Keeping yourself and those around you safe is one of the top responsibilities for everyone working in industrial settings. There are many different dangers you need to account for to protect yourself and others, whether you’re just operating out of your CNC machine shop or supervising hundreds of employees on a factory floor. Continue reading to learn about the top safety hazards in a manufacturing workplace to avoid.
Falls, Trips, and Slips
While explosions and electric shocks may appear the most dangerous because of how spectacular their visuals can be, the most prevalent danger in manufacturing is a simple fall. Falls can result from various circumstances, such as oil or liquid leaking onto the ground or an unsecured railing giving way. You need to ensure you’re using the proper safety equipment, such as ladders and scaffolds, if you’re ever working at heights above six feet. Also, clean any spills right away.
Airborne Contamination
Many industrial operations, such as welding and machining, can release metal particles into the air. You may also encounter confined spaces that can contain elevated levels of dangerous gases, such as carbon monoxide or hydrogen sulfide. To prevent health problems, you must ensure that everyone always wears respirators or gas masks depending on the level of risk in the environment.
Fire Breaking Out
Many operations require the use of heat or fire. But if you don’t follow proper precautions, these activities open the possibility of uncontrolled flames breaking out. You must ensure that there are several fire exits in each room. Also, train employees on correct fire extinguisher techniques, and make sure that your facility has smoke detectors and sprinklers.
Accidents With Heavy Machinery
You’ll find many distinct types of heavy machinery in manufacturing workplaces. Forklifts are the most common causes of accidents, but you need to take great pains to inspect all equipment and educate workers on using it. If you don’t take these steps, heavy machinery poses a threat to life, a risk of injury, and the potential to damage supplies and products.
Knowing the top safety hazards in a manufacturing workplace to avoid helps you and those around you prevent serious accidents. Even if you’ve spent years in these industries or just a couple of hours a month working on a project, you always need to remind yourself of the dangers.
