Maintaining safety on the shop floor is an all-encompassing task, and one that must be taken seriously by everyone in the business. A healthy, happy workforce is a productive workforce, and amplifying safety and security efforts is, in large part, how that is achieved. Safety in the shop extends beyond the basics, like the availability of PPE and keeping walkways clear of debris. In the context of fabrication, there are other dangers that can present themselves, for which more sophisticated and creative safety measures may benefit employees.
When it comes to welding, particularly on an open shop floor, numerous safety measures are necessary. There are a few factors that contribute to the dangerous nature of welding – namely the heat, light output, and fumes/debris. The heat generated by an arc weld is roughly 6,000-8,000°C, and arc welds produce a potentially damaging level of brightness, meaning that appropriate equipment like gloves and masks are required for this task. There can also be weld fumes and metal particulates in the air, which are damaging to the lungs, particularly when inhaled regularly or over a long period of time. Introducing additional safety equipment, like a FumeDog portable fume extractor, keeps the air cleaner and safer to breathe where welders are working. These extractors use fans to pull the particulates into a filtration system using negative airflow, meaning the pressure in the confined filtration compartment is lower than it is outside of the unit. This keeps the particles trapped within the unit, without risk that they will blow back into the workspace. Introducing one or more FumeDog fume extractors into the shop space will positively impact the air quality, which benefits not just the welders, but anyone who may work nearby within the shop.
Another potentially overlooked element of shop health and safety is investment in worker wellbeing. Skilled trades have a reputation for requiring long, demanding hours on the job that can influence factors like nutrition, sleep, and mood. Taking a wellness-minded approach when staff are on the clock can help boost productivity and output; this can include things like providing a catered lunch, ensuring filtered water is available close to work stations, and engaging in team-building exercises and appreciation efforts. By contributing to workers’ overall well-being, staff can show up to work better able to handle the demands of the day in a safe and thorough manner.
Appropriate and effective barriers are also beneficial to maintaining a safe environment. Traditional fencing and curtains can certainly help identify areas where dangerous work is taking place, but they do not always represent the most optimal solution. For example, extreme light could be visible through fencing, or a curtain could be accidentally bumped, shifted, or damaged. AI-driven options, like the Atlas Door from Titan Guarding, recognize on their own when it’s okay to open and allow entry, creating a more effective barrier between the shop at large and the specific work taking place. This type of solution can be especially beneficial in smaller shops or workspaces, particularly where non-technical staff could be stationed nearby.
Ensuring health, safety, and wellness on job sites is more than just a legal requirement; it’s also a moral obligation. By implementing strategies, processes, and tools that foster a culture of safety, businesses can protect their most valuable asset – the people.
Bình luận