The workplace is safer than it’s ever been thanks to improving regulations designed to protect employees and keep them safe. Companies have found that prioritising health and safety isn’t just important to comply with regulations but it also keeps employees productive, happy and motivated.
While workplace accidents still happen, risks are largely reduced by following proper procedures and using safety equipment. There are lots of different tools, devices and materials which help workplaces stay safe, here are a few of the most important.
Lockout Devices
Lockouts are devices which are used to lock equipment when its being repaired. There are many different types of lockout devices, including cable lockouts, valve lockouts and circuit breaker lockouts. Each is used for a specific piece of equipment, but the ultimate goal is to ensure worker safety.
When equipment breaks down in the workplace, a repair technician, electrician or engineer needs to come and fix it quickly to minimise downtime and ensure productivity isn’t affected. Signs are usually placed on the machine to let workers know not to operate it while someone is fixing it. However, there’s still a chance that someone might not notice, or that the machinery might be turned on by mistake.
A lockout device is designed to prevent machinery from being turned on whilst it’s being repaired. That way, the technician doesn’t have to worry about their safety while they’re carrying out their work. Once the repair is complete, the lockout is removed and the machinery can be used once more.
PPE
Personal protective equipment, better known simply as PPE, is essential for many workplaces that deal with hazards. Whether it’s a busy manufacturing assembly line, a construction site or a science lab, PPE is almost always required in some form or another. PPE is used to protect the wearer from potential hazards. For example, falling debris or tools might be an issue on construction sites, so workers have to wear hard hats to protect their heads from impacts.
Other types of PPE include safety glasses, gas masks and full protective overalls. Depending on the workplace and the type of hazards that employees are likely to encounter, different forms of PPE will need to be used. The ideal PPE is designed to be easy and comfortable to wear, while still offering the highest level of protection.
Most PPE is made from lightweight yet durable materials. However, it still needs to be checked regularly to ensure it’s not damaged. A hard hat that has taken an impact will need to be replaced, as the structural integrity could be compromised.
Fire Safety
Fires are a major safety hazard and can also do significant damage to structures and property. Businesses need to ensure that fire safety is a top priority, implementing fire safety practices that limit the risks. In addition, there are lots of devices that may be used to help prevent fires from spreading and ensure employees can be evacuated in case of emergencies. Some businesses may be more at risk of fires than others, so this needs to be considered when planning the measures in place.
For example, a professional kitchen has a large number of flammable materials and sources of flame. Most businesses use smoke alarms to warn of fire, and may also use automatic sprinkler systems. Where sprinkler systems aren’t used, fire extinguishers and fire blankets will allow employees to deal with small fires before they have a chance to spread.
Regardless of the devices a business uses to control fire hazards and other risks, employees should always be trained on potential hazards, how to avoid them and what to do in the event of an emergency.
