Workplace safety should be a top priority in any company, but it is especially important in the manufacturing industry. It’s a major worry for businesses because it has an impact on overall performance. Mistakes could cost business owners both time and money.
It’s no secret that the manufacturing industry’s injury rate is greater than average. According to WorkSafe BC, the number of serious injury claims they get is more than double that of all other industries combined. However, the good news is that this number has been declining in recent years, indicating that both the manufacturer and employees are taking safety more seriously. To assist you in keeping your staff safe, we’ve produced a list of the best safety tips for owners and managers.
Identify Unsafe Conditions
Manufacturing safety guidelines abound, but having a thorough, holistic understanding of the facility is sometimes disregarded. Manufacturers and their shop floor, warehouse, and field operations managers must keep up with what’s going on in their workplaces across the board. Even the tiniest act of negligence or inattention might result in a serious work injury or a plant disaster.
Regular workplace inspections disclose previously unnoticed safety hazards. These risks should be addressed by enforcing new safety requirements. One way to track your employees’ knowledge and commitment to workplace safety is to have them fill out abatement verification forms and safety certifications.
Safety Training
It’s as simple as that: prioritize manufacturing safety training. Every employee, for example, should be familiar with safety equipment such as safety glasses, earphones, respirator masks, and hard hats. Do your employees understand why they must wear safety equipment? Are they wearing the proper safety equipment? Nonetheless, safety equipment is only one aspect of training.
Make manufacturing handbooks and manuals available, with methods and guidelines written in plain English. You must keep these pieces of safety literature up to date on a regular basis. It’s important to remember that not every employee learns by reading. Demonstrate your abilities in person or via safety films. Your workplace will be safer if more employees advocate for safety training.
Proper Use of Machines and Tools
The machinery should be in good operating order and equipped with all of the manufacturer’s safety features such as electric enclosures. Immediately report any malfunctions or defects to the maintenance staff and examine the instruction manual. In many businesses, hazardous manual handling remains an underappreciated concern. Always remember to turn off the machine after you’ve finished your work.
All equipment should be kept clean and in good functioning order. Any flaws should be reported right away. Furthermore, no tools should be left in an area that is not intended for storage.
Wear PPE
To improve safety in any industrial or manufacturing plant, adequate protective equipment is required. Because they are regions with a variety of equipment, it’s best to be cautious at all times. When you work without personal protective equipment such as goggles, you are putting yourself and others in danger. Make your staff aware of their duty for safety equipment and make sure that all safety rules are followed.
Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment when cleaning up messes and utilizing machinery. Making sure you’re wearing the right safety gear and inspecting it to make sure it’s in good shape reduces your chances of getting hurt.
Conduct Emergency Drills
Do all of your factory employees know what to do if a fire breaks out? Or perhaps a tornado? Is there going to be an earthquake?
Employee safety is the focus of this manufacturing safety advice. Before new employees even step foot on the factory floor, show them how to use the emergency exits. Employee handbooks should include detailed instructions on how to evacuate. Different types of exercises should be practiced to ensure that everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency.
Fire and other evacuation drills are a great method to ensure that everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency. Employees should be conversant with all emergency procedures and know where and how to utilize fire extinguishers. It’s also crucial to figure out which machinery must be turned off and which can be left running while the building is evacuated.
Make Use of Clear Signage and Posters
Make warnings about manufacturing safety obvious. Signage should be used to demarcate limited areas and potential hazards. Ensure that your facility’s safety managers have placed visible and clear signage and labeling. Employees’ attention should be drawn to signs and labeling. Replace a worn label with a new one if necessary. Similarly, as new equipment replaces older technology, the safety signs must be updated.
Posters are another certain approach to improve safety in the manufacturing industry. Posters have been shown in studies to improve knowledge, change attitudes, and change behaviors. Post safety posters in areas where employees work.
Conclusion
Know that safety needs continuous efforts and a commitment to the highest levels of quality, whether it’s automating your security systems or training staff on the threats. When it comes to safety measures, it’s critical to be adaptable and open to reconsidering steps in your process if necessary. After all, you’re putting safety in place to keep day-to-day production activities safe.