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Tips for Tree Removal Central Coast

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Tree removal is a very dangerous job, and everything you do can turn into a beautiful masterpiece, or a complete disaster, if the one that’s working is not actually qualified to do the job. If you’re not a master with a chainsaw, you’ll probably want to hire a tree removal service, especially if you’re in the Central Coast, where there are plenty of trees that can cause damage to your home, and even cause problems with electrical lines.

How to Find the Right Tree Removal Service

Well, other than experience, you will know that the best tree removal services have insurance. This is the first question you should ask, and the answer should always be that yes, every employee is automatically insured from the beginning. Tree removal is an extremely dangerous job, and the employees face numerous hazards to do their job. You’ll want to also make sure that the company is licensed, and that all of their employees are licensed for their position, whether it be bucket licensed, all the way down to every groundsman.

Get a Quality Estimate

The best tree removal services can easily give you an estimate. You’ll want to make sure that you get one before you sign anything, and that you get it in writing as well. If you find that a tree service is hesitant about providing anything in writing for you at all, then this should be a red flag and you may end up paying for service fees that you didn’t want to sign up for in the beginning.

Equipment is Important

When it comes to the best in equipment, you want to make sure that your tree removal service of choice uses the best quality products available. You may hear things like “We only use Husqvarna chainsaws, chippers, and bucket-boom trucks.” Some of the best companies out there even have other equipment such as tractor operated boom-saws and high quality professional chippers and dump trucks to make sure that they can offer a one hundred percent cleanup guarantee, which is extremely important.

Know Who the Employees Are

While you don’t need to know every detail about each employee, it doesn’t hurt to ask about the different employee backgrounds that you’ll encounter when you hire a tree service. You’ll know that a tree company that has a lot of experience will hire mostly people who are qualified arborists. While some people may be journeyman to the trade as well (such as starter groundsmen, also known as “green horns”), you should know that you and everyone is safe.

Conclusion

In the Central Coast, there is one company that is a cut above the rest. They’re known as the Everwilling Tree Specialists (found online at http://everwillingtrees.com.au), and they work hard so you don’t have to. They’re a team of licensed and insured arborists that are headquartered on the Central Coast of NSW and cover numerous surrounding areas, offering tree removal, pruning, hedging, cleanups, as well as a wide variety of residential and commercial clients.

 

5 Tips to Improve Your Customer Service Team in Just 10 Minutes

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The success of your company may hinge on your customer service team’s ability to provide exceptional service. More than two thirds of customers may switch companies if they have a poor customer service experience.

This means that your customer service team has the ability to create customer loyalty, and are also the front line of defense against losing clientele. Businesses can employ strategies and changes which don’t take a lot of time, but still have a big impact on staff and the quality of service provided. Below are just a few examples.

Invest in training

Training your staff to help them improve their job performance doesn’t have to involve expensive seminars that require time away from work. It’s possible to customize tutorials into short segments that can be completed at your worksite. This means that you can invest in the development of your staff team without high costs or losing hours of work time.

Staff who feel that they have access to the knowledge and resources needed to improve their job performance are more likely to feel that their employer is committed to developing their skills. Providing staff with the opportunity to grow shows them that there may be opportunities for advancement, particularly if staff are recognized for their commitment to on-the-job training.

Install superior technology

Exceptional technology customized to meet your company’s needs can save your staff time and enable them to focus on the clients. Businesses can reduce unproductive staff hours is by installing call center software from companies like Bright Pattern, which can automatically dial numbers for your staff team. This enables staff to move from client to client quickly, without losing time reading and dialing numbers themselves.

There are also other types of software that are optimal for different businesses. Call center technology can be customized to identify a customer’s needs, and then direct calls to staff who have the knowledge and skills needed to assist them. By ensuring that the right staff members connect with the right clients as efficiently as possible, you can help reduce frustration and time.

Model an ideal customer service approach

Strong customer service involves listening to clients and taking time to understand their needs and concerns. This means that your staff team needs to know that they don’t have to rush clients off the phone to meet quotas.

Take time to talk to staff and actively listen to them. Provide platforms for them to raise concerns and receive assistance. When staff feel rushed or dismissed by their supervisors, then they will not feel like their concerns are valued. That will translate into pressure to keep calls moving rather than actively listening to callers and addressing their needs.

Encourage staff to dig deeper

Encouraging your team to ask probing questions can help ensure they get to the heart of the problem the first time a client calls. Looking for superficial quick fixes may lead to a dissatisfied customer, because fixing the immediate issue may not resolve a long-term complaint.

