As a race, we have started to learn how to manage dangerous and potentially harmful environments and places. If we were to follow the ways of our ancestors from back in the stone age, who tried to avoid danger as much as possible in order to survive, a lot of our greatest achievements would never have been achieved. We would never have had men walking on the moon. People would not have been able to stand on the top of the world or see the deepest parts of the ocean.
All of these were achieved, not because there was no danger but because we have learnt and adapted so that we can use our tools and skills to make sure that the dangers presented in these potentially hostile environments can be managed and controlled so that we are safe. This is the same principle that applies when it comes to working in potentially dangerous environments. So, in order to be safe and secure, there are two basic things that we have to ensure.
Having All the Safety Equipment Available
The first line of defense to keep ourselves safe is to make sure that we have all the proper safety equipment needed for working in a certain environment, and in proper working condition. This means having safety clothing for all the staff and safety equipment like a gas detector or firefighting equipment. Or if you are really working in dangerous places, a Geiger counter if you have to deal with radioactive material.
Of course, there is no one set of equipment that has to be available in all places. Each place, depending on the threats that they pose and the different potential problems that can arise, you have to customize and tailor all of your equipment so that they provide the safety required in that particular environment. For example, if you have to work underwater, taking firefighting equipment under water would be pointless. However, it would be better to take spare oxygen tanks and other breathing equipment. Also just having equipment is not enough.
Proper and regular checks of the equipment is very important. This is as important as having the equipment or even more so. This is because a person may think they are safe because there is safety equipment. However, if the person is relying on a faulty safety equipment, then the chances are that the person will be in more danger because they will try to manage the problem rather than avoid it.
Having Trainings and Protocols
All the safety equipment in the world will not be enough unless you have provided proper training and have proper protocols in place saying what to do and how to do things in cases of an emergency. Additionally, it is also important to make sure you have proper trainings and repeated drills. This will help people understand the seriousness of an emergency situation and it will also help make the safety processes become a reflex rather than something that they have to remember and do.
If these two basics are ensured at all times, then it is possible to mitigate and even avoid having any potential issues or disasters where you are working.
