As buildings around the country age, and prime real estate becomes less available, refurbishment projects are becoming increasingly common. However, these projects are more challenging than new construction projects because they require operators to accommodate existing structures, often with confined spaces and limited access. This can pose a greater safety risk for workers who must work in an environment initially constructed to adhere to different building regulations.

Approaching Retrofitting The Right Way When we’re engaged to quote on a system, often it’s for a customer who wishes to install within an existing structure. Given Vanguard Wireless systems utilise a mesh RF and/or cellular connection, our systems don’t need to be hard wired into a building, particularly if the devices will be battery powered. Thus retrofitting our systems require little to no additional investment.

We've taken some videos of our sirens in action. For their small size they're very loud, particularly when we're testing them in our warehouse!

With studies showing that Covid-19 can survive up to 72 hours on stainless steel and plastic surfaces, businesses need to be vigilant in cleaning high touch areas including buttons, switches, and turnstiles. Any practices that can be implemented to reduce worker contact will only have a positive impact on their safety. Personal Nurse Call Triggers Regardless of the nurse call system your business uses, you can make your site safer for your workers with a virtual nurse call system.

When was the last time you booked a hotel or restaurant without first checking out online reviews? When you need a plumber, do you ask your neighbor for a recommendation? How much merit do you place in a business having great reviews, testimonials or ratings?

While we love to sell customers new systems, there are occasions where an existing system is no longer required for a completed site but could be used wholly or partially at another site. Reusing a Vanguard Wireless nurse call or evacuation device – or a group of them – has numerous environmental and budgetary benefits. From an environmental perspective, reuse helps to save energy, limits pollution, conserves natural resources and reduces greenhouse gas emission. From a budgetary perspective, it reduces the amount you need to invest in a system on another site. Provided the devices are in good working order and have been used in accordance with the operations manual, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t reuse.

Originally published by Safety Solutions: https://bit.ly/37fGhEj

The building and construction industry experiences one of the highest incidences of injury and death in comparison to other industries. This is likely due to the nature of the work (physical), environmental factors (particularly long hot summers in Australia or long harsh winters in Europe and Northern America), and the sometimes transient nature of the workforce.

Building a culture around safety cannot be overstated enough when it comes to construction or site management. Toolbox meetings are a great way to prioritise this in your business and can be used as a training tool. It’s the ideal way to keep your team up-to-date with safety awareness and reminders to reduce risk on a daily basis.

The Australian Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 stipulates that a person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace must ensure that an emergency plan exists, covering: procedures, testing and training.