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Construction worker

Did you know that there has been an increase in fatal accidents in the workplace in the construction, agriculture and manufacturing industries? That means you could go to work expecting nothing more stressful than a meeting or two, and end up in the hospital by the end of the day! Suffering from an injury that affects your physical and mental well being as well as your ability to continue to work in the future. That is why you need to be up to speed on the types of accident that can happen in the workplace and what you can do about them. Read on to find out more.

Falls

Fatal injuries resulting from a fall is one highest categories in the HSE report. In fact, apart from accidents with vehicles, which we shall deal with below, it is the riskiest activity to do at work. But if you have to work at height or cross slippery surfaces as part of your job what can you do to minimise this risk?

Well, first of all, it’s vital that you insist on getting working a height qualification. As this will teach you about all of the safety procedures, you need to adhere to minimise any risk, both to you and to the others working with you. It’s also a good idea to always work with a harness when you are up high. Even if you are just going to be there for a short amount of time. This will provide an additional layer of safety if you do fall, slip or trip. Meaning an accident that may have proven fatal, end up being less serious.

Regarding slip hazards, it’s vital to be aware of your surroundings. This is partly your own responsibility., but also that of your employer. That means they should provide signage pointing out any slip or trip hazards that are present in the work area. To remind you to be extra careful.

Of course, being cautious will only prevent some of the accidents that occur during the work day. Accidents that through no fault of your own, may leave you in pain, crippled, and struggling to make ends meet. In that case, it’s vital that you contact a personal injury attorney that can help you assess whether you have a claim against your employer. Something that means it was your employer’s fault you were hurt and not yours. This entitles you to compensation for both the hours at work lost and the injury sustained.

Vehicles

The vehicle category is the largest in the HSE fatalities at work report. That means more people die because of an accident with a vehicle than of any other cause. This really highlights how important it is to be extra careful when working with vehicles.

Of course, that is easier said than done, because there are many different type vehicles used in a work situation from forklift trucks, cars, and motorbikes to articulated lorries, and heavy plant machinery, such as cherry pickers, slingers, and excavators that are used on construction sites.

In particular, this plant machinery can pose a clear and present danger to safety in the workplace, and this is why it’s useful to get plant machinery qualification that deals with not only how to drive the vehicle, but also how to watch out for any safety issue of those people working around you. Remember plant vehicles are noisy and cumbersome meaning you don’t always have a good field of vision, and cannot always hear warning shouts. So having additional training in how to get around these limits and still be safe can literally mean the difference between life and death if an incident does occur.

Machinery

Apart from plant machinery used on construction sites, which has been covered in the vehicle section above, it’s also necessary to be aware of safety procedures for fixed heavy machines, such as cookers, production lines, and the like. This is because of two things. First, these machines are usually oversized meaning the risk to health if they go wrong, or someone becomes trapped installed them in much more serious. Second, such machines are automated, so unless stopped manually they will continue to work, whether there is a serious problem or not.

That is why it’s vital to always be aware of the emergency stop button, as well as being able to reach it quickly. Also always familiarize yourself with the safety warnings to minimise the risk when working with this type of machine. It is also very important that there are enough workers on site, at any one time that have emergency first aid qualifications. As injuries associated with heavy machinery can be very serious and having someone there that knows exactly what to do to staunch blood flow, reduce the impact of shook on a victim, and prevent further injury can make all the difference to both the short term survival and long term recovery rate of the person involved.

Electrocution

Lastly, another important area concerning fatalities at work that needs to be addressed is electrocution. This is when the victim comes into contact with electricity. Something that can have a disastrous effect on the body. In mild cases, it can lead to thermal burns while in more serious ones it can result in heart attack, and even death, as provided by the HSE figures.

So how can you stay safe around electricity? Well first of all, always test for electric wires in walls before attempting to hang anything with nails or screws. Also the electric must be shut off at the mains before attempting to make any alteration or changes to a circuit. Indeed safety procedures should always be headed to when working with anything that is electrified, and you must ensure you have the proper qualifications and training before attempting such tasks.

Student @ Advanced Digital Sciences Center, Singapore. Travelled to 30+ countries, passion for basketball.

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Do’s and Don’t’s of Firing People

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As a business leader one of the hardest things that you could do is fire an employee. Of course, it sounds like an easy thing to do if the employee is rightfully deserving of being fired, but it is a lot easier said than done. Is a decision that many managers actually lose a lot of sleep over, because it’s such a difficult undertaking. 

No matter what you do though, whether you are firing somebody because they are just not the right fit for your business, or you are dismissing an employee for gross misconduct, legal issues can arise that could do damage to your business. HR professionals across the country will tell you that there are many different ways of gracefully terminating an employee’s contract, but there are some do’s and don’ts that you could do to make it an easier process that can help you deal with it. Let’s take a look at a few of those below.

