Fire Fighting Equipment

There are usually multiple uses for the same items. Example the fire extinguisher in this picture

Scaffolding - Working at Height

One of the key areas that is safety officers focus on is Safety at Height. Safety harasess and scaffolding construction will alway be scutinise for proper rigging and construction. Some scaffolding work but mostly at the expense of safety and expose workers is unnecessary risks of injury and in most cases death

Safety Shoes

Got this picture off the internet.

This is the condition of some of the safety shoes that I saw on site. These are found mainly on subcontractors who are on contract basis with the companies. The full time staff normally get nice and new shoes. The contract staff who are working continuously on site will find that their shoes get quite a bit more wear and tear. To save cost and the trouble of requesting for new shoes, they do "on site" repair and this is the result.

Spot the Hazard

I was asked to attend a training class on "Risk Assessment" which was great. Besides a chance to learn new things, I get some time off from work, nice food and meet new friends.

One of the agenda item on the training program was "Spot the Hazard"

See if you can spot some of the obvious hazards!

Worse of ALL..... The layout can look painfully familiar to what you see everyday!!!!!

Scaffolding Safety

Got this picture off the web on scaffolding. This is an example of what is normally acceptable in the past. However, the no of incidents involving scaffolding has been on the increase.

The circled areas involved

- improper walking platform
- no visible signs of toe boards
- no guard rails
- no proper access to the platform
- scaffolding not sitting firmly on the ground
- no clearing areas surrounding the scaffold

Working at Heights - Ladder

Innovation, Strength and Guts

If the ladder is not long enough, you extend it. This is a picture of one very strong man holding up and ladder like never before. A man who is courageous enough to climb the ladder. Finally a group of co-workers standing by to ensure safety is maintain.

So much for safety working at heights!

Safety Helmets

A good safety helmet is a life saver when working on site. You will not realize how important it is until you walk out of a site and inspect it. You will realize from the number of dents and scratches the number of time you have died if not for it.

It only cost a couple of dollars. It is light weight and it keeps the rain and shine out.

Remember : Keep the chin strap on!!! There are incidents when the helmet falls off when you lean out. You bent over to pick it up and hit your head on a low beam when stand upright again.

Forklift : Easy Way Up Easy Way Out

A great example of what has to be done to instill the Safety Message

At an apartment construction site, these framers were apparently too good to climb the ladders like all the ordinary workers. So, they hopped on the forklift express to be transported to the roof in style.

Guess they figured safety rules didn't apply to them.

Their employers didn't see it that way. They were fired on the spot.
If you think you're above safety, think again. These workers were lucky to get away with losing their jobs. They could have lost their lives.

Thanks to Richard K. for this one, and a special thanks.

Risk Management

It is now compulsory for all companies in Singapore to conduct Risk Assessment. This simply means that you have to

1. List down all the activities that is been carried out in your company
2. Break all these activities into different tasks
3. Analyse each task to understand the hazards involved and the type of preventive measures that is needed to ensure safe work

Hopefully, this will improve Singapore's record but most important save lives and families

Missing Tyre

With the economy rapidly growing, competition can be a bumper. Severe cost cutting measures may be the only way to stay competitive or in business. A tyre here, a tyre there can go a long way to cut cost as demonstrated by this truck driver. Get REAL! This is not the way to stay in business.

Fire Exits

The Function of a Fire Resistant Door is to provide for a means of escape and to protect escape routes from the effects of fire so that occupants can safely evacuate to a final exit. The other function is to compartmentalize fire risk areas. To protect the contents and/ or the structure of a building by limiting the spread of fire.

This fire door will definitely limit the spread of the fire but it will also prevent occupants from ever leaving the premises. Getting to the door is a challenge. Getting out is a HOPE

Safety At Home

We are all concerned about the safety and security of our homes. We would like to install safety devices in our home to protect it. But many of us do not know how to proceed to ensure safety at home. Below are some suggestions;
- Your neighborhood police station will have a number of suggestions for home safety. Check with them for novel safety solutions to protect your home.
- Getting your property insured is an important safety measure for your house. Many insurance agencies, while insuring your house, will give you a list of safety devices that you can install in your house to protect it. Check with your insurance agent for details.
- Carbon Monoxide reduces the oxygen level in the surrounding air. Electrical appliances and household aides give off deadly carbon monoxide, if they are not regularly serviced. Protect your home from carbon monoxide by properly servicing all appliances periodically. You could install carbon monoxide detectors in your house as well.

Prescription Safety Glasses

I have been wearing goggles over my glasses to work for several years now. STUPID me! I found out recently that there are prescription safety glasses that I could wear on site. I was quite skeptical about it but went to the optician and had a pair of safety glasses with progressive lens made. It felt good and I can see well. A little uncomfortable at first with the side guard but got used to them quickly. Now all my guys in the shop are wearing them. Feels great and safe at the same time. It sure beats trying to force them to wear those uncomfortable goggles.

Joy Ride Lorry

I was driving along after another miserable game of golf. Saw some guys having a great time on the back of this lorry. Two were standing up, one was sitting on the tail gate and another sitting on the top of the hand rail. These are young boys who do not know better....This is Singapore and we are supposed to be really safety conscious. Looks like we have a long way to go when it comes to SAFETY.

On The Road

Emergency welding repair is sometimes called for UNDER special circumstances. This is definitely one of those special situations. I hope there is gas in the tank as well

Stand Up High

Got this shots off the net as well.

Really brave standing up that high. I don't think I have that kind of courage... but some people do.

In The Air

Got this picture off the net. 100 marks for innovation and creativity. However, the risk involved is, in my view too great.

Great picture. Good example of what not to do..