March-22-2012
Keeping up to date on the latest safety trends and advances is very important. The ASSE now makes it easy to hear the latest news and topics by offering free podcasts. Topics on occupational safety, health and environmental topics will be updated each month on the ASSE’s virtual classroom and at the iTunes store.
March-19-2012
Preventing slip and fall accidents in public buildings is crucial. The Dundee City Council office building, located in the United Kingdom, is undertaking a new project in replacing the flooring throughout their facility. Numerous staff members have reported slip and fall accidents in areas of the facility and at least one staff member has been taken to the hospital with a serious leg injury. Construction is underway on each alternate floor to replace the existing slick flooring. By alternating the construction, the building will be allowed to remain open and functioning.
March-15-2012
Galvanized steel goes through a hot-dip galvanizing process which coats steel with a thin layer of zinc at a temperature of around 860 degrees Fahrenheit. After the steel passes through a molten bath of zinc, the zinc reacts with oxygen, forming zinc oxide, which further reacts with carbon dioxide, resulting in zinc carbonate. The zinc carbonate is a strong material that protects steel from elements which may cause corrosion.
March-12-2012
Non-slip stainless steel plate is commonly used in the slippery environments of food processing facilities. Due to its ability to withstand caustic enzyme environments stainless steel flooring is an ideal solution in these harsh environments. Not only should this versatile product be used in processing locations, stainless plate should be considered for use in exterior sidewalks, pedestrian bridges and stairs.
March-08-2012
Infrastructure is the mixture of integral systems that support a community, region or country. It includes water and sewer systems, road and railroad networks, national power and natural gas grids. Currently, growing populations, natural disasters and accidents have been putting stress on infrastructure; making it difficult for engineers to keep up with modern solutions. When researching restoration, engineers must consider sustainability, durability, environmental and energy use and aesthetic appeal. “In 2005, the American Society of Civil Engineers issued a report card, grading various categories of U.S. infrastructure. The average grade was D”.
March-05-2012
An article titled “Safe and Sustainable; Mats Offer Slip and Fall Prevention, Ergonomic Benefits” discusses the benefits of installing various types of mats to improve worker safety. Dirt control mats, anti-fatigue mats and safety mats are some of the suggested few mats that can help decrease worker injuries and provide safer working conditions. Slip and fall prevention is necessary in conditions where oils, water and other forms of moisture create slick surfaces. A single slip and fall incident can cause many problems for both workers and their employers, ranging from missed work days to monetary claims. Installing slip resistant products in areas where accidents can frequently occur will help reduce injuries and increase productivity.
March-01-2012
Stair treads are an integral part of many facilities, ranging from stairways in commercial office buildings to crossover platforms in food processing plants and many applications in between. The nosing of a stair can be the most slippery part of these treads. Nosings tend to wear quickly, creating an uneven walking surface that increases the likelihood of accidents. By retrofitting a slip resistant aluminum angle to existing stairs, companies can decrease the chances of slip and fall accidents on stairways.
February-27-2012
Slips and falls are the most common cause of major injuries in the workplace. According to the Health and Safety Executive, educational employers and students are faced with hazards on a daily basis around building entrances/exits, sports halls, dining areas, changing rooms/swimming pools, playgrounds and many other sites. Education premises are often complex, which is why different measures must be taken. Employers must identify the following:
According to a university refectory, the replacement of a flooring surface with an improved slip resistant surface reduced the number of slip and falls. A prime example of where slip resistant flooring should be installed is in the food-serving areas due to the food, debris and liquids which are often spilled. If the flooring is not cleaned properly, it may cause extremely slick or worn surfaces.
Slip and fall incidents can be controlled if the proper attention is applied. Most measures are simple changes, but will reduce the cost and amount of suffering. To learn more about anti-slip flooring you may consider contacting SlipNOT® Metal Safety Flooring at 313-923-0400 in regards to their durable, long lasting metal products.
Health and Safety Executive. Preventing slip and trip incidents in the education sector. http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/edis2.pdf
February-23-2012
When the holiday season begins, stores across the country see store traffic increase with shoppers trying to get gifts at the best possible prices. Black Friday shoppers line up days in advance to get some of the best deals on hot ticket items. After holiday sales are beginning to increase in popularity as well. Stores in wet and snowier climates must take extra precautions to protect these bargain hunters in the entranceways and exit’s of their stores to prevent slip and fall accidents in these high traffic areas.
February-20-2012
When you think of aluminum tread plates you may think of the traditional shiny plates with a raised diamond pattern that cover truck boxes or steps used to get into a truck. This inexpensive product is often purchased due to its low cost and availability. These aluminum tread plates can be as dangerous as a smooth surface plate when covered in water or oil. While a lower cost may look appealing, these plates become worn unevenly and eventually wear down to a smooth surface again, forcing you to buy all new material. When dealing with a lot of weight bearing and heavy duty damage these plates do not withstand the force you need in factory or shipping environments for a long period of time.
