these with a follow up WHS consultation with a professional body, occupational hygienist in Australia or consultant.

The components of a health and safety policy include the following.

General safety guidelines

One component of a health and safety policy includes a general safety guideline such as:

Wearing the appropriate safety gear – Explaining what kind of safety gear should be worn and why it must be worn.
Procedures to follow in case of an accident – Explain what employees should do if someone is injured or ill at work, for example, where to find the first aid kit and who to call.
Rules regarding smoking in the workplace – Should you allow smoking inside your building? If so, explain where people can smoke and when they cannot smoke.
Procedures on how handle hazardous materials – Explain what kind of hazardous materials are used by your business and how these should be handled. For example: “All chemical spills must immediately be cleaned up.” Or “All chemical spills must immediately be reported”.

Other general safety guidelines may include rules on lifting heavy objects; conducting of WHS audits; the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as safety glasses and gloves; providing staff training on how to safely operate machinery, and emergency procedures.

First aid and emergency procedures

Emergency first aid procedures are an important aspect of any safety program. First aid procedures must be in place to assist employees and visitors during any unforeseen incident or accident that may occur on the premises of your business. This can include administering CPR, dealing with burns or broken bones, as well as responding to other medical emergencies such as choking and poisoning. Staff must also know where the first aid kit is located at all times (e.g., next to the kitchen sink).

If you have a large staff team then it is recommended that someone is appointed specifically for this role, so they are trained in basic first aid techniques like how perform CPR.

The Australian Red Cross offers training courses for people who want learn more about how to provide first aid treatment to others. The course covers topics such as:

Managing an emergency until professional help arrives.
Acting safely, effectively and calmly in an emergency situation.
Assessing the situation quickly.
Recognising emergencies, including cardiac arrest and stroke.
Providing first aid for wounds, bleeding and shock; poisoning; burns; choking (adult); bone, muscle and joint injuries.

There are also a range of free resources available on the Red Cross website about health and safety issues that can be downloaded and referenced by staff. These provide information about how to prevent common workplace accidents from occurring as well as other relevant topics such as preventing slips, trips and falls. They also provide details on what to do if someone is injured or becomes unwell while they are at work, so it is a good idea keep copies of these materials in the workplace.

Fire safety precautions

Fires are a common occurrence in the workplace, with around 15,000 reported each year. In most cases, these fires can be avoided by taking some simple precautions.

The first step is to have a fire evacuation plan in place and ensure all employees are familiar with it. Employees should also be aware of the location of the nearest fire exit and how to use it.

In addition to having a fire evacuation plan, businesses should also have an emergency action plan. This plan should include details on what to do if a fire occurs, such as evacuating the building and calling emergency services.

It is important to have adequate fire safety equipment in the workplace, including smoke detectors, extinguishers, and hoses. All of this equipment should be checked regularly to ensure that it is in working order.

Employers should also ensure that the workplace is a safe and healthy place to work. This includes providing adequate training on health and safety, as well as enforcing safe work practices. Employees should be aware of the risks associated with their job and how to minimise these risks.

Health and hygiene policies

Health and hygiene are another important aspect of health and safety in the workplace. Employers must ensure that they provide their employees with a safe working environment, which includes providing adequate toilet facilities and handwashing facilities.

Employees should be encouraged to wash their hands regularly throughout the day and to use soap when doing so. Employees who work in areas such as kitchens or food preparation areas should also be discouraged from putting fingers into their mouths or touching contaminated surfaces without first washing them thoroughly.

If an employer is unable to provide these basic hygiene requirements for its workers, then it may find itself facing legal action from those who are taken ill by poor conditions at work. If you want your business to succeed then make sure that your staff have access to clean toilets, sinks, hand basins and maintain other basic sanitary needs.

Food and drink in the workplace

Food and drinks play an important role in the workplace. Not only do they provide energy and sustenance to help workers power on through their day, but they can also be used as a way to celebrate success or boost morale. However, it is important to remember that while food and drinks can be enjoyed in moderation, they can also pose a health and safety risk if not handled correctly.

For example, employers should ensure that employees do not drink alcohol or eat food that may have been contaminated while working. In addition, workers should be discouraged from eating or drinking in areas such as kitchens or food preparation areas where there is a risk of contamination. This is because consuming food or drink that has been contaminated with bacteria or viruses can lead to gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting and diarrhoea which can be very serious, especially if they occur in a workplace.

