To ensure workplace safety, a multidisciplinary approach is needed to evaluate risks from various sources. Four areas must be examined: workspaces, operating parameters, worker experience, and personal problems. Safety materials include literature, ER equipment, prevention gear, communications equipment, and industry-specific mitigation supplies. A matrix of risk areas against types of safety material can help identify appropriate materials. Hazards outside normal operating parameters require a team approach with technical experts and line operators. The best safety materials come from promoting safe work habits and frontline supervision.
The best security materials are those that address the greatest risk factors. The safety manager must evaluate the risks posed by the operation, understand the skills and knowledge of the people carrying out the operation, and study historical industrial experiences and the like. A multidisciplinary approach helps ensure that risks from a number of different sources are assessed.
To evaluate an operation for security risks, four main areas must be examined. Individual workspaces and the general facility are screened for obstacles, tripping hazards, mechanical gears, and poor lighting. Risks due to operation while operating under approved operating parameters shall be noted. A separate list of risks inherent in operating outside the operating limits is drawn up. Finally, risks due to worker inexperience, lack of training, lack of discipline or personal problems should be collected.
Security materials fall into several types. The first is literature, films, recordings, or other media that inform, instruct, or warn. This type includes safety manuals, operating procedures, written instructions, and training films.
The second type is ER-oriented. Materials of this type include eyewash stations, first aid kits, and emergency showers. Prevention materials fall into the third category: protective gloves, harnesses and safety boots are an example. The fourth type is communications equipment and includes two-way radios, telephones, and alarms.
The last type is industry specific mitigation supplies. This specialized type covers antidotes, defibrillators and oxygen tanks. These materials are typically customized for a specific operation.
The safety manager compiles a matrix of risk areas against types of safety material. This grid can help the manager evaluate which safety materials are appropriate for each type of risk. This exercise will also help avoid gaps in security planning. For example, a remote worker can handle a harmful material and receive training, protective gear, and an antidote. The grille can remind the manager that a radio should also be available.
Hazards created by an operation outside normal operating parameters can pose the greatest danger to personnel. A team approach is helpful in assessing these risks. The team should include experienced technical experts in different specialties covering the operation. A chemical plant may require experts in chemical, chemical, mechanical engineering and industrial engineering, while an ore crushing operation may not require any input from chemical or chemical engineers, but would benefit from the knowledge of a mining engineer.
The safety team should also include line operators and technicians. Incident and operation logs must be consulted to learn from the story. External consultants can be helpful in providing a broad historical basis. Team representatives may wish to visit other similar facilities to exchange information.
The best safety materials are never bought. Instead, they are found in management‘s promotion of safe work habits, peer concern, and awareness of frontline supervision. A systematic approach to security provides a rationale for sourcing the most appropriate security materials.
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