adictoaloshombres: Workplace

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Fire Safety in the Workplace

To protect yourself, your workers and your business from a fire, you must have a plan. First, you need a plan to help prevent a fire emergency from happening in the first place. But since even the best prevention plan isn’t fool proof you must have a plan to protect personnel and minimize damage to property in the event of a fire.

Keywords:

fire safety, industrial fire safety equipment, smoke detector, fire extinguisher, fire truck, ambulance

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The lights flicker. There is a growing smell of something burning and suddenly your work space is plunged into darkness. Acrid smoke begins to sting your eyes and interfere with your breathing. Your first thoughts are of fire!

Suddenly your mind is flooded with questions like, “Where is the smoke coming from? What's burning? Where is the fire? How fast will it spread? Is help on the way? What should I do? Should I call someone? Is there a fire alarm anywhere nearby? Should I try to evacuate? What's the safest escape route?” When you left for work this morning you didn't expect anything like this. Now you're asking what could be life or death questions and you aren't coming up with answers.

No one ever expects an emergency - especially one that happens to them. But the reality is that an emergency like fire can happen to anyone at anytime. You and your employees and coworkers could be called upon to answer questions like those listed above when you least expect it.

To protect yourself, your workers and your business, you must have a plan. First, you need a plan to help prevent a fire emergency from happening in the first place. But since even the best prevention plan isn't fool proof you must have a plan to protect personnel and minimize damage to property in the event of a fire.

Preparing an Action Plan
An effective action plan begins with brainstorming worst-case scenarios. Assemble a team of managers and key employees to identify the areas where a fire would cause the most damage, present the greatest danger to personnel, spread most rapidly or be most likely to start in the first place. Your plan should be specifically tailored to your workplace. To ensure maximum safety in an emergency, it may be necessary to develop separate plans for different areas or departments. Some areas may be more vulnerable to fire potential or be less accessible by emergency workers.

The fire emergency action plan developed by your team should cover actions that must be taken by the employer, managers and employees to ensure personal safety and include information about all potential sources for fire risk. It will be important to complete a comprehensive hazard assessment to determine what environmental conditions, chemicals or flammable liquids in your workplace may create areas of potential risk.

What an Action Plan Must Include

Method for reporting a fire

Evacuation plan and procedures

Escape procedures and route assignments - strategically placed maps of floor plans with clearly marked escape routes, safe areas and post-evacuation meeting areas.

List of names, titles, departments and telephone numbers of people within your business or department. This list should also include emergency contact information for all listed personnel.

List describing and explaining the duties and responsibilities of key personnel during a fire emergency

Procedures for employees who perform or shut down critical operations before evacuating, operate fire extinguishers or other emergency equipment.

Rescue and medical duties key workers are designated to perform

Alerting Employees
Your action plan must address how employees will be alerted in an emergency and how to report emergencies. This alert and evacuation plan must also take into consideration alerting and evacuating disabled workers.

Alarms must be distinctive and recognized by all employees as a signal to evacuate or perform emergency procedures as specified by the action plan.

Make emergency communications systems like a public address system, portable radio units and other tools of communication for notifying employees available and easily accessible.

Designate key personnel as having the responsibility to contact the fire department and local law enforcement.

Alarms must be able to be heard and seen by all employees. Consider installing an auxiliary power supply in the event there is a power failure.

Evacuation Plan and Procedures
In the event an emergency evacuation is necessary, a disorganized evacuation in the absence of a plan can result in undue risk to employees and may result in confusion and injury. A carefully developed action plan must spell out the following:

Conditions under which an evacuation is necessary

Clear chain of command designating who is authorized to order an evacuation, evacuation coordinators and the duties for which they are responsible.

Clear evacuation procedures including evacuation routes and emergency exits. These procedures must be posted in locations that are easily accessible to all employees. Evacuation routes must be clearly marked.

Procedures for assisting people with disabilities or who do not speak English

A system to account for personnel following an evacuation.

Employee Training
Employees should be trained in these areas:

Individual roles and responsibilities

Notification, warning and communications procedures

Emergency response procedures

Evacuation and accountability procedures

Location and operation of emergency equipment including, but not limited to, fire extinguishers, fire hoses, breathing apparatus, fire doors and fire blankets

Emergency shutdown procedures

First aid

Conduct regular practice drills

Schedule annual fire safety training classes for employees and new hires

Update procedures to reflect changes in your company and facility

Fire prevention, safety in the workplace and an effective emergency response plan is the responsibility of every employer and employee. Development of a comprehensive action plan, alarm system, evacuation plan and employee training are essential in creating a safe work environment.

