Proforma Safety Blog

How to Improve Chances Your Workers Will Use PPE

Posted by proforma on August 2, 2010  |  No Comments

Providing personal protection equipment (PPE) is mandatory, but too often companies find their workers avoiding its use. In this article, the president of Hub Industrial, Gabriel Curry, attributes blame (in part) to misguided and inflexible safety programs and offers common sense advice for how to ensure your workers use PPE.
Regardless of your safety policy, says Curry, it’s essential to go the extra step and make sure your PPE choices reflect the latest advances in comfort and utility. If workers are happy with their PPE, they’re more likely to use it; similarly, if it’s “one size fits all,” you’re guaranteeing that most workers will resist wearing it. Properly fitted gloves avoid hand fatigue and susceptibility to snagging. Ear protection and glasses should suit the individual’s size and style preference. Personal choice can result in improved employee attitudes.
“Let’s face it,” says Curry. “None of us like to look like dorks. Even in the down and dirty work environment, people take a certain pride in their appearance and will balk at wearing equipment that makes them look like Jerry Lewis in The Nutty Professor. Performance always should be the rfirst consideration, but any PPE that has a stylish appearance will assist in its acceptance.”

Ergonomics: The Next Workplace Safety Battleground

Posted by proforma on June 30, 2010  |  No Comments

Will ergonomics become the next battleground between business and the Administration in workplace safety enforcement? This article on Human Resource Executive Online talks about the possibility of an increase in the scope of compensable injuries. Some believe new standards may be in the works.

Step Away From Your Computer and Stretch

Posted by proforma on October 4, 2009  |  No Comments

Here’s an interesting concept: why not prepare for your workday as you would for playing a sport?
We’re talking about getting your body ready for work: warming up with a brisk walk or light jog in place. Stretch the muscles, tendons and joints, especially if you’re going to perform physical tasks. And ESPECIALLY if you’re an older worker.

Whether you’re working in an office, at a plant, or home in your garage on your favorite hobby, you should periodically stop to do these simple stretching exercises. It can make the difference between feeling good and suffering strained muscles. This humorous poster is also appropriate for posting in the kitchen area of your workplace or other location as a visual reminder.

Changing Your Office Chair Can Improve Resting Heart Rate

Posted by proforma on June 17, 2009  |  No Comments

A new office chair design that is wide at the bottom and narrow at the top has been shown to decrease resting heart rate, potentially reducing cardiovascular risk. Read details of a study presented recently at the American Industrial Hygiene Conference and Expo (AIHCE) in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.