We all want to stay safe. It’s human nature to protect ourselves from obvious risks. If we see a hazard when we’re out, we either step around it or cross the road. Yet, some careers throw you into the face of risk everyday. And, instead of crossing the road, you have to push forward to get work done. Someone like a mechanic, or a manual labourer, is constantly putting themselves at risk of injury. They’re using dangerous machinery and lifting heavy weights. The good news is, there are ways to get the work done while still avoiding injury. Here’s a lowdown of staying safe in a dangerous work environment.
Know the equipment
Many at work accidents are caused by machine malfunction or misuse. When you’re working with industrial machinery, it’s crucial you know how to use it. It’s also important you know how to spot fault. That’s not to say you need a engineering degree. You simply need to know the machines you work with. Your company should provide training, but it’s also your responsibility to figure things out. If you’re ever unsure of a piece of equipment, ask someone in the know to show you. Never use something if you’re not familiar with it. Chances are, you’ll be using the same machinery so often that you’ll soon know it like the back of your hand. But, never get complacent. A machine that functions one day could malfunction the next. Make sure to carry out appropriate safety checks each time you use something. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Follow procedure
All companies have a legal requirement to provide a safety procedure. They also have a responsibility to give you adequate training. If they don’t, you’re well within your rights to refuse to work. But, once you’ve been briefed, it’s important you don’t cut corners. Safety measures aren’t in place for fun. Most are put in place due to accidents that have occurred in the past. Your employer has held up their end of the bargain, make sure to hold up yours!
Know what to do
Of course, accidents can occur no matter how careful you are. It’s important that you know what to do should it happen. Familiarise yourself with emergency stop buttons on machinery. It’s also worth getting to know which first aiders are on site at all times. And, locate all first aid boxes. It’s also important to note that, if you aren’t at fault, you could call on specialist solicitors for accidents at work to save yourself falling out of pocket. But, this option is only open to you if you do things right. Take time to find out who you have to report injuries to, and research what you would need to make a note of.
Staying safe at work isn’t always easy, but following these steps will at least give you some form of protection. Too often, we cut corners when it comes to safety at work. But, can you take the risk?
Have you ever felt you were taking at risk by being at work? Let us know below.
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