Fire protection takes many forms and includes a wide range of educational, preventive, mitigation and investigation aspects, all of which are meant to reduce the risk and potential threat of fires. Depending on the type of work and number of people that operate within a facility, the threat can vary greatly. Regardless of that however, one thing is for certain – the damage of destructive fires can be great. A fire can grow, engulf an entire property in seconds and destroy valuable habitats, not to mention endanger multiple lives. This is why prevention and safety should be of big importance for everyone.

Fire protection has few elements, all of which form an important system that can help prevent fires and eliminate threats which can potentially cause a fire.

Proper education and awareness is one of these elements. Residents and workers should be familiar with building and fire codes. This means that they must know of the threat of fires and must not increase the chance of fire in their activity. Basic knowledge of what to do in case of a fire accident should be taught at young age. Proper codes must be developed for facilities that have increased risk, such as those operating with chemicals, gas or other flammable materials, as they are prone to more threats. Ensuring a professional cleaning and special handling of such materials is often times required.
Passive fire protection includes the usage of proper building materials, such as fire-resistant walls, doors, floors and practically any part of a building and facility. There is a wide range of standards that must be followed, to ensure this element is in place. To accomplish the containment of a fire in its place of origin, many types of materials are used. Any cleaning company must be cautious to take these materials and their special requirements in mind.

Active fire protection includes the usage of systems and items that can be used to prevent and extinguish a fire. These include a wide range of detection and suppression systems, which are either manual or automatic. Manual systems incorporate fire extinguishers located in key places, as well as standpipe systems, which a person can use in case of fire. Automatic systems usually feature a sprinkler component, installed at ceiling level, which uses a reliable source to release water when extreme heat and smoke is detected. Some innovative models feature other forms of fire suppression that do not include water. Detection components, such as smoke and heat detectors, are used to locate a fire source, sound an alarm for evacuation and remove a threat before it develops. Such systems must be regularly maintained and cleaned to ensure they don’t fail or malfunction.
Fire protection is an important aspect of the safety codes of every business and building. There are strict regulations and standards that must be met in order to guarantee the safety of the property and all people inside.

Safety Products can make a great Christmas gift. If you are looking for a gift idea for the construction worker, factory worker, farmer, rancher, or even the home do it yourselfer, why not give the gift of safety? In the past, safety products were considered a nuisance and uncomfortable to wear; however, over the last few years there have been dramatic improvements. Why still wear something bland and uncomfortable? For a limited time, mention the coupon code CyberMonday and get 15% off everything in the store.

Sticker Bomb Hard Hat (pictured) located on this page of the site. Many other designs available..
http://www.tasco-safety.com/hydro-dipped-hard-hats/hdhh-754.html#hdhh-754

The Blog4Safety parent company is Texas America Safety Company which offers a variety of designer hard hats, comfortable Mechanix gloves, stylish safety glasses and much more. Take a look at our page of assorted Christmas Gift Idea’s at http://www.tasco-safety.com/christmas/ or check out the full site at www.tasco-safety.com.

Might as well spice things up a bit and keep your friend or loved one safe, sound, and happy. Have a safe and happy holiday…

The Fall Guy

Did you know that falling is the most common cause of injury or death in the construction industry? Construction workers account for only 6% of the U.S. workforce, but they represent 20% of all job related deaths – (more than 1,200) in the private sector – more deaths than any other industry.

Ladders are the leading cause of falls. Scaffolding is a close second, and roof falls come in third on the list of most common construction worksite injuries.

Anyone working 6-feet or more above the ground needs to take special precautions. We’ve all heard this a thousand times before, but safety starts with you.

How to Implement a Fall Prevention Strategy

First of all, pay attention. Look around your job site and your own equipment. Planning ahead and being proactive about replacing worn equipment saves you time and money down the road.

Wherever possible, ladders should be secured to structures. Metal ladders should not be used in stormy or windy weather. Scaffolding should be safe stable and up-to-code. This is the single most violated code. Spread salt or ice melt on icy walkways and keep steps dry and free of debris. You can also install temporary tread strips to deter slipping and falling.

Roof falls can be avoided by installing guardrails and precursor equipment for harnesses. Safety nets at roof edges, beneath unprotected skylights, over pits and shafts, beneath ledges, and unprotected girders. It may take some prep work, but will save you and your business in the long run.

