such as walking or water therapy, are often recommended at first if you haven’t exercised in a while.

 

  1. Target both diet and exercise. It can be tempting to focus only on food, or only on exercise, but tackling both is likely to have the biggest payoff. It’s also best for your body: You need nutritious food for energy, and physical activity is required to deliver nutrients into the spine. 3. Let your phone be your workout buddy. The number of fitness and diet apps available could make your head spin. There are fitness apps to track your steps, stairs climbed, and miles walked or biked. You can also watch instructor-led workouts on your smartphone. Diet apps help you compare calories in menu items, set goals, and track your progress. If apps aren’t your style, check online weight-loss calculators and goal-setting resources. Search for “weight loss calculators” to get started.

 

  1. Consider a personal trainer.  Do you prefer the personal touch? If you worry your motivation will waver or feel intimidated at the gym a trainer could be just what you need. You’ll learn which exercises burn fat the fastest, how to build muscle, and which weight machines fit your needs. If cost is an issue, ask whether small-group training sessions are offered. Even a single session with a trainer can teach you plenty.  5. Cut back on sugar. Many of us are eating much more sugar than we realize. Take a look at the nutrition labels on your “healthy” granola bars, cereal, and yogurt. This may be the time to switch to healthier alternatives.

 

  1. Keep a food log. Tracking your food online or on paper is a good way to pinpoint food pitfalls and find ways to sidestep them. Maybe you nibble on potato chips while watching TV, or can’t resist a midnight snack. Once you see the pattern, you can be ready for these cravings by having some low-calorie snacks handy. Hard boiled eggs, baby carrots, or a low-calorie cheese stick may work well as replacements. 7. Make exercise part of your routine. If you have a dog, grab the leash and go each morning or when you get off work. No dog? Head out for a walk on your own or with an exercise-minded neighbor.  8. Take a class. You don’t want exercise to be a chore or a bore. Classes can be great for procrastinators who can’t seem to fit exercise into the day. Pilates, yoga, and tai chi are all exercise approaches that can help strengthen the back while burning calories.

 

  1. Drink more water. Staying hydrated helps in two ways. First, the spinal discs are mostly water, and need fluids to function well. Second, drinking a glass of water before a meal may help you feel full faster and eat less. Replacing soft drinks with water or other calorie-free drinks is a quick way to cut calories. You’re likely to feel more motivated some days than others. Keep in mind that any weight loss is better than none. Even losing 10% of your body weight 16 pounds for a 160-pound person can make a difference in your health.

 

Author bio:

Dr. Atif writes health articles for body pain tips. His articles have appeared in a number of e-zine sites, including EzineArticles, ArticlesBase and HubPages. Learn more about how Dr.Atif’s health articles by visiting his blog at Body Pain Tips

Security On A Construction Site

Security On A Construction Site

 According to the U.S National Insurance Crime Bureau, there is over $1 billion of construction equipment stolen every year. Thieves tend to view a construction site as an ‘easy mark’ due to lack of natural security measures like closed doors and enclosing walls available. This is why physical construction security can be very important.

 

By investing in the right security measures, you can drastically decrease the likelihood of any potential theft or vandalism occurring on site.

There are several construction site security systems which you could consider to maximise the security of your work possessions. One in particular is electric fencing and locks. Electric fences are fairly inexpensive and can keep outsiders off limits. Electric locking can also help to prevent thieves from accessing construction tools and equipment.

CCTV video surveillance can also help to increase your overall security significantly. Keeping constant eyes on your construction site can steer criminals away because they know they are being watched at all times.

Further security measures for a construction site include posted notices, and proper identification and record keeping. Whilst posted notices may not keep criminals out, they warn intruders of what the consequences would be for them if they were to break in and steal equipment. As well as this, marking all equipment with the use of identifiable tags can be a great way of keeping track of your construction equipment. This way you can easily identify which equipment is yours, and if anything is missing.

This article was written by Simon Parker. Simon Parker has over 70 years of shared experience with Minerva Security, dealing with commercial business security and fire alarm systems.

3 Simple Ways to Promote Worker Safety in Your Workplace

3 Simple Ways to Promote Worker Safety in Your Workplace

 If you own or manage a business, it’s your responsibility to keep your workers safe. Workers need to be protected when performing any tasks required of them in their workplace. Everybody wants to make sure that no incidents occur that will cause any major damage to their employees and their property.

