You've probably seen the recent news reports about Samsung phones unexpectedly catching fire. The Korean tech giant was forced to recall millions of Galaxy Note 7 smartphones worldwide when it became apparent that the devices were unsafe, and the company's profits have reportedly dipped by 30% as a result.

So what's next for Samsung? How are they planning to recover from this huge hit to both their bottom line and their public image as a cutting-edge, industry-leading electronics brand? Well, earlier this week, we got a clue in the form of the following report from Reuters:

"Samsung...said it would make significant changes to its quality assurance processes in the wake of the withdrawal of its Galaxy Note 7 devices over safety concerns."

Of course, quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) are both crucial considerations for any business that manufactures and distributes products. Whether you're making complex electronic devices like smartphones or something far simpler, it is very much in your company's best interest to implement a robust quality assurance system and ensure that it is followed throughout every stage of the production process.

Planning and implementing a comprehensive QA system may seem like a waste of time, particularly if you've never had any significant complaints about the quality of your products to date. However, the Galaxy Note 7 fiasco demonstrates that it's never too early to take a hard look at your approach to quality control; Samsung's bosses will now have to go back to the drawing board and carry out a complete review of their quality assurance processes, but if this evaluation had been undertaken sooner, the company could have saved themselves a global recall and a lot of bad press (not to mention that 30% loss we mentioned earlier).

The best QA process is one that's uniquely tailored to the business in question. We at Label Source can't tell you how to guarantee yourself against catastrophes like the Samsung phone fire fiasco, but we do supply a wide range of quality assurance and quality control products that can help you to ensure that no defective item escapes your notice:

• Quality assurance labels
• QC inspection labels
• Quality assurance signs (with custom options available)
• Quality assurance tags

Whether you work on-site, or opperate from a fixed workshop, it is essential that your tools and equipment are properly identifiable, in order to provide the highest level of organisation and safety for your business. Here at Label Source, we provide a vast selection of customisable tool labels, which can be used to provide detailed information and warnings for both staff and external inspectors. 

Here a just some of the tool labels that we can provide:

Asset Marking Labels 

The tools used to conduct your operations are a valuable asset to your business, making the security of these objects an essential task. Our asset and serial numbering range provides a versatile selection of products for monitoring and identifying your tools, using a variety of visual markers to provide fast and efficient identification. These labels can be customised to include a variety of company detials, while also providing space for self-customisation, in the case of universal property labels. These are available in a range of finishes, to suit both your working environment, as well as your desired level of security.

Safety Labels

Handheld tools often come with a variety of handling hazards, which can range from risks caused by moving parts and sharp edges, to a risk of electrocution. In our selection of safety labels, we supply a fantastic range of self adhesive markers, which provide a number of universal and customisable safety warnings, covering a large number of safety risks. All of the products included in our range are produced to UK, EU and international standards, so you can be sure that you are complying to all the necessary regulations, while maintaining a high standard of workplace safety.

To see our full selection of safety signs and labels, head to our homepage!

Today marks the final day of Great Britain Health and Wellbeing Week 2016, so we thought that we would take some time to reflect of the aims of the movement, and what this means for workplace health. In recent times, it has come to light that the 'health' aspect of 'health and safety' has been somewhat neglected over the years, which has led to a call for increased awareness about the health issues facing British workers.

In order to encourage lasting and continual improvements to workplace health in the UK, this week has been all about encouraging individuals to take responsibility for their own health and wellbeing, as well as that of others. This has included a particular emphasis on the workplace, where employees will need to understand the possible impact that ill health could have on their working life. For employers, this also calls for a need to monitor and prevent workplace health issues, which may arise from hazards and working conditions.

Here are Just Some of the Most Prominent Workplace Health Issues:

Respiratory Diseases 

(Breathing protection signs)

Cause: Respiratory diseases are caused by hazardous substances in the air, such as dusts, fumes, gases and more. 

Effects: Inhalation of these substances can cause damage to the lungs and airways, and can sometimes lead to damage in other parts of the body, should hazardous agents spread to other areas. Illnesses caused by this damage include, asthma, rhinitis, COPD, pneumoconiosis, cancer and more.

Prevention: These diseases can be prevented by conducting regular inspections of workplaces, following recommended guidelines, educating employees, and providing the correct PPE.

