Workplace safety is of utmost importance in all situations. However, working in the dark or at night often requires different safety measures.
Sleep deprivation is a major issue for shift workers. This tends to lower their motivation, which will, in turn, affect productivity level.
We’ve got you and your team covered whenever you want to work in dark conditions.
Proper illumination
Ensure that your entire workplace is properly illuminated and make your exit easily accessible. Energy-saving lighting fixtures are cost-effective, so you won’t have to spend a fortune on that aspect. Lighting the exteriors properly matters too.
Invest in solar lights to reduce energy usage. Another thing is to install motion-sensing lighting to deter intruders. Get burglar alarms and security cameras too.
Be alert
It can be daunting to stay focused when working at night. Curbing distractions can help to reduce accident risks. Avoid listening to music or texting as you work or head home. This is because it can make you vulnerable to attacks. Encourage your workers to take frequent breaks while working.
Work in groups
It’s not advisable to work alone at night. Low-risk hazards may become major issues at night or in the dark. If you can’t work in small groups, then work in pairs. Taking this approach will come in handy to detect potential hazards before they go out of hand.
Wear the right clothing
It’s not ideal to wear dark-colored clothing when working in the dark. Your best bet is to put on high visibility jackets that are designed to be reflective. This also applies to your shoes. The goal of wearing bright clothing is to remain visible whether there is light or not.
Use the appropriate equipment
Once you’ve invested in the appropriate clothing, the next thing is to get the right PPE (personal protective equipment) for dark conditions. Encourage your workers to carry out items such as whistles and flashlights along.
Nighttime isn’t the best time to handle dangerous materials or operate heavy machinery. Nevertheless, you can assign a supervisor to handle the situation and take advantage of Cornerstone environmental health and safety solutions.
Stay connected
Try to maintain communication with your team whenever they are working in the dark. Consider leveraging tools such as instant messaging apps, calls, and text messages.
This will enable them to get timely help in case the unexpected happens. Bear in mind that you need to create an atmosphere where your workers can express themselves freely first.
If you work at night, ensure that you inform your loved ones about your whereabouts. You can also install tracking apps to be on the safer side.
Beat fatigue
Fatigue can easily set in at night even if you’ve rested earlier in the day or you’re used to working in the dark. It can also increase your chances of making costly mistakes, which often cause accidents. The bottom line is to train your employees on how to spot the signs of fatigue and the next step to take.
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