Any professional industry has some risk and safety compliance involved. Some industries, like the telecommunications industry, are more risky than others. Telecommunication jobs are often underappreciated and overlooked. The dangerous work done in this industry fuels our everyday lives and is responsible for a good portion of our modern conveniences. Managing risks in the telecommunications industry requires an understanding of what these hard working teams provide, the safety training that is necessary, and how to develop industry compliant safety programs. Industrial Compliance can help your Telecommunications business stay safe and compliant.

What Do Telecommunications Workers Do?

Telecom workers are vital to maintaining the ability to communicate and receive information from virtually everyone in the world. After all, telecom workers are responsible for the installation and maintenance of the circuits that power the internet. Without the internet, we would have a hard time working, learning, entertaining ourselves, and connecting with loved ones. The impact of the internet even reaches out to some of life’s basic needs such as food(grocery stores payment systems) and our health (doctors offices charts, RX’s etc.). The internet holds our modern society together which makes telecommunications a high stakes industry.

Telecommunication Workers Risks

Telecommunications workers are often performing their work at great heights and outdoors. These two factors put them at great risk for a few different injuries. 

Most Common Jobsite Risks for Telecom Workers:

• Fall Risks: Telecom masts are typically between 50 and 160 feet tall, and most utility poles are about 35 feet tall. A fall from any of these heights can result in injury or death, given the right circumstances.
• Struck By Risks: Telecom workers also face the risk of struck-by accidents. As most of the work involves heights, workers can be struck by falling objects, materials, and tools. Operators must ensure that all power lines are properly installed and that all overhead loads are thoroughly secured to prevent these kinds of accidents.
• Electrocution Risks: Telecom workers are constantly interacting with high-voltage circuits. If power lines are not properly de-energized before work begins, then workers face the risk of electrocution and fire.
• Exhaustion Risks: Telecommunication teams often work long grueling hours to ensure communication technologies have as little downtime as possible. 
• Weather Related Risks: Additionally, telecom workers perform nearly all of their work outdoors. This brings environmental and weather-related risks, such as severe storms, cold, and heat. Telecom workers must take special precautions to protect themselves from the potential of severe weather, and measures must be in place to shut down operations in extreme cases.

Benefits of Industrial Safety Programs & Training

Developing thorough safety protocols that support and encourage safety culture within the workplace has many benefits. Safety programs that are geared towards your industry and your unique work environments help give your team the knowledge they need to perform their jobs safely. Frequent training that is easily accessible ensures everyone has the most current and accurate information. Benefits of industrial safety programs and trainings include:

• Increased employee awareness
• Decreased injuries & illness
• Limits potential hazards 
• Prevents jobsite accidents
• Promotes strong safety culture
• Boosts job productivity
• Ensures ongoing safety compliance

Beneficial Telecom Safety Manuals & Programs

There are many safety programs that you can adapt to your company to protect your employees. Some of the most common safety programs required for telecommunications work include:

• Environmental Awareness
• Severe Weather Response
• Fall Protection and Prevention
• Electrical Safety
• First Aid/CPR Training

If your company primarily performs telecommunications work, then you may be asked by your hiring client to become certified with ISNetworld®, or Avetta®. Certification for telecommunications workers is most common in the United States, but can be required globally. Industrial Compliance is available to assist you with these certifications regardless of company location.

Safety programs are critical for the proper training of your employees. Having written safety programs is a great way to prevent workplace incidents and injuries. By having a standardized telecommunications safety manual, you can ensure that all employees have undergone the same training and are working with the same base of knowledge regarding workplace tools and materials.

Do I Need New Telecommunications Safety Programs?

State and federal regulations are constantly being reviewed and revised to address new concerns in regards to environmental responsibility, safety, and employee health. New equipment, new processes and new technology all create new opportunities for risk requiring new regulation and safety measures. Industrial compliance safety consultants monitor these regulation and certification updates for you. They keep your company responsible and responsive to industry changes while your team maintains focus on the job. 

The Benefits of a Safety Compliance Consultant

The use of a safety compliance consultant has additional benefits for contractors. Using a compliance consultant shows industrial qualification firms and potential hiring clients that you are operating in good faith. Contractors who work hand in hand with a third-party consulting company, show that a good faith effort is being put forth towards improving the safety of their employees.

At Industrial Compliance & Safety, our professional team can help your company achieve compliance with telecommunications safety. You can become certified by a variety of prequalification services, including ISNetworld® and Avetta®. If you choose to work with our team of safety compliance consultants, we will write custom safety programs that both satisfy your client’s needs and protect your employees from the many risks within this unique industry. Contact us today to create a new program or update your existing one.