Machine footing is critical to operator safety, especially when accessing, exiting or working on inclines. Fatal accidents have occurred due to feet slipping and personnel falling out of machinery. Safety Controls to improve Machine Footing Inspect the condition of tread on shoes or boots; verify the tread is of equal depth and not flat or…
Tips on proper methods for loading and securing machines and their components for safe transport. These are things that are known and practiced, but sometimes overlooked: Before Loading Always ensure adequate clearances (i.e. power lines and other obstructions) prior to loading machinery. Always read and understand the operation and maintenance manual for the machinery being…
Remember the general rules of safe lifting: “Get a firm grip on the load, keep it close, bend at the knees, use your legs to lift the load, and keep your spine in the natural position (with an arch in your lower back).” These principles always apply and should be incorporated into every lift- if…
We have all worked with ladders at some time in our lives, either at work or at home. The following are some tips that may make your interaction with ladders less hazardous: Before using a ladder, inspect it for faults, such as broken rungs or rails. If it is an extension ladder, inspect the pulleys, ropes…
Most of us have learnt the basic dangers of using knives. Statistics show that knives cause more disabling injuries than any other type of hand tool. STOP and THINK about how you are using a knife and where the knife is being stored. Use A knife is used for cutting, and cutting only. Never use a…
Many of us know about the incident pyramid already, but some of the newer employees may not. This pyramid is nothing more than a representation of the statistics about injuries. Year after year, industry after industry, injuries statistically fall into this pyramid. Near Misses Unsafe acts are the bottom of the pyramid. There are thousands…
Most of us take our sense of hearing for granted We assume that we hear what everyone else hears. Loss of hearing may not be realised until a friend or spouse screams in frustration, “Why don’t you ever listen to me?!” This is because hearing loss is usually gradual. Normally, it doesn’t hurt, so we…
The construction (health, safety and welfare) regulations require that sites be maintained in good order. Poor housekeeping is a common, but easily preventable, cause of accidents. There should be a place for everything, and everything should be in its place. Do not rely on others to clean up- they won’t. Put tools away when not…
Horse play is an activity that usually starts out with harmless intentions but may result in serious injury. Using tools or equipment in a manner for which they weren’t designed can create unsafe situations. Tips and guidelines to help ensure a safe a productive work environment: Do not disable or circumvent safety controls on equipment…
Hands and fingers are injured more often than any other part of the body. This is because of two reasons: Hands and fingers are required for most work activities. Hands and fingers are vulnerable to crush and cut type injuries as well as exposure to harmful materials used at work and exposure to vibration and…
