We all work for a living. But sometimes the very place we work can be a threat to our health. Imagine working in a warehouse, a garment factory, a construction site, or a hospital. There is a high chance that you will develop back pain from lifting heavy boxes, lung damage from harsh
chemicals used in factories, or long-term injuries to your hands or wrists from doing the same type of work.
There are two other types of accidents at work.
According to experts in this field, workplace accidents can be divided into two main types. 1.
Acute Injuries: These are caused by something that happens suddenly. Such as slipping and falling, getting caught in a machine, or falling from a height. These are what we usually call 'accidents'. These types of accidents can be prevented through good safety practices. 2.
Chronic Injuries: These do not happen suddenly. These conditions are caused by the gradual damage to the body when the same work is done continuously for years. For example, back and neck pain that develops over time in someone who sits in front of a computer all day, or
wrist pain (repetitive motion injury) that occurs in someone who uses their hands in the same way in a garment factory, falls into this category.
The most important thing is that workplace safety is a shared responsibility of both the employee (you) and the employer (the company that employs you). It is the company's responsibility to provide a safe work environment, and it is your responsibility to follow those rules, be aware of the risks to yourself, and work with the company to minimize them.
How to protect yourself? - Hierarchy of Controls
There is a recognized method for protecting employees in the workplace. It is ranked from the most effective to the least effective. Let's take a look at what these methods are and what you can expect from your organization.
| Control method | Simply put... |
|---|
| 1. Complete elimination of the risk (Elimination) | This is the best and safest way. It is to completely remove the cause of the accident. For example, if work is done on the 9th floor of a building, if it can be done from the ground, the risk of falling from above is completely eliminated. |
| 2. Substitution | If the risk cannot be completely eliminated, the next best thing is to replace it with something less dangerous. For example, replacing a paint with a harsh, toxic chemical with a low-VOC paint. |
| 3. Engineering Controls | If the hazard cannot be eliminated or replaced, reduce the hazard by making changes to the way the work is done or the environment. For example: installing guard rails when working at height, installing ventilation fans in areas with high levels of dust. |
| 4. Administrative Controls | When other methods of control are not possible, changing the way people work. Examples: putting warning labels on dangerous machines, giving frequent breaks to reduce the time spent doing risky work, and providing training on how to work safely. |
| 5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) | This is the last safety measure. If none of the above can be done or if there is still a risk after doing so, PPE should be used. Examples: ear protection in noisy areas, respirators in dusty areas, helmets, gloves. |
Imagine someone cutting wood with a loud circular saw all day long.
- Replacement: If possible, use a quieter saw.
- Engineering Control: To reduce the noise exposure to others, the employee can be assigned to work in a soundproof room.
- Administrative control: Reduce continuous noise exposure, and allow for a break once an hour.
- Personal Protective Equipment ( PPE ): Even with all of this, the worker must still wear ear protection .
Now you probably understand how much security is provided when these methods are interconnected and implemented together.
Other things you can do for your safety
In addition to the security provided by the organization, there are several things you can do to protect yourself.
- Don't guess if you don't know: If you are not sure how to do something or how to operate a machine, never guess and do it. Ask someone who knows for sure, and if necessary, get proper training before you start doing the task.
- Keep your work area clean: Keep your desk and surrounding area neat and clean. If you spill oil or water on the floor, clean it up immediately. There is a high risk of slipping and tripping in a messy environment.
- Report a dangerous situation immediately: If you see something dangerous, such as a broken appliance or an unprotected electrical cord, report it to your supervisor or manager immediately. Even if it's a "near miss," it's important to report it because it could happen to someone else next time.
- Be prepared for emergencies: Be aware of the location of emergency exits and first- aid kits at your workplace. Be aware of the company's policies on how to act in the event of an emergency (fire, accident).
Remember, while habits like keeping your back straight when lifting, bending your knees, and maintaining good posture can provide you with some protection, the most important thing is to minimize your exposure to workplace hazards as much as possible.
If you have an injury, pain, or health problem that you are experiencing at work,
talk to your doctor about it. It may be related to your job. So never delay seeking medical advice.
Take-Home Message
- Workplace safety is a shared responsibility between you and your organization.
- Be aware of the health risks associated with your job.
- Always use the personal protective equipment (PPE) provided by the organization correctly.
- If you see an unsafe situation, immediately inform those responsible.
- If you experience any accident or health problem while working, seek medical advice without delay.
Workplace safety, workplace safety, workplace health, occupational accidents, PPE, workplace health, safety tips
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