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Keep Your Workers Safer With These Easy Tips

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It is your responsibility to keep your workers safer in a dangerous workplace. This is easier or harder, depending on the type of business you have. Of course, you will have legally required measures in place, but here are some ideas for safety improvements for any type of workplace.

Respond Quickly and Appropriately

How well and how quickly you respond to an incident makes a massive difference. It makes a difference to the employee who is injured or needs medical help. But it can also make a big difference to you as a liable party. For example, if you aren’t sure what to do when someone is seriously injured on a building site, you can get help from a construction accident lawyer. These can guide you through the necessary steps. And it helps find out who is really at fault.

Work on a Culture of Safety

To really make your business safe for your employees, you need to prioritize it well. First, consider safety reviews more often. Instead of an annual review, make it a monthly or weekly review. Additionally, ensure your employees are well aware of the dangers of doing something wrong in a workplace that is inherently dangerous, such as a construction site. Reviews and a proactive approach will help you identify safety hazard “hotspots” you can work on improving.

Keep Your Workers Safer with Symbols

The human mind doesn’t process words instantly. Instead, it works on a system of interpreting symbols. This is why there are universal health and safety symbols and signs used all over the world. They are used as they are above language, so everyone understands what they mean. Additionally, they are very cheap to buy. So place universal symbols such as “toxic hazard,” “risk of electric shock,” and even “no smoking” where they are needed at your place of business.

Inspect Everything on a Regular Basis

Regular inspections at a workplace are believed to reduce injury rates by at least 10%. Yet you cannot hope to improve safety at your company by simply sitting back with a hands-off approach and leaving it to someone else. Even if you hire a safety inspector, you must manage them too. Regular safety inspections are, therefore, essential. And when you have the time, schedule a meeting with your safety team to identify major areas of risk and what they can improve. 

Encourage Mental Health Awareness

Of course, health and safety extend beyond tripping, ventilation, and smoking areas. Mental health is also essential. And it can play a key role in general overall safety. For example, a worker with an ongoing anxiety or depression issue could be a danger to those around them. Occupational therapists are common at work these days. And you can encourage workers to visit with them or see their superiors if they are experiencing any mental health problems.

Summary

You can take actionable steps to keep your workers safer at your business. You must respond quickly to incidents, use universal symbols for hazards, and consider employee mental health.

This Week’s Best Sellers

Just in time for the holiday weekend!!! We have the best sellers for the past week. There are so many great things on this list. There are a few dresses I have my eye on. A great wish list pair of shoes and bags. And, you have to check out the bamboo flatware!!! Happy Shopping!!

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  1. The combination of yellow and feathers makes this dress perfection.
  2. I’m dying for this dress…I love the block print look!!!
  3. You can never go wrong with classic navy and white!
  4. I have not bought a nap dress yet but I am so tempted with this…
  5. I saw a woman with this hat at my daughter’s graduation and I cannot stop thinking about it!
  6. I am obsessed with bamboo flatware but I have never seen GREEN….So gorgeous!!!
  7. These flats were a huge best seller last month!
  8. How cute is this rattan bag with the gemstone handle?
  9. Dreaming of these Prada platform espadrilles.
  10. My favorite Dr. Scholls are BACK!!!!
  11. This is the perfect wallet…
  12. Love this Chloe bag!!!

Book Club Monday

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My friend and celebrity chef Mary Giuliani is at it again. HerWhat happens when a celebrated “caterer to the stars” (and incessant people pleaser) begins to REALLY ponder “what’s it all about?” Mary Giuliani deconstructs her ever-evolving existential internal conversation in this new collection of essays, beginning when all the world (and all the stars) are ordered to stay home. Armed with an arsenal of pigs in a blanket and what felt like all the vodka in Manhattan, Mary begins her deep look into what it’s finally like to get what she thought she always wanted: peace. Never one to hold much back, Mary invites the reader on this journey as she reexamines life when the proverbial party appears to be over. With space and time to finally stop and take stock of “how did I get here?” Mary shares stories about the businesses she built, the relationships she endured and nurtured, the chronic illness she avoided and the stars with whom she’s smoked. We laugh, cry and stumble with Mary as she makes some poignant and hilarious revelations while awaiting for her beloved New York City to rise from its slumber. But will Mary (or New York City) ever be the same? Is the party over or just a new beginning? The new book, How to Lose Friends and Influence No One, was just released. – Amazon.com

To purchase this book or for more information, CLICK HERE.

