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The intensity of industrial work poses constant risks for us.

But instead of deterring us, this only challenges us to look for more complete solutions and comprehensive responses to the threats and demands that arise around us.

That’s why, in this post, we would like to talk to you about one of the most important developments that is now being applied in several industries and manufacturing centres: the hazardous areas control.

We must conceive this tool as an assistant that works to protect us from some of the great risks we face as industrial operators. We refer to this system as an “assistant”, because it’s a technology capable of helping us even when we are unable to react appropriately, ourselves.

Hazardous area control (HA) helps us prevent the falling of people to pits or conveyor belts. It also avoids accidents in presses, crushers and compactors and allows perimetral detections in pits – all of them, risks which probably sound very familiar if you work in the recycling sector and, more specifically, in paper and cardboard recuperators, but also in other sectors such as forestry, agriculture and the like.

The core of this system consists on having operators carry electronic key tags and installing detector antennas in all machines – and their respective conveyor belts – with adjustable ranges between 1 and 5 meters. When the person who carries a tag falls on a belt, either as a result of an accident, after having been hit or having fainted, the machine automatically detects the proximity of the device and stops its operation, this preventing a very serious accident.

It is also an easy-to-deploy system – all you need is a personal key ring, detector antennas for the machines, a test-tag, a control box and a key ring antenna. This is how Claitec has already installed this solution in more than 100 recovery plants, and we continue to receive numerous queries about this new system.

In addition, the system stands out for its durability and robustness. It’s not affected by interferences between antennas and metal structures. The detection of the key ring is achieved in any position even when the material is being covered.

 

Employees working in industrial and/or construction spaces face a number of daily – and potentially very threatening – risks. To avoid damages or accidents, it´s important to emphasise on prevention and constantly think about the best ways to solve those pitfalls. It´s vital we all work on creating a responsible and safe work environment for all employees.

Within this broad range of possibilities presented by the routine of industrial work, there´s an issue we´d like to address today: should a pedestrian come across a forklift, who would have priority? How do we proceed in such cases to prevent accidents?

 

The first thing to keep in mind is that industrial zones should provide designated spaces for both pedestrians-workers and vehicular traffic. Ideally, these should be separated zones especially set up for these purposes, so as to avoid crossings and to reduce risks. If such spaces are available, the pedestrian must always walk through them, whether on sidewalks or signposted roads, and avoid areas exclusively dedicated to machinery.

It´s not always possible to establish these separated areas, and that´s when the risks increase in frequency and danger becoming a matter of concern we must follow very closely. In this case, our recommendation is that pedestrians should circulate along the left side of the alley, except when there´s a specific risk in that area.

Besides intersections, it´s important to walk on areas especially designated for that purpose, be it a zebra or a signalled pedestrian crossing. By doing so, the pedestrian will become a lot more visible to the forklift driver circulating, and avoid greater exposure to risks.

In addition, special care must be taken when traveling in groups in industrial sites or areas: large groups should always be avoided; you should try not to take up too much space when walking in groups; it´s advisable to walk in small separate groups of two or three people to avoid risks or dangerous situations.

 

Most experts in accident prevention seem to give priority to forklifts and industrial machinery when in a crosswalk with pedestrians, since these are more limited in mobility and vision. It´s easier for a pedestrian to allow access to the vehicle, taking into account the difficulties involved in manoeuvring these type of trucks in enclosed areas or when moving large loads.

 

Our recommendation is that if the rules are not clear, you try to apply the same criteria as when you are circulating in the streets of your city. Establish the same codes, adapt them to the workspace and make them clear for everyone working there at any time.

 

Global trends show the growing importance of investing in risk prevention as a benefit for both workers and warehouses. Companies are starting to notice this is a smart way to attract talent to their ranks. In addition, public opinion in general has its eyes on the ethical practices of businesses, and the treatment of their workers.

 

Beyond the culture of the company – usually closer to concepts such as mateship, work environment, development opportunities, etc., – safety is a crucial issue for a worker to feel cared for. After all, the place of work is where the majority of us spend the most part of our days.

 

Let’s review some of the practices that are being observed more and more today.

 

Transport within the company

 

1- Installation of speed ​​cameras

As a more conventional measure, companies are installing speed cameras and camcorders to ensure drivers respect the speed marked at all times.

 

2- It´s becoming compulsory to park with the back to the kerb

We have already talked about this on previous occasions – parking with the back to the kerb helps decrease the risk of accidents. Evacuations become more agile thanks to the greater visibility of drivers who can now leave immediately without having to reverse.

 

3- It´s becoming compulsory to install signal lights

As a way to reduce collision risks, companies are forcing drivers to install portable signal lights to make them more visible to other drivers, operators and pedestrians.

 

 

Awareness raising

While companies might be applying their greatest efforts to implement formal measures and controls to prevent occupational hazards, the reality is that the best care comes from the worker him or herself. Many companies have already understood that, and if the worker is fully aware of their safety, the need to implement formal controls and processes is greatly reduced.

 

4- Installation of Mirrors

Another common practice is to place a mirror in the entrance of the company or factory, with a message that says “This person is the main person in charge of your security”, or “This is the most important person in charge of the security in the plant”.

 

5- Other forms of awareness

Other forms of awareness include the broadcasting of videos that encourage the care of one’s own health-and others. Logically, these videos cannot warn of all the potential risks that exist in the workplace, but they can certainly inspire those who see it to adopt a defensive position before the existing risks.

 

Many use the same videos to transmit a certain culture and position themselves as a company that cares about the health and safety of its members.

 

Any means is valid when the end is the welfare of the workers. Companies must be creative in identifying which medium they can manage better and will have a greater impact. Many use the creation of a web portal that includes interactive materials and tasks, thus encouraging workers to learn about the topic of safety and receive additional contents.

 

 

 

 

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