Every single industry can pose a risk for worksite injuries — especially when that industry involves heavy machinery. In the manufacturing industry, the tools and machines used on a day-to-day basis have a high risk of causing injury to your employees.
Read on to learn about the most common worksite injuries in the manufacturing industry as well as the factors that can help prevent them.
Most common worksite injuries in the manufacturing industry
Unfortunately, the manufacturing industry is no stranger to injuries. Data shows that more than 100,000 nonfatal work-related illnesses and injuries are reported every year. There are also over 300 fatalities.
Here are the most common injuries that occur in the manufacturing industry:
- Musculoskeletal damage due to overexertion.
- Cuts, scrapes and burns.
- Exposure to dangerous or harmful substances.
- Repetitive stress injuries.
Factors that contribute to preventing worksite injuries in the manufacturing industry
It’s important to continuously improve your safety guidelines to prevent injuries on a worksite. That goes beyond simple ideas like putting up posters that your employees never look at. Let’s examine what factors can truly make a worksite safer.
Here are some factors that help prevent manufacturing worksite injuries:
- Effective signage — Many workplaces put up safety posters that are never updated or aren’t comprehensible. There should be an abundance of clear signage at every worksite. Every machine should also have reminders for the employees about specific safety instructions.
- Thorough inspections — We should never assume that a machine or tool has been properly handled, cleaned or fixed after each use. It’s important that machines and tools are inspected before every use to ensure that there are no faulty components. You must also check that any failsafe functionalities are ready.
- Mandatory meetings — Safety precautions should be consistently discussed. Holding regular mandatory safety meetings can reiterate procedures that employees might forget about over time. It also gives your employees the chance to voice any safety concerns that you might not be privy to.
- Ergonomic equipment — The manufacturing worksite should be set up to be as user-friendly as possible. You can explore ergonomic equipment options that reduce the risk of repetitive stress injuries and overexertion injuries. Ergonomic solutions in a manufacturing workplace can include the height of the workstation and proper transportation devices for materials.
Work-Fit can help you prevent worksite injuries in the manufacturing industry
Preventing worksite injuries is our priority just as much as it is yours. That’s why we have an injury prevention service to help reduce the risk of them occurring in your manufacturing workplace.
Contact our team today to find out more about all the benefits Work-Fit can bring to your workplace.