For more information about fire safety in the work place check the OSHA web site at www.osha.gov or phone the OSHA Training Institute, Office of Training and Education at (847) 297-4810.

Five Tips for How to Think on Your Feet and Become The MacGyver of Your Workplace

Thinking on your feet is a critical skill for any business leader when it comes to solving unexpected issues that arise on the job. This article offers six steps for thinking on your feet and solving problems while doing more with less.

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think on your feet, solving problems

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Copyright 2006 Red Ladder, Inc.

Thinking on your feet is a critical skill for any business leader when it comes to solving unexpected issues that arise on the job. This is the number one reason my clients state for hiring me. No matter what obstacles come my way, I always find a way to work things out.

Do you remember the television program MacGyver, from the mid-80s, starring Richard Dean Anderson? Jog your memory by clicking here: http://rdanderson.com/macgyver/macgyver.htm

MacGyver was notorious for solving problems by using science and his wits with very minimal resources. And, he came through every time. Wouldn’t it be great to have someone like him on your team? Or, even better, wouldn’t it be great if you had even just a few of the skills that MacGyver exhibited?

Follow these simple steps to learn how to think to think on your feet and solve problems while doing more with less.

SIX TIPS FOR THINKING ON YOUR FEET

1. Trust yourself and others. Learn to go with your gut and trust your ideas. Take this advice from Improvisational Comedians, “If you feel your feet moving – follow them!” Do the same for your work colleagues.

2. Develop a “yes, and…” mentality. Don’t negate or deny ideas. Get rid of “yes, but …” Accept the information that comes to you and work with it.

3. Be in the moment. Remember to listen, watch and concentrate. You have to pay attention! Don’t worry about past failures or attempts at thinking on your feet – think in present-tense only.

4. Accept new ideas without judgement. See where the new idea takes you.

5. Make actional choices. In Improv, you would go somewhere or do something. By taking action, you increase your focus. Do the same in business!

6. Work to the top of your intelligence. Challenge yourself to see what you can discover. Try not to create a box that isn’t there.

Thinking on your feet is child’s play. Literally. Next time you are around children watch how they take in new information and move quickly to make changes to what they are doing. They are all mini-experts at thinking on their feet.

If you want to be the MacGyer of your workplace, try these tips and remember, be flexible, be open to the possibilities, and be ready to have fun. The next time the universe (or your boss!) drops a challenge in your lap, smile and say, “Bring it on!”

Ergonomics In The Workplace

Keywords:

ergonomic,cool mouse,ergo keyboard,ergonomics

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As the number of employees who work in an office environment increases, so do the number of common office injuries. This is because many offices do not have an ergonomically-correct facility for their workers. In recent years, having an ergonomically-correct work environment has become as important as pay scales and benefits packages. Employees want to know that the time they put in the office on a daily basis is not contributing to a decline in their health with onset of afflictions like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or Repetitive Stress Injury.

Many people are not aware of the very, very significant benefits of an ergonomically correct workplace environment. Ergonomics encompasses a variety of different workplace conditions, including:

- Workstation design
- Temperature
- Lighting
- Noise
- Shift Work
- Breaks
- Meals
- Machine Design

In the past, problems associated with Repetitive Stress Injury and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, were reported in large numbers. Since companies have received more information over the last decade about how to set up a more ergonomically-correct environment, the number of instances of RSI and CTS has decreased. However, the numbers are still much higher than they should be given the wealth of information available about ergonomics and the workplace. This is why training for companies about the benefits of being ergonomically correct is so important. The more information that individual companies have, the better they can serve their employees and assist them in staying well and producing better results.

There are a number of benefits to working in an ergonomically-correct environment. They include:

- Peaces of mind, knowing you are working in safe, healthy conditions
- Increased productivity due to an elevated comfort level
- Lower occurrences of employee absence due to injuries from afflictions such as -RSI and CTS
- Lower instances of workers compensation claims due to repetitive stress injuries

Setting up an ergonomically correct workplace is not as hard as most would think. Taking small steps regularly can add up to big benefits in the end. Purchasing an ergonomically correct chair or keyboard can immediately help with some of the ailments people who work in an ergonomically-incorrect environment often experience.

