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Top 10 Reasons Why Workplace Safety Is Important

Workplace Safety in the workplace is something that needs to be taken seriously by employers as any indiscretion might lead to dire consequences. At the end of each year is an opportunity to review past practices and implement ways to prevent accidents and minimize injuries.

A company’s safety strategy is very important and offers employees the chance to work in a clean and safe environment without getting injured. You can make your company office safer by applying these simple steps. Safety in the workplace is an important aspect to always improve upon and pay attention to in terms of monitoring how employees comply with the laid standards.

  1. Set goals, and plan

Once you have had time to reflect on the previous year’s challenges and achievements, you will be able to develop a clear vision. A clear and realistic vision allows you to break your vision into smaller realistic goals that are measurable and inform the improvement or introduction of policies.

The process is highly strategic and involved the input of various departments. However, employees on the ground are most likely to have an advanced understanding of how to improve operations on the ground.

  1. Establish a rapport with leadership

Once your company has established a safety model, they would usually appoint a manager or two to deal with safety in the workplace. It is important for your team to remain focused on implementing the culture. If some of your workers are studying, during high-pressure times like strategic reviews, they can use essay writing reviews to get assistance with their studies.

Leadership should be encouraged to take more initiative and ownership of tasks. The leadership team should be able to provide a clear implementation strategy once you develop new goals.

  1. Take everything into consideration

A good safety culture encompasses attention to detail and not missing a single beat in any loopholes that may occur. This means that all hands to be on deck to establish a benchmark of optimal safety.

To create a conducive safety culture in the workplace, you need to ensure that employees are open and honest about the challenges they face on the ground. This can also assist essay writers in developing case studies and draft policies. One way to measure safety culture is by conducting surveys with employees to gain honest insights.

  1. Be innovative

Innovation is a great way to get everyone out of their comfort zone, and you can do that by setting an example. In as much as there is room for change, there is room for a complete turnaround in policy development and implementation.

Finding a clear strategy on how you are going to engage your employees is important on matters of safety. However, once your employees understand the value of innovation in the workplace, they are able to ensure that they implement strategies carefully and correctly.

  1. Involve as many people as possible

Involving everyone in the company gives them a sense of purpose beyond sitting in their office, cubicle, or work station. By involving the workforce, you will learn a lot and understand what needs to be done on the ground to ensure optimal safety in the workplace.

An engaged team tends to operate with more vision and collective focus. Besides, the improvements are aimed at their own wellbeing as employees and showing that you care creates a more engaged workforce.

  1. Planning the changes

If your safety policy requires an entire overhaul, then it might be difficult to initially introduce new ideas to staff. Certain behaviors may have to be changed to accommodate the new setting. Through clear communication, you can assist the staff in implementing new procedures and following protocols.

The values need to be something that clients can relate to and are inspired by. When your organization is going through immense changes, planning helps you to keep your head above water as it allows you time to be supportive toward employees.

  1. Get your timing right

In the world of business, timing is everything. You need to plan all your steps clearly with goals and calculations in mind that are accurate for both long and short term goals. By ensuring consistency in planning, there is a clear picture of your organization’s vision.

By planning your implementation step by step, you are able to determine appropriate dates for induction, workshops, and opportunities. You might also find it useful to develop a policy with the help of dissertation services.

  1. Be accurate

The safety of your employees should not rely on guesswork. Rather, take time to formulate a strategy that is well-informed by the relevant calculations. For instance, understanding where you failed in the previous year gives you plenty of room for valuable engagement with employees.

When working with interns, you might want to encourage them to use assignment writing services for their UK dissertation to keep up with the demands of the job. You can think of measuring and driving change by way of rewarding and motivating positive behavior and adherence to policies.

  1. Be vigilant

It is important to remain focused and clear throughout the year on problems that may arise. This allows you to be highly preemptive in dealing with looking danger and even complacency. It is a well-known fact that complacency leads to failure. Always ask the right questions and seek answers that offer sustainable solutions.

