4 Health Hazards In The Manufacturing Industry You Need to Know
Running a manufacturing business? Then safety is crucial.
The manufacturing industry is the backbone of global production, driving innovation and economic growth.
However, it also comes with significant health risks that can impact workers if not properly managed.
From exposure to hazardous chemicals to the dangers of heavy machinery, manufacturing environments pose various threats that can lead to serious injuries or long-term health issues.
Understanding these risks is crucial for employers and employees alike to create a safer work environment.
In this article, I will explore four major health hazards in the manufacturing industry and discuss ways to mitigate them, ensuring workplace safety and well-being.
Read on to find out how to keep your manufacturing plant safer.
1. Repetitive movement injury
Repetitive movement injuries are common in manufacturing environments.
They occur when a worker has to do the same movement over and over again such as adding a specific element to an item on a production line.
Relative movement injuries are best avoided because they can cause undue strain on joints and muscles resulting in pain and weakness.
This can not only be unpleasant for the person suffering from them but also impact their mobility in the long term as well as their ability to work not only at your facility but also to support their family.
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You can avoid relative strain injuries in your manufacturing business by putting proper safeguards in place. These include making sure tasks are rotating so no one person is doing the same movements over and over again.
Making workstations ergonomic will also reduce wear and tear on muscles and joints. You may even wish to consider automating some of the worst offending tasks.
2. Hearing damage
Manufacturing facilities can be incredibly loud places to work, and this can lead to hearing damage.
Indeed, when a person is subjected to sounds over 85 dBA for some time hearing loss can result. This loss can be permanent and greatly impact their quality of life in terms of working, physical health and even mental health.
The best way to avoid causing hearing loss in your manufacturing business is to make sure your staff have proper PPE or personal protective equipment.
In this case, ear plugs and ear defenders are the most vital PPE as they will reduce the decibel level of the noise to which workers are exposed.
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3. Poisoning/explosion
Poisoning is one of the health hazards that those operating a manufacturing facility must safeguard against.
This is because many manufacturing plants use gasses in their production efforts that are oxidizing, flammable or compressed. Indeed the risk is not only of poisoning but of explosion as well.
To prevent such issues, making sure that the right people in your business have a gas testing atmosphere qualification is vital.
Such a course will provide them with all the necessary knowledge they need such as how to test the atmosphere for dangerous gases, how to keep records, and how to select the right equipment to use.
4. Crush injuries
Any business which involves working with heavy machinery runs the risk of crush injuries. These occur when a person gets a body part stuck in a machine and can have devastating consequences such as loss of a limb, severe disablement and even death.
The best way to avoid crush injuries in your manufacturing business is to use a three-pronged approach. The first prong is to make sure that all of your staff are properly trained and certified for the machines you ask them to operate.
The second is to make sure that you display the proper signage around any heavy machinery letting both operators and passersby know the dangers involved.
Lastly, the third prong is to make sure you have a kill switch in easy reach for those operating the machine so if an emergency does occur they can stop it dead.
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5. Have a first aid kit
A properly stocked first aid kit is essential in any manufacturing environment, as health hazards can happen unexpectedly.
However, it’s not just about having a generic kit. It should be tailored to address specific injuries that may arise from operating machinery or handling hazardous materials.
For instance, if workers are exposed to sharp tools, the kit should include antiseptics, bandages, and wound dressings. In environments where burns are a risk, burn ointments and cooling gels should be readily available.
Additionally, the first aid kit should be placed in easily accessible locations throughout the facility. This ensures that workers can respond quickly in case of an emergency.
Regular inspections and restocking of supplies are crucial to keeping the kit functional at all times.
Moreover, employees should be trained on basic first aid procedures, including how to use the kit effectively.
This proactive approach minimizes the severity of workplace injuries. It also promotes a culture of safety and preparedness in the manufacturing industry.
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Conclusion
The manufacturing industry plays a vital role in global production. However, it also comes with significant health hazards that should not be overlooked.
From exposure to harmful chemicals to the risks associated with heavy machinery, understanding these dangers is the first step in creating a safer work environment.
By implementing these proper safety measures, your business can significantly reduce the risks workers face daily.
A proactive approach to safety is to protect employees from injuries and long-term health issues.
Prioritizing health and safety in the manufacturing sector is not just a regulatory requirement.
It is a responsibility that fosters a safer, more sustainable workplace for everyone.
