An estimated 400,000 injuries take place in manufacturing facilities each year in America based on reports from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Those injuries vary in severity. Some are minor with no lasting repercussions. Others are more serious, and approximately 5,000 workplace accidents claim people’s lives annually. Experts are quick to point out that most accidents are preventable with the right measures in place.
Reducing Workplace Accidents with Safety Solutions is essential. It helps workers to do their jobs effectively without placing themselves in harm’s way. It also leads to less downtime, improves productivity, and minimizes legal issues and unnecessary expenses for employers. There are several ways to minimize risks and, in many cases, prevent workplace injuries.
Installing Machine Guards
One of the simplest and most effective ways to protect workers against workplace hazards is to install machine guards. They provide an effective barrier between workers and moving parts, wiring, and other components that could cause injuries. Machine guards come in several varieties at this point from simple fixed gates to automated safety doors and beyond. Customized guards can also be created to meet businesses’ distinct needs and further promote safety in the workplace. Machine guards can protect employees against an array of dangers, including falls, getting caught in machinery, and exposure to hazardous fumes and chemicals to name a few.
Automation
Automation is another way to minimize workplace injuries. It reduces physical contact with materials and machinery. Automated machines can cover everything from heavy lifting to processing and packaging. Though some jobs are still best done by hand, it’s possible to automate virtually every part of the manufacturing process at this point.
Keep in mind that safety measures can also be automated. Systems that monitor for unsafe conditions and machinery that automatically shuts down if it detects obstructions are a couple of prime examples here. Pressure-sensitive safety mats also fall into this category. They sense when workers are present and can shut down machinery or trigger other measures if necessary.
Access Control
Access control is essential for reducing workplace injuries as well. Numerous access control measures can be put into play to protect employees. RFID cards and scanners, biometric systems, lock out/tag out mechanisms, and password-protected control panels are a few of the possibilities. These solutions can keep workers out of potentially dangerous areas when machines are operating and ensure only trained personnel have access to certain machines among other benefits.
Employee Training
Finally, one of the most effective ways to reduce workplace accidents is to properly train employees. Be sure all workers understand safety protocols and procedures. Train them on how to correctly operate machinery and how to avoid accidents. Ensure they understand the roles they play in not only their own safety but that of their coworkers. This should be an ongoing process, and it should be updated as new machinery, processes, and safety procedures come into play.
Keeping Workplace Accidents at a Minimum
Manufacturing facilities and other industrial settings are much safer now than they were in the past. Unfortunately, far too many avoidable accidents still take place. Implementing the safety measures mentioned here can help keep workplace accidents at a minimum, and it’s sure to bring many other benefits to manufacturers and their employees.
