Keeping You Safe at Work
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Today's employers are very aware of the legislation that exists and the penalties that can be dished out if they fail to comply. But, the workers are not always as keen to don the protective clothing. A lot of folk think it's over protective, the nanny state or rule makers creating jobs for themselves. However, if they are properly implemented, safety signage and personal protective equipment will reduce or minimise the incidence of accidents at work in any environment.
There are some industries where safety signs are absolutely imperative. Look at the pharmaceuticals industry as a prime example. Dangerous chemicals need to be clearly identified and the associated risk highlighted. You often see specialist crews called in to deal with spillages on motorways after accidents. It is the safety signage which has led to the correct measures being taken to prevent any unnecessary problems post accident. A log has to be kept of any incidents which occur where chemicals or pharmaceuticals are involved. This log will help the Health and Safety assessors to improve the safety system.
Reading the signs and warning notices will make the employees and visitors more vigilant when they are in the vicinity of hazardous materials. Look at the simple example of a burst milk carton in a supermarket. The brightly coloured "A" board that warns people to tread carefully does the job and keeps the customers on their toes. Without its very obvious presence we would probably be heading for a slippery end as I, for one, am more focussed on what's on the shelves than what's on the floor.
Wearing the appropriate clothing and protective devices such as boots, helmets and goggles is equally essential when dealing with volatile substances as it is when working on a job where the risk of accident is high, such as a construction site. Casualty departments and ambulance services would be maxed out dealing with incidents if the rules were relaxed and workers were not obliged to don the safety helmets, goggles ear defenders and steel toecap boots? Any run of the mill incident, such as dropping a brick on your foot, could have a damaging affect on the individual and the company.
Sight and hearing are often endangered in the workplace. Excessive noise over a long period of time can seriously impair your hearing. Your eyesight is crucial and extremely vulnerable as the tissue is soft and complicated. Engineering environments where metal is being shaped and turned can produce minute particles which could do untold damage to an eye. So, using ear defenders and goggles is a must if you want to see and hear your family grow up.
Overprotective nanny state or not, whatever your opinion, there are many dangers lurking in the workplace that employees need to be protected from. The insurance premiums the employers pay would go through the roof if proper Health and Safety measures were not in place. The vultures from the accident damage claim companies would be hovering above every business, waiting to pounce.
So the message is simple and straightforward, label everything you need to, put up signs to attract attention to possible problems and get your kit on!! You know it makes sense.
