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Even when You’re in a Hurry, Slow down to Make Time for Safety

By: Lloyde Burstner Click author's name for more of his/her articles

Regardless of whether they are working or playing, Americans always appear to be in a rush. It shouldn't matter how tight your schedule is or that you are running out of time, you should always put safety first by wearing the proper safety gear and using the right tools. Individuals who don't correctly follow safety regulations have lost their fingers, limbs, and even their lives. The following are just a few precautions you should remember.

Whenever attempting to lift something heavy, remember to use the correct form. Employ the muscles of your arms and legs rather than your back. As you face the object, use a smooth lifting motion, while keeping the load near your body. As you lift a weight, don't use rotating or jerky motions since these may result in injury to back muscles. When your work demands a lot of lifting, you should use a belt that supports your back muscles.

There is a good reason why work equipment is equipped with protective shields.
I have two cases of preventable accidents that will explain why. One of my friends removed the safety guard from his table saw so that he could work faster. He sawed off the tip of his thumb at a 45 degree angle. Another friend removed the safety guard from his wood chipper so that larger tree limbs would fit. He lost three of his fingers when his glove got snagged on a branch. Maybe I need wiser friends.

Double check that the tools you have are right for the job. You might substitute a screwdriver for a paint stirrer with no trouble; however it should never be used for prying. Not only will this wreck the tip of the tool, but it might break off and strike your eyes or face.

Protective eyewear is the next topic. Whenever there is the possibility of particles flying into the eyes, like cutting or sanding wood, wear protective eyewear or goggles. Correct precautions and protective eyewear can prevent 90 percent of all eye injuries. There are even bifocal safety goggles which preclude the need for wearing your prescription eyewear beneath them.

Make sure you have the correct training prior to using a machine. Oftentimes it can be as easy as just studying the operation manual attached to the power tool. But sometimes it can be as complicated as needing to participate in a class that teaches forklift operation.

Forklifts are exciting and they appear easy to use. Forklift machinery is quite powerful, however, and demands the right training in order to run this equipment and properly distribute loads. Each year 20,000 people injure themselves seriously and another 100 die from using forklifts incorrectly. There are stringent regulations imposed by OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, governing the use of this equipment. Until you have gone through the correct training, keep your distance from a forklift.

OSHA also strictly enforces the wearing of hard hats in zones with this designation. Remember to use your hard hat in any designated area, regardless of how short your stay. Never take chances with Murphy's Law.

Take time for safety. Follow this simple advice and never fail to use common sense and the correct tools in order to stay safe in a world that is always in a hurry.

Article Source: ABC Article Directory

About The Author: Being a foreman in the construction field, Lloyde Burstner knows it’s his responsibility to makes sure his crew has the appropriate industrial protective clothing required for each job. For anyone whose job has industrial safety products needs, Lloyde recommends the quality products at Cal Olympic.