Health & Safety Moment Uganda

14/03/2019

22/02/2019

GENERAL ROAD SAFETY RULES
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1. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF: Driver fatigue and lack of attention can significantly increase the risk of an accident.

2. ALWAYS MAINTAIN YOUR VEHICLE: Inspect the vehicle before each trip. Start at one point and move around the vehicle.

3. WEAR YOUR SEAT BELT: A seat belt is the primary means of protection during an accident and will keep you in your seat and help you to maintain control of your vehicle.
4. ALWAYS DRIVE DEFENSIVELY: Only drive a motor vehicle or motorcycle if you have a valid driver’s licence and have received the required training for the road and vehicle type.

5. MAINTAIN A SAFE FOLLOWING DISTANCE: Each type of vehicle, depending on size and weight, reacts differently when accelerating, slowing down and stopping. Always maintain an appropriate following distance of at least 2 car lengths or three seconds (for higher speeds).

6. AVOID CUTTING IN FRONT OF VEHICLES: By cutting in front of vehicles, the distance between vehicles is shortened and there may not be enough room for the vehicle to avoid a collision in an emergency situation.

7. AVOID BLIND SPOTS: Be aware of a vehicle’s blind spots and avoid these areas.

8. BEWARE OF EMERGENCY LANES: A large number of people are killed or injured in emergency lane collisions.

9. CONSTRUCTION ZONES: It is critical to comply with the indicated speed restrictions as indicated in construction
zones. Reduce your speed, stay alert and expect the unexpected.

10. AVOID OVERLOADING: Overloading can damage roads and can cause tyres to overheat, resulting in a possible tyre blow out and subsequent accident.

22/02/2019

20/02/2019

----- ASSISTING OTHERS IN ROAD ACCIDENT --------
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With the frightening number of road accidents occurring every single day, everywhere in the world, it seems almost an inevitability that you’ll one day be called on to assist someone involved in one. Here are a few tips and tools to keep in mind if you need to help someone injured in a car accident.

STEP #1: SECURING THE ACCIDENT SCENE
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• PARK YOUR CAR ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. If you are the first responder to an accident or someone who can and wants to provide assistance, pull your car to the side of the road. If the victim is in the road, use your car as a barrier. Make sure your car is safely out of traffic lanes and not blocking access to the scene or victim in any way.

• REMAIN CALM. It’s important to you and any victims that you remain calm. This will help you make informed and rational decisions to deal with the accident. If you feel yourself panicking in any way, take a deep breath to refocus or delegate tasks to others at the scene.

• LOOK OVER THE SCENE QUICKLY. Although your first instinct may be to call for help, taking a few seconds to quickly assess the situation can help you provide vital information to emergency services. In addition, it may also alert you to things that should be done before attending to victims.
• CALL EMERGENCY SERVICES. Once you’ve made a quick assessment of the accident scene, call emergency services. Provide the person with whom you are speaking any information request to the best of your knowledge.
Ask other witnesses and bystanders to call emergency services as well. These people may have additional information or noticed something about the accident and victim you didn’t. Remember that the more information emergency services has, the better they can respond to an accident.
• WARN ONCOMING TRAFFIC. It’s important to let other drivers know that there is an accident that they need to avoid. Using bystanders who warn traffic, or flares, can alert oncoming traffic to slow down. In turn, this may alert other drivers that they need to stop and assist with the scene and any victims.

STEP #2: 12 FIRST AID DOS AND DON'TS
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1. CHECK YOURSELF FIRST. If you have been injured in the accident, first check yourself for any injuries. Try to assess how well you can move your limbs, and if you experience symptoms, such as dizziness, etc. Remember you need to be fit enough to help the others.

2. CHECK FOR DANGER. Before you can approach an accident victim, it’s important to make sure the scene is safe for you, too. Check to see if you see:
• fuel flowing
• fire
• smoke, or
• exposed wires.
If this is the case, it may be better to not provide aid and simply calling emergency services.

3. ASK THE VICTIM ABOUT ASSISTANCE. If the accident victim is conscious, ask if the person wants assistance. This is an important step because not every accident victim may want help, even if it appears the person needs it.

4. AVOID MOVING THE VICTIM. Always suspect spinal injuries. If the person’s neck is in an awkward position (not normally placed) or the person is unconscious, do not move them. Get help immediately. This could mean that the person’s neck is broken, and moving them in such a situation can cause more harm than good.