Cost is often an issue, but you don’t have to spend too much at one time. For example, employers could begin by replacing one item at a time throughout the office. This would assist in bringing the office current on ergonomic regulations without having to spend a large chunk of money at once. The lack of funding is often the reason smaller offices cite when asked why their facility is not ergonomically correct. Making small improvements can take the monetary pressure off, while still allowing the employer to make ergonomic improvements.

Some of the main culprits that contribute to an unhealthy working environment include:

- An ergonomically-incorrect chair that does not provide proper back and leg support, leans back at an improper angle, does not contain arm supports and is not adjustable

- A workstation that sits too high or too low

- A mouse that does not provide zero to no tension

- A support for your wrist for when you are using the mouse

- A telephone with no neck support to keep from leaning into the phone and straining your neck

- A keyboard that is ergonomically incorrect with a design that causes you hands to constantly have to move back and forth along the entire length of the keyboard

- Low lighting that causes you to strain your eyes

- Sitting too long in one spot

- No foot support, which will allow your legs to be elevated to a proper angle

All of these culprits are easily solved by a combination of an ergonomically correct work environment and steps that you can take on your part to assure efficiency and an overall sense of general health.

Some steps that your employer can take include:

- Providing proper office equipment

- Conduct employee training on proper ergonomic practices

- Conduct periodic inspections of equipment to ensure everything is working properly

In addition to these steps, you can do things as well to ensure your own health. These steps include:

- Take frequent breaks

- Speak up if you are uncomfortable, having physical problems due to ergonomically incorrect conditions

- Be sure that all aspects of your workstation are in line with proper ergonomic procedure

- Listen and actively participate in ergonomic workplace training

- Keep detailed information on any ailments you’ve received as a result of an ergonomically incorrect workplace environment.

The combination of you and your employer’s knowledge of the importance of an ergonomically correct workplace will contribute to an increased level of productivity as well as a general sense of well-being at work. Studies have shown that happier employees produce better results and making sure your workplace is ergonomically correct is the first step to achieving such positive levels of success.

Five Steps for Handling Workplace Conflict

Almost anyone you talk to in the workplace has encountered one form of conflict or another. Conflict in the workplace is not uncommon, and in fact, in some instances it is even worthwhile. That's right. It can be worthwhile particularly if you can shift the conflict to make it work to your advantage.

Keywords:

handling conflict, workplace

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Copyright 2006 Red Ladder, Inc.

You're at work. You've been assigned an exciting, highly visible project. You can't wait to get started. You arrive at your first team meeting ready to rock and roll. You take one look around and you immediately hone in on several scowling faces. Almost immediately, you are confronted and a conflict ensues. Your excitement quickly diminishes as you realize you have your work cut out for you.

Sound familiar? Maybe not exactly this scenario but I guarantee almost anyone you talk to in the workplace has encountered one form of conflict or another. You may experience this conflict one-on-one or in a team setting. Not to worry. Conflict in the workplace is not uncommon, and in fact, in some instances it is even worthwhile. That's right. It can be worthwhile particularly if you can shift the conflict to make it work to your advantage.

Why does conflict occur? Typically, conflicts arise when expectations are not met in some form, when one party perceives a threat to themselves in some way, or through simple miscommunication.

So, what can you do to manage conflict when it arises? Follow these simple steps.

1. Determine the cause. You can't solve the problem until you are sure that everyone has a mutual definition of the problem and that everyone is talking about the same problem. Gather as much data as you can. Ask for information and be sure to involve the impacted individual(s) in discussions. Ask "what else" questions to raise all of the issues and show a willingness to listen. Do not become defensive or personalize issues.

2. Collaborate on solutions. Use a "yes... and" response to focus and build on potential solutions. Avoid using a "yes... but" response, which tends to shift focus back onto the problem and away from solutions. Whenever possible, always engage key stakeholders in developing solutions. This will help facilitate buy-in when final decisions are made.

3. Provide alternative options. Whenever possible, provide choices. People tend to feel empowered when they are involved in the decision making process. This will also help you in soliciting ongoing support and champions once the final decisions are made.

