Tag Archives: theft

General Safety Issues

NEARLY ONE-FIFTH OF OCCUPATIONAL INJURY RESULTS FROM WORKPLACE VIOLENCE (GUEST POST)

by Michael Pines

There’s no doubt that our work can contribute to a great degree of satisfaction – or dissatisfaction – in our lives. The people we work with a large part of our world, whether we like it or not. So when work life is disrupted, our tolerance is tested – and, at times, broken. But sometimes the job itself is bad and can present opportunities for violence if the job is high-risk for robbery, theft, or other crimes. 

A new report issued by the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) says that nearly 17 percent of occupational injury in 2011 resulted from violence accounted by persons in the workplace. Included in the findings are fatalities based on homicides or suicides due to the individual’s working environment. 

The study further explained that the occupations themselves were a large contributing factor in whether the job was at risk for workplace violence. Sales positions were mostly cited with first-line supervisors and retail employees including cashiers as the most common type of occupation to experience workplace violence. 

Occupations such as law enforcement and management were also cited as common industries where workplace violence is sustained. 

How does workplace violence occur? 

The most common reason workplace injury occurs is because of robbery, theft, or other crimes that can put the employee at risk. Convenience stores, banks, and gas stations are most commonly at risk for workplace violence or injury. 

But those are not the only kinds of occupations that can put employees at risk. Bad working conditions, altercations with coworkers, or just being someone’s boss can contribute to workplace violence. 

Creating a pleasant and safe working environment. 

Finding a good job in all aspects is the first and most obvious step in creating a pleasant work environment. But, if for whatever reason you are unable to find another job right now, consider the following ideas to help make the most of your work situation. 

Keep to yourself. The Golden Rule applies in this instance, and if you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all. Office gossip can lead to a difficult working environment not only for you, but especially for the recipient. Show up to work, do your job, and do your best to keep away from the “juicy stuff.” 

Speak up to your supervisor. If your working environment is causing stress or presents a danger, it’s important to speak up to your supervisor. Physical dangers like cutting corners or not following safety protocols should immediately be brought to the attention of your supervisor. If no action is taken, you can escalate your concerns to the Occupation Health and Safety Administration (OSHA). 

Follow safety procedures. Safety protocols for cash deposits or closing out a register are created with your safety in mind. Employees with high-risk jobs like convenience store cashiers or gas station clerks should always follow safety protocols. Minimize the cash available after dark and post notices. Maintain adequate lighting throughout your surroundings including the parking lot. Know your escape route if a robbery should occur. Safety measures like these are designed to keep you safe and to ultimately save your life. 

About Michael Pines

Michael Pines founded the Law Offices of Michael Pines, APC, in San Diego in 1992. He is an accident and injury prevention expert in San Diego, and on a campaign to end senseless injury one blog at a time.

 

General Safety Issues

DON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT SECURITY (GUEST POST)

By John Anderson 

Getting away for the holidays is both hard work and a rewarding experience.  After finalizing on what you should bring and where you should go, look at the security of the house you’ll leave behind.  Crime against property is at a high of 400,000 from November through December according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 

You probably have a checklist for what to bring, here’s a practical list of what to do to secure your home. 

1.       Visibility:  Leave a  good number of lights on, it‘s a double edged advantage.  The burglars will think twice whether you’re at home or not. It would be better if you could have a timer attached to the lightswitch.  It’s best to keep a good visual from the outside looking in making it easy to spot trouble.  So leave a few curtains open. 

2.       Social Network Updates after the fact:  You don’t need to announce to the world that you’ll be going to someplace exquisite for the holidays.  For robbers, it just translates to “Nobody’s home and nobody can get home quickly”.  Show your pictures when you get home.  You’ll enjoy the travel more. 

3.       Arrange upkeep:  Have a friend pick up your mail and water the plants from time to time.  An unkempt house is an obvious signal that no one is looking after the house.

 4.       Unplug: it’s been proven that appliances do consume electricity even if they’re turned off.  A power surge may also destroy your appliances. 

5.       Modern-day Security:  The burglars get smarter too.  They learn from the latest technology and some actively profile their victims on the web.  Equip yourself with a good alarm system and/or have the house insured. 

The steps should be taken to ensure the safety of the home especially when there’s nobody home. Enjoying the holidays will only happen if you know that the home you have left behind temporarily remains safe and secure. 

Author Bio: 

John Anderson has been a freelance writer since 2008. His work is almost exclusively on web content about home improvement, home security, technology, green and simple living, and business.   John Anderson, a Southeastern American, specializes in home improvement and occasionally writes about alarm systems. He graduated from Tennessee State University. He’s a blogger and a freelance writer. His Twitter account is @johnanderson090.

General Safety Issues

OWN YOUR OWN BUSINESS?

A long time ago, my husband, who owned a machine shop for a number of years, made the statement, “no one knows what being in business for themselves is like until they have actually done  it.”  Overhead, insurance, waiting to get paid, paying employees, maintenance, and many other headaches contribute to being in private business.  With that in mind, we’d like to encourage businesses everywhere to think about how safe their enterprises are. 

One of the first things is to hire good employees.  You can be a victim of internal theft, as well as external.  Do thorough background checks on all applicants.  Know whom you are allowing access to your buildings.  Be sure that keys cannot be duplicated without the master key.  There should be a locked closet that holds the master key to every door, with only certain employees having access to it.  Encourage staff to confidentially report any dishonesty by colleagues that they are aware of. 

How safe is your business equipment?  Keep an up-to-date inventory, including leased equipment that is not insured by the leasing company.  There are many types of security systems, including sensors on doors, closed-circuit cameras, and contract security companies that alert authorities when there is a problem.  Adequate lighting should be provided at all times.  Clear away any shrubs, bushes, or trees that could provide hiding places for thieves.  Installing dead bolts or coded locks may be another deterrent.  Develop safe procedures that protect every employee, from the very first person arriving to work in the morning until the last person leaves each evening. 

Building maintenance is very important.  Water leaks can cause costly damage.  Pipes, drains, and appliances should be checked often.  A crack approximately 1/8 of an inch in a pipe can release up to 250 gallons of water per day.  There are two types of water leak detection systems – active and passive.

  • Active systems are battery operated and can set off an alarm when moisture is detected as well as stop the water flow with some sort of shut-off valve.
  • Passive systems are battery operated and usually stand-alone units, with moisture sensors on the bottom of the apparatus, and will activate an alarm.  They are easily installed.

Roofs should also be inspected often for damage, or possibility of water leaks.  In the fall, it’s a good idea to insulate water pipes to avoid freezing later on. 

Of course, businesses should install sprinkler systems and smoke detectors, and have appropriate fire extinguishers ready for use in case of fire, depending on the types of equipment that are involved.   Individuals can plug in surge protection devices; however, the electric service meter surge protection devices must be professionally installed.  

This is probably just the tip of the iceberg; however, we hope the things that have been pointed out will help businesses be a little safer.  We salute both the small and large business owners, who make keep our communities going, by offering jobs that are so badly needed.