SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE
Frequently I read about a workplace accident. An employee is pouring a liquid chemical and the chemical splashes onto the employee’s skin or, worse yet, into an eye. How can this “accident” happen? Employers ask this question every day. Most know the answer. Still, I feel it is beneficial to repeat some common knowledge known by most employers.
ACCIDENT PREVENTION
Let’s consider the hair styling industry, although these ideas could apply in most industries. Safety begins with training. Let’s begin by generating a list of exposures due to the use of equipment, chemicals, and work area by each employee. This will not be an all-inclusive listing of hazards and safety practices, but it will, hopefully, serve as a reminder of what needs to be done.
Consider the equipment used, scissors, razor, hair dryer, chemicals, and work station. Each has an intended use: each will have some form of an instructions and/or Safety Tips. Has the operator read the instruction manual? Has the operator been trained on the operation and maintenance of the equipment? Has the operator been trained on how the work station is to be maintained? These questions may have obvious answers; however, the employer can/should have a system in place to ensure that each employee is following predetermined procedures.
TRAINING
The employer should have a training program, safety manual, policies and procedures to minimize the potential for accidents and injuries.
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS (MSDS)
An MSDS provides information about ingredients, potential health effects, safe use, first aid and storage of the hazardous substance. The employer is required to inform (train) the employee on the use of the MSDS. The MSDS should be close to where the hazardous substance is being used.
LABELS
Each container of a hazardous substance must have a label attached to it. The label will have the product name, risk and safety phrases, the ingredient’s chemical name, and proper storage.
OTHER SAFETY MEASURES
The use of Personal Protective Equipment consisting of, but not limited to, gloves, aprons, and safety glasses should be part of your Safety Program. Air quality, is there proper ventilation? Is the work area maintained, floor clear of debris, dry, etc.?
Hopefully this blog will serve as a reminder or a reason for getting a safety program in place. You can start by asking for help from your Human Resource department or Safety Consultant from your Workers’ Compensation Insurance provider.
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