Unfortunately, accidents do happen which is why it’s always when you least expect it to happen. Where your factory floor is concerned, accidents will occur if no risk mitigation and safety plans are put in place.
It is of importance that workplace safety takes precedence in any manufacturing plant. Putting in the proper steps not only keeps workers safe and healthy but also enhances the plant’s operations. It also increases productivity and reduces costs of time, money, and reputational damages.
Here are 5 of the most crucial things you can do to keep your factory floor safe for your employees.
- Make safety culture a big deal
A safe workplace is obtainable with the addition of safety equipment and safety procedures. A company culture focused on safety is a place where employees feel safe and responsible. They are also empowered to alert managers to safety and risky situations. Every team member from the management to the field needs to take responsibility to ensure safety guidelines have been adhered to. This includes hazard reporting to practicing corrective actions. This safety culture means priority is placed every step of the way and, it builds ownership throughout the entire company.
- Make wearing safety gear second-nature
Manufacturing plants often involve working with heavy machinery, sharp objects, and exposure to toxic chemicals and materials. It could also mean working in dark and often cluttered spaces. This includes using protective clothing safety gear before entering the plant floor needs to come in like second nature. It is a necessity for all employees regardless of their level of operations with heavy machinery or risky surroundings. Proper safety gear is crucial when doing the work and even during cleaning up messes or putting away materials at the end of the day. Checklists are simple but practical items to use to go through the various actions that need to be taken before, during, and after operations.
- Make safety training essential
Using tools, equipment, and machines comes with its own set of skills and expertise. Whether it’s a new joiner at your manufacturing plant or a seasoned employee, having regular safety training is important. Training must also include how-to-use tools and machines since it contributes to the prevalent source of workplace injuries. Safety training must also include how to use emergency kits and first-aid solutions such as https://www.sammedical.com/products/bleeding-control-kit/. Safety training should also cover maintaining tools in good and working conditions. Regular examination of this equipment is also a must.
- Make regular inspections
Auditing checklists for each floor, division, cleanroom, and the plant is needed so employees can review them and check their working conditions. It can also help them give management suggestions to improve safety within their respective department. This system needs to be maintained regularly to include all kinds of injuries, illnesses, and any near-misses. Adding these near-misses into safety protocols helps avoid future accidents from happening as much as possible.
- Make it clean, make it organized
Probably the easiest and quickest thing you can do to ensure a safe manufacturing floor? Keeping things clean, organized, and well-maintained. This fundamental step alone can help prevent unnecessary injuries from happening. It all starts with the 6S Lean rule– sort, straighten, shine, standardize, sustain, and safety.
