Category Archives: Hearing Protection

Back Safety, Ergonomics, Eye Protection, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Issues, Respiratory Safety

Industrial Fabrication Quality and Safety Practices

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Industrial Fabrication Quality and Safety Practices
When you’re in the metal fabrication industry, there are certain quality and safety practices you should follow to ensure that your workers are safe and that your clients are satisfied. Whether it is steel or aluminum fabrication, welders are always exposed to hazards that can endanger their lives.
In this article, we will discuss some of the guidelines you can follow to improve the quality and safety of welding practices in your workshop. Whether you’re working for a large construction company, a small metal fabrication workshop or a welding-centric company, you will find the something useful in this post.
Studying the Manual Carefully
These days, https://www.nist.gov/sites/default/files/documents/el/whitepapers.pdf new technologies are always introduced to the metal fabrication workshop</a>. When operating the equipment, it is important that welders carefully read, study and follow the manual. Take your time to familiarize yourself with the manual’s content so that you can use the equipment efficiently. If you lose the manual, you can always contact the manufacturer and request for a replacement. You can also go online and download the manual from the manufacturer’s website.
Wear the Proper Work Clothing and Gear
People inside the work area should not wear shorts or short-sleeved shirts. No matter how long or short you’d use the machines, you should always wear proper safety gear which includes protective clothing and gloves, among others.
It is advisable for workers to wear flame-resistant clothing with tightly woven material. Some welding jackets may be thick and heavy, but you can always search for manufacturers that offer flame-resistant clothing that is lightweight.
Make sure that no skin is exposed to the damaging and harmful ultraviolet and infrared rays coming from the welding machine. This means that you should also make sure that your pockets, shirts and pant cuffs are buttoned. The aforementioned may catch sparks and get your skin smoldered.
When it comes to gloves, you do not have to settle for the generic ones. You can find ergonomic gloves that are designed with curved fingers, making certain welding processes more comfortable. Of course, you should not forget to protect your feet too. So, wear high-top leather shoes or boots and avoid wearing tennis or fabric shoes that may catch sparks. Moreover, do not let the legs of your pants go over your shoes.
Ensure Proper Ventilation
Constantly breathing in the fumes and smoke coming from the welding process can be dangerous to your health. Inside an enclosed work space, toxic fumes or shielding gases may accumulate and replace the breathable air. So, do not forget to mount an exhaust hood so that workers can have proper ventilation inside the work area.
Keep your Eyes Protected
Welders who do neglect to wear proper eye gear may experience an ‘arc flash’. Although temporary, this condition can be painful and it is caused by exposing the eyes to the rays from the welding arc. Sometimes, people experience an arc flash hours after exposure and it would be too late for them to realize that they should have worn protective eyewear.
Do not neglect to wear a helmet that is fitted with a filter shade that protects your eyes. Moreover, under the helmet, remember to wear safety glasses with side shields and ear protection. Whether you’re doing steel fabrication or simply observing, always remember to wear a protective helmet.
Get Auto-Darkening Helmets to Avoid Stress Related Injuries
If you want a better option apart from traditionally fixed helmets, then go for auto-darkening helmets. Helmets like such are lighter which reduces neck fatigue. When they have to drop the hood, welders do not need to snap their head because of the helmet’s lightweight nature.
You can also save some seconds in between welds because of the auto-darkening function. When you’re working on bigger metal fabrication jobs, these few seconds can accumulate to several minutes. Consequently, you will have a faster turnaround time that will profit the business.
Keeping the Welding Workspace Organized
One of the most important safety practices in metal fabrication is organizing the workspace. Every piece of welding equipment must be clearly labelled and have a designated storage space. Moreover, the welding workspace must only have the tools and equipment that the welder uses and nothing more. For a more efficient and organized workspace, it is advisable to get a welding table with a scissors mechanism. This allows the welder to adjust the height according to the application so that they won’t have to switch from one table to another.
Encourage Efficient Operations by Using Boom-Mounted Wire Feeders
Wire feeders that are mounted with booms are efficient for welders who work on a high-production welding station. Having one increases the work station’s efficiency, flexibility, and comfort. Place the drive assembly at the end of the boom and the controls of the wire feeder at the 12- or 16-ft. boom’s base.
This option allows you to rotate the boom at 360 degrees. The set-up also allows you to move the boom up and down at 60 degrees, giving you around 24 to 32 ft. work area diameter. After setting the boom in its position the counterbalance will hold it in place.
Encourage Welders to Comply with Safety Rules
When new programs are rolled out, workers see the project as something that will only last for a few months. Metal fabrication companies can implement a different approach to promote welding safety.
Little by little, incorporate the guidelines listed in this article into the daily work activities of the welders. If they comply, motivate them by providing them with incentives. You can even encourage them more by using a weekly point system that will be rewarded by the end of the month.
Another effective approach you can use is the ‘stick’ in the ‘carrot and stick’ technique. When employees violate the quality and safety rules, give them a demerit. Implementing consequences lets workers know that you are serious about your guidelines. Some may think that this is a harsh way of treating your subordinates. However, you can combine it with the incentive program so that they will still have the motivation to do their best.
People working in the metal fabrication industry are exposed to hazardous processes. Apart from the equipment and the products, the labourers are the most important assets of a company. When they are kept healthy, safe and happy, you can ensure quality workmanship and business success.
Author Bio:
Ashley Batman is a writer at <a href=”http://ramfab.com.au/“>RamFab.com.au</a>. She worked as an online video editor before she started her writing career.
Photo Credit: <a href=”https://www.flickr.com/photos/highwaysagency/“>Highways England</a>
Hearing Protection, High Visibility Safety