And take the time to be the one on your team that enforces the hard hat rule and makes sure that everyone’s tool belts are fastened securely.

Why a Fall Prevention Strategy Makes Sense

The average cost of a fatal fall is $1 Million while the average cost of a fall injury is $110,000. This is certainly enough to put smaller construction sites out of business. Cutting corners on harnesses and gear may seem cost effective – until someone gets hurt. After an accident, implementing a fall prevention program seems pretty budget worthy.

There is no reason to let anyone take the fall. Be the one that prevents the fall in the first place!

The safety of workers should be a top priority for any employer and his workers. Productivity and safety regulations are often times interconnected. One follows the other. The well-being of workers is perhaps the most checked and regulated area in workplaces. And it should come as no surprise either. In case of injury and threat to a person’s life, it is the rules and hazards of the workplace that are thoroughly reviewed and any flaws in them will mean that someone overlooked an issue and should be held responsible.
So what should be considered when it comes to work safety?

• Clean environment – regardless of the type of work that is done in a certain place, maintaining a clean and fresh environment ensures that the people who work there will be healthy. Regular cleaning of the floor, dusting and rubbish removal are all things that need to be done on a regular basis. A common option is to hire a professional cleaning company to take care of this task. It should be a well-known name that can take care of the hygiene and sanitation of an industrial area or office space.

• Safety first – when it comes to operating equipment and machines, safety should be number one priority for workers. Any of the aforementioned should be operated by a trained professional only, and should be properly maintained and looked after to ensure smooth and problem-free operation. Sophisticated machinery and vehicles may be an essential part of your work, in which case each and every point of the manufacturer’s manual should be noted and applied in the work process.

• Protective equipment – there is a wide range of equipment and items that can aid the work process, and are in fact a necessity in some cases. Things like safety goggles, hats, gloves and boots to protect one’s body from injury can all be part of the outfit that one must wear at work. If the job is more of a white collar type, then perhaps considering computer glasses can protect one’s eyes from continuous staring at a computer screen. If there is noise involved in the work, earplugs and earmuffs are things to look for.

• Regular breaks – breaks are essential part of any work process. They ensure that one’s mind can stay focused on the job and not tire eventually. Breaks take care of an employee’s both physical and mental health. 10-15 minutes every 2-3 hours is the ideal option for ensuring healthy working process. Of course the need for break can vary from person to person, but long periods of working can in time lead to undesired side effects, such as irritability , distraction, confusion and many others.

• Know your rights – organizations and unions can often offer advice and help on workplace safety requirements and regulations. It is wise to seek it out whenever you have an issue.
Work safety is just as important as the business a company is involved in. What you should do and how you do it should be with regards to your well-being at work and should not be compromised.

Improving office indoor air quality in an eco-friendly way

People have worked in offices for years, however over the past few decades the invention of sealed double glazing windows and doors, along with air conditioning have more or less caused a sealed in environment that traps excess chemicals caused from various products in the office that are used on a daily basis, making the quality of the air inside an office unclean. The use of air conditioning, computers, building materials, cleaning products, deodorants and air fresheners can cause a buildup of chemicals in the atmosphere and result in poor air quality. This can cause many health problems. Many allergies and irritations can arise from this type of environment and literally make employees ill. It is essential you try to create a clean and healthier atmosphere for a healthier work place. Here are some ways of improving the indoor air quality of your work place.

Easy solutions to better quality air inside an office is to introduce indoor plants, which have the capability of removing the harmful toxins and chemicals that buildup in the air over time. Indoor plants can be hired from special plant hire centers and the consultants will advise you on what type of plant will suit your area and supply the necessary care needed to keep them indoors. Plants are not only a good choice to improve the air quality by removing or significantly reducing the bad chemicals in the air, but also look good. They make the office look bright and cheerful as well as making a better atmosphere for all of the workers.

Another preference to make air quality better in the office is an air purifier.   Eco friendly cleaners and air purifiers will filter harmful impurities in the air such as dust, pollen and toxins making the air cleaner to breath indoors. There is a wide selection of air purifiers available some greener than others. If you choose carefully you will find an environmentally friendly air purifier to keep your air quality clean. Some come with biodegradable filters that are made with non toxic materials that are waterproof and will prevent bacteria and viruses without the use of chemicals and let go only carbon dioxide and water as they rot. You can buy lifetime air purifiers which compared to disposable varieties that need replacing will last a lifetime and prevent filling landfills up.

