5 Effective Ways to Improve Industrial Workplace Safety
Sponsored Article by Invigilo
Workplace safety is vital for preventing on-site accidents, unnecessary risks to employees’ lives and the loss of companies’ revenue. The safety culture within an organisation is important to ensure that workplace injuries are kept to a minimum and everyone is aware of the essentials regarding the relevant protocols in place.
1. Establish safety standards
Companies should be prepared and have contingencies for incidents ready. This can be achieved by carrying out safety audits regularly to help expose weaknesses at various locations. Identifying areas at a higher risk for fire and combustion by verifying the serviceability of equipment would help to prevent unforeseen disasters.
Comprehensive training on workplace safety for employees is crucial in ensuring that all are on the same page – the knowledge of what to do in case of a fire and basic first aid capabilities would be beneficial for everyone. Employees should be encouraged to report any instances of unsafe conditions to reduce the probability of a mishap as they are likely to have a greater awareness of their environment as compared to their supervisors.
2. Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
The importance of wearing PPEs in industrial workplaces cannot be overstated – the availability of PPEs on-site is critical as they were created to keep employees safe. Ensure that workers always wear protective gear and that the equipment is inspected to be in working condition before any operations begin. Startups have created solutions based on the Internet of Things (IoT) and wearables to reduce risks at industrial workplaces and encourage safety across the entire production chain.
For this reason, Invigilo has developed Behaviour-Based Safety (BBS) to detect unsafe acts and conditions such as proximity to dangerous machinery, speeding vehicles, and employees in hazardous locations. With safety Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration, alerts are sent in real-time to safety officers and can aid in the development of customised safety plans for each unique workplace.
3. Handle equipment with care
Most industrial-related incidents are a consequence of the improper usage of tools and machinery. Employees should follow proper procedures and only use the equipment for its intended use. Making sure that tools and machinery are clean and in working conditions will contribute to a safer workplace overall. This would mean inspecting equipment and ensuring that machine parts are in the correct locations, adjustments for tool guards are accurate, and that respective PPEs are worn prior to the use of any equipment.
Having your machinery and equipment serviced is not to be overlooked as it safeguards the company and the employees from unwarranted incidents due to negligence. Routine safety checks are also necessary to guarantee that every piece of equipment is operating properly and effectively and to prevent harm to the user.
4. Keep the workplace organised
The likelihood of workplace injuries dramatically decreases when the workspace is kept tidy and orderly. Studies have shown that possible hazards which include tangled cords, disorganised gear, and untidy floors are distracting to workers and can cost valuable man-hours. Having a system where tools and equipment are placed back where they belong can also enhance efficiency and improve productivity.
An orderly workplace will allow for enough room to move large objects safely and easily as well. In case of an emergency, keeping pathways clear and exits open will guarantee that routes are clear for evacuating and responding promptly.
5. Ensure employees get sufficient rest
Complex tools are used by every industrial company – they demand attention and even a slight error might result in severe consequences. Overworked individuals are more likely to make mistakes which increases their risk of suffering significant workplace injuries.
Employees should take breaks throughout the day to retain alertness, especially after long shifts. A quick break can rejuvenate and energise staff, allowing them to return to operations functionally.
Make workplace safety a priority
Implementing a culture of safety right from the beginning will help to ensure that workplace incidents are kept to a minimum; keen attention to detail will help prevent problems down the line. Inspections for PPE, machinery and notable hazards are essential and contribute to maintaining a safe work environment.
About Invigilo
Invigilo is an innovative safety technology company that provides both AI video analytics and IoT solutions to enforce workplace safety. We deploy our safety solutions across different industries such as construction, manufacturing, oil and gas, industrial sites, and many more. Invigilo seeks to empower valued safety professionals through comprehensive safety solutions and behaviour-based technologies.
