How to avoid accidents in manufacturing environments
If you work in a factory or manufacturing environment in the St. Louis area, you are probably no stranger to the hazards you face. You know that jobs in the industrial and manufacturing sectors are not the safest, but the opportunities are plentiful and financially rewarding.
Though you might have many years of experience and are familiar with your working environment, the chances of accidents happening that can leave you disabled or cause your death are high. Here is some information to help you avoid accidents on the job.
Do not take shortcuts
Avoid taking shortcuts and not following proper protocol while you are at work. There are established procedures in place to prevent accidents and catastrophic events. If you are not familiar with machinery or procedures, ask your boss and refer to your employee manual. You should also remain aware of your surroundings and diligent so you can spot issues that might cause accidents and steer clear of them.
Wear proper safety gear
Factory work conditions facilitate the need for workers to wear safety goggles, hard hats, reflective gear, work boots and other safety clothing to protect their body parts. Safety gear is most effective when it fits the wearer well and meets industry standards.
Report defective equipment
Workers should inspect and test all machinery before using it. They should mark defective equipment so other workers know not to use it and to send it in for repairs. Defective machinery can lead to electrocution, amputation injuries, falls and deaths.
Injuries that you sustain while on the job may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. You must report your accident to your employer in a timely manner (usually within a few days), see an approved doctor and follow all treatment recommendations. If you suffer an injury in a workplace accident, do not hesitate to file a claim for workers’ compensation. You might want to speak with an attorney for guidance to lower the chances of your claim getting denied.