Manufacturing Safety Matters

Three Essential Safety Tips for the Manufacturing Work Floor

The typical manufacturing workplace is a flurry of activity with many workers performing different operations simultaneously. One of the easiest ways to keep this activity running smoothly and with high levels of safety and efficiency is to practice good workplace housekeeping. The three tips below are best practices to consistently promote in the workplace.

1 | A Safe Workplace Requires Commitment and Vigilance

Safety is directly connected to company culture and requires a commitment to housekeeping by every worker. This means making spill cleanup, daily debris/scrap removal, general cleaning and the use of trash bins a priority every day.

Good housekeeping also means constant vigilance. Remove any object or material that obstructs a pathway on the floor and take care of any other materials that could pose a possible fire hazard or danger for co-workers. This includes the following:

• Extension cords
• Hand tools
• Hoses
• Cables
• Empty containers
• Debris
• Food
• Water or spills
• Sawdust
• Combustible materials

2 | Do Your Part

Maintaining good housekeeping is much easier when every employee is involved. Follow these housekeeping tips to keep yourself and your co-workers safe:

• Limit the amount of materials and chemicals on-site to the quantities that you will need
• Store tools and materials out of the way in storage bins or lockers
• Keep flammable or hazardous wastes in covered, separate waste containers
• Place warning signs in wet or muddy areas that could pose a slipping hazard
• Place protective guards across areas where workers could fall or face an impalement hazard
• Control muddy areas using gravel, boards or plywood

3 | Practices to Avoid

Good housekeeping also requires a good dose of common sense. For example, here are some things you should never risk doing:

• Do not leave housekeeping responsibilities for the last few minutes of the day
• Do not clean equipment without first locking out
• Never pile material around fire extinguishers, sprinklers or emergency exits
• Never blow off dust with compressed air. Instead, use a vacuum or brush
• Do not collect broken glass or metal scraps in plastic bags
• Never use bare hands when collecting waste. The use of gloves will help prevent cuts and splinters

Learn More About Workplace Safety from an Insurance Industry Leader

The manufacturing risk management professionals at VTC Insurance Group are committed to helping you maintain a safe workplace. For more information, give us a call at 248.828.3377 or visit vtcins.com.

This blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice.