Tag Archives: training

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

FORKLIFT TRUCK SAFETY (GUEST POST) PART I

The forklift truck has become the workhorse of modern warehousing operations.  They allow us to move substantial loads with speed, ease, and relative safety.  Forklifts, as these trucks are so often called, come in many makes, models, and sizes that can be configured with removable parts that make it possible to move just about anything in any industrial setting.  Their ease of operation makes forklift operation easy to master but an operator must never forget he’s working with heavy industrial machinery that commands respect. 

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 100 workers every year are killed in accidents involving forklifts and 20,000 more are seriously injured.  Training, licensing, and operator certification measures are so vital to forklift truck safety that private industry, the military, and government regulatory agencies at every level have developed programs to keep forklift operation as safe as possible.

 Use a forklift inspection checklist like this one to log daily inspections. 

The safest forklift is the well-maintained forklift.  At the beginning of every shift, a visual inspection of every forklift to be used will improve safety and increase productivity throughout the work day.  A visual inspection at the end of every shift quickly identifies any vehicles that need maintenance or require cleaning before next use. 

Checklist for Visual Inspection 

Forklifts are often employed in rugged conditions that leave them dirty, muddy, or covered with grime from any source.  Clean machines are vital for optimum mechanical performance and safety.  No one likes working in filthy conditions but dirt also hides defects that can lead to danger.  Before using a forklift, consider this checklist for visual inspection: 

  • Work area uncluttered and free of debris that could cause accidents
  •  Any danger zones identified
  •  Overhead space provides plenty of clearance and no risk of falling  objects
  •  Fire extinguisher in reach and ready to use
  •  Engine fluids — fuel, oil, water — at workable levels
  •  Battery at full charge and securely fixed to machine
  •  Electrolyte levels in battery as required for maximum     performance
  •   No exposed battery cable wires
  •   Battery cable connects firmly fixed and in sound operational state
  •   Vent caps clear and free of clogs
  •    All hold-downs or brackets tightly in place
  •    No damaged, loose, or missing nuts, bolts, chains, hoses, or guards
  •    Tires and wheels in sound working condition
  •     Pneumatic tires properly inflated
  •     Forks in safe working condition, no bends or cracks
  •     All positioning latches fully functional
  •     Carriage teeth intact with no breaks, chips, or worn areas
  •     Chain anchor pins in good working order, not bent, loose, or worn
  •      No evidence of leaks or drips underneath the vehicle
  •      All hoses securely in place, not crimped, loose, worn, or rubbing  together dangerously 

Checklist for Operational Pre-Use Inspection

When conditions look good on and around the forklift, conduct an inspection to gauge how well the machine is running before tackling a day’s work.  Make this checklist for operational pre-use inspection a routine part of every shift for every operator of every forklift on the job: 

  •   The horn must be working loud enough to be heard in the workplace, no matter how loud
  •   Other devices that give warning during operations must be fully functional
  •    Braking system — does the pedal hold?  Does the unit stop smoothly every time?
  •    Parking brake holds even against minor acceleration
  •    Deadman seat brake secure as operator sits and rises from the seat
  •    Clutch and gears shift smoothly, with no jumps or jerks
  •     Dash control panel fully operational, with all lights and gauges fully functional
  •     Steering mechanism works smoothly
  •     Lift mechanism works smoothly when empty forks are raised to maximum height and then lowered
  •     Tilt mechanism works smoothly when mast is moved to maximum degree forward and backward
  •    Cylinders and hoses free from leaks or defects
  •    No unusual sounds are produced when machine is in operation 

It is vitally important to make sure every person who operates a forklift is fully trained and legally qualified to do so.  It is equally important to have only fully qualified personnel to service and maintain every forklift. 

Forklift Operation 

 Never use a coworker as counterweight to balance a load that’s too heavy or that must be lifted too high. 

The basic function of a forklift is the same but every work environment comes with a unique set of situations and circumstances.  Mastery of basic forklift operation is important but optimum safety comes when the operator knows how to effectively operate the machine in the environment where it will be put to work. 

It’s human nature to minimize the danger of operating a forklift when it’s been done safely and routinely over time but accidents happen in the blink of an eye.  Vigilance is required every minute of operation. 

