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Security at work: Integrating Occupational Safety for a Secure Workplace

The importance of occupational safety

Occupational safety refers to all measures aimed at protecting the health and well-being of employees during their professional activities. A safe working environment increases employee satisfaction and boosts productivity. In Germany, occupational health and safety in the workplace is mandatory and regulated in various laws and ordinances, such as the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health.These stipulate requirements for the design of workplaces, the handling of hazardous substances and the use of personal protective equipment. Provisions such as personal protective equipment, technical measures and organisational measures are crucial for occupational health and safety, as they minimise or eliminate potential hazards and risks in the workplace. By implementing protective aspects, accidents can be avoided and the health and safety of employees can be guaranteed.
Occupational safety in the company
Industrial safety - Trade fair impressions A+A

Product categories

Safety in the workplace is crucial for the protection of employees and the smooth functioning of a company. Below you will find an overview of various product categories that contribute to operational safety:
  • Fire protection / safety products & systems
  • Protection against explosions & toxic products
  • Protection against radiation
  • Electrical safety
  • Air pollution control
  • Noise reduction / silencers / vibration protection
  • Environmental protection at work / Focus ENVITEC®
  • Measurement and control technology
  • Safe equipment and systems
  • Safety devices for machinery
  • Standing areas
  • Facilities and equipment
  • Maintenance, service and repair
  • Transport and vehicle safety
  • Quality assurance
  • Protection of property and items
  • Communication and information, software
  • CBRN protection / decontamination
  • Technical aids
  • Crisis and emergency management
  • IT security
  • Digital applications and solutions

Protective measures for occupational safety in the company

Protective measures are crucial for ensuring workplace safety in any working environment, in compliance with labour protection law. They include various approaches aimed at protecting the health and well-being of employees and minimising the risk of accidents as well as health protection.

 

Protective helmet
Protection against radiation

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) & Technical Requirements

One important category of protective measures is personal protective equipment (PPE), which is the general key to safety at the workplace, ensuring that employees are specific equipment with the necessary gear such as helmets, safety shoes, and safety goggles based on the employment requirements and any potential hazards. PPE serves to protect employees from direct risks like falling objects or exposure to chemical substances.

Specialists in workplace safety play a vital role in ensuring that technical requirements are met to the highest effect. Such measures encompass machine guards, barriers, emergency stop switches, and other safety equipment meticulously designed to prevent accidents resulting from machine interaction and exposure to hazardous working environments.

Trainings & Emergency Response Plans

It is the company's responsibility to implement comprehensive organisational measures that go beyond PPE and technical safeguards. These measures entail ongoing training and instruction for all employees, crafting emergency response plans, and regularly inspecting safety protocols to maintain a safe environment and adhere to labour protection laws.

In case of unforeseen events, such as accidents or sudden health risks, the realization of emergency measures and providing first aid becomes crucial. Employees should be capable of responding appropriately to any incident until specialists arrive to provide professional assistance.

Continuous improvement and updating of protective measures are essential for organisations to realise a safe workplace. Regular review of safety measures is necessary to adjust and enhance them as needed, ensuring compliance with regulations and delivering optimal protection for employees.

Training and employee involvement in occupational safety

Employers should provide training and instruction on occupational safety, accident prevention, and prevention in a comprehensive and practical manner.
  • This includes both theoretical knowledge and practical exercises to familiarise employees with the specific hazards in the workplace and teach them the correct behaviour.
  • Training should take place regularly to ensure that all employees are aware of current safety standards and regulations and can continuously improve their skills.

Employees can actively contribute to the implementation of long-term accident prevention and compliance with protective measures by actively participating in training and instruction and applying the knowledge they have learnt. They should recognise relevant hazards and take immediate action to eliminate or minimise them. In addition, employees should provide constructive feedback and make suggestions for improvement in order to continuously optimise occupational health and safety. An open dialogue between employers and employees is crucial in order to jointly ensure a safe working environment and ensure accident insurance.

Risk minimisation strategies: risk analysis and hazard assessment

Risk analysis

Risk analysis is a systematic process for identifying, evaluating and prioritising potential hazards and risks in the workplace. It is of crucial importance for occupational safety as it helps companies to recognise risks and take appropriate measures to prevent accidents and injuries.

Typically, the risk analysis process comprises several steps, including identifying sources of danger, assessing the risks according to their probability and potential extent of damage, defining risk mitigation measures and reviewing and updating the measures taken.

Risk assessment

A risk assessment is a specific form of risk analysis that focuses on the identification and evaluation of hazards in the workplace. It plays a central role in occupational health and safety, as it helps to recognise potential risks to the health and safety of employees and to take appropriate protective measures. As a rule, the employer or a designated safety officer is responsible for carrying out the risk assessment.

All areas and working environments in which employees work should be considered in the risk assessment. This includes not only the direct workplaces, but also work routes, storage areas, sanitary facilities and all other places where potential hazards could occur.

It is important to repeat and update the risk analysis and hazard assessment regularly, as working environments and activities can change over time. New technologies, changes in work processes, legal requirements or external influences can bring new risks or change existing risks. Through regular reviews and updates, companies can ensure that their occupational safety measures continue to be effective and meet current needs.