5 Easily Overlooked Workplace Safety Tips to Share With Your Team

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In the pursuit of workplace safety, certain critical measures often go unnoticed amidst daily routines. Highlighting these overlooked safety tips within your team can significantly enhance the overall safety culture.

Ergonomic Awareness: Encouraging ergonomic practices might seem minor, but it’s crucial for long-term health. Remind employees about the importance of posture, taking regular breaks, and adjusting workstations to minimize strain. Simple adjustments, such as proper chair height or keyboard positioning, can prevent musculoskeletal issues and boost productivity.

Housekeeping Habits: A clutter-free workplace is a safer workplace. Encourage team members to maintain clean, organized work areas. Clutter can lead to tripping hazards and obstruct emergency paths. Implementing routine checks or guidelines for tidiness can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.

Mindful Communication: Effective communication is at the core of workplace safety. Miscommunication regarding procedures or hazards can result in serious incidents. Ensure that communication channels are clear, encourage open dialogue about safety concerns, and provide comprehensive training on protocols and emergency procedures. Active listening and feedback mechanisms also play a role in enhancing communication related to safety.

Emergency Equipment Checks: Regular inspection of emergency equipment often gets overlooked. Fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and emergency exits should be routinely checked for functionality and accessibility. Schedule regular maintenance or designated team members to ensure that these vital safety tools are always ready for use in case of an emergency.

Mental Health Support: Mental well-being significantly impacts overall safety. Overlooking mental health concerns may lead to distractions or impaired decision-making, which can pose safety risks. Encourage discussions about stress management, provide resources for mental health support, and foster a culture where employees feel comfortable seeking help when needed. Establishing employee assistance programs or mental health awareness initiatives can contribute to a more supportive work environment.

By emphasizing these often-forgotten safety aspects, your team can cultivate a more comprehensive safety mindset. Regular training, periodic reminders, and open discussions about these tips can significantly reduce workplace accidents and contribute to a safer, more secure work environment. Promoting a culture of safety awareness and proactivity ensures that these often overlooked safety measures become ingrained in daily routines.

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Importance of PPE in the work place

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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) serves as a fundamental component of workplace safety across industries, safeguarding workers from various hazards. Its importance cannot be overstated due to its multifaceted impact on employee well-being, accident prevention, and overall organizational productivity.

1. Injury Prevention and Hazard Mitigation: PPE acts as a shield against a plethora of workplace hazards. Helmets, safety glasses, gloves, earplugs, and respirators protect against head injuries, eye and ear damage, chemical exposure, burns, and respiratory issues. These items significantly reduce the risk of severe injuries and illnesses.

2. Regulatory Compliance: Many industries and regions have stringent regulations mandating the use of specific PPE. Compliance ensures legal adherence, preventing fines and penalties. Adhering to these standards also fosters a culture of safety and responsibility within the workplace.

3. Health Protection: PPE plays a pivotal role in preserving workers’ health by minimizing exposure to harmful substances and environments. For instance, respiratory masks guard against airborne particles, preventing long-term respiratory issues. Similarly, protective suits shield against chemical splashes, reducing the risk of skin diseases or burns.

4. Risk Reduction and Accident Prevention: By providing an extra layer of defense, PPE minimizes the likelihood of accidents and injuries. It acts as a critical barrier between workers and potential hazards, significantly reducing workplace incidents.

5. Emergency Preparedness: In emergencies such as fires, chemical spills, or natural disasters, PPE ensures that employees are equipped to respond safely. Safety gear like fire-resistant clothing or gas masks can be crucial in these scenarios, protecting lives and minimizing damage.

6. Employee Confidence and Well-being: Access to proper PPE boosts employee confidence and morale. When employees feel adequately protected, they are more likely to be engaged, focused, and motivated, positively impacting overall productivity.

7. Cost Savings: While there is an initial investment in providing PPE, the long-term benefits outweigh the costs. Preventing workplace injuries and illnesses decreases medical expenses, compensation claims, and potential legal fees. It also reduces downtime caused by accidents, leading to enhanced operational efficiency.