 It’s fairly simple to ensure your workplace is in the best condition to prevent accidents. Sometimes this involves a simple installation of reliable shelving, or even easier putting up posters that remind employees of the proper protocol around certain areas of the workspace.

Depending on your industry, the safety rules will be different. Specifications are usually available as resources online to businesses. If you need more advanced solutions, it’s a good idea to contact a professional safety advisor or your local occupational health and safety organization.

 Taking the right steps will put your business in the best position to be protected in a situation where accidents may occur. While it’s impossible to guarantee that nothing bad will ever happen in a workplace, there are many things you can do to reduce the risk of harm occurring.

 Here are three simple things you can do to substantially decrease the chances of accidents happenings:

 1.     Prevent slips and falls

 One of the most common occurrences of incidents occurs through slips and falls. While often small and harmless, these are easily avoidable. They can result in larger incidents occurring, depending on the type of industry you work in.

 Keep walk ways and areas of operation free of clutter. In cases of spillage, or where areas are slippery, make sure that employees know the proper protocol. Having accurate signage that reminds workers of the risk in that area can make a huge difference.

 2.     Prevent clutter

 When an area is enclosed with items and cluttered, the chances of injury occuring increases substantially. Employees need space to operate. When they’re working in an enclosed environment, they’re much more likely to hurt themselves or others.

 This hazard can easily be reduces through the installation of proper storage and making sure that employees know where things need to be. Workers should not be having to twist and turn to operate important tasks.

 3.     Control Fire Hazards

 A fire can have really drastic effects on a workplace. It’s one of the worst incidents that can occur. Often workers are dealing with combustible material and there is a danger posed by this. Whether it’s oil, petrol, easily-combustible materials or any other chemicals, fire can be extremely dangerous.

 Ensure you have a proper fire safety plan in place. This involves training of employees on the proper way to deal with fire hazards. It also includes evacuation plans, fire warden training and proper sprinkler systems in the workspace.

 

14 Fire Safety Tips you need to teach your Kids

14 Fire Safety Tips you need to teach your Kids

Children are fast learners than us. No doubt they can adopt things way early than we does. Once kids reach at a certain age they view the world with curiosity and that is the perfect time to feed them with information that can help them, people around them & the society they live in. Yes, I am talking about teaching kids about fire safety & 911.

We might think that for kids this is not important at an early age, but sorry to disappoint, when the time comes your kids needs to be aware of what to do?

No matter you are a parent, teacher or a caretaker you need to gather kids around you & teach them some basics on how to protect themselves in case of emergency fire. Kids also need to be aware of how to use fire equipment service which in most cases can save a lot of legwork for firemen.

Coming back to the topic here are some tips that you can inform your kids with:

  1. Where is the Escape route?

Teach the kids about basics of an escape route. It will be a great advantage if the kids know how to find the escape route & direct other kids towards it. Teach the kids possible ways to escape from a room and move towards the escape route.

  1. Teach kids to use windows as tools

Make sure you inform kids how to check the windows. Windows are a source of oxygen for kids. Teach the kids how to make windows assessable in case of emergency.

  1. Escape ladders on Second Floor

Normally escape ladders are on the second floor. Educate your kids on how to use an escape ladder and how they can teach everyone around them to do the same.

  1. Making their way to Safe location

Good thing about kids is that they do not panic like adults. If you teach them how to act in case of emergency, they usually turn out to take better decisions than most adults. A good way to teach kids is to teach them in play. Blindfold the kids and ask them to find their way out. This is the most effective method which give instant results, and kids get trained to walk out of any emergency situation.

  1. Rhyming is one of the quickest way to teach them

Best way to teach the kids is to teach them with rhyme. Take the steps necessary for basics of fire safety and turn that into a poem. Kids now only have to remember the poem and in this way they will carry out all the necessary steps to prevent from fire.

  1. Train the kids with Smoke Detectors

Educating kids regarding the home detectors can be a great start. The way smoke detectors operate and alarms work is a necessary learning for every child.

  1. Run outside and stay outside

Normally kids are smart with this. But incase teach the kids to stay out once they are out of the house. Normally kids tend to follow the steps of their parents. The way you act in emergency will affect the behavior of kids. Teach your kids to run out of the building in case of emergency and never look back.