For example, if a doctor prescribes cough syrup to a patient who has a sore throat and has been coughing it may stop the symptoms, but it doesn’t identify the reason the person was coughing, which could be symptomatic of anything from lung cancer to bronchitis to heartburn. Exceptional customer service involves ensuring you understand the root cause of the client’s needs so that you can ensure you have resolved their issues instead of simply treating a symptom.

Promote a strong work ethic

When staff are recognized for their hard work on the job, they are motivated to continue working harder, acquiring new skills, and striving to improve their performance. They are also more likely to feel positive about their work environment.

When staff are frustrated, clients can tell. And when staff are optimistic and confident they can help resolve customer issues, clients are more likely to feel positive about your company as well.

To read more on topics like this, check out the business category.

Why Should Small and Medium Enterprises Apply For Public Liability

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Whether you are an own a retail outlet or a wholesale one, a service business or an administration one, having public liability insurance is an essential component for your business in the present time. For all those businesses that involve interaction with customers, there are possibilities of several slip and fall incidents that might injure the customers. In such cases, the third party might file a case on the employees of the business or the business itself. This can actually be a real concern for the business raising huge financial concerns for them. Let’s have a look at what public liability insurance is.

What is Public liability insurance?

Public liability insurance is an insurance which protects companies and organizations against the claims filed against them by general public. It is often known as the business liability insurance essentially because the liability ensures that in case of any mishap, the business will not be held responsible and the insurance will cover all the possible charges. Irrespective of whether you own a small or a large business, public liability insurance should be considered under all circumstances. This is because irrespective of the size of the business, mishaps and accidents have a high probability and can happen with anyone.

What are the kinds of mishaps that can occur?

Before option for public liability insurance, many small businesses think over the fact that how can they be involved in such cases. There are multiple negligence cases that have come up in the past that provide a clear indication that one should opt for public liability insurance in order to avoid the hassle. A customer slipping on a wet floor at your store or outlet or someone falling down the stairs or tripping over due to insufficient light are all possibilities of customer injuries that can cause real concerns for businesses.

Similarly, in case there is some constructive work going on in the store or building and a customer gets in contact with faulty electrical wires. This can ultimately cause real damage to the customers who has every right to file a claim against the business. Likewise, some stores have worn out carpets or rugs along the floor that may also cause a case of tripping over. Another very important negligence is caused by the beauty salons or hair dressers. Hair dressers at time do not may much attention and might hurt their customers while doing their hair. Similarly, the beauty salons at time leave their hair straighteners on that is a huge risk as the customers might get in contact with it and burn themselves.

These are some of the examples of negligence that a business might face. An important thing to notice here is that majority of the businesses were not large retail organizations but small and medium business enterprises. Hence, a business irrespective of their size, should consider going for public liability insurance in order to stay away from financial and legal charges. There are different schemes that provide different policies and charges. You can compare public liability insurance with iSelect.

To read more on topics like this, check out the business category.

5 Most Common Driving Mistakes People Make

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Regardless of how much you think you’re the perfect driver, chances are, you’re not. While some people intentionally commit traffic violations, others don’t even realize how many they’re making a day. Some may be closer to harmless, while others are extremely dangerous.

In order to make sure that you avoid getting into a car accident, take a look at some of the most common mistakes you could be making more often than you realize.

Using Headlights Only At Night

Many people assume that their headlights are only necessary at night. However, your chances of getting into an accident are significantly lower if you keep your lights on at all times.

It’s especially important in weather conditions like rain or snow where visibility is limited even in the daytime.

Speeding Through Yellow Lights

Everyone knows the stress of being in a hurry somewhere when their light suddenly turns yellow. Out of panic of being trapped behind the dreaded red light, we speed up trying to beat the clock.

Unfortunately, the yellow light is supposed to evoke the opposite reaction in drivers. The idea is for drivers to slow down so that they’re ready to come to a complete stop before the red.

Drivers speeding through yellow lights is one of the most common causes of accidents at intersections.

Remaining In The Passing Lane

The purpose of the passing lane on the freeway is for passing. The idea is to merge back into traffic once you’ve passed. However, all too often drivers use this lane to drive at a speed which may even be below the limit.

This is a quick way to make other drivers furious, and potentially even get a ticket.

Passing School Zone Speeds On Weekends

Some areas only strictly enforce the school zone speed during school hours. However, it’s unwise to assume that all school zones are the same. Some schools have traffic speed cameras which will ticket you regardless of the hour of the day.

