Workplace safety should be a top priority for everyone, especially plumbers. Being a plumber often means wedging yourself into tight cramped areas and exposure to harmful chemicals. While in the field plumbers come across their fair share of hazardous situations. That’s why it is so important to make sure you are taking the proper precautions and protecting yourself and employees from workplace safety concerns.
-
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration is a serious matter and can compromise workplace safety. It is suggested that people drink at least 8 large glasses of water per day, and more during hot weather. Unfortunately many people do not drink the recommended amount of water, preferring to get their fluids form sodas, coffee, teas, alcohol etc… all of which can have a diuretic effect. Dehydration is a workplace safety concern because it affects your ability to do your job well with side effects like: feeling dizzy, anger, impatience, tiredness, irritability, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and short attention spans. All of which can have a negative impact on your quality of work and compromise your workplace safety.
-
Exposure to toxic substances
One of the main workplace safety hazards a plumber comes across is exposure to toxic substances. Lead, asbestos, adhesives, mold, solvents, solder, and sulfur dioxides are among a few of the toxic substances that affect workplace safety for plumbers. Proper education and gear can help eliminate these risks. When it comes lead and asbestos extreme caution should be taken with proper remediation done by a specialist.
-
Infections from animal droppings
Plumbers find themselves in odd locations often times inhabited by birds and rodents. Of which their droppings can make you really sick which is a workplace safety concern. Again to promote workplace safety proper education and gear is required.
-
Tight spaces and awkward positions
A plumbing job may often take you to tight crawl spaces and require awkward positions which are a workplace safety concern because this can lead to back and hip problems. If you find yourself in an awkward position for too long take frequent break and remember to stretch afterward. Also consider wearing preventive protective gear like back braces, knee pads, and good shoes with proper arch support.
-
Injury from various tools
Plumbing sometimes requires the use of specialty tools that make cause injury if you are not careful. To avoid a workplace safety concern make sure that you and your staff are properly trained on the procedure of using the equipment. In addition make sure that anyone using dangerous tools is in the right state of mind, alert and focused. Being tired is another workplace safety concern that can have a negative impact on using heavy machinery or dangerous tools.
Other areas that contribute to workplace safety concerns for plumbers are: improper lifting of heavy objects, slips and falls, injury from flying particles, and injuries while on the road. Remember most workplace safety concerns can be avoided. Good education and training and the proper equipment and gear can really help reduce a lot of workplace safety concerns.
Click here to learn more about our internet marketing programs.
Related Articles
Plumbing Safety – Things to Watch Out for When Working on Older Buildings
Proper Ergonomics for Plumbers
Plumbing Safety 101 – Common Plumbing Hazards