Incidents in the Workplace
It’s no exaggeration that chemical accidents and electrical arc flash explosions cause injuries, severe burns, death, destruction and costly damage to our industrial facilities and communities nearly every single day.
These are just a few incidents in the workplace worthy of attention.
Also, consider:
- Dangers from ammonia refrigeration system leakage, food conveyor hazards and contamination of food and equipment
- Check warehouses. Typically, there are many common signs needed. Forklifts and areas around loading docks present carbon monoxide hazards. Aisles need to be clear.
- Review welding, spray booth, compressed gas storage areas – if applicable. You’ll need highly visible hazard signs in each of these areas to provide proper safety.
- Check the maintenance shop. You’ll typically find chemicals such as gas, solvents and cleaning supplies as well as possible electrical and mechanical hazards.
- Chemical storage areas are important to check for appropriate hazard warnings, leaks, spills, exposure to flammable materials and proper air flow.
- Examine overhead and gentry cranes – again, if applicable. These move materials and products throughout a facility and are potentially dangerous.
- Lockout/tag out (LO/TO). All energy sources are to be turned off and locked out while machines are serviced to prevent accidents. Energy sources that can’t be locked out must be tagged out. There are many LO/TO devices and tags available to suit your application.
- Check outdoor areas such as maintenance sheds, waste storage areas and loading docks for flammable debris, exposure to cables and stacks of boxes piled high.
- Buildings must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Life Safety Code 101. Check exits, restrooms, etc. for proper and required signage.
- Potentially dangerous electrical wiring methods
- Mechanical power transmission
Most dangerous incidents in the workplace can be minimized through signs and labels. When assessing safety sign placement, consider the following:
- Is the sign appropriate for the hazard or risk?
- Is the sign placed in the proper location to inform people of danger or the need for caution?
- Is the sign or warning used because the facility has failed or neglected to abate a correctable hazard or danger?
- Is there a more suitable sign available to replace an outdated sign?
- Has the facility changed layout or equipment placement? If so, did a safety sign evaluation take place at that time?
To prevent incidents in the workplace, request our free OSHA safety signs guide.
