Safety Protocols Every Industry Worker Should Know

Health and safety in industrial work is of paramount importance. Warehouses pose various occupational safety and health risks, with accidents hiding around each and every corner. Since health and safety is a basic human right, there are various protocols in place to protect employees. 

All staff members should play their part in sustaining stringent health and safety protocols in the workplace. This will help mitigate any risks and reduce injuries, creating a much safer work environment. Learn about workplace health and safety, including warehouse safety protocols, to ensure a safe working environment for all employees.

Why is Safety Important in Industrial Work?

Safety in the workplace is about much more than just compliance. Employers and employees need to work together to foster a positive culture that promotes wellbeing and boosts productivity. It’s a win-win situation for everybody involved.

Here are some of the top reasons why warehouse safety guidelines should be a top priority:

• Improved Physical Health. Warehouses involve hazardous materials, machinery, chemicals and equipment that can pose dangerous risks to workers. Implementing necessary safety protocols will help prevent accidents and fatal injuries.
• Better Mental Health. Employers who prioritise health and safety will see an increase in worker satisfaction. If employees feel safe and supported at work, they will perform better in their roles and be less inclined to leave.
• Increased Productivity. Fewer accidents leads to fewer disruptions and increased efficiency in the workplace. This results in lower Days Away, Restricted or Transferred (DART) and Lost Time Injury (LTI) rates. 
• Legal Compliance. Industries are required by law to comply with certain health and safety protocols. Adhering to these regulations helps businesses avoid any unwanted legal consequences, including fines or suspensions.
• Cost Savings. Although investing in health and safety protocols may be costly at first, they can help industries save money in the long term. If less workers are injured on-the-job, businesses can save money on injury costs and insurance claims.
• Company Reputation. Maintaining a solid safety record will help build a positive reputation. This will make your company more attractive to customers, partners, investors, employees, and the public.

Understanding EHS Industrial Safety Guidelines

The EHS industrial safety guidelines are a set of agreed standards designed to protect industrial workers from potential hazards and dangers. They are important for all industry workers, regardless of job title or experience. The guidelines cover a variety of topics such as chemical safety, personal protective equipment and emergency procedures. By following these guidelines, you can help prevent accidents and injuries in the warehouse.

The EHS industry safety guidelines cover:

• Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). This provides key information on chemical safety including potential hazards, safe handling and first aid protocols.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This outlines the different types of PPE available and which activities call for which PPE.
• Lockout/Tagout Procedures. These are a set of safety procedures for working at height, including the use of necessary fall protection equipment.

Top 10 Safety Tips for Industrial Workers

All employees must dedicate themselves to following health and safety measures in the workplace.  If all employees adhere to the following tips, this will help foster a safe work environment:

1. Be aware of potential risks in the workplace i.e. handling hazardous acids in a chemical factory
2. Report unsafe working conditions to a supervisor or manager immediately
3. Follow emergency procedures or fire safety protocols if a flood, fire, or chemical leak occurs.
4. Use tools, equipment and machinery safely, and don’t operate specialist machinery unless certified
5. Keep the workplace clean and tidy to avoid any trips, slips and falls
6. Wear the correct PPE assigned for the task i.e. helmets, gloves, safety goggles
7. Take regular breaks to rest and recharge when working for long periods of time
8. Stay up-to-date with new procedures, protocols and guidelines in the workplace 
9. Maintain good posture when operating machinery or lifting heavy objects 
10. Support new employees and teach them the correct health and safety procedures

Looking for Your Next Role in Industry?

Whether you’re new to industrial work or are seeking your next role, the team at RE Recruitment is here to help. We hire workers for various jobs in warehouses, factories, and workshops in the UK, from supervisors to machine operators and everything in between.  Register with us today to take the next step in your industrial career journey.