BUSINESS AND TRAINING 49 air temperature or humidity is higher , people feel uncomfortable . Such situations do not cause harm if the body can adjust and cope with the additional heat . Very hot environments can overwhelm the body ’ s coping mechanisms , leading to a variety of serious and possibly fatal conditions .
HAND AND BODILY INJURIES The hand was the body part most frequently injured on the job . Over one-quarter ( 28 %) of work injuries were to the hand , followed by the lower back ( 16 %). Compared with all workers who sustained an occupational injury , those in sales and service were more likely to injure a hand , whereas white-collar workers were less likely . White-collar workers were more likely to injure the lower back : one-fifth of the occupational injuries sustained by white-collar workers affected this part of the body .
The most frequent type of occupational injury was a sprain or strain , followed by cuts , then fractures . Sprains or strains were more common among white-collar workers , compared with workers overall . Fractures accounted for nearly one-fifth ( 19 %) of injuries to primary industry workers , significantly above the share ( 11 %) for all workers . Burns or scalds made up 15 % of injuries sustained by sales and service workers — significantly higher than the proportion of all work injuries ( 6 %).
INHALING / TOUCHING MOULD Fires cause burns and these injuries are obvious , but injuries to the lungs and airways from smoke inhalation are often less apparent and may not present until 24 – 36 hours after exposure . In 2011 – 2012 , being overcome by gas , smoke or toxic fumes was partly or wholly the cause of death in 53 % of fatalities . A further 19 % were due to a combination of burns and being overcome by gas or smoke .
FLAMMABLE / ELECTRIC SITUATIONS When working , it is essential to establish the danger points where you are . A gas bottle near you with the slightest leak may well ignite and explode . Have a look at the DB board and wiring around you . It may be ‘ dad ’ s handiwork ’, which will be questionable — especially if he is an accountant or similar !
BODILY DAMAGE Damage to your person and your assistants can come from a myriad of occurrences , perhaps beyond your control . These can put you in hospital and loss of earnings can be great . The correct handling of a geyser or metal pipes is crucial , even if it seems harmless . Ensure that protective gloves are worn with overalls .
SLIPS OR FALLS Probably the easiest of them all . Plumbers work in a wet environment most of the time , so the probability of slipping and falling is great . Ensure footwear is correct for the job and be wary of the area in which you work .
EXPOSURE TO DANGEROUS MATERIALS Appreciate that gas , ammonia , and CO 2 in industrial places are dangerous when it escapes or is caused to escape through negligence .
LATE SLEEPLESS NIGHTS For those running the business , overdue payments cause huge problems , as it affects the entire business . Consider COD options with a card system , particularly incorporating chip technology that is more comfortable for the client . Unreliable or unproductive staff can also contribute to stress levels . Sleepless nights only compound the problem . It is incumbent on you to resolve these issues professionally using the tools at your disposal , bringing reliable staff on board , understanding their issues , and , in turn , them understanding yours .
Stress is part of our everyday life . We must be aware of it and handle the stressors accordingly . Do not leave them to chance , as they will accumulate and the cumulative consequences are dreadful . PA
Occupational category |
Type of injury |
|
Total |
Sprain / Strain |
Cut |
Fracture |
Burn / Scald |
Scrape |
Dislocation |
Other |
Total † |
100.0 |
39.8 |
21.1 |
10.9 |
6.2 |
5.8 |
3.1 |
13.2 |
White collar |
100.0 |
48.4 * |
18.3 |
8.3 E |
F |
5.9 E |
3.0 E |
13.6 |
Sales , service |
100.0 |
37.7 |
20.9 |
8.9 E |
14.7 E * |
5.4 E |
3.2 E |
9.2 E * |
Trades , transport , equipment operation |
100.0 |
37.2 |
21.0 |
10.9 |
4.4 E |
6.5 E |
3.3 E |
14.8 |
Primary industries |
100.0 |
38.9 |
22.4 E |
18.5 E * |
F |
F |
3.2 E |
8.8 E * |
Processing , manufacturing , |
100.0 |
32.7 * |
21.7 |
15.2 E |
5.9 E |
F |
F |
17.3 E |
utilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
† Reference category |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* Significantly different from estimate for Total ( p < 0.05 ) |
|
E
Use with caution ( coefficient of variation 16.6 % to 33.3 %)
|
F too unreliable to be published ( coefficient of variation greater than 33.3 %) |
Source : 2003 Canadian Community Health Survey |
Table 1 : Percentage distribution of type of injury among people ( employed household population aged 18 – 75 ) sustaining at least one activitylimiting work injury in the past year , by occupational category , Canada , 2003 .
www . plumbingafrica . co . za January 2018 Volume 23 I Number 11