Musculoskeletal Disorders

(Manual handling signs) 

Cause: These disorders are often caused by the repetitive bending, twisting or lifting involved with handling heavy items, as well as by certain postures and repetitive behaviours. 

Effects: Tendon strain, tension neck syndrome, epicondylitis and degenerative disc disease, are just some of the conditions caused by manual operations. These can not only be incredibly painful, but can also lead to a loss of mobility and range of motion.

Prevention: These conditions can be prevented in the workplace, by using a combination of tailored information and equipment, to encourage safe and healthy working practices.

Occupational Cancers

(Asbestos Signs)

Cause: Occupational cancer can be cause by exposure to radiatation, chemicals and other dangerous substances, and is closely linked with the previously mentioned respiratory issues.

Effects: Exposure to certain materials can cause lung, breast, liver and skin cancers, as well as a variety of other, rarer forms of the disease. In many cases, this also causes the disease to spread to other parts of the body.

Prevention: Develop a programme which regulates and controls the presence of carcinogens in the workplace, while monitoring possible exposure. As always, the proper equipment and working procedures should be followed.

Skin Disorders 

(Hand protection signs)

Cause: Like many workplace health issues, these are also caused by exposure to certain materials and chemicals, which can happen in almost all workplaces.

Effects: One of the most common skin issues experienced in the workplace is dermatitis, but this can also range to issues such as urticaria, and in the most deadly cases:skin cancer.

 Prevention: The most simple and effective solution to this issue, is to provide protective equipment and clothing, in order to prevent dangerous chemicals from coming into contact with the skin. If possible, these substances should be avoided altogether, but if this is not possible, symptoms of possible skin issues should be regularly monitored.

Vibration-Induced Disorders 

(Vibration Safety Signs) 

Cause: Vibration injuries are a rather common workplace injury, usually caused by the use of vibrating power tools for extended periods of time.

Effects: Symptoms of these injuries can include numbness, whitening of the fingers, and a loss of dexterity/movement.

Prevention: Vibration injuries can be reduced by limiting exposure, providing specialised equipment to reduce vibration, and using the correct protective apparel, such as anti-vibration gloves.

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There are certain workplaces and environments that present heightened risks to employees, which means that further health and safety measures must also be provided, in order to reduce the chances of workplace emergencies. 

For workers who are at risk of being exposed to harmful substances and chemicals, it is absolutely essential that effective chemical safety signs are in use, in order to ensure that the associated hazards are reduced as much as possible. At Label Source, we provide a fantastic range of chemical safety signs and labels, which includes:

Chemical Hazard Warnings

These signs point out potential hazards causes by coming into contact with dangerous substances, such as acids, chemical irritants and more.

Diamond Warning Labels

These labels aid the safe storage and transport of dangerous substances, such as flammable materials, explosives, compression gasses and more.

Hazchem Panels 

These sign panels are used on vehicles which transport dangerous chemicals and harmful materials - a legal requirement in the United kingdom. These can be customised to include details such as emergency action codes, substance information, and a range of other essential details.

To see our full range of Chemcial Safety Signs and Labels, click here!

As an employer, it is your duty to ensure that employees receive immediate care, if they are involved in an accident or fall ill at work. The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 state that employers should provide adequate tools and knowledge in the workplace, for an efficient response in the case of an employee illness or injury. This includes having first aid equipment which suits the risks of your working environment, and having enough staff who are first aid trained, in order to cope in a medical emergency. For businesses who deal directly with members of the public, this requirement is also extended to their needs, should complications from an illness or accident occur.

In order to provide the best level of protection, you should consider a number of factors, from the size of your organisation and working conditions, to the individual needs of your staff members. You should also ensure that these measures are properly highlighted to staff and other members of the public, in order to ensure that they are easily accessible in the event of an emergency.

Here are some essential first aid signs, warnings and instructions that should be displayed in your workplace: 

First Aid Box

A first aid box is a basic requirement for any workplace, and should be easily spotted and located by anyone who needs it.

Defibrillator Safety Sign

Defibrillators are becoming more and more common in workplaces, particularly at organisations with public access or with particularly heightened risks. These pieces of medical equipment can provide life-saving attention when used by trained members of staff, and should be properly displayed for rapid attention to the medical emergency in question.

First Aiders List

This sign allows those with first aid training to be identified quickly in the case of a medical emergency, which is particularly useful for larger organisations. 

For more medical safety and information signs, click here!