Protecting workers from harm is a universal industry goal, but machine and plant safety can often seem intimidating. Companies that don't pay enough attention to safety may be subject to fines and penalties by OSHA and will most likely pay for worker's compensation and medical expenses. Besides, the company loses time while investigating the injury, managing the costs of the injury, including finding and training a replacement for the injured worker. Also, employee injuries can cause significant emotional toll in the workplace for the employees and their loved ones. The physical, emotional, and financial impact of a workplace injury can linger for years after the event.
Improving Employee Safety
Employers must always be aware of the hazards that may harm their employees and look for solutions to keep them safe. From harsh chemical exposure to the risk of slips, trips, and falls, employers must prepare and address a wide variety of safety issues.
Employee Training
The first step a company can take toward employee safety is to be sure that all workers receive proper training on their job responsibilities and the different safety techniques. They should know what protective gear to wear, how to maintain or service required equipment for their job, along with any other need-to-know workplace safety information.
PPE includes clothing, footwear, head, ear, and eye protection that employees can utilize to protect themselves from hazards. Companies need to assess what the appropriate PPE each job requires and make sure employees are fitted properly and then trained on how to wear and utilize the PPE.
Inspecting Machinery
Companies should regularly inspect heavy machinery to ensure the safety of the employees. OSHA often requires machine guards around manufacturing equipment to include shields or a device that covers hazardous parts of a machine to prevent injury to the equipment operator or others nearby.
Safe Work Environment
A safe workplace involves creating and maintaining an environment in which employees can work safely, without risk to their physical and psychological health and welfare. Training, inspections, and safety equipment are all key factors in helping to establish a safe environment. Other factors such as housekeeping, employee involvement, manager training, also contribute to a safe work environment.