Guidance notes for safe work

We would like to warn you about certain hazards and risks you are exposed to when performing work:       

BLADES AND SHARP OBJECTS

If you use blades at work, ask to be shown how they are to be used. Always cut away from the body. Blades should be appropriately maintained at all times – clean and sharp enough, since this way they are safer to use. 

WARNING: You must report even the smallest injuries to your superior (»foreman« or »boss«)!  

FIRST AID

If you cut yourself with a blade or a sharp object, press the wound with a sterile gauze or a clean cloth to stop the bleeding.      

 

HEAT, FIRE, HOT LIQUIDS   

Be careful not to touch a hot surface (consequences may be worse than you imagine). Be careful not to step too close to an open fire (your clothes may catch fire). In case of a fire, fire extinguishers must be used – ask your superior or the person responsible for safety at work to show you how they function. If the fire is too strong let the professionals take care of it (do not play a hero unnecessarily). You must take care not to burn yourself with hot liquids; steam may also be dangerous.      

FIRST AID

You must cool, cool and once again cool the burn under running water. You need to cool the burn until the pain stops, which is for at least 15 minutes. If, after that, the pain still does not stop and if the area of the burn is larger than the size of your hand, you should see a doctor.

 

CHEMICALS

Always ask your superior about the names of the substances you use at work and their potential risks to health. A safety data list with information on its composition and health effects must be attached to each chemical used in the workplace – read it. A safety data list must also be done in Slovene. If that is not the case, call your superiors' attention to it. If personal protective equipment (gloves, apron, and goggles) must be worn when working with a particular substance, use it at all times. If you notice any rash on your skin or have any trouble breathing when using a particular substance, talk to your doctor about it.

WARNING: If the label indicates that a substance is particularly hazardous to health or may even cause cancer, you must not use it at all!

FIRST AID

If, by accident, you ingest a chemical substance at work, immediately tell that to your superior who must know how harmful the substance is. If you encounter any problems, go to the doctor and take the packaging of the substance you have ingested or the safety data list with you. Do not drink milk; if you ingested a corrosive substance, do not make yourself sick.

 

FALLS

Make sure there are no water or oil spots you could slip on on your workplace floor. Remove all the objects you could trip on or fall over (boxes, electric cables) from your way. If the floor is poorly lit, you must be particularly careful not to step in a hole or on a sharp object. If you work at heights (e.g. in construction), you must be protected by a protective fence or a safety belt.    

WARNING: Be careful how you use a ladder. Place it in a safe and stable manner and never step on the highest rungs. Ask your colleagues for help.

FIRST AID

If, when you fall, you get injured and feel pain or the injured area swells up, consult with your superiors or go see your doctor. Apply a cold compress to the injured area. 

 

MACHINES

Always ask your superior to explain to you in detail the correct use of the machine and the function of each individual part of it. Never put your hand in the moving parts of a machine. Do not forget that electricity and water to not mix well. ALWAYS disconnect the machine before cleaning. Always follow the INSTRUCTION MANUAL and never attempt to simplify the use of the machine by removing any of its safety features. Never use a machine that is not in working order.

WARNING: You must report any injuries related to the use of machines to your superiors so that they will be able to prevent any further occurrences of this type of injuries.

FIRST AID

depends of the nature of the injury.

TURN OFF THE MACHINE IMMEDIATELY!

 

LIFTING LOADS

There are certain rules you must consider when lifting loads. Never lift any load in a sitting position and do not bend at your waist (and your lumbar spine) to reach the load; instead, bend your knees and squat, keep your legs somewhat apart to enhance stability and lift the load as close to the body as possible – this way you will only need to use minimum strength; you must hold the load steady so that it may not swing around; turn by shifting from one foot to the other. (Do not bend at waist!)  

WARNING: If possible, you should push the load instead of lifting it! Help yourself with handy means of transport! Ask your colleagues to help you – it is much nicer to work in a group!!!

 

VIOLENCE

If you have to work alone, arrange with your colleagues or superiors to call them at any time, should you find yourself at risk. If there is an attempt of robbery, do not play a hero and argue with those who threaten you. 

WARNING: In case of any emotional or physical violence in the workplace you must report it to your superiors or officials (the police) IMMEDIATELY, regardless of whether you know the person or not.

 

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Accidents in the workplace could often be prevented if the workers used the personal protective equipment intended to protect certain parts of the body against injuries. You probably would not consider driving a motorcycle without the helmet; likewise, you need to get used to covering the most exposed body parts at work.  

If there is a danger of a hard or liquid foreign object penetrating to your eye, use goggles. Also use them when welding. If there is noise exceeding 80 dB in your working environment (noise at which you have to speak into your colleague's ear to be understood), use the personal equipment intended to protect your hearing (earplugs, earmuffs, etc.). When working with corrosive or otherwise hazardous chemical substances, use appropriate personal protective equipment (gloves, apron, shoes, etc.). You need to wear gloves when you work with sharp objects. Some working shoes have reinforced tips, which protect you from falling objects.    

WARNING: If personal protective equipment is not available, ask your superiors to provide it for you. When you get it, use it REGULARLY. Do not follow the example of older workers who may not use this equipment. Your health and life are your responsibility.  

 

CLOTHING

Do not wear loose-fitting clothes or hanging jewellery in the workplace as they might get stuck in the moving parts of the machines. If your hair is long, it must be tied back. Wear closed-toe and comfortable shoes. This will prevent injuries to your legs and protect them from falling objects and other hazards. The comfortable shoes will make walking and standing in the workplace easier. Your clothes must be suitable for conditions in the workplace. If you are exposed to sun, heat, cold, poisons … you must be protected by your clothing, practical and easy to clean.