Safety on the Plant Floor

It's no surprise that plant and manufacturing facilities have the potential to be dangerous work environments. Found in most plants are heavy machinery, forklifts, chemicals and exhaust fumes, MQL system lubricants, cleaners and plenty of tools. It only takes one misstep to cause serious injury. 

Companies have a responsibility to their employees to ensure that proper safety precautions are taken, and rules and policies are established and followed, in order to keep everyone safe. Today’s safest manufacturers are those that make safety an integral part of what they do every day; those that engage employees in their safety goals, get leadership commitment, and manage and measure their risks regularly.

Key safety guidelines and precautions your business should implement immediately include:

• Be aware of your surroundings. This step requires knowing the particular hazards of your job or workplace.
• Use tools and machines properly. Take the proper precautions when using tools, and never take shortcuts.
• Report unsafe conditions to your supervisor. He or she needs to be informed about any workplace safety hazards or risks.
• Use mechanical aids whenever possible. Instead of attempting to carry or lift something that’s overly heavy, use a wheelbarrow, conveyor belt, crank or forklift.
• Take regular breaks. So many work-related injuries and illnesses occur because a worker is tired, burned out and not alert to their surroundings.
• Reduce workplace stress. Stress can lead to depression and concentration problems. Common causes of workplace stress include long hours, heavy workload, job insecurity and conflicts with coworkers or managers.
• Wear the correct safety equipment. Equipment like earplugs, earmuffs, hard hats, safety goggles, or gloves greatly reduce the risk of workplace injury.

 Workplace safety doesn’t just protect workers - it optimizes productivity and helps drive revenue growth. It also helps protect company assets, reduces downtime, and increases morale.