Tuesday, June 30, 2020
Monday, June 29, 2020
Manual Handling Training
What injuries are caused
by manual handling?
Manual handling cause severe injury
in the short term through accidents, or chronic or long-term damage from bad
handling techniques for the work activities. Short term injuries include
bruises, cuts, hernias, sprained and inflamed tendons, sprained ligaments,
ruptured discs, trapped nerves, and crushed fingers and feet and broken bones.
1.
Chronic and or Longer-term
damage often leads to continual back injuries.
2.
How do I plan effective manual
handling procedures?
We
need to consider four factors:
·
The nature of the task
itself
·
The weight and type of load
that is being moved
·
The capacity of the person
carrying out the task
·
The environment in which
the activity is being carried out.
How can we prevent injuries
from occurring?
AVOID – The
most effective way of preventing injuries is to remove the hazard i.e. remove
the required to conduct any manual handling task. For example, you may be able
to use an automated aid such as a trolley or lift. Any alternative means of
moving objects must also be assessed and controlled to ensure that they do not
cause any new significant hazards.
ASSESS – Any
manual handling activity that cannot be averted must be properly assessed to make
sure that remaining risk aspects are all reduced by utilizing appropriate
controls. we can photocopy the activity assessment sheets for each task
identified.
REDUCE – Can
loads be made smaller, can lifting distances or heights be reduced, should come
tasks be done by two people, what action can you take to lessen manual handling
tasks?
Manual handling cause severe injury in the short term through accidents, or chronic or long-term damage from bad handling techniques for the work activities.
Wednesday, June 24, 2020
Planned Preventive Maintenance (PPM) Checklist for Standby Generators
- Government Buildings
- Telecommunications Facilities
- Nuclear Power Plants
- Banks
- Hospitals
- Airports
- Heavy Industries
Proper Maintenance for Emergency Generators
Preventative Diesel Generator Maintenance
- General inspection
- Lubrication service
- Cooling system service
- Fuel system service
- Servicing and testing starting batteries
- Regular engine exercise
Back-Up Diesel Generator Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) Checklist
How PPM is Conducted for Emergency Diesel Generator?
- Randomly
- Daily or Weekly
- Monthly
- Every 6 Months
- Annually
Randomly
Daily or Weekly
- Check fluid levels
- Inspect the battery and charging system
- Check hoses
- Belts for damages
- Remove the sediment from the fuel tank
- Start the generator and rectify any warning.
Quarterly
- Change filters oil, coolant, air, fuel
- Check ignition mechanism and change spark plugs
- Start the generator and rectify any warning.
Annually
- Refurbish generator’s diesel fuel
- Service external parts, e.g., alternator & transfer switch
- Conduct the Load test the back-up generator and rectify the warning or any alerts indicators
- After carrying out Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) for back-up generators, proper housekeeping should be done around the generator, and ensure the back-up generator is turned to “AUTO” instead of “OFF” so it can run properly as expected during a power failure.
Tuesday, June 23, 2020
Employees Disciplinary Action Format
The under review and discussion subject employee’s disciplinary action plays a vital role in the process of successful policy implementation of an organisation. As being a Line Manager or Project Engineer, you are responsible and accountable to take every possible initiative against any misuse, negligent and violation practiced by any of the workforce or employee. Use this disciplinary action document format for the email template to send a formal, written warning notice to employees who violate your organisation policies. You can also customize this document template whether it's a first, second or a final warning notice.
A warning letter
or notice is a proper and formal way to discipline employees about their
misconducts. Misconduct or dereliction may refer to:
- Aversion Unwillingness to perform job duties
- Attendance issues or irregularities.
- Rupture Breach of an Organisation’s policy
- One-time minor offenses or other types of misdemeanors
To make your company’s Occupational Health and Safety policy, take tough initiatives (like suspension from the work or permanent termination from the company) for serious violations such as misconduct, misuse or violation of PPE, harassment or fraud. According to your organisation’s disciplinary action policy, it might be best and sufficient to first warn employees/workers verbally and advise them on how to correct and improve their behavioral qualities. If they don’t conform to your organisation’s standards, you can then send a formal written warning notice to underline the seriousness of their misconduct and demonstrate what will happen if this behavior linger.
