Manufacturing Safety Tips

Manufacturing Safety Tips

Manufacturing and other jobs require personal protective equipment to minimize workers’ injuries and death. Personal protective equipment provides safety for those working with sharp tools, metal, chemicals, power tools, manufacturing presses and other equipment, forklifts, welders and more. Hard hats, fire-resistant high-visibility clothing, gloves and more can prevent many types of injuries, including chemical burns, punctures, thermal burns, and eye injuries.

Abolox carries the personal protective equipment you need to keep you safer on manufacturing jobs and other jobs.

Manufacturing Injury Statistics

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 340 people died from injuries in the manufacturing industry in 2020. Additionally, 312,400 people in the manufacturing industry suffered injuries, and 60,900 suffered illnesses related to their jobs.

Injuries you could sustain in the manufacturing industry include minor injuries such as cuts and scratches to puncture wounds and eye injuries. Depending on the equipment you work with, you could suffer catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, extensive burns, or illnesses such as cancer.

Safety Tips for the Manufacturing Industry

Workers not only need the tools to do their jobs, but they also need safety protection. Manufacturing safety tips include:

• Ongoing training on equipment and tools (classroom and on-the-job training).
• Ongoing safety training for manufacturing jobs (classroom and on-the-job training).
• An ergonomically arranged workplace to help prevent injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, muscle strains, rotator cuff injuries, musculoskeletal disorders, back injuries, and tendinitis.

Employees can also contribute to their safety by:

• Remaining alert while on the job.
• Using the proper tool or machine for the job.
• Following safety procedures.
• Wearing the proper personal protective equipment.
• Lifting properly.
• Keeping the floor free of spills and debris that could cause slip or trip and fall accidents.
• Taking breaks as assigned to combat tiredness.
• Getting regular rest while off the job.
• Keeping work areas free from debris and clutter.

Workers should also report any unsafe conditions to their supervisors as soon as they notice them. Unsafe conditions include employers not providing personal protective equipment or an employee who is required to provide his own PPE not wearing it.

Personal Protective Equipment for the Manufacturing Industry

The manufacturing industry encompasses several sub-industries, including food manufacturing, textile mills, wood products, paper, printing, petroleum and coal products, plastics, metal manufacturing, furniture, transportation, and more.

The personal protective equipment you need depends on the sub-industry and your job within the industry and might include the following:

• Flame-resistant clothing. The worker usually wears this over his or her uniform, though workers and their employers can also purchase flame-resistant pants and shirts.
• High-visibility clothing. Vests, shirts, pants, jackets and raingear are a bright color with reflective strips. Depending on the Class, the clothing might have more reflective material. For example, Class 3 has more reflective tape than Class 1 hi-vis clothing and is used for those working where visibility is imperative, such as directing traffic on a highway when traffic is moving at higher speeds.
• Face masks come in several types and help protect workers from dust particles and other airborne contaminants.
• Goggles and safety glasses protect workers against flying debris and chemicals splashing into their eyes.
• Various types of gloves, including puncture-resistant, cut-resistant, waterproof, impact-resistant, fire-proof and welding gloves, help keep workers’ hands safe while working with tools and machinery.
• Ear protection, including earplugs and headphone-style.
• Hard hats protect workers from items falling from a height.

Contact Abolox

When you need personal protective equipment for yourself or your workers, visit Abolox. We carry many types of industry-compliant PPE. If you don’t see something you need, call the store, as we can source what you need.