Speeding in a school zone can have a significantly pricy traffic fine attached to it, so always make sure to watch the signs closely.

Failing To Slow Down In Puddles

When driving through puddles, it’s important to slow down. Not only can you do serious damage to your vehicle depending on how deep the puddle is, but you can also cause your car to hydroplane, resulting in an accident. It’s not always easy to see the depth of a puddle ahead of you. Therefore, when you see a puddle approaching, always slow down.

Don’t be one of those drivers that are shocked when they get into an accident one day. You can prevent a considerable amount of collisions by recognizing common mistakes and how to avoid them.

 

3 Common Car Accident Injuries And How To Avoid Them

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During almost every minute of every day, there’s a chance that you could get injured in one way or another. While most of these injuries are small, some situations open you up to the possibility of getting majorly hurt.

One potentially dangerous thing that many people participate in on a daily basis is riding in a car. So many drivers don’t give the road their full attention when they’re behind the wheel, which sometimes causes some major car accidents that can result in physical injuries for the people involved.

Luckily, if you’re safe and prepared within your own vehicle, you can do things that might mitigate the extent of the injuries you might sustain when in a car accident. To show you how this can be done, here are three common car accident injuries and how to avoid them.

Whiplash Or Other Neck Injuries

A very common injury that people get from being in a car accident, even if it’s just a minor car accident, is whiplash. Whiplash happens when the force of your car being hit causes your neck and head to snap back, injuring both the muscles and the bones in your cervical spine area. David Landers, a contributor to Nolo.com, shares that this sudden movement can cause some real problems and pain for people.

One thing you can try that will help to reduce the injuries you get from whiplash is to keep your head pressed back against the headrest of your seat as much as possible. Especially if you can see the accident coming but don’t have time to avoid it completely, try to keep your head on your headrest so it won’t have the ability to snap back as much.

Cuts and Bruises

Many people find random cuts and bruises on their bodies after being in a car accident. Depending on the car accident, these cuts and bruises might be caused by broken glass or by objects within your vehicle becoming like projectiles as you car gets hit during an accident.

To reduce the cuts and bruises your body might sustain, you should always wear a seat belt when riding in a car. Your seat belt will not only keep your body in place in the event of an accident, but DignityHealth.org shares that seat belts can reduce your chances of getting hurt or killed in a car accident by about half.

Broken Bones

Because of the impact on your body during a car accident, many people will come out of a car accident with broken bones. However, if you can ensure that your car is equipped with working airbags, Cascade Business News reports that you may have a better chance of avoiding broken bones entirely.

To help you keep from getting majorly injured when in a car accident, consider using the tips mentioned above to prepare yourself and stay safe.

 

Personal Hygiene Tips To Keep You Feeling Fresh & Clean

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Proper hygiene and good health are closely linked. When you don’t do what you need to do to keep the outside of your body clean, the germs are bound to make their way inside.

It’s also important to keep in mind that you aren’t the only person affected when your hygiene habits are brushed to the wayside. If you have a cold and bad hygiene habits, you place everyone around you at risk of being sick too.

Some people live with compromised immune systems, so it’s responsible of you to practice proper hygiene. Take a moment to read through some simple personal hygiene tips to keep you feeling fresh and clean.

Handwashing is extremely important

Your hands touch a lot of surfaces throughout the day, and you don’t really want all of the germs you pick up along the way to have the opportunity to cause your body problems. Regular handwashing is the most effective way to fight against common illnesses like a cold or the flu.

Wash your hands after using the restroom, before handling food, after sneezing or coughing, after you handle trash, or any other time you feel you have contaminated your digits.

Take a shower/bath regularly

Regular bathing helps to wash off all the potentially harmful junk you came in contact with throughout the day. Your skin benefits from showering, as it helps to exfoliate dead skin cells. Regular exfoliation will help you to maintain healthy, more youthful, skin.

Shaving is also an important piece of the puzzle of hygiene, but you have to do it right. Invest in a high-quality shaving subscription, so you always have the best products to keep your skin rejuvenated.

Brush your teeth twice daily

Brushing your teeth can save you from a whole lot of pain as you age. It is recommended that you brush your teeth twice a day to prevent excess plaque buildup and tooth decay. Poor dental hygiene can also lead to gum disease, and gum disease can cause some serious health issues.

Regularly clip your nails

Your fingernails are a perfect scooping dirt/germ trap, and they’re more efficient at their job when they’re overgrown. Trim and clean your finger and toenails on a regular basis to ward off excess exposure to harmful biohazards. Proper nail hygiene will help your hands and feet avoid some painfully nasty issues as well.

