Safety Tips for Steel Plant Workers

Steep plant workers are exposed to many hazards daily while on the job, such as high temperatures and handling heavy machinery. Protecting workers in the steel industry from workplace hazards is crucial. Employers should do their best to keep their workers safe, and workers should also take steps toward ensuring their safety. For example, employers should take it upon themselves to properly train their workers on workplace safety. The following are more things steel plant employers and employees can do to ensure safety.

#1: Plan and Organize Operations With Qualified Personnel

The first thing that can be done to keep steel plant employees safe is for employers to ensure that the people involved in every operation are adequately qualified for the job. Allowing a worker to perform a task they are not qualified to perform can put the worker and other workers in harm’s way.

#2: Always Inspect Machines and Equipment

When planning an operation, it is essential to inspect all the machines and equipment to be used to check if they are safe for use. You should never operate a faulty machine or equipment.

#3: Use Machines and Equipment Properly

It is vital that you use machines and equipment the way they are supposed to be used. Misusing equipment and machines is a common cause of injuries at steel plants. Every machine and equipment comes with an instruction manual. Make sure you always follow the guidelines in the manual.

#4: Always Wear Personal Protective Equipment

To ensure you are equipped to protect yourself when working at a steel plant, you should always wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). And before you wear any PPE, inspect it to ensure it is not damaged. A damaged PPE cannot keep you from suffering an injury in case of an accident.

#5: Store Things Correctly

It is crucial to store things properly in a steel plant. For instance, objects should be kept out of aisles, and work areas and light boxes should be placed on higher shelves. Properly storing things can prevent objects from falling and causing injuries. It can also prevent slip and fall accidents.

#6: Report Unsafe Working Conditions

Immediately you notice a potentially unsafe working condition, report it to your supervisor, manager, or employer. After you report a dangerous working condition, steps can be taken to rectify the situation.

#7: Practice Proper Lifting

Among the most common injuries steel plant workers suffer are back injuries. Often, these injuries occur because of improper lifting techniques. It is crucial that you practice proper lifting techniques to prevent back injuries and other injuries. According to OSHA, safe lifting involves, among others, the following;

• Ensuring the load is as close to you as possible
• Not lifting a heavy object above shoulder level
• Avoiding carrying loads that obstruct your vision

#8: Ensure Emergency Exits Are Well Marked and Free of Clutter

Finally, all emergency exits should be properly marked. Also, it is crucial to ensure that there isn’t anything blocking emergency exits. In case of an emergency, you want to ensure you make it out safely.

Legal Help Is Available in Case of a Workplace Accident

You may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits if you suffer an injury or illness in an Illinois steel plant. Our Chicago workers’ compensation lawyer at Connolly Injury Law can help you with your claim.

Source:

osha.com/blog/proper-lifting-techniques