Securing Life While Working On the Roads

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Securing Life While Working On the Roads

Roads are amongst the most dangerous places for anyone to work. It is unfortunate that every now and then, there are significant accidents on areas where highway construction is taking place. These accidents often lead to severe injury and sometimes death. Road worker have a responsibility to ensure they are safe as they work on the highway. They need to be well equipped with the gear as well as information that could help them stay safe while they put their skills to work. Here are some safety tips for highway workers.

Most road workers will be wearing industrial ear plugs for the protection of their eardrums, however whilst minimizing their hearing they must ensure that they are still well informed about the area they’re working on. They must know the dangers and precautions to take into consideration before they begin their work and during work. In so doing, it becomes easier for them to see the danger beforehand and keep it at bay.

While working on the roads, the employees need the correct safety tools to carry out their work effectively. The equipment must also be up to standards to make the job quick and easy. After all, no one wants to be on the road longer than they need to be. A faster-working pace reduces traffic build up and keeps the risk of accidents at a minimum.

It is also very important for highway workers to keep the drivers and motorists informed and alerted in construction areas. They need to make sure the motorists are aware of uneven lanes or where traffic merges so that they can slow down.

When they have to work at night, road construction workers need to be appropriately suited with reflectors. They also need to ascertain that they are evidently visible to drivers to reduce the chances of injury.

Road workers must also make sure they take personal care of themselves by always staying hydrated. Doing this helps avoid dizzy spells that can make them less alert and hence prone to accidents.

It is also essential for road workers to work as a team to ensure they keep one another safe. One of the individuals ought to be on the look-out and even direct traffic to make sure that no driver blindly speeds into the site injuring the busy workers.

The road constructors must make sure they use a safety program daily. Before any work shift begins, they need to familiarize themselves with the communication signs that are likely to be used between workers who operate equipment and those on foot.
The road workers also need to have the correct traffic safety supply tools and protective gear such as gloves, footwear, and clothing that is weather proof in case the sun is too hot or it rains heavily. Safety goggles are also needed to keep the eyes safe from debris, therefore keeping their eyesight at the peak.

Road engineers also need always to place barrels or cones well. They also need to make sure these safety equipment are placed securely for them to withstand harsh weather conditions.
As a road worker, you should always put caution at the top of the list of everything that you do. Whether you are working on minor streets or super highways you need to be careful as they are always risky to be around. As an employer, ensure that your team is well equipped with traffic safety supply tools to use. Additionally, arm them with the necessary knowledge to make sure the dangers that lurk around their work areas are well laid out for them.

