Take Safety Home With You

WHAT’S AT STAKE?

We do not live under mushrooms, nor, do we live in vacuums. What’s the relevance?? Safety attitudes and habits should be the same at home as they are in your workplace.

WHAT’S THE DANGER?

Failing to implement your safety attitudes and good safety habits at home can be costly. Off – the – job injuries affect your steady income, loss of productivity for business, loss of recreational time and a diminished overall life style.

It makes sense, after this analysis, to take seriously the proposition that off – the – job safety directly affects on the job security.

Your skills from on – the job are portable to your off – the – job safety.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

The following are some sharp useful guidelines to increase your off – the – job safety.

Fire Department

Have your local fire department conduct a home fire inspection for you. They can point out areas that could be a fire hazard.

Smoke detector:

Install smoke detectors in the recommended locations. Make sure you test them regularly and put in fresh batteries when needed.

Fire Extinguisher:

Keep the correct type of fire extinguisher in your kitchen and other high-risk areas. Learn how to operate the extinguisher and teach everyone in the family.

Escape plan:

Organize a fire escape plan and practice family fire drills often.

Pathways:

keep all traffic pathways, inside and outside, clear of obstacles. Clean up spills immediately to prevent falls.

Night lights:

Place inexpensive night lights in hallways and bathrooms to prevent tripping accidents. Even pets sleeping in hallways can be a hazard.

Non -slip:

Install non-slip surfaces in bathtubs, showers and on bathroom floors. Grab bars should be installed to prevent falls in tubs and showers.

Stairways:

Keep stairways clean and clear. Don’t store items you want to take upstairs later. Surprise obstacles cause many falls!

Toxic substances:

Store all toxic substances, cleaning products, paints or car products in a locked storage area and in a locked storage area and in their original containers. This will not only reduce accidental poisonings, but if one does occur, the container will have first aid instructions on the label.

Flammable liquids:

Keep flammable liquids stored in a well-ventilated area away from sources of ignition such as furnace pilot lights. Flammable liquids should be stored out-of-doors.

Power tools:

Keep or electrically powered tools out of the reach of children.

Correct tools:

Always use the correct tool for the job. Makeshift replacements, such as using a kitchen knife as a screwdriver, can cause injuries.

Ladder:

Practice good ladder safety habits. Never use the top few rungs. For straight ladders, use the one-to-four rule. Place the ladder at an angle so that the bottom is one foot away from the wall for every four feet of height.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter:

Have a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter installed for electrical outlet locations that are near moisture. This includes bathroom, kitchen and outdoor electrical outlets.

Plugs cords:

Keep plugs and electrical cords in good condition. Don’t forget that extension cords should only be used as temporary source of power. Don’t use them as a permanent replacement for wiring.

Sports:

When you participate in sports on your days off, make sure you use the correct PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) for the activity. Eye goggles, helmets, life jackets, shin-pads or gloves may be necessary.

Equipment:

Keep your sports equipment in good condition. Well-maintained equipment will last longer, save you money and reduce your risk of injury.

Drugs, alcohol:

Avoid using drugs and alcohol when you have to concentrate or be alert. You wouldn’t drink at work, so why do it when you are using a powered tool at home?

Seat Belt:

Buckle up before starting your car. Keep your car in good mechanical repair to avoid accidents. Observe all road warning signs and speed limits.

FINAL WORD

Safety awareness is a twenty-four hour a day job. Don’t leave your safety attitude at work when you punch the time clock at the end of your shift.