Traveling 

The ride’s a little bit different when a forklift is carrying a heavy load or when it’s empty.  Either way, safety always comes first.  The safest forklift operator will make safe driving habits such a routine part of his workday that they become effortless, no matter if traveling with a full load or not.

  •          Keep all body parts inside the truck —  head, hands, feet, arms, everything
  •          Keep other objects inside the truck, too, including lunch boxes, overcoats, and communication devices
  •          Always keep forks as low to the ground as possible
  •          Keep forks tilted back whenever possible
  •          Obey all workplace traffic signs
  •          Turning corners — slow down, honk the horn, and be mindful of the swing of the vehicle, front and back
  •          Avoid quick or sudden stops
  •          Travel slowly in reverse if the load is so large it’s impossible to see over it traveling forward
  •          Look only in the direction the machine is moving
  •          Stay well clear of all people, other vehicles, loose objects, slick or wet spots, holes, and rough surfaces
  •          Respect the truck’s blind spots, when empty and when fully loaded
  •          Any time a pedestrian, another forklift, or any moving vehicle crosses or shares the intended route, always stop the forklift then lower the load as far as possible and wait till the route is clear again before resuming operation 

Traveling on an Incline 

Slopes and uneven work surfaces challenge forklift safety and require special maneuvers.  When traveling on an incline: 

  •          Never attempt a turn on uneven ground; save turns for level surfaces only
  •          No load?  Keep forks pointed down the incline
  •          Loaded?  Keep loaded forks pointed uphill at all times 

Steering 

There’s no power steering here so driver skill is all the more important.  Important steering safety skills include: 

  •          Turning only with the rear wheels so the front wheels need only support the load
  •          Make no sharp turns
  •          The heavier the load, the wider the turns
  •          An overloaded fork is a dangerous fork; don’t overload it
  •          Never add a counterweight to the back of the truck, especially not a human counterweight 

Tomorrow, we will continue with more information about forklift safety and a list of additional things to be aware of to guarantee safety in loading, unloading, handling pallets, safety while loading into railroad cars, and much more.

Author Bio: Joana Kylee is an authorized dealer of superior quality forklift forks, forklift seats and all types forklift spare parts for major brands of lift trucks with same day shipping.

Article submitted by Andrea Bernie.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General Safety Issues

SAFETY FOR TEMPORARY WORKERS

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has launched an initiative to further protect temporary employees from workplace hazards.  A new OSHA memorandum directs field inspectors to assess whether employers who use part-time workers are complying with their responsibilities under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Inspectors will use a newly created code in their information system to denote when temporary workers are exposed to safety and health violations. Additionally, they will assess whether temporary workers received required training in a language and vocabulary they could understand.

The memo underscores the duty of employers to protect all workers from hazards.  Also,  OSHA said it has begun working with the American Staffing Association and employers that use staffing agencies, to promote best practices ensuring that temporary workers are protected from job hazards.  However, it is the responsibity of the employer to provide the same training full-time employees are given, as they are legally liable for the safety and health of temporary workers. 

In recent months, OSHA said it has received a series of reports about temporary workers suffering fatal injuries – many during their first days on a job. OSHA has issued citations when the employer failed to provide adequate protections, including safety training.  Many of these, as stated above, did not understand instructions given.  They must be trained in construction industries, as well as manufacturing.  They should attend regular safety meetings and understand about fall protection, chemicals, machine guarding, and other hazards, as well as become familiar with PPE
personal protective equipment they should be given.

Data from the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries conducted by the Bureau of Labor, reported statistics on workers killed on the job in 2011:  fatal work injuries involving contractors accounted for 542 – or 12 percent – of the 4,693 fatal work injuries reported. Hispanic/Latino contractors accounted for 28 percent of fatal work injuries among contractors, well above their 16 percent share of the overall fatal work injury total for the year. 

A report from the nonprofit Center for Progressive Reform (CPR) details the increasing use of contingent workers to perform dangerous, undesirable jobs in industries like farming, construction, warehousing and hotel services. Noting that the number of contingent workers has doubled in twenty years to more than 2.5 million, the report underscores Bureau of Labor Statistics data that they suffer higher rates of injury and death than other employees. 

