Safety first in Shenzhen

Perspective from JI Kim, General Manager, Shenzhen, China

In our 24-hour operations it is the manager who must take first responsibility for managing safety. In the event of an accident, the manager in charge should be the leader for accident investigation and analysis. He or she should visit the scene of the accident immediately, along with the safety engineer and medical staff. The accident scene tells us everything - offering a clear example of the importance of safety, as well as learning to assist prevention. Safety is not solely the domain of the safety engineer, but it is their role to help prevent accidents, with audits, training and by establishing systems. In the case of any accident, even a nearmiss, the safety engineer will help the manager in charge with a thorough analysis. Prevention is one of the best ways to ensure a safe operation. Every accident has its causes, and each is a gold mine for learning and prevention.

New employees: safety from day one

One of the most frequent causes of accidents in Back-end sites is putting a hand or finger into a running machine. For example, when our operators see a dropping unit, their sense of responsibility means they may instinctively try to pick it out themselves, without thinking of the hazard. Thus we need to train them in safety issues.

On their first day, the hazard and consequences of dealing with working machines are well explained to new employees. After the training session they sign to acknowledge their training and that they understand their responsibilities in the case of violation. In the meantime, and when missing, access points to the working machinery are covered to prevent fingers being inserted into the machines. We protect people with safety systems and devices such as alarms, automatic safety switches and energy cut-off devices. When a new machine arrives, we check it for this in addition to the general safety check. Above all we are always alert to safety through continuous training and reminders, often using cases from other sites.