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, High Visibility Safety

5+ safety tips for construction workers!

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5+ safety tips for construction workers!

The construction job is one of the greatest and, at the same time, one of the riskiest jobs in the world. When you are constructing buildings, you are probably helping thousands of dreams to realize or you are just becoming the reason for providing someone’s haven. This is the part construction become a humane job, a great one. But at the same time, you are probably risking your life every moment you are on the job. Accidents, injuries and stress – you will frequently come across these words if you are in the construction job. And if you are unlucky enough, death is another word that you probably had to hear. It is needless to say that you must take all and every step that ensures your safety – EVRERYDAY!

Your safety precaution should encompass everything that you need to protect your body from – from the tools you work with, the scaffolding, the chemicals, and the piles of construction garbage to your habit of drinking! Here are a few tips that you might start with –

Tip 1: Learn!

Yes – that’s the first and most important things you can do to ensure your safety. And I am not just talking about what safety steps you should take – I am also talking about the escape and exit routes at your workplace; the location of the fire extinguisher and how to use one; the use of first aid kit. Ask your employer to do training if s/he hasn’t yet done one. Ask them to point out places that pose the greatest risk for the workers.

Tip 2: Have a look around

That’s the first rule of safety. As you reach your workplace, just take five minutes and look for any possible sign of danger – check the scaffolding, make sure the ladders are strong enough, test the equipments you work with. If you find something wonky, just inform your employer. Keep your eyes open. You might save yourself and a lot of lives too. Look for any

Tip 3: Wear the right clothes  

And the right gears too! The safety clothing and equipments you put on are known as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the construction business.  The reflective vest, helmet and safety shoes save you from falling objects and sharp tools decreasing the risks of injury to the largest extent. Safety glasses and face masks protect you from hazardous and chemical substances.

Tip 4: Clean the garbage

As soon as you have finished the day’s work, do not make any delay to remove the refuse. Stack of construction garbage increases the risks of injury and if it contains any chemical or hazardous waste, it might set off big accidents.

Tip 5: Do have a lot of water and nutritious food too

That’s the basic rule to protect your health. This might sound like a lame tip. But trust me – if you start consuming more water, you will feel less tired than earlier as you finish your job for the day.

Tip 6: Talk to your workmates

Yes – talk to your workmates, make plans what you would do if someone faces an accident or injury and vice versa. Think of all the possible things you could do if someone gets into an accident – what your immediate action would be, who to inform, which immediate care you could provide. This would have two effects – the more you talk, the better prepared you would be and the less worried you would get if you face such situations. And second, you know you have a person you can lean on in your bad time!

Tip 7: Carry a First Aid Kit with you

You can provide emergency care service if you carry one. And who knows you might even save a life!

And last, but the best piece of advice – make a checklist of your personal safety rules.  Follow it religiously. No one but you can care best for yourself and for your workmates too!

Ergonomics, Hearing Protection

The Best Noise-Cancelling in Ear Headphones

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The Best Noise-Cancelling in Ear Headphones

Now a day many people use mobile phone in their day to day activities that is much useful for them. It also used for many purpose like entertainment, games, apps and educational purpose etc. Some of the people use mobile phone only for hearing songs because they like to do that. But the sound of songs disturbs others and if the person is in happy mode then they like to hear the song loudly which creates disturbance to others. So ear phones are introduced for hearing songs without disturbing to others. It not only used for hearing songs can also useful for make communication with other person secretly.

 

Way for removing unwanted noise

Using ear headphones is a way to hear audio without cause any disturbance to other people. But it causes some ear diseases to the user who hears songs in high volume. Due to the high volume of song it affects the ear by produce some unwanted sounds which is called as noise. So it is necessary to remove noise from ear headphones and protect the ear. There is lots of methods are available used to remove the noise:

  • One of the best ways is use the Bose quietcomfort 20 which is best ear headphones for removing the noise. It is selected as a best noise removal ear headphone by the experts who conducts many experiments and compare qualities of ear headphones with each other. The sound quality of that ear headphone is much better than others and has a great battery life which is over 17 hours.
  • A later version of best noise cancelling ear headphone is Bose quietcontrol 30 that gives better noise cancellation without wire from ear to the phone. It is a wireless technology because there is no wired connection between the mobile devices and ear. It is based on the Bluetooth version which is used for establish connection between two sources and also comfortable to use by everyone.
  • Another technology for removing the noise from the ear headphone is called as budget wired noise canceller which based on the wired medium but it does not reduce more noise than other ear headphones.

