Staying Safe in the Office: 8 Workplace Safety Tips Everyone Should Know

Published on: 24 December 2018 Last Updated on: 16 July 2024

Workplace accidents don’t only happen on construction sites and in warehouses. The office environment poses risks to health and safety, too.

Although most office hazards don’t result in death, they do cause injury and sickness.

In this article, we take help from one of America’s leading work injury lawyers, Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard. We ask them to list down some constructive steps which can help businesses not be at the receiving end of workplace injury lawsuits. If you are a business organization that is concerned about your workplace safety requirements, please read on to get a fair idea of the topic.

Are you safe in your workplace? Do you know which hazards to look out for? It’s your employer’s responsibility to make the workplace safe, and yours to maintain it.

It’s important to know how to protect yourself from potential hazards. Keep reading for the eight most important workplace safety tips.

1. Ergonomic Desk Setups:

The most common office injury is muscle strain from a poor desk setup. When the body stays in uncomfortable positions too long, it causes strain. Muscle strain can create short and long-term pain.

You can prevent this situation by making sure your desk is set up ergonomically.

First, make sure the height of your computer monitor is at eye level. Your chair should allow you to sit with a straight posture, your elbows at desk height.

When you type on the keyboard, your forearms should sit gently on the desk. They shouldn’t be straining to reach the keyboard.

Second, make sure your office chair is on wheels. Reaching for objects and twisting to grab them cause back strain. Use the wheels to move closer to whatever you’re grabbing.

If you use the phone a lot at work, invest in a headset. This prevents neck pain from leaning into the phone. Your employer should supply any ergonomic materials.

2. Make Emergency Exits Clear and Known:

It’s crucial that everyone in the office know where the emergency exits are. In the case of a fire, you can’t take the elevator. You must be able to take the stairs.

Not only does mean you need proper signage, but you need clear pathways.

Many offices are guilty of having filing boxes sit in the hallway for weeks. Someone will put them away eventually, right? If these boxes get left in front of an emergency exit, they could prevent a speedy exit.

This is only one of the reasons to have a clean and clutter-free office.

3. Prevent Slips and Falls:

Boxes left on the ground are also serious tripping hazards. You might turn a corner expecting it to be clear, only to knock your shin on a stack of boxes. If you don’t trip and fall this time, someone else will.

Make it a rule to always keep pathways clear of clutter. If someone takes a box from its storage spot, they must put it back.

Slips are another common office safety concern. The breakroom is where people fill their water bottles and prepare lunch. Spilt liquids are hazards for slipping and falling.

Your office needs to have “wet floor” signs so employees can signify a spill right away. Until the janitor gets there, people will know to use caution near the spill.

4. Proper Storage:

Improper storage of boxes can cause muscle strains and injuries. The basic rule is to keep heavier items on the bottom shelf, lighter on the higher ones. If a box were to fall from the top shelf, you don’t want it to be the heavy one.

Every bookshelf should have a step ladder near it. Reaching upwards to lift a box is dangerous for your back muscles. Instead, use the handy ladder to bring down whatever you need.

When it comes to filing cabinets, it’s crucial all the drawers aren’t opened at the same time. This can cause the cabinet to fall over and land on you. Open one drawer at a time and make sure it’s closed when you’re done.

5. Inspect Electrical Cords:

Fire hazards exist in office workplaces, too. Since so much of the office equipment relies on electricity, there are tons of cords and wires.

Cords and wires that have tears or rips are risks for starting a fire. Some offices use extension cords as a regular office tool. These, too, are serious fire hazards.

Check the state of your office’s cords regularly. Don’t get used to using extension cords. Instead, have an electrician from Barwon Heads to re-position the outlets.

6. Use Hazardous Tools Correctly:

Even the office has hazardous tools that need instruction. All employees should get training on the various office tools and equipment.

For example, large paper cutters are common for workplaces that work with paper. Without proper training, these tools can cut off a finger or seriously slice you.

Any automatic office equipment requires caution. Keep your hair, jewelry, and sleeves away from any openings.

7. Be Aware of Surroundings:

Many workplace incidents occur when the employee isn’t aware of their surroundings. You may walk around reading text on your phone or looking at the ground. While you’ll see clutter on the ground, you won’t see hazards at eye level.

