Workplace safety is crucial in every manufacturing sector, as it involves the use of heavy machinery and equipment. It supports the well-being of every employee, the efficiency of production, and compliance with safety regulations.
Occupational accidents not only impact workplace productivity and significant damage to machines but also put the health and lives of workers at risk. Identifying possible occupational hazards and taking preventative measures can help reduce potential workplace accidents.
In this post, you will learn several quick and actionable solutions to uphold safety in your day-to-day manufacturing operation. Lucky for you, we have rounded tips that will ensure safety, health, and compliance.
- Promote a culture of safety
Supporting a culture of safety can make every employee feel responsible for their behaviour, reminding all members to work safely. Leaders should discuss the significance of safety procedures and demonstrate them through strict observance of safety regulations to effectively cultivate a culture of safety.
- Conduct regular independent safety audits
To improve safety in your manufacturing operation, you need to identify any potential unsafe working conditions. Consider your employees as a great resource for information.
Encourage workers to report ASAP any unsafe conditions, such as a wet floor without a warning sign to prevent falling accidents. Be sure to seriously take every incident report.
The rapid change in technology has transformed the way manufacturers operate their businesses. Most companies do not have the time to keep their risk assessment up-to-date, especially amidst busy daily operations. However, an independent audit can be an effective way to view the changes in a fresh perspective in safety dynamics, providing opportunities to improve outdated workplace safety and principles.
- Conduct regular maintenance
Regular maintenance of machinery and equipment, such as rotary screw air compressors, should be one of the top concerns in manufacturing companies. Failure to keep up with machine maintenance can increase the risk of workplace accidents. Setting up a computerized maintenance management system is an effective way to ensure the optimum function of all equipment.
- Communicate effectively
Establishing clear communication between supervisors and workers helps ensure favourable safety results. If anyone in the organization notices any safety issues in the work area, inform the supervisor so they can mitigate the problem ASAP.
- Keep work areas clear of obstacles
Clearing the work area of obstacles is a no-brainer when it comes to ensuring workplace safety. Disorganization and clutter can often lead to accidents in a busy production area.
Organization in the workplace is key to preventing injuries. Deliveries and outgoing items should be kept in their designated areas. Also, keep walkways, entrances, and exits clear so, especially when there is a confined space rescue taking place in the work area.
- Use equipment correctly
Forklifts and other specialized machinery and equipment are common in a manufacturing scenario. That is why workers must receive safety training to enable them to use the equipment correctly, ensuring the safety of the operator. In addition to the correct use of equipment, you can add another layer of protection by installing a forklift rear post for your Toronto forklift operators. This will protect them from a fatal under-ride accident while operating a forklift.
- Wear personal protective equipment
It is crucial for every manufacturing business owner to enforce workers who are operating heavy machines and equipment to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) to make sure that they stay safe while doing their job. PPEs, such as safety goggles, hard hats, and respirators are required at all times for personal safety in the work area. All workers want to work in a safe and protected work environment. Be sure to follow these tips to ensure everybody’s safety.