8. Industry-Specific Protection: Certain professions demand specialized PPE tailored to their unique risks. For example, construction workers require hard hats and steel-toed boots, while healthcare workers need gloves and face shields. Tailored PPE ensures precise protection for specific job roles.

In conclusion, PPE is not only crucial for the safety and well-being of workers but also for the overall success and sustainability of businesses. Prioritizing the provision and proper use of PPE in the workplace is a proactive step towards creating a safer, more secure, and productive work environment.

H0W TO USE FIRE EXTINGUISHER

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Using a fire extinguisher effectively involves following a simple acronym called PASS: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep.

1. Pull the Pin: Start by pulling the pin or safety clip located at the top of the extinguisher. This action breaks the seal and allows you to discharge the extinguishing agent.

2. Aim at the Base of the Fire: Stand at a safe distance, about 6 to 8 feet away from the fire. Aim the nozzle or hose at the base of the flames, not at the top. This targets the source of the fire and cuts off its fuel supply.

3. Squeeze the Handle: Firmly squeeze the handle or lever. This releases the extinguishing agent, which can be a powder, foam, or other suppressing substance. Maintain a steady grip on the handle.

4. Sweep Side to Side: Using a sweeping motion, move the nozzle or hose from side to side. Continue to aim at the base of the fire. This helps ensure that the extinguishing agent covers the entire affected area.

5. Watch for Re-ignition: After the fire appears to be out, keep an eye on the area for any signs of reignition. If the fire starts to flare up again, be prepared to use the extinguisher again or evacuate if necessary.

Remember, fire extinguishers are designed for small, contained fires. If the fire is large, spreading rapidly, or you’re unsure about using an extinguisher, prioritize your safety and evacuate the area. Always call the fire department for professional assistance. After use, even if only partially discharged, fire extinguishers should be recharged or replaced according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

TOMSEY ENGINEERING AND SERVICES INTERNATIONAL LIMITED, We are an indigenous company with 100% local content capacity in:

■ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION
■PROCUREMENT
■TECHNICAL SAFETY SERVICES
■HEALTH & SAFETY
■TRAINING

Contact us today:
📞+2348183392720
📞+234817543 6531
✉️clientservices@tomsey.com.ng
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How to minimize risks on constructions sites

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Minimizing risks on construction sites is crucial for ensuring the safety of workers and the successful completion of projects. Here are some key measures to mitigate risks:

  1. Comprehensive Risk Assessment: Conduct a thorough assessment of potential hazards and risks specific to the construction site. Identify risks related to falls, electrical hazards, machinery, and other site-specific dangers.
  2. Adequate Training: Provide comprehensive safety training to all workers, ensuring they are aware of potential risks, proper use of equipment, and emergency procedures. Regularly reinforce safety protocols and conduct refresher training sessions.
  3. Strict Adherence to Safety Regulations: Ensure compliance with all local, national, and industry-specific safety regulations and codes. Regularly update safety policies and procedures based on changing regulations.
  4. Site Security and Control: Implement access control measures, such as fencing and signage, to prevent unauthorized entry to construction sites. Enforce safety protocols and maintain a clean and organized work environment to minimize potential hazards.
  5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Mandate the use of appropriate PPE, such as hard hats, safety goggles, gloves, and high-visibility clothing, to protect workers from potential injuries.
  6. Regular Inspections: Conduct routine inspections to identify and rectify any safety deficiencies promptly. Ensure proper maintenance of machinery and equipment to prevent accidents.
  7. Emergency Response Plan: Develop a comprehensive emergency response plan that includes evacuation procedures, first aid protocols, and communication channels. Train workers on the plan and conduct regular drills to ensure readiness.

By implementing these risk mitigation strategies, construction sites can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents, injuries, and potential legal and financial liabilities.

