While industrial tools and heavy-duty equipment help complete work much faster, it is important to understand that these tools should be used with the utmost levels of safety and precaution. Accidents at the workplace are not uncommon and, more often than not, result from neglect, ignorance, or improper implementation of safety protocols. Let’s take a look at them.

Common Construction-Site Hazards

Construction-equipment-related accidents are among the leading causes of worker injury in the UAE. Some of the most common include:

• Electrical hazards: Damaged tools or cords, wet working conditions, improper wiring, and lack of proper grounding are some dangerous hazards that can cause electrocution.
• Noise and vibration exposure: Construction sites are places where loud noises are common and could cause temporary hearing issues if the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) is not worn on-site.
• Risk of explosions and fire: Working with high-risk, flammable objects or damaged industrial tools significantly increases the chance of accidental fire breakouts and explosions.
• Tripping, falling, or other physical injuries: A cluttered workspace is often a place where accidents could range from slipping to major injuries like getting struck by an object.

Injuries of such nature can be actively avoided by ensuring proper adherence to safety protocols and following some common safety tips that can significantly lower the risk of accidents.

Safety Tips to Follow While Using Industrial Tools

While proper safety training is usually imparted before using new industrial tools, it is easy to overlook protocols or ignore them when you start working. Doing so can be quite risky since it is a major cause of avoidable accidents.

Along with the official safety protocols and training imparted by your supervisors, there are a few precautionary tips that can prevent on-site accidents.

1. Always Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The first step of precaution is wearing the right PPE, depending on the work or the tools you will be using. For example, safety goggles and earplugs are excellent at protecting your senses from dust, debris, or dangerous shards that could cause serious injury.

Industrial tools suppliers in UAE keep an extensive stock of such PPE kits, starting from basic goggles to safety jackets that keep you safe from accidents.

2. Conduct Regular Inspection of Tools

All industrial equipment should be thoroughly inspected from time to time for damage and faults. It is also advisable to check your own tools, every day, before commencing work to ensure smooth usage.

3. Use the Correct Tools, Cautiously

Never use any industrial equipment for purposes other than what it is meant for. Industrial tools suppliers in UAE provide each tool with a note from the manufacturer that specifically states the intended use of the equipment. Using the wrong equipment for something can become a cause of hazard, subsequently endangering lives.

When using power tools, you should be extra cautious since they are a lot more dangerous. Practice conscious habits like avoiding putting your finger on the trigger when a tool is plugged in and always switching off the equipment after use.

4. Dress Appropriately

PPE offers a secondary level of protection. It is your responsibility to dress appropriately, depending on the industrial tools you will be handling. Unnecessary jewellery, loose-fitting clothes or dangling accessories can often get stuck or hinder your performance.

5. Get Specialized Training for Heavy-Duty Tools

If you are using any equipment for the first time or are inexperienced, get specialized training from a senior operator to become well-versed in the safety protocol and the proper usage of industrial tools. Experienced workers should have a safety refresher every few years to avoid accidents caused by ignorance.

6. Maintain a Clean Workspace

As mentioned before, a cluttered work area can be hazardous for all workers in the vicinity. Tripping on tangled cords, unidentified liquids on the floor or unnecessary tools on the table could cause dangerous injuries and put lives at risk. Clean your space regularly and put away equipment that you are done using.

7. Take Emergency Training and Know Protocol

Be a part of all emergency training and familiarise yourself with the tools and kits you should be using in case of exigency. Reaching for the right emergency tool, such as a fire extinguisher, should be second nature to you. Keep track of all emergency exits to swiftly evacuate and help others with evacuation.

8. Be Alert and Take Regular Breaks

When working with heavy-duty tools, it is crucial to pay attention to your work at all times. Distractions are common and should be avoided, especially when a tool is switched on.

Since construction work is physically demanding, it is important that you take regular breaks to steer clear of fatigue. Workers are more prone to accidents when working while tired.

Conclusion

The above-mentioned safety tips should be practised every day in the workplace as a precaution to avoid unexpected accidents. The first layer of safety net in the workplace is using the right PPE for each tool. FK Tools is one of the leading industrial tools suppliers in UAE, offering a wide range of safety equipment to fulfil all your safety needs.