Although the manufacturing industry is filled with excellent opportunities for employees, the nature of manufacturing means that workers can be unsafe if they do not follow precautions.
Although your employee is responsible for your safety in the workplace, to ensure that you prevent accidents to your utmost ability, you should also be aware of your own safety and security in the workplace at all times.
1. Know Your Rights
When working in a manufacturing environment and performing tasks that could put you at risk, it is vital that you know your rights as an employee. For instance, if you are injured in the workplace, whether that be from a slip and fall, a lifting incident, or by heavy machinery, you are entitled to claim workers compensation for your injury directly from your employer.
If you experience an injury at work, the first thing that you should do is to contact legal aid which specialises in your type of industry, such as Krasno Krasno & Onwudinjo, who can allow you to get the aid that you need for a head injury workers compensation settlement. They will help you to get the compensation that you need whether through negotiations or in front of a judge if the case goes to court.
2. Use Safety Equipment
To prevent any injuries from occurring in the workplace, it is also vital that you are able to use safety equipment when needed. You should always make sure that you use the clothing and protective gear provided by your employer, or request such equipment if this is not freely given to you. For instance, the most basic PPE clothing consists of a helmet and goggles, as well as visible clothing. These can help to prevent injuries from falling debris, toxins and poisonous chemicals, as well as allowing you to be seen in areas that have naturally dim lighting.
3. Get Trained on Dangerous Machinery
Before using any machinery or dangerous equipment, you should ensure that you have been given the correct amount of training from your employer, even if you are already qualified to be using this type of equipment. Every employer is legally responsible for giving you the training that you need to ensure that you stay safe while performing job roles, and this includes elements such as safe heavy lifting, operating machinery, and what is expected of you in the job role.
4. Clean Immediately
If you spill any toxic materials or chemicals, it is vital that you clean the area immediately to prevent any direct contact with the toxins. Not only this, but you should also clean after you have completed tasks that produce dust or slippery substances, as this could cause a slip and fall incident which could injure another co-worker or yourself.
5. Ensure that Emergencies are Prepared For
You should always make sure that you know the emergency procedures of your manufacturing company and reacquaint yourself with this on a regular basis. As well as this, you should prepare for emergencies by keeping exits clear at all times to allow you and your co-workers easy access to the exterior of the building if an emergency, such as fire, occurs.