4. Communicate key decisions. Develop a communication plan that communicates the decision as many times and as many ways that you feel are appropriate. This might include meeting one-on-one with those involved, announcement at a team meeting, and an email announcement or written memo to follow-up. Be sure to involve your boss (and senior management or human resources when appropriate) to reinforce and support the final decision.

5. Implement solutions. Once a decision has been made, it is important that you be assertive in the implementation of that decision. When challenged (and do expect to be challenged) be calm, re-focus on the process used to identify issues and develop solutions, and be confident in the knowledge that you have done the best you can to resolve the situation. Don't get angry or over-apologize, as this will only serve to weaken your position.

Handling workplace conflict is never easy but it is necessary if you want to be perceived as a strong leader capable of getting things done. Avoid conflict and you put yourself on a path of manipulation and distrust. Handle conflict straight on and you will earn the respect of your peers, your staff, and your boss. Even more importantly, you will feel more confident and capable, no matter what situation you find yourself in.

Egos and the Workplace, a Question of Shortsightedness

Do minor accomplishments make you blind to the greatness around you?

Keywords:

ego,greatness,shortsighted,promotion,management,employee,inventions,nature,research,development,human resources,accounting

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How many times have you seen a promotion elevate a person’s sense of themselves far beyond what seems warranted? Or are you familiar with the individual who constantly finds fault with the efforts of others as an obvious device to showcase their own greatness? But greatness is not measured in being a big fish in a small pond. Greatness is being a big fish in a big pond, that pond being the entire world . Greatness is rare. It’s unlikely you’ll find it in your organization.

The next time you leave the office, open your eyes. What you’ll see everywhere are products of great minds that have created the world we know. No one in your Accounting, HR or even Research and Development Departments are capable of such watershed events or inventions. Automobiles, airplanes, buildings, harnessed electricity, how do we view all this with swelled ego. Of course, you don’t even need to leave the office. Sit at your desk, connected to the internet, and try to convince yourself you’re great.

Why bother pointing this out? Aren’t we taught from the time we’re little that we’re special? I only do so because I’ve seen too often how a misguided sense of greatness can make one hypercritical of others. How it bestows on a person the right to judge others. How it can create a distaste for imperfection?

If you need further proof of your own limitations, look beyond the inventions of mankind into the expanse of the sky. No, you aren’t great, but you just may approach greatness in your treatment of others. Help others do their jobs more effectively if necessary. Remove those silly notions of greatness from your self image, accept your own imperfections and those of others, and become a great person in the process.

Experts Question Flip-Flops In The Workplace And Their Effect On Our Feet.

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Women are wearing flip flops in the workplace more and more, especially in these warmer months. U.S. style experts believe that flip flops could be damaging not only our feet but our careers.

There are so many new styles of flip flops: beaded, leather, sequins that women feel it is easy to get away with wearing them to work.

An employee of West Glenn Communications comments that she wears flip-flops on the days she doesn’t have important meetings with clients or avoids wearing them if she knows that someone who disapproves will be in the office.

Thousands of women across the country consider flip-flops an indispensable element in their summer wardrobe.

An Old Navy and Gap online survey showed that flip-flops were at the top of the list as summer work attire for high school and college students. More than 31 % of the women surveyed said that flip-flops were essential part for their summer work wardrobe.

Many companies feel differently.

A spokeswoman for BNP Paribas says that if a dress code says no beachwear this includes flip flops.

Style experts advise that flip-flops could be detrimental to a career. Younger women are the ones who tend to wear them to work.

Style commentator Meghan Cleary says, "Shoes convey the mood of a woman. Wearing flip-flops conveys the mood that you are relaxed and on vacation. That's not a good message in the office,"

Doctors also have concerns about the effect of flip-flops on the feet.

Doctors at the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons say that flip-flops are connected to a rising number of heel problems among teens and young adults.

A representative recently said, "We're seeing more heel pain than ever in patients 15 to 25 years old, a group that usually doesn't have this problem.” She said that thin soled flip-flops give no arch support and can intensify abnormal biomechanics in foot motion. This will ultimately cause pain and inflammation.

Flip-flops have been around for at least 70 years, originating from traditional Japanese woven, and possibly wooden soled sandals in New Zealand.

