It is important to put systems in place to make sure that everyone follows industrial workplace safety while they're in the workplace. It doesn't matter if you work in a bakery or a bank; you need to ensure that everyone is safe to avoid injury, time off work for employees and the possibility of negligence. Being safe also doesn't just extend to making people safe while at work and doing their tasks, it also includes having procedures in place for staff who are coming to work early and possibly leaving late, and also for people who are working at night, alone or in isolation. These people are going to be exposed to a higher level of risk and safety due to the irregular nature of the workplace environment. Safety is especially important in an industrial workplace, as there's a higher incidence of risk associated with this type of workplace. Let's take a look at some of the most important things to take consideration of in an industrial workplace:
Working early and leaving late
Before employees get to work, encourage them to think about:
- Parking in a well lit area that's as close as you can get to work.
- Keeping an eye out for anyone who's hanging around - and stay in your car if you see anything or anyone suspicious.
- Looking for signs that anyone might have broken into the building during the night. If you're unsure about safety, contact the police and don't enter the building.
Before leaving work:
- Let someone know that you're going to be working late, and let them know what time you think you'll be home.
- Take a look for anyone who might be hanging around or loitering in the workplace area that isn't supposed to be there.
- Use an alarm if you can, and take all precautions to ensure the building is locked up.
Working alone or at night
Staff training for working in isolation or at night
- Make sure that there are specific procedures in place for working alone, and make sure that everyone is trained and signed off of the procedures.
- Make sure that people working alone are trained in the activity that they're going to be doing, and have the necessary tools and equipment required to do the task properly without having to take shortcuts.
- Provide security services where appropriate e.g. random patrols, a security officer at the end of the shift or during the whole shift
- Make sure that anyone working alone has the ability to contact other staff
Working with power tools
- Make sure that everyone has the appropriate training for the tools that they're going to be using
- Make sure staff are signed off on the necessary tickets for the tools that they have to use
- Ensure that there is a foreman or the appropriate supervision of all staff when they're on site and using tools, and that there are the appropriate cut off switches and safety measures in place
- Make sure staff use appropriate hearing protection, eye protection, body protection and safety measures for the protection of the senses
Working with hazardous materials
- Make sure that you have the appropriate protective clothing for the hazard present
- Ensure that anyone who is working with the hazards is aware of the risks associated with it and knows the necessary ways to manage a spill or contamination
These are just a few of the measures you need to put in place on an industrial site in order to be safe, so please be sure to read in more depth about the specifics areas that apply to your industry in particular.
As providers of tools, equipment and industrial supplies to businesses, GotStock.com.au are very aware of workplace safety and how our products protect people.
