When it comes to working with machinery and in an industrial environment, there are far more risks than what you would encounter with a desk job. Before you enter any job site, it is essential that you know what to do in the event of an emergency and how to avoid unnecessary mistakes. The seven life saving rules were developed to keep all workers and those around them safe while on the job.
1. Get Approved to Enter Confined Spaces
In most cases you will not only have to obtain authorization from a superior, but you will also need training and certifications to be able to enter confined spaces. The reason for this rule is to make sure that someone knows where you are going and is able to track your time from when you enter the confined space to when it’s time to come out.
2. Use the Right Equipment when Working at Height
This signage will be posted on any part of the job site where you are required to tie-off to ensure that you do not injure yourself as a result of falling from a height. It can also be used to let people know that working at heights will be required for that section of the job site.
3. Don’t Consume Alcohol or Drugs at Work
This is quite obvious as the consumption of drugs and/or alcohol can put everyone at the job site in grave danger, as well as yourself.
4. Get Authorization Before Disabling Safety Equipment
In the event that you’re working on a job where you have to disable the safety equipment to get the task done, it is imperative that you receive authorization. Either your superior will tell you that it’s okay or that it’s not, if not then it means there is a high probability that you could injure yourself on the machinery.
5. Wear the Right Life Saving Equipment and Ensure Area is Clear
This is particularly common for workers that go inside of tanks to clean them after housing chemicals. It is important that you ensure everyone in the surrounding area has left or is wearing the right life protecting equipment, such as respirators.
6. Have a Valid Work Permit
Permits are not only a legal item, but they also signify that you have the skills to get the job done. An unqualified person is not going to be able to obtain a permit to do a task.
7. Safely Operate Mining Heavy Equipment
Specific to oil sands mining operations, you obviously will not want to put yourself in a situation where work accidents are going to be more likely to happen.
The single most important thing you can do to protect the safety of yourself and those around you is to undergo safety training. Metalcare is the leading safety training provider in Fort McMurray, with OSSA Fall Protection courses, Fit Testing, H2S Alive Courses, OSSA CSEM Courses, RPE Courses, and Standard First Aid Courses.