Use of technology in the workplace

All workplaces use technology and it is very important for employers to ensure that employees are aware of how they can use it safely. Employers should also explain why workers should not use their mobile phones while working as this may lead to accidents and injury, especially if they were texting or phoning while using dangerous or heavy machinery.

For example, a worker who has been using his/her phone while on duty could inadvertently cause harm to themselves or others because he/she was distracted by something else such as reading messages from friends or family members with whom they have contact through social media sites like Facebook Twitter and so forth. They must be trained in safe work practices when working near machinery and equipment in order for them not only to protect themselves but also any other employees that are around them.

A health and safety policy is important for a number of reasons. It helps to protect your employees from potential workplace accidents or injuries, it shows that you are taking responsibility for the health and safety of your workers, and it can help to reduce the likelihood of legal action being taken against your business in the event of an accident. Having a written health and safety policy also makes sure that all members of staff are aware of their responsibilities when it comes to workplace health and safety. This not only reduces the risk of accidents happening, but also ensures that everyone is working towards maintaining a safe workplace.

onsite audiometric testing on their staff to ensure that they are not suffering form any hearing difficulties caused by loud sounds in their work environment.

What is noise and how can it affect your health

Noise exposure can be defined as the amount of sound that an individual is exposed to over a period of time. It can be caused by a variety of things, including machines, vehicles, and even people. When loud sounds are present in the workplace, it can cause a number of health problems for employees, including hearing loss, tinnitus, and stress.

It is important for employers to understand the risks associated with noise exposure and take steps to reduce these risks. Employees who are exposed to high levels of sound should be provided with proper safety gear, such as earplugs or earmuffs. In addition, employers should create a safe work environment where employees are not constantly exposed to loud noises by hiring professionals to carry out regular noise monitoring services. By taking these simple steps, employers can help protect their employees from the harmful effects of being exposed to high levels of sound.

In addition to the risks mentioned above, employees who are exposed to high levels of noise can also experience stress and anxiety. This is because loud sounds can be extremely distracting and make it difficult for employees to concentrate on their work. In some cases, this can lead to mistakes being made or even accidents happening in the workplace.

Employers should take steps to reduce the amount of noise that their employees are exposed to in order to protect them from the risks associated with such exposure. It is important for employers to create a safe work environment where employees are not constantly exposed to loud noises which can cause health problems.

One way to reduce such hazards in the workplace is by using soundproofing materials. There are a number of different types of soundproofing materials that can be used for this purpose, including acoustic foam and rubberized floor mats. These materials can help to absorb some of the sound that is produced in an office environment and prevent it from travelling throughout the room or building where employees are working. This will ensure that any loud noises which may occur during normal business hours do not pose a threat to employee safety or affect their ability to focus on their work tasks effectively.

The risks for employees exposed to high levels of noise

The risks for employees who are exposed to loud noises include:

Hearing loss: This is the most common risk for employees who are exposed to high levels of sound in the workplace. Prolonged exposure to loud environments can cause permanent hearing damage, which can lead to a decrease in overall quality of life.
Tinnitus: This is a condition that causes ringing or buzzing in the ears. It can be extremely disruptive and may require treatment from a medical professional.
Stress and fatigue: Such extreme exposure can also cause stress and fatigue, both of which can have a negative impact on employee productivity and safety.

Some of these conditions can be prevented by taking steps to reduce the risks of exposure in your workplace. For example, you can use ear protection such as earplugs or muffs when working around loud equipment or machinery; this will help minimize how much sound enters into your ears. You could also invest in noise-cancelling headphones if you have an office job and need some peace from outside distractions like busy street sounds etc.

Best practices for reducing risk:

Use hearing protection equipment (ear plugs/mufflers) when operating noisy machinery so it doesn’t enter into one’s personal space too easily. This prevents employees from being exposed over long periods without any breaks, which could lead to permanent damage.
Reduce overall levels of sound in the workplace by properly maintaining equipment and using sound-absorbing materials in the building’s design.
Encourage employees to take regular breaks away from such exposure, even if they are wearing hearing protection. This gives your ears a chance to rest and reduces the risk of developing long-term hearing problems.