Other improvements to making your indoor environment cleaner are regularly cleaning and maintenance of your furnishings and fittings. Make sure you clean the filters of air conditioning units and have them regularly serviced to prevent any problems. Check all of your appliances and make sure you get filters cleaned and all equipment regularly. You will find that appliances and equipment will last longer and work more effectively if taken care of properly. Get any upholstered furniture and carpets cleaned professionally. Having specialist clean these items will significantly reduce dust and dust mites that can cause serious allergies and health problems to employees. Reduce the chemicals you clean office equipment, desks and chairs with, do your research and find eco friendly cleaning products to do the job. They will help reduce the poisonous and harmful toxins in the air. Open windows when possible having some fresh air will help make the place a little fresher for a while. This can help remove odours and make the place fresher for a while. It will also help make the atmosphere more lively and create an healthier area for a while. Also prevent smoking in the office. Make your office a no smoking area and find alternative outdoor areas for employees who smoke.

Office Energy Boosters for an Effective Work Day   Working at the office all day can be tough when you feel the afternoon slump. You will feel sleepy and your brain will not function actively. It is the main reason why employees take coffee breaks. When you are sleepy, there is a high risk for accident. In order to keep work safety at the office, fight the afternoon slump the right way.   Move to stimulate blood circulation   Simple stretching and breathing exercises can help stimulate oxygen and blood circulation in the body. Doing it for 5 minutes per hour can make a difference in your physical and mental activity. You can even do them while working. Here are things that you can do:

• If you have a staircase at the office, go up and down the stairs until you feel your heart pump faster.

• Do quick and simple jumping jacks. If you are wearing high-heels take them off or change into flats to avoid injury or accident.

• Seek relief from stress with your favorite stress ball bought from Amazon with Amazon Coupon Codes 2014. You will be strengthening your wrists and forearms in the process.

Have a snack to re-fuel body’s energy   Loss of energy is another cause for afternoon slump. So pack energy-boosting foods for the office that you can snack on to re-charge energy. Avoiding too many carbohydrates that can lead to sleepiness can also be helpful. Some snacks that you can try are:

• Mix of dried nuts and fruits which have protein and fat that can give sustained energy because they are slow to burn.

• Bring microwaveable popcorn to the office if you have a microwave there. Popcorn can give you lots of fiber and volume from a whole grain. Opt for low fat to avoid excess calories.
• 
• Have a drink to refresh your mind   Too much caffeinated drinks can cause hyperacidity. There are other healthier drinks that can give you a boost of energy to make you work effectively. Use your Amazon Coupon Codes 2014 when buying them online to get big savings on your purchases.
• Take green drinks. These are the new craze in the healthy, energy-boosting drink with ingredients of sprouts, low-sugar fruits, herbs, green grasses, and green vegetables. They are being sold in capsule or powder form. Drinking green drinks can provide you with vitamins, amino acids, and minerals and reduce acidic waste in the body.

• Prepare a concoction of bee pollen powder, ginseng, and honey. The honey and ginseng are recognized energy boosters while the bee pollen has essential fatty acids and amino acids.

    Author Bio: Linda is a freelance writer and college English teacher. She writes on saving money and healthy, and more. For more of her helpful blog posts, please go to Amazon promo code or Coupon4share.com to see useful tips on various topics

SAFETY TIPS FOR THE NEW CONSTRUCTION WORKER

Mark Brandon is a regular contributor to the Safe and Sound Property Inspections blog and other home improvement sites where he shares his expertise with like-minded peers. In this article, he offers some tips for the new construction worker to stay safe on the job site.

Taking on a new job involves getting up to speed on all aspects related to the work that will be done on a daily basis. Similarly, a construction worker who has just arrived at the job site will need to get his/her bearings when it comes to the ins and outs of his/her duties. Chief of these concerns is getting a full picture of the safety requirements that need to be observed on the job. Listed here are some of the most important matters that every new worker at a construction site should know.

