Safe Facilities In The Work Place

Safe facilities in the work place are expected from every organization. Certain industries such as mining or working with hazardous material are covered under separate health and safety legislations.     The basic health and safety requirements are

• Good ventilation:There must be good ventilation with plenty of fresh air drawn from outside and well circulated.
• Cleanliness and waste material: There must be clean floors and staircases which are not slippery.  Spillages must be cleared promptly.   Waste should be got rid of in a proper containers and in a timely manner.   Walls and ceilings should be kept clean.    A/c should also be regularly serviced to give proper air circulation and cooling.
• Room space:   There should be enough space for employees to move around freely.  Workstations and seating should be provided in a suitable manner with comfortable and safe seating. 
• Windows:  Should be provided that could be easily be opened and cleaned safely. They should be safe with proper locking facilities wherever necessary.
• Other doors and gates:  Should be fitted with proper safety devices.
• Escalators & moving walkways:  Should function safely and fitted with safety devices if required.
• Provision of Toilets and washing facilities: Well ventilated and clean toilets should be provided - separate for men and separate for women.  Washbasins with flowing water should be available.
• Drinking water: Fresh and clean drinking water should be provided with clean containers.
• Temperature:   A reasonable working temperature should be provided according to the prevailing season.
• Lighting:  Good lighting should be provided with no glare coming inside work areas.
• Facilities to rest & eat meals:  Space should be provided for employees to have meals which is clean and neat with minimum requirements of table and chairs.  In case of work places where night shifts are involved, provision for resting places / beds should be provided separately for women and gents.

Review Questions:

• What are safe facilities in work place?
• How can this be provided and practiced?