A field worker certainly knows that the risks of a job cannot be predicted. That is why it is important to be prepared in reducing the risk of accidents in every workplace or field work. For example, from work in factories or manufacturing industries, the safety of each personnel needs to be considered, which is why there is a need for Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) in every job.
What is Occupational Health and Safety(OHS)?
Occupational health and safety or usually called K3 is a reference for workers to avoid all accidents and risks when working in the field.
Almost all field work needs to ensure the existence of OHS countermeasures because the level of field workers is higher in the risk of accidents than the hazards of other jobs, for example in the construction field or in the laboratory.
This K3 includes a plan made by an K3 expert, K3 supervisory committee, worker representatives and other related parties from the company. In the process of making it, it is also not arbitrary because these rules will be followed in order to maintain the safety of all parties.
Occupational Health and Safety in Law
Written in Law No.1 of 1970 concerning work safety related to machinery, work equipment, foundation and workplace environment is to prevent accidents and illnesses caused from work and also protect production resources so as to increase company productivity.
According to the law, there are also about 18 requirements for the application of OSH in the work environment, such as:
Understanding of work risks
Selection and use of PPE
Hazard control
Workplace layout
Operation of machines and tools
Electrical safety
Hazardous chemicals
Fire prevention
Emergency evacuation
Routine maintenance and inspection
OHS training
Monitoring and Reporting
Risk Management
Occupational Health
Ladder Equipment and Working at Heights
Transportation and Traffic Safety
Noise Control
Organization of First Aid
What are the risks of accidents when working in a factory?
In a factory, of course, there are safety hazards that are different from other places. With the presence of heavy machinery and hazardous materials such as chemicals, every personnel working in the factory is required to observe OHS rules.
The process of making K3 is certainly to overcome any risks that could potentially occur in a factory, some examples are :
Machinery Accident
Operating heavy machinery and equipment can cause serious injuries if not operated properly and requires a specialist.
Electricity Accident
Unsafe electrical contact can cause serious burns and injuries. These accidents can be caused by overuse of sockets and shorting out lights or other accidents.
Chemical Accident
Hazardous chemicals can also cause potential fires within the factory such as poisoning burns or even explosions.
Fire accident
Factory environments often have a high risk of fire due to chemical leaks short circuits or the use of machines that overheat and forget to turn off.
Severe and High Altitude Accidents
Working at heights or with heavy equipment such as cranes and cranes carries the risk of falling from heights or being crushed by heavy objects.
Noise Accidents
It is not unexpected that noise is one of the potential accidents that can occur in factories. Exposure to excessive noise in the workplace can damage workers' hearing
Precautions that can be taken in Occupational Health and Safety in Factories
From the potential accidents that will occur in the factory, the precautions that need to be taken in realizing work safety in a manufacturing plant are as follows
Creating SOPs and Division of Labor
The purpose of making SOPs is so that each personnel has clear rules and work standards to direct their work operational activities. Usually the SOP contains work rules that must be obeyed by all factory personnel.
In making the SOP, it must also not get out of the OHS rules, because the SOP is a tool for the creation of OHS.
Sufficient equipment
In a factory there is certainly a risk of accidents, with the need for the availability of safety equipment. Manufacturing plants usually have fire accidents caused by machinery, electricity and the fire itself. Thus the importance of having a Light Fire Extinguisher (APAR) in every corner of the factory and in the operational room.
Health Facilities
This facility is also important in an effort to prevent accidents and support the health of all personnel in the factory. This facility can be in the form of a doctor or medical team that is always available in the factory or medicines that can save minor or severe accidents.
Place OHS Rules in every corner of the premises
The purpose of placing OHS rules is for each personnel to remember the importance of being aware of their own and each other's safety and health.
Provide PPE
Not all industries require PPE, but usually in a manufacturing plant, PPE is needed for work safety purposes and to secure personnel from chemical hazards or accidents such as fires. Therefore, wearing PPE is very important in occupational health and safety or K3.
The creation of all regulations and through a long process and the intervention of several important parties, Occupational Health and Safety or K3 is an important foundation of every company in protecting all employees.