Thursday, September 3, 2009

Occupational Health and Safety Tips: Workplace Stress

Follow these occupational health and safety tips to prevent unwanted workplace stress. Workplace stress can have an impact on the overall health of employers and employees. The human body is designed with a set of auto responses to deal with stress. This system is effective for the short term responses we need when faced with an immediate danger. The only problem is that our bodies deal with all types of stress in the same way.

The best way to deal with workplace stress is to control it at its source. For example, if the workplace is too loud, set measures to deal with noise whenever possible. Overall job design is an important factor in dealing with stress. A good job design embraces an employee's mental and physical health.

In general, the following guidelines should help minimize workplace stress. First, the job should be reasonably demanding and provide the employee with a of variety in job tasks. The employee should learning on the job and be allowed to continue learning as their career progresses. Employers should comprise some area of decision-making that the employee can call his or her own. There should an area of some sort of social support and recognition in the workplace, and the employee should feel that the job leads to a desirable future. Follow these occupational health and safety tips to will help reduce stress in the workplace.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Occupational Health and Safety Tips: Construction Fall Prevention

Read these occupational health and safety tips to prevent a fatal fall during construction work. Although there are already available methods for preventing construction falls, the number of workers who have had fatal falls has increased in past few years. Safe workers should identify all potential tripping and fall hazards before starting the job. Also they should look for fall hazards, such as unsafe floor hazards, open shafts, stairwells, and roof openings.

Workers should inspect their fall protection equipment for defects before use. Always choose the fall protection equipment that is appropriate for the task. Make sure to secure all ladders before climbing them. Never climb and stand on the top step of a ladder. Remember to use handrails when you travel up or down the stairs. Workers should practice good housekeeping by keeping cords, welding leads and air hoses outof walkways and other work areas. Follow these occupational health and safety tips to make sure you stay safe and prevent construction falls.

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Occupational Health and Safety Tips: Working in Hot Weather

Read these occupational health and safety tips to stay healthy while working in hot weather. It is important for employers and their employees to minimize the chances of heat-related illnesses. To do so, you must first recognize the signs of heat stroke and take proper action to reduce the chances of such an illness.

The most dangerous combination is high temperature and humidity. Working in these conditions and lack of sufficient water intake can lead to a heat-related stroke. The symptoms of a heat stroke include confusion, erratic behavior, temporary loss of consciousness, a high body temperature and hot, dry skin.

To prevent a heat stroke, workers should take preventive measures such as reducing physical exertion in direct sun and wearing light, breathable clothing. Employers should take action to provide workers with water and regular rest periods in a cool recovery area. Follow these occupational health and safety tips to make sure you stay safe when working in hot weather.

Friday, August 28, 2009

Occupational Health and Safety Tips: Woodworking machines

Read these occupational health and safety tips to ensure safety when using woodworking machines on the job. First off, only use machines that you have been trained to use properly. Always read the owner's manual, and make sure you comprehend all of the instructions before attempting to use the tool or machine. Don't be afraid to ask questions if you have any doubts about the machine or using it properly.

When using a woodworking machine always wear safety glasses or safety goggles. Also a dust masks may be required. Wear safety rated hearing protection that is suitable for the level of noise you are exposed to in the work area. For example, if you can't hear someone speaking from three feet away, the machine noise is too high.

Wear flexible and strong gloves to protect your hands from splinters when moving wood. But do not wear them near saw blades and other moving machinery parts where the gloves can get caught. Make sure the blade guard is in the right position, and is in good working condition. Also check and adjust all other safety devices in the workplace. Follow these occupational health and safety tips to make sure you are safe when using woodworking machines.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Occupational Health and Safety Tips: OSHA Compliant in the Workplace

Read these occupational health and safety tips to gain confidence that you comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000. Make sure that you have a workplace that is safe for all employees, visitors and tradespeople. Read about the act and what changes that have been made to understand what constitutes an unsafe workplace.

Some easy steps to take in the beginning are: Inspecting your workplace daily to identify safety problems. If you find a safety issue regarding your employees, schedule a meeting or post a memo. Talk to your employees about safety issues and encourage them to any report safety problems to you or a higher officer.

After you identify the problems, fix them with the appropiate steps outlined in the safety act. Aftwards, pay close attention to ensure that the work being carried out is done in a safe manner. In addition, schedule a risk assessment audit of your workplace and create a Risk Management Plan. Follow these occupational health and safety tips to make sure your company is compliant in the workplace.