COMMON SENSE AND SAFETY

COMMON SENSE AND SAFETY

There are a number of safety problems common to almost all workplaces and job sites that can be solved with a little common sense (if there is any sense that is common). Planning and thinking ahead can help eliminate most of these hazards.

Take a closer look at your workplace if you could find the following.

Junk piles, trash, broken parts, and scraps at the walkways, storerooms, kitchen and neglected corners. You can see materials that have been stacked improperly, cables that have been left carelessly and even tables that look like abandoned children play pen. These are things that ordinarily should not be if common sense is applied.

You know, an unstable stack is a real danger to anyone who may be near if the material suddenly falls. If you check such things like wood pallets, storeroom boxes and cartons, construction materials and even office files, you will observe that most materials are not stacked properly. Sometimes you may see open drawers that have been left unclosed, electrical cords plugged on and left unused and kettles left boiling without attention, and you begin to wonder if common sense is really common.

What is your part in all these?

Examine all the operation of your workplace to determine if personal protection is needed, then make it readily available. Ear protection, eye protection, hard hats, gloves, safety shoes and other protection clothing and equipment must be worn according to the exposure. Tidy workstation, well-arranged worktable, trip-less work-ways and tidy kitchen could be achieved using common sense.

Make sure that all electric tools are properly put to use. Protect yourself from electrical shock by using tools with three-pin plugs. Never cut-off the earth wires in a three-pin plug at home or office. Check electrical cords and wires for any damage. Guard power tools and moving machinery parts. Tools and equipment should never be operated with the guards removed. Never use extension cord for pressing iron. Never answer or make calls when phones are being charged.

Inspect portable ladders to make sure that they are secure and do not shake or wiggle. Non-slip feet wear is a must when climbing ladder. If a ladder seems weak, get rid of it - do not let others use a defective ladder. Never use aluminium ladders for electrical works. Both hands must be free when climbing ladder, load can only be hoisted.

Fire extinguishers are a must and should be mounted properly, readily accessible, and in working order. Check them to make sure that they are properly placed and the right type for your work area. Fire extinguisher should be serviced by a competent person, regularly and tagged to show when and who performed the test. Pressurized DCP is mostly preferable and CO2 in an electrical environment.

Exits should be clearly marked with easy to read signs placed above the doors. Signs with arrows should be used to guide people to the exit if the layout of the workplace is confusing to those unfamiliar with the facility. Do not block exits or signs with vehicles or materials. Illuminated signs should be kept in working order at all times. Put rails on all stairways. Use handrails when ascending or descending stairs.

Be sure the Okada you are using is not driven by a drunk or a person who does not understand dangers. Be sure you can control him as one on a horse. Never allow two on a bike for any reason nor take them for long distances especially at nights. They are necessary evils which should be treated with caution.

Safety meeting is one of the most important parts of a good safety programme, discussing safety with family is very essential. Impress upon yourself that it is important to take every precaution to keep the workplace and your home safe. Both employee and employer attitudes towards safety provide a key to a successful safety programme. Posters, handouts, safety signs and training programmes can all be a part of the safety communication – common sense. Now that you know, make safety your watch word, take it home, share with family so they can build the culture, do not take chances, lead by example and inculcate the habit in others.

THINK SAFETY ALWAYS – USE COMMON SENSE.