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Safety in Manufacturing

There are a variety of types of manufacturing businesses. A workplace may manufacture food, vehicles, toys, furniture, textiles, hardware, and other items. Yet, no matter the product or the size of the company, the employer or management team is responsible for the safety of all workers. Many common processes and equipment are used in manufacturing industries. Safety issues are also common to most industry processes.

  1. Machines

    • Machines of all sizes and types are used in manufacturing. Safety issues include protecting the worker from bodily injury. Moving parts, hot surfaces, steam, and sparks are some of the hazards for those working with and around machines. Other machine safety includes the lockout/tagout procedure to stop machinery when it is being serviced, machine guarding and electrical safety precautions.

    Chemicals

    • Chemicals are potential hazards, whether a factory manufactures chemicals or uses them in the process of other products. HazMat (hazardous materials) signs should be placed in areas where chemicals are stored or being used. Material Safety Data Sheets must be in the area of use or storage. All chemicals used for cleaning or in the manufacturing process need to be clearly marked.

    Envrionmental Factors

    • The environment surrounding workers can cause injury or illness to workers. Extreme heat or cold in buildings or outdoors should be considered in safety planning. Noise can damage hearing. Glare or flashes from various processes can damage the eyes. Housekeeping issues that can cause safety hazards include cluttered aisles, blocked safety exits, rags or paper becoming too close to hot surfaces or open flames, and liquids on floors.

    Physical Safety

    • The body of a worker can become injured in repetitive or improperly executed movements. The field of ergonomics is geared to help reduce injuries to the back, neck and shoulders; arms, wrists, fingers and elbows; and the legs and knees. Repetitive motion in manufacturing procedures can cause conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, shoulder injuries, and other long-term and costly problems.
      Improper lifting, bending, and reaching, can injure a worker's shoulders and back. Proper methods of using the body, as well as ergonomically designed machinery, can help reduce injuries.

    Tools and Equipment

    • Hand or motorized forlkift trucks can crush or pin unaware workers.

      Besides manufacturing machinery, industrial workers also might use hand tools or power tools. Proper use and proper fit of the tools can help reduce injuries. Equipment might include hand or motorized forklift trucks and a variety of types of carts. Workers using, or in the area of, free-moving equipment should have proper warning systems to prevent them from being crushed, pinned or knocked down. Signs will also help to warn persons who need to move around the area that is also occupied by moving equipment.

    Injury-preventative Clothing and Accessories

    • Safety hard hats help prevent injuries to a worker's head.

      Personal protective equipment (PPE) is the term for items worn by the worker to help prevent injuries of various types. Safety glasses, ear plugs, hard hats, face shields, steel-toed work boots, gloves, and respiratory masks fall into the category of PPE. Other types of PPE are fall protection harnesses, lift-aids with anchors, and fence-type guarding to prevent falls.

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