Features of the noise cancelling ear headphones

Generally the noise cancelling ear headphones can be categorized into two types that are wired and wireless. The best example for the wireless ear headphones is Bose quietcontrol and example for wired ear headphone is budget wired noise canceller. The Bose ear pair provides a good sound effect without affecting the ear of a person. The cost is also based on the usage of ear headphones which is used at the different environment includes at flight and train. Because the frequency can be changed for every place in which the ear headphones are used. The noise cancelling ear headphones can used 15 hours in flights and 12 hours in train travelling. The quietcontrol 20 noise cancelling ear headphone can be handled lower frequency range and quietcontrol 25 which is the later version of the quietcontrol 20 deals with both lower and higher frequency ranges.

The design of ear headphone is most important factor because it is not only for removing the noise from the headphones and give comfortableness to the users. In some situation the user sleeps with the ear headphones that do not affect the comfortable sleeping of the user. The noise created by the ear headphones which contain 75decibels of pink noise and the circuit of the noise can be measured further. Anything below 75 decibels in noise indicates the noise cancelling or noise reduction from the overall noise creation and in the modern technology there is an app to remove noise from the ear headphones before using of that app must be installed on their mobile devices, but it is not easy to implement.

The ear headphones can be work based on the frequency of an audio which is to be heard. The noise cancelling is the based on the factors like type of mobile phone which indicates android phone, keypad phones. The noise is not an analog signal and it is a digital signal because it is used in the digital device.

Author Bio:

Tom Berdinger has written about headphones, earphones, and other topics for many websites. Having more than three years of experience in earphones and headphones, we can say that he is a true audioholic. .

 

 

Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, High Visibility Safety, Protective Clothing

Essential Safety Wear All Trades People Should Consider

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Essential Safety Wear All Trades People Should Consider

When it comes to work clothing, it needs to be suitable for the job. It may need to be hard wearing, comfortable and safe or maybe all three. The right footwear will have to worn as well as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) where necessary.

Below is a list of the important items that tradesmen should wear and how they are safe for the work environment.

Safety Footwear – Safety footwear is a crucial aspect of work clothing. The ideal safety footwear should have a midsole that consists of protective steel as well as a steel toe cap. The upper should be made of leather and have a padded collar while the insole should be moulded and removable while they should be shock absorbent with a double density PU sole.

Trousers – They will need to be durable, practical and versatile. An important aspect of work safety trousers are the pockets because they will need multiple pockets while front cargo pockets are required for easy access to tools.

Microfleece – These provide warmth and comfort while being lightweight making them ideal for layering throughout the year. During the winter they can be worn under a jacket while its high collar acts as a wind shield. During warmer conditions it is ideal as a top layer.

Work Shorts – These are crucial during the summer months but they have to provide comfort and durability. A large selection of pockets will make it easy to store tools and accessories.

Hi-Visibility Jackets – These jackets are not just warm thanks to their fleet lining but they are also waterproof with tapes seams to keep you warm and dry. Hi-Vis clothing provides more safety if those wearing the jackets are working in unlit areas or the dark.

Body Warmers – Tradesmen need to stay warm and comfortable which is why a body warmer is the perfect choice. They are windproof and practical making them ideal in a number of ways.

Nitrile Gloves – These provide grip and resistance from abrasion in wet and oily conditions while the coating makes them water resistant. They are strong and durable which means they can be worn over and over without tearing.

Work Jackets – Opting for a jacket that has a micro fleece lining will ensure that it is warm yet a Teflon polycotton will make it stain resistant. Internal pockets and ample external pockets make it the ideal work jacket.