  1. Establish a monitoring and evaluation system

Upon establishing new policies and strategies to ensure optimal safety in the workplace, it is important to establish guidelines to evaluate new systems and improve upon them. A system of evaluation allows a company to consistently comply with mandatory compliance at authority level and also as per organizational requirements. In most cases, M&E ensures that processes are always improved.

The bottom line

These tools will ensure that you guide your workforce in a positive direction and have the patience to resolve safety issues in the future. By strategically aligning your company with national/industrial requirements, you are able to adequately measure your success.

Safety in the workplace should not be a complex matter to approach, nor should it be approached once a year or when an accident occurs. It is important to establish a company culture that revolves around optimal safety in the workplace.

Author Bio

Sharon is a Manchester, UK based marketing specialist and a essay writer. Currently, she is working as a marketer at an essay writing service. She’s also working as a resume writer and an essay writing expert for online writing services. When she’s not at work, she loves to share her ideas on marketing through her blog and podcasts.

 

 

General Safety Issues

Material Handling Safety Tips that Increase Productivity

Written by Liam Smith

When it comes to the issue of safety, most entrepreneurs focus on its effect on the wellbeing of their employees or the fear of a potential lawsuit that would come from an accident. What they fail to realize is the fact that safety tips and productivity tips end up being one and the same. With that in mind and without further ado, here are seven reasons why this is usually the case.

  • Ensuring that the load is secure

This simple safety tip is there to ensure that there’s no fall risk when it comes to materials that you’re handling, however, it also comes with a hidden productivity perk, as well. You see, if the material falls down to ground you’ll have to pick it back up and chances are that this won’t be as easy. Usually, materials come in containers or are on pallets that are supposed to make their picking up (for instance, with a lift fork) a lot easier. Picking it up from the ground may take more work and more time, thus causing a decline in productivity. Also, there’s the risk of damaging the material in question which causes a massive problem on its own. Therefore, the security of the load makes all the difference.

  • Compare the weight of the cargo to the carrying capacity of the equipment

One of the biggest losses of productivity comes from your plans to cut corners. In theory, the more you pack on the forklift, tow tug or a trolley, the quicker you’ll get done, however, what happens if the equipment crumbles under all that burden. In that case, you would either have to repair it or replace it, both of which take time and money. Other than this, the risk of a serious injury drastically increases this way, which means that, once again, safety and productivity go hand in hand.

  • The safest speed

Previously, we discussed the urge to wrap things up as quickly as possible. Now, there are scenarios in which this manifests in overburdening the carrying equipment and those in which people speed up in order to get things done. Rushing is one of the essential ingredients in a recipe for disaster. Even on foot, a person is less stable, less focused and less careful when they’re in a rush. Imagine just how much more dangerous it all is when a person is behind dangerous machinery.

  • Restricting access to hazardous materials

Another tip you need to keep in mind is that restricting access to some parts of your production facility with the help of useful safety barriers may also influence productivity. First of all, it creates optimal pathways within the complex, meaning that there’s no loss in downtime caused by an inefficient itinerary. Second, it eliminates the risk of an injury in a scenario where such a thing would increase with proximity to poorly stacked, mishandled or overall loosely fastened materials. Finally, it reduces the chance that someone who is undertrained will tamper with items that should be off-limits to them. Sure, this barrier is not an impassable obstacle yet it might dissuade your staff from accessing restricted areas.

  • Making sure that the person is trained for the job

Perhaps the most important safety/productivity tip of them all is to ensure that the person is trained for the job at hand. You see, an employee who failed to undergo a basic training lacks the knowledge to handle these materials properly. This means that other than being a risk for themselves and others, they also lack the knowledge on how to handle these materials with the greatest efficiency. By increasing the efforts that you put into your training process, you can make your workplace more efficient as well as make sure that the place is a lot safer for work.