Work Hazards

A new construction worker’s first order of business at the job site is to inquire on the work hazards that come with the job and obtain safety tips and information on how to work around these risks. Employers are required by law to inform construction staff about such hazards, which can include exposure to chemicals, noise, and radiation, working at heights, and operating high-powered equipment and heavy machinery. Also, it is within a worker’s legal rights to be provided safe working conditions. Workers should be issued protective gear and have safety measures in place on site. Some measures to control emergencies that may arise from work hazards on site include fire extinguishers, first aid kits, etc.

Safety Training

Employers are also legally required to ensure that workers are skilled or have adequate training in performing their tasks safely. If a worker is not yet up to snuff, he is thus required by law to work under someone who can provide training in the needed skills. Should this direct supervisor be called away from work, the worker in training should refrain from doing the tasks entirely himself/herself. Although it is possible to avoid workplace mishaps and the job easy to do, dropping everything until a full training or certification can be obtained is all in the construction worker’s best interest and a good rule of thumb to abide by. When a person’s field of work is a busy construction site, one can never be too careful. Besides, the law requires a worker to refuse work that he/she is not fully trained or certified for.

Emergency Protocols

When power tools, heavy machinery, hazardous materials, and heights are all combined into one workplace, workers should expect to deal with emergency situations. Given this, workers should ensure that the job site is equipped with measures to help them manage such situations. Among the circumstances that workers should prepare for on the field include fires, chemical spills, and injuries. They should know where the fire extinguishers and other emergency equipment are located. All workers should be briefed on what to do in such cases and must oblige their employers to provide them with the necessary protocols.

First Aid Information

When a worker is injured, they should have access to appropriate and well-equipped first-aid kits and services at the workplace. Employers are legally bound to deployan enough number of individuals trained in giving first aid on site, ready to respond to emergencies. Likewise, emergency contact information should be easily accessible in case of critical injuries. The law further requires a worker who gets injured at work to report the incident to the employer at the soonest possible time.

Safety Gear

Every construction site is strictly a hard-hat area. This means that all workers who report for work are required to put on protective gear and clothing. Protective gear include eye goggles, hard hats, face masks and respirators, and gloves. Workers should also wear safety boots, hearing protectors, reflective bibs,and, when needed, fire-resistant or hazmat suits. Since the use of safety gear is a must on the work site and an employer’s legal responsibility, employers may require workers to bring their own as a condition of employment.

Worker’s Responsibilities

Upon knowing the safety requirements of the workplace, it is now the worker’s personal and legal responsibility to take the necessary steps to protect his/her and co-workers’ health and safetywhile on the job.Such steps include cooperating with safety rules and other employer-imposed workplace policies. This also means observing common sense like not leaving working machinery unguarded, keeping pathways clear of obstructions, and moving with care around the work area.It is always a good idea to stay ahead of the pack by acquiring safety trainings and certifications.

About Mark Brandon:

I am a regular contributor to Safe and Sound Property Inspections blog and other home improvement sites. I’m very family-oriented and loves being in the shed or help my mates with their houses.

You can catch me via Google+ or Twitter: @MarkBrandon01

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How to Stay Safe at Your Office

Being inside your office does not mean that you are completely safe as there are factors that can bring danger to your health or your life. Preventing possible accidents or harm by following these work safety tips will be your best way of staying safe at work.

Use comfortable ergonomic chairs. Unlike hard, unyielding chairs, an ergonomic chair will reduce health problems such as wrist, back, and neck pain. The use of ergonomics is clinically-proven to make the work environment a happier and safer place. You should employ proper sitting postures to avoid health problems that can destroy your mood and affect your work.

Ergonomic chairs are sold for cheaper price with an office depot coupon code to save.

Ensure that you lift things properly. It is normal for an employee to lift things while working such as transferring portable printers from one place to another, carrying a box full of files to the table, and other stuff that you need to perform your tasks. Keep yourself safe by making sure that you lift things properly to avoid injuring your legs and back. Bend your knees and your back when you lift and know your limits when it comes to how much weight you can safely carry. Ask for assistance from a male colleague if you needed it.

