The manufacturing industry in the United States is one of the largest in the world. It’s worth over two trillion dollars and still growing. The growth is partially due to the country’s success in automating its factories. Moreover, the growing number of small-scale manufacturers in the country means less reliance on other countries such as China for manpower.
Having a small-scale manufacturing plant is highly profitable. But it’s also hazardous. Over four thousand fatal workplace accidents happen in the United States, a good fraction of which come from the manufacturing industry. So if you want to avoid workplace injuries while saving your company some money, you’ll have to increase the safety level of your business. Here are five ways to make your manufacturing business safer:
Invest in Good Quality Equipment
Every manufacturing company requires different kinds of equipment. But there’s one thing that all these businesses have in common: they need high-quality, durable equipment.
If you want a safer way to transfer raw materials or components to the production floor, you’ll want to invest in a couple of good-quality equipment. First of all, you’ll need some good-quality rigging chains and hooks. This will allow your mobile crane to move the load around without breaking. You’ll also need some well-made conveyor belts to transport your materials from one point to another.
This good-quality equipment will have one thing in common: they’ll be more expensive than the cheaper alternatives. But they’ll save you a lot of money in the long run by preventing workplace accidents. Plus, you’ll spend less on maintaining them.
Enforce Strict Safety Protocols
Having strict safety protocols is one of the most effective ways to prevent workplace accidents. You should have separate protocols for different kinds of tasks. For example, if you’re handling hazardous materials, you’ll need a set of protocols different from those you use for non-hazardous jobs.
Your safety protocols should be well-documented and easy to follow. Your company should also enforce them strictly. All your employees should be aware of the protocols and follow them at all times.
Invest in Safety Training
Investing in safety training is one of the best ways to prevent workplace accidents. Your employees should be trained on how to use the equipment in your factory safely. They should also be trained on how to follow safety protocols.
You can either hire a safety trainer or send your employees to a safety training course. There are many safety training courses available online. You can also find some at community colleges or vocational schools.
Make Use of Technology
Technology can help you increase the safety of your manufacturing business in many ways. For example, you can use sensors to monitor the conditions in your factory. This way, you’ll be able to detect potential hazards before they cause any accidents.
You need to invest in some good techs, are camera surveillance systems, gas leak detection systems, and an access control system. Also, you can use drones to inspect the condition of your factory from a safe distance.
Cameras
Cameras can help you monitor the activities in your factory. You can use them to identify potential hazards and take corrective action before they cause any accidents.
Installing cameras in your factory will also help you deter crime. This is because criminals will think twice before committing a crime if they know they’re being watched.
Gas Leakage Detection System
A gas leakage detection system can help you detect gas leaks before they cause any accidents. This way, you’ll be able to take corrective action and prevent any explosions or fires from happening. Moreover, you can prevent hydraulic machines from failing, which can be expensive and lead to accidents.
Access Control System
An access control system will help you limit the access of people to your factory. This way, you’ll be able to prevent unauthorized people from entering your premises and causing any accidents.
Drones
You can also use drones to inspect hard-to-reach areas in your factory. This way, you won’t have to put your employees in danger to check these areas.
Use Safety Signs and Symbols
Using safety signs and symbols is a great way to remind your employees of the potential hazards in your factory. These signs should be placed strategically so your employees can easily see them.
You can also use safety symbols to mark the location of potential hazards. This way, your employees will know which areas to avoid.
Manufacturing is a very profitable business, but it’s also one of the most dangerous. To make your factory safe, you need to invest in these things. Doing so can drastically reduce workplace accidents in your company in an industry plagued by such problems.
