Harassment is not always sexual and it is not always obvious. Every employee should understand the legal definitions of harassment and how it could occur in their workplace.
Hand and power tools are integral to the efficiency of our workplaces but they are also extremely dangerous and account for hundreds of thousands of injuries every year. Safe use of these tools is imperative for a healthy and productive workplace. Here is a list of things never to do with a hand or power tool.
Never start work without scanning your work area for possible hazards. Make sure that the cord won't get caught on any materials and that the work area is clean. A clean and organized work area is the first step to efficiency and safety.
Never work without personal protective equipment. Goggles, gloves and other PPE save many eyes and hands every year. Never work without them!
Never forget to secure the materials you are working on especially with power tools. Kick-back is when a power tool sends its energy away from cutting or punching and either violently into the material or back towards the tool. Either way it can cause serious injury.
Never use a power tool with one hand. Kick-back and slipping will occur eventually and could cause serious injury.
Never use a hammer or screwdriver without first "seating" the nail or screw. Tap the nail or screw in with a hammer and get your hand away from the nail or screw. Never use full force with your hand still in the area.
Never use a screwdriver that has a blade that is too big or small for the job. Always fit the blade to the screw. It will decrease your chances for injury exponentially.
Never use a hammer to turn a wrench or pliers. Inevitably the hammer will bounce off and hit you or someone else.
Never forget to sharpen your blades. Hand knives and power saws are safer when they are sharp. It reduces kick-back and makes every operation go smoother.
Hand and Power tool injuries are all too common in the workplace, but with a little safety and planning they can be avoided. These are just a few things never to do. Get as much training as possible and add other rules to this list. You may avoid a serious injury some day.
A Discussion of Suspended Scaffolding Safety
Suspended scaffolds are usually suspended quite high off the ground. Safety under these conditions is imperative. Make sure your employees are fully trained in every area of this dangerous job.
Asbestos Awareness Can Save Your Health
Working in a structure built before the 1980s means there is a good chance that you are working in an environment that contains asbestos. Understanding how to safely work in this dangerous environment is imperative.
What a Course in Electrical Safety in the Lab Entails
The use of electicity in a lab is of course unavoidable. Giving your employees a complete training program on electrical safety as it pertains to the laboratory is imperative.