The economic and political vulnerability of contingent workers, who are often poor and sometimes undocumented, makes them easy to exploit not only with low wages and long hours, but also with unsafe working conditions. According to the study, because contingent employees rarely have health insurance or even workers’ compensation coverage, employers are able to shift the financial burden of workplace injuries onto the public, and often skimp on safety training of temps.

Most temporary workers are thankful for a paycheck and are willing to do any type of job.  Employers owe it to them to see that they are able to return home at the end of the workday safe and sound.

 

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety

FIRE SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE (GUEST POST)

The Law 

According to The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, if you’re an employer, owner, landlord or occupier of a business in England and Wales, you are legally responsible for fire safety within that building. This means you have an obligation to protect the building, and everyone within it, from the threat of fire as far as possible and, under the Fire Safety Order, this makes you the ‘responsible person’. 

As the ‘responsible person’ there are a host of tasks you must undertake and steps you must implement to: reduce the likelihood of fire, put an efficient evacuation process in place and ensure all of your employees are aware and informed of fire safety and your building’s procedures. 

Fire Risk Assessments 

Conducting a Fire Risk Assessment is one of the first, and most important, things businesses must do in order to comply with fire safety laws. If your business has five or more employees, your Risk Assessment must be kept as a written record and this should then be regularly reviewed and subsequently updated. 

The aim of a Fire Risk Assessment is to identify the fire hazards within your environment and the people at risk and then implement changes to eradicate or reduce these risks. There are five steps to a Risk Assessment and, due to the meticulous nature of each one, most companies choose to hire a professional fire safety company to conduct theirs. 

Planning for an Emergency 

Once the risks and hazards within your property have been identified, it is vital to plan exactly what would happen in the event of an actual emergency. This means carefully and comprehensively planning evacuation routes and ensuring they are as safe and efficient as possible. 

This should include making sure there are enough clear and unblocked exits for everyone to escape from – experts recommend at least two alternatives from each room in case the fire is blocking one – and that there are designated meeting points. You should also consider anyone who may be more vulnerable during an evacuation, such as children, people with disabilities and the elderly. 

Equipment, such as fire safety signs and emergency lighting, should also be installed where appropriate to make the evacuation routes immediately obvious, easy to understand and safe to navigate through. 

Installing Fire Equipment 

One of the best ways to remove or reduce the fire risks within your environment is to install high quality fire equipment. All business environments must contain a fire detection and warning system which, for most commercial premises, means installing a fire alarm system. Reputable fire alarm suppliers will tailor a system to the requirements of your environment. 

Most businesses also require fire fighting equipment and this includes fire extinguishers, fire blankets and sprinkler systems, conditional to the environment you work in. For example, there are a  variety of fire extinguishers available, depending on the application and type of fire being tackled. Again, fire equipment suppliers can advise you on the types of fire extinguisher required for your business. 

Provide Information, Instruction and Training

All new staff members should be trained on fire safety, including evacuation procedures, fire alarm system instructions and the location and use of fire extinguishers. Fire safety signage is also a great way to conform to regulations regarding information as they offer a permanent, tangible method of instruction. 

Fire drills should also be conducted to make sure everyone is thoroughly aware of evacuation procedures. These should be done regularly – at least once a year – and also provide an ideal opportunity to make sure your evacuation routes are suitable. Any findings from the fire drill should be recorded and any remedial action necessary should be taken. Additionally, any new risks identified within your environment should be communicated to all employees. 

Professional fire safety training programmes are also recommended for larger businesses, as it involves nominating Fire Safety Wardens who then also become responsible for overseeing fire safety and will learn valuable skills, including how to use a fire extinguisher. 

This post was written on behalf of City Fire Protection & Maintenance Services LLP by George Musson.

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

PREVENT AND ARREST FALLS FROM HEIGHTS

This article is  from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety monthly newsletter that we subscribe to: 
An apprentice carpenter was severely injured when he fell through a stairwell opening and landed on the concrete floor 37 feet below. In another incident, a roofer unhooked his lanyard from the lifeline and then slipped on frost, falling to his death, 53 feet below.