  1. Teach kids to Pause, Drip, and Roll

This is one of the most important steps you can teach your kids. In an emergency to pause whatever they are doing, drip and roll to a safe place. First show the kids how to do it, and then ask them to try it with variations.

  1. Keep kids away from matches

Off course this is basic but sometimes kids do things that can be very dangerous. If there is a match box or a lighter ask the kids to stay away from it at all costs.

 

  1. Go to the fire safety plan

Do drills in which you can teach your kids to follow certain steps in case of emergency. There should be a guideline, a to-do list to follow. And pick a safe place in your home and ask the kids to go there if something happens.

  1. Crawl when necessary

Teach the kids to crawl in case of extreme fire. Get on the ground and stay away from smoke wherever possible.

  1. Don’t panic, act!

If the clothes get fire teach your kids not to panic and go for the above pause, drip and roll technique to prevent further damage to the body.

  1. Never go inside a building

Once the kids are out teach them not to go inside for anything. Wait for others to come but do not try to go inside to help them.

  1. Call 911

This is one of the basic and first things kids needs to learn. Teach them to call 911 and fire brigade units. Or ask a neighbor or a relative to do so.

The above tips are quite effective when done right. Kids are more sensitive than adults. But, if you rehearse with them what to do in case of emergency if would be easy for them to follow.

ROAD SAFETY AND THE EFFECTS OF VMS AND DRIVER FEEDBACK SIGNS

ROAD SAFETY AND THE EFFECTS OF VMS AND DRIVER FEEDBACK SIGNS

Ever since the coming of motor vehicles, transportation has taken a turn to more accidents and gruesome deaths by accidents over the past few years. Two wheelers and four wheelers along with HLVs have been experiencing rash driving due to the lack of road rules and safety measures. World over, accident rates have shown that measures need to be taken to provide safety or at least warn the drivers of possible dangers and remind them to stick to the traffic rules. VMS, Variable Message Signs have been introduced to update the drivers of multiple road rules and warnings that can be read with ease while driving.

What Are Variable Message Signs

Dynamic or Variable Message Signs refer to electronic traffic message signs used on the roadways to keep the travelers informed about the route or about any warnings in their journey. These could be to inform the passengers as well as the drivers about any traffic congestions, roadwork zone diversions, accidents ahead, speed limits or speed breakers. But in Urban areas, the VMS is covered only for parking guidance along with information systems that update the drivers about parking spaces and other instructions.

These message signs can be easily programmed and controlled wirelessly via a cellphone or wireless network. Some of the message types that VMS include are:

  • VMS can be used to display promotional messages about any services that the road authority might be providing such as carpooling.
  • It could warn the passengers about any crashes. It could also specify if it was a rollover or a spin out crash.
  • Inform about any road-works in process
  • Updating traffic congestions and other situations.
  • Road deviations and exit ramp closures.
  • Any fire emergency or vehicle on fire.
  • Weather warnings and AMBER, SILVER and BLUE alerts
  • Travel time limits for HLVs into city and city load limits
  • Speed limits within and outside city
  • Car parking bay availability

What Are Driver Feedback Signs

These signs are placed only to inform and keep the driver alert about the road safety rules in and around the city. They include:

  • Speed awareness for residential communities
  • Silence and speed awareness in school zones and educational areas.
  • Warning for jaywalking and pedestrian crossing in hospitals, etc.

These signs have proven highly effective over time in aiding traffic slowing. It also allows planned planning of traffic enforcements with access to timely data. It allows a pre-programmed automatic generation of reports giving engineers an uncomplicated view of speed data and comparative analysis. The benefits of having Driver Feedback Signs are:

  • High contrasting resolution LED design board for both day and night visibility
  • Additional features of emoticons in addition to speed limit display
  • Reasonable pricing
  • Easy statistical data collection
  • Easy to install and function
  • Easy maintenance and tough resistance to weathering.

The application and use of these sign boards have vastly improved driver-traffic communication and given the community more confidence and lesser accidents. With continued use of these signs we can assure 100% safety to drivers and pedestrians.

 

Top Three Android Spy Apps for Employers 2016

Top Three Android Spy Apps for Employers 2016

Even as a start-up business company, business owners come up with and implement a number of different strategies, all of which aim towards the growth of their new business. From brilliant ways to advertise without having to spend too much to coming up with ways to generate revenue utilizing the easiest means imaginable, a company will do anything to create a name for itself in the business world.

