Without a doubt, manufacturing facilities are essential to keep the economy afloat. Just imagine how many of the things we enjoy every day will be out of the picture if we put all our modern-day factories away. Top of the list: tissue paper, detergent, shampoo. And just about everything you see in the kitchen and the bathroom.
And yet, we can’t deny a manufacturing facility with all its might can also be one of the most dangerous places in the industry. Exactly why workers should always be held in line, kept safe by stringent manufacturing processes and due diligence.
Definitely, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Any untoward incident not only can bring harm to your employees, but it can also tarnish your reputation. A safe environment helps you establish better connections with your workers, clients, and associates. And a good brand can lead to a spike in sales.
However, safety issues like injuries or accidents of some sort in the workplace are bad news. Know you could be shorthanded, as a worker need to recuperate or replaced. Worse, we’re talking about a sudden drop in sales, reputational damages, unwanted media attention, etc. This is a possibility that will most likely happen if you do not implement safety measures in your manufacturing facility.
Luckily, there are certain measures you can implement speedily with enormous results in the safety department. Here are the key talking points.
Safety Gears Should Be Mandatory
There are many hazards in a manufacturing facility. Like toxic materials and heavy machinery that needs to be operated regularly. All of these can lead to negative effects on people’s health and cause fires and explosions to happen. Thus, ensuring your workers the need to wear protective clothing or safety measures should become a must.
For one, most employees that got into an accident or injury are mostly because of failing to wear safety gear or PPE. There are many types of PPE, depending on what task the workers are assigned. Commonly used PPE include earmuffs, earplugs, gloves, goggles, hard hats, etc.
Wearing the right equipment in an environment where accidents can happen anytime can lessen the chances of severe injuries from occurring on site.
Make Sure Your Equipment Are Used The Right Way
One of the common reasons why accidents happen is the improper use of machines or equipment. Make sure your workers are trained and be experts on where they are assigned so that each piece of equipment they use is handled correctly.
To prevent unwanted incidents from happening, one must follow specific rules. First, always have your equipment or tools maintained in their best condition. Also, you should consider investing in equipment that is of high quality.
A good example is a pneumatic cylinder or actuator. They are used to control the valves and guide chemicals in the right way. Not only is it efficient and fast, but it also erases the possibility of fire accidents. Best of all, they can last a lifetime. Small wonder why they’re a go-to device in hot and cold fill processes.
Provide Safety Labels and Signs
Every facility will most certainly have different labels in the building. We’re talking about illuminated exits or signs where the fire extinguisher is located. But the thing is, that’s still not enough. Using all kinds of labels in your facility is a great way to have an overall safe environment.
Why? Because a visual workplace allows people to read and know where the hazards are. Thus, they become more careful and in the process, and then they know what to avoid.
Communicate With Your Workers Regularly
A manufacturing business is a team that consists of a large group of people with different personalities. And having two-way communication amongst them can shape a safer workplace environment. To do so, have daily or monthly meetings with your staff. Discuss and prepare everyone regarding safety before proceeding with the whole operation.
The best companies will not wait until a serious accident happens before communicating with their staff. Ask for employees’ input now and then. Being honest and open can provide a significant impact leading to a safer workplace. And happier employees in the long run.