Every year workers die or are injured as a result of falling from ladders, scaffolds, roofs or other elevations. Falling is a risk faced by construction workers, painters, solar panel installers, window washers, firefighters, live performance workers, and others who work at heights. Ideally it would be safest to eliminate the risk all together by eliminating the need to work at heights, however in many occupations such as construction and other trades, this is not practical, and working at heights is a part of the job.

There are however, steps that employers and workers can take to minimize the risk, and help prevent falls and the injuries that go along with them.

Risk Assessment
Any work at heights should be properly planned, supervised, and not carried out in dangerous weather conditions. Conduct a risk assessment to identify and address any hazards related to the work to be performed. This information can help you select the right equipment for the job, and take adequate control measures and precautions to ensure the safety of workers and others.

Fall Protection Plan
When workers are working over 7.5 metres (25 feet) in height and are not protected by permanent guardrails the employee must develop a written, site-specific fall protection plan. The plan should include the fall hazards and fall protection systems that are in place in each area, and the procedures for using, maintaining, fitting and inspecting fall protection equipment. The plan should also include procedures for rescuing a worker who has fallen, and is suspended by a personal fall protection system or safety net.

Training and Supervision
People working at heights must be trained in practical fall prevention and fall arrest techniques. Whenever personal protective equipment is used, the employer must ensure that workers know how to properly select, fit, use, inspect, and maintain the gear they will be using. The employer is responsible for providing appropriate training, and safety equipment that complies with safety standards, and ensuring that workers use the fall protection system provided at all times.

Fall Protection
If you are at risk for falling three meters (ten feet) or more, you should use the appropriate fall protection system when working. There are various fall protection methods and devices to protect workers who are at risk of falling. Each has their appropriate uses; depending on the situation, use one or more of these fall protection methods:

Guardrails should be installed at the edges of construction sites, roofs, and scaffoldings whenever possible to prevent falls. Standards for guardrails dimensions may vary from province to province.  Fall restraint systems such as work positioning devices that prevent workers from travelling to the edge of the building or structure must be provided if the use of guardrails isn’t practicable.

Fall arrest systems (full body harnesses and safety nets) are used to stop workers in mid-fall to prevent them from hitting the surface below. Full body safety harnesses attached to secured lanyards are widely used, however to be effective, they must be fitted properly to each worker. Although a poorly fitting harness will stop a fall, it can injure the worker who is dangling in mid-air if the straps and metal supports are not contoured to the individual’s shape.

The lanyard, or line that stops the fall, and the anchor point for the lanyard are just as important as the harness. Anchor points must be carefully planned, usually in consultation with an engineer, and the length of the lanyard must allow for the stretch in the material resulting from the fall. Manufacturers can provide information to help you choose the correct length and avoid contact with the ground or other objects.

Safety netting can be used effectively in construction of industrial framed buildings. Trained personnel are required to install, dismantle and inspect the netting, and no worker should work above nets without proper training.

Suspension Trauma
When fall arrest systems are used, the possibility of suspension trauma is a serious concern. This condition, which can be fatal, occurs when a person is suspended motionless in a vertical position in the harness while awaiting rescue. When a person is suspended vertically and perhaps in shock, blood tends to pool around the legs, putting extra pressure on the heart while it attempts to pump blood to the brain. The situation can be made worse by the constrictions of the harness. Suspended workers with head injuries or who are unconscious are particularly at risk. The person must be rescued quickly (under ten minutes) and gradually brought to a horizontal position to avoid potential cardiac arrest. This is why it is critical to have a rescue plan with procedures for rescuing a worker who is suspended by a personal fall protection system.

Preventing the fall, or rescuing the fallen, the best way to protect workers from injury is to create a culture of safety that values the input of both employers and workers.

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety

General Safety Issues

WHAT YOU CAN LEARN IN FORKLIFT TRAINING (GUEST POST)

Operating a forklift takes skill, practice and extreme caution. Many accidents have occurred from mistakes made by forklift operators and could have been prevented with stronger safety training and enforcement. Because of the extreme danger from forklifts, adequate training completed before one is certified to operate them. If you are taking forklift-training classes here are some things to expect.

