Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
1
ChaPTer
oPeraTor safeTy
1.1 inTroduCTion
Several statistical reports through the years have revealed that
the wastewater treatment industry is an extremely unsafe occupational
field. This less than stellar historical safety performance has continued
to deteriorate, even in the age of the Occupational Safety and Health Act
(OSH Act). The question is “Why is the wastewater treatment industry
on-the-job injury rate so high?”
Several factors contribute to this high injury rate. In the first place,
all of the major classifications of hazards exist at a wastewater treat-
ment plant:
•
Oxygen deficiency•
•
Physical injuries
•
Toxic gases and vapors
•
Infections
•
Fire
•
Explosion
•
Electrocution
Along with having all of the major classifications of hazards present, the
wastewater industry also has:
•
Complex treatment systems
•
Shift work
•
New employees