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2024.03.26
Increased safety awareness for working in confined spaces
With increased awareness of the risks that exist and the measures that are required, the goal is to minimize the risk of accidents and create a safer working environment for everyone involved.
"Working in confined spaces is associated with significant risks, from dangerous gases to risks of entrapment and burial accidents," says Stefan Brunnberg, convener of Swetic's technical committee for the work environment.
— It is of utmost importance that facility owners, that is, our members' customers, understand their responsibility to investigate and document these risks, and that they provide the necessary information to the contractors who will work in these environments, explains Brunnberg.
The document particularly emphasizes the importance of ensuring that objects and spaces are safely shut off and isolated before work begins.
— We highlight concepts, risks, responsibilities and how these should be handled. This will provide direct support for members in dialogue with the customer. A correct shutdown, for example, eliminates the risk of accidental start-up, and by using double barriers where possible, we increase safety further, adds Brunnberg.
Swetic's document is an important reminder of the responsibility that rests on the shoulders of facility owners. By following the guidelines and requirements set out, a safer working environment can be created for everyone who needs to perform work in confined spaces.
— When members realize that the entire industry is behind the work for a safer work environment, it is easier to raise risks that they have historically accepted but that they now feel are unacceptable. Customers understand that all members within Swetic work together and agree on the same requirements for the work environment.
The ambition of TK Arbetsmiljö is to develop digital training for assignments in so-called difficult situations. The training will, among other things, cover work where threats, misery or abuse occur, as well as illegal goods and workplace crime that can occur at a customer's premises. A crisis coach is planned to guide the course participant in how the situations can be handled.
"The realization that together we can create a safer working environment throughout the industry has given our work a boost. If we cannot ensure a safe working environment, the work simply cannot be done. It is our responsibility to do everything we can to prevent accidents and protect lives," he states.
— Whether it's Swetic's board, the members' management groups or the individual employee, everyone agrees that this is the right way to go, concludes Stefan Brunnberg.
