How Can Engineers Stay Safe in the Workplace?

The environment in which an engineer works can be considered hazardous, with different equipment, materials, and debris that can potentially cause accidents. Under the law, employers are responsible for creating a safe work site for their employees. But of course, engineers and other professionals should also do their part to ensure their safety and security while on the job. 

Here are some tips to help you create a safer environment for yourself and for others. 

1. Identify possible risks 

   Depending on their roles, engineers can either spend a majority of their time in the office or in construction sites. The latter is a hazardous environment for anyone, which is why there are safety measures, rules, and protocols in place to ensure the protection of workers, as well as pedestrians passing by. 

   To keep yourself safe in a construction or building site, the first step is identifying the possible risks that you need to be mindful of. By being more aware of potential dangers for you and the people around you, you’re already halfway towards ensuring a safer work environment. 

   In a construction site where engineers commonly dwell to fulfill their responsibilities, there are the following classifications of safety risks: 

   • Biological hazards, i,e, viruses, fungi, bacteria, parasites.

   • Chemical hazards, i.e. dangerous chemicals, solids, liquids, mist, gas, vapor, dust, fume, etc.

   • Ergonomic hazards, i.e. work demands forceful and repetitive movements, extreme temperatures, awkward postures, improperly design equipment 

   • Physical hazards i.e. anything caused by pressure, vibration, noise, energy, heat, cold, weather, radiation, electricity, etc. 

   • Safety hazards, i.e. unsafe conditions and practices, inadequate guards and protective equipment, etc.

   As much as possible, the risks aforementioned should be prevented. Check to see if everything is in its proper place, functions the way it’s supposed to, and doesn’t show any signs of damage or wear and tear. If there is nothing you can do about a potential risk, take the effort of reporting it to your manager. 

2. Communicate with colleagues 

   Part of the frequent communication between colleagues and coworkers should be to discuss the health and safety conditions in the construction site. Give everyone the responsibility of reporting any safety hazards and make them accountable for their own actions by ensuring they adhere to safety guidelines and protocols. 

   It’s important to hold scheduled meetings to report any health or safety issues. Record what is reported in these meetings to help you identify any risk patterns and manage it before someone gets hurt. 

   Also, inform all your coworkers about the possible accident areas or safety risks in your surroundings. With everyone more aware, they can prevent any accidents or harm to themselves and to others around them. 

3. Always abide by safety protocols 

   Every construction or building site should have health and safety protocols that are followed by everyone who walks in and out of the premises. Employers are responsible for creating policies that promote health and safety, as well as training workers on how to prevent harm to themselves and their workmates. 

   There may be different rules and requirements asked from you, depending on the protocols of your company, as well as the nature of the job that you do. However, in engineering jobs, it’s common practice to wear personal protective equipment at all times. These can include gloves, a coat, a hard hat, etc. 

   The workplace can be a hazardous place for engineers — but only if they do not practice proper care and abide by the safety regulations in place. These tips can help you foster your security around the environment in which you work and pave the way to a safe and fulfilling career. 

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