How to protect yourself from noise-related health risks

If you are an employee who is working in a loud environment, you should know what you can do to protect yourself from developing noise-related health problems.

Here are a few tips:

Wear hearing protection whenever you are exposed to loud environments. This will help protect your ears from damage.
Try to limit the amount of time you spend in a noisy area, and take regular breaks away from it.
Keep your head tilted down when listening to music or other audio devices, as this will help keep the sound pressure off your eardrums.
If possible, avoid working in loud environments altogether. If this is not possible, try to find ways to reduce the sound level in your work area. For example, use earplugs or headphones with active noise cancellation technology.

What to do if you experience hearing loss or tinnitus as a result of working in a noisy environment

Regular audiometric testing is important for these employees who are constantly being exposed to high levels of sound. Such tests can be carried out by an audiologist, and they will be able to tell you if there has been any damage to your hearing.

If you experience any form of hearing loss or tinnitus as a result of working in a noisy environment, it is important to see your doctor as soon as possible. They will be able to provide you with the necessary treatment and advice. Some employees may also be entitled to claim compensation for their hearing loss or tinnitus.

The risks for employees exposed to high levels of noise are real and can cause permanent damage if not managed correctly. By following these best practices, employers can reduce the amount of noise exposure their staff is subjected to on a daily basis. And remember, always wear hearing protection when working with loud machinery.

Background noise can cause stress and affect productivity

When there is a lot of background sounds in the workplace it can seriously affect the productivity of employees. In fact, a study by the University of Illinois found that when noise levels reach 85 decibels, workers’ productivity starts to decline. Background sounds can also cause stress and anxiety, which can lead to health problems such as heart disease and high blood pressure. Since productivity is very important for a business, it is essential to have a work environment that is not too loud.

Noise pollution can lead to health problems, including hearing loss

Sound pollution can also lead to many health issues such as:

Hearing loss.
Heart disease.
High blood pressure.

All of these health problems can have a negative impact on employees’ productivity. It is important to take steps to reduce noise levels in order to protect the health of employees and improve their productivity.

Some of these health problems are permanent, such as hearing loss, which can lead to a decrease in productivity as well as a loss of income for many people, which means that sound pollution can have a significant impact on both the individual and the economy as a whole.

These health problems do not only affect the worker but also their families. For example: if an employee has tinnitus (ringing or buzzing of ears) due to prolonged exposure at high decibels then this could also cause them stress and anxiety when sleeping. In addition, there is a risk that they may develop heart disease over time because their body cannot cope with constant pressure on its system; so, it is vital we take steps towards reducing any negative effects of loud sounds on employee health by conducting regular onsite audiometric testing for all staff members who are at risk.

In addition, noise pollution can also cause accidents in the workplace. For example, if someone is trying to concentrate on a task but is constantly distracted by the sound of people talking or machines running, it could lead to them making mistakes that could potentially be dangerous.

To reduce noise pollution at work, businesses should install sound-absorbing materials that will help reduce sound levels in the workplace and make it more comfortable for employees to work there.

It is difficult to concentrate in a noisy environment

When there are loud noises around you it is very difficult to concentrate on what you are doing. This is especially true when there comes a moment of silence after hearing something loud and then trying to go back into your thoughts again. You can’t just pick up where you left off because now everything feels different.

Sound pollution affects people’s productivity by making it hard for them to focus on their work or studies due to constant distractions caused by loud sounds in their environment. The lack of concentration leads to workers feeling tired and fatigued which negatively impacts their performance at job-related tasks like meetings with clients or meetings between management and staff members.

Loud noises can be distracting and irritating

A loud environment can be distracting and irritating to workers, which can lead to them being less productive. It can also cause headaches, stress and even heart problems.

In some cases, the noise levels in a workplace are so loud that it becomes difficult for employees to hear each other properly, thus leading to communication issues as well. This not only affects productivity but could also potentially lead to safety risks if team members are unable to understand one another during an emergency situation.

Noise pollution can cause tension and conflict among co-workers

When there are loud noises around it can cause irritation which can, in turn, lead to tension and conflict between workers. This is especially true when the noise levels are high but there is no way for employees to escape from them (e.g., if they work at a construction site).

