Tag Archives: trips and falls

Back Safety, Ergonomics, Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety

EASY HEALTH AND SAFETY TIPS FOR THE WORKPLACE (GUEST POST)

Regardless of the type of industry you work in, whether it is construction, manufacturing or energy, it is extremely important that you adhere to any health and safety rules in the workplace. If you fail to follow the health and safety guidelines  in operation, you may find that you inadvertently put yourself, and those around you, at risk. To ensure  you are taking  safety seriously, and protecting those around you,  we recommend you follow these five simple tips:

Slips, Trips and Falls

Regardless of the environment you work in, you need to be conscious of any potential slips and trips that can occur. To avoid a fall at work, you should ensure that all employees have had relevant training, explaining how best to avoid any accidents in the workplace. For example, ensuring all equipment is returned after use, can prevent anyone from tripping over it. It is also important that all employees know not to ignore a spillage or hazard.

Heavy Goods and Lifting

If you work in an industry which requires you to constantly move products from one place from another, you should always ensure you are comfortable with the weight you are carrying. Currently there are restrictions in place, as to what a single person should legally be carrying, these regulations aim to protect employees from being expected to carry something that is too heavy for them. If you believe that an item is too heavy to be carried safely, you should use the appropriate lifting gear available, helping to prevent a heavy lifting injury.

Personal Protective Clothing

If you work in a hazardous environment, or you are operating dangerous machinery, you should always ensure that you are wearing the appropriate Personal Protective Clothing (PPE). Even if you are only going to be working for a short period of time, it is essential that you, and your fellow employees, are always protected.

Wiring

Most work places will have a high volume of wires to contend  with. It is extremely important that all wires are maintained, and organized, in a manner that will prevent employees and visitors from tripping over them. If  a little time is regularly dedicated to tidying and maintaining wires, you will find that any issues are quickly resolved. When setting up new equipment, or machinery, you should make certain that all wires are kept to the edge of a room, and that they are firmly fixed in place.  Such measures will ensure they cannot move, avoiding the potential for a hazard to develop.

Fire Hazards

In any workplace fires are extremely dangerous, and can be devastating. With this in mind, you should prioritise  protecting your workplace; making sure all employees are vigilant. It is crucial that you clearly explain and display fire procedures, making sure they are understood, in case of an emergency.  You should also test and service all fire alarms and fire extinguishers on regular basis, so you know they will work correctly if they are ever required. 

Asons Solicitors suggest that if someone would like to learn more about health and safety claims process, such information is available at www.asons.co.uk, or via an expert helpline on 01204 521 133 

About Asons Solicitors:

Asons Solicitors is a Bolton-based law practice that specialises in personal injury and industrial disease claims. Founded by brothers Imran Akram and Kamran Akram, Asons Solicitors has developed to become a young and dynamic law firm that delivers practical solutions to clients in times of difficulty. Their continued focus on their staff has seen them awarded with the Investors in People “Gold Award”; which is reflected in the professional and personable approach they take in working with clients. They strive to grow and to develop, and their supportiveness and attention to detail ensures that their clients use them time and again. 

For further information contact:

Email: info@asons.co.uk; Website: www.asons.co.uk

General Safety Issues

SAFETY GUIDELINES THAT EVERY COMPANY SHOULD USE (GUEST POST)

Most businesses know that safety is one of the first issues they should focus on, but that doesn’t mean that all companies do everything they can do to ensure that everyone in the workplace is safe at all times. This is why it is vital that every supervisor stresses the importance of safety to his or her employees and then repeats the rules every month or so. People need to be reminded every so often how important it is that everyone follows the rules so there is never an unfortunate injury or even death in the workplace. 

Here are some of the most basic guidelines that every workplace should follow:

Stacking and Storing Boxes

  • Always put the heaviest boxes on a lower shelf and the lightest on top.
  • All boxes should be stable at all times, so never stack too many on top of each other.
  • If you plan to stack boxes on multiple levels, you need to have ladders, stools, and other equipment that will allow you to reach the highest level. You never want anyone to have to reach more than an arm’s length for high items.

Shelving Boxes and Pallets

  • Every shelf should be labeled so employees know exactly how much weight can be stored on each one.
  • Don’t allow anyone to use machinery close to shelving units. One of the most common accidents in the workplace is when shelves full of boxes and pallets are knocked over.
  • Make sure that every shelf is secured so that there is no chance that they can fall once boxes are stacked on them.

Avoiding Trips and Falls

  • Ladders should be made readily available for anyone who needs to reach a box on a higher shelf.
  • None of the ladders or stools in the building should have any defects.
  • No stools, ladders, or chairs should be used unless they are on level ground.
  • Employees should never use boxes in place of ladders, stools, or chairs to reach higher shelves.
  • Every path around shelves should be kept clear at all times to avoid trips and falls.
  • Any wires or cords used in the workplace should be kept away from walkways.
  • When employees are at their desks, they should never lean their chairs back or move their chairs into public walkways.

Using Bookshelves and Cabinets

  • If cabinets are used in the office, they should not be placed in heavily congested areas.
  • Just like on shelves, you need the heaviest items to be on top when placing them in cabinets or on bookshelves. Both could fall over if the weight isn’t evenly distributed.
  • Make sure all cabinet drawers are closed when they are not in use.
  • If you need to use more than one cabinet, only open one at a time so people don’t run into them when walking by.
  • Any large bookshelves or cabinets should be securely fastened to the walls so they don’t tip over once items are placed in them.

Other Safety Tips

  • Furniture with sharper corners or edges should be protected with either tape or other softening materials.
  • Anything that pulls out, like desk drawers or bookshelves, should be pushed in unless they are being used.
  • It’s imperative that anything that is spilled is cleaned up right away so people don’t slip. Someone should stay by the spill to warn others that it is there.
  • Absolutely everything that is sharp in the office should be stored away when not in use.
  • If there are tools that are meant for specific jobs in the workplace, they should never be substituted for something that is closer by. Using the wrong tools can lead to accidents.
  • All vents in the workplace should be kept clean at all times. No shelves, bookcases, or desks should ever block the vents.
  • If any employees see any pests in the workplace, they should let their supervisor know immediately so the problem doesn’t get worse.
  • Any arguments or fights between employees should be stopped immediately to ensure the safety of everyone in the office. 

All of these tips should be adhered to by everyone in the workplace no matter what their job may be. If only some people follow these safety guidelines, everyone is at risk of serious injury.  Most people already know most of these guidelines, but it’s still important to post them where everyone can see them, and to go over each and every one of them with new employees. 

Author Bio 

Ronald Alexander’s experience as a journalist is as long as 10 years writing for newspapers, websites and magazines. He is currently working with Hilicom and is bit by the bug of researching and writing articles on industrial racks to ensure safety in the workplace. 

Thank you so very much for this helpful article and we hope folks will take your advice.  Might not be a bad idea to keep a first aid supply kit handy, just in case. pb