The Tobacco Products Control Act provides for the protection of non-smokers – it does not provide any benefit or protection for smokers. In addition, smoking in the workplace is not regulated by Labour Law but only by the above-mentioned Act. In terms of this Act, the employer is obliged to take steps to protect non-smoking…
Despite the differences between bee and wasp venom, symptoms of their stings are similar and can be treated in a similar way. A bee will sting only once, a wasp often stings multiple times. A bee also leaves its sting behind, embedded in the skin of the patient. Bee and wasp stings may result in…
First Aid Techniques Do not hesitate to act! The first signs of anaphylaxis can be mild, becoming life-threatening very quickly. Alert security or safety officer and arrange for transportation of the patient. If the patient has an Epinephrine auto-injector, use it at the first signs of the anaphylaxis. Repeat every 5 minutes if the symptoms…
In South Africa, there has never been a verified death from a spider bite. Of the approximately 2500 species of spider in southern Africa, only about 20 species are considered medically important. There are 4 groups of medically important spiders in Africa. Use the following Identikit to make a positive identification. If the spider can be…
Some studies estimate that the brain is bombarded with 1 850 bits of information every 1/18th of a second. It is simply too much information for the brain to process. Everything the brain doesn’t believe to be critical, at that moment, immediately gets stored on the sub-conscious. Brett Solomon asks whether your strategy includes a…
Forklift blind spots are everywhere. Forward, back, left and right. Hear how to avoid collisions and injuries when hauling large loads or driving backward. Sometimes powered industrial trucks, a.k.a. forklifts, have more blind spots than areas of clear vision. A full load can completely block the forward view. Parts of the forklift itself are culprits…
Unfortunately crime is a reality so here are a few tips on how to be extra vigilant. All motorists need to be careful on the road, but female drivers have to be doubly alert. It’s an upsetting reality that women are easier targets for hijackings, intimidation and other criminal acts. It is not your fault…
This video describes some of the associated risk factors for injuries (particularly low back injury) within the warehouse industry. Proper lifting and handling techniques are discussed as preventative methods to reduce the risk for developing these disorders.
Justin Goldblatt, general manager of Runrite Electronics, explains how alcohol abuse in the workplace can be overcome. Alcohol is the most widely used and commonly available intoxicating substance. Alcohol testing has become commonplace in the industrial sector; primarily driven by health and safety legislation, which encourages testing to mitigate risk. Many companies have implemented “zero…