Classroom Sessions and Hands-On Training

 In your forklift training, you can expect a classroom session with an instructor of approximately 4-6 hours. The instructor will teach you what you need to know about operating the forklift. He or she may use a variety of methods to teach the class such as lecture, PowerPoint, showing a forklift training video or DVD, demonstrating stability using a model and moderating classroom discussions. In addition to the classroom session, there will be hands-on training where you will work with the forklifts. Here you will be shown the forklift and have the opportunity to operate it with the guidance from your instructor. Depending on prior experience the operators may need hours or days of practice operation before they are ready for their final hands on test.

 The Parts of a Forklift

 You will also learn the parts of a forklift. The forklift is similar to a car in some ways, but there are also some major differences, such as the forklift having rear wheel steering.. You will learn about this machine, how it works, and the unique aspects of it. You will learn what all the controls do and how to work them.

 Understand Reasons to Work Safely

 Obviously throughout your training you will be taught safety procedures for operating the forklift. In addition, you will understand the specific reasons why these precautions are put into place. Your instructor will teach you to understand not just “what to do and what not to do,” but why it is important to understand these reasons in the first place.

 Real Consequences of Poor Safety Decisions

 You will be informed of real consequences that could result of poor safety decisions. The forklift is a powerful machine and if you are not safe with it, it could result in severe injury or even death to yourself or others. You will be shown the severity of consequences of not operating the forklift with caution.

 Identify and Correct Safety Problems

 In addition, you will be taught how to identify and correct safety problems when using the forklift. When you operate a forklift, you will be making judgment calls the entire time. You will be given various scenarios and told how to identify and correct safety issues. This will thoroughly prepare you for operating the forklift on your own.

Forklift Maintenance

Just like vehicles need proper maintenance, the forklift does as well. In your training you will be taught what to do to provide maintenance for the forklift. A forklift inspection needs to be conducted and passed before each shift to ensure proper safety for everyone involved.

Written by Written by Dan Smith of Forklift Training Systems, an industry leader in forklift training products and services.

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

SAFETY FIRST: WHEN FALL PROTECTION IS NEEDED (GUEST POST)

Sent to us by Maire Hunter:

Many workplaces—including factories, warehouses and construction sites—have work areas and conditions that expose employees to certain dangers. To minimize these risks and keep employees out of harm, safety measures must be in place. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration establishes workplace safety regulations and enforces them at various work sites.

In general, fall protection is needed whenever workers are exposed to a potential drop of more than a few feet. A variety of safety measures may be required in these situations, and workers and/or employers may also choose to take additional precautions in addition to those mandated by regulators. Read on to learn more about the various protective equipment that may be used in a work setting.

Protective Barrier

Any area where a drop to another level is present should be outfitted with a protective barrier, such as a guardrail. Depending on your local regulations and your work setting, a guardrail should at least be comprised of a toprail near waist height, as well as a midrail and toeboard to prevent slips and falls underneath the toprail. This applies to even temporary structures, such as supported scaffolding.

Harnesses and Other Supports


When working at heights, harnesses are the most common form of protection. Beam straps are common protective equipment at steel beam construction sites; the straps are anchored around overhead beams and can move along the beam as you walk up and down performing various tasks. These can also be used in combination with safety nets, which are set up around the perimeter of a structure to catch individuals and equipment that fall from a great height.

In other cases, harnesses will be worn to catch you in the event of a fall. In some cases, such as when painting and washing windows, you may be suspended from a height wearing a harness. By making sure the harness is designed for regular use in protecting falls, you can give yourself the greatest degree of safety possible.

Fall Protection Gear

Personal fall protection gear can provide a number of protections in any fall situation. Preventing a fall is always the primary goal, and there are a variety of items and tools that will help improve the safety and function of harnesses and other fall protection products. Body belts, carabiners, lanyards, rope grabs and other specialty anchors should be on hand at work sites so they can be brought in as replacements when other equipment wears down or breaks.