PREVENTING/MITIGATING THE INHERENT HAZARDS OF YOUR BUSINESS

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It is a fact that finding a solution starts with understanding what the problem is all about.

The ability to identify, and provide safeguards (barriers) to undesirable events in a business operation is one of the most crucial factor in achieving business success – TOMSEY ENGINEERING is your solution plug in services that we offer to various industries such as Construction, Oil & Gas, Manufacturing, and Power Generation/Distribution. We at TOMSEY ENGINEERING and our Competent Engineers working to Prevent and Mitigate the risk aspect of your business in ensuring continuity and project success.

We evolve to meet the industry’s needs through our different services, BUILDING & ROAD CONSTRUCTIONS, TECHNICAL SAFETY SERVICES (e.g. HAZOP, SIL, BOWTIE, QRA, FERA, FIRE PRAN, DROPPED OBJECT STUDY, HSE CASE DEVELOPMENT, etc), HSE CONSULTANCY SERVICES, PPE PROCUREMENT & HSE TRAINING following best practices, compliance with local and international codes.

Let your business thrive by taking advantage of our Consultancy Services and Expertise.

We are here to serve and do business with you.

#PEOPLES SAFETY #ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION #ASSET INTEGRITY #REPUTATIONAL PROTECTION

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Communication at work: 3 tips for developing a hazard communication program

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Every worker is exposed to one or more hazards in the workplace no matter how safe your workplace appears to be

Communication At Work: 3 Tips For Developing A Hazard Communication Plan

Every worker is exposed to one or more hazards in the workplace no matter how safe your workplace appears to be. For example, Cleaners are exposed to chemicals, office workers are exposed to slips, trips and falls and Musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs), electricians are obviously exposed to electric shocks and fires, caterers to burns and fires, call centre workers and teachers to stress, traders to stress and long working hours, dressmakers to pin pricks and back pain, to mention a few. If these hazards are left unattended, they are very likely to cause serious problems for workers and their employers. A hazard often presents many risks so ignoring the hazard will cost you more than it would have cost you to put protective measures in place or get rid of the hazard. Knowing the hazards you are exposed to and the necessary protective measures can help you protect yourself from adverse effects.

How then can one know the hazards they face at work? You can only achieve this through communication and many fail at this – that is because communication isn’t as easy as many make it appear. Many employers believe their plans, policies, and procedures are for the filing cabinet – either to prove to themselves that they are safety compliant, are good at keeping records, or to safeguard them when inspectors come around. Your plans, policies, and risk assessments must not be kept secret. If you don’t have a communication plan here is a good way to start.

This Post Will Provide You With 3 Tips For Developing A Functional And Appropriate Hazard Communication Plan.

1) Gather information.

Employers need to gather information so they are better equipped to inform and train their employees, design and put in place protective measures. For example, chemical manufacturers are required to prepare labels and material safety data sheets (MSDS) so that hazard information is readily available to consumers. Employers must then obtain an MSDS from manufacturers as soon as possible.

This MSDS is useful to employers as from this document, employers can get enough information to prepare risk assessments and decide on safe systems of work and relevant protective equipment. Where the MSDS is missing, employers must not ignore but should do everything within their power to obtain it. These days you can find them on manufacturers’ websites. Employers need to conduct research around their business processes, what the law says about them, and the minimum you need to do to ensure your workplace is safe; you can employ a consultant like TOMSEY to do this for you if you feel stuck.
 

Have A Written Plan

(2) Have a written plan

When writing a plan, employers must assign responsibilities – that is decide who is responsible for various aspects of the communication plan in the workplace. The plan should also describe the standards which must be maintained in the workplace e.g. you should have a written list of chemicals, who is responsible for them and where the written materials are stored for easy access. The written plan should also describe the requirements for labels and other forms of warning, MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet), and how employee information and training will be met.

Workplace labels include written materials that can help easily identify hazardous materials such as signs, placards, process sheets, batch tickets and safe systems of work.