5. CHECK THE AIRWAY. Breathing is an absolute necessity to any person’s life. If a person is unconscious or loses consciousness, it’s vital to check the victim’s airway to ensure the person is breathing properly. If not, you may need to give CPR to restart the circulatory and respiratory systems.

6.WAYS TO HELP IN GRAVE SITUATIONS. If there is bleeding from the mouth or the patient is vomiting, turn the person to his/her side. This will avoid any chance of choking. Extend the arm resting underneath them straight out and ensure the arm closest to you is lying across their chest.
7. ADMINISTER AID, AS NECESSARY. Many advocates suggest providing first aid only if the victim has life threatening injuries. If the victim has injuries that require bandaging, splinting broken bones, or using other advanced first-aid techniques, it’s generally recommended that you wait for professional help, especially if you know it is on the way.

8. TREAT SHOCK. It’s common for car accident victims to be in, or to fall into shock, following an accident. Shock can be life-threatening if not treated, so if you notice the most common symptom of shock – a pale skin – then treat the person for it.
9. KEEP THE PERSON WARM. Usually accident victims feel excessively cold due to shock. Therefore keeping them warm is essential to survival. You can use whatever you have to do this, such as a t-shirt, jacket, etc.

10. COMFORT THE VICTIM. Chances are that the accident victim is scared and possibly hurt. Talking to, and giving, the victim encouraging words can help calm them until emergency services arrive.

11. AVOID FEEDING THE PERSON. Don’t give the person any water, food or other fluids through the mouth – it could lead to the patient choking.

12. TURN OVER CARE TO EMERGENCY PERSONNEL. Once emergency services arrive, let the personnel take over the person’s care. These individuals are better trained to handle car accidents and any injuries.

19/02/2019

DEFOGGING THE WINDSCREEN
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The fogging up of the vehicle windscreen can severely reduce driver visibility and poses an increased risk during rainy or low light conditions.

Why do windscreens fog up?
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Windscreens fog up because of differences in temperature and moisture in the air (humidity). Window fog is caused by moist, humid air inside the vehicle coming in contact with the cold windscreen, releasing moisture which condenses into fog. The windscreen is colder than the air inside the vehicle because it is in contact with the cooler, outside air.
Factors contributing to humid air
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There are several factors that may contribute to humid air, including:
 Driver or passenger breathing (inhaling and exhaling).
 A steaming mug of coffee.
 The rain and / or snow on clothes.

It is also important to note that the air trapped in the vehicle from the previous day will be more humid than the outside humidity level, therefore holding more moisture.

Do’s and Don’ts of defogging the windscreen
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:
 Do not drive distracted, constantly adjusting controls on the dashboard.
 Avoid wiping the window with your hands unless it’s an emergency.
- It will leave streaks on the windscreen which may impair visibility.
 Avoid rubbing the windscreen with your sleeve.
- More vapour will condense from your next breath and fog it up again.
 Do not drive with the fan set at "recirculate".
- This is simply re-using air inside the vehicle - the relative humidity of the air in the car will keep rising.

:
Defogging the windscreen requires the correct regulating of the temperature and humidity inside the vehicle.
 Before driving, perform basic maintenance.
- Ensure that the intake vents at the base of the windscreen on the outside of the vehicle are clean of dirt, leaves, ice and / or snow.
- Clean the inside of the windscreen.
* Dirt particles give the condensation more to grip onto – a dirty window therefore fogs up more than a clean window.
* Test the windows for cleanliness by dragging a finger over the front windscreen; if a finger track is left behind – the windows need to be cleaned.
* Use a glass chemical cleaner and clean cloth - wipe in circles until all signs of dirt and streaks are removed.

 Using the window.
- A fast but uncomfortable way to defog the windscreen is to lower the window and allow cold, dry air from outside to flow into the vehicle.
* Lower the windows about two centimetres to pull in the dry air.
* This will lower the dew point inside the car and cause the fog to disperse.

 Blasting the heat.
- The windscreen will be much colder than the air inside the vehicle, especially when driving during rain or snow.
- Direct the warm air from the vents against the windows to compensate for this.
- This will raise the temperature of the windscreen – but will only work if the vehicle is sufficiently warmed up.
- Use the defrost / defog vent and turn the control to high.
* Heating the air will dry the windscreen a little through evaporation, but may also add more moisture in the air.