The problem of hearing loss due to noise exposure has become so prevalent in society that OSHA now requires all companies with 100 or more workers who are exposed on-the-job sound over 85 decibels must provide their employees hearing protection devices (HPD) such as earplugs or muffs at no cost; however, many employers still do not comply with this rule because they don’t want the expense associated with providing HPDs, even though it may save lives.

It is clear that noise pollution can have a number of negative effects on both employees and businesses alike, so it is important to take steps to reduce noise levels in order to improve productivity and protect the health of employees.

I know for many of us it is easy to say good bye to a relationship that no longer seems to work. What I mean by easy is that even when you may not be ready to let go of the relationship you come to an understanding that you have to move on. However, although you may physically move on from the relationship, if you have not let the emotional and mental baggage go from the previous relationship you may find yourself dropping those former baggage onto your current mate’s door step.

I had an opportunity to speak with a client of mine who said some very hurtful things to her spouse during the heat of an argument. She did not realize that what she was wrong as her spouse “knew” that was how she dealt with her frustrations. Well to make a long story short I found myself asking her this question, “why do you continue to have your ex-boyfriend sleeping in the bed with your spouse and you?” She paused for a moment and did not understand my question as she was thinking physical. As I probed with her more, she began to see that she was treating her spouse the same way as she did with her former boyfriend. She was “stopping” the hurt before she was actually hurt by her husband. However, she was not stopping any hurt but creating more hurt within her marriage. How you may ask? She was treating and responding to her husband in the exact same way she did her ex-boyfriend who left her.

Without knowing it, my client was reliving her previous relationship with her ex-boyfriend through her current relationship with her husband. As the revelation became more evident to her she realized that she loved her husband and never meant to make those hurtful comments. She finally understood that as long as she kept holding on to the words and behaviors she kept bottled up inside of her from her former relationship, she might have ended up losing her marriage for a man she has no interest in being with. Have you ever found yourself in a situation where your mate may have said or did something that reminded you of your previous mate? What was your response? Did you respond to your current mate as you would with your ex or did you take the time to realize that you are in a different relationship with a different person and your actions and responses should be different?

If you are still sleeping with the ex partner within your current relationship, here are a few tips to help you obtain some closure with the former relationship:

1. Let the person “have it”- If you never had the chance to tell your ex how you felt about the relationship write a letter. You will not send the letter off but just write it so that you tell the person how you feel. Once you have gotten all of your emotions up, tear it up and flush it down the toilet.

2. Speak to your current partner- One of the challenges many people face in a relationship especially new ones is letting your mate know what happened to you in the past. If you are in a committed relationship where you feel like the two of you may be in it for the long haul, let your mate know what words and actions annoy you. If you do not tell your mate then how will they know that this is an area of contention for you.

3. Don’t throw yourself under the bus- Don’t beat yourself up if you get into a squabble with your current partner and you find yourself reverting back to your old ways. When you find yourself saying or doing something you may have done with your ex, take a pause for the cause and excuse yourself from the situation. Explain to your mate that you need to leave for a moment so that you will not say or do something that will cause harm to your present relationship. Designate a meeting place and time to share your thoughts with your mate in a non-argumentative manner.

4. Stay committed to your mate- If you believe this is your soul mate and you want to make the relationship work, stay committed to one another through talking and sharing your feelings. Don’t wait until an argument to arrive to complain or air everything out. Most arguments are solved when they are handle as disagreements in the here and now. It is when you hold on to past hurts that may break down the line of communication with your mate. Let old habits be buried so that new habits may spring life into your present relationship.

All in all, in some form or fashion we have all been hurt by an ex-girlfriend or ex-boyfriend that may continue to foster pain within our lives. However, if you choose daily to let those hurts go you will find yourself dwelling less on them. The less hurts you allow to control your thoughts in your present relationship, the more fulfillment and enjoyment you will feel with the mate you are with. So go ahead and kick that ex factor out of your present relationship as your mate and you will benefit from not having the third wheel in your lives.

April Lisbon-Peoples is a growth and development coach who enjoys inspiring her clients to find their life’s purpose through becoming visionaries. She the founder and CEO of Running Your Race, a coaching practice designed for individuals who are ready to awaken their visions and create their destiny.