mechanical engineering as my career path

mechanical engineering as my career path

I have chosen mechanical engineering as the career path I will undertake to fulfill and accomplish all my dreams and life inspiration. I believe for most students, the choice of any particular course is triggered by the desire to earn more money, but for me, it is a bit different. I am a fan of chess; thus, I believe in competitiveness but should be followed by integrity. I have the will to repair and develop new machines in our industries. Mechanical engineering is a complicated yet exciting career path that I know I will do my best to succeed and amasses any necessary knowledge required in the field. As a mechanical engineer, one has to acquire a Bachelor’s degree as a typical entry-level. Generally, mechanical engineers have to work in an office, but time to time may visit the worksite, especially when there is a mechanical hitch. A professional mechanical engineer can be employed in industries that deal with manufacturing automotive parts or machinery. Their job entails designing, building, developing, and testing thermal and mechanical sensors and devices.

However, there are numerous risk factors and hazards present in my career path. In industries, many hazardous accidents have occurred. In the United States, the employer is required to report any form of fatalities that occur in a worksite to the Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA). The risk factors that commonly affect mechanical engineers are noise and vibration exposure, exposure to toxic substances, uncontrolled fires, flammable and highly explosive substances presence, transportation of dangerous goods, and falling and contact with moving plants. All these factors can fall under different categories, which may include biological, chemical, and physical. Bureau of Labour and Statistics (2019) states that “There were 5,250 fatal work injuries recorded in the United States in 2018, a 2 percent increase from the 5,147 in 2017″(1). According to the author, the number of people who have yearly reported exposure to fatal incidents is ballooning. Lack of many employers to follow the safety guidelines recommended by OSHA has dramatically impacted the continuous hazards in industries.

Biological risk factors and hazards

The mechanical engineers are often exposed to biological hazards such as;

• Damp building materials

Moistened building materials in a worksite may contain bacteria that would cause infections for workers. The bacteria may affect the general health of a mechanical engineer causing pneumonia or bloodstream infections.

• Molds and dust from substances

Big industries may neglect to clean all the machines and equipment regularly, thus molds and dust forming, which may affect the workers. Molds can cause severe human health harm, such as skin and throat irritation, coughing, wheezing, and nasal stiffness.

Chemical risk factors and hazards

According to Bliss (n.d), “Chemical hazard is any solid, liquid, or gas substance that can have a negative health impact on a worker through inhalation, skin contact, ingestion, or injection”(12). Chemicals play a significant role in industries where the mechanical engineer is tasked to design and building these particular machines and thermal sensors and devices. The chemical risk factors and hazards include;

• Exposure to hazardous and toxic substances e.g., Carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide

In factories and vehicles and engine manufacture or repair, a mechanical engineer can be exposed to CO2 and carbon monoxide, which can, in turn, lead to cardiovascular diseases. Chemical substances can affect the general health of a worker which might end up affecting their general productivity

• Chemical spillage and leaks

Chemicals may spill and leak, which can affect the skin when a worker comes into contact with it, thus causing severe health issues such as burns. Personal Protective Equipment is critical when it comes to keeping a mechanical engineer from exposure to hazardous materials.

Physical risk factors and hazards

As a mechanical engineer, one has to continually deal with physical devices and machines which can pose a danger to health and safety. The risk factors and hazards that one may encounter is;

• Falls

Height falls are rampant in industries and factories, which affects many workers who may suffer serious injuries or even death. It is critical that employers take an effort to ensure the workplace is safer and any hazardous exposure is eliminated or minimized.

• Noise and vibration

Many machines and thermal sensors and devices may be noisy and thus causing ear irritation, which can lead to health issues such as deafness. A mechanical engineer should incorporate personal protective equipment such as earplugs.