Workplace safety in the plant is the fundamental aspect that generates a work environment of well-being for the people who work in the process. Those responsible for this area of the plant continue to review safety conditions to prevent accidents. Many times the work is complicated, if we take into account the rotation of workers, training gaps, low budgets and the priorities that are normally established in production.
The various factors involved in the production processes require that the plant manager or person in charge of Industrial Safety constantly works to keep work accidents and unsafe conditions under control. Decalogue for industrial safety in the factory
Improve industrial safety in your factory
Surely you are interested in increasing the results in terms of industrial safety, we provide you with 10 regulations applicable to industrial safety in plants.
1: Monitor Mechanical Risks
Mechanical hazards are caused by the use of tools and machines that can injure the worker. It is necessary to check the moving parts and ensure the safety conditions of the workplace.
Other aspects to consider are: the use of appropriate clothing and PPE, authorization for use of the machines only by trained personnel, installation of guards or safety devices, maintenance with disconnected equipment. Also verify the minimum distance between machines and/or walls, if possible use automatic feeding systems, adequate tools, execution of the preventive maintenance program, good order and cleanliness conditions.
2: Safety in the transport of objects and materials
This is a very common operation in the plant, which makes it one of the main causes of injury to workers. It is necessary to check the maximum loads for men and women. In general it has been established: 25 kilos for men and 14 kilos for women, however, check the standard in your country, as there may be variations. Workers performing this task must be trained on how to do it safely, avoiding musculoskeletal injuries. They must also be provided with Personal Protective Equipment, such as gloves, safety clothing and footwear. If you have forklifts or unloaders, they must be operated by authorized personnel and be part of the maintenance program. The load capacity must be visible.
3: Promotes order and cleanliness
Proper personal hygiene, uniform cleanliness, organization of objects and tools, as well as hand washing when necessary, are actions that reduce risks.
Keep the workplace tidy, don’t throw trash or debris on the floor, clean up spills if they occur and keep aisles and stairs clear. We recommend that you contact a company that specializes in industrial cleaning as it will help you maintain a safe and pleasant workspace, without skyrocketing safety costs.
4: Take care of the surfaces inside the plant.
Surfaces cause falls, so it is important to verify that they are in good condition, without holes, loose tiles or obstacles for the passage of people or mechanical equipment such as forklifts. If there are processes where humidity is handled, it is necessary to install drains with their respective grates. Personnel must wear appropriate, waterproof footwear.
5: Monitor local risks and level changes.
Plant structures can create hazards, so it is important to inspect ceilings, stairways, elevators, shafts, tanks and points that can cause objects to fall or break off.
Proper site maintenance, with personnel trained to work at heights and in confined spaces, equipped with the appropriate PPE and with adequate supervision, helps to maintain a low indicator of unsafe conditions in the structures.
6: Prevents electrical hazards
Electricity is the energy source for most of the equipment and machines used in the plant, making the electrical risk latent. Start by keeping the premises and electrical substations closed, clean, with the respective signage and with access only to authorized personnel. It is not recommended to work with electrical hazards on wet floors, or to use faulty or temporary connections. Equipment should be grounded and repairs should be carried out by trained and authorized personnel. Electrical hazards should always be reported. Fuse boxes and control panels should be kept closed and identified. As far as possible, have procedures based on the voltage being used.
7: Attempt to mitigate the risk of fire and explosion.
Occurs when it is necessary to work with combustible substances, oxidizers, paints or gases. Even when the process requires the use of open flame such as welding application. Maintaining the regulatory distance between materials and processes is a priority.
It is forbidden to smoke, heat closed containers or use flammable liquids as appropriate. Open flame equipment may only be used by authorized personnel. A trained brigade and personnel trained in firefighting must be present.
8: Organizing the work
Accidents are largely caused by anxiety, stress or worry. It is important to organize the work, review the assigned times, avoid overwork and the worker omitting prevention rules to save time. Worry and stress affect people, making them fail when operating machines or lifting objects. It also affects interpersonal relationships, influencing the work environment.
9: Ensure the training of your brigade and establish general rules in the establishment.
Brigade training is vital for industrial safety in the facility, monitor the progress of the brigade members, appoint a suitable brigade leader and ensure that relevant drills and practices are carried out. Establish safety instructions that should be known to all persons, including visitors and contractors, post them in conspicuous places. You can include, for example:
Always walk, don’t run. Do not obstruct aisles or traffic areas.
Keep the safety area clear of the fire extinguisher, first aid kit and stretcher. Report poor lighting.
Use the PPE that corresponds to your workstation. Be aware of emergency exits.
10: train personnel and automate the system.
Skilled workers facilitate the implementation of safety programs. They are part of the program and reduce their effort to get results. Focus training and schedule training.
Occupational safety is the area that has the task of identifying hazards and risk factors, quantifying their seriousness in terms of the consequences of a possible occupational accident and the number of people exposed depending on the process.
When we do not value industrial safety in the factory, we expose ourselves to accidents that can be fatal, fines, payments to family members, government sanctions, investigations and damage to the work environment.