The Y-shaped and flat soled sandal is known all over the world and to all social classes.
It is very common in developing countries for its affordable price and sometimes the only shoe used because it is easy to make.

The term "flip-flop" gets its name from the slapping sound the sandal makes when it hits the ground and the heel.

A few years ago the life of the flip flop changed completely. They became trendy and popular. All kinds of stores sell them in a variety of colors with all kinds of decorations. There is even a bridal Flip flop which is full of Swarovski crystals and sells for $140.

In June 2005 the Northwestern University’s champion woman’s lacrosse team wore flip-flops to the White House to meet the President. It was considered inappropriate attire and the women were criticized

Ellen Campuzano, president of the Committee of Color and Trends, a New York-based forecasting service specializing in footwear and accessories, believes that flip-flops' popularity has almost run its course.

"Usually these trends come and go in about five years," she said. "I think we've reached the peak. They can't be any more widespread, so maybe next summer something will replace them."

Eye Protective Selection Is Important In The Workplace

Personal protective equipment for the eyes and face is designed to prevent or lessen the severity of injuries to workers. The employer must assess the workplace and determine if hazards that require the use of eye and/or face protection are present or are likely to be present before assigning a certain type of personal protective equipment to workers.

Keywords:

protective, eye, face, eyes, protectors intended, intended, protectors, heat, equipment, protect, primary, shield, personal protective, protective equipment, personal protective equipment, injuries, hazards, exposure, personal, primary protectors,

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A hazard assessment should determine the risk of exposure to eye and face hazards, including those which may be encountered in an emergency. Employers should be aware of the possibility of multiple and simultaneous hazard exposures and be prepared to protect against the highest level of each hazard.

Hazards can fall into five categories:

Impact (Flying objects such as large chips, fragments, particles, sand, and dirt. Produced by chipping, grinding, machining, masonry work, wood working, sawing, drilling, chiseling, powered fastening, riveting, and sanding.)

Heat (Anything emitting extreme heat. Produced by furnace operations, pouring, casting, hot dipping, and welding.)

Chemicals (Splash, fumes, vapors, and irritating mists. Produced by acid and chemical handling, degreasing, plating, and working with blood.)

Dust (Harmful Dust. Produced by woodworking, buffing, and general dusty conditions.)

Optical Radiation (Radiant energy, glare, and intense light Produced by welding, torch-cutting, brazing, soldering, and laser work.)

The majority of impact injuries result from flying or falling objects, or sparks striking the eye. Most of these objects are smaller than a pin head and can cause serious injury such as punctures, abrasions, and contusions.

While working in a hazardous area where the worker is exposed to flying objects, fragments, and particles, primary protective devices such as safety spectacles with side shields or goggles must be worn. Secondary protective devices such as face shields are required in conjunction with primary protective devices during severe exposure to impact hazards. Personal protective equipment examples are:

Spectacles - Primary protectors intended to shield the eyes from a variety of impact hazards.

Goggles - Primary protectors intended to shield the eyes against flying fragments, objects, large chips, and particles.

Face Shields - Secondary protectors intended to protect the entire face against exposure to impact hazards.

Heat injuries may occur to the eye and face when workers are exposed to high temperatures, splashes of molten metal, or hot sparks. Protect your eyes from heat when workplace operations involve pouring, casting, hot dipping, furnace operations, and other similar activities. Burns to eye and face tissue are the main concern when working with heat hazards.

Working with heat hazards requires eye protection such as goggles or safety spectacles with special-purpose lenses and side shields. However, many heat hazard exposures require the use of a face shield in addition to safety spectacles or goggles. When selecting PPE, consider the source and intensity of the heat and the type of splashes that may occur in the workplace. Personal protective equipment examples are:

Spectacles - Primary protectors intended to shield the eyes from a variety of heat hazards.

Goggles - Primary protectors intended to shield the eyes against a variety of heat hazards.

Face Shields - Secondary protectors intended to shield the entire face against exposure to high temperatures, splash from molten metal, and hot sparks.

A large percentage of eye injuries are caused by direct contact with chemicals. These injuries often result from an inappropriate choice of personal protective equipment, that allows a chemical substance to enter from around or under protective eye equipment. Serious and irreversible damage can occur when chemical substances contact the eyes in the form of splash, mists, vapors, or fumes. When working with or around chemicals, it is important to know the location of emergency eyewash stations and how to access them with restricted vision.