Safety Glasses – These are part of the PPE and protect the eyes. They are now seen in the majority of industries as they protect the eyes from hazards, debris and chemicals.

Safety Helmets – In the construction industry in particular as well as many other industries, safety helmets are one of the most important forms of safety. Workers will have to wear them all day long which means choosing the right one is vital. They can be used with detachable ear defenders and face visors for an extra level of safety while they can also be worn with thermal hoods. They have to comply with the safety standard EN397, or ANSI Z89.1 regulations in the U.S. and should be able to resist impact.

Foam Earplugs – Again, these are used in a number of industries and are ideal for working low levels of noised for long periods and areas with high noise levels. They come in a range of sizes and colours as well as shapes so that they fit the ears correctly.

Dust Masks – These are a common disposable PPE item. They are seen in a number of industries and provide protection from dust and fumes.

Back Safety, Ergonomics, Eye Protection, Fall Safety, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, High Visibility Safety, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Issues

Construction Safety 101: Workwear, Safety Gear & Equipment

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Construction Safety 101: Workwear, Safety Gear & Equipment

Keeping construction workers safe is a primary job among managers and foremen, with accomplishing the work to specifics and being on time being second. To support this main concern on construction sites, there are different pieces of safety vests and equipment that every worker should wear. These include items like safety vests, reflective T-shirts, and hard hats. Let’s walk through construction safety 101 while keeping your team sharp and safe on the construction site with these safety items.

Hard Hats

Protect the head in safety and style with an OSHA approved hard hat.  Hard hats should provide not just maximum protection from falling debris, but they should also deliver comfort factor for its wearer. For instance, if you need a high-performing hard hat with a Super-bowl style design, 2017 Super Bowl hard hats are approved for constructions site. These NFL hard hats are designed with comfortable and adjustable 4-point One-Touch Suspension for maximum protection and comfort.

Back Support Gears

Back injuries are among the most pressing health problems in construction sites by far. Hence, workers should promote maximum construction safety 101 by using back support gears to stay sharp and safe on the site.  The Allegro All Fit Back Support items are made in a universal size, so they fit most workers. Protect your back with these high-performance belts that deliver full back coverage, with neoprene pads for comfortable wear. For workers’ convenience, these back support gears come inside of a customized reusable zipper storage bag.

High Visibility Vests

Most construction workers require maximum flame resistance and maximum visibility at work. The Arc Flame Resistant Lime Class 2 Sleeveless Vest – Silver Stripe is preferred by many workers due to its wide range of applications. These High-Visibility vests come with silver stripes for excellent visibility as well as flame resistance. There are available in different sizes, so every worker will surely find the perfect size for him to work smartly and safely at the construction site.  They are also soft and flexible for maximum convenience.

Fall Protection

One of the most serious concerns among construction workers is falling. It is every employer’s responsibility to protect their employees from falls.  The Elk River Freedom Series Aerial Lift Kit is an OSHA-approved item that contains several fall protection products. If you work with platform lifts, buck trucks or scissor lifts, this item is a great product for you. They come with a unique D-ring harness for comfort and security while working high above the ground.

Safety Respirators

Protect your workers from gases, vapors and particles with high-performing reusable respirators. They

 

Provide protection against particles, gases and vapors with the 3M full line of reusable respirators. The 3M 5000 Half Face Respirator Kits are made to fit bigger head sizes. These safety respirators are very easy to set up and they can be used for wide range of applications.

Aside from these safety items, construction workers are also required to wear sturdy work shoes, long work pants, safety glasses, chemical splash goggles, face shields, hearing protection and protective gloves. At all times, practice construction safety 101 to keep your team safe and sharp at work.