Insisting on Safety in the Workplace

While OSHA makes an effort to inspect various work sites to ensure regulations are being followed at all times, this doesn’t guarantee 100 percent compliance. Whether intentional or accidental, some work settings may fail to provide adequately safe working conditions. Employees may be hesitant to refuse to work in these unsafe conditions because they don’t want to ruffle feathers, but that’s a dangerous move for anyone. By demanding safe working conditions, you’re only asking that the law be followed. Don’t be afraid to speak up and request the necessary precautions.

The presence of protective gear can greatly reduce the risk of a fall or the damage resulting from such an incident. Employees should familiarize themselves with regulations so that they know what to expect and demand. There’s nothing to be gained by taking these risks, so don’t allow yourself to be put in a potentially dangerous situation.

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Head Protection

HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN USING A MOBILE ELEVATED WORKING PLATFORM (GUEST POST)

When it comes to working at height, people can be forgiven in thinking that there is a bigger risk to their personal safety due to the additional circumstances, which could cause severe injury or even death such as high winds and falling debris.  Fortunately, modern technology and innovation have allowed us to create what is known in the construction industry as ‘Mobile Elevated Working Platforms’ or ‘MEWP’s’ for short. 

MEWP’s are specialised machines, which have been designed solely to reduce risk of injury and death for operators and engineers who have to work at large heights.  MEWP’s are the only proven and safest method for working at height as they allow operators to reach a task efficiently – with specific security measures in place such as restraint belts, guard rails, anti-crush devices and toe boards to prevent any kind of injury. 

Although we now know that MEWP’s help prevent operators from sustaining severe injury or death whilst they are in operation, what a lot of people fail to realise is that the key to reducing the potential for injury or death starts long before the MEWP is in operation with what’s knows as a ‘MEWP Risk Assessment’. 

A MEWP Risk Assessment in general terms is like a checklist of things to do before an MEWP is declared safe to use. 

Different countries and different construction companies have different guidelines and health & safety processes they follow, however, in this article, we will be identifying the key points to a MEWP Risk Assessment so that safety is always paramount.

Height

How high is the task which needs to be completed from the ground? It is essential that you know the exact height (or within an accurate degree of estimation) so that you can hire the ideal MEWP for the job.

Machine Type

Do you have the correct MEWP for the job? It is essential that you know what type of MEWP is suitable for the task. Will you be working on un-even ground that will require a MEWP with stabilisers or will you be working in very high winds, which will require a MEWP with additional strength in the ‘arm’.

Conditions

What are the conditions like? Again, like above, it is essential to know the conditions you will be working in. Do you require a MEWP that needs to be remotely controlled due to a tight working space or do you need a MEWP that can operate in a variety of different working conditions.

Operators

Are the people who will be using the MEWP adequately trained? Although a variety of MEWP’s do not require specific licences, it is essential that the operator(s) using the MEWP be adequately trained with sufficient experience and qualifications. Also, are the operators in good enough health to operate the machine?

Obstructions

Are there any potential obstructions to be wary of? When working on specific types of structures such as electricity pylons and bridges, there can be additional hazards such as low-hanging wires and supports which the MEWP could be caught in. In addition, are the any potential issues for the public such as roads or footpaths, which need to be cordoned off?

Restraint

Are there any additional support features that need to be acquired such as operator restraints? One of the key things for MEWP safety is the correct level of support facilities for the operator such as restraining belts, anti-entrapment devices and fall arrest systems. Also, will the operator be required to exit the MEWP at height? If so, it is recommended to assess what additional safety measures will be needed for the operator when they exit the MEWP.

Maintenance

Has the MEWP been well maintained? It is always a good idea to do some safety checks when the MEWP arrives to make sure it is well maintained and to identify any other potential safety hazards. 

So there you have it, if you need to complete a task which requires you to work at height, it is always best to utilise the services of a MEWP with a thorough MEWP Risk Assessment and although the above list covers only the very basics of a MEWP Risk Assessment, it does give a great platform from which to build a more bespoke risk assessment depending on the task at hand and any other unique hazards which could become a problem. 

Author Bio: 

Carl Smith is a copywriter for Kimberly Access Group who is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of Cherry Picker Hire and other types of MEWP hire.

