Safety in factories

This week’s article was adapted from www.safety.com

If you work in an industrial setting, then you’ll have your own particular work safety concerns. Factories and machine shops are dangerous places to be and a great many accidents take place in them every year, many of them serious or fatal.{{more}} Machinery accidents, falls, explosions, burns, chemical inhalation, falling objects, electrocution, fire, etc., are all safety risks in industrial occupations.

You’ll need to strictly adhere to all safety policies and procedures set up by your employer if you have such an occupation. A particular rule or guideline may seem like nitpicking or a waste of time, but it’s been put in place for a reason. So follow the rules. Anytime there’s a safety class that’s required, be sure to pay close attention. They may be changing something that you’ve been doing for a long time, and you’ll need to know the new procedure. Even when safety policies and procedures are in place, they can break down. If you know something isn’t safe, even though it’s not prohibited, bring it to someone’s attention. If warning signs are getting worn or have been removed, let someone know. And speak up when you see anyone working in an unsafe manner. Better to be thought of as a live busybody than a dead guy who kept his mouth shut!

Your safety is in the hands of your coworkers to a great degree, so don’t hesitate to let them know, in a friendly manner, that they’re doing something that’s unsafe. They may not have even realized it, especially new employees. You’re also responsible for your own work place safety, and you don’t want to be injured or killed through your own negligence. The first thing you should do is dress appropriately. Some jobs call for long sleeves to protect against burns, other call for short sleeves that won’t get caught up in machinery. Whatever the right clothes are for the job, wear them, even if you don’t find them all that comfortable. A second is all it takes for accidents to happen. If you work around heavy objects that are lifted or could fall, you should be wearing steel toed safety boots, even if your employer doesn’t require it. If you’ve been issued a hard hat, it should be on your head. They’re hot and can be uncomfortable, but they can save your life, so wear them. Ear plugs are essential around loud noises, and your employer should provide them for you. If you’re working around grinders, brushes, caustics, etc., you should have a strong pair of safety glasses on at all times.

Karen Hinds President/CEO – Workplace Success Group,

Toll Free: 1-877-902-2775;

Tel: 1-203-757-4103

A CT Winner of the Make Mine a Million Dollar Business award!

Karen@WorkplaceSuccess.com