Many employees spend over seven hours within office premises, especially in high intensity workplaces or demanding working environments where chances of a mishap or an accident are considerably high. Thus, it is important to improve safety by incorporating specific products and goods which can maximise security, thereby making the workplace an ideal environment for employees.
To this end, the British Health and Safety Legislation has devised certain rules and regulations for minimising avoidable accidents at the workplace – factory and offices alike. These rules are enshrined in a multi-step guide for regulating operations at the workplace which include the following steps.
Risk Assessment –Employers should devise policies after carrying out a proper risk assessment of the workplace and make changes in the infrastructure or construction design if required. Risk assessment includes obtaining certificates of clearance from the designated authorities to minimise the chances of a mishap. Sometimes, the regulatory authorities may ask the organisation to install certain equipment such as buzzers, tough glass surfaces, fire extinguishers etc. to maximise safety and security.
Lone and Night Shift Workers – According to the law, organisations must devise separate policies for employees working extra hours, or those working night shifts or alone. Installation of security equipment such as automated alarms and entrance locks should be included in the policy.
Employers are also required to devise ‘Restricted Area Access’ policies for demanding environments. We have prepared a list of six practical goods and products that are crucial in factories and other high-intensity workplaces.
1. Fire Extinguishers
According to the Fire Industry Association, portable fire extinguishers have helped overcome around 88% fires in the UK. Issued in 2005, The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order also requires high-intensity workplaces to obtain a Fire Safety Certificate remaining operational. These demanding environments also include workplace, tents, movable structures and land installations. A fire extinguisher should be easily accessible and all the staff should know its placement and position.
2. Silicone Sealants
Silicone sealants are stronger adhesives than industrial glue. These sealants are effective for making technical designs and buildings resistant to rapid temperature changes. Silicone sealants differ based on their properties. Temperature adaptive silicone sealants enable a building to withstand temperature changes and variations in air pressure. Silicone sealants can also be used to safely join surfaces made from different materials including glass, concrete, mosaic, metal, wood etc.
Silicone sealants provide better adhesion and add to a material’s shock absorption strength. This is why they are commonly used in the construction of buildings, manufacturing of vehicles, etc. In high intensity workplaces or factories, the chances of structural damage are high due to reasons such as the emission of chemicals, release of industrial waste, use of heavy machinery, etc. A popular retailer that I came across that sells various silicone sealants is https://www.evt-sealants.com/en who would be an ideal choice if you want to maximise infrastructural security in high intensity workplaces and ensure employee security. EVT will be able to discuss your requirements with you and provide you with something suitable.
3. Safety Alarms
Managing employees and keeping them from panicking can be very difficult during emergencies. We have a long history of unfortunate incidents when fire outbreaks, earthquakes or other emergencies were mismanaged, resulting in numerous injuries and casualties’ due to stampeding. Safety alarms play a key role in employee management during emergencies. Organisations need to prepare a plan for managing emergencies, such automated safety alarms which can signal an emergency one by one on each floor or in each section of the workplace.
4. Regulatory Boards
Restricting access in specific or high intensity work areas is crucial as these can cause injury to untrained people. In open sites where doors or locks are not available such as onsite construction, you can restrict access by placing regulatory boards. Make sure to place regulatory boards near safety exits for convenient evacuation of buildings during emergencies. These boards can contain various rules, laws and instructions for safe evacuation.
5. Security Cameras
Chances of a security lapse can be higher in demanding environments, especially if the security infrastructure is poorly devised. Security cameras reduce the chances of a security breach and ensure the safety of your intellectual property by monitoring employees and visitors. The law allows employers to use security cameras for monitoring the employees at the workplace along with a few restrictions under individual privacy laws. Security cameras are also necessary for minimising the chances of workplace harassment, racial discrimination or other such unethical practices which may cause damage to your organisation’s reputation.
6. Announcement Equipment
Announcement equipment may include a mic, speaker and an audio management system. Fortunately, the law allows employers to use announcement equipment in all areas of the workplace, except for in on-site clinics. Announcement equipment can facilitate employee management during emergencies and can be equally useful for making announcements related to breaks, new installation, new rules, etc.
An efficient working environment is not only necessary for your employee’s safety, but also for the reputation of your business.
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