When people don’t close the top drawer of a filing unit, someone could walk into it. If you bump into a ladder, the person using it could fall.

It’s everyone’s responsibility to be aware of their surroundings. Encourage all employees to slow down; it’s better to be safe than fast.

8. Choose a Health and Safety Officer:

Staying on top of all the different health and safety aspects is tedious. You may not have time to check cords, signs, and declutter every day.

As a solution, elect one employee to be a health and safety hazard. Give them the task of doing a weekly or bi-weekly check of the office. They can have a report to fill out.

Any hazards that need fixing can be on the report. Bonus pay could be the incentive for an employee to take this role.

Even the employees who aren’t appointed officers should take safety training. Click here to find out why safety skills are important in the office.

Want More Workplace Safety Tips?

The safety of all employees depends on health and safety procedures. If you keep the workplace clean, organized, and up to date, there will be fewer risks of incidents.

Use the workplace safety tips above to make your office a safer place to work.

There are tons of other ways to improve your workplace. Stay up to date on business news and trends to improve your office. Happy employees do productive work which thus boosts sales.

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LPG Safety Tips And Precautions For Your Home

LPG is the need of every household as it is used as the primary fuel for cooking. Some people also use LPG for heating purposes. It is a highly flammable gas, so it is essential for users to use it cautiously. Households and food businesses must take extreme care while using LPG for cooking and heating. You can do many things to use LPG safely in your home. This post shares some best tips and precautions to use LPG in your home. Buy from an authorized distributor: Many people buy gas equipment from retail stores, but it is better to buy from an authorized distributor. The gas equipment available at the authorized franchisee is authorized by the gas company and compatible with the LPG cylinder of that company. So, when you buy gas equipment from an authorized company distributor, the chances of malfunctioning are very low. Transporting Gas Cylinders: Many accidents happen during the transportation of gas cylinders. The most common reason for these accidents is the improper handling of cylinders. Many delivery boys put the cylinder on the ground with a jerk and roll it on the ground while carrying it from their vehicle to home. This causes the collision of gas molecules inside the cylinder, which produces heat and can be dangerous. Therefore, LPG cylinders need to be handled very carefully. Always Check the seal and gasket: Sometimes, the seal or gasket of the cylinder is damaged, causing the gas to leak. Always check the company seal and gasket while taking the delivery of the cylinder. Ask the delivery boy to open the seal in front of you, and then you can put some water in the valve. If you see bubbles rising from the water, the gasket is worn, causing leakage. In such a case, ask the delivery boy to replace the cylinder immediately. Inspect Regularly: As LPG can leak from every tiny hole or crack in the gas equipment or accessories, it is essential to check it regularly. Check your gas equipment every week to ensure there are no cuts or cracks in any part of the equipment, including accessories. In case of any problem with the gas stove, call a professional for its repair. If the accessories like a gas hose or regulator are malfunctioning, replace them immediately to prevent leakage. Also, don’t use the gas until the problem is fixed by a gas engineer. Check the expiry date of the cylinder: All gas cylinders are required to be retested and replaced every ten years. The expiry date is usually stamped or written on the neck of the cylinder. If the stamped expiry date is passed, the cylinder cannot be refilled. If you get a cylinder with an expiry date passed, you should immediately return and get it replaced as it can be dangerous. Ventilation is important: LPG users should always place the gas equipment in a ventilated area. It means your kitchen should be well-ventilated to expel the gas in case of a leakage. If your kitchen is not well-ventilated, you can install an exhaust fan in your ventilator or window to expel the smoke. It also expels any gas leaked from your gas equipment. Place the spare cylinder carefully: Many people have a spare cylinder in their house, and they place it in a place other than the kitchen. Some homeowners place the spare cylinder in the storeroom, while others place it in any room. However, a cylinder should only be placed in the kitchen or an open area such as a patio. Plus is one of the best LPG gas suppliers in Queensland, Australia. They claim to offer same-day delivery or next-day delivery in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Ipswich, and Toowoomba. If you are located in any of these regions, you can choose them for LPG supplies. Related: Pros and Cons of Oil and Gas Investment Don’ts: Things to Avoid for LPG Safety & Precautions Aside from following all the above-mentioned tips, remember not to forget the following tips – Don’t Keep the Cylinder in a Horizontal Position When you have an LPG cylinder at home, don’t keep it in a flipped position. Always keep it in an upright position to avoid accidents like gas leakage, explosion, and fire. When you keep the cylinder laid down, gravity makes the liquid set at the bottom of the cylinder, thereby leaving no space for the vapor to form. This is something that leads to gas leakage. Complications can also arise when the cylinder is withdrawn in a horizontal position. This makes the liquid phase evaporate inside the pipe system. It can also happen in the consumer’s equipment. This causes the pressure to increase, and start icing off the fitting, making the safety device respond to prevent overpressure. Keep Away from Heat Keep your LPG cylinder in a position where it doesn’t catch much heat. Also, it shouldn’t be heated under any condition. When you heat the cylinder it will cause the gas to leak at rapid speed and create a flammable vapor. This vapor is highly flammable and can catch fire at any moment. If your LPG cylinder is constantly getting heated, it can cause the entire cylinder to weaken over time. It’s easy for a weakened cylinder to easily fail under high pressure. Don’t Leave the Safety Valve Unchecked All the mistakes regarding the mishandling of LPG cylinders lead to leakage and explosions. If you leave the safety valve unchecked for a long time, it’ll lead to gas leaks leading to fires, asphyxiation, and explosions. LPG gas is highly flammable, which is why you deal with all these complications if you leave the cylinder valve unchecked. Don’t Smoke Around The Cylinder There’s no need to point out that the cylinder has flammable gas, and there can be a leakage at any point in time. So, build a habit of not smoking close to the place where you keep the gas cylinder. Final Words: These are some gas safety tips for households. Using reliable gas equipment and getting supplies from an authorized distributor can enhance the safety of your house. Following the tips in this post can help homeowners to use the LPG safely and conveniently. Also, if you notice any case of gas leakage, instantly evacuate the area. If it’s due to the cylinder knob left open, close it instantly. Also, call people who are authorized to handle such delicate situations for help. Read Also: How to Handle the Move-Out Cleaning 5 Safety Awareness Ideas to Maintain a Safe Workplace Top Home Cleaning Tips