Make sure that you type the proper way. To prevent carpal tunnel brought by repetitive motion all day by the hands and wrists, you should use wrist supports when lifting weights or type properly. You will know if you are doing it wrong when you feel pain in your hands or wrists when typing. Carpal tunnel is painful and expensive to cure as it will require surgery and will require you to take a long vacation leave to recover. Thus, it is very important that you practice office safety at all times.

Protect your eyes from future eye problems. Working for a long time in front of the computer can strain the eyes. Keep your eyes safe by taking breaks and look away from the monitor every 30 minutes. You can also perform eye exercises that will relieve eye discomfort or close your eyes for a few minutes to relax. If your eyes are gritty and dry, apply a few drops of an eye-moisturizing formula if you cannot force yourself to shed tears to wash away the grittiness and moisten your eyes.

Do not eat or drink in front of your computer. To reduce the risk of electrical shock or fires, eat your meals on the table away from your working area. An accidental spill from your beverage can endanger you as it could cause a short in the wire and electrocute you in the process. Ensure that there are no broken or frayed cables and all cords are plugged properly.

You should practice these work safety tips to protect yourself. Anytime you need some stuff that will help you stay safe at the office, just use the office depot coupon code with your purchases to cut down on expenses.

Jane Hudson is a writer from Coupon4share. She writes about many topic relating life style, home living, family…. In her spare time she likes playing video games, spending time with her family, working out, and smiling.

There’s no denying that workplaces in Britain are now safer than they used to be. On the whole, employers have a responsible attitude towards risk management and there are strict laws in place governing health and safety standards.

However, lapses do still occur and these incidents are often accompanied by a series of excuses. Here are some of the most common safety shortcomings and the explanations that are typically offered up by the organizations involved.

Shortcuts

Despite the array of personal protective equipment (PPE) now available, many workers still don’t benefit from suitable gear when they go about their tasks. This equipment includes items such as safety goggles, helmets, special footwear, high-visibility garments and more. All too often, employees embark on potentially dangerous jobs without wearing and using suitable protection. This means they are at an elevated risk of suffering injuries or developing illnesses.

Another common error made by firms is failing to ensure that workers have had suitable training to engage in their tasks. Most jobs involve a certain level of risk and some are particularly dangerous. Sadly, employers do not always check to make sure that their staff members have benefited from the relevant courses.

A third common safety shortcoming concerns risk assessments. Before embarking on particular tasks, companies must make sure that they have conducted suitable risk assessments. These analyses help to identify potential dangers and they detail how any hazards will be managed. Unfortunately, businesses don’t always spare the time needed to complete these assessments. Sometimes, they prefer to adopt a policy of ‘see what happens’, and this can lead to all sorts of problems.

Excuses

As you’d expect, organizations tend to have an array of excuses when confronted over safety failings. One of the most well used is ignorance. Bosses sometimes claim they were simply unaware that their actions contravened the law. However, this is not enough to absolve managers from blame. After all, these people are legally required to adopt suitable health and safety measures and there is plenty of information on this topic available online and from official bodies such as the Health and Safety Executive.

Bosses also sometimes claim that they were in too much of a rush to think about all the aspects of risk management. It’s certainly true that many accidents occur when firms are under pressure to meet deadlines. However, this explanation does not mean bosses are in the clear. Regardless of how speedily companies have to operate, they must ensure that they always adhere to health and safety laws. Safety can never come second to profits.

Another typical excuse is a lack of money. Many firms are operating under immense financial pressures, and this can cause safety to slide down their list of priorities. This is not a justification for putting employees in danger though. As long as companies are savvy, they can implement effective risk management policies without busting their budgets.

The simple way to avoid risk

The fact is, there is no need for organizations to take safety shortcuts and then to come up with excuses as to why this has happened. As long as firms are savvy, they can ensure they protect their workers. For example, businesses can turn to experts like Phoenix Health & Safety to access safety training and consultancy services.

By enlisting the help of specialists like this, organizations can make sure that they conform to all the relevant safety legislation in a cost-effective and hassle-free way.

Whether they need help with one or two aspects of risk management or they want to take advantage of a full package of solutions, they can achieve their aims. This can make managers’ lives much easier.

Guest Post by reader Emma Jones.

