It’s the Little Things: Small Things You can Do to Make Your Factory Safer

It’s the Little Things: Small Things You can Do to Make Your Factory Safer

Nobody wants to feel unsafe at their workplace. However, factory jobs require a level of managed risk to complete the rugged, industrial processes to create important equipment and technologies. While your factory workers may understand the inherent risks of the workplace and how to minimize them, you can make small changes to make your factory safer.
Install electrical conduits
Bundles of electrical wiring housed in your factory walls can pose several different safety issues. Outdated wires can spark and cause fires, floods can cause damage and large bundles can be difficult to isolate and repair. However, installing an electrical conduit will keep your wiring isolated and contained, easier to locate and update in the future. Water-tight conduits are available for areas prone to flooding, as well as metal or plastic options to meet your unique needs.
Keep floors safe and clear
Work-related injuries are estimated to cost more than $250 billion each year. While some of these are unfortunate accidents, many slips, trips and falls can be avoided with some simple precautions and good practices throughout factories and workspaces:
· Keep all walkways and high-traffic areas free of extension cords and loose supplies
· Use safety grip tape on slick surfaces to help workers avoid falling
· Post easy-to-see signage to alert workers of on-the-job hazards, such as areas where eye protection is required or a biohazard might be present
· Require employees to purchase and wear non-slip safety shoes on the job
These simple solutions can easily be incorporated into your existing training programs and standard procedures.
Security system
While most think of slips or falling objects as primary workplace hazards, workplace violence is a leading cause of death and injury on the job. According to OSHA, more than two million cases of on-the-job violence are reported each year. Updating your security system to keep unwanted intruders from your premises will keep your workers safe and productive and help you avoid tragedy in your workplace. Motion-activated lights and automatically timed alarms deter trespassers and keep team members safe. Require that all guests check in with the front office and keep your building secure as well. This means that no doors are left propped open to make jobs easier and that everyone follows appropriate safety measures at all times. Much of this can be addressed through your training program. Establish a zero-tolerance policy for on-the-job physical conflict. Make sure your employees understand the importance of anger management and following security protocol to keep themselves and their coworkers safe.
Personal Protective Equipment
One of the most important aspects of any factory is an employee’s personal protective equipment. Requiring that all employees use safety goggles, hearing protection and protective gear like flame-resistant clothing will keep your operation safe and free of OSHA intervention. Regularly check your employees’ safety equipment to ensure all safety standards are met. Also be sure to check special equipment, such as hard hats or harnesses, for damage that may affect workers’ safety. Immediately replace any equipment that is damaged or outdated and retrain your employees on best safety practices.
Make safety a priority in your workplace to keep your workers productive while staying out of harm’s way. Small, preventative measures can prevent tragedies from occurring.