A tools should be a help, not a hindrance. Keep these tool safety tips in mind when you or your workers are using new tools and trying to improve efficiency.
Tool Safety: Something to Think About for Your Next Project
Safety first: a phrase we’ve heard since elementary school, when we were first given a pair of scissors and told to go to town on a new arts and crafts project. It’s a phrase that’s stuck with us since, and regardless of the industry in which you work, it’s something that should be kept in mind at all times.
But it’s especially prudent in the industrial sector, where the risk of accidents is extremely high and improper procedures can cause serious injuries or even death during a project. That’s why it’s so important to not only stick to the proper guidelines for staying safe on the job but to keep in mind certain aspects of tools that can help ensure safety always comes first, and that accident prevention is front of mind.
Our Top Industrial Tool Safety Considerations
Here are some things to keep in mind when it comes to tool safety for your next project.
1. Technological advancements are convenient, but can also be a risk
As technology evolves, tools become more advanced, with multi-use functions for a variety of jobs. But with these advancements sometimes comes an increased risk of injury. The logic here is simple: more moving parts means more going on, and improper use of the more complex and innovative tools on the market could result in a worker getting seriously hurt on site. Make sure you’re fully familiar with every aspect of your tools before you use them.
2. More efficiency means fewer accidents
Contractors often put steps in place to increase the efficiency of a job, getting it done right in less time. The same applies for tools: aside from reducing costs and time on site, using a more efficient tool could also mean less risk of accidents, as the longer it takes to do a job, the higher the chance that something could go wrong. The next time you’ve got a task to take care of, look for the most efficient tools to use.
3. A tired operator is an operator at risk
If someone falls asleep at the wheel when they’re driving down the freeway, they’re very likely to lose control of the vehicle and crash. This is also true for anyone operating machinery on a job site. Fatigue is a serious issue that can cause a worker to slip up, and reacting even a second too slowly could result in a catastrophic accident. Make sure that everyone involved in a job is well-rested and up to the task at hand before putting them in charge of any sort of machinery.
Final Thoughts: Proper Tool Safety Saves Lives
Job site safety doesn’t just mean hard hats and steel-toed boots. It also applies to the tools and equipment that are used every day. Following the basic guidelines for tool safety could mean the difference between a project that goes smoothly from start to finish with no injuries and one that ends up with a worker seriously hurt, or even killed.
Ultra Torq Has You Covered
Keep yourself and your fellow contractors up-to-date on staying safe with tools to ensure they’re not putting themselves or anyone else at risk during a job.
We can provide the tool training or job site supervision your workers need to stay safe. Contact Ultra Torq today to find out more.