Blind spots in work areas can pose significant dangers to employees. Business owners and workers in New Jersey should be aware of the potential hazards presented by blind spots, as well as the ways in which they can be made safer. Forklifts and other vehicles that make loud beeping noises when they go into reverse are a good step, generally speaking, but the precautionary noises they produce can be drowned out by other sounds at the workplace.
The simplest fix for workplace blind spots may be an industrial safety mirror or dome. These mirrors may be weatherproof and shatter-resistant, and they can be customized to fit the requirements of the particular blind spot. In determining which mirror or mirrors to use, the facility manager should take into account the sizes and types of vehicles used in the space, the number and frequency of pedestrians and other traffic, and the overall layout.
The size and shape of mirror utilized should depend on the shape of the blind spot. At T-intersections, for example, a 180-degree half-dome mirror might be ideal. At simple corner intersections, a 90-degree quarter-dome mirror may suffice. Specialized flat or convex mirrors equipped with wheels and handles can allow workers to inspect beneath heavy equipment without requiring that they climb under the equipment. It’s also a good idea in many cases to have safety messages printed onto the surface of the mirror, to keep safety top of the mind for employees.
Industrial safety managers generally rate product value based on the number of incidents or accidents recorded. They might miss the tremendous safety value offered by industrial mirrors. Individuals who have been injured in workplace accidents may be entitled to recovery regardless of whose fault it was. An attorney with experience in workers’ compensation cases might be able to help by gathering evidence in support of the client’s claim.
