dust and debris in site

Dust and debris in worksites may seem small and insignificant. But what most people don’t know is that these seemingly small nuisances are actually among the biggest causes of accidents in worksites. Additionally, dust and debris can also damage worksite facilities, machinery and equipment, which decreasing their efficiency and life spans.

Below are three ways dust and debris can affect the operations in your work site.

Injury

Accidents caused by dust and debris are the most common health and safety hazards in the workplace. Dust and debris such as loose cords, bolts and rocks can result to slips and trips, which can then cause injury among workers. This will in turn affect the operations in your worksite. Accidents caused by these may even lead to loss of life. 

Respiratory problems

Inhaling dust, sand, wood chips and similar debris can result to a number of negative respiratory effects on employees. Inhaling dust can lead to short-term medical conditions like rhinitis, irritated eyes, and coughing, making them less productive at work. Dust inhalation can also result to long-term health effects such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma, which can both be life-threatening.

Broken equipment 

Over time, accumulated dust and debris can have a negative impact on the equipment and machinery in worksites. Dust can get itself into small holes and can obstruct a machine’s components. Accumulated debris can also block the vent-holes of equipment and machines, causing them to overheat and even become unusable. Dust and debris are also known to shorten the life spans of equipment and machinery.

Some tips for a workplace free from dust and debris

  1. Ensure that workers are wearing the appropriate equipment
    Providing your workers with protective equipment such as filter pads, dust masks, gloves, heavy duty hard hats, protective glasses and safety shoes is the best way to protect them against safety and health hazards caused by dust and debris. Before starting their work, make sure that your workers are wearing the appropriate gear.

  2. Always keep the worksite clean
    Keeping work areas, hallways and staircases clear of dust and debris as often as possible should be standard operating procedure in your workplace. Clean work areas help your workers avoid hazards resulting to injury. For small debris, a plastic broom and pan pair is enough, but if you want more efficient debris cleaning, you can also opt for an automatic floor sweeper.

  3. Keep first-aid in accessible areas
    Even with various safety precautions in place, accidents caused by dust and debris can still happen, which is why you need to make sure that first-aid can be readily administered when something bad happens. Keep a first-aid kit in an accessible area, and make sure that there is a designated emergency wash area in case of eye contact with dust and debris. Use eye-catching signage to ensure first-aid and wash areas are easily found.

Hunter Industrial Supplies is a leading provider of products and solutions that help you meet your different industrial supply needs. Our heavy duty hard hats, dust masks, filter pads and other protective equipment can protect your workers from hazards and keep operations at optimal levels while providing great value for your money.

To know more about our products, visit the Hunter Industrial Supplies website or get in touch with us by visiting our Contact Us page.