While OSHA’s general industry safety regulations may intimidate manufacturers, being proactive on employee safety is imperative to long-term success. Surveys reveal that more than 80% of employers noted an increase in productivity levels and a subsequent reduction in injuries and insurance claims when safety programs were prioritized.
On the other hand, failing to uphold safety criteria often results in OSHA fines, bad publicity, loss of productivity, and increased costs involving injuries and workers’ comp insurance. All of which is secondary to the decrease in company morale and the suffering that injured workers experience.
5 Principles of A Safe Manufacturing Environment
Establishing a safety-conscious attitude: Begin at top-level management and communicate with every employee. Establish a zero-tolerance policy on even light-hearted pranking. Encourage/train employees to:
- Take personal responsibility for their safety and that of their co-workers.
- Know and follow safety rules, giving complete attention to their work.
- Be aware of and report safety hazards.
- Set personal issues aside when working.
Employee Training: Ensure that every employee knows how to fulfill their specific tasks and the consequent safety best practices. Conduct regular training sessions, including:
- When an employee is a new hire or switches to a new position.
- Every time a new process is added.
- The proper handling of hazardous materials.
- What to do should an emergency or incident occur.
Personal Protective Equipment: PPE must be a priority.
- Assess the appropriate PPE for every position.
- Ensure each employee is fitted correctly, as well as trained in the use of their PPE.
- Conduct regular maintenance check of all equipment.
Machine Guarding: From small equipment to large machinery, never bypass guards designed to prevent injury. Train employees to
- Ensure OSHA safeguards are followed.
- Confirm safeguards are correctly in place and allow the user to operate the machine comfortably.
- Never start machinery without guards in place.
- Never adjust or remove guards.
- Avoid jewelry and loose clothing or ties when working around machines.
Mitigating General Hazards: Create a constant awareness of the little things that can quickly evolve into big problems. Train employees to be aware of:
- Potential slip and fall hazards.
- Fire safety precautions.
- Proper use of chemicals.
- Personal care, such as taking scheduled breaks, drinking sufficient fluids, etc.
- Electrical hazards – especially in the use of electrical equipment and cords.
The manufacturing industry is central to a strong economy. Creating and maintaining an environment which allows employees to work safely, without risk to their physical and psychological health and welfare is critical. Safe workers are happier, healthier, and more productive. Your company’s reputation and bottom line go up. It’s a win/win.
At Gillman Services, safety is our top priority. We ensure that every GSI employee understands the safety guidelines and encourage everyone to have a safety mindset. We are your source of highly skilled manufacturing craftsmen, including laborers, craftsmen, and supervisors. We understand precision and performance matters; that’s why all GSI employees arrive onsite with the proper skills, training, tools, and certifications. Contact us today.