 

Author Bio (Northbay)

Northbay is known for its high quality HVAC products and services that every client can depend on. They are proud to sell and install the finest air conditioning and heating products and carry out quality services for repair and maintenance. They can help you with all your HVAC needs, regardless of your system’s makes and models. They pride themselves for their unmatched customer service. http://www.northbayheatingandair.com/

 

 

Eye Protection, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, Protective Clothing

6 Must-Have HVAC Health & Safety Products

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6 Must-Have HVAC Health & Safety Products

HVAC Health & Safety Products are optimally matched so you can benefit not only from efficient installation and reduce operational costs, but also form an additional layer of security against system failure. Today let’s walk through a rundown of top HVAC products that are perfect for your air heating and cooling needs.

  1. HVAC Safety Glasses

Protect yourself by picking HVAC safety glasses that comply with the latest industry standard. For instance, Jackson Nemesis CAMO Safety Glasses w/ Amber Lens is a useful HVAC safety product for a vast range of applications. They come with a unique camouflage design and several types of lens tints to make HVAC works easier and safer.

  1. Multi-Task Light Gloves

Eliminate the fatigue and the risks of hand injury while working on HVAC systems. Invest in a high quality safety glove that that provides high levelsb of illumination for any task. You’d surely love the efficiency of MCR RED Multi Task Light Gloves made with sophisticated finger construction that delivers high-intensity LED lights. They are designed from synthetic leather and can be utilized for different kinds of tasks.

  1. Safety Vests

All HVAC workers should use a high-visibility safety vest. When looking for a safety vest, you should always look into the background colors of your working area, so you won’t blend into it. For example, if you’re working on a blacktop with white safety cones, you might want to choose a high-visibility safety vest like Orange Surveyors Vests with THINK SAFETY Imprint on Back.

  1. Hard Hats

One of the most important HVAC Health & Safety Products is hard hats. They protect the head from potential injuries due to falling objects, electric shock or impact with debris. Experts recommend HVAC safety hard hats that are designed from a protective polyethylene shell such as MSA V-Gard Cap Style Hard Hats with One Touch Suspensions. They are designed for superior impact and puncture resistance.

  1. Safety Coverall

Safety coveralls for HVAC works should be comfortable, functional and provide the necessary safety level of contractors. It’s a smart ideal to invest in high quality HVAC clothing such as Indura Flame Resistant Coverall. It weighs only 9 ounces and is designed with a unique Khaki color style. Theses safety clothings provide optimum flame resistance. Thanks to its flame-retardant polymer.

  1. Hearing Protection Products

HVAC Health & Safety Products for hearing protection including earplugs are designed for workers who work in noisy settings. These safety products are important not only to protect your hearing from loud noise but also for your safety. Purchase a high-performing hearing protection product like Howard Leight USA Earplugs Uncorded. These earplugs have patriotic colors that also help increase visibility. They easily adapt to your ear canal’s shape and they are very comfortable to wear.

In a working environment where health and safety are very crucial, it is important to choose the right tools and apparels. To those who work in the HVAC industry, the above-mentioned HVAC Health & Safety Products are all you need to keep HVAC jobs much easier, more convenient, and safer.

 

Author Bio (Withrow Mechanical Inc)

Withrow Mechanical Inc is a highly dependable HVAC company that specializes in residential and commercial heating and cooling solutions. The company aims to provide customers with top quality products and services that are unique to every situation. While doing this, they strive to keep all HVAC projects on time and within the budget of their customers. Committed to customers’ complete satisfaction, Withrow Mechanical Inc. stands behind all of their workmanship for the best HVAC solutions. http://withrowmechanical.com

 

 

 

 

Eye Protection, Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, High Visibility Safety, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety

Taking Preemptive Measures for Vehicle Accidents in Construction (Guest Post)

Since reducing the risk of fatal accidents and death rate within the construction industry is not an easy job, taking timely, effective preemptive measures is the only way out. Read further for a fair idea of what can be done and how!

The rate of accidents, injuries and deaths associated with the construction industry is much higher than most other areas of work. The most common reasons that make construction work perilous is possibility of deadly accidents with vehicles and falls from extreme height.

On an average, every third fatal accident at a construction site has one or more vehicles involved. Frequently occurring transport accidents at work include:

  1. Victims being stuck by moving vehicles, especially while reversing
  2. People falling from vehicles or hit by things falling from vehicles
  3. Overturning vehicles leading to serious injuries

What Can Be Done to Prevent Vehicle Accidents in Construction?