Keep your clothes fresh and clean

A major part of your personal hygiene is the clothing you wear. Clean clothes not only make you look and smell better, but the sanitization of the process of washing the clothes kills any harmful germs you pick up throughout the day.

 

5 Mistakes People Make When Trying To Lose Weight

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Research shows that as many as one out of every four people in the United States admit that they would like to lose weight. Unfortunately, it’s not as easy as you might think. It requires a considerable amount of willpower and self-control to see any sort of progress.

In addition, there is a massive amount of misinformation out there regarding weight loss. Therefore, if you’re attempting to lose weight, make sure that you avoid these mistakes which could hinder your efforts.

Taking Toxic Supplements

When it comes to losing weight, there are no miracles. A lot of people resort to taking supplements that promise quick results; however, in reality, they can be very dangerous. There have been cases in the past of people suing a company for claiming their product was harmless, only to find that it caused serious health issues.

The truth is, there is no way to lose weight overnight by taking a magic pill. If you see a product that promises results that are too good to be true, then chances are it probably is.

Eating Too Few Calories

In order to lose weight, you should be in a caloric deficit. That means you should be burning more calories than you’re consuming. However, some people go overboard. In a hurry to lose weight as fast as possible, they resort to extreme diets which don’t provide enough nutrients.

The problem with eating too few calories is counterproductive for your body’s progress. You may lose muscle and actually slow down your metabolism. Dangerously low levels of calories may also lead to health problems like lack of menstruation. It can also lead to getting so hungry that you lose your willpower and overeat.

Not Exercising Enough

Even though diet plays a large part in your weight loss efforts, it’s also essential to exercise. By engaging in a regular exercise program that involves not only cardio but strength training as well, you can ensure that you reach your weight loss goals.

Over-Restricting Themselves

 

A lot of people hoping to lose weight as fast as possible may try to restrict themselves too much. Unfortunately, this can lead to burning out too quickly.

It’s important to let yourself enjoy the foods that you love occasionally if you hope to stick to your diet. The only way to maintain a sustainable and healthy lifestyle is to allow yourself a little wiggle room!

Not Eating Enough Protein

It’s vital that you give yourself enough protein in order to feel full. Protein takes longer to burn and makes your stomach feel fuller longer.

In addition, protein will help you maintain your muscle mass while in a caloric deficit.

To read more on topics like this, check out the lifestyle category.

3 Tips For Staying Safe When Biking On The Road

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Biking is a great way to stay healthy while also getting some vital fresh air and vitamin D. But depending on where you live, biking on the roads in your area might not be as safe as you might like it to be.

Regardless of this, there are things you can do to help minimize the risks you take on when road biking. To show you how this is possible, here are three tips for staying safe when biking on the road.

Stick To Bike Lanes or Bike Paths When You Can

To be as safe as possible, Sophia Breene, a contributor to Greatist.com, recommends that you stick to bike lanes or bike paths whenever you can. In many areas, bike paths are areas of the road that are very separated from the vehicles on the road. Because of this, you’re much safer from cars when on a bike path. However, many bike paths have speed limits that you might not want to adhere to, and bike paths also can be shared by all types of people, from those biking with their little kids to people walking.

On the other hand, bike lanes are generally a lane right next to typical traffic lanes that are meant to ensure road bikers have a safe area to travel and are given their fair share of the road when close to cars. While not as safe as a bike path when you’re talking about avoiding getting in an accident with a vehicle, bike lanes are still a safer place to bike when on the road with cars.

Keep Your Ears Clear

If you’re going to be spending a lot of time on your road bike, you might be tempted to pop in your ear buds and listen to some music or your favorite podcast while putting some miles behind you. However, according to Oli Woodman, a contributor to BikeRadar.com, shares that listening to anything with headphones makes it much harder for you to be aware of what’s going on around you.

With something playing in your ears, it will be much more difficult for you to hear car horns honking, sirens coming toward you, or other signs that could signal you of danger.

Assume The Worst

Because you’re so much more vulnerable than the cars you’re sharing the road with, it’s important that you know how to be defensive when you’re driving and ensure that you’re putting your own safety first.

Some of the best ways to do this, according to Jen Schmidt, a contributor to Active.com, is to never give drivers the benefit of the doubt when you’re on the road. If you always assume the worst and act in accordance to that, you will be able to avoid many tricky situations you might otherwise find yourself in.

To help you stay safe when biking on the road with other vehicles, consider using the tips mentioned above next time you take your road bike out.

