When managing a business, environmental hazards and the safety of the employees are always the priority of a plant manager. Along with this are preventive measures on occasional risks. To convince employees to work for you, ensuring a safe and healthy work environment is significant. To guarantee that your workplace conditions will pass the random inspections of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), take note of these tips.

Falls

Slipping on damp floors, falling, and tripping contribute to falls as among the top three causes of manufacturing workplace injuries that can sometimes lead to death. Being cautious and aware of where you are walking and what’s on your path is just as crucial as wearing various safety gear. Keep your eyes in front of you.

Machine Guarding

An issueless vulcanizing autoclave used every day can cause cut corners when it comes to the safety of the employees. However, having an improperly installed safeguard can become just as threatening to those working. Accidents can freely happen during regular operating hours. According to OSHA, this hazard has been known as the number one cause for safety breaches and fines.

Powered Industrial Trucks

Potential injuries and deaths that happen in the workplace involving powered industrial equipment are also among the top three workplace hazards that employees have to be cautious about in a manufacturing company. All workers should follow appropriate safety procedures and training.

Uncontrolled Fires

You can find controlled sparks in production environments in the form of welding and combustion machinery. In several production processes, they are vital components, but what happens if the flames get out of hand? Companies are also at stake because it places people’s lives in jeopardy.

Your manufacturing facility should always have sprinklers and smoke detectors installed to put out blazes that are out of control when necessary. If a fire breaks out at a workplace, employees should know how to use a fire extinguisher and the proper way to evacuate the facility. To protect the safety of its employees, a reputable factory would have several well-designated fire exits and conduct frequent fire drills.

Electrical Hazards

Aside from the known hazards that electricians and engineers face every day, being inside a manufacturing industry can add additional electrical risks for the employees. Potential hazards include exposed wiring, unlocked electrical panels, and carelessly installed machinery. Guaranteeing that all the gear and equipment is installed correctly, have appropriate insulation of wires, and tightly fastened electrical panels are among the primary steps to prioritize the safety of all the employees.

Lockout / Tagout

While doing service for heavy machinery and other equipment for a manufacturing company, following the procedure is a must to avoid unwanted start-up accidents or energy discharges. Technicians are the most vulnerable when dealing with machinery; therefore, all signs for caution, employee warnings, and lockout safeguards should be appropriately hanged and distributed.

Machines that Require a Lot of Power

Risk factors in the manufacturing business include machinery, which is perhaps the most prominent. Over the years, there have been a considerable number of forklift-related accidents in the workplace. There’s a danger to life and limb, as well as the possibility of injuries and property damage.

Managers with experience often cite pressure as a significant cause of accidents regarding forklifts. Most of the time, the pressure to fulfill unrealistic deadlines might lead to employees cutting shortcuts, such as driving too heavy or failing to stay a reasonable distance from racks or machines.

Managers must set appropriate expectations for their workers, and safety must always come foremost. Moreover, they also have to train their employees and constantly supervise them to ensure that they aren’t slacking off and then rushing to reach a deadline even with acceptable expectations.

Restricted Spaces

Oxygen depletion can occur in confined places, including a tank or vat. The dangers of suffocation can strike at any time; thus, proper training is essential for anybody working in a tight environment. An employee may have reduced reaction time due to oxygen deprivation, making it challenging to act right away. With plenty of potentially harmful activities, OSHA recommends employees be in pairings, one of whom is at a distance from the risk. Should issues occur, it’s always possible to get support or at least get a fast request for assistance using this system.

Final Thoughts

Workplace injuries are more common in the manufacturing sector compared to other modern workplaces. You can maintain a safe industrial operation if your staff has sufficient training and environmental background. Providing the correct equipment and experience for the business is essential for ensuring that its employees remain focused, pleased, and safe while performing the task at hand.