Maximizing Your Marketing Efforts With Brochure Printing

Brochures provide a tangible way for potential clients to learn about your products or services. Unlike flashing banners or digital billboards, brochures remain accessible for long periods and can be easily passed from one person to another. Make sure that your printed content is easy to read and makes sense. Also, make sure that you do multiple final checks before sending the brochure to be printed.

They’re Versatile

Brochures can be used to promote your business in various ways. They can be mailed, displayed at your location, or handed out to prospects and clients. They offer a sense of tangibility that online marketing can’t provide. This is important to some customers, especially if they are researching businesses. The brochure’s design allows you to compact a lot of information into a small space. They also offer a variety of folds to choose from, which can change the layout and flow of your information. Brochures are also great for displaying your logo and presenting a comprehensive overview of your company’s services and products.

Custom brochure printing is affordable compared to other print and digital marketing forms. Many professional print shops will work with you to produce sleek brochures that fit your budget. Plus, they usually decrease in price when purchased in bulk. This is why many businesses that use postal advertising or participate in trade shows purchase them in large quantities. This helps them to save money on per-unit costs.

They’re Affordable

Brochures are an affordable way to advertise your business and can be a great addition to any marketing strategy. When consumers see a printed brochure in their hands, they can take it home, use it as a reference and refer others. In a world dominated by digital advertising, brochures offer something that banner ads and social media posts can’t: tangibility. With state-of-the-art printing technology lowering print costs, brochures are an affordable option for businesses of all sizes. Consider getting your brochures printed in bulk quantities to save even more money. This can reduce your overall cost and allow you to spread them out as direct mailers, handouts at conferences or meetings, and more. Another way to save money on brochure printing is to choose a standard paper size rather than bespoke dimensions. This will reduce the amount of wasted paper/card as printers must cut to create your custom-sized brochures. 

They’re Easy to Print

A brochure is a printed piece that can be distributed to potential clients in many ways. Whether you print small batches and keep them on hand for when you meet new customers, or you print a large number and use them at sales conventions and trade shows, they can be the face of your business in a way that leaves an impression.

Brochures offer a tangible connection with your brand that is missing from digital ads and social media posts. They can instantly remind customers of your products and services, especially when catching up with friends over coffee or settling in after a long day at the office. How often have you cleaned your bag or briefcase and found a promotional brochure from a store or event you’ve kept? It happens to us all, and it’s a great way to promote your business. In addition, because they are physical pieces that people often hold onto (and rediscover repeatedly), they can serve as excellent referral tools for your business.

They’re Durable

The best way to leave a good impression on potential customers is by making sure your brochures are printed on high-quality, durable paper. Brochures can take a beating in the mail, so choosing a sturdy material that won’t tear or get smudged will help protect them from damage. Unlike flashy banners and digital billboards, brochures allow for lengthy descriptions of your products or services. This allows you to establish trust with your customers, which is important for long-term customer retention.

If you want to go the extra mile, consider embellishing your brochures with special finishing touches like embossing or debossing. Embossed printing raises the paper’s surface to make shapes or words stand out and add a tactile experience for your customers. Conversely, debossing causes the words or shapes to be indented into the paper and conveys a sense of elegance.

While brochures may not be the sexiest marketing tool, they’re still essential to any business’s sales arsenal. Whether handed out at a tradeshow, passed around the office, or used as an advertising tool in your mail campaign, your customers will appreciate that you took the time to invest in a quality piece of printed material.

They’re Easy to Ship

Compared to other marketing materials, brochures fold easily and can be transported in bulk. This makes them ideal for distribution at trade shows, as handouts in prospecting, or as a part of your direct mail campaign. They can also be mailed individually to clients and customers as a reminder of your product or service offerings.

Brochures can be printed on various paper stocks to add texture and richness. They can also be finished with a glossy coating that enhances color and provides moisture and abrasion resistance. For durability, consider a heavier weight of paper. If your brochure contains too much information to fit into a single sheet of paper, consider printing it as a brochure booklet. These are saddle stitched or perfectly bound like a paperback book and result in eight or more panels of your design. Use a custom template to guide you to a well-balanced design with images and text. 

