Safety Issues in Industry

The safety of industrial workers is a major source of concern for employers and the federal government. The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration sets out a list of regulations that industries must follow to cover all of the major industrial safety concerns.

Falls

• Falls and other physical hazards are among the most dangerous and common industrial accidents. OSHA and labor unions have made fall protection a high priority in advocating for industrial worker safety. Ways to prevent falls include training workers and ensuring that scaffolding, ladders and other equipment is in good repair and used properly. In some cases, workers use harnesses to prevent falls. Railings and nets are other ways of protecting against falls, including nets used to secure items stored high on warehouse shelves that could fall and threaten workers below.

Toxic Substances

• Exposure to toxic substances is another major industrial safety issue. In many industries, workers regularly handle chemicals that are dangerous if ingested or physically contacted. Spilling a hazardous liquid may cause fumes to endanger workers' respiratory systems. Good ventilation is essential wherever dangerous chemicals are involved. In addition, workers who handle or transport such materials should wear gloves, eye protection and, in some cases, masks. Materials like asbestos are only dangerous if inhaled in the form of dust, so workers should wear masks and use water to keep the work surface wet, thus minimizing the amount of dust in the air.

Ergonomic Hazards

• While not as dramatic or acute as falls and chemical spills, ergonomic hazards are a major concern for industrial safety. Workers who perform repetitive tasks for long periods may suffer from fatigue, muscle and joint pain or atrophy. Workers who spend a great deal of time in a confined space may also suffer psychological harm, and may require special OSHA certification to do their jobs. Giving workers regular breaks and encouraging a stretching routine before beginning a shift are ways to cut down on the risks associated with ergonomic hazards.