  • Do get everything in order before you fire them. From evidence as to the reason they are fired, to the paperwork for them to leave the business, get everything in order so that there are no loose ends. For a firing to go smoothly this needs to be prepared in advance. Before you terminate the employee, you need to be able to prevent any misunderstandings or even accusations of illegal activity going on. Follow the policies and procedures in place of your organization and if necessary, consult a lawyer. Secure computer files, make sure you pull together all in performance appraisals and written warnings as any other correspondence that you might need. You should also make sure that you have all of the payroll information in place so that you can reassure the person being fired that they will be paid according to the law.
  • Do choose a private space. Let’s be honest, nobody wants to be fired from their job. It leaves a bad taste, it’s nothing to be proud of, and it can be embarrassing for the employee. When you are dismissing somebody, you need to choose the right time and place and make sure that there are no eavesdroppers. It’s always a good idea to do it as early in the week as possible at the end of the day so that you minimize impact to your business. If an employee depends on the company or their colleagues to get home, it just makes good sense to ensure that they are not going to be left stranded.
  • Don’t fire somebody with an audience around. As we mentioned before, anybody in your business has a right to privacy. Doing it in front of an audience will be poor behavior on your part as an employer. It also won’t help people in the office to feel comforted by the idea that they may not be next. Use an official meeting space, as it’s a private and neutral location that is free from any disruption.
  • Don’t forget to toe the line. If you terminate an employee on parental or medical leave, or you terminate an employee who is pregnant, you are going to open yourself up to a lawsuit. Toe the line when it comes to the law and make sure that you are firing somebody with all of your ducks in a row in advance.

Terminating an employee’s contract is not easy, but sometimes it needs to be done.

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Best Strategies to Create an Comfortable Atmosphere in Your Restaurant

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Creating an inviting and comfortable atmosphere in any restaurant is essential for success. Customers often form their first impression of the restaurant based on its ambiance, and if it isn’t pleasant or enjoyable, they are less likely to come back. It’s important to consider all aspects that can make up a positive dining experience — from the decor to the music playing in your establishment to the service you provide. Here are some strategies that will help you create an atmosphere that customers won’t forget.

Decor:

The key to creating a cozy environment is by designing decor that reflects your restaurant’s style and promotes relaxation. Think about what kind of mood you want customers to feel when they enter your restaurant — from the lighting to the art on the walls to the decorations that adorn your tables. Depending on the cuisine you serve and the atmosphere you want to create, consider investing in muted tones or warm colors for a calming effect or bright and vibrant shades for an energetic vibe.

Music:

The music playing in your restaurant can make all the difference. Too loud music can be overwhelming and uncomfortable, while music that’s too quiet won’t create an inviting atmosphere at all. Consider investing in a music player for restaurant so you can control what music is played and when it starts and stops. You should also consider whether you want to provide live or recorded music. Live music will usually give customers a sense of authenticity and provide them with something to enjoy during their meal, while pre-recorded songs can help set the background without being distracting.

Service:

Your service can be just as important as the ambiance in creating a memorable experience. Make sure your staff is well-trained, friendly, and attentive to guests’ needs. Ensure they understand your restaurant’s standards and expectations — from proper table setting etiquette to how glasses should be filled. Customers greatly appreciate being treated with respect and kindness, so make sure your waitstaff is not only efficient but also shows genuine care for their customer’s satisfaction.

Atmosphere:

Creating the perfect atmosphere requires more than just the decor, music, and service — it also includes small touches that will make your restaurant stand out. For instance, consider offering complimentary snacks or appetizers to customers while they wait for their meals to arrive. You can also provide warm towels after meals as a sign of endearment and appreciation. Additionally, choosing linens with exquisite patterns or using fresh flowers on each table will add even more charm to your restaurant’s atmosphere.

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Turn Your Passion into a Career: How to Make Money Doing What You Love

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Many dreams of turning their hobby, passion, or creative outlet into a career. It’s a beautiful idea, but it can take time to figure out where to start. Here’s a guide on successfully turning your hobby into a career. 

Do Your Research 

Before you turn your hobby into a business, please research and find out what the industry looks like, your potential customers and their needs. Next, consider your strengths, skills, and knowledge and decide how to use them in this new venture. Finally, consider what makes you unique in the industry and how you can market yourself. 

Take A Strong Career Test

A Strong Career Test can help you identify your ideal job and the type of environment you would flourish in. In addition, knowing this information can give you an idea of what kind of business to start and whether it’s something you’d be passionate about.

Think About Finances and Legalities 

Once you have an idea of what you want to do, consider the financial aspect – are there any costs associated with getting started? What sort of budget will you need? Will there be any tax implications? It’s also essential to think about the legal side of things – if necessary, consult with a lawyer specializing in business law so that you understand all the regulations associated with starting up and protecting your intellectual property rights. 

Create a Business Plan 

Now that you have researched and considered the legalities and finances involved, create a business plan that outlines all this information. Make sure it includes short-term and long-term objectives to keep track of your progress over time. Be realistic when setting targets for yourself – don’t aim too high at first because this could set you up for failure if it doesn’t pan out. Also, consider whether or not there is potential for growth or expansion once your business gets off the ground. This may include marketing strategies such as social media campaigns or investing in advertising materials such as brochures or flyers. 

Start Networking 

Networking is essential when launching any new business; it’s about building relationships with people who may be interested in your offer. Start by reaching out to family, friends, and acquaintances who may already know about your business or service offering; they may even be willing to share it with others! Additionally, join online groups related to your area of expertise – these are great places for exchanging ideas with like-minded people and potentially finding potential customers/collaborators/mentors/partners, etc. Finally, attend events such as trade shows or conferences where relevant topics are discussed – these are ideal opportunities for making connections within the industry that could prove beneficial down the line! 

Turning your hobby into a career is no small task, but it can be approached thoughtfully and strategically! Please research the industry thoroughly before beginning to understand its nuances; familiarize yourself with the legalities of running a business; create a viable yet ambitious business plan; network extensively (both online & offline). And never give up! With dedication & hard work, anything is possible.

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