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

CUT THE CLEANING BILL? CLEANING RISKS AND HAZARDS FOR EMPLOYEES (GUEST POST)

 Many businesses have been finding ways to cut down on bills and expenses. In their minds, some services are becoming ‘unnecessary’ or they can already be done by a contracted employee for the same pay.  Some businesses are cutting down by eliminating the need for cleaning services. 

 Employees in many businesses and big corporations will notice a growing trend of providing a communal rubbish and recycling bins in one or two locations on each floor. This is a development from having trash bins at every single desk in the workplace. This method promotes the idea of decreasing the amount of trash generated. In addition, it forces employees to contemplate whatever they are throwing away and walk the distance between their desks and the trash bin. For the cleaning crew, it takes only half the time in comparison to remove trash from every bin and recycling from the building. 

Hidden Hazards for Employees  

Some businesses are taking a step farther. They ask employees to monitor the cleaning of their own workspaces, with the inclusion of the kitchen and bathroom.  General tidiness is a must and expected from all employees. This might be seen as efficient in a business point of view but many employers and employees are not aware of the activities’ hazards. There are many Occupational Health and Safety issues hidden within simple tasks like mopping the washroom floor or climbing up a ladder to store your own files. In Australia, employees expected to undertake such tasks must be properly trained to do so or the company will be at risk. Such risks are injury caused by manual handling and damage caused by chemical handling and exposure. 

In the first risk, manual handling is defined as any time an employee uses a ladder, must put something above a comfortable height, lifts a box or even pushes a vacuum. An employer who would require these actions should prepare a training for the employees by using a training module.   

Regarding chemical handling and exposure, if an employee suffers a chemical burn, chemical overexposure or any type of chemical related damage, this will be considered as OHS issue if the employee has no chemical handling training. 

Other Risks 

There are other risks for employees if they are also asked to do the cleaning of their workspace. For instance, the company will be held liable for any instance that an employee suffers an injury at work, whether from an isolated incident or repeat strain. This could happen anytime and it could led to medical bills due to injury. 

Another factor for consideration is the operation of cleaning equipment and machinery, chemicals, slippery and damp surfaces and other environmental elements which might not be taken seriously at first. However, these can be the things that may lead to a cleaning accident for the employees, whether they are trained or untrained. 

Cost is something that businesses take seriously. It is up to the business whether they wish to cut their cleaning costs and train their employees for cleaning tasks. It is also their choice to hire a professional cleaning company to get the job done. It might be even more practical and financially sound to simply hire people who are aware and trained in their work. 

This guest post was written by Sharon Freeman, an Australian freelance writer and blogger.  She has been writing about commercial cleaning services and workplace cleanliness articles for companies like http://cleangroup.com.au/

Sharon, this article should make us think about our own housekeeping duties in our work area.  workplace safety posters located throughout the area could communicate the importance of keeping their workplace safe and clean.  Many people don’t  appreciate their work enough to monitor this task. Whether their employer contracts cleaning crews or has their own, it’s still important that workers respect their workplace enough to keep it safe, and tidy, as well. pb

General Safety Issues

CLOSE PROTECTION COURSES AND WHY THEY ARE ESSENTIAL TO YOUR BUSINESS (GUEST POST)

4 Comments

Close protection courses are available for the protection of the client, to protect as required by the client and for the protection of the security employee themselves. Knowledge and understanding is essential for safety. 

If you are in the security business or your job involves keeping people or things secure; you will be aware of the benefits of professional training. You may require training for yourself or your employees may need to have certain levels of training for the business. Having the right training can ensure that employees are safe and have the knowledge and understanding they need in any eventuality that comes their way.

You will find a lot of companies that offer training and education that those in the security industry will need. Finding the best provider is extremely important to ensure that you get the best training and find the most suited to your company. Business owners will be aware of the training they require for their employees. There are many cheap training courses available now as close protection courses become more widely available and in demand by many companies.

Close protection courses provide adequate knowledge so the person training can ensure a safe environment for the company or client. They also educate on carrying out risk assessments ensuring they can be done quickly and safely. It’s not always the first thing considered, but these courses are becoming more of a necessity today. Businesses require this kind of training and the options are there. Businesses need to ensure that, where protection is required; it is done properly. If the person responsible is given the best training available it will increase their knowledge helping them do the job to the best of their ability.