When fitted and worn correctly, goggles protect your eyes from hazardous substances. A face shield may be required in areas where workers are exposed to severe chemical hazards.

Goggles - Primary protectors intended to shield the eyes against liquid or chemical splash, irritating mists, vapors, and fumes.

Face Shields - Secondary protectors intended to protect the entire face against exposure to chemical hazards.

Dust is present in the workplace during operations such as woodworking and buffing. Working in a dusty environment can causes eye injuries and presents additional hazards to contact lens wearers.

Either eyecup or cover-type safety goggles should be worn when dust is present. Safety goggles are the only effective type of eye protection from nuisance dust because they create a protective seal around the eyes.

Goggles - Primary protectors intended to protect the eyes against a variety of airborne particles and harmful dust.

Laser work and similar operations create intense concentrations of heat, ultraviolet, infrared, and reflected light radiation. A laser beam, of sufficient power, can produce intensities greater than those experienced when looking directly at the sun. Unprotected laser exposure may result in eye injuries including retinal burns, cataracts, and permanent blindness. When lasers produce invisible ultraviolet, or other radiation, both employees and visitors should use appropriate eye protection at all times.

Determine the maximum power density, or intensity, lasers produce when workers are exposed to laser beams. Based on this knowledge, select lenses that protect against the maximum intensity. The selection of laser protection should depend upon the lasers in use and the operating conditions. Workers with exposure to laser beams must be furnished suitable laser protection.

When selecting filter lenses, begin with a shade too dark to see the welding zone. Then try lighter shades until one allows a sufficient view of the welding zone without going below the minimum protective shade.

Hazards should be addressed and appropriate measures be taken. In many cases hazards can compile, personal protective equipment must be selected to protect all personnel in the workplace. Personal protective equipment should be viewed as a last resort when all other attempts at hazard control have failed.

Conflicts in the workplace

Conflicts in workplace can cause stress and anxiety to the victim

Keywords:

stress and anxiety, anxiety panic attacks

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Jessica was just out of school when she began working as a secretary-trainee for a small company.

Howard, a software developer in his mid-20s had the same aspirations as Jessica --- to a higher income and attain a certain degree of recognition in the software world.

As things would have it, both Jessica and Howard would encounter not the success they dreamed of, but the frustration of having their “dream bubble” burst right before their eyes. These aspiring professionals were stopped dead in their career tracks not because of some mistake but because of harassment in the workplace. Their “fall from corporate grace” was due to a combination of envy, jealousy, and a fair amount of backtalk from their detractors.

Jessica was caught in the middle of frequent changes in leadership and movement personnel in their division. Even with her efforts to suggest office innovations and other alternatives to make work efficient, Jessica still became the “butt” of sexist jokes. Her good standing with their one and only boss only made it worse. Her diligent work was always praised within the hearing range of the older employees as well as the new ones --- a fact that only made her detractors try even harder to discredit her. Envy really poisons the working atmosphere.

While Jessica became a victim of nasty jokes and false rumors, Howard, for his part, became the office scapegoat. What did Howard do to deserve such treatment? He was confident and brilliant as a software developer with his only perceived weakness was his being the youngest person in the department. Jessica is in the middle of what she nows called the “Boiler Room.” At first, Howard tried to understand why most of his “older” colleagues were somewhat nasty. He thought that they might be seeking some relief from their personal stress but it started to bother him because their intimidation was becoming more frequent. The taunting and sarcasm eventually caused Howard to suffer anxiety panic attacks. Jessica and Howard are only two among thousands who experience harassment and other forms of bullying in the workplace. Anyone can be a target. Harassment often begins with unresolved conflicts between workmates that could even escalate into problems that would eventually require the attention of management.

Harassment at work is one of the most distracting situations that any worker or professional can face. Work, needless to say, is important not only as a means to have a livelihood. It is also crucial to one's ego and craving for achievement.

Getting along with everybody is not the solution. It doesn't mean you have to be a people pleaser and compromising your principles. Being warm and sincere can melt the cold atmosphere. But it is important to set standards for yourself. Treat others with respect and dignity, and most likely, you would be treated in the same manner. Appearances also matter, following a dress code or adapting a sensible attire gives an good impression.

