It is the right of every worker to work in a safe environment. Exposing the workers to hazards in the workplace is detrimental to their health and safety. Proper risk assessment should be done and sustainable control measures put in place as a way of enhancing safety.
Fires and explosions
Fires and explosions in the workplace have very high casualty rates compared to other hazards. It is important to ensure that the risks of fire in the workplace are eliminated. Another precaution involves using warning signs. There are companies in the UK that manufacture fire safety signs for use in industries. Such signs include flammable material warnings, exit signs, and firefighting equipment signs.
Accessibility to power control panels is effective in eliminating fire hazards. If the fire is a result of an electrical fault, switching off power from the control panel provides the best solution. Also, firefighting equipment such as hoses and fire extinguishers should be accessible. Good housekeeping should eradicate clutter that not only blocks exits and firefighting equipment but also provides fuel for fires. Fire hazards such as oily rags should be properly disposed of in a metal container that is emptied regularly. Proper machine maintenance should be observed to avoid friction and overheating that can cause a fire.
Moreover, all electrical faults should be reported, and there should be no attempts made to perform repairs if one is not qualified. Smoking zones in the workplace should be available. The smoking material should be extinguished properly and signs put up to remind smokers of how to properly discard cigarettes. Eliminating fire hazards is essential to achieving workplace safe.
Toxic chemicals
These have adverse effects on workers’ health. Chemicals often come into contact with the human body through absorption via the skin, inhalation, or ingestion. Wearing personal protective gear such as aprons, gloves, and masks help minimise the risk posed by toxic materials. Ingestion can be done away with by not eating or drinking anything when handling hazardous chemicals.
It is important to read a material’s chemical manufacturer label, supplemental hazard label, and material safety data sheets because they convey possible hazards. Information such as storage requirements, spill cleanups, first aid, special handling, required PPE to be worn, reactivity, flammability, and toxicity are provided on the labels. It is important to know what chemicals are being handled and how they should be handled as a way to eradicate chemical hazards in the workplace.
Physical hazards
Physicals hazards in the workplace such as slips, falls, extreme temperatures, noises, radiations, pressure, and vibrations should be eliminated. Noises and vibrations should be reduced to the minimum accepted range in the industry to protect workers against possible injuries. Barriers should be placed between the employees and physicals hazards that emit radiation. Proper insulation of hot surfaces and good air conditioning is essential to maintain the right temperatures. Moreover, changing slippery floor tiles to non-slippery ones is essential to avoid falls. Employees should be given protective equipment to prevent exposure to physical hazards.
Workplace hazards should be eliminated because they cause diseases and physical harm to the employees. Employee safety should be prioritised in every organisation. Employees are a resource that a company cannot do without.