The close protection courses available allow individuals to familiarise potential hostile environments. This is important as they may come across a hostile situation in their career and with the right training can deal with it to the best of their ability. Finding the right provider is important to ensure you receive the best quality training at the right price. As we are talking about safety; finding the right provider is essential. You want to find a company that will offer the training at an affordable price, but also offers good quality training. Taking the time to research online and check out what’s available can save you money and ensure you get the best using the internet to research the competition.

The right training from close protection courses enables the security employee to be more aware of what is going on and how to deal with the situation they are faced with. The training can be challenging, but they are designed to ensure the safety of individuals and give them the ability to deal with the situation in the best possible way. Whatever the job role the individual is employed to do, close protection training ensures they can carry it out using their knowledge and understanding and to ensure they carry out the job properly. The training enables the employee to deal with situations they are faced with.

They enable the person to analyse the situation so they can take the required actions quickly and deal with the situation effectively. The training enables the security employee to be more aware of what it going on and how to communicate and deal with a situation. Finding the right provider is important, especially when it comes to safety. Research online can be all it takes to find the provider who can offer affordability and quality training. You cannot compromise when it comes to security as safety is very important. 

Author Bio

Rachel is a freelance writer based in Cheshire. Rachel has researched close protection courses with the help of a specialist provider online. In her spare time; Rachel enjoys spending time with her niece and classic computer games.

 

General Safety Issues

OFFICE MANAGER TRAINING (GUEST POST)

Sent by Maire Hunter

Your office manager represents the face of your business. Customers and employees alike will see your manager when they walk in, and her behavior and demeanor can reinforce or change their impression of you. Accordingly, every office manager requires onboard training to get up to speed on procedure and company culture. Hiring a top candidate and providing thorough training may mean the difference between a manager who works with employees to exceed client needs and one who simply shows up to open the door and turn on the lights. Make sure to hit these basics when training your next hire.

Software

While you may have stated ideal software qualifications in your job posting, there’s no guarantee your chosen candidate will have the exact skills you want. Offer training in every program your office manager will use daily, such as Outlook, Microsoft Publisher, Access or Salesforce.

Communications

As the face of your business, your office manager must have excellent oral and written communications skills. While you’ve hopefully used the interview and reference check to evaluate your new manager’s communications skills, you can offer additional training should you think it required. Communications training can include dealing with angry customers or employees, conflict resolution strategies, foreign language skills, research skills and grant writing. Of course, these skills may benefit the office as a whole so you may want to open up training opportunities to all employees.

Administrative Services

Chances are, you have a preferred way things are done at your workplace, and your new hire needs to know this as part of onboard training. How are rooms reserved for meetings? How are personal time off requests handled? Where does employee mail go, and who should sign for packages? Have an existing administrative employee train your new hire in workplace procedures or provide a comprehensive employee manual or intranet that explains these procedures. There will be a lot for a new office manager to take in, so it’s important that she have something to refer to if she forgets something.

Workplace Management

Every office manager must make sure the workplace has enough supplies, from letterhead and stationery to cleaning supplies like cleaning wipes and dish soap for the office kitchen. Have an existing administrative employee show your new hire where your keep vendor catalogs, account information, workplace supply inventory and other necessities. It can be easy to overlook these small things until you’re down to fifty pieces of letterhead and facing two weeks’ lead time until the next batch arrives.

Safety Protocol

Your workplace should have emergency plans in place to accommodate power outages, fire drills and other hazards. Since your office manager may need to ensure that the building is safely evacuated and that phone trees are followed in the vent of weather-related emergencies, she will need to become familiar with all workplace safety protocol. This information also belongs in the manual or intranet, for the benefit of all employees.

The right office manager needs a blend of hard and soft skills to make the workplace run successfully day in and day out. The right training leverages these skills for success by providing everything needed for a smooth and successful transition. When the office manager is effective, it’s that much easier for other employees to perform at a higher level.

Thanks, Maire, for this detailed information involving the responsibilities of an office manager.  In the safety protocols section, it is important that the company has regularly scheduled safety meetings, and that all employees follow these rules.  Many accidents happen in an office, so strategically placed safety posters remind them to be safe at all times.  pb