Work environment safety and body in the trade

The process operator works closely with large systems with pumps, pipes, tanks and equipment under pressure and heat. It is a versatile and responsible job — but it demands how you care for body and mind. Here we take a closer look at the working environment so you can sustain the trade for many years.

§The greatest risks

Part of the danger is that you work with systems under pressure, high temperature and chemical substances. Leaks, hot surfaces and moving parts can cause serious injury if guarding and procedures are not in place. So a large part of your training is learning how to stop and secure a system before entering it. But there are other strains to be aware of.

• 01Facilities under pressure and heat – risk of burns and leaks, but also the most strictly regulated part of the work
• 02Chemical substances, fumes and dust depending on the industry
• 03Noise from pumps, compressors and production equipment — hearing damage comes sneaking
• 04Heavy lifting of sacks, jerrycans, packaging and spare parts
• 05Work at height at tanks, silos and scaffolds

§Chemistry and enclosed spaces

In the process industry, you often work with substances that can be flammable, corrosive or harmful to health. You learn to read safety data sheets, use the correct protective equipment and understand when a task requires special care — for example, work in tanks and confined spaces, where the air can be dangerous. That kind of task must never be carried out alone and without preparation.

§Ergonomics — look after your body and joints in the long run.

Part of the work is physical: lifting, repetitive movements and standing for long periods. This is where a working life can wear out if you do not do something actively. Good lifting techniques, technical aids and varying between tasks is not just nice to have — it is what makes the difference when you are 55. Speak up if a work posture hurts; often it can be changed.

§The psychological work environment and shift work

Many process plants run in shifts — some round the clock. Changing working hours affect sleep family life and health. At the same time pressure can arise when a process is troublesome and production stops while many wait for you to get it running again. A good work community clear team agreements and a culture where people help each other means a lot here.

§How you learn by doing, instead of just reading

Safety is not only the individual's responsibility. On a good workplace you talk about risks before a task starts, you use the personal protective equipment needed, and you speak up if something does not feel responsible. As an apprentice you have both the right and duty to speak up — an experienced colleague would rather stop a system than see you get hurt.

• 01Stop and secure the system before you enter it (lockout/tagout)
• 02Relieve pressure and energy before you open a system
• 03Use shielding and personal protective equipment as intended
• 04A culture where it's okay to stop and speak up

“The most important thing you take home from work is yourself — in one piece.”