Manufacture a Safe Environment

Due to the nature of work, manufacturing industry employees have a high exposure to workplace hazards. In 2009, nearly five out of every 100 employees in the manufacturing sector were injured on the job, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.

According to the North American Industry Classification System, the manufacturing industry involves the mechanical, physical or chemical transformation of materials, substances or components into new products. The manipulation of such materials creates the high risk of workplace accidents. The environment is often demanding and fast paced—two factors that can contribute to workplace accidents.

Creating a safe work environment is a key component to keeping industrial employees protected from these hazards; and an essential part of effective safety management is identifying workplace hazards.

The first line of defense is to remove the hazards of the workplace. When this isn’t feasible, creating barriers between
the employees and the hazards can keep them safe. The next tool
available to protect employees is to routinely educate them about the hazards present and how to avoid injuries. Education should be a core part of the training environment in the workplace—no matter what the industry is. It can also be helpful to provide warning signs identifying where hazards exist.