The first step towards reducing high death rate in construction industry is to reduce the risk of fatal accidents at construction sites that involve vehicles. Employers need to fulfill their legal duties and play a pivotal role in that case, especially by assessing risks and taking practical measures to ensure the safety of everyone around.

This may include maintaining accident records, training and consulting employees, and co-coordinating and cooperating contractors. The focus needs to be on planning and implementing collective safety measures, instead of giving individual measures extra importance. The basic idea should be to replace the hazardous with the harmless.

Taking Preemptive Measures for Vehicle Accidents in the Construction Industry

Practically, accident prevention should not start after the work has already begun on the construction site. Instead, designers, architects and planners can considerably diminish the risk of vehicle accidents by designing and planning well in the pre-build phase.

Risk assessment is the most important aspect that every employer ought to take care of, followed precisely by the conveyance of complete information to the contractors, verifying that the construction site is fully safe for the workers.

A thoroughly carried out risk assessment process involves:

Looking for Potential Hazards:

After you have evaluated the work the finished tasks, identify potential dangers that may be associated with the presence of heavy vehicles at the site. Operations such as reversing, loading and unloading always have a higher probability of damage being done at the workplace.

Factors that increase the likelihood of occurrence of such accidents more include rough terrain, continuous exposure to bad weather conditions, labor working under multiple contractors, and time pressure. You can involve both the workers and their contractors in the risk assessment process, explaining to them what has been planned to reduce the level of risk.

Try preventing the following things in particular:

  • Running over pedestrians
  • Overturning vehicles
  • Vehicle accidents caused by falls while climbing or working too close to power lines
  • Vehicle malfunctioning

Identifying Who May Be Harmed

Figuring out every possible factor that can harm individuals on the work site is the first step towards implementation of safety measures. This will include everyone from contractors, workers, self-employed individuals and even the general public. Pay special attention to the areas where vehicle movement is mandatory and you can’t exclude the public.

It is also possible to take note of the likely hazards during the designing stage while the construction cost estimation is being done. Take note of the design for safety and also ensure to calculate cost of making safety provisions.

Prepare an Action Plan after Evaluating the Risks

Evaluating the risks associated with each hazard on the site will help you calculate the possibility of harm and the level of severity. Check whether you have taken enough protective measures to ensure the safety of people on-site. Thoroughly revise all important aspects such as workplace design and signs and signals.  Ensure that all workers have the proper personal protective gear that is needed to complete the job safely.

Taking Action

Once the risk assessment process is completed, list all preventive measures based on priority. When it is time to take action, take all the workers and contractors along. Though your focus should be on implementing measures to prevent any accident from taking place in the first place, it will be equally important to have be prepared for the worst and have all emergency provisions in place too.

Author Bio: Laura Laurel is a Stanford graduate in civil engineer with specialization in Civil Designs, Cost Estimation and 3D Modeling. She began her career as a construction trainee at Viatechnik LLC, rose to be involved with road and bridge construction. She loves to write about Real Estate and Construction Related Subjects.

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

SAFETY TIPS FOR A DIY HANDYMAN (GUEST POST)

 

Almost all handyman jobs involve risks and this is why it is important to ensure safety on the service site. Read on for some useful safety tips that’ll help you prevent injuries while working.

Since most handyman services involve lots of hazards, working without the right safety equipment and moving around carelessly can lead to serious injuries. When grinding or welding without goggles, for instance, you’ll obviously end up getting metal particles in your eyes. So, why close the eyes to handy, hi-tech safety measures and equipment when they are easily available and invite plenty of risks!

Here are practical safety tips that are basically lessons learned by our handymen from their mistakes in the past:

1.Pressure Washers Can Peel Your Skin

Pressure washers are the most common handyman tools used to clean up areas like the patio and roof of a building. Since handymen get their attention diverted by a variety of stimuli in the open, they often make the mistake of holding the pressure washer and operating the trigger with only one hand. This can cause the spray wand to move across your hand, peeling the skin off.

