Tips in the Workplace

Woodworking is a rewarding hobby that can be dangerous as well. But if you pay attention and learn to follow a few simple rules, it's no more dangerous than baking a cake. Certainly, the first step is to maintain a healthy respect for the tools you are using, especially power tools. Take a minute to review these safe work methods in the workplace:

·         Stay Sober -- This should be a no-brainer; alcohol and sharp tools do not mix. Even some over-the-counter medications can make you feel sleepy so staying away from them is a good idea when you're in your workshop.

·         Slow Down -- It's a natural tendency, especially with beginners, to want to hurry up and finish the project as fast as possible. Slow down and take your time. For some, this is something that has to be learned over time. Just don't learn it the hard way. This is one of the best safety tips in the workplace.

·         Has Adequate Lighting - Don't be afraid to turn on the lights. Try to set up your workshop to receive as much natural light as possible.

·         Be on Guard -- Your power tools have guards for a reason. Don't take off the guards or try to figure out some way of getting around them. Unfortunately, many experienced woodworkers develop a false sense of security over time and begin to take shortcuts with their guards. If you're just starting out, learn to be safe above all.

·         Eliminate Clutter - Keep your workspace clear and free of clutter. Stack your lumber in a rack or somewhere off the floor. Keep your tools in their proper places and return them to their homes when you are finished. Keep power cords out of the way.

·         Protect Yourself -- There are three things you need to be concerned with in your workshop: eye protection, hearing protection and breathing protection. Always wear safety glasses or goggles when working with wood. When using power tools, ear plugs should be worn. They're inexpensive so always keep several sets in your workshop. Woodworking creates a lot of dust so breathing protection is a must. It's a good idea to use dust masks in the workshop. You may even want to consider buying a respirator. They're pricier than dust masks but more effective.

These safety tips in the workplace are important in order to learn how to be safe at work. Putting safety first should always be your first consideration before starting any project. Try to develop good habits by following the correct rules and procedures and you will not only be a competent woodworker but a safe one as well.

Importance of Health & Safety at Work

The importance of health and safety at work cannot be overstated. The employer has both a moral and a legal obligation to ensure that his employees work in both a safe and healthy environment.

Morally no worker should be forced to work in an environment where his welfare is at risk. It also makes good business sense to ensure that workers are both safe and healthy during working hours. Sick or injured workers lead to a drop in production and a subsequent loss of profits. Moral issues aside, there are strict laws and regulations governing health and safety at work, and should an employer transgress these requirements he could find himself being prosecuted and having to pay out large sums in compensation.

Good work practices effectively pay for themselves as production remains free from disruption, insurance costs are minimized, the workforce remains contented and customers are delighted with a regular and prompt supply of fulfilled orders.

In the United Kingdom the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) are in change of health and safety regulations in the workplace. The HSE not only enforce these regulations, but will also prosecute employers when they are contravened. While this is very necessary, it puts an enormous strain on employers whose first concern, quite naturally, is to run their businesses as efficiently as possible.

While the HSE produces plenty of information on the regulations, which are often updated, the typical busy employer or manager often has little time to read through them, let alone fully understand them. It is because of this that agencies have emerged that advise employers, managers and key employees just what the law demands and how to comply by keeping your work premises and practices as safe as possible. These agencies also run courses on various aspects of health and safety, many of which are certificated.

One of these courses is the IOSH Working Safely Certificate. This course meets the HSE's requirements as a safety certificate. It defines and identities risks and hazards and looks at ways of improving safety performance. The course also looks at safe systems of working, and considers personal responsibility for safety in the workplace, as well as the protection of staff in the working environment.

The fact that such courses exist emphasizes the importance of health and safety at work in the modern world.

Occupational safety solutions are accredited training providers, providing a range of Health and Safe work method statements training from Sydney.

Tips to Relieve Stress at Work

Do you feel stress at work? Do you carry your stress home with you at night?

Here are some tips that will help you achieve success over stress. You can reduce stress on the job.

1. When making phone calls, as you pick up the phone and dial, take three slow deep breaths. Concentrate on pushing tension out of your lungs as you exhale.

2. Sit down to eat. (Do not eat while standing or driving in your car) Focus on relaxing and enjoyable talk at lunchtime. If co-workers only insist on rehashing all of the negative stuff at work, insist on eating alone.

3. When you drive your car to your business or your job, listen to something enjoyable or motivating.

4. On the way home from your business or your job, listen to enjoyable or relaxing music.

5. Take a few minutes each day to thank God, in whatever form is consistent with your belief system, for the glorious sunrise. At sunset, do the same. If you are at work while the sun is setting, take a quick break to watch the sun set and again, thank your concept of "God" for the glorious sunset.

6. Take a few minutes at work to think of people who may have harmed you in any way. Breathe deeply, relax, and push out all of the tension surrounding those thoughts. Fill your heart and your lungs with forgiveness for the person or persons who have harmed you. Wish for them the same success and happiness you wish for yourself.

7. Live today as if it where your last day. Make your last day, your best day!

Summary:

Use the seven tips to relieve stress at work and enjoy your job and your life.