Taking emergency action: What to do if disaster strikes

1

2

3

At Kodiak we spend a lot of time thinking about accident prevention – it's a subject covered frequently in our workplace poster programme. But, while our programme has been proven to reduce workplace accidents, it would be naive to think that an accident could never happen.

Have you ever been in a building when the fire alarm has gone off? I have, many times now, and I think it's fair to say that no one ever seems to do what they are meant to. Of course, everyone knows that they are supposed to move quickly and calmly to the nearest fire exit, leaving their personal belongings behind, and meet up at the designated assembly point. But that's not usually what happens.

Most people think the alarm is a test – that it will stop in a minute – and they stay where they are and continue doing what they are doing. If it doesn't stop, they conclude that it's probably a false alarm and they still don't move. Some wait until they are told to evacuate by another person. Others are still considering what to do right up until they hear the fire engine sirens in the street outside.

During a stay at a hotel in Edinburgh last year, a kitchen fire set off the fire alarm early in the morning. We left our room on the fifth floor, made our way down five flights of stairs and waited outside, in the snow, while the fire crews went in. After about 20 minutes, during which time the alarm was still ringing, we were allowed to re-enter the building. As the lift finally arrived at the ground floor, we were surprised to see it was full of people from the floors above. "Oh," exclaimed a lady inside the lift, "has there really been a fire?"

It's terrifying to think that so many people are so complacent and that there is any chance that they may not do the right thing if a real disaster struck. This is why we need to remind them.

In the Kodiak programme we ask your employees if they would know:

• what to do if someone is hurt
• what to do if a fire starts
• how to sound the fire alarm
• who their fire warden/first aider is and
  how to contact them in an emergency
• where the nearest fire exits/assembly
  points are located

Of course, they should already know the answers – if they don't, then they need to find out. The right knowledge is a great survival tool and knowing all the answers by heart also means you are more likely to keep a clear head in a crisis.

Following any incident it is vital to gain an understanding of what happened, how it happened and why it happened. For this you need the full support and co-operation of your employees, as only honest accounts will help you establish the true causes and enable you to prevent a recurrence. We have posters on this too.

If you would like to find out more about how Kodiak posters can prepare your employees for emergency situations, please get in touch.

For daily tips on dealing with common workplace issues, why not follow us on Twitter.

If you would like to find out how Kodiak posters 
can help your business work smoother, smarter 
and safer, please call us on: 01530 456 000 
or email us.

How are money worries affecting your employees?

1

2

3

4

Last month a report from the Scottish Provident Financial Safety Net revealed that 18 million Britons are stressed due to financial insecurity. 49% of those with no savings say they are 'stressed' or 'very stressed', as do the 47% who cannot afford to put money aside for their savings.

This report follows research published by Mintel last year, which revealed that money worries are the single biggest cause of stress for for 40% of us.

The rising cost of living has left many households feeling the squeeze — and making lifestyle changes and different purchasing decisions, to compensate.

It is well-accepted that a successful work-life balance can improve a person's performance at work. But what happens when the stress of having to manage with less money at home becomes a preoccupation that spills over into work?

In this blog I have referred to a number of areas where the personal and professional lives of your employees cross over. For example, personal issues such as smoking, healthy living, sleep deprivation, work-related stress and basic hygiene all affect the wellbeing of your employees and have an impact on your business.

Preoccupations with money worries or debt are similar. They can cause your employees to become distracted and lose focus on their work, which can be bad for your business. This is one reason why we also include these topics in our workplace poster programme. 

As our poster programme is seasonal, we can tackle these issues as they arise, or on a seasonal basis. The subjects we have covered so far include:

• summer offers and discounts;
• household budgeting;
• dealing with debt;
• winter energy savings;
• fuel economy;
• online shopping safety;
• reducing food waste; and
• budgeting for Christmas. 

If you would like to find out more about how our posters can help your employees to save money and reduce stress please get in touch.

For daily tips on dealing with common workplace issues, why not follow us on Twitter.

If you would like to find out how Kodiak posters 
can help your business work smoother, smarter 
and safer, please call us on: 01530 456 000 
or email us.

Tackling aggression and violence in the workplace

1

2

3

Updated October 2014 

It seems everywhere I have been lately there have been notices about violence. They're in the hospital, in the Post Office, on the bus and even in some shops.

The HSE defines work-related violence as:

Any incident in which a person is abused, threatened or assaulted in circumstances relating to their work.

According to statistics from the British Crime Survey in 2012/13 there were 649,000 incidents of work-related violence. 

Assaults accounted for 332,000 of these, while 317,000 involved threats to victims.

More than half of the assaults resulted in physical injury and 3,697 of these resulted in at least seven days' absence from work.

Work-related violence and stress related absence

Of course it is not just injuries that result in employees being absent from work. Work-related violence is also a major cause of stress, which itself can be debilitating.

Frontline workers in healthcare, and protective services like the police, are identified as most at risk. The risks are also high for lone workers and those who come into contact with the general public. For example:

• anyone who drives for work could be exposed to incidents of road rage;
• lone drivers who deliver to their recipients' homes; and
• bus drivers who have contact with the public on a daily basis – sometimes late at night.

