While many workplaces can have hazards even if they are generally a safe place to be, some people work in areas where just being in the environment can be considered dangerous. So in situations like this, it’s more important than ever to protect yourself while you’re on the job.

To help you in doing this if you find yourself working a job that falls in this category, here are three ways to protect yourself when working in a hazardous environment. 

Consider How Climate Or Environment Could Add To Other Hazards

For some people, in addition to doing a dangerous job in a dangerous environment, the climate in which they’re working can also add to the potential hazards that they face on a moment by moment basis. For example, OSHA shares that people who work outside when it’s hot have to be very careful about things like heat stroke and dehydration in addition to the dangers they face just completing the job they are tasked with.

In these types of scenarios, make sure that you’re always taking care of your body first and foremost. If you need to take extra measures to ensure that you’re not getting too hot or too cold, commit to taking those measures. And if you’re working up high when there are strong winds, be sure you’re putting into effect extra safety precautions so that you can be as safe as possible. 

Find Ways To Mitigate Risks

With all jobs, there are going to be risks for injury and ways that you can get hurt. While there are small things that you can do to keep minor injuries from happening, what you should really be concerned with when working in a hazardous environment is how to best mitigate the big risks. 

To assist you in this endeavor, Heather Machin, a contributor to Community Eye Health, recommends that you come up with solutions for the most dangerous aspects of your job. This could include doing things like replacing old equipment with something safer like an explosion-proof chiller, using a product or material that is going to be less hazardous while still getting the job done, or finding a safer way to accomplish your tasks. 

Know How To Respond To Accidents Or Emergencies

While it’s best to prevent injuries in any way possible, it’s still good to know what you should do in the event that an injury does take place so that you can minimize the damage done. In many cases, taking swift action can help the injury to not be as bad or debilitating. 

With this in mind, take it upon yourself to know where things like emergency medical kids, eye washing stations, emergency exits, fire extinguishers, and other emergency equipment are from all areas of your workplace. 

If you feel like you need to be better at protecting yourself in your hazardous work environment, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you do just this.