Unveiling Hazards: The Price of Neglected Maintenance

As the morning sun cast a gentle glow over the workshop, Benson, the workshop supervisor, a very committed personnel, could barely contain his eagerness for the day to begin. The atmosphere seemed charged with the promise of productivity. The workshop, however, lay dormant with dust covering all the equipment.

Without wasting a moment, Benson rallied his team with a fervent call to action, urging them to clean up as fast as they could. He wanted to avoid any possible downtime.

His team, responding to the urgency in his voice, worked tirelessly to make the workshop look presentable. Like a well-coordinated dance, they swept away the dust and cleaned surfaces. It was a transformation that mirrored Benson’s eagerness to dive into the day’s tasks.

Suddenly, a client’s urgent request added a layer of complexity to the day. Benson, determined to avoid any downtime, made a quick decision—authorize the use of the compressor that had been dormant for far too long without regular maintenance. Little did he know that this decision would set off a chain of events that would challenge the very foundations of safety.

As the compressor roared to life, an unintended consequence unfolded. The air thickened with fumes, transforming the atmosphere into a hazardous environment for everyone present. It was a sudden realization for Benson that the haste to meet immediate demands had overshadowed a crucial aspect—he had neglected the implementation of predictive maintenance techniques recommended by auditors the previous year.

In that moment, as the consequences of his oversight became apparent, Benson couldn’t help but regret why he was in much hurry.
What do you think Ben would have done differently?

#SafetyMoment #KenyonInternational #SafetyStories #Friday

Workplace Wellness

Amid our work lives, it’s crucial to recognize the profound impact of physical activity on our health. Regular exercise boosts energy, enhances mood, and mitigates the effects of sedentary work routines.

The link between physical activity and productivity is undeniable. Short breaks for stretching or desk exercises reinvigorate both mind and body, fostering heightened focus, creativity, and stress reduction, and also burning calories to help you lose fat and maintain a healthy weight.

Let’s collectively embrace a workplace culture that values employee well-being. Whether through brisk walks, desk stretches, or walking meetings, integrating physical activity into our work lives creates a more vibrant, productive, and fulfilling environment. A healthier workforce contributes to a more resilient and dynamic professional community.

When Safety Falters: An Ikenna’s Story

Ikenna found himself in an unexpected predicament one day. A small kitchen fire broke out in the office breakroom, and instinctively, he reached for the nearby fire extinguisher.

Confident in his knowledge of how to use an extinguisher, he pulled the pin, aimed the nozzle, and squeezed the handle, expecting the flames to subside.

What unfolded, however, was quite the opposite. The fire extinguisher malfunctioned, releasing only a weak hiss of gas.

Panicking, Ikenna attempted to sweep the nozzle from side to side, but the flames stubbornly persisted, dancing higher and casting ominous shadows across the room.

The small fire that could have been swiftly contained began to escalate. Smoke billowed, triggering alarms throughout the building.

His Colleagues rushed out, and the fire department rushed to the scene. Ikenna, frustrated and bewildered, watched as the situation he hoped to control spiraled into a larger, more dangerous incident.

Later investigation revealed that the fire extinguisher, which had not undergone regular maintenance checks, failed due to low pressure.

The incident not only disrupted the office but served as a poignant reminder that even with the best intentions, a lapse in equipment readiness can have significant consequences.

From that day forward, Ikenna became a vocal advocate for regular safety drills and equipment checks, ensuring that others wouldn’t face a similar ordeal.

What are some experiences you have had or you know someone had in handling fire extinguishers.?

E-hailing Safety

As the holiday season approaches, we want everyone to enjoy this ‘ember’ period without any safety concerns. With the recent increase in kidnapping cases, we urge you to take extra precautions when using e-hailing services to keep you and your loved ones safe.

Here are some safety tips to follow:

1. Always Use E-hailing Services: Stick to reputable e-hailing platforms for your rides. This way, you have a digital record of your trip, and it’s easier to trace your route.

2. Don’t Take Rides Offline: Avoid accepting rides from drivers who approach you directly on the street. Do not let an e-hailing driver persuade you to take the ride offline. This makes you vulnerable and less traceable.

3. Verify the Driver and Vehicle: Before entering the vehicle, check if the driver matches the photo on the app and ensure the number plate matches the information provided.

4. Avoid Tinted Windscreens: If the vehicle’s windows are heavily tinted and you can’t see inside, it’s best to decline the ride.

Transparency is key for safety.
Your safety is paramount, and by following these steps, you can minimize risks associated with taking rides, especially during this ‘ember’ period. Always stay vigilant and informed.

Remember, safety first and always.

The Importance of Container Labelling: An Ifechukwu’s Story

7-year-old Ifechukwu ran home after playing with his friends at school. He felt parched and ran to the kitchen to drink water. Immediately he drank a bit of what he felt was water, he realized that he had just taken a sip of kerosene. Panic surged through his small body. He knew it was something dangerous, so he rushed to the sink and desperately tried to wash away the awful taste with water. His mouth burned, and he felt a bit dizzy. Fortunately, he hadn’t consumed a large amount of kerosene, but the experience was scary enough.

His mother, who had been in the living room, heard the commotion in the kitchen and rushed to his side. She smelt kerosene and immediately realized what had happened. In a calm but concerned voice, she asked, “Ifechukwu, did you drink some kerosene?”

Tears welled up in his eyes as he nodded, still scared. His mother swiftly took action. She continued to let Ifechukwu drink water from the tap to dilute the kerosene and then rushed him immediately to the hospital.

At the hospital, the doctors monitored Ifechukwu closely. They explained that kerosene could be very harmful if ingested in significant quantities, causing lung damage, chemical pneumonia, and other serious health problems.

Thankfully, Ifechukwu had only taken a small amount, so his symptoms were relatively mild.

After a few hours, Ifechukwu felt much better, and the doctors assured his mother that he would be fine. But it had been a very close call. His mother couldn’t help but think about what might have happened if the liquid in the container had been something else, like acid. That could have been way deadlier.

This incident taught Ifechukwu, his family, and everyone who heard the story a crucial lesson about safety. They realized the importance of labeling all liquids properly in the house and at work to avoid such accidents. And it underscored the necessity of keeping dangerous substances out of the reach of children. In the end, Ifechukwu’s frightening experience served as a reminder that safety should always come first, especially when it comes to keeping our loved ones out of harm’s way.

Do you have any similar story or witness any story regarding the mishap that results from not properly labeling containers?