It is important that as a professional, you understand and respect the power of water, especially when it is pressurized for cleaning the concrete etc. 

2. Bump-Nailing Can Nail Your Feet

The use of a framing nailer for fastening plywood to joints is a common practice for handymen. But when the nailer is set in bump mode, you need to be fully attentive, for forgetting to pushing the nose of the gun properly against the wood can lead to serious injuries. The worst, you may bump the nose of the gun at the wrong spot such as one of your own feet! Make sure you’ve properly bumped the gun-point on the target area before you pull the trigger. 

3. Safety against Electric Shocks is Important

One of the most important safety steps at a repair site is to check electricity wires using a non-contact tester before laying a hand on them. Commonly, handymen take off the fuse in a hurry and start disconnecting the wires from outlets. There maybe two circuits linked to the outlet, of which you have turned off only one. So, when you touch the wires barehanded, you’ll get knocked back by a powerful shove of electricity shooting up your entire body!

When performing such a job, don’t forget to test and double-check the wires with a tester. 

4. Sheet Metal Can Slice Your Body Parts 

Drilling holes in pieces of metals is another common handyman duty involving a great deal of risk. Handymen are often in a rush and don’t take time to compress the metal to a table etc. This can cause the drill to be caught by the sheet and thrown onto you, creating a deep rip on one of your body parts.

Before you start to drill a hole on a metal sheet, clamp it to a table and adjust your hand and the drill well.

 

Author Bio:

Dan Kogan is the owner of Handyman at your service which is a US based company providing Handyman Services to business owners at an affordable price. Handyman at your service specializing in TV installation NYC, Electrical work, Plumbing NYC, IKEA Assembly NYC and many more.

 

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

SKIP AND CONTAINER SAFETY WHEN MANAGING WASTE (GUEST POST)

Waste management is an essential part of completing a job for a professional tradesperson or DIY enthusiast. The safe use of skips and containers can be a tricky path to tread for those unfamiliar with health and safety regulations and guidelines. Unbeknown to many, skip and container related accidents are a common occurrence, in fact, these are the leading cause of serious to fatal incidents in waste management and recycling plants.  Here we take a closer look at utilizing skips and containers safely to help you reduce the risk of serious injury.

Skip (dumpster) compatibility

Whether you are looking to buy or hire a skip for your upcoming project, ensuring that your skip is compatible with the skip loader is a vital step to safe usage. Mini skips, with a capacity of 1.5m3 to 2m3, are the most popular choice, especially for household or small commercial / industrial upgrades. However, many of these mini skips are not manufactured to suit the design of a standard skip loader. Larger skips however are designed to be compatible with standard skip loaders, and their 3m3 to 20m3 capacity ensures a sizable solution to waste management on larger projects. Recommended safety checks There are a series of safety checks that must be carried out to ensure the safe use of skips and containers.

Training is recommended for workers who use and unload skips and containers on a regular basis, these training programs ensure workers can identify faults or damage to the skip that would otherwise make it unsafe to use. Regular checks must also be carried out to check the condition of important skip and container components, such as the lifting and locking points, tipping bars, doors, restraints, covers and wider condition. Workers must also be aware of the importance of using the right type of skip for the task at hand, and the skip or container’s strength, stability and distribution of load weight must all be taken into account.

Identifying hazardous skip use

There are a number of scenarios that would make the skip or container hazardous to move or unload, including:

  • Overloading
  • Insufficient headroom when retrieving
  • Insufficient space around the skip or container
  • Placement on sloping ground
  • Placement on soft ground

If any of these relate to your skip or container then it is recommended that you seek specialist advice to improve safety and reduce risk before removal or unloading. Overly damaged skips and containers should also be removed from service completely.

This post was written by Brittany Thorley. She works for Cheshire Demolition (http://www.cheshiredemolition.co.uk/) and regularly advises on maintaining best practice for safety on both small and large scale improvement projects.

Note: Of course, workers in this field should take all precautions and wear the correct personal protective gear, such as gloves, safety glasses, hardhats, and possibly respirators  pb

 

P.S. HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!  PB