Now, keeping an eye on such things when the business is relatively new, business owners are keen on improving their businesses, employees are full of energy and newest ideas to improve their business. But, with time, this energy and keenness deflate and monotony settles in. This is when most employees rather browse through various online videos, Facebook their friends and chat with co-workers, instead of actually doing the work assigned to them.

At this point, the productivity and monthly turnout of a business seriously suffer even with thousands of employees at work. Therefore, planning ahead for such catastrophes is always in the best interest of business owners. One such preventive measure is the use of Android spy applications.

TheOneSpy – Android App

When it comes to monitoring employees, TheOneSpy comes as a game changer. It has so many different features (roughly sixty plus) that you will automatically feel tempted to try it. In addition to saving browsing history, monitoring social media, keeping a record of calls and text messages, it bugs camera and mic both. This is something not easily available in most of the spy apps. It also monitors Skype, WhatsApp, Viber and Line. Well, it definitely does not stop here. This extraordinarily powerful Android phone spy app also checks incoming and outgoing emails including the Gmail accounts of employees. This feature allows you to make sure employees are not stealing data or are communicating with competitors.  The best thing about this app is that it not only lets you monitor in-house employees but you can also use it to keep an eye on the mobile workforce as its GPS tracking feature gives you location details of your on-the-field employees with maximum accuracy so that you know that they are where they are supposed to be and are not wasting time drinking coffee in a nearby café.

mSpy Android Software

The second app which comes in our list of top three apps is the mSpy. Without any doubt, it is one of the most successful and longest running spy apps in the industry. They are deemed the best spy app not only by various websites and critics but also themselves. The offer the basic features that almost all spy apps do like SMS and call logs, blocking websites, GPS tracking, Bugging, etc. but unlike other spy apps it offer like a bazillion features and even the ability to browse through dating apps like tinder if your spouse or partner, unfortunately, has made an account on it and has the app installed on his or her smartphone. Additionally, based on your requirements, its features range from simple/basic to quite advanced one.

FlexiSpy Android Spy

Flexispy is another spy app that has a bazillion features to its credit. Not only does it allow the user to listen in on live calls being sent and received by the target device but it also lets you read the text messages before they are sent or received. Additionally, apart from the very basic and common features like Bugs, GPS tracking, etc. it is the first spy app ever to give the user the ability to crack and decode the password placed on android and iPhone devices at will. Additionally, it encourages its user to enquire about their services and give their users 100% guarantee that they will give their money back if they are not happy with the services.

Conclusion

Though there are dozens of Android spy apps available for employers but the three mentioned above are considered the best not only in terms of features and specifications but also in terms of price, customer service, reliability and other similar things. You may visit the official website of all these apps in order to know more about their features, working, payment mechanism, installation methods and much more.

Author Bio:

Angela is a technology writer, security apps adviser and also social media marketer. She writes on latest trends and gadgets check her work on spy app for employee. To know more about her follow on twitter @LatestTechBlog

 

Safety Precautions to Take When Working with Electronic Equipment

Safety Precautions to Take When Working with Electronic Equipment

   

Safety Can be Confusing
Safety Can be Confusing

 

When working with or testing any electronic equipment, it’s always important to be cautious. Whatever type of equipment you’re handling, whether simple or complex, it’s important to take the right safety precautions.  

Working with electricity comes with huge risks that should never be taken lightly. If you’re a hobbyist who loves working with electronic components or an electronics professional at your workplace, safety should always come first.

 To avoid personal injury, possible damage to equipment or danger of fire, all work on electronic equipment should be conducted following these safety procedures.

 General Safety

 Before working on any electronics, consider following these basic safety precautions to help reduce any hazards.

           Remove any electronic equipment you’re testing or working on from the power source.

           Never assume the power circuit is off. Test and test again with a voltmeter to confirm.

           Remove fuses and replace them only after the power to the circuit is disconnected.

           Don’t connect power to a circuit until you’re done working on it and rechecked the work.

           Always ensure that all electronics equipment is properly grounded

            If it’s damaged, replace it. For instance, replace cables instead of repairing with insulating tape.

            Always use the right electronics repair and maintenance tools.

            Always return covers after removing them to reduce the risk of electric shock. 

           Make sure your circuit is not overloaded.