The
objective and the aim is to help employees figure out how their misconduct/Misbehavior
impacts the organisation and their activity, what the consequences are and how
they can self-discipline so that they don’t face more critical disciplinary
actions, including termination from the job. On the other side, employee
warning notices or disciplinary action will help you keep record of actions or
initiatives taken before deciding to dismiss an employee who ignores and negligence
organisation’s regulations and admonition. Utilize this employee warning notice
format or email template as a reference and make proper required alteration
according to the type of misconduct or negligence. Make sure to include particular
incidents that display how or when the worker committed a mistake or misbehave attitude
at work and how this violates your organisation policies.
In
case if it is the first warning letter or notice you send to workers, ask them
to report at your office so you can further make proper discussion on the issue
or suggest substitute solutions (like providing and suggesting them some days
off if they have any personal problems that influence their behavior.) If this
is the final warning letter or notice prior dismissal from the job, make that
clear to employees so that at least they have one last opportunity to improve
their behavior.
E-Mail
Notice
Date: 00
January 2020
Ref: 00/0000000
1st - Warning
To: xxxxxxxxxx
Subject: HSE Violation (Not
Wearing Safety Shoes)/or
Being assigned as Electrical/Plumbing/HAVC
Technician at (project/worksite), it has been noticed that you violate the OSH
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Section No #2 (Organization policy). Your
violation/misbehave/misconduct may have been unintentional/unexpected, or you
may have not accomplished/realized that you were violating a health and safety rule
of the company. Moreover, we are bringing this to your attention because of
management's sincere concern for your health and safety. Further violations/negligence
of the above mentioned, or frequent violations or misdemeanor of any health and
safety rules, or safe practices, will result in disciplinary/punitive action.
This 1st warning letter shall serve as a reminder that you should be responsible and professional in the conduct of your duty. And you should follow the instructions of your site Manager/Engineer/Supervisor.
If you continue to be
negligent, a proper action shall be decided accordingly.
Employee’s Statement
I have read and
understood the above warning notice. I am agreeing that I will not commit this
violation misdemeanor/negligence again and that I will try to increase the
safety with which I work.
Employees Signature:
_________________________________
For (Your Organization)
HSE Department Head Project Manager
Download File 👇
Monday, June 22, 2020
Worksite HSE Observation and Inspection
Health,
Safety and Environmental (HSE) Observations are planned to complete whether the
performance of operations is following the procedures which are organized to
carry out the work safely and in a better way. During HSE, which should be done
by two people, a work task will be observed and inspected for some time. It is
recommended to inform those who be observed in your activities so they do not
get the idea to be “scrutinize”. Afterwards, you can discuss the results and
stores them on a specially designed form to monitor the results.
The objective or aims of Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) Observations are to make people aware of their behavior by entering into conversation, communication and coordination with them. It should be a dialogue, not a lecture, otherwise, people feel patronized or the opposite will be reached. It is also necessary to discuss not only the bad or unsafe & insecure situations, but also to discuss the positives. Discussing the employer encourages the employee to work even safer. For health and safety observations you can make a “Checklist. Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) Observations” to ensure that they observe all the important and key points. If during the observation new concerns come forward, then you can add it to this “HSE Observations Checklist”. This checklist is established to provide support for the manager and or project engineer and not as a guideline because they always have to look beyond the checklist.
What Does
Observed in HSE Observations?
The
following is observed during HSE Observations:
- Compliance with safety rules and regulations
- Correct Utilization of PPE
- Correct and safe use of tools/machines
- Proper Handling of hazardous substances
- Appropriate handling of environmentally harmful substances
HSE Workplace Inspections & Observations
Health, Safety and
Environmental (HSE) Inspections for the workplace is different from
observation. During the HSE workplace inspection the look at some calculated
items such as the following:
- Housekeeping, Order and Cleanliness Workplace
- Presence and Use of PPE
- Check First Aid Kit
- Check Grades and Test Fire Plus Devices
- State of Tools
- State of Machine (s)
- Permit to Work (PTW)
It
is recommended for the manager, project engineer or HSE coordinator to create a
standard checklist, workplace HSE checklist inspection to be looked at fixed
points. You can see after some time, using trend analysis, what you are good at
and where are possible points for improvement.
Workplace HSE Observation and Inspection Within Organization
As
designated supervisors perform the HSE observation and workplace inspection,
but it can also be beneficial if a higher safety expert performs the HSE
observation and workplace inspection. A certified Health, Safety and
Environmental (HSE) expert is trained to be keen on all counts and allows
him to do the HSE observation and work inspection. Provenance can perform an
HSE observation and workplace inspection for you and help to create an “HSE
Observations Checklist”. We HSE Documents can also help you to implement
the observation technique, as well as doing the workplace inspections by using
formats.
