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