 Using the air-conditioning.
- Most drivers are aware of the benefits of air-conditioning as a way of cooling the vehicle, but do not know that their air-conditioning is also capable of producing hot, dry air.
- Air-conditioners cool your car on a hot day by removing water vapour from the air inside the vehicle, which reduces the temperature of the air.
- Operating the air-conditioner will immediately start removing water vapour from the vehicle on a cold morning.
- Your warm, moist breath will disperse into the air inside the vehicle rather than condensing on the windscreen.
- Your air-conditioning is also a dehumidifier.
* Even while using warm air to defrost the windscreen, the air-conditioning will dehumidify the air before it warms it.
* Cool air from the air conditioner will dry the air, removing the moisture.
* The cool dry air will flow over the windscreen removing further moisture off the windscreen.
- The best way to operate the air conditioner is to start it on cold and then, as the air in the car dries out, slowly increase the temperature.
- You'll know when you've gone too far if the glass starts to fog up again.

18/02/2019

CYCLING SAFETY
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Globally, cyclists account for approximately 2% of road deaths and for 12% of all non-motorist traffic fatalities. However, the number of non-fatal injuries sustained by cyclists remains disproportionately high. A number of studies claim that cycling is the safest transportation for young adults and can be just as safe as driving - provided everyone follows the law and uses plenty of common sense.
ACTIONS BY CYCLISTS:
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Remember: Bicycles on the roadway are, by law, vehicles with the same rights and responsibilities as motorized vehicles.
RULES OF THE ROAD
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􀁸 Cycle on the road in the same direction as traffic and keep your bicycle one metre from the kerb.
􀁸 Only young children (under 12 years old) should be allowed to ride on sidewalks.
􀁸 Obey traffic lights, stop signs and other traffic signs (i.e. one-way street, yield, etc.), just as you would in a car.
􀁸 Use marked bicycle paths or lanes when available.
􀁸 When traveling with children, be extra careful. Children must sit in a correctly attached child carrier (i.e., no sitting on the handlebars or perching on the back wheel).
􀁸 Use your left arm to signal direction changes well in advance (below are based on US and European standards).
􀁸 Make eye contact with drivers before making a turn or slowing down.
􀁸 Keep the right hand on the handlebars for stability.
􀁸 To turn left, extend the left arm straight out from your side, parallel to the ground.
􀁸 To turn right, extend the left arm out straight from the shoulder with the elbow bent and the left hand pointing straight up. The arm should form an "L" shape.
􀁸 To slow down, extend the left arm out straight from the shoulder with the elbow bent and the left hand pointing straight down (i.e. the opposite of the right-hand turn).
SAFE CYCLING PRACTICES
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􀁸 Stay alert and ride defensively.
􀁸 Constantly check for traffic and obstacles around you.
􀁸 Don't assume drivers will stop.
􀁸 Before changing lanes and turning, always scan behind you and signal your intentions to other road users.
􀁸 Don't get distracted.
􀁸 Avoid using a phone or texting.
􀁸 Avoid listening to music while cycling, which can make it more difficult to hear approaching vehicles and pedestrians.
􀁸 Ride in a straight line and don't weave in and out of traffic.
􀁄 The more predictably you ride, the safer you are.
􀁸 Always keep at least one hand on the handlebars.
􀁸 Stay on the outside of the lane, in a single-file line with other cyclists (not two or three abreast).
􀁸 If the street is too narrow for cars to pass, cyclists are allowed to ride in the middle of the lane to increase visibility.
􀁸 Keep an eye out for parked cars i.e. doors from parked cars opening into the street.
􀁸 Stay a little bit closer to the centre of the street if there are parked cars.
􀁸 Stay out of the drivers' blind spots, especially at traffic lights or stop signs.
􀁸 Don't ride on the inside of larger vehicles such as buses and trucks.
􀀧 The drivers can't see you and these vehicles may be turning which will require more space than a normal passenger vehicle.
􀁸 Always let slower bicycle riders know you are about to pass by ringing your bell or simply calling out.
􀁸 Never drink and cycle.
􀁸 Take extra care when cycling at night.
􀁸 It is harder for drivers to see you and for you to see hazards.
􀁸 Try to ride on well-lit roads and wear bright or light coloured clothing or a reflective vest.
􀁸 When riding at night or in conditions of low light, your bike should have a white front light, a rear red light, both visible from at least 200 metres, and a red rear reflector visible from at least 50 metres.