Download File
Heat Stress and its Effects On Workforce
The Workforce or employees who are exposed to extreme heat or work in hot environments (it could be confined space or external direct Sun) may be at risk of heat stress. Exposure to extreme heat can result in occupational illnesses and severe physical injuries. Heat stress can result in heatstroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, or heat rashes. Heat can also enhance the risk of injuries in the workforce as it may result in sweaty palms sweat, steam-up safety glasses, and smog. Skin burns may also occur as a result of accidental contact with hot surfaces or steam.
Who
Get Exposed to Heat Stress?
Mostly the workers who carry out their work or activities
outdoor are at high risk of heat stress include: outdoor workers and workers in
hot environments such as:
- Firefighters,
- Bakery workers,
- Farmers,
- Construction workers,
- Miners,
- Boiler room workers,
- Factory workers,
Employees
are at greater risk of heat stress include:
- Those who are over age 60 or above,
- Are overweight,
- Have heart disease
- High blood pressure
In case of severe heat stress/stroke, take medications that
may be affected by extreme heat. Prevention of heat stress in workers is
important. Employers should provide proper training to employees including the
labour, MEP technicians, and or others so they understand and aware what heat
stress is, how it affects their occupational health, safety and environmental,
and how it can be interrupted. Heat stress is an illness that can be caused by exposure
to extreme heat. It occurs when the body is unable to maintain a healthy
temperature in response to a hot environment. The employees who are continuously
exposed to high temperatures or hot environment may be at high risk for establishing
excessive of heat stress, as they typically have long shifts and may be either
ill-equipped or inadequately trained by their employers to recognize this
illness and take preventative measures. Hot conditions present a definite
threat to workers. High temperatures can be dangerous and even fatal at work,
as they lead to injuries, illnesses, and death. In 2015, exposure to
environmental heat led to 2,830 nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses,
as well as 37 work-related deaths. Of these deaths, 33 of them occurred from
June to September.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has published a map of U.S. heat-related fatalities for outdoor workers. This map shows the locations of these fatalities, and according to OSHA, 109 occupational fatalities were heat-related from 2008 to 2014 alone.
Heat Stress and
its Effects On Workforce
The Workforce or
employees who are exposed to extreme heat or work in hot environments (it could
be confined space or external direct Sun) may be at risk of heat stress.
Exposure to extreme heat can result in occupational illnesses and severe
physical injuries. Heat stress can result in heatstroke, heat exhaustion, heat
cramps, or heat rashes. Heat can also enhance the risk of injuries in the workforce
as it may result in sweaty palms sweat, steam-up safety glasses, and smog. Skin
burns may also occur as a result of accidental contact with hot surfaces or
steam.
Who Get Exposed to
Heat Stress?
Mostly the workers
who carry out their work or activities outdoor are at high risk of heat stress
include: outdoor workers and workers in hot environments such as:
1.
Firefighters,
2.
Bakery
workers,
3.
Farmers,
4.
Construction
workers,
5.
Miners,
6.
Boiler
room workers,
7.
Factory
workers,
Employees are at
greater risk of heat stress include:
- Those who are over age 60 or above
- Are overweight
- Have heart disease
- High blood pressure
The Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has published a map of U.S.
heat-related fatalities for outdoor workers. This map shows the locations of
these fatalities, and according to OSHA, 109 occupational fatalities were
heat-related from 2008 to 2014 alone. As time goes on and high-temperature
records continue to be broken, risk of heat stress is likely going to increase
and precaution will become more important than ever. Besides being a personal
hazard, hot conditions may also put workers at risk for further injuries and
can endanger their coworkers. For example, excessive heat may cause sweaty
palms, skin burns, Steamy safety glasses, or dizziness. Measures should be
taken to prevent or handle these factors so they do not interfere with a
workers’ ability to perform safely and efficiently.
Who’s at Risk for
Heat Stress?