The Legal Process of Obtaining Public Birth Records Explained

New York law prohibits releasing confidential birth information except to the person named on the certificate, their immediate family members, or a lawful representative. Learn more about these restrictions.

Although New York made continual attempts to encourage compliance with vital record-keeping laws beginning in 1880, full compliance did not occur until 1914. However, indexes of these records exist that can be accessed.

Freedom of Information Law (FOIL)

The Freedom of Information Law (Public Officers Law SS87 et. seq) provides citizens the right to access records from governmental agencies. Each agency handles requests individually, so you should contact the particular entity for more information on how to request documents from them. The Department of State also has a FOIL webpage(link is external) that explains the process and answers Frequently Asked Questions.

FOIL applies to federal, state, and local governments. It allows citizens to see any information the government has in their hands unless it falls under one of nine exemptions or three exclusions. Congress created these provisions to protect privileged information from being released, including information related to ongoing criminal investigations and national security issues.

To request information from a state agency under FOIL, you must provide the full name of the person requesting the record, their address and phone number, and any other information to help identify them. A written request must be submitted to the agency that holds the record. You can also make a request electronically by filling out a form online.

The act requires agencies to respond to requests within 20 days. However, many agencies do not comply with this requirement for various reasons. In some cases, screening requests for sensitive or classified information can be arduous, and congressional funding for FOIA staff is often far less than needed to hire sufficient employees.

Statute of Limitations

A statute of limitations is a law that limits the maximum time frame in which legal proceedings can be started based on a particular event. This type of law may vary by jurisdiction and variety of legal action but is generally found in criminal and civil laws.

Statutes of limitations are a common element of many countries’ laws and have a long history, being either specifically written into specific legislation or as a part of general common law. These rules are designed to protect defendants from unfair prosecution or other legal action after the alleged crime has passed a specific window, when witnesses may have died, evidence might have been lost, or memories can fade.

The length of time specified by a statute of limitations varies widely by country and depends on the type of action. For example, civil actions such as a lawsuit over a breach of contract typically have a six-year statute of limitations, while those related to crimes like murder might only have 20 years.

Sometimes, a statute of limitations can be extended or “tolled” by exceptional circumstances. However, this must be done regularly and approved by the judge to be valid. For this reason, it is essential for plaintiffs with a valid claim to pursue it within the statutory period.

Many states have set criteria for when a birth certificate becomes public and which individuals may access the document. Some of the requirements in the birth certificate office are that the requester must be an authorized person named in the record, a relative or lawful representative of the registrant or their immediate family member, a parent of the registrant or their immediate family members, an adoptive parent or their adoptive child, or a legal guardian of a minor. In addition, some states have made their records available to the general public if they meet certain requirements, such as being over a specific age or needing proof of identity.

A certified copy of a birth certificate is an official state document that contains essential information such as name, date of birth, and place of birth. The paper is required for various purposes such as verification of a person’s age (for school admission) and identity, acquisition of passports, social security cards, establishing citizenship, provision of insurance coverage, and more.

It is also possible to change information recorded on a birth certificate. Still, the process is lengthy and requires submitting evidence that meets state standards to show what should have been entered instead (such as a census transcript). If an individual doesn’t have a valid birth certificate, they must submit one or more documents, such as a driver’s license or a marriage or death certificate.

Fees

The State Bureau of Vital Records maintains birth records for the state, issues certified copies of filed birth certificates, and processes changes to the original form caused by adoption. They also prepare data files for public health surveillance, research, and state and federal agency reporting.

Generally, the cost for a copy of a birth certificate is $10 and includes one certified copy of the certificate. There is an additional charge for each extra accredited copy requested. Those making requests in person can pay by cash, money order, MasterCard (r), or Visa(r). A wallet-sized photo birth certificate is available for an additional $25.

If you request for yourself, your spouse, or a child over 18, you must bring government-issued photo identification with a signature and expiration date. A fee waiver is available for members of the U.S. Armed Forces, their widows or husband if they have not remarried, and their children.

Unless otherwise specified by law, New York birth records are confidential. They may only be released to the individual listed on the document once they turn 18, their immediate family member, or their legal representative. Other individuals must provide a signed and notarized statement or letter of authorization. This form must be completed and signed in front of a notary public.

