Industrial accidents are any accidents or disasters that occur on industrial business sites. These are some of the most dangerous accidents since they often involve volatile chemicals and heavy machinery. Such dangerous occurrences can be the result or a failure to follow safety regulations or company standards. It’s vital that everyone and anyone who works in an industrial business site take the proper steps to avoid a major industrial accident.
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
Legal measures are currently in place at most sites for the safety of workers and to help avoid future industrial accidents. Just like on the road, accidents happen that are in ways, not your fault. Awareness and communication, coupled with a rich knowledge of the rules and regulations set forth by your employer are paramount to helping avoid accidents on the industrial job site. In any type of industrial setting, you’ll see messaging/signage to inform visitors and employees of potential dangers or risks. The setting and environment of the industrial site lends itself to its own unique risks that can lead to different types of accidents. For example, the environment and setting of a construction zone for a city street is much different than the one for an offshore oil rig.
Another step to avoid industrial accidents is to make sure that every piece of equipment is in good working order and of good quality. There are certain standards that should be met before the equipment is ever used. Quality assurance of equipment can prevent both major and minor physical injuries. Employee ignorance is something that can contribute to industrial accidents. Communicate to your employees anything that takes place in an industrial setting, even if is not directly related to their job description. Disaster could occur, even if an employee goes out of their way to get a job done, as an act of initiative. Teach employees how to handle dangerous chemicals and equipment. You’ll also want to make sure that all employees are knowledgeable on the most current emergency procedures whenever an industrial accident does occur. Without proper industrial accident training, lives could be lost and more damage done.
Hazardous materials, chemicals and waste each have certain disposal procedures in place to help prevent accidents. Mixing certain substances together can cause very dangerous, potentially fatal explosions and fires, so employees must be briefed on how to handle and dispose of those substances. Disposal equipment such as gloves, goggles, bags and bins must be readily available and have proper inventory. Such equipment needs occasional testing (according to its equipment standard) to ensure that each is in good and working condition.
Safety, environmental, and human heath services can make frequent visits to industrial sites to perform inspections. Not only will they make sure health and safety standards are being met, they’ll also offer training and continued education to employees so the industrial company can improve their operation. Avoid waiting until the last minute to prepare for a health and safety inspection since you never know when your employees will need to put the training you should’ve given them to urgent use. The more your employees know and the closer you adhere to industry standards the less you’ll have to prepare for safety and health inspections.
THINGS TO AVOID
If there are any minor issues that need to be taken care of that could compromise anyone’s health or safety, make sure that they are taken care of as soon as possible rather than procrastinating. By waiting, you give way to potential disaster and to, potentially a disaster that could spin out of control, injuring more workers. You might have to shut down the site for a few hours or even days, and will incur short-term losses, but remember that the safety of workers are always the most important. Report even the most minor accident since it could be an indication that there’s a larger issue which needs to be taken care of as soon as possible. Bear in mind that industry standards could change quickly, so educate yourself on the most current rules. By waiting, you risk practicing outdated and possibly incorrect preventative measures.
As an employee, if there are certain activities that one could misconstrue as unsafe in an industrial setting, then before you act, you should first notify the proper person/people. If you ever encounter or are in an industrial accident, make sure that you seek medical attention even if no one appears to be hurt as some harmful chemical effects aren’t always apparent. You’ll also want to seek legal counsel for a consultation.