Workers in the manufacturing face significant on-the-job risks. For example, welding, cutting sheet metal, assembling parts and heavy lifting are all part of the job for those in Greensburg who work in manufacturing. Any of these tasks can cause serious injuries if care is not taken. The following are three steps employers in the manufacturing industry can take to ensure their workplace is safe.
Keep workspaces clean and organized
Manufacturing areas can easily become dirty and cluttered. Floors may have spills and objects such as power cords or hoses may be out of place. Any of these can cause an employee to slip or trip, leading to significant injuries. It is essential that aisles and workstations are tidy, and that equipment and other items are not left lying around. If a spill occurs, the area should be barricaded with caution tape. Scrap, metal shavings and flammable items should be disposed of appropriately. Walkways should be clean, with no equipment lying about that could cause someone to trip. Finally, ensure there is a place for everything, and everything is in its place.
Provide workers with proper safety gear
Workers must wear appropriate protective gear on the factory floor. In fact, the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration mandates that metal workers be provided with personal protective equipment, such as gloves, earplugs and hardhats. Those who work with electricity should wear rubber toed boots and gloves. Welders should be provided with welding hoods to protect their eyesight. These are only some examples of protective equipment those in manufacturing need to stay safe.
Make sure guardian mechanisms are in place
It is essential that factories are designed with worker safety in mind. This means having guarding mechanisms are in place on cutting equipment and other machines that could trap a worker’s fingers. Elevated walkways should have guardrails and barriers that only allow certain necessary workers to access the area.
Learn more about workplace injuries
Unfortunately, there will always be those who are injured on-the-job in the manufacturing industry due to negligence on the part of their employer. When this happens, the injured worker will want to explore their rights and options. Our firm’s webpage on dangerous workplaces may be of interest to those who want to learn more about this topic.