FAQs About Lab-Grown Diamonds


Understanding the advantages is crucial if you’re looking to purchase a lab-grown diamond.  Ethically sourced lab-grown diamonds are certified and graded under the same standards as mined diamonds. They also cost 30% to 50% less than traditional mined diamonds.

What are Lab-Grown Diamonds?

Lab-grown diamonds are also known as manufactured, synthetic or laboratory created. Regardless of what they’re called, these stones are real diamonds sourced responsibly and offer many benefits compared to mined diamonds. From a chemical and physical standpoint, lab-created diamonds are identical to natural ones, and they’re even harder than those found in the ground, with a Mohs hardness rating of 10. It makes them so popular among those who want to avoid mining or prefer the sparkle of a real diamond over alternatives like Moissanites and Cubic Zirconia. 

Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Forever?

Unlike diamond simulants, often sold at lower prices, lab diamonds are real and chemically identical to mined diamonds. They also boast the same sparkle and durability as natural diamonds. The technology behind the creation of lab diamonds allows gem experts to mimic the environmental conditions that create natural diamonds without harming any ecosystems. Additionally, lab diamonds are cheaper to produce than natural diamonds; savings are passed on in pricing. However, there is a risk that lab diamonds will only hold value once supply increases and demand decreases. It is a major consideration for anyone considering buying a lab-created diamond for investment purposes.

How are Lab-Grown Diamonds Created?

Diamonds are formed in a combination of heat and pressure deep inside the Earth. Modern technology allows experts to recreate these conditions in a lab without endangering ecosystems. Experts create lab-grown diamonds through either High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) processes. These processes can generate gem-quality diamonds that look and behave just like natural diamonds. They can even be graded using the same four ‘Cs’ as naturally occurring diamonds!

The CVD method is currently the preferred approach for creating lab-grown diamonds for jewelry. This method uses less energy than HPHT and produces only about half the carbon footprint of mining a natural diamond. It makes it an environmentally conscious choice for couples seeking sustainable style. MiaDonna is proud to carry certified Lab Grown diamonds from reputable jewelers that use this advanced technology.

Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Real?

Some may believe diamonds are only real if they come from the ground. Still, many retailers offer lab-created diamonds because of their lower environmental and social impact. These stones use the same chemical properties as naturally occurring diamonds and go through the same grading processes as natural diamonds. They’re also more affordable than mined diamonds and are less likely to chip like other diamond lookalikes, such as cubic zirconia or moissanite. Whether you want to purchase a ring for yourself or an engagement ring for your significant other, the options are endless! In addition, some diamonds—including the lab-created version—come in various colors. It is a key selling feature for individuals who desire the appearance of a fancy-colored diamond.

How Am I Able to Tell a Lab-Grown Diamond From a Natural Diamond?

Gemological lab analysis is the only technique to distinguish between a lab-created diamond and a natural one. The stones will look identical and have the same chemical composition, but a trained gemologist can use special equipment to distinguish them. The first lab-created diamonds were made in the 1950s using either the Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) or High-Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT) methods. They were used for industrial purposes until the mid-1980s, when manufacturers started to produce gem-quality laboratory-created diamonds in large quantities. The big plus for lab diamonds is that they are available in various colors. Fancy-colored diamonds are especially rare and expensive, so lab diamonds can be a more affordable option for some couples looking to get that perfect engagement ring.

Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Ethical?

The same certification process and criteria are used to certify lab-grown diamonds, which may also be graded for color, clarity, and carat weight. It is fantastic news for people who desire a fancy-colored diamond ring but need more funds to purchase a real stone at the top price. Many companies that sell lab-created diamonds market them as ethical and environmentally conscious, and some have proven track records regarding fair labor practices. However, it’s important to note that lab-grown diamonds are not carbon-free and use much energy to produce. It’s up to each manufacturer to carefully monitor their energy usage and ensure they aren’t contributing to negative environmental impacts.

Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Affordable?

Like any new technology, lab diamonds started to become expensive. But over time, prices dropped as demand rose and production costs fell. You can now find beautiful 1-carat, investment-grade lab diamonds for around the same price as a natural diamond. However, it’s important to remember that lab-created diamonds don’t have the same resale value as mined diamonds. So, if you’re concerned about making an ethical and financial decision, a traditionally mined diamond may be your better choice.