Other ways to maintain your good professional standing and mutually beneficial relations with co-workers include:

l Be dependable and trustworthy.

l Do not be oversensitive. Not all criticisms should be considered harassment.

l Seek support from higher management when the pressure is too great and if you already feel resentment or despair.

Although, there is no 100% guarantee that workplace harassment can be stopped, you must still take the initiative to stop the maltreatment. If the bullying cannot be stopped by management, maybe it is time to consider the next option: switch jobs or find another job.

Life is too short to stay in a job that causes you misery. Nor it is the end of the world if you leave a company where you are no longer happy.

Freelance Design tricks - How to get away with murder in the workplace

Keywords:

graphic designer careers, graphics software, graphics tutorials, graphic designers, logo creation, freelancer resources, graphic designer jobs, employment, web page design, free graphics, website desi

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Every large design company whether it's a multi-national branding corporation or a regular down at heel tatty magazine publisher needs to fill holes in the workforce. If the canny freelance designer plays his or her cards right, he can earn a tidy sum while essentially loafing at home. Here's how...

Have a handy repotoire of excuses lined up
Everyone has heard of the line 'the dog ate it...' or 'I left it in my jeans when it went into the wash' to avoid handing in an assignment but how often do we actually use them? Some of these old well worn excuses are due for a renaissance period. A boss is far more likely to give you the benefit of the doubt when you use one of these old dogs as they will question your sanity for attempting to use such an audacious excuse. Reverse psychology. Use it to your advantage

Backstabbing - Is it so wrong?
A favourite trick to pull on another member of staff is to sow the seeds of doubt in the rest of the full-timers minds about your chosen fall guy. Office politics can play a huge role in screwing with their heads. Why not try surreptiously planting somebody elses scissors or staplers in the victims drawer and asking to borrow them. When they can't find them say you saw so and so using them earlier. Sit back and watch the tension build.

An apple a day...
Being a teachers pet can sometimes work wonders when you haven't bothered to layout those pages that were given to you 3 weeks ago. Coming into the office armed with a nice rich chocolate gateau for everyone will smooth over any resentment for your tarde lackadaisacal attitude to work. Another good idea is to be the coffee gopher at regular half hour intervals. When you're gone they'll really miss you and because of the caffeine withdrawal will be snapping at one another.

Outsource and reap the rewards
Everybodies doing it so why not you? If you've landed a hefty long term design job that is a regular payer, why not bump your rates up and get somebody in India or China to knock out the work for you. Unethical? Perhaps but since when did you consider the plight of individuals in far flung places? You can explain away the discrepances in language and grammar by claiming you've been working all hours

Getting away with murder
There comes a time and place when despite your best efforts to cover your ass and blame others for your laziness and ineptitude, you are going to be found out. At this stage with disgruntled colleagues lining up to put in a bad word about you, there may be no other option left but to use the failsafe rear guard action of killing someone. This will have the effect of distracting attention from your less than honest approach to handing in graphic designs on time. It's probably best to avoid murdering the boss as questions are likely to be raised and you may find the new apointed editor will not see you as part of the new team format. No, go for one of the more replacable members of staff such as Ian the sub-editor, the resulting fracas will buy you enough time to work on some new scams at another organisation

So there you go, use these tricks as and when you feel they may benefit you. But be careful the cops are sometimes pretty keen to clamp down on office genocide - only use this last option under extreme duress.

First Aid Is Important For The Workplace

Knowing first aid in the workplace is very important and at least one person should be certified. Quickly think about what you would do in emergency, knowing what to do when can save someone's life.

Keywords:

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There are four major components of workplace first-aid, namely; first-aider, first-aid, box, first-aid room, and first-aid equipment. When deciding on the number of first-aiders, first-aid box, first-aid room and first-aid equipment for the workplace, the following factors should be considered: type of industry, number of workers, number of work shifts, and location of workplace in relation to the nearest hospital or aid station.

If there is a shift work schedule, there should be a sufficient number of first-aiders for each shift based. In a work-site where employees of different employers, such as in construction, are working together. The principal employer should provide and maintain safe systems of work which include provisions for adequate and appropriate first-aider, first-aid box, first-aid room (if needed) and first-aid equipment.

