CHAPTER 2
Top Risks in the Manufacturing Industry
To get more granular, 92,000 workers suffer from work-related ill health in the manufacturing industry, according to the HSE. 40% of this is due to musculoskeletal issues as well as stress, depression, and anxiety which also accounts for 40%. Check out our blog, Manufacturers Managing their COSHH Controls, to dive deeper into this topic.
It is your responsibility to keep your employees safe from harm. That’s why it’s important to understand what the top safety risks to your people are. The following are what you should be on the lookout for in the manufacturing industry:
1. Slips, trips, and falls
Slips, trips, and falls are one of the most common reasons for injuries seen in the manufacturing industry. Loose objects or wiring, wet floors, and more can cause an employee to slip, trip, or fall. Ensure all employees are trained to spot hazards and report potentially harmful areas. Once key stakeholders are alerted, they must assign the proper corrective actions to protect others from harm.
2. Lockout/tagout
Accidents and injuries related to lockout/tagout are also very common in this industry. Lockout/tagout refers to deenergising certain machinery so harmful energy is not released. If this is not done right, it could cause serious injury and even death. Make sure that you have documented your lockout/tagout procedures and that you have provided employee training on this topic. It is critical that those who work with such machinery know how to properly conduct lockout/tagout procedures.
3. Machine guarding
Many dangerous machines are frequently used in the manufacturing industry. Employees can seriously get hurt due to flying objects, sparks, and more when working with such equipment. Resource and implement the right machine guards, and document the proper procedures needed when working with this equipment. Communicate this to your teams and make sure they have all received the necessary training. Don’t forget to always inspect and maintain machinery at your organisation to avoid potential injuries.