            Always have safety equipment like a fire extinguisher, a basic first aid kit and a mobile phone nearby.

 Personal Safety

 It’s important to ensure that you’re safe when working on electronic circuits. Here are some personal safety precautions to keep in mind: 

           Always keep your work area dry.  

           Always work in a well-ventilated area. 

           Don’t wear flapping or loose clothing when working. 

           Don’t work with metallic jewelry on your hands like watches, rings and bracelets.  

           Don’t use bare hands to remove hot parts. 

           Always wear non-conductive shoes. 

           Always wear insulator gloves in your hands when carrying out repairs. 

           When removing high-voltage charges on capacitors, always use a shorting stick. 

           Don’t hold the test prods when measuring voltage over 300V. 

           Always remove power to a circuit before connecting alligator clips. 

           Always wear safety goggles.  

           Be careful when handling large capacitors as they can still hold high voltage even after you’ve disconnected the circuit from power.

 High Voltage Safety

 One mistake that electronics experts make when doing repairs or maintenance work is assuming routine safety procedures after getting all too familiar with their work. It’s important to know that most electronic equipment use high-voltage that is dangerous and can be fatal. Always follow these safety precautions when working on or near high-voltage circuits.

            Don’t work on electronic equipment or make repairs with high voltage on. 

           Don’t take chances doing what you’re not sure about. 

           Consider using an isolation transformer when working on AC powered electronic circuits or equipment. 

           Never tamper with interlocks. 

           Don’t ground yourself: Make it a practice to use only one hand when connecting equipment to an electronic circuit.   

 

HighVoltagePowerSupply

Fire Safety Precautions 

When working with electronic equipment, there is often a risk of fire caused by a short circuit or other reason. Follow these precautionary steps: 

           Avoid anything that would cause a fire around your working area like paper, cloth or other combustible materials. 

           Look out for damaged wire insulation, overheating of electronic equipment, damaged circuit boards and corrosive components like batteries.  

           If there is a burning smell on your electronic equipment, disconnect the power source. 

           If there is a fire, use a nonconducting dry powder or CO2 fire extinguisher.  

           Always check your circuit to be sure that everything is okay after repairs or maintenance before connecting power.  

Electric Shock

 One of the major hazards when working with electronic equipment is electric shock. To avoid this, you should take a few safety precautions, including: 

           Always read safety procedures that come with every electronic equipment you’re about to test or work on.  

           Recheck all wires for bad connections

            Always make sure that all parts of electronic equipment are well-mounted to prevent accidents.  

           Keep electronic equipment away from water and other liquids 

           Always check for signs of wear, defects and fraying on electronic equipment cables, cords and connectors.  

           Use special safety rubber gloves and shoes. 

Testing Equipment 

With the increasing use of electronics in homes and workplaces, safety is becoming more and more important to consumers and service experts. If you’re an electronics expert offering repair and maintenance services, it’s important to invest in the right new or used testing equipment for your work—that ensures that you’re able to carry out your job safely.

 

 

Author Bio:

Arnold Sharpe is a freelance writer and an electronics expert working with the leading electronic testing equipment store in Los Angeles, CA. He reviews the latest home and office electronic equipment in the market.

 

Image 1: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f8/Soldering_a_0805.jpg

Image 2: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/94/HighVoltagePowerSupply.jpg

Workers’ Compensation, Injuries, In Steel Industry

Workers’ Compensation, Injuries, In Steel Industry

When you think about the importance of having employees covered, then you first need to think about what it really means. Injuries can happen each and every day regardless of where you are or what you do. However, when you consider the specifics of injuries on the job, the last thing you want to do as an employer is have an employee sue you for being hurt in the line of their job duties. That’s exactly why workers’ compensation exists and it’s also why people in tough industries such as the steel industry pay such high rates.

What is Workers Compensation?

Workers Compensation itself is the basis for which injuries are paid. It prevents employees from suing their employers, tying up the courts with simple claims, and even harming small businesses as they are dealing with constant injury lawsuits. When you think about the specifics of workers compensation over the course of an operational day then you can see how necessary it is to have workers compensation insurance. Throw in the fact that industries like the steel industry have much more risk associated with them and you can see how it would help to pay medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and more.

What Could Happen That Needs Covered?