However, the relevant employers may make arrangement where one of them agrees to provide adequate and appropriate first-aider, first-aid box, first-aid room (if needed) and first-aid equipment. The agreement should be recorded in writing and a copy of the agreement should be kept by each employer concerned.

An employer should display a notice, in a prominent place in the work-site, of the names and locations of first-aiders. First-aiders should also be provided with a form of identification for easy recognition. An employer shall, from time to time, recruit or select suitable persons to go for first-aid training. The employer should consider persons with the following qualities to be trained in first-aid: physically fit, free from blood borne infectious diseases, and free to leave their work immediately to respond to an emergency

The training will be a course on first-aid conducted by institutions recognized by a governing body. The local telephone book will have many listings on companies given courses. Depending on the number of trainees, they will come to your workplace. Once trained, first-aiders will need to undergo recertification. Check with the course giver on years of validation. Employers should keep a record of the dates on which first-aiders obtained their training and the dates on which they received refresher training.

In the management of an injured worker or ill worker, first-aiders should:

Give immediate first-aid treatment, keeping in mind that a casualty may have more serious injuries and illness

Arrange without delay for the injured worker(s) to be sent to a doctor,

hospital or home, according to the seriousness of this condition.

This first-aider’s responsibility ends when the injuried are handed over to the care of health care personnel.

A record of the injury and treatment given by the first-aider should be made.

This record shall be kept by the employer for a period of five years.

The record should include information on:

The immediate treatment

Details about the incident/accident including information about the work process involved

Details about injury or work-related illness

Any referral arrangements made such as the usage of local ambulance service, referral to local hospital

Subsequent injury management.

First-aid boxes should be made of sturdy material and be portable so that it can be taken to the site of an incident. The boxes should also be clearly marked and kept current with a written record of contents. Each first-aid box should be placed in a clearly marked area. Where a workplace covers a large area, an adequate number

of first-aid boxes should be provided. Employees should be informed of the location of all first aid boxes.

First-aid boxes should contain a sufficient quantity of suitable first-aid materials.

They should not contain oral medication of any kind other than those required for first-aid treatment. It is essential that first-aid boxes be checked frequently so as to make sure they are fully equipped and all items are usable. Materials used should be replaced as soon as possible. The size and contents will be determined by the number of employees and type of industry. In the first-aid box, it is a good idea to have a quick reference sheet in first-aid and booklet. A quick reference sheet is handy for quick analysis of an injury. Send for one and we can e-mail one.

Designing The Perfect And Safe Workstation: Following Osha Guidelines In Crafting The 21st Century Workplace

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If you are the owner, operator or manager of a business enterprise in the 21st century, you undoubtedly find yourself spending a good deal of time contemplating how you best can go about taking the steps necessary to making certain that your workplace is the best suited and safest possible environment for your employees. In that regard, you may find yourself confused about where you can find the most reliable and accurate information in regard to creating and crafting an ergonomically ideal office or work place.

If you have questions in regard to developing a ergonomically correct environment for your team of employees, you will want to pay close attention to the guidelines that have been developed by OSHA in this regard. OSHA can now easily be accessed through the Internet and World Wide Web at http://www.osha.gov.

In regard to OSHA guidelines, the agency has been very specific in its own development of guidelines relating to developing an ergonomically correct working environment. For example, the agency even has developed specific guidelines relating to keyboard trays that are utilized as part of a workstation in a business setting.

When it comes to keyboard trays, OSHA recommends that keyboard trays should be wide enough to accommodate not only the keyboard itself but all other peripheral devices -- including the mouse. Too often, these items are spread apart in such a manner that they end up causing injury to employees in both the short and the long term. These physical problems generally can be avoided by paying attention to this guideline recommendation.

In addition, when using a keyboard tray, it is suggested that the tray be kept in a position that is 22 to 28 inches from the floor (assuming that the computer user will be in a sitting position).

Finally, keyboard trays that are utilized in a workstation should include adjustment mechanisms that lock into position without the need for turning knobs. Too often such knobs are tightened excessively which can result in damage to the equipment itself and make it difficult for an employee to utilize.

More information on OSHA workstation and workplace ergonomic guidelines can be found at the agency’s website on the Net. The website itself is very user friendly and has a wealth of information relating to creating and maintaining truly safe work environments for employees across the country, in all major occupations.