THIS WEEK...

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Farm Safety Awareness for Liberian Farmers

Farm work in Liberia requires strength, focus, and daily effort, but safety must come first. Many injuries on farms happen because people rush, use tools without checking them, or work while tired. A small mistake with a cutlass, hoe, or axe can easily turn into a serious problem that affects the entire family. When a farmer gets hurt, planting slows down, harvesting becomes harder, and income drops. This is why every farmer—young or old—must take safety seriously and make it part of daily work habits.

One of the biggest causes of injuries is using tools that are damaged or poorly maintained. Before starting any task, farmers should inspect their tools. Check for loose handles, rusty blades, or cracks that could cause the tool to break suddenly. A well-sharpened cutlass is easier and safer to use than a dull one that requires extra force. Tools must also be carried carefully: always point sharp edges downward and never swing tools close to others. Creating a small working distance helps avoid accidents when several people are clearing land together.

Another important part of safety is staying aware of your surroundings. Many Liberian farms have uneven soil, hidden holes, or slippery patches during the rainy season. Moving too fast or not paying attention can lead to twisted ankles, falls, or cuts. Farmers should walk slowly on slopes, keep their eyes on the ground, and clear small obstacles that can cause tripping. In bushy areas, always look out for snakes, stinging insects, and sharp branches. Children should be kept away from dangerous tools and heavy tasks; they can help with lighter work until they grow stronger and more experienced.

Farmers must also protect their bodies from strain and weather. Working long hours under the hot sun can cause exhaustion or dehydration. It is important to drink water often, rest in the shade when needed, and wear simple protective clothing like long sleeves, hats, or gloves when available. Even old boots or worn gloves can prevent cuts, infections, and foot injuries.

Finally, tools must be stored properly after use. Leaving sharp tools lying around is dangerous for both adults and children. 

Safe storage keeps the farm organized and prevents accidents. When farmers work safely every day, they protect their health, strengthen their families, and secure a successful farming season.

Five Best Skills for a Daytime Construction Worker in Liberia

Construction work in Liberia provides steady opportunities for young people who are willing to learn practical skills, work hard, and stay dependable. Whether you are helping on a small house project in the community or working with a contractor in Monrovia, Ganta, Buchanan, or any other town, having the right skills will set you apart. These five skills are the most important for anyone working daytime construction jobs.

1. Basic Masonry Skills

Masonry is one of the most common tasks on construction sites. Knowing how to mix cement properly, set blocks straight, and keep walls level makes you valuable to any project. Learn how to measure sand and cement ratios, use a trowel correctly, and follow simple plans from skilled masons. Practicing these steps will improve your speed and accuracy.

2. Carpentry and Formwork Skills

Woodwork is essential for building doors, windows, frames, and formwork for concrete. Good carpentry skills include measuring correctly, cutting wood cleanly, and assembling pieces firmly. Even simple formwork—such as building shuttering for pillars and slabs—requires focus and understanding. A worker with basic carpentry skills can move easily across many job sites.

3. Safe Tool Handling and Equipment Care

Construction workers use tools every day—cutlasses, shovels, hammers, saws, tape measures, levels, and sometimes power tools. Knowing how to handle tools safely prevents injuries and saves time. A good worker checks tools before starting, sharpens them when needed, and returns them to the right place after use. Contractors appreciate workers who treat tools with care.

4. Physical Strength, Balance, and Endurance

Construction requires lifting blocks, carrying sand, climbing ladders, mixing mortar, and working under the sun. Building physical strength and stamina helps you work faster and avoid tiredness. Stretching, drinking water, taking short breaks, and wearing strong shoes all help keep your body safe on the job.

5. Communication, Teamwork, and Following Instructions

A construction site runs well when everyone listens, communicates, and cooperates. Learn to ask questions when you don’t understand something. Follow instructions carefully from the foreman or senior worker. Share tasks, help your team, and stay respectful. Good teamwork builds trust, and trusted workers get called back first for the next job.

These five skills can help any young Liberian succeed in daytime construction work and grow toward higher-paying roles.