Common Health and Safety Hazards in Factories

Just like elsewhere in the western world, In thesafety goggles, helmets, gloves, safety shoes,
UK as well the government has prescribed someand coveralls. For avoiding health hazards, a virus
safety regulations that have to be adhered to byfree and well ventilated environment is provided.
any workplace. Protection against health andClean drinking water, clean and safe kitchen and
safety hazards may even extend to the familieseating areas are maintained. Some factories
of people employed in hazardous occupations. Inrequire medical checkups of the employees on
the European Union, member countries haveregular basis.
enforced authorities to ensure that the legalThere are some basic health and safety rules that
basics related to occupational health and safetyall factory owners are bound to follow. There are
hazards is followed in any case.special rules for factories that use hazardous
Hazard is something that can cause harm if notmaterial. These include installation of safety
controlled. A risk is the probability of the outcomeshowers and eye wash stands. Special safety
which will occur if harm occurs. The outcome canclothes may also be required by law to be
be defined as the result of an uncontrolled hazard.provided to the employees.
Risk analysis is conducted to identify hazards,The common safety and health laws that
evaluate the risk, and identify and prioritize thefactories in the UK have to follow can be found in
required actions.the local factory laws. They may differ slightly
Workplace safety hazards are normally groupeddepending on the local county laws. Health laws
into environmental hazards, environmental agents,cover providing a well ventilated, clean, and dust
physical agents, physical hazards, chemical agents,free environment. Safety laws require wearing of
and biological hazards. Environmental hazardsproper safety equipment as required by the type
normally include asphyxiation and dehydration.of job being performed. If it is a factory where
Environmental agents include heat and cold stress.there is a probability of falling objects striking
Physical hazards include collision, tripping, falling, andsomeone, then safety helmets must be worn. If
electricity. Physical agents include noise, vibration,the floors are wet or slippery, proper safety
and lighting.shoes must be worn.
Other hazards are mechanical hazards, biologicalThe basic rules are very general in nature as they
hazards, and chemical agents. Depending on theencompass the entire business spectrum. But
type of work that is done in a factory, safetythere are further classifications that are factory
precautions have to be employed. Office workersdependent. If the factory handles harmful
can be affected by a flu spread by a co-worker,chemicals, then the safety laws are going to be
and a factory worker can receive serious injurydifferent from a factory that does packaging.
because of an accident. Common health andOne single rule cannot cover all factories' safety
safety hazards can be avoided by takingand health regulations. In most cases, the rules
necessary precautions. But, even with allregarding safety and health can also be quite
necessary precautions accidents do occur.vague.
To minimize safety hazards, workers are issued