Safety Tips for the Holidays
As November draws to a close, and December rapidly approaches, the retail and hospitality industries are kicking into high gear. The Festive Season comes with its own unique set of risks and hazards, not just in the retail and hospitality sectors, virtually every business will be impacted in some way over the holidays. Now is as good a time as any to make sure you and your staff stay safe and healthy through the next few weeks. As your organization prepares for the holidays, here are some potential health and safety risks to keep in mind: Seasonal Hires – many businesses require temporary help to meet the increased demands of the holiday season. Seasonal workers are at high risk for workplace accidents and injuries just like any new hire, possibly more. Since their employment is temporary, things like safe practices, accident reporting procedures and performance issues can be glossed over, […]
Preventing Manual Material Handling Injuries in Your Warehouse
With a number of moving equipment pieces, storage and handling needs, and manual handling, warehouses are a hub of activity— and risk. In 2019 alone, 234,851 lost-time claims were made in Canada due to traumatic injuries and disorders. Of these claims, countless could have been prevented with better safety precautions, workplace training, and standardized practices. Warehouses, like every workplace, have their own unique challenges and dangers which is why it’s important to take each into special consideration when considering improving safety processes. There’s a good reason why most material movement in warehouses is done by equipment. Manual lifting and moving of materials such as boxes, equipment, or supplies can be strenuous on the body and lead to a number of injuries. These injuries are preventable and can be dealt with through a few careful precautions. Three Ways to Prevent Manual Material Handling Injuries in the Warehouse 1) Training Provide information, […]
Top Must-Have Workplace Safety Apps
We’re all aware of the concerns surrounding smartphone use and the impact it has on our daily life, both personally and professionally. The demands on our attention, the dangers of distracted driving and the loss of productivity are just a few of the criticisms attributed to smartphones but is it possible that smartphones can improve health and safety at work? Despite their bad wrap, when used intentionally, smartphones can have real value in the workplace and on the job. Smartphone technology is an unstoppable, never-ending force that is constantly changing the way we view our world and how we operate in it; it touches every aspect of our lives including how we communicate, interact, navigate and how we gather, store and share information. So, let’s focus on the positive for a moment. What are the advantages of having a cell phone at work? Besides the obvious calls to 911, smartphones […]
Spring Cleaning: Improving Safety in the Workplace
The clocks have sprung forward and Spring is just around the corner! Longer days with increased sunlight bring a sense of awakening and rejuvenation, a fresh look, and a fresh start. It’s time to start planning some spring cleaning and not only at home but at work as well. And it’s not just about clearing the dust, dirt and grime of winter away, this is an excellent opportunity to address health and safety in the workplace. A proactive, preventative approach can remove hazards, reduce risks, improve wellness and increase productivity. Prevention is key to reducing on-the-job incidents and accidents; with a good spring cleaning it can be as simple as 1,2,3: 1. Clean and Declutter: Deep cleaning all carpets, floors, walls, surfaces and equipment can stop the spread of bacteria, germs and allergens. A clean work environment is a healthy work environment. Taking the time to declutter workstations and worksites […]
ISO 45001: A Game Changer in Occupational Health & Safety
The numbers are staggering, according to the International Labour Organization’s 2017 calculations. Around the world, every minute of every day 5 people lose their lives while working and more than 700 people are injured or become ill just from ‘doing their job’. That is almost 3 million workplace fatalities and an additional 374 million workplace accidents per year. The burden of occupational injuries and illnesses is undeniable, not just on employers but on the global economy. It is these sobering statistics that prompted the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to create and publish a new set of standards for occupational health and safety: ISO 45001. The new standard was developed by a committee of occupational health and safety experts from more than 70 countries and provides an easy to use framework that improves employee safety, reduces workplace risks and creates better, safer working conditions all over the world. ISO 45001 […]