Specific work
environments may put workers especially at risk for heat stress. These
environments are either outdoors or within a confined, heated space, and they
include:
- The outdoors (pools; landscaping; maintenance)
- Firefighting and other emergency response
- Bakeries
- Farms
- Construction sites
- Factories
- Oil and gas well operations
- Hazardous waste sites
- Plants such as chemical or brick-firing plants
Individual factors
may also put workers at risk of illness from heat. These include:
- Workers
who are 65 years or older
- Those
who have high blood pressure or heart disease and other underlying health conditions
- Workers
who are on medications that are potentially affected by extreme heat
- Those
who are overweight
- Drug
use
- Cardiovascular
fitness
- Existing
burns along the body that may interfere with sweat glands
- Workers
who have not performed in hot environments before
- A
low intake of liquids
There are
technical methods of determining the risk of heat stress, such as
determining the wet bulb globe temperature of the work environment. This
measure considers radiant heat sources, air movement, and humidity on top of
temperature. There are also occupational exposure limits (OELs) to
consider as well. Certain operational and environmental variables can have an
impact, such as:
- The
temperature of the worksite itself
-
The
environment’s relative humidity
- Lack
of proper HSE training and awareness of heat stress
- Workload/amount
of muscular exertion required
- PPE
that prevents the human body from sweating effectively, e.g. as waterproof
clothing
People who work in
certain states may also be particularly at risk. For example, California,
Kansas, and Texas tend to have the highest rates of work-related injuries and
illnesses caused by environmental heat.
Symptoms of Heat
Stress
It is highly
recommended that employers use personal observations as well as technical
measures to ensure that workers are safe. Certain indicators of heat stress can
be observed, and it’s important to use professional judgement to assess the
situation and quickly take action. An essential aspect of heat stress
prevention training is recognizing the signs of heat stress, which
include:
- Fatigue
- Sudden
and severe headaches or nausea
- An
increase in incidents
- A
lack of alertness
- Dizziness
or fainting
- Clammy,
cold, or pale skin
- Cramps
or pains in the muscles
- A
weak or fast pulse
- Excessive
sweating
OSHA and the
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) have worked
together to provide a Heat Safety Tool App that not only provides
real-time information on heat index information and weather conditions but also
acts an as a guide to identifying symptoms of illnesses related to the heat.
There are also
different severity of heat stress. For example, the illness may lead to heat
rashes, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke. The most serious severity
is heat stroke, which is a real medical emergency and may be fatal, as in this
case, the body becomes completely unable to regulate its temperature. During a
heat stroke, a worker’s body temperature will be 103ºF or higher, and they may
be confused or lose consciousness.
What
to Do When a Worker Suffers from Heat Stress
When it has been determined that a worker is ill due to
the heat, remain calm and get help immediately. If there is not a supervisor
nearby or the supervisor determines it’s a serious situation, call 999. If
possible, move the worker into the shady or a cool area, remove any outer
clothing, and have someone stay with them until help arrives. As soon as
possible, provide cool water to the worker to drink, apply ice, and attempt to
fan or mist them. If the worker is confused or unable to stay alert/conscious
these are indications, they may be suffering from a heat stroke. In this case,
call 999 immediately and apply ice as soon as possible.
An important
aspect of assessing heat illness is creating a buddy system for workers.
Implementing this system brings attention to occupational risks, and ensures
that action is taken as quickly as possible. Workers should be familiar with
the symptoms of heat illnesses and heatstroke in particular to monitor the
situation. Or, a responsible person may be designated to monitor conditions and
protect workers. A complete heat illness prevention program will prevent
injuries and fatalities.
Methods
of Prevention
It’s mandatory to take action immediately and prevent heat
stress in the workforce. Prevention starts with high-quality and proper HSE
training. The workforce should provide an appropriate and essential quality
education through safety courses and other available means so the employee
understands what heat stress is and its causes, the various severity,
and how it affects their health and safety. OSHA also provides a Heat Stress
Quick Card which describes potential symptoms and actions to take and it is the
most beneficial for both employers and the employees. Both employers
and employees may undertake daily tasks to protect against heat
stress and other heat-related illnesses.
There are daily
tasks that may be undertaken by both employers and employees to protect against
heat-related illness. These include:
- Finding
or providing shade and using other means of blocking out direct sunlight and
other sources of heat
- Providing
and drinking water every 15 minutes (it is recommended to get at least one pint
per hour); avoid beverages that contain alcohol or caffeine, since these can
cause dehydration
- Modify
work schedules to begin and end earlier, avoiding the most intense times of the
day
- Arranging
frequent breaks that include provided water and are in air-conditioned or
shaded areas
- Providing
and wearing light and/or lose clothing that provides cooling