Thinking about the specifics of how the steel industry works will let you see why you need to have workers compensation coverage in the first place. Bending and stooping, twisting and turning, and even the shocks to an employee’s body from a significant amount of weight in awkward positions can all be hard on the body.

What About Long Term Damage?

You also have to consider that in addition to the blunt force or trauma that can occur with significant weight and mass of steel, you also have long term damage that can be caused due to the repetitive nature of twisting and turning. The fact of the matter is when you throw in the heavy machinery there can be a significant amount of damage or physical harm done in a short period of time.

Steel Industry Specific Payments

When it comes to the specific payments of workers compensation, an employee is able to be taken care of for medical bills as well as much more. There could be a potential for the employee to receive a scheduled amount of money for anything from a scheduled injury, to even receiving lost wages for being off of work. This will all come down to the specifics as listed in the workers compensation insurance policy, but for the most part the insurance will kick in and the employee will be covered. Whether that is medical bills, rehabilitation, ambulance costs, and etc. All of these items can be covered by workers compensation insurance.

When you are thinking about the steel industry, you have to be sure the employees are covered. There is a significant amount that could go wrong and the last thing you want is for bills and money to be a problem in addition to the physical damage and suffering that can occur.

Jessica Kane is a professional blogger who writes for Federal Steel Supply, Inc., a leading supplier of carbon, alloy and stainless steel pipes, tubes, fittings and flanges.

Do’s and don’ts for winter construction work

Whether they’re doing important repairs in the middle of a blizzard or working on a new construction during dangerously low temperatures, construction workers need to wear the proper protective clothing during the winter.

To be fair, employees should always be able to communicate with each other, use functional equipment and be prepared in the event of an accident, no matter what time of year. There’s also an obvious difference in hazard levels depending on the environment where the project takes place.

Take these steps during the winter for safe construction.Take these steps during the winter for safe construction. At the same time, it may be worth reviewing the following tips no matter what the current weather is, in case conditions take a turn for the worst. Here are some basic do’s and don’ts for construction professionals to follow during the colder months.

Do: Be cautious around downed power lines
The Occupational Safety & Health Administration mentions this in a list of winter weather guidelines, noting that snowy environments could make live wires even more dangerous than they are normally.

“A major hazard is snow, because the moisture can reduce the insulation value of protective equipment, and could cause electrocution,” OSHA explained. “In these conditions de-energized work is safer, but if energized work must be done, qualified workers and supervisors must first do a hazard analysis that includes evaluating the weather conditions and identifying how to safely do the job.”

Don’t: Use equipment unsuitable for the weather
The tools workers employ in winter conditions need to be specifically approved for seasonal use. Assuming that a tool fit for warm weather use is equally viable in cold or snow could lead to a possible hazard, as can using any of this equipment incorrectly.

In general, it may be best to exercise caution before work begins and thoroughly check equipment during an assessment. Tools that are verified for outdoor winter work still need to be in good enough condition to function.

Do: Wear insulated gear
From head to toe, workers can look for apparel that retains body heat and keeps them comfortable. Insulated Gloves, scarves, socks, and coveralls with thermal protection can all be useful, as can boots and helmets with the right insulation.

Make sure that all of these articles don’t restrict the worker’s movement, though. Gloves and scarves in particular need to give the wearer enough mobility to do their job. Employers can supply heaters, too, provided they use them correctly.

Don’t: Work too long without breaks
Even with protection, workers shouldn’t spend too much time exposed to the elements. Managers should take precautions to keep workers warm and in good health, such as breaks in a well-heated space to recover.

OSHA also advises that employees have warm (non-alcoholic) beverages on hand and learn to recognize the symptoms of conditions like frostbite. Drinking water is another necessity, especially when employees are wearing a large amount of heavy clothing. Another way to reduce the effects of the cold is to plan ahead and schedule projects during times when the weather will be the warmest.

Do: Keep walkways safe
Move slowly when surfaces are icy, and wear boots with treads to reduce the chance of losing a grip and falling. Sanding or salting slippery patches also helps with traction and get make it easier for crews to make it through high-traffic areas.

Don’t: Let snow pile up too high
Clear walkways of snow and ice as well, especially if it’s still snowing during a construction period. Although workers may have to focus on the job to get things done quickly, it’s a mistake to ignore active snowfall, which can endanger operations on the ground or in heavy vehicles. Keep the windows on these vehicles clean to make sure that operators get a clear look around if necessary.

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