The number one concern of every manufacturing operation should be safety, taking precedent over all else. If safety isn’t prioritized, any profits gained by skimped costs will be lost and exceeded by worker’s compensation, reduced moral, efficiency, and time. Ensuring that your workers have the proper equipment and know the protocol when working in potentially dangerous situations will save you from potential losses.
Train Your Workers on Safety
It can’t be assumed any new employees, even industry veterans, are going to be aware of your safety protocols innately. Make sure that they go through extensive hands-on training for any potentially dangerous situations that can occur in their time working for the company. As new safety protocols are updated and put into place, make sure that every employee is aware of said changes. Often, it’s not enough to merely tell your workers these kinds of changes, drilling them on the changes through demonstrations and supervision reinforces the necessity for safety.
Sometimes, workers will cut corners when it comes to safety to meet tough deadlines or when they are fatigued. Ensure that your employees are aware that safety is the highest priority.
Personal Protection Equipment
In manufacturing and other industrial work situations, protection is a must. Hardhats for any place that may have falling objects, respirators for dust and other airborne irritants, and proper attire are just a few of these must-have protections. If employees may be coming into contact with toxic chemicals that can be absorbed by skin, have them wear gloves and long-sleeves. Eyewear should be worn at all times in these situations, as well.
Loose clothing, jewelry, and long hair can all become serious injury and death hazards. Implement a dress code preventing such issues from arising. Requiring the right kind of well fitting, durable clothes or even providing them in the form of uniforms can be a boon to the safety of your employees and the company. Give workers a place to put away jewelry and distracting devices such as cellphones when they are working in dangerous areas; small personal lockers can work wonders. Finally, for employees with long hair, require them to wear it in a bun or some other close-fitting style to put the extra hair out of harm’s way.
Follow Guidelines
OSHA and other agencies that create standards and regulations for industries should always be followed. These protocols and requirements should be taken seriously and never treated as a cost, but rather a necessity. This is imperative not only because it keeps your workers safe, which should be a top priority, but it also protects you from being fined or facing a costly lawsuit.
Keeping your Machinery Safe
The workers themselves aren’t the only factors to consider. Machinery should also be properly fitted to provide the safest environments possible. Keep all parts of the machine up to date and in good condition. If any piece is showing signs of wear, replace it. Waiting could spell disaster for both the machine and your workers.
Some parts of the machine will need to be replaced more regularly than others. Seals are an important part of most operations that require somewhat frequent replacement. These seals hold in toxic chemicals and fumes, protecting your workers from the dangerous materials. Even a water leak from a broken seal can become a safety hazard. Slipping and falling can be just as serious as coming into contact with a dangerous fluid.
How Real Seal Can Help
Making sure that all of your sealing products are the highest quality and correctly chosen for your operation can have an astounding affect on the safety in your work environment. Real Seal’s decades of service to the manufacturing industry have made them a leader in their field. Contact Real Seal today to ensure that the safety of your operation is top notch and won’t become a loss-leader!