Internal conflicts may also lead to issues if unresolved workplace frustrations or personality clashes reach boiling point.

So what else can be done to combat the problem?

Continue to raise awareness
Make sure your employees understand exactly what violence is, what might cause it and how to recognise it. Identifying early warning signs, such as irrational behaviour, and reacting accordingly could help to prevent an incident.

Give practical advice
Consider everything your employees might need to know. From understanding the risks and using preventative techniques, to taking evasive action and following correct procedures in the aftermath of an incident.

For example, using the right tone of voice and body language can sometimes be instrumental in defusing potentially violent situations.

Address internal problems
Everyday conflicts and frustrations can become destructive over time, or in the heat of the moment. For some employees, knowing when to walk away from a situation and take five could avert an incident they may later regret.

Also consider security risks, such as expired or missing lightbulbs, broken fencing or piles of debris, which may provide a hiding place for would-be thieves.

Take a proactive approach by encouraging employees to report issues or take preventative action. It may help to nip a problem in the bud and stop it from evolving into something serious.

Install additional security measures
CCTV, alarm systems, panic buttons, two-way radios and extra locks are just some of the security measures available to safeguard your employees.

Encourage employees to report incidentsThis can be difficult, but if an incident of violence goes unreported, you may never know that you have a problem.

Be aware that incidents may be difficult to talk about – approach the subject sensitively and be prepared to offer further support should it be required.

Kodiak's workplace posters frequently addresses the subjects of anger, violence and personal security in the workplace. Our posters can help you communicate positively to potential victims and potential perpetrators.

If you would like more information on how our posters can help you tackle the threat of violence in your workplace, please contact us.

For daily tips on dealing with common workplace issues, why not follow us on Twitter.

If you would like to find out how Kodiak posters 
can help your business work smoother, smarter 
and safer, please call us on: 01530 456 000 
or email 

Fuel economy and the importance of eco-driving

1

2

3

Sky News has reported today that more than a million drivers have given up their cars over the past year due to rising fuel costs. Of those who continue to drive, 45 percent have reduced the amount of driving they do, 10 percent have exchanged their car for a more fuel-efficient model and 7 percent are now car-sharing.

It's good news for the environment, but it isn't hard to see why such action is being taken. The latest figures from the AA show that the average prices of unleaded petrol and diesel have increased by 42% and 43% respectively since June 2006.

As fuel prices increase, so do transportation costs and, consequently, so does the cost of living. So it's not just motorists who are affected – it's everyone.

At Kodiak we have been extolling the virtues of eco-driving for years. As well as reducing fuel consumption and costs, it also reduces carbon emissions – making it a greener way to drive. Nowadays eco-driving, and the advice that goes with it, is a necessity for any company that uses vehicles – whether it's one company car or a fleet of trucks or buses.

These ten simple eco-driving techniques can help you save fuel and money.

1. Drive smoothly 
Harsh braking and acceleration can increase your fuel consumption by up to 30%, so read the road ahead and allow yourself time to plan.

2. Avoid making short or unnecessary trips
Starting the engine from cold uses up to twice as much fuel, so only do it if you have a worthwhile journey to make.

3. Use the right gear 
Choosing an appropriate gear for the speed you are travelling at can save you up to 15% on your fuel bill.

4. Slow down
Travelling at 80 mph on the motorway, rather than the 70 mph speed limit, can increase your fuel consumption by up to 20%. Likewise, driving at 70 mph uses up to 20% more fuel than driving at 60 mph and 30% more than driving at 50 mph.

5. Take care of your vehicle
Regular servicing and maintenance keeps the engine at its most efficient – plus it keeps your vehicle running safely. A well-tuned engine can save you up to 10% on fuel, keeping your tyres inflated correctly can save you up to 3% and clean air filters can save up to 10%.

6. Plan your route
Motorists waste 350,000 tonnes of fuel each year by getting lost. Good route planning can help you avoid this and other common problems such as roadworks and congestion.

7. Ditch the air-conditioning when travelling below 60 mph
Having the air-conditioning switched on uses up to 25% more fuel. If you are travelling below 60 mph it's more economical to open a window.

8. Avoid idling

Your engine should be turned off whenever you are stationary. An idling engine produces up to 80% more pollution than a moving vehicle. Also, restarting the engine actually uses less fuel than 10 seconds' idling.

9. Avoid revving the engine
It is pointless and it only wastes fuel. Be aware that if you are stationary with your foot hovering on the accelerator you may be revving unintentionally.

10. Reduce weight
 Remove any unnecessary items from your vehicle, especially things such as empty roof-racks and boxes, which also create drag.

Kodiak's motivational poster programme regularly covers fuel economy and eco-driving.

If you would like to find out more about how our posters can keep your drivers reminded of fuel efficient driving techniques, please contact us.

For daily tips on dealing with common workplace issues, why not follow us on Twitter.

If you would like to find out how Kodiak posters 
can help your business work smoother, smarter 
and safer, please call us on: 01530 456 000 
or email us.