Infolific » Workplace Safety

Fire Safety

Rick Henard — Wed, 09 May 2012 10:07:01 +0000

Three things must be present in order for a fire to start. Once a fire begins, removing one of these three things will extinguish it. These three things are sometimes referred to as the fire triangle. Heat: this can act as an ignition source or remain present during the entire [...]

Safety Equipment

Rick Henard — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 04:33:16 +0000

There are some very basic safety precautions that need to be undertaken regardless of the type of work environment that exists. Personal Safety Equipment Hard hats to provide protection from falling objects and from moving objects at ground level. Safety goggles to safeguard the eyes from dust or other debris, [...]

Electrical Safety

Rick Henard — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 23:32:46 +0000

Electricity is all around us, yet most of us do not know the basics of how it works and the damage it can cause. Electricity can kill, it can cause fires, it can cause explosions. And all this can happen within seconds. In addition to immediate dangers, improperly installed or [...]

Fall Arrest Systems

Rick Henard — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 01:45:34 +0000

This is a system where a worker uses a harness and is secured onto an immovable object, via a proper rope. Some examples of when this system is used: working on the roof of a house, climbing on a hydro pole, on a building being constructed. This safety system is [...]

Using a Shovel Safely

Rick Henard — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 10:27:18 +0000

Shoveling is quite a simple task, but it is important to realize that it places a great deal of stress on the back and shoulders. If done incorrectly, or too much weight is lifted, it can cause a chronic (over use) or acute injury (immediate). When shoveling always use your [...]

Tool Safety

Rick Henard — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 18:51:43 +0000

Types of tools can vary quite a bit, from screwdrivers to chain saws. Other examples include; hammers, saws, cutters, wrenches, snips, chisels, etc. Safety Precautions Never use a tool if you are not trained. Do not use tools, which are damaged in any way. Do not sue a tool other [...]

Extreme Cold Safety

Rick Henard — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 23:54:43 +0000

Hypothermia Working in a cold environment is not only uncomfortable but can sometimes be life-threatening. The body must maintain an internal temperature of about 37°C to work properly. A couple of degrees above or below this and the body begins to have problems. Brain function decreases and organs begin to [...]

Excavating Safely Below Ground

Rick Henard — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 06:34:52 +0000

One of the biggest risks while excavating is that of walls collapsing on top of workers. It is almost impossible to predict when an excavated wall will collapse, and therefore all excavations should be considered temporary. With this in mind, steps must be taken to reduce the risk of a [...]

Worker Falls from Third Floor Balcony

Rick Henard — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 20:59:56 +0000

An investigation into the death of a worker that dies after falling 18.5 feet from an unguarded balcony. A fall protection plan and proper safety equipment (e.g. fall arrest system) would've prevented this accident.

Physical Health Hazards

Rick Henard — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 12:49:30 +0000

Workers can suffer physical harm in a number of ways at the workplace. Some ailments happen immediately, others take years to develop. Work-Related Upper Limb Disorders (WRULDs): A term used to indicate injuries of the upper body, such as carpal tunnel syndrome (inflamed tendons at the wrist which in turn [...]

Harmful Chemicals in the Workplace

Rick Henard — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 12:31:12 +0000

Asbestos A group of minerals that form bundles of fibers. It has been widely used for many years in many industries, such as; in plastics, insulation, sound absorption materials, building materials, in automotive parts, paint, etc. The risk with asbestos is that it can damage the lungs and can lead [...]

Warning Signs of An Unsafe Workplace

Rick Henard — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 08:06:22 +0000

Have you ever walked into a work area and right away thought to yourself that something is wrong? It is no secret that accident prevention does not happen by itself. It takes a lot of work, planning, implementing, and commitment from all levels of the organization. Accident prevention requires extensive [...]

Trench Collapses Just as Safety Inspector Arrives

Rick Henard — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 03:42:56 +0000

Accidents can happen at any time as proven by this video when a trench collapses just moments after a safety inspector arrives at the work site.

Window Washing Safety

Rick Henard — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 03:16:59 +0000

Washing windows of high-rise buildings can be quite the experience. But, obviously, it also has its risks. To make such work safer, the following recommendations should be followed. All workers must be competent and of legal working age. All workers must be trained on how to use all the equipment [...]

High Altitude Safety

Rick Henard — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 01:10:49 +0000

When the term altitude is used it usually refers to being at higher than sea level, to a point where the body cannot function as efficiently as at sea level. The human body becomes accustomed to a certain altitude, then has difficulty if that altitude increases. The reason this happens [...]

Concrete Pump Hose Whips Out of Control

Rick Henard — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 00:53:10 +0000

A worker is killed after being knocked over by a concrete pump hose that whips out of control. A hose whipping hazard such as this is created when air gets trapped in the delivery system and pressure builds.

Working Safely with Gases

Rick Henard — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 23:54:45 +0000

The word gas implies that a chemical is in it's gaseous state. Because there are numerous types of gases one can work with it is vital that proper education be obtained from a professional instructor prior to commencing work. Risks Posed By Gases Poisonous or toxic such as ammonia, carbon [...]

Machine Safety

Rick Henard — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 23:49:49 +0000

In many work sites, or work environments, lifting is simply part of the job. When machines cannot be used for such work, therefore it must be done manually. Safety Precautions If something is heavy ask for help. Communicate with your lifting partner as to when to lift, where you are [...]

Ladder Safety

Rick Henard — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 21:44:34 +0000

When working at a height, even a few feet, safety precautions need to be taken. Most workers underestimate the seriousness of working at a height, especially if the height is only a few feet. But falling even 3-4 feet can cause broken bones and even concussions. Safety Precautions All work [...]

Compelling Workplace Safety Videos

Rick Henard — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 20:58:16 +0000

Sometimes it's necessary to grab people's attention with compelling imagery. These videos from Work Safe Alberta fit that description. If you're like me, you don't want to see the ending, but you can't help watching to the last frame. Note: These are pretty graphic and may be upsetting. You have [...]