The Best Personal Protection Devices to Keep You Safe

Ever feel nervous about walking in your neighborhood late at night? Have you ever wished you could bring something to keep you safe but not something as hazardous as a gun? The total violent crime reported in the United States is 1.2 million. While the crime rate in the country is on a decline, you can never be too careful when it comes to your safety. Whether you're a man or a woman, you need to have the best personal protection devices around. In recent years, there has been a growing awareness around personal alarm for seniors. With a lot of senior citizens staying alone and away from their children, their safety should be a top priority. They might not be physically strong enough to combat criminals with self-defence strategies. Using a personal alarm that is GPS-based can help them alert the police authorities and ensure that help arrives. No one wants to become an attack victim no matter what location. Depending on your area, crime might not be that common and you can walk without having to worry about getting mugged. With this, you have a lot of options when it comes to getting the best self-defense weapons. These are non-lethal and allow you to at least escape from your assailant, such as: The Stun Gun : One of the most standard means of defending yourself, stun guns charge attackers with electrical shocks. Its primary function is to weaken the attacker, which gives you a lot of time to escape them while they lie incapacitated. After all, after pulling the trigger, these self-defense weapons can pump around 700,000 volts into your assailant's body. Some of the stun gun models are minuscule enough that you can hide it in a cigarette pack. Their power source is lithium batteries that you can carry in handbags or waist straps. They're faster and can stop a person more efficiently than an airsoft gun. The Stun Baton : This device's primary use is to disrupt the attacker's brain and muscle communication capabilities. What this means is that they become paralyzed and lose balance as well as muscle control. It disorients them in a way that makes them incapacitated within 5-10 minutes due to the 800,000-volt discharge. This baton can run using rechargeable batteries. It comes with a belt loop to make it easier to carry around and reach if things become dangerous. The Pepper Spray : One of the most preferred self-defense weapons for women, the pepper spray looks like a lipstick. The container is available on a variety of colors females like. However, it packs a punch due to the fact that it contains oleoresin capsicum, an oily liquid that comes from the Cayenne pepper, which is 4 to 20 times hotter than the Jalapeno pepper. It's small and easy-to-access since you can fit it into your pocket or purse. It's simple to use, and you can pretend like you're applying lipstick before you spray it on your attacker. It gives them short-term blindness as well as unbearable pain, sneezing, coughing, and streams of tears, allowing you to flee. Not sure where to get the best sprays? You can find some of the better options in the market at this website. The Stun Ring : This legal weapon to carry can pass for a common fashion ring with its elegant design. What's more important is that it gives you safety since it contains pepper spray within. This allows you to strike at your attacker when they least expect it. The Personal Alarm : It's a really small device but it can emit a loud scream when you push a button. That means you can attract people's attention when you're attacked. Sometimes, it's enough deterrent to attackers since it continues emitting the screams until you stop it. Some of the models come with a built-in light. This allows you to use it outside of emergency situations. For example, you can use it to find your way when it's too dark for you to see. The Lightning Strike : Police officers used to have exclusive use for this product. However, most civilians use it in recent times as well. It works by producing several lumens of strong white light that blinds and disorients attackers for short periods of time. This device with its LED light is small and portable enough. You can carry it anywhere, even when you're jogging early in the morning. The Mace Spray : Much like the pepper spray, this tube-like device causes temporary eye impairments by causing capillary inflammation. Aside from this, it causes the following effects to your attacker: Choking Sneezing Burning Sensation (eyes, nose, throat) The effects are temporary. But it gives you enough time to ensure your escape. It's a great way to break free from