Some of the most often reported injuries in industrial and manufacturing work environments are strains from lifting and trips or falls from encountering slick surfaces or obstacles in walkways. In addition to staffing issues related to injured employees who cannot fulfill their duties, these workplace injuries leave companies liable for medical costs and potential lawsuits from employees who become injured on the job.
Since eliminating as much risk as possible is the most economical solution to this growing problem, owners and managers of businesses with industrial and manufacturing focuses should consider instituting the following suggestions to help reduce injuries in their work forces.
Assess employee work spaces and duties for potential risks
A good way to determine potential problem areas in factories, warehouses, and other heavy industrial settings is to perform a motion study of the actual task each employee must perform, the area where the work is completed, and any equipment they must use to complete the task. Doing this can help employers make necessary changes in the way tasks are done in order to make them more ergonomic and safer for the employer to perform.
When performing each work study, make sure to carefully assess the area, as well as the actual process and note any obstacles or potential hazards that could result in employee injuries or accidents.
Authorize the purchase of specific tools and equipment to reduce physical strain for the employee
In heavy industrial settings, such as those where heavy drums of solvents and lubricants are used, employees may find themselves at risk of injury if they attempt to position the drums, as part of their job duties. Employers who opt to provide specialized tools and equipment that will allow the employee to more easily position heavy objects without pushing or pulling on them will be less apt to receive a strain or back injury that could prevent them from working and create a financial liability for the employer.
Good choices that will be easy for employees to maneuver include dollies and rolling carts that will allow employees to move heavy objects without straining or lifting.
Schedule a few minutes of every shift to clean and reorganize work areas
Providing a few minutes of time in each shift to clear work areas and restore them to order can help to prevent problems that arise from spilled liquids or objects that may have been dropped during the shift. To make this process easier for employees, employers should make sure that any supplies needed to clean up spills is readily available at each work station.
For more information, contact companies like Zorin Material Handling Co.