  • Clear visibility

One of the main reasons why accidents happen is due to the limited field of vision of the person operating the machinery/handling the materials. The problem with this lies in the fact that a person might also injure others and cause damage to your assets. This is why you need to carefully examine the entire material-handling process and create an ideal scenario in which this leads to a productivity increase. Overall, what you need to do is make sure that the person operating the equipment has clear visibility of their surroundings. The way in which this affects productivity is more than obvious.

  • Make sure you leave everything in its place

The last thing you need to understand is the fact that if everything is not in its place it’s A) harder for you to find it and B) a safety risk. Think about it, ideally, everyone would look where they’re going all the time but chances are that people will sometimes govern themselves by their instinct and act as if they know where everything is, even when not watching. While this is unsafe, it’s something that you’ll never be able to completely root out.

In conclusion

    At the end of the day, an injury will also cause an employee to be absent from work, which will cause a substitute to fill in for them. Keep in mind that this substitute is, most likely, not skilled and experienced enough for the job at hand, which causes additional problems further down the line. Overall, handling materials in a safe and proper way are the optimal course both when it comes to safety and productivity.

Author Bio 

Liam Smith is a young and aspiring Australian blogger with a passion for everything related to home, and offline business He has a B.Sc. in Interior design and is an avid reader.
https://twitter.com/LiamSmith2034
https://www.linkedin.com/in/liamsmith2034

General Safety Issues

FILLING MACHINE SYSTEM SAFETY (GUEST POST)

Filling Machine Safety

When purchasing a filling machine system, one of the most important factors to consider is the safety features. Filling machines are used in a wide variety of industries and environments, making it essential to ensure that they are built to the highest standards and meet all regulated safety standards. These safety features are necessary to protect operators and other workers, as well as to prevent product and revenue loss during production.

Filling Machine Safety Features

Although each industry may have different safety needs for their products and environment, there are some standard safety features to look for on filling machines. It is important that the machine is built to meet all UL standards and has the proper safety precautions and guards in place to make it safe to use. Some of the features to look for include: 

  • Guard enclosures. Operators must be properly protected from possible splashing or spilling of hot or dangerous products that may be used on a filling machine. Guard enclosures insulate the operators from hazardous materials by the use of interlock doors, with a safety feature that does not allow machine function unless the doors are shut. These doors should be made to withstand chemical and heat exposure, protecting the operators behind them.  In some cases, it may be necessary for operators to wear protective clothing.
  • Electrical panels. All electrical panels should meet UL standards for safety. For filling machines used in hazardous locations, they should come equipped with electrical panels that are built to UL listed Class1/Division1/Group D electrical standards that meet all insurance requirements. This protects the electrical components from exposure to possible combustible materials that are found in these hazardous locations.
  • Machine construction. Filling machines should meet construction requirements for safety, such as components made of stainless steel and stainless shrouded aluminum for wash down capabilities. In addition, the filler functions should meet all NEC regulations using mechanical activation features.
  • Software. The software used in filling machines is also critical for safety. Software should include built-in safety features to regulate automatic shut-off or no-start mode when there is a jam or filling jets are not properly aligned. In addition, software should prevent spills that may be hazardous to workers, as well as costly during production. 

Ensuring your filling machine is made to the highest standards of safety should be a top priority when purchasing new equipment. Lack of quality safety features can be costly, causing unnecessary employee injuries and expensive losses in production. It is worth taking the time and money to invest in filling machines that meet and exceed all safety standards for your company’s industry.

 

Sam Lubus is the owner of Inline Filling Systems, a liquid filling machine manufacturer with over twenty years of experience in the industry. Made in the USA, and installed Worldwide, we believe in safety first when installing our machinery at business locations.

 
 

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First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

BLACK FRIDAY: IS IT WORTH IT?

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays:  a special day set aside for families to be together, spend time sharing and making memories:  eating too much food, and maybe watching too much football.  It seems that this holiday almost gets ignored, except by those who enjoy this tradition with family and friends. 

