The construction industry is usually top of mind when it comes to accidents in the workplace, but the equipment and processes used in the manufacturing sector can cause their share of accidents and incidents as well.

In an article in the July, 2014 edition of Plant Engineering, author Tom Bonine of National Metal Fabricators cites 6 common safety concerns that can come up in manufacturing. Let’s take a look at each one and see how HSI can help you keep everyone safe and in OSHA compliance:

Poor maintenance
As any frustrated homeowner will tell you, a little regular maintenance goes a long way to avoiding big problems down the road, and we’ve all made the mistake of ignoring those warning lights in our cars only to pay for it later with costly repairs. The same holds true for our workplace equipment. Keep to the inspection schedule, learn the warning signs, and, if it’s got a lockout/tagout sign, leave it be.

Train your team with Summit’s Lockout/Tagout course.

Permanent hazards
Some stuff is just dangerous. The article cites chemicals and confined spaces as two examples of potential hazards in the workplace that are inherently dangerous. Train employees on how to navigate these necessary dangers with our suite of hazard communication courses (including GHS compliance programs) and confined space programs.

Undertrained employees
EH&S professionals know that a robust safety culture is built on regular training. From orientation overviews to specific equipment and tasks, a subscription to Summit Connect puts you in control of your program with full access to Summit’s extensive library of courses.

Insufficient first aid
From simple first aid to CPR to using the company AED to save a life, ASHI and MEDIC First Aid offer workplace training that keeps you in compliance. Whether you want to become an instructor and offer the training yourself, or book one of our National Training Solutions network instructors to train at your location, we’ve got you covered. (For more about NTS training, contact us at 800.447.3177.)

Carelessness
In addition to a solid training regimen that instills best practices in all your employees, the article makes a great point about the need for “a safe way to report questionable activity.” Summit’s safety orientation courses include training on how to report and why it’s so important for everyone’s well being. Be sure that retaliation-free reporting is part of your safety and emergency plan.

Unrestricted access
The people at your worksite should primarily be your workers. If there are high-danger areas at your place of business, signs, gates, and locked doors will help keep untrained workers or visitors out of harm’s way. For more, check out Summit’s Contractor and Visitor Awareness course.

No matter what your plant produces, we want to help you stay safe. Call our experts at 800.447.3177 and together we’ll find the best solution for your business.

Keep the conversation going! If you’re in manufacturing, what are some of the safety dangers your employees encounter and how are you mitigating them? Let our readers know in the comment field below.