Occupational Hazards and Preventive Measures in Industrial Settings
Electricity in Industry
Electricity is a common form of energy used by many companies in their production activities.
General Risks
Entrapment
Caused by moving parts of machinery.
Cuts and Amputations
Caused by the use of machines such as drills and saws.
Noise
Caused by the use of machinery such as compressors.
Strain
Due to handling loads, repetitive movements, and working in awkward positions.
Inadequate Work Organization
High work rates, unplanned work, and jobs requiring higher skills than available.
Electrical Risk
The possibility of electric current flowing through the human body can cause irreversible damage and even death.
Preventive and Protective Measures
Direct Contact
Contact of the human body with an active power source or part of the electrical installation that is normally energized.
Indirect Contact
Contact of the human body with conductors that have accidentally become energized.
Electrical Panel
Usually consists of an automatic switch, a circuit breaker, and a residual current device (RCD).
Environmental Risk Factors
Dust, vibrations.
Physical Risk Factors
Incorrect postures, insufficient space.
Manual Handling of Loads
Overexertion caused by improper handling of loads.
Guidelines for Forklift Operation
- Adjust the load to the heel of the forks to minimize the distance from the center of gravity.
- Raise loads approximately 15 cm from the ground before moving.
- Drive in reverse when visibility is limited.
- Do not overload the forklift.
- The maximum slope of the ground should not exceed 10%.
- Avoid sudden stops or accelerations to reduce the risk of overturning.
- Inspect the machine daily, including steering, horn, and brakes.
Standards for Sling Use
- The maximum load capacity must be marked on the sling.
- Slings should be of appropriate size and construction for the intended operation.
- The greater the angle formed by the sling legs, the lower the resistance.
- It is recommended that the angle between sling legs does not exceed 90 degrees.
Prevention
The set of activities or measures taken in all phases of company activity to avoid or reduce risks arising from work.
General Principles of Prevention
- Risk assessment.
- Prevent risks that cannot be avoided.
- Combat risks at their source.
- Adapt to the individual.
- Consider technological advancements.
- Replace dangerous elements with less dangerous ones.
- Plan prevention measures.
Protection
The set of activities or measures taken in all phases of business activity to reduce or eliminate the consequences of accidents.
Working Conditions
- Damage.
- Accident risk.
- Prevention.
- Collective and individual protection.
Prevention Technician
- Occupational safety and health measures.
- Ergonomics.
- Psychology.
- Social policy and training.
Individual Protection
Techniques aimed at protecting workers against external aggressions, whether physical, chemical, or biological.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Any equipment designed to be worn or held by the worker to protect against one or more risks.
Collective Protection
Techniques aimed at the simultaneous protection of several workers.