News
Prioritising Your Health, Wellbeing and Safety In The Electrical Industry
20 August 2024
Essential tips to promote health, well-being, and safety among tradies, engineers and those working in the electrical industry!
At Brandis Hire we are committed to supporting tradies, engineers and those in the electrical industry by providing technical equipment rentals that are safety checked, functional and efficient. But this month, we want to go a little bit further and provide some information around desk ergonomics for those who balance office work as well as that on the jobsite, healthy eating on the go, and safety precautions for those working with high voltage electricity.
Ergonomics In The Office
Proper ergonomics in the office can prevent musculoskeletal disorders and enhance comfort and productivity. Implementing ergonomic principles helps create a healthier and more efficient workplace.
1. Chair and Desk Setup:
– Adjust the chair so feet are flat on the floor and knees are at a 90-degree angle.
– Ensure your back is fully supported by the chair’s backrest.
– The top of the monitor should be at or slightly below eye level to reduce neck strain.
– Position the monitor about an arm’s length away from your eyes to prevent eye strain.
– Keep the keyboard and mouse at a comfortable height to avoid straining your wrists.
– Place the mouse close to the keyboard to minimise reaching.
2. Posture:
– Sit up straight with your back supported by the chair. Keep your shoulders relaxed and elbows close to your body.
– Adjust your chair and desk height to ensure your forearms are parallel to the floor while typing.
3. Take Breaks:
– Stand, stretch, and walk around regularly to avoid stiffness and improve circulation.
– Perform simple stretching exercises at your desk to alleviate tension in your neck, shoulders, and back.
Implementing ergonomic principles helps maintain comfort and prevent injuries in an office setting. Regular adjustments and breaks are essential for promoting long-term health and productivity.
Healthy Eating On The Road
When you’re short on time or constantly on the road for work, it is easy to choose unhealthy food options that you can grab from the bakery or service station. While this might be convenient, ensuring you are fuelling your body with nutritious foods will help prevent fatigue, helps maintain a healthy body weight and reduces the risk of many diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
1. Plan Ahead & Meal Prep
– Prepare meals ahead of time, focus on balanced options with lean proteins, whole grains and fresh fruit and vegetables.
– Ensure you have options that will still be tasty cold in case there is no access to a microwave
2. Stay Hydrated
– Carry a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day, especially when working out in the heat and in rural and remote areas.
– Limit caffeinated drinks. As caffeine acts as a diuretic in the body this can deplete important nutrients and increase dehydration.
3. Make Healthy Choices When Buying Lunch
– Avoid fatty and fried foods, aim for baked or grilled options and try to limit anything with lots of salt or sugar.
– Aim for fibrous options such as wholemeal sandwiches, salad rolls or protein rich wraps.
Staying Safe When Working With Electricity
As we often work with high voltage electricity, safety is one of our top priorities at Brandis Hire and ensuring that our equipment is properly tested, calibrated and maintained helps ensure that our customers remain safe when hiring from us.
1. Be Prepared
– Ensure that staff and colleagues are first aid, CPR and low-voltage rescue trained and that all their credentials are up to date.
– Keep your workspace organised and dry to minimise electrical hazards.
2. Work In Teams On Dangerous Projects
– Work with others whenever possible, this not only helps share the workload but it also ensures that someone can administer first aid, switch something off or seek help if needed.
3. Wear Protective Gear
– Most electricians or engineers working with our equipment should have the appropriate PPE; hard hats, eye protection, electrical gloves, dielectric/non-conductive boots, that will help keep them safe.
Tradies Health Month is an excellent opportunity to review and improve your health and safety practices. At Brandis Hire, we are committed to making a difference when it comes to the health and safety of our customers. Tradies Health Month is an excellent opportunity to raise awareness and promote health, well-being and longevity in the electrical industry.
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