someone grabbing you. The TASER Device : This device has the capability to make an attacker stunned from within 15 feet away. However, if you're stuck within melee range, this device can also deliver powerful stunning capabilities. It's easy to use and effective due to the fact that it can incapacitate the attacker no matter what part you hit. The TASER device is a lot more effective compared to pepper sprays and other self-defense weapons. After all, you don't need to target your attacker's face to get the most out of its effects. The Tear Gas Spray : The device utilizes tear gas, which could cause irritation of the nose, throat, and eyes. However, it's not as widely used as pepper spray due to its less effectiveness. Its main redeeming feature is that it's much cheaper than most of the other devices around. The Ultrasonic Dog Repellant : If you're in a situation where your attacker isn't a human, this is one of the most effective ways for determent. After all, it emits sonic waves with high frequencies, ranging from 20,000Hz-25,000Hz. This type of sound is so high that humans can't hear it--but dogs and cats can. What this means is that, with a press of a button, you can point it on an aggressive canine to irritate it and chase it away. The ultrasonic sound emitted by the device doesn't affect human attackers. However, it helps give you a safe distance away from wild, hostile dogs that would otherwise assail you. Are You Prepared to Counter an Attack? When it comes to attackers, it isn't always a weird, creepy guy hanging out in dark alleyways waiting to pounce. After all, more than 66% of all rape victims are at least acquaintances with the people who assaulted them. As such, it's safe to assume that the majority of the attacks happen when least expected. A good self-defense weapon only plays a part in defending yourself from an assailant. After all, your weapon won't have any use if you aren't prepared. It's especially important when you need to use it on someone you didn't expect. If you make a proper self-defense plan, you can avoid becoming victimized. Here are some things you need to prepare for a counterattack: Knowing Your Weapon : You need to familiarize yourself in such a way that you can use it as an extension of yourself. There are some safety mechanisms that can slow you down if you aren't trained in their tricky operation. Actions, like pressing the right button or uncapping your pepper spray, will make a crucial difference on whether you can fend your attacker of in time or become a victim. Have a Quick Access : Always keep your weapon reachable whenever it's necessary. If you need to fumble through your pockets or purse during an attack, you might not have the time to defend yourself. That will only help your attacker catch you better. If you keep your weapon on a purse, make sure it's in a place where it won't get buried by your other essentials. Better yet, if you're walking to your car or some dark alley, hold it at the ready. This will enable you to use it as soon as the danger comes your way, offsetting their advantage if they get a drop on you. Stay Aware of Your Surroundings : In the best-case scenario, you should always avoid dangerous locations and shady people. However, if you can't, make sure that you stay alert and keep your distance from possible threats. This reduces the chances of you getting attacked by the people who lurk around waiting for you. Know your location, specifically the nearest exits and safe areas. Know where the security doors are and where you might get trapped or locked in. That way, you have an escape route that can get you to a place close to police stations and other bustling public locations. After all, a lot of attackers become deterred when they know that it's possible for people to witness their possible crimes. Get Your Personal Protection Devices Today! It's important to keep these personal protection devices in mind. Getting at least one or two can help you get a greater degree of protection that can offset a potentially dangerous situation. After all, it's always better for you to prevent a crime from happening instead of becoming a victim of one. Do your best to avoid becoming a crime victim with these devices. Also, make sure that you at least know how to operate and reach them should the need arise. After all, your device is useless if you don't have the skills and confidence to use them when a crisis comes your way. But don't stop here! There are more important survival tips to learn! Feel free to visit us today and discover more, like this post showcasing the biggest survival lies in movies.

