Accidents and injuries commonly happen during holiday breaks, especially at this time of year when we are all preparing for the winter months and making the most of these last warmer days.
At Programmed, we believe that all safety related incidents and injuries can be prevented. With proper planning and care, you can get all your tasks done around the house and avoid common dangers. Or if you are getting away, you can relax knowing that you have prepared well and can fully enjoy your break.
Here are our top tips to help prevent accidents and injuries over the Easter break:
Heights
Whether you’re cleaning the gutters, pruning trees or painting, always protect yourself against falls. If working off a ladder, make sure that the ladder has secure footing, is tied off and is supported.
Going away
Many of us take advantage of the Easter break to get away.
For the outdoorsy types who go camping, always take extra supplies and plan for sudden weather changes. When planning your trip, check online for information about the camp sites you are visiting, especially in National Parks; there may be restrictions on where you can light fires and gather firewood from.
If you are camping in a remote location, make sure that you tell someone your plans. Include details of where you are going, when you are travelling and when you are expected back.
If you are heading near water, always keep a close eye on children around the water.
Vehicles
If you are going away over the Easter break, plan your journey before you set off. Make sure your car has been recently serviced and check the car (oil, water, etc.) to make sure it is safe to drive.
Make sure that trailers and camper vans are secured properly to your vehicle prior to towing. Also, check that brake light and indicators are working correctly.
The Autumn months generally bring more rain, so stay alert to your surroundings while driving, slow down, increase your stopping distance and if you can’t see the road or car in front, pull over safely and wait until the rain eases.
Job planning
Before undertaking any DIY jobs, stop and think about what could go wrong and the best way to do the job safely. If you are helping family or friends, take five minutes to ask yourself the following questions before starting the task:
- what are we about to do?
- what could go wrong?
- how are we protected?
Make sure everybody understands what the job involves and the tasks that they are responsible for.
Tools and equipment
Before using any tools, equipment or home appliances, check that there has been no damage or deterioration since they were last used and that no parts are missing (i.e. guards).
If you don’t have the correct tool for a job that needs to be done, borrow it from a neighbour or friend – improvising and using tools for purposes that they’re not designed for significantly increases the risk of injury!
Also, make sure you know how the tool works and the safest way to operate it. If borrowing equipment from family or friends, make sure they give you the operating instructions and ask them to explain any safety features.
When using electrical equipment, always turn off the equipment at the wall outlet before accessing any moving parts or removing the supply lead.
Housekeeping
Whether you are doing a clean out or gathering friends and family together, it’s important to keep up your housekeeping. Think carefully about where you are placing items on the floor or areas where people will be walking around.
Keep floors clear of rubbish, toys or cords to prevent slips, trips and falls.
Consider what could be dangerous to children and ensure these items are placed well out of reach.
Manual handling
Manual handling is involved in many of the daily activities we carry out, especially when cleaning or doing work around the house. Be mindful of the size and weight of any items you are shifting around.
Ask a family member or a mate to give you a hand. Don’t try and move large, awkward or heavy items on your own.
Programmed is a leading Staffing and Maintenance organisation, providing staffing, professional, technical, training and maintenance services across Australia and New Zealand with more than 20,000 employees supporting industry.
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