It is a sad fact that manufacturing is one of the most dangerous industries to work in. This is due to the machinery used and the risk it is to those either not trained properly to use it or those not paying attention.
It is, therefore, vital that you make sure your manufacturing site is as safe as it can be and that you have done everything within your power to keep your employees out of harm’s way and well-trained in their job roles and the equipment that they have to use.
#1 Protective clothing
In addition to this, you should supply your employees with the relevant protective clothing that is required for their job roles to keep them safe. Hard hats, goggles, gloves, and high-viz jackets may be all that is required but if they are working with dangerous chemicals, they also may require protective clothing and breathing apparatus.
#2 Reduce manual handling
It is important to reduce the amount of manual handling that takes place around your manufacturing site. Manual handling, if not carried out correctly, can cause lasting problems for your employees, such as slipped discs and muscle strain, among other things. You may very well feel that your employees have to move items that are either heavy or bulky from one area to another.
However, you can supply trolleys or Fluent Conveyors to lessen the amount of time that they are carrying these loads. This will not only cut down on the number of injuries but could see the items completing the whole of their journey through your site without the need for them to leave the conveyor belt.
#3 Zone machinery areas
Zoning areas where machinery is used, such as your forklifts, could also cut down on the number of potential accidents your business will face. You can never go too over the top, have painted markings on the floors, signage, even key coded entry, anything that will make your employees stop and think before they walk through these areas of your manufacturing site.
#4 Initiate no lone worker protocol
You should understand that when it comes to working overtime at your manufacturing site, no worker should be alone. Some businesses say that it is ok as they provide a phone number so that if trouble or an accident happens, contact can be made.
However, in extreme cases, this contact may not happen. If your employee faints, falls, or has a heart attack, for instance, they may not be able to call for help. Never let an employee work on your manufacturing site alone.
#5 Employ a first aider
It is a good idea to make sure you have a small pool of employees that are well-trained in the art of first aid. Having a first aider on site when an accident or an incident has happened can be the difference between the victim staying alive or losing their life. If you have no one on your payroll who is a first aider, then pay for them to train and provide them with a financial incentive to take up the role.