SAFETY GEAR
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The following safety equipment should be used / fitted:
􀁸 Helmet.
􀁸 Wear bright colours for daytime riding and reflective materials for night.
􀁸 Bell or horn.
􀁸 White headlight and red taillight (for use when cycling at sunrise, sunset, or at night).
􀁸 Reflectors on the front and back of the bicycle.
􀁸 Consider installing a mirror to keep track of cars behind you.
􀁸 Travel with a mini tool kit.
􀁸 Take the time to learn how to do a few quick repairs.
􀁸 Perform a pre-cycle inspection.
􀁸 Check that the brakes are working, the wheels are secure and the tyres are properly inflated.

15/02/2019

WINDSCREEN WIPER BLADES - PART 1
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An important requirement for safe driving is having a clear view of the road ahead in all types of weather and driving conditions. We all understand the importance of a clean windscreen; yet often neglect to check that the windscreen wiper blades are in effective working condition.

What is a windscreen wiper?
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A windscreen wiper is a device used to remove rain and debris and even snow and ice from a windscreen. A wiper generally consists of an arm, rotating at one end and with a long rubber blade (squeegee) attached to the other.
The blade is swung back and forth over the glass, pushing water from its surface. The speed is normally adjustable, with several continuous speeds and often one or more "intermittent" settings.
Most vehicles use two synchronized radial type arms, while many commercial vehicles use one or more pantograph arms.
No person may operate a motor vehicle on a public road unless there is at least one windscreen wiper fitted which is capable of operation by other than manual means, and wipes the outside of the windscreen directly in front of the driver, continuously, evenly and adequately.

SIGNS THAT THE WINDSCREEN WIPER BLADES NEED REPLACEMENT
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 Wiper blades should be checked at least every six months and changed at least once a year.
 The wiper blade should wipe the windscreen smoothly and quietly.
 The wiper blade should always stop before it touches the rubber frame of the windscreen.
 The wiper blades or wiper arm should be replaced immediately should you notice one of the signs of a
damaged wiper blade shown in the pictures attached:

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE DETERIORATION OF WIPER BLADES
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There are a variety of factors that could add to the normal deterioration and reduced effectiveness of the wiper blades:
 Harsh African weather conditions such as harsh sunlight and dust can cause the rubber on the blade to dry out and crack.
 Regular use is hard on the wipers because dust,
abrasives, road grime and bug juice wear away the
cutting edge that the blade needs to wipe cleanly.
 Road dirt acts like an abrasive to wear away the flat surface necessary for a good squeegee effect.
 Ozone, airborne contaminants, oil, sunlight and dirt all act to weaken and reduce your wiper blades' ability to keep your view unobstructed.
 Acid rain and salt water deteriorate the rubber.
 Exposure to sunlight and ozone cause the wiper blades to age, even if they're not used much.
 Freezing temperatures make the rubber hard and brittle (stiff and easily fractured), which increases their tendency to crack or tear.
 Hot weather warps the rubber and prevents the blade from wiping your windshield cleanly.
 Rubber deteriorates over time. As blades age, they lose their flexibility and are less able to wipe cleanly.
They may develop a permanent set or curvature, which prevents full contact with your windshield.

MAINTENANCE OF WINDSCREEN WIPER BLADES
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 Regularly inspect the front and rear wiper blades as part of the preventative maintenance plan.
 Clean the front and rear windscreens regularly.
 Wipe the rubber squeegee regularly and gently with a damp paper towel to remove any loose dirt or oil.
 Check the windshield washer pump, hoses and fluid.
 Do not use the wipers to clear mud and soil from the windscreen – these could scratch the glass.
 Try to park your vehicle undercover during extreme weather conditions – both in the cold and scorching sun.
 Don’t use your windshield wipers to de-ice your windshield. Rather use an ice scraper or use your
defroster to melt snow and ice.
 Pull wiper blades away from the windshield during winter months to prevent ice build-up on the rubber squeegee and to prevent them from sticking to the windshield.

15/02/2019

When NOT to Overtake!

15/02/2019

4 SIMPLE STEPS TO MANAGE OHS RISK IN YOUR WORKPLACE

STEP 2: CONDUCT YOUR RISK ASSESSMENT
Your risk assessment will determine how likely and how serious the effects of being exposed to a hazard will be on people in the workplace. Work out the most serious hazards and deal with them first.

To assess the risk, you should consider:
• the type of hazard
• the severity of the hazard (i.e. could it cause injury or illness?)
• the likelihood of the hazard causing severe consequences
• the frequency and duration of exposure
• who it may effect
• your company’s capabilities
• the skills, experience and age of people
• layout and condition of the working environment.

14/02/2019

Hazard, Nearmiss, Accident in Summary.

14/02/2019

Safety for kids.