The primary concern of the safety industry is to keep the workplace safe. However, there are also many commercial aspects to the industry that are very important to safety practitioners. These individuals need to be informed about issues such as legal matters, training, certification, awards and company activities to keep up to date with what is happening in their industry.
Confined spaces are often associated with risks from hazardous gases and working at height. A safe working environment is provided through hoists, fall arrest equipment, gas sensors and breathing apparatus.
Drug and alcohol impairment in the workplace is a serious safety concern, with many companies turning to detection programs to mitigate this risk. Apparatus include blood, urine, sweat and saliva testing.
Protection of all workers from electrical shock is afforded through electrical safety systems such as RCDs and earthing systems, while electrical workers are further protected with safety tools, test gear and apparel.
Fire safety is an increasingly important consideration for all companies. Business owners and managers have a legal and moral responsibility to protect the safety of their workers in the event of a fire. There is much that can be added to OHS procedures to make a workplace 'fire ready'.
Industrial environments are often exposed to hazardous goods, such as chemicals in gaseous and liquid forms. Workers are protected through spill detection and control and PPE such as protective clothing, gloves and respirators.
Working at heights is made safer using fall arrest equipment, walkways, stairs, ladders and work platforms to restrain and enable workers to safely access and work on towers, construction sites and roof-mounted plant.
Systems are used in manufacturing and industrial plant to protect personnel against injury from machines, covering physical machine guarding and barriers, optical and proximity sensing, robotics, control systems and software.
To move goods safely and efficiently, material handling systems incorporate the latest in pneumatic, hydraulic and electrically-motorised equipment, including conveyors, forklifts, trolleys, loaders and bins.
Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) includes a wide range of equipment and devices to protect all areas of the body, including helmets, safety eyewear, earplugs/muffs, respirators/filters, gloves, boots and apparel including hi-visibility clothing.