Parts of a Gun: All You Need to Know About the Components of Your Firearm

Anyone who owns a gun understands that they aren't simply weapons, they are amazing creations of engineering and design. Whether you are a recreational shooter, a hunter, or simply out of a need for personal protection, there is a lot more to know about a gun besides simply learning to aim and shoot. The more you understand about your gun, the better you will be able to care for it and operate it. Let's take a look at the parts of a gun so that you can become a more informed marksman. Parts of a Gun: All You Need to Know About the Components of Your Firearms: If you own a firearm, you'll know how to shoot. But do you know how your gun actually works? We take a closer look at all the parts of a gun and what they do. The Grip: Quite simply, the grip is the part of the gun that the shooter holds onto. It's held with the dominant hand, though both hands are typically used to properly steady the gun for aiming. Grips are constructed from a variety of materials, such as rubber, wood, or the same material used for the rest of the gun. The Trigger: This is the small lever used to engage the firing mechanism of the gun. The majority of modern guns generally use a Double-Action trigger which causes the hammer-striker to cock and release in a single action. The trigger is a curved piece of metal designed to rest comfortably against the index finger. It can be set to various degrees of sensitivity so that the trigger will respond to a specific amount of pressure applied from the finger before firing. The apex trigger has long been regarded as one of the best ones in the industry. It is not only safe and efficient but does not add any extra weight to the overall gun. Not only does it result in lesser trigger travel time, but also delivers a far smoother trigger experience. The Trigger Guard: The trigger guard is basically a metal ring designed to protect the exposed part of the trigger. Its purpose is to protect the trigger from getting bumped or snagged, causing the gun to fire inadvertently. The Barrel: This is what you might call the "business end" of the gun. A barrel is made from heavy-duty hardened material that can withstand the tremendous forces involved in discharging and propelling a bullet. On handguns, the barrel is short. Whereas on rifles the barrel is much longer, which enables greater accuracy when shooting over a long distance. The internal wall of the barrel is "rifled" which means it's designed to impart a rotation on the exiting projectile, intended to provide improved accuracy. The Muzzle: If the barrel is the business end of the gun, the muzzle is the business end of the gun. Because this is the last part of the gun that a bullet touches as it exists. Many people fit their muzzles with accessories such as noise suppressors or silencers. For those interested in the latest advancements in firearm accessories, exploring the 2023 linear muzzle compensators can provide insights into modern options for enhancing shooting performance. The Hammer: On a handgun, the hammer is the part of a gun that strikes the cartridge primer or firing pin. This detonates the primer which discharges around from the gun. The Cylinder: This is one of the parts of a revolver, designed specifically to hold each bullet in a separate chamber. Then as each round discharges, the cylinder rotates, bringing each chamber into alignment with the barrel so that the bulletin that chamber is ready for discharge. The Forward and Rear Sights: The forward sight on a firearm is a slight protrusion on the barrel of the gun intended to align with a rear sight for the purpose of aiming. The shooter aims at the target by aligning the front sight in the grooves of the rear sight so that the muzzle of the gun aims directly at the target. These are typically small metal protrusions that in no way impact the actual mechanics of the firearm. Plenty of upgrades and accessories are available on the market, such as laser sights that improve the shooter's accuracy. The Slide: The slide on a handgun is a part of the assembly that houses the upper section of the firearm. It's typically constructed of a material that can withstand the forces involved during the firing of the gun. With most guns, it's designed with a ribbed pattern for improved grip and is manually pulled back to load the gun. Then as each round discharges, the slide automatically recoils and is the part of the firing mechanism that facilitates the transfer of a fresh round from the magazine