If your business involves the use of machinery, it’s extremely important to not only train your staff but have an emergency plan in case something does happen. No matter how much technology advances, the safety fundamentals always stay the same. Alongside proper machine training, there are a few things that you can always do to help prevent accidents and serious injury.
Though this may seem like common sense, personal protection is essential for everyday work. In loud work environments, you’ll want things such as ear plugs and muffs. For a factory that involves hands-on work, you’ll want safety goggles, hard hats, and safety boots. For breathing safety, items such as masks and face respirators will ensure that your employees are breathing clean air and are not at risk for airborne disease or infection.
Machine Inspection
During training, it is key that you not only train staff how to use the machinery but also how it is set up. Having a system of preventive maintenance and inspection ensures that the tools and the workplace are in good condition. This helps prevent injury as well as breakdowns.
Maintain Clean Workspaces
This is one of the simplest preventative measures out there. Not only will a tidier work environment help your employees stay productive but it will also reduce slips and trips. This will also help prevent workplace fires.
Another large part of training should be first aid, CPR, and OSHA classes. If your company is farther than 3 minutes from a hospital, clinic, or infirmary, it is essential that an employee can render first aid. In fact, did you know that a victim of respiratory arrest, has a 98% of surviving if someone initiates rescue breathing within one minute? This means being properly trained to give such treatment in time of a crisis.
What happens if there is an emergency situation?
The best way is to prepare before the emergency happens. In a crisis, it can be hard to think straight so having a plan in place will help prevent the worst-case scenarios. When putting together your plan, tailor it to your specific business. This could mean making sure that every employee knows how to use a fire extinguisher, having an evacuation plan, shutting down critical plant operations, etc.
Having these plans in place and training your staff can not only help save the lives of all of your employees but can also help keep your business in tack.
