Recently got a job at a factory? Factory workers can earn good money and in an age where traditional factory jobs are in decline, you faced steep competition. So congratulations.
But now you have the job you are probably worried about what is expected of you in the industrial factory. In fact, there are a few simple rules you can follow to ensure that you stay safe during your first days at work.
Here are some manufacturing safety topics.
1. Wear Protective Equipment
Always wear protective equipment. This depends on the nature of the factory you are working in. If you are working with fire – perhaps you are working in a glass factory – then it is important you wear a face mask and gloves to ensure that you don’t get burned.
If you are working with toxic chemicals you might also need more protective equipment around the mouth to ensure you don’t inhale them. An industrial shredder might require finger guards.
Always ask your boss or the person in charge of health and safety if you are unsure of what you need to wear to be safe. This is your safety tip of the day.
2. Follow All the Rules
On your first day at work or at least during your first few days you should be given a list of all of the rules you should be expected to follow. Some of these will be legal requirements, others will be rules designed to make working in a large factory of hundreds, maybe even thousands, of workers acceptable.
Some standard rules that most people working in a factory should be expected to follow include singing in and out every time you enter the factory. This is so that if anything goes wrong the managers of the factory have a list of people who are currently on duty so they can be safely evacuated. It also makes it easier to investigate employees who have not followed the rules and have created a dangerous situation.
In some factories where workers have to use dangerous chemicals or work with high heat, there may well be a requirement to work in small groups. This way if one worker faints or falls ill another worker can be there to assist him.
You may also be required to fill out a health and safety briefing at the end of every shift.
Be sure to hand in your mobile phones or store them in a locker so that you can concentrate fully without distractions.
Some factories are embracing high-technology that requires knowing how to operate complex machinery in so-called smart factories. Be sure to get training on this to avoid costly mistakes or putting other employees in danger.
3. Don’t Overwork
Some factories put a lot of pressure on their employees to work long hours. The management want to ensure that the production line is always at full capacity and employees working on futuristic projects like Telsa cars regularly complain about the pressure they are put under to compete with robotic technology also present in the factory. But if you work too many hours in a row it could be dangerous for you and counterproductive for the company.
There are legal requirements about the amount of time a worker must take between a shift. Be sure to know what these requirements are and to speak up if you feel the company is acting illegally.
If you are feeling overworked then the company might decide to send you home. Don’t come to work if you are feeling overworked even if you need the overtime. It isn’t worth it.
4. Don’t Slip – Clean it Up
If you work in a factory with liquids or there is an onsight kitchen then be sure to clean up any spillages that take place. Leaving even a small bit of liquid on the floor can lead to an employee slipping over and seriously hurting themselves. If you or others are carrying heavy equipment around then this can be very dangerous.
If you slip and fall over and this equipment lands on you or another employee you could break your foot and end up in hospital. The potential for lawsuits is also very real.
5. Take a Break if You’re Feeling Ill
If you are working in a factory that prepares or processes food then hygiene is very important. If you start feeling ill for any reason then it is important you excuse yourself as you may contaminate the food or drinks. Don’t feel under pressure to come in from your employer, call in sick if you feel unwell.
There are usually rules regarding employees being sick. Employers that develop a sickness must be sent home.
6. Wash Your Hands
Another way to maintain hygiene policies in the factory is to make sure you regularly wash your hands thoroughly. Take regular toilet breaks and make sure you cover both sides of your hands in antibacterial soap.
Even in factories where you wear gloves, it is still important to wash your hands as you are still surrounded by hundreds of other workers each day and it is easy to pick up a bug or to spread any illness you have, particularly if you all leave the factory at the same time.
How to be Safe in an Industrial Factory: Follow the Rules
If you want to maintain your safety in an industrial factory then be sure to follow all of the rules set by your workplace. If you are not clear what these are, be sure to ask your supervisor or find out who the health and safety advisor is and ask their advice.
Most workplaces should provide a health and safety briefing or more in-depth training at the start of your work for then. There are a number of things you can do, however, of your volition such as washing your hands regularly and not overworking yourself.
If you are interested in reading more about manufacturing safety or daily workplace safety tips then be sure to check out the rest of our site.
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