To read more on topics like this, check out the lifestyle category.

What is Test and Tag – Complete 101 Guide

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You may have heard the term from electricians or IT specialists, as well as computer repair shops where they practice a test and tag method. In this guide we’re going to give you the Test & Tag 101 and show you the right way to do it, as well as explain what testing and tagging is, and provide some quality examples.

For more information, please visit https://www.electricaltesting.com.au.

What Does Test & Tag Mean?

Test & tag is actually a process of troubleshooting and checking. It normally applies to electrical appliances, but may also apply to things like computer when it comes to IT and computer repair technicians. What it is a two-part testing and troubleshooting technique. Basically, you inspect the part or appliance for physical damage, and then test it with an appliance tester of some sort. For electrical items, they’ll use something like a voltmeter to make sure that the electric components work correctly.

In computers, it may be something like a hardware troubleshooter or inspector to ensure that your power supply or motherboard is working correctly. When it’s all said and done, the person testing the appliance then puts a tag on the item or the cord to show that it’s been tested, along with information like who did the test, when the next test needs to be done, as well as the date of the test.

Why is This Step Necessary?

The main purpose of the test is to make sure that a product is safe so the person using it won’t be susceptible to electric shock. Australia also has a standard code in which there are regulations that apply specifically to items that need to be tested and tagged when it comes to appliances to ensure the safety and welfare of others.

Who Should TO Test and Tag?

There are numerous industries that need to have certified professionals test and tag their equipment. Construction, demolition, and mining crews are required for example to keep their appliances tagged and have them inspected approximately every few months. Other jobs that require it may be tree trimming services, as well as others. Some office equipment needs to be tested and tagged as well.

Different Equipment to be Tagged

Literally anything that has a cord is supposed to be tagged. There are two classes, the first being composed of items that are considered earthed appliances, like coffeepots, irons, toasters, and other industrial but professional items, while others are made of double insulated appliances, from hair dryers all the way to power tools. Most of the time brand new equipment doesn’t actually need to be tested, but needs to be inspected for physical damage and tagged. After that it requires testing and tagging.

Conclusion

Australia has certain standard requirements that every item needs to meet in order to be used in a professional workplace of any sort. That being said, it’s important that you have a quality control specialist to ensure that your items are in working order, no matter what the job is.

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3 Tips For Keeping Yourself Safe When Riding A Motorcycle

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Being on the road, in general, can be a dangerous activity to participate in. From inclement weather to distracted driving, a car accident can happen at any moment and for any reason.

For many people, they look for any way to reduce the risks that they open themselves up to when behind the wheel. In many instances, this means steering clear of motorcycles.

But while motorcycles and the people who ride them might have a reputation for being dangerous and reckless, there actually are plenty of ways that you can reduce the risks of choosing to drive a motorcycle over any other kind of vehicle. To show you how, here are three tips for keeping yourself safe when riding a motorcycle. 

Only Ride A Motorcycle You Feel Confident On

Being on the road when you’re scared, nervous, or feel out of control can be dangerous for any type of driver. But when you’re on a motorcycle, it’s more important than ever to feel confident in your abilities to maneuver your machine safely.

As part of this, Consumer Reports shares that you should only ride a motorcycle that you know you can handle. Motorcycles come in varying sizes and power ranges. If you’re not experienced on a larger bike, you could be putting yourself and everyone else around you at unnecessary risk. So if you’re going to ride a motorcycle, make sure you choose to drive one that fits your body and your skill level. 

Always Wear The Right Gear

According to Michael Padway, a contributor to MotorcycleLegalFoundation.com, every rider should commit to following the mantra ATGATT, meaning All The Gear, All The Time.

By wearing all your gear each time you get on your motorcycle, you will never be leaving yourself open to vulnerabilities. So whether you’re just going for a quick ride around town or are heading out onto the open road, make sure you’re always decked out with your helmet, jacket, gloves, boots, long pants, and more. 

Be A Defensive Driver

When you’re out on the road, the safest thing you can do both for yourself and for the other drivers around you is to always be on the defensive. Especially when you’re on a motorcycle, it’s important that you be very aware of your surroundings and what the cars driving near you are doing.

Aaron Gunderson, a contributor to SafeWise.com, shares that part of being a defensive driver means you never assume anything when you’re on the road. Always turn your head to check before changing lanes or turning. And if you get the feeling that a driver near you doesn’t see you, be sure to give them a wide berth. 

If you’ve decided to use a motorcycle as your main form of transportation, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you stay safe when out on the road.