Safety risks are those that cause an accident suddenly: a fall, a cut, an electric shock, a crushing injury. Almost all of them can be prevented with tidiness, equipment in good condition and good habits.
Workplaces
The minimum conditions for workplaces are set out in Decreto-Lei n.º 347/93 (Decree-Law 347/93) and the Portaria n.º 987/93 (Ordinance 987/93) that implements it. Traffic routes and emergency exits must be free of obstacles, floors must be stable and not slippery, and lighting and ventilation must be adequate. Any fault that makes the workplace dangerous must be reported immediately.
Falls
Falls are among the most frequent causes of accidents.
- On the same level: slipping or tripping on liquids, cables, boxes or poorly marked steps. They are prevented by order and cleanliness: wipe up spills at once, tidy away material, mark wet floors and wear suitable footwear.
- From a height: falls from ladders, scaffolding, roofs, platforms or openings. The safest option is collective protection, such as guardrails and nets. Only when that is not possible is individual protection used, such as a harness and lifeline, and only by those who have been trained.
- Portable ladders: they must be stable and in good condition, with three points of contact while climbing and without carrying loads that upset balance.
Machines and work equipment
Decreto-Lei n.º 50/2005 (Decree-Law 50/2005) lays down the safety rules for the use of work equipment. In practice:
- use the machine only for what it was made for and only if authorised and trained;
- never remove or override guards, shields and emergency stops;
- stop and switch off before cleaning, adjusting or repairing. For maintenance, energy is locked out so that nobody switches the machine on by mistake;
- avoid loose clothing, bracelets, loose hair and dangling cords near moving parts;
- report faults or missing guards immediately.
Electricity
Electric current can cause serious burns, cardiac arrest and death, even at low voltages.
- Only qualified people work on electrical installations.
- Do not use damaged cables, broken plugs or overloaded extension leads.
- Do not touch electrical equipment with wet hands.
- Unplug by holding the plug itself, never by pulling the cable.
- If someone is caught by the current, cut the power first before touching them.
Vehicles and material handling
Forklift trucks, pallet trucks and vehicles on the premises cause run-over and crushing accidents. Only people who are authorised and trained drive. Speed limits, pedestrian walkways, the maximum load and good visibility are respected. People are never carried on the forks, and the load must be stable.
Tidiness, storage and tools
- Stack materials in a stable way, without exceeding the capacity of the shelves.
- Keep heavy items low down.
- Never block extinguishers, electrical panels or exits.
- Use tools in good condition, with blades covered when not in use.
Reporting and taking part
Almost every accident gives warning signs beforehand: a loose step, an exposed cable, a missing guard. Workers have a duty to report defects that could create danger (Lei n.º 102/2009, article 17(1)(e)), and the employer must correct them. Recording near misses also helps people learn without anyone getting hurt.