When you find the right job, you won’t just feel happy about the money you earn, but also see the reward in being part of that meaningful work. However, as joyful as it may be, it’s all fun and games until some accident happens and accidents can happen when you least expect them. Since there are numerous types of jobs, there are numerous hazardous situations that can ensue but certain jobs are riskier than others.
People who are at greater risk are those who work on construction sites, forestry, manufacturing, electricity and agriculture which is why safety must never be taken lightly. The legal responsibilities of employers require the risk assessment of the workplace hazards, anything that poses a health and safety threat to the employees. Whether it’s physical hazards from noises, falls, vibrations, or chemical and biological, the duty of the employer is to rule out all the risks, sort them out by most or least likely to happen and acquire the safety supplies to prevent any harm from happening.
It’s needless to say out of all the assets a business can have, employees are the most valuable one. One can’t expect to have the positive production outcome or the desired profits if workers are exposed to all the dangers day in and day out. The amount of safety supplies that are necessary can vary depending on the job itself, the standard PPE (personal protective equipment) consisting of foot, eye and hearing protection, as well as gloves, respirators and helmet, is the one that employers are obliged to get according to the safety regulations set by OSH/WHS acts and regulations.
Once the essential basic bits and pieces are acquired, from the high visibility and flame retardant clothing (fire, corrosive liquids and gases protection), to the safety masks, helmets, gloves for chemicals and particles (e.g. during welding) protection, as well as the durable and hard-built shoes to keep feet safe from falling objects and cuts, the next step is to inform the employees on everything PPE related.
It’s important that employers get the knowledge on every bit of equipment, learn how to wear it and how to maintain it and store it for further use through training and supervision. As soon as something goes wrong with any part of the safety gear, the worker has to inform the employer so that it can be fixed or replaced. In case of doubt, it’s always advisable to consult with the supplier to have the peace of mind the PPE is suitable for the job and conditions. It’s the employer’s job to get all the safety gear, and it’s the employee’s to wear them.
