MetroSafetyCanada

    Personal floatation device (PFD) is an umbrella term for any tool used to keep the wearer afloat in the water. PFDs are often used synonymously with life jackets and life vests. However, despite their common goal of keeping the wearer alive in the water, a few significant differences merit a discussion.   Let’s take a deep dive into the primary differences between PFDs and Lifejackets. The Main Differences A PFD is designed to keep a person afloat and assist them with buoyancy in the water. PFDs have different levels of flotation, starting from level 1 all the way up to level 3. A traditional life jacket is classified as a type 1 PFD. It usually has neck support to keep the wearer’s face above surface level.   Both are designed to keep the person afloat during recreational activities. From a safety perspective, not all PFDs offer similar levels of protection compared to lifejackets.   The word PFD refers to any protective device that helps the wearer stay af...

  Not everyone places much importance on learning how to administer first aid in an emergency. This is because they are unaware of the benefits of first aid training . Either they don't think they'll require training in an emergency, or they don't have time to get it. However, this is the wrong approach. In case you need convincing that signing up for a first aid training course  is a wise decision, consider the following. Saves Lives The primary justification for learning first aid is the high number of persons who suffer injuries in accidents but don't survive because help wasn't provided quickly enough. When an emergency occurs, dialing 911 and waiting for help  to arrive might raise the risk of death or worsen the severity of an injury. For this reason, it's important to have a foundational understanding of how to save lives. The odds of survival can be improved with the support of those who have even basic first-aid training . Reduces Discomfort and Sufferi...

  Anxiety attacks  can feel like they’re controlling your life. Your mind goes blank, and your body feels hot and cold all at once, causing you to feel unproductive at best and unsafe at worst.  But anxiety attacks are also treatable with some care and preparation; you can learn how to manage an anxiety attack at work by taking some workplace safety courses . Here are some ways that can help you through it as well as steps you can take to prevent another from happening in the future. Recognize The Symptoms Anxiety attacks can happen to anyone. It is essential that you know the symptoms and signs of an anxiety attack to minimize severity. While these are not considered medical emergencies, you should still seek professional help when necessary. Take A Break There are no adequate shortcuts when it comes to managing an anxiety attack. The more one can do to maintain proper habits and find coping mechanisms, the more you'd be able to prevent anxiety attacks.  If you feel...

  According to CAREX Canada , nearly 429,000 Canadian employees are exposed to silica at work. When combined with the total number of cancer cases in the area, this is a very concerning figure. Read on to learn more about the material and its dangers: What Is Silica? Silica is a common material in both igneous and sedimentary rocks. Sand, sandstone, clay, quartz, granite, stone and rock aggregates, shale, and slate are all rich sources of silica. As a result, it has wide usage in various fields, from manufacturing to construction. According to a company that provides workplace safety courses in BC , many individuals are unaware of the dangers they frequently find themselves in. However, if you or a family member is involved in the construction or mining industry, here are some things you should be aware of. One of The Most Dangerous Substances to Be Exposed To Silica dust is the third most dangerous substance that construction workers are exposed to on the job. In addition, constru...

Have you ever wondered how to handle an emergency at home or work? Do you think you possess all the skills required to tackle emergencies such as injuries or strokes? If the answer is a firm no, you should consider taking a first aid training course. According to a poll conducted by Red Cross in Canada in 2012, 40% of the population  agreed that they had been in a situation that required first aid. Although, just 18% of Canadians are fully certified. When it comes to a stroke, understanding the red flags is essential in timely treating the situation. The warning sign described by the acronym B.E. F.A.S.T. stands for ·   A person may feel out of balance ·   Blurred  eye  vision ·   Watch out for a droopy face  on one side. ·   Numbness of  arm  or leg on one side of your body ·   Problem in speaking ·   Waste no time in getting help. Knowing to help in such a situation can save lives and make you feel more confident handling eme...

  According to the figures released by the Association of Workers' Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC), around 925 workplace fatalities occurred in Canada in 2019 , with 29 cases involving young workers aged 15 to 24. Let's look at common workplace injuries and how first aid training  can help. Falls From Great Heights A fall from a great height is a leading cause of workplace injuries and accounts for over 18% of workplace fatalities in Canada . This is why fall protection training  for employees is advised. In addition, injuries from heights tend to be quite severe. Thus, workers who sustain them need time off to heal, and others might evne succumb to them. Often, waiting for paramedics can result in a loss of life that could have been avoided. Most fall victims require prompt first aid, for example, applying pressure to an open wound to stop continuous bleeding or applying a temporary bandage to a cracked bone while waiting for paramedics to arrive. Employees with fi...

  According to the figures released by the Association of Workers' Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC), around 925 workplace fatalities occurred in Canada in 2019 , with 29 cases involving young workers aged 15 to 24. While no one can predict what's to come, just one bad decision on their or someone else's part might increase the likelihood of an accident. Knowing that accidents can happen anytime and anywhere, including in a workplace, it is critical to instruct employees on what to do during an onsite accident. Your employees should be aware of the measures that need to be taken and the first aid  help that must be provided to the person involved in an accident or in need of medical assistance such as Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) .   Given that many organizations are unsure whether or not to provide first aid training  to their employees, here are some reasons why occupational first aid training  is essential. Examine these factors and make the best d...