Most people wouldn’t normally class office work as a high risk profession. The sedentary nature of the job and lack of physical work that goes with it may not scream ‘danger’ but in fact there are a number of health problems that can come with a desk based job ranging from workplace habits, poor working environments and issues with common office equipment – some of which may not be obvious. Most businesses and corporations require at least some book keeping or administration work and with a reported 40% rise in ‘white collar workers’ in the US since the 1970’s, this is clearly one of the leading professions in the country. So it is important that office workers adopt good working practices and create safe work environments in order to stay healthy. Here are some of the most common health problems associated with office workers and the best ways to avoid them.

Eye strain

Eye strain is a common problem associated with looking at computer screens, mobile phones and paperwork for prolonged periods of time. It can cause eye itching, watering, soreness and in severe cases double vision, light sensitivity and headache. It is a problem that is thought to affect between 50-90% of all computer based workers as their eyes are constantly working hard to focus on small fonts and prints. Medical professionals may often recommend limiting your time on computers but if it is your job it’s not always possible to do this. Instead make sure the font on your computer is large and the resolution is high – making things clearer and reducing the need to squint and strain. Your office space should also be generally well lit, if not with natural light than full spectrum lighting units which are thought to emit more natural, balanced spectrums of light than fluorescent tubing so that reading and writing are also easier.

Coughs and colds

If one person in the office gets a cold then the chances are it’s going to spread like wildfire. That’s because the air quality in office blocks is often very poor and although air conditioning might feel fresher than opening a window, its actually recycling all of that stale air and pumping it back out to the workers. Devices such as printers and photocopiers are also thought to emit ozone fumes, electrical issues may present a problem, ventilation systems may let in pollution from outdoors and all of these factors combined are thought to contribute to an actual medical condition known as ‘sick building syndrome’. To help improve this it is important to keep windows open, take outdoor breaks when you can and keep offices full of (well looked after) green plants which act as natural air purifiers by taking in toxins and emitting oxygen.

Repetitive Strain Injury

Repetitive strain injuries occur when you carry out particular task repeatedly and it causes stress and tension to muscles and joints. One of the main types of RSI in an office environment occurs in the hands and wrists from typing and using a mouse or from things such as holding a telephone between the neck and ear. Using handsfree telephone sets, ergonomically designed keyboards and tools such as padded mouse mats may relieve some of the stress to your wrists and hands. You should also takes breaks and carry out regular simple hand/wrist exercises such as stretching the fingers and rotating the wrists in order to keep the blood flowing.

Poor Posture

Many people assume that standing puts more pressure on the body but surprisingly sitting down is actually more strenuous on the lower back and if you are sitting for long periods of time without being properly supported then it can lead to severe aches, pain and make you more vulnerable to injury. Slouching is one of the main contributing factors in poor posture so it is important to sit up straight, with your feet flat on the floor and your forearms at a ninety degree angle on your desk. A good quality, adjustable chair and a foot rest (if necessary) can help achieve this. The top of your computer monitor should be at eye level and your mouse and other belongings should be within easy reach.

Obesity

Unfortunately the statistics speak for themselves: obesity is rife within office workers and presumably due to the rise in modern technology over the past three decades, they are now more inactive than ever. The lack of physical exercise coupled with the way in which office staff tend to ‘graze’ at their desks on unhealthy snacks could be the reason why their profession is causing them to pile on the pounds, but with obesity being a major health condition linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other serious ailments it is something that needs to be addressed. With rising economical demands and increased pressure on staff in many offices, workaholics are spending more time in the office and consequently neglecting their diet and health. One study suggests that short bursts of exercise and daily practices such as taking a walk at lunch or opting to use the stairs rather than the lift can help with this but office workers should take responsibility for their diets and try to avoid unhealthy snacking during the day.

References and source materials:

Blog4Safety: ‘Safety Can Be Confusing’, accessed 24.07.15

The Business Insider: ‘Great News We’ve Become a White Collar Nation’, accessed 22.07.14

WebMD: ‘Eye Fatigue’, accessed 23.07.14

Consumer Healthday: ‘Is Your Office Making You Sick: Sick Building Syndrome‘, accessed 23.07.14

The Atlantic: ‘Jobs With The Highest Obesity Rates’, accessed 22.07.14

Rehab.com: ‘Is Workaholism a Genuine Addiction’, accessed 25.07.14

Overstock.com – Office and conference room chairs – accessed 22.07.14