Because any workplace can fall prey to disaster, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) puts out rules for workers and supervisors to follow. To better categorize their standards and regulations, OSHA compiles them into four groups. This makes it much easier for companies to find OSHA safety training courses tailored to their specific needs. While courses may not certify them, it gets employees more prepared to handle their job.
It is crucial for every member of a team to be aware of the safety standards and to use them seriously. As you read about the four categories and their specific hazards, you will be able to see some of the different topics offered in the courses from Hard Hat Training. Whether taken online or onsite, employees of any background can quickly lower their risk of harm as they educate themselves.
Construction
This specific industry is often the leader in injuries and OSHA violations every year. With so many different types of workers on site dealing with other equipment and vehicles, it is easy to see why. In fact, this job can be so dangerous that OSHA even has its own list of four common reasons for construction fatalities.
Whenever working on the site, proper safety devices need to be set, as many workers work from massive heights. Falls happen on regular occurrences, so things like nets or guardrails need to be put up. Also, fixtures like ladders or scaffolding must be locked into place and free of corrosion or broken rungs.
Heavy machinery also needs to be handled properly. Along with simply being able to drive them, workers should be aware of keeping them turned off or locked whenever not in use. This can prevent them from moving and pinning a colleague. Drivers also have to remain aware of people in their vicinity so that they do not strike anyone.
Hard Hat Training also provides an OSHA course in construction regarding excavation. Trenches dug up by excavators can prove hazardous for workers if they are not aware of them, causing them to fall right in and become stuck. Depending on how deep these trenches are, it can become difficult for them to get out or even call for help. Any area with trenches needs to be labeled properly so that no one accidentally stumbles in.
Agriculture
Often overlooked, the farming industry has its own sorts of dangers. Workers can be in fields or in buildings working with an array of equipment and chemicals. One of the most common reasons for fatalities in this occupation comes from tractor crashes. Even though many of them do not go to high speeds, tractors can flip over when they run into something. If not wearing a seatbelt, drivers can be thrown off and killed.
Other types of machinery can cause amputations if the user is not properly trained on them. Just like with any machinery, this equipment needs to be locked or turned off when not in use and should never be left unattended. Users should also make sure that there are no obstructions or people around when using them.
Those in agriculture can also fall victim to respiratory issues from breathing in fumes like pesticides. Employers should not only make sure that workers have masks but that they are putting them on correctly. Gloves should also be used to avoid touching any harmful chemicals.
Maritime
Working on the water has its own types of disasters. Some of the occupations that fall into this category include oil rigging, dock building, or naval activities. As they work around water, it is obvious that one of their common issues is due to slipping. Docks and floors can become slick at any time, so workers must be aware and keep a steady pace when walking. They should also be provided with slip-resistant shoes.
Some maritime workers may also be dealing with hazardous chemicals or waste. Not only can dropping them cause risk to anyone nearby, but it can contaminate the water surrounding them. As part of hazard communication, any container containing these materials should be labeled boldly and brightly. No one without proper training should be tasked with carrying them around.
Because workers can fall into the water, they should all be fitted with life jackets while on the job. In case someone does go overboard, every employee should also be trained in first aid and CPR. If working from heights or in rocky conditions, these employees should also have harnesses or bungees to lower the risk of falls.
General Industry
All other types of workers fall into this category. Even if some might not see their own occupation as dangerous, they can still be at risk of different problems over time. One area, such as the medical field, has workers dealing with biohazards and bloodborne pathogens on a daily basis. To prevent problems, there need to be specific disposal bins for needles and other wastes, along with masks and gloves available for workers.
Another common problem for workers in different fields is comfort. Musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs) or injuries can happen from improper lifting techniques or from sitting without lumbar support. People who type for a living can also fall at risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. Supervisors should make sure that their employees are able to handle their work with ease and that they can take regular breaks.
General courses provided by Hard Hat Training can also cover mental health and workplace violence. Becoming overly stressed can make workers less likely to follow safety standards, which can cause workplace mishaps. Violence can be caused by colleagues or by clients, so companies must have a no-tolerance policy established, along with space for communication, so that these problems can be resolved.
Why Hard Hat Training?
Although there are many places where companies can get their OSHA training taken care of, Hard Hat Training makes it more affordable and covers every field of occupation there is. They know that no job is safe from harm and wants to make sure everyone can be prepared. They constantly update materials to meet the latest OSHA regulations, meaning that you will never be at risk of using outdated information.
Courses can be taken in a few different ways, though many choose online courses so that all of their workers can go to one single portal for information and exams. However, companies can also take advantage of getting onsite training or training their workers themselves.
No matter what category your occupation falls under, it is your responsibility to keep yourself and your colleagues safe. Taking Hard Hat Training courses is one great step in doing so. Visit www.hardhattraining.com to see their full list of courses and learn more about the importance of being OSHA-compliant.
