How To Promote Safety In Your Manufacturing Business
Manufacturing companies must follow the best safety practices to ensure no one gets hurt in the workplace. This is because a safe working environment can boost employee morale and productivity while making a good impression about your company. Moreover, manufacturing processes may pose various health risks to employees. Therefore, organizational leaders have to prioritize employee welfare and establish safety protocols regarding proper machine handling and how to address hazards in the workplace. Here are a few steps to improve your manufacturing business safety.
Develop a comprehensive safety program
Manufacturing companies should design a comprehensive safety program for manufacturing and emphasize the essence of safety in the workplace. Consider developing presentations and supporting documents directing employees on how to protect themselves on site. You can also recruit a safety specialist to train managers to lead their department’s safety campaigns. These may focus on warehouse equipment safety, hazardous waste disposal, and best practices for using personal protective equipment (PPE), so keep this in mind.
Create an emergency plan
Employees should know how to respond to emergencies. Therefore, establish a plan for workers to follow when they identify safety concerns. For instance, if dangerous fumes invade a building, you can recommend what protective gear employees should wear to avoid inhaling the harmful substance. An emergency response plan should also specify evacuation routes in the event of a fire and include first aid kits for common workplace accidents.
Boost air quality
Everyone needs clean air at home and work. This is particularly important for industrial workers as poor air quality can cause significant respiratory and general health issues. Industrial air pollution may occur due to chemicals and particles that contaminate the air. Dust, soot, smoke, carbon monoxide, and sulfur and nitrogen oxides are common industrial pollutants. As a tip, work with clean air experts such as TopAir Systems to ensure these pollutants don't circulate.
Although eliminating every microscopic contaminant may be impossible, you can minimize their levels in your manufacturing facility. Frequent change of filters and the use of industrial air purifiers can also help. If your manufacturing activities involve sawdust or rock dust, installing the right ventilation systems can create cleaner air for employees.
Prevent slips and trips
Slips and trips are prevalent causes of nonfatal occupational injuries, so it’s vital for manufacturing businesses to ensure their aisles are clear. Cleaning spills immediately can prevent employees from slipping. If your business often deals with liquids, keep drip pans and guards handy. Frequently inspect the workplace to ensure loose boards, holes, and nails don't create safety risks. Additionally, replace damaged flooring as soon as possible and invest in anti-slip items for areas that are hard to clean.
Use equipment properly
The most prevalent cause of workplace injury is the wrong use of tools and machinery. So, encourage your team to use the right equipment for the right job. Routine cleaning and inspection of these tools can minimize the risks of dangers, including fire and explosion. Also, installing safeguards on equipment can protect employees from accidentally cutting themselves due to their sharp edges.
