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The industrial sector is a vital industry in today’s modern landscape, involving the extensive operation of manufacturing, packaging and shipping goods worldwide. Industrial businesses cover many sectors, including pharmaceutical, automotive, fashion, and household goods, within dangerous environments like factories and assembly plants. Workers are often exposed to heavy machinery, hazardous substances and moving vehicles, to name just a few of the potential hazards.
We spend an awful lot of our time at work, so we must do everything to keep ourselves and others safe from threats. Workplace accidents can cause devastating consequences, such as life-changing injuries and death. As well as serious injury, breaching regulations can lead to hefty punishment such as fines or imprisonment. With proper safety procedures and regulations, accidents can be prevented. Employers and their staff are responsible for following health and safety measures and ensuring they act in a manner that doesn’t generate risk.
Auto Extract Systems is an LEV specialist based in the United Kingdom. They were created to combat safety problems in industrial workplaces, particularly concerning toxic particulates found in dust and fumes. Auto Extract offers an extensive range of local exhaust ventilation systems designed to capture hazardous airborne substances before they reach workers. In this article, they will talk us through some of the most common safety hazards prevalent in industrial settings and how they can be avoided.
Slips, Trips & Falls
We’ll start with slips, trips, and falls, which is consistently one of the biggest dangers in any workplace. Risks include wet and slippery surfaces, untidy workplaces and loose wires. You should implement rules that employees are informed of, including maintaining a tidy environment, wearing appropriate footwear, and what to do if an accident occurs. Other measures include installing non-slip flooring, keeping walkways clear of obstacles, and mopping up spillages straight away. Extra care should be taken when working at height as this is a common risk that can lead to severe injuries.
Hazardous Substances
In industrial work, there’s a good change that you will be working with chemicals and other toxic substances. If these chemicals reach the skin, eyes or respiratory system, they can cause all kinds of health issues, including skin irritation, breathing problems and cancer. When working with these substances, employees should be aware of the individual risks and wear personal protective equipment at all times. When leaving the work area, hands and clothes should be thoroughly cleaned, especially before eating or drinking. At Auto Extract Systems, we know all about the hazards of dust and fumes in particular. Industrial processes can cause dust to contaminate the air, which may create health problems when inhaled. Dust extraction systems are one of the best ways to tackle dust as they capture and remove any airborne particles, helping to leave a clean workplace with breathable air.
Fire & Electrical Risks
Complex equipment and dangerous substances can create fire and electrical safety risks. It should go without saying that both are significant dangers that can lead to loss of life. Fire can spread rapidly, and with hazardous chemicals in the area, explosions may occur. Employers should be aware of what to do in the event of a fire, and essential equipment must be readily available, including first aid kits and fire extinguishers. Make sure that you test your fire alarms and smoke detectors regularly to ensure an ongoing incident can be identified as soon as possible. Dust can also be a significant fire hazard when it circulates the air, so again, it’s worthwhile installing an LEV system to limit dust exposure. Exposed wiring and improperly installed machinery are two examples that put employees at risk of electrocution.
Heavy Machinery
Industrial workplaces often use heavy machinery, specialist equipment and commercial vehicles to carry out tasks. Specialist equipment can be complicated and hazardous if operated incorrectly or a fault occurs. Many accidents are caused by workers cutting corners, getting complacent or being incompetent. It can lead to accidents like being crushed or a piece of clothing or body part getting caught. Workers must always be fully trained before working with machinery. You should examine equipment regularly, and if any defects are found, the machine should not be operated until the fault is resolved.
