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If you've recently been hired to work with the loading and unloading of shipping containers, you need to protect yourself from accidents and injuries. Here are four safety precautions that will help protect you while working with shipping containers.

1. Wear the Proper Protection

When working with industrial shipping containers, it's crucial that you always wear the proper protective gear. Wearing the proper gear can help protect you against on-the-job injuries. First, always wear the right helmet to help prevent head injuries. Second, always wear steel-toed boots to prevent crushing injuries to your feet. Third, always wear a safety harness if you'll be climbing onto the shipping containers. Finally, always wear a reflective vest when in the cargo yard. That way, other workers can see you clearly.

2. Take Care When Entering Containers

If you're going to be entering the shipping containers, be sure to leave the cargo doors open at all times. Shipping containers are designed to be airtight, which means if the doors close, you'll have no ventilation. Not only that, but many containers are used for the transport of hazardous materials, which means the air inside the containers isn't safe to breathe. For maximum protection, ensure that the doors stay open. Also, make sure that other workers know that you're inside the container. That way, you can avoid being accidentally locked into a container.

3. Know Where the Safety Zones Are Located

When you're working with shipping containers, there will be safety zones located throughout the cargo yard. Those safety zones are designed to provide shelter and protection should the containers collapse, or should other emergency situations arise. When you begin working at your new job, it's important that you learn where those safety zones are located. That way, you can get to safety quickly should an emergency arise that requires you to seek immediate shelter.

4. Avoid Attempting the Five-Second Rule With Food

If you're like most people, you know what the five-second rule means in relation to food. While that rule may seem safe enough, it should never be applied when working in or around shipping containers. As stated earlier, shipping containers may be used to ship hazardous materials, which could leak from time to time. That means that the floor of those shipping containers could be contaminated with toxic materials. If you're eating in or around the shipping containers, and you drop your food, never attempt to pick it up and eat it. You could be putting toxic materials into your mouth.

Now that you'll be working with shipping containers, use the tips provided here to keep yourself safe while on the job. It's also important that you follow all safety regulations provided by your employer. For more information, contact a company like Go Containers today.