The Careless Handling of Materials.

The careless handling of materials is the cause of many accidents ranging from mere skin abrasions (which, however slight, must not be neglected), to more serious lacerations and fractures. Exercise logical thought and care always in the handling of materials, to the end of avoiding injury to yourself or others. The price of safety is thought and action; but with the thought first and the action afterwards.

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A College Course in Accident Prevention.

Acting on the principle (which experience amply justifies) that the majority of accidents are preventable, the University of New York recently established a collegiate course for the training of men and women as leaders in the work of accident prevention. A schedule of studies covering every phase of industrial and public safety has been prepared by the university authorities, so that those who qualify will be thoroughly competent to deal with the accident problems which will confront them whether inside or outside the workshop. As the root cause of the vast majority of accidents is psychological, the great task of these teachers of safety will be to make a successful appeal to the reason of the individual -to impress upon him that a vigilant mind is the best defence against accident.

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Tool Accidents.

An interesting and useful analysis of accidents arising from the manipulation of tools in the performance of railway work has recently been made overseas. It reveals that 89 per cent. of all tool accidents can be classified as follows:—

1.	Struck by tools in hands of self, or others (33 per cent.).
2.	Bars slipping (25 per cent.).
3.	Jacks slipping or falling (16 per cent.).
4.	Wrenches slipping (15 per cent.).

Tool accidents due to other causes amount to 11 per cent.

The fact that tool accidents on the railways are almost solely confined to the employees of the Workshops, Running Sheds, and of the Maintenance Department, where the men work in more or less definite groups under the control of a leading hand or foreman, simplifies the problem of the reduction of these particular accidents-if those concerned would set about such a task with determination. These accidents occur daily and, in the majority of cases, are not unattended with pain, shock, and loss to those who are unfortunate enough to suffer injury. Leading-hands and foremen should keep a sharp look-out for unsafe practices in the use of tools and appliances of all kinds, and, when necessary, instruct the men in correct handling methods. The men themselves, moreover, should avoid every practice in the use of tools which common sense does not sanction. Given this mutual interest in safety work, and co-operation between the men and their officers, the percentage of tool accidents should drop to a negligible quantity, or they may even be entirely prevented.

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Safety Hints.

See that safety appliances and attachments are in good order and securely fixed before using them.

When alighting from moving vehicles at night in any portion of a shunting yard or country siding where a clear view of the ground cannot be obtained, be sure there are no obstructions or openings into which you might fall and sustain injury. Always use a hand lamp.

When coaling engines see that the coal is so placed that fragments will not become dislodged and fall off whilst the engine is in motion.