The plan can be in any form – hardcopy or electronic. With advancements in technology, it is now easy for employers to share documents with their employees. Explore all available options.

(3) Share the plan

Remember also that employees must be trained before exposing them to hazards. Through training, employees must learn how to write secondary container labels that are not confusing, and how to use protective practices such as using personal protective equipment (PPE) and engineering/administrative controls.

Get your employers to be hands-on during training. Don’t just present a lecture, there must be lots of demonstrations and practical sessions until your employees can carry out their tasks safely with minimal supervision.

The advantage of having a communication plan. There are many advantages of having a communication plan in your workplace. The most important is that it helps in preventing adverse effects from exposure to hazards and subsequently reduction of illnesses and injuries. There will be less sickness absences, less compensation, reduced staff turnover and reduced losses as your business stays functional and profitable.

Are there any other key points you keep in mind when writing a communication plan? Please share them.

Source: #BeHSEWise

We are always available to provide solutions to all technical procurement needs

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Warren Buffett, who was recently named as the fourth wealthiest individual in the world, once said:

“It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.”  

This Is Good Advice That Can Be Applied To Many Aspects Of Life

but it’s especially true when it comes to health and safety.

When an accident occurs there are of course measurable outlays: damage to equipment, loss of revenue and sick days caused by injuries. There are also intangible costs such as damage to reputation and/or a loss of trust in an organisation. So here are 3 good reasons to make health and safety your top priority in 2020:

1) Your reputation depends on it  

A major accident often attracts media attention and public outcry. If the situation is not handled confidently and competently, this can easily translate into reputational damage. It is difficult to be precise about the cost of reputational damage to an organisation or company. However, Tim Ward, chief executive of the Quoted Companies Alliance says that the “total value of corporate reputation for all UK-listed companies could be worth as much as £1.7tn, or 28% of companies’ collective market value”.

One way to build trust in your organisation’s health and safety processes is to join the Tomsey PPE Community. Having Tomsey PPE Community is so much more than  it helps your organisation to continually improve its accident prevention polices, by gaining access to a wealth of health and safety knowledge, materials and benefits that’ll help your organisation stay compliant with current regulation and up-to-date on best practice plus PPE latest Equipments

2) Accidents Cost Money

It is often assumed that workplace accident costs are recoverable through insurance. This is a dangerous misconception. Accident and ill-health costs can be likened to an iceberg: costs that are recoverable are visible but those that are unrecoverable are hidden below the waterline and are many times greater. The HSE estimates the hidden cost of accidents can be up to 10 times greater than the insured costs. Uninsured costs can include:

  • Lost time
  • Sick pay
  • Damage or loss of product and raw materials
  • Repairs to plant and equipment
  • Extra wages, overtime working, and temporary labour
  • Production delays
  • Investigation time
  • Loss of contracts and damage to reputation
  • Legal costs.

To make sure you have a solid foundation to manage safety effectively, we offer a one-day Risk Assessment course which will help you carry out ‘suitable and sufficient assessments – thereby protecting employees as far as is reasonably practicable and reducing the likelihood of unnecessary costs. The course is suitable for anyone with a responsibility for undertaking risk assessments, particularly line managers, supervisors, and safety representatives.

3) It’s The Law

Still not convinced you should prioritise health safety? You should be – it’s the law. The Corporate Manslaughter Act in 2007 means that failure to meet your directors’ responsibilities for health and safety could now result in imprisonment. If you are a director, safety falls within your remit, and the law will therefore hold you accountable for any failings.

To make sure you stay compliant with the law, we offer 3 days of training on the Director Involvement course to teach you everything you need to know to monitor and review health and safety issues, as well as provide practical advice on driving forward health and safety strategy. The course is designed for directors, governors, trustees, officers, and their equivalents in the private, public, and voluntary sectors.

For more information on our Management Staff Involvement training qualification, you can visit our website, email us, or call us on +234 (01) 290 0903-5.