Kevin’s Health & Safety Tips

[vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” bg_color=”#ffffff” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” top_padding=”2%” bottom_padding=”2%” overlay_strength=”1″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″ column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][split_line_heading]

Hi everyone – Kevin here!

[/split_line_heading][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″ column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_raw_html]JTNDaHIlMjBjb2xvciUzRCUyMiUyM2JhMjcyZCUyMiUyMHdpZHRoJTNEJTIyMzAlMjUlMjIlMjBhbGlnbiUzRCUyMkxFRlQlMjIlMjBzaXplJTNEJTIyNHB4JTIyJTNF[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″ column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]March is ‘Health and Safety’ month at NTS. As H&S is my ‘thing’ the team have asked me to share some tips on preventing accidents in the workplace and on the road! Here goes…

1. Be aware.

In the traffic management industry it’s our job to protect pedestrians and motorists. That’s why we install all those road signs and temporary traffic lights!  Approach road works slowly to allow yourself time to check for temporary signage and follow any warnings.

2. Stay in your lane!

Operatives risk life and limb working on motorways where vehicles pass at high speeds – believe me, the wind nearly sweeps me off my donkey hooves! Just think – those employees are somebody’s mum, dad, brother or sister. So the next time you drive past road works on a motorway or busy road, keep a safe distance at all times!

3. The importance of PPE.

Operatives MUST wear appropriate PPE on site to protect us from debris, flying objects and any accidents. This includes a hard hat, hi-vis jacket, trousers, steel toe-capped boots and gloves. If you’re visiting a construction site, familiarise yourself with the site PPE policy and wear a hard hat as a minimum. It’s not just for show – it could save your life!

4. Check your mirrors.

Cyclists and motorcyclists may have two wheels instead of four, but they have just as much right to be on the roads as any car or van. When driving, check your mirrors regularly for cyclists and keep a safe distance from the side of the road to let them past.

5. Office safety.

Working on the road is dangerous, but the office has its own hazards too! Avoid unnecessary accidents by holding the hand railing when using the stairs, be cautious carrying hot drinks and if you work at a computer, ensure your work station is positioned correctly to prevent repetitive strain injuries.

6. Working at height?

Always use a ladder and ask a colleague to hold it steady for you. Don’t attempt to reach up by standing on something unstable such as a stack of boxes or table. On the ascent or descent using a ladder always maintain three points of contact i.e both feet and at least one hand.

7. Lift safely.

Delivering traffic management requires lifting heavy road signs and one wrong move could result in a serious injury. At NTS we’ve all completed a Manual Handling course and trained to lift objects safely. If you need to lift something heavy, first assess the size and weight of the object. Hold the object firmly and lift it slowly, keeping your back straight and knees bent.

8. See it, say it!

According to charity ROSPA, there were over 611,000 self-reported injuries in the workplace record in 2014/15. If you see an accident, speak up! Report any accidents to your line manager however minor. That way, the incident can be resolved quickly and prevented from reoccurring.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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