Ensuring the safety of workers should be among the top priorities for any company. This can be done through various means of personal protective equipment, or PPE, different on-site safety systems, and more. Join us as we go over some of the most common methods different companies protect their employees.
The Value of PPE
Personal protective equipment represents the core of on-site employee safety. PPE encompasses a wide range of wearable gear that is designed to protect the user by presenting itself as a layer of protection from various debris, sonic protection, and/or eyesight protection. Additionally, PPE also makes the user more visible in low light conditions, or in conditions of limited field of view.
Of course, PPE differs from industry to industry. Construction companies will issue their workers hard hats, reflective vests, safety harnesses, and eye/ear protection. However, this type of personal protection equipment doesn’t work in a laboratory setting where lab technicians are handling large quantities of toxic substances.
In their case, PPE means various respirators and similar devices, chemically resistant suits, and more. Understanding the safety challenges of the industry it operates in should be one of the main priorities of any company that is seeking optimal performance.
Special Purpose On-Site Safety Tools
PPE is the core of employee safety measures, but it’s far from being the only safety measure in place. Static or secondary employee safety systems include everything from fire extinguishers to specialized equipment that will be mentioned in the next section of this guide.
Keeping people safe during their work hours can be a very dynamic process. Especially when you have to account for threats that are extraordinary, to say the least. The recent pandemic has uncovered the need for fast problem-solving solutions on the part of the industry. Neutralizing viruses on a level necessary to allow hospitals to remain functioning was a challenge, but one that was beaten through the use of innovative solutions.
We’re mainly talking about the UVC devices designed to sterilize hospital spaces. This website showcases some of the more innovative solutions that are being implemented in this field. Footwear soles are a serious vector for the spreading of various viruses, bacteria, and other organisms that are best kept outside hospitals.
UVC is a form of UV radiation that is safe for humans. More specifically, it’s a very narrow frequency band that isn’t harmful to people. Where standard UV radiation penetrates the skin on exposure, UVC isn’t capable of doing so. That being said, this frequency of UV radiation is more than capable of penetrating the microscopic shell of viruses and bacteria, rendering them completely inert. The UVC sole machines aren’t the only way this technology is being used in hospitals all over the world.
Many facilities, especially those that were hit the hardest during the pandemic, defaulted to using portable UVC omnidirectional light machines that flood entire rooms with enough UVC to neutralize any potential threats inside.
How can UVC help your company? The answer to that question depends largely on the industry you’re in, the size of your manufacturing/office space, and many other factors. However, UVC devices similar to the ones mentioned above can serve to help curb any spread of infection within your company.
Training
Although PPE and other forms of safety equipment are a must, they are just tools. The only way these tools can be effective at keeping your employees safe is if they are trained in using them and following safety procedures. Without proper training, PPE can’t reach the level of efficiency necessary to reduce injuries and to keep everyone safe.
On-site training is a must, but there are also a number of nationally credited courses that could benefit your organization. It’s worth looking into any safety courses and safety training that is directly related to your niche. This is especially true if your company does a lot of fieldwork and has employees operating heavy machinery.
Developing a Culture of Personal Safety
Lastly, one of the most effective ways of boosting the safety of your employees is to work on developing a corporate culture focused on personal safety. By constantly emphasizing the need to follow protocol and use every piece of safety equipment available, you’ll achieve prevention, which is the ultimate goal.
Companies that enforce personal safety equipment and procedures are companies whose employees feel valued. Not to mention that whatever investments in PPE and other equipment are nothing compared to the expenses of on-site mass injuries, lawsuits, and more. By keeping your people safe, you’re keeping your company safe.
