1. Poor
maintenance
Machinery
and equipment that isn't properly maintained can be very dangerous. Even
equipment with fail-safes can malfunction if you do not perform regular
maintenance checks. To minimize the risk, have your equipment inspected on a
regular basis by a professional, whether in-house or contracted. And don't rely
solely on those spaced out inspections; make sure that your employees know how
to perform a quick inspection before and after using each piece of machinery.
The people who come in regular contact with your equipment should know what a
machine looks like, how it smells and how it sounds when operating properly.
They should know how to spot warning signs immediately, such as exposed wires,
burning or electrical smells, abnormal wobbles, grinding or scraping noises, or
any other irregular sounds. If a machine is deemed potentially unsafe, it
should be shut down immediately for repairs. Onsite workers should not attempt
to repair malfunctioning equipment on their own without first alerting a
supervisor.
2.
Permanent hazards
Proper
maintenance will only get you so far. Many machines in manufacturing are
dangerous regardless of whether they are working exactly as they are intended
to. Take chemicals, for example, you can't simply remove the risk of a
dangerous chemical by doing a quick check, but you can make sure all chemicals
are properly labeled and that employees are equipped to handle them properly.
Many machines heat up quickly and pose a fire hazard, even when operating
correctly. It's your responsibility to know the limits of your equipment and
communicate them to all workers.
Confined
spaces are another permanent hazard that can be difficult to address. As
confined spaces exist in most manufacturing settings, it is important for your
employees to understand the risks of becoming entrapped or finding themselves
in an oxygen-depleted area. Address that risk with training, exhaust blowers
and confined space rescue equipment, and always make sure employees in such
conditions work in pairs. Proper training is your best defense against these
types of hazards, which brings up the next danger.
3.
Undertrained employees
Your
facility is only as safe as the people working in it. Your employees should
undergo regular training on all equipment they might come in contact with. It
should include proper operations as well as how to check that everything is
working as it should. As machines are upgraded and replaced, training should be
repeated. Workers should be exposed to periodic safety training, as well, so
that they know the most current best practices for keeping themselves and their
co-workers safe. This should include emergency response for burns or other
injuries, how to recognize symptoms of gas or chemical exposure, and who to
contact during an emergency. And all employees should know how and when to
evacuate a facility.
4.
Insufficient first aid
In the
event of an emergency, easy access to medical equipment is crucial. Your
facility should be stocked with an assortment of first aid equipment, including
both general first aid response items, as well as, some tailored to your
specific work environment, and they should be well identified. All employees
should have at least minimal training for using the first aid equipment. In
many cases, it is necessary to have staff members who are specially trained in
first aid, CPR or confined-space rescue.
5.
Carelessness
An
employee who grows complacent about safety can be a huge liability for you.
Most workplace accidents can be prevented simply by being alert. Heavy
machinery, vehicles and forklifts can be especially dangerous. It is important
for you to require workers to be constantly vigilant. Strictly enforce safety
codes, and give your employees a safe way to report questionable activity. In
some cases, you can provide extra equipment to help workers prevent careless
mistakes. For example, safety mirrors can be very useful for machine operators
who must constantly look over their shoulders for other employees. Be sure to
give your workers breaks throughout the day so that they don't become fatigued
on the job.
6.
Unrestricted access
Work
sites should only be open to the people trained and paid to be there. Friends,
family members and employees from other departments should not be granted
access to areas where work is being done. Identify restricted areas with signs
and tape. In many cases, it is necessary to limit access with locked gates and
doors. Let your workers know to report any unauthorized people in your
facility. So if you want to know more details on Industrial Plant & Machine
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