Use the Correct Equipment for the Task Never be tempted to use the wrong equipment for the job. Many accidents happen because people have not chosen the right equipment for the work to be done. Controlling the risk often means planning ahead and ensuring that suitable equipment or machinery is available. You should check the…
Only undertake work for which you are trained and competent. Always ensure you are competent and have the correct training before undertaking work. If you are in any doubt stop work and speak with your manager about it. Risk assessments should identify tasks for which training or instruction is required.
Keep your workplace clean and tidy Housekeeping it VERY important! Good housekeeping is important; keeping workplaces clear and tidy can prevent many of the more common hazards such as slip, trips fall accidents, fires etc. Check floors regularly for trip hazards and clear up spillages immediately.
The OHS act requires that lifting equipment be assessed and validated as fit for use. Remember a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Therefore when having lifting equipment inspected and certified you need to ensure it’s done from the beam or gantry that the lifting equipment is attached to, right down to…
The inquiry into the Grayston bridge collapse has revealed shocking short cuts being taken by construction companies South Africa’s building-industry code could be set for major changes following damning evidence of a cowboy culture and unprofessional practices that emerged during a probe into the collapse of a temporary structure over a highway in Johannesburg. This…
An interesting read found online at http://www.ready.gov/ I noticed this website is not South African based but you may still find it very interesting and may serve as quite useful for some. They provide information on how to prepare for emergencies such as: Technological & accidental hazards Natural Disasters Terrorist Hazards Recovering from disaster Evacuations…
Despite the differences between bee and wasp venom, symptoms of their stings are similar and can be treated in a similar way. A bee will sting only once, a wasp often stings multiple times. A bee also leaves its sting behind, embedded in the skin of the patient. Bee and wasp stings may result in…
First Aid Techniques Do not hesitate to act! The first signs of anaphylaxis can be mild, becoming life-threatening very quickly. Alert security or safety officer and arrange for transportation of the patient. If the patient has an Epinephrine auto-injector, use it at the first signs of the anaphylaxis. Repeat every 5 minutes if the symptoms…
In South Africa, there has never been a verified death from a spider bite. Of the approximately 2500 species of spider in southern Africa, only about 20 species are considered medically important. There are 4 groups of medically important spiders in Africa. Use the following Identikit to make a positive identification. If the spider can be…
Forklift blind spots are everywhere. Forward, back, left and right. Hear how to avoid collisions and injuries when hauling large loads or driving backward. Sometimes powered industrial trucks, a.k.a. forklifts, have more blind spots than areas of clear vision. A full load can completely block the forward view. Parts of the forklift itself are culprits…