As soon as the Halloween masks, costumes, and decorations are removed, here come all the Christmas products.  What happened to Thanksgiving?  Sorry, this article isn’t about how I feel about this holiday; rather, it is about an ongoing topic that comes the day after Thanksgiving: Black Friday!  Now, surprise:  spoiling the Black Friday plan is the fact that many of the popular retailers are planning to open on Thanksgiving Day for certain hours, carrying their sales on through Black Friday.  It would be nice if their workers could  have some time off to spend with their families on the holiday.

This is a shopper’s dream: having November 28th, (Thanksgiving Day), plus Black Friday to fill their holiday stockings and purchase gifts at special prices.  Retailers know that they always have to be ready to manage crowds for Black Friday; because this will probably remain the least safe shopping day for customers, here are some tips from OSHA for retailers that hopefully will keep their employees safe from stampeding crowds. 

Five years ago, a Wal-Mart employee died at the opening of a “Black Friday” sale.  OSHA reminds employers that they are responsible for keeping their workplace safe.  Much planning should be done ahead of time, in order for things to go smoothly.  Last week, letters were sent to all firefighters and fire marshals, in addition to retail trade groups and C.E.O.’s of large retail companies from OSHA Assistant Secretary of Labor, Dr. David Michaels, who informed them that crowd control and proper planning are critical to prevention of injuries and death.

Death?  We are all aware that money is tight, and everyone wants to cut corners anywhere they can, but is it worth risking life and limb to save a few dollars?  You can read all the instructions that OSHA has in its Fact Sheet about Crowd Safety Management and Safety Guidelines for Retailers.  Here are a few, for instance: 

  • Hire extra workers
  • Ensure that workers are trained to manage the event
  • Designate a worker to contact local emergency responders if necessary
  • Be sure that the building meets public safety requirements
  • Have an emergency plan prepared
  • Set up barricades or rope lines outside the store
  • Barricade lines should have breaks and turns to reduce the risk of customers pushing from the rear and possibly crushing others, including employees
  • Have communications for outside workers
  • Make sure that all employees and crowd control personnel are aware that the doors are about to open (or that the stampede is about to take place!)
  • In emergency situations, have first-aid kits and Automated External Defibrillators (AED’s) available and have personnel trained in using AED’s and CPR onsite at all times. 

Good luck –  retailers are counting on you to shop during the beginning of the Christmas season. We are certainly not trying to be “Scrooge” about Black Friday, just wanting to warn you to be ready to battle serious shoppers! 

 In the meantime, have a Happy Thanksgiving! pb

General Safety Issues

NEW EMPLOYEES

Do you remember your first day on the job, wishing you understood what everyone else was doing?  You want to fit in, and it seems as though there’s a mountain of information being tossed your way.  No one can absorb everything they are told, but the main thing one needs to pay attention to is safety on the job.

It is the responsibility of the employer to provide proper training beginning from Day One.
Bureau of Labor Statistics show that 40% of on-the-job injuries are workers experiencing their first year of work.  The first thing employers should do is start orientation on the first day.  Co-workers can be of assistance if they notice the new employee is doing something unsafe; they need to speak up and warn them before they get injured.  They also can tell the new employee who to talk to if they have concerns about safety.  Personnel need to respect the equipment they are working with, and be aware that their wellness can be an issue if they don’t use caution.

In most of our experiences, we gradually find out what to do:  a good example is a Fire Drill.  Every company has their own policy and procedures and new employees should be told where the exits are and what to do upon exiting the building.  Many times, we don’t find out until there is a fire drill and then someone says, “Oh, yeah, do such and such, then return to work when the all clear is given.”

New employees, remember this:

  • Don’t take shortcuts
  • Use what you learn all the time
  • Be sure you understand; don’t hesitate to ask questions
  • Respect and follow warnings
  • Be sure you know what to do in emergency situations
  • As for safety materials and instructions if you have not received them
  • If you are provided Personal Protective Equipment, be sure you understand its purpose, how to wear it, and how to maintain it

Remember the TEAM mantra applies to all of us:
Together Everyone Accomplishes More!
Think Safety and Work Safely.