Welp MagazineWhile there are quite a few perks to getting into industrial work, employers and promoters of the field often don’t go into great enough detail on the potential dangers that workers could face every day. We’re not here to try to convince you not to go down this career path. We just want to talk about the dangerous hazards you should be aware of in industrial work. If you know all of the good and bad aspects of what you’re getting yourself into, you’ll feel better about your decision in the end.
Slip-and-Falls
The number of objects that could cause a person to slip and fall in a factory or on a job site is higher than we could ever list. Always watch where you’re walking, and if you see something that could trip you or someone else up, stop what you’re doing and take care of it immediately.
Flash Fires
Depending on which job you take, fires might be more common than you think. Your employer will require you to wear fire-resistant clothing, but even that has its limitations. As long as you remain vigilant, you shouldn’t have to worry about it too much.
Electrical Issues
At any point, a person could get electrocuted by a live wire. Ensuring that all cables are adequately covered and that the people dealing with them wear the correct PPE will help cut down on injuries. The best way to work with electrical issues is to start by cutting the power if possible.
Chemical Hazards
Industrial jobs that regularly handle chemicals will have a long list of what you should do if you encounter them. You will also receive the necessary facial and body coverings to protect you from possible contact or injection. Despite all of that, accidents can still occur, so be aware of your surroundings when dealing with chemicals.
Heavy Machinery
No matter which industrial job you end up going with, heavy machinery is probably a significant part. Pay close attention during your training. As long as you use the machine properly, you shouldn’t run into any issues that would harm you.
Ergonomic Problems
Some of the most overlooked dangerous hazards you should be aware of in industrial work are ergonomic ones. Many jobs will have you doing repetitive tasks or sitting in an unnatural position. You need to make sure you’re comfortable with what you’re doing, and if a problem arises, you need to handle it immediately. Brushing it under the rug will lead to lifelong injuries, and you may never fully recover.
Noise Pollution
The final hazard is your typical noise pollution. Factories and job sites are loud. If you don’t wear proper protection for your ears, you will slowly damage your hearing over time, leading to problems such as tinnitus. While this is a widespread issue, you can’t do much to stop the noises from happening. Luckily, the protective measures are easy to adhere to and can help save your hearing.