into the firing chamber. The Slide Lock: This is the part of the gun designed for the simple task of locking the slide in the rearward position. When the final round in a magazine successfully discharges from a semi-automatic weapon, the slide lock engages and holds the slide in the open position in order to alert the shooter that the weapon is now empty. The Magazine: The magazine is a metal cartridge that holds the bullets prior to loading them into the firing chamber. It is manually ejected from the gun, reloaded with bullets, then snapped back into the assembly so that a fresh round can be chambered. Magazine cartridges come in a number of sizes, are able to hold up to several hundred rounds at one time, and can be single or double stacked. The Magazine Well: This is the part of the gun that accepts the magazine cartridge. The magazine well is usually designed with grooves that direct the magazine into a place where it can be engaged by the slide and firing mechanism. The Magazine Spring and Release Button: This magazine cartridge spring is a simple pressure spring intended to move rounds toward the firing action. The more rounds loaded into a magazine at one time, the greater the pressure exerted upon the spring. The release button is used to detach the magazine from the grip so that it can be reloaded, or replaced by another magazine that is already loaded. The Ejection Port: This is the part of the gun designed to eject a spent shell casing. The ejection port is a cutout located along the middle section of the slide that can also help the shooter to inspect the condition of the firing chamber. When the gun jams, the shooter can open the slide in order to look inside and see what the problem is. Sometimes the empty casing simply doesn't eject properly, or an unfired round might get jammed as it's loaded into the firing chamber. The Tang: The tang is a structure designed to assist the shooter in managing the recoil of the firearm. It also helps to protect the hand of the shooter from the slide assembly when it moves quickly backward and forward during the firing action. The Take-Down Lever: This lever is designed to manage the field-stripping of the firearm. The process of field-stripping is important for breaking the firearm down into its individual components for repair or cleaning. Breaking down the weapon on a regular basis is necessary both for proper maintenance as well as for when a part of the firing mechanism has failed and needs to be serviced. For anyone interested in repairing or modifying their own firearms, be sure to check out Strike Industries. The Chamber: The chamber is a portion of the barrel where the cartridge is stored prior to being fired. Each cartridge is chambered one at a time, fired, then ejected prior to the next round being chambered. The Accessories Rail: The accessories rail on a firearm allows the shooter to add on various tactical accessories. These include such devices as flashlights and laser sights. The Breech: The breech is located near the midsection of the gun. This is the part on the vast majority of firearms where the ammunition is loaded. Breech-loaded guns have become the norm in the current market, whereas in the old days' many shotguns, rifles and pistols were typically loaded through the muzzle. The Safety: Safety is one of the most important parts of any gun. This simple mechanism can easily make the difference in preventing a terrible accident. Sometimes the safety is a sliding component on the firearm, and sometimes it's a button. And it's usually located near the trigger where it can be easily reached and engaged. Safety is so important because it blocks the trigger mechanism, thus the gun cannot discharge until the safety disengages. Keep in mind that not every model of the gun has safety. So when looking to buy one for personal or home defensive, we strongly encourage you to look for a model with safety to reduce the chances of accidents occurring. The Importance of Understanding the Anatomy of Your Gun: The simple truth is that guns are complicated mechanisms. They can be dangerous in the wrong hands, yet can save lives in the hands of a trained and knowledgeable user. The more you learn about the parts of a gun, the better you will be able to care for your firearm and operate it safely and effectively. So be an informed marksman and have fun out there! Click here to learn about how gun and security gear has advanced through the years. Read Also: What Is An Airsoft Gun? How Gun And Security Gear Advanced Through The Years