The industrial environment is considered one of the most hazardous working environments of them all. There is a high potential for employees to be exposed to harmful chemicals, dangerous machinery and confined spaces, all of which present a certain risk to the employee. Following your workplace’s own specific safety procedures is a necessity in such an environment. If you’re after broader advice on standard safety for industrial workers, take a look at the 5 tips below:
1. Keep emergency exits clear
To begin with the obvious: emergency exits. In an industrial environment, it is more important than ever that your escape routes are kept clear of any blockages, which, in an emergency situation, would have the potential to slow down the process of making it to safety quickly.
2. Wear appropriate safety equipment
Working in an industrial environment, it is likely that you’ve had the importance of PPE, or personal protective equipment, drilled into you. There is a good reason why: PPE isn’t just a precaution, as it can actually reduce your exposure to hazards in the workplace, therefore making your job safer to carry out. Your hands in particular, with those being the most used, and often exposed, part of the body for industrial workers, should be focused on to ensure adequate protection. A good Gloves Supplier will be able to provide the appropriate PPE if you’re on the hunt for something suitable.
3. Minimize risks & report anything unsafe
You should be very clearly instructed by your employer on how to minimise risks in the workplace, from the more obvious- preventing spillages and fires, for example- to procedures that are specific to the environment you are working in. It is important to follow all of these instructions at all times to prevent accidents, and, should you notice anything of risk, report it immediately to the appropriate member of staff for them to sort out as quickly as possible.
4. Take regular breaks
If your working shift is longer than six hours in one day, you legally have the right to one uninterrupted 20 minute rest break at some point during your day. This is the minimum expectation, and may vary for industrial workers, depending on the task at hand- for example, you might be assigned more breaks throughout the day if the job you are working on is particularly intense. Make sure you take any breaks that are offered to you to ensure your overall performance and productivity get a chance to refresh, and to prevent clumsiness that may evolve with fatigue.
5. Stay focused at all times
Industrial work is often repetitive and intense by nature, but it’s important not to take shortcuts around procedures at the risk of causing an accident. Usually, if a procedure has been designed to be carried out in a certain manner, it’s deliberately so to reduce risk on your part and ensure workplace safety. Make sure while you’re working, you’re focused on the task at hand, and not distracted by something else going on in the immediate vicinity.