Everyday two people die and nearly 600 people in Thailand are hurt as a result of accidents
at work and thousands, maybe 10s of thousands are hurt in accidents in general.
1. Keep the floor clear. Don’t use corridors and stairways for storage because they make it easier for people to trip and fall. Storage in passageways can block your escape in a fire or emergency. Have a fire escape plan. Think about fire safety. Learn how to treat burns.
2. Carry things carefully. Pick things up and set them down carefully. Think before lifting large or heavy things. Is there a better and easier way to lift things? Keep your balance. Concentrate. A back injury can last a lifetime. Store things so children can’t reach them. Stack things in a way that they will not fall on top of someone.
3. Chemicals. Every home or workplace has toxic chemicals that can kill. For example, bleach, fertilizer, cleaning materials, gas, insect and rodent poisons hurt you. Did you know that when you combine bleach and ammonia that the fumes might kill you? Did you know that whitening toothpaste should not be swallowed? Read the labels. Make sure that these things are labeled in a language everyone understands including basic information about their properties. Store these things away from children.
4. First Aid. A basic first aid kit is not expensive. Make sure it’s easily available and that you know what it contains and how to use it. Have a first aid book available. Learn CPR. Replace items when they are used. That’s important. The right on-the-spot treatment can make a big difference.
5. Take precautions. Personal protective equipment like gloves, shoes, masks goggles and hard hats don’t have to be expensive but can save you from serious injury. Domestic and work machines should be fitted with protective guards.
6. Electricity is shocking. Don’t let electric cables lie loose on the floor. All electrical machinery in the home or workplace must be grounded. Don’t overload the wall plugs because eventually they will burn and cause a fire. Water and electricity don’t mix.
7. Work smart. Think about it. Whether you’re cooking at home, sitting at a computer or standing, mixing and assembling products make sure you are comfortable. Do things the easy way. Standing or sitting, worktops are best at elbow height. Chairs should have supporting backrests. Don’t sit on the floor to work or cook because it’s bad for your back as well as being dirty and unsafe.
8. Pure, fresh drinking water should be easily and plentifully available. Washing and toilet facilities need to be clean and convenient, with soap, towels and separate facilities for men and women. Germs, bacteria, organisms and other microscopic things call hurt you.
9. Telephone numbers. Place a list of emergency telephone numbers next to your phone and store them in you cell/mobile phone. Think about things that can happen to you and make a plan.
10. Medince, drugs and alcohol. Don’t mix medicine. For example, you take blood pressure medicine and an hour later you take a motion sickness tablet. Some cough medicines do not mix with alcohol. Think. Read and follow the instructions and warnings on the label. Ask a doctor. Follow the directions. If it says to only take one Viagra pill don’t take two because with alcohol it can give you a heart attack.
11. Live long and prosper.
And if all else fails, you had better have insurance because you will be surprised how fast a hospital bill can rocket up to 2,000,000.00 (that’s two million Baht) in a very short time. It seems that everyone I asked about insurance refers me to Paul Chow at PCD Consultants. So, this is an unsolicited indorcement. Call him at 038 422-825 and mobile 01 893 0396.
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