Manufacturers must always be looking for ways to improve human-machine safety and uptime. They no longer compete solely with others in their geographical region. Now they must keep up with manufacturers across the globe.
Automation is of great help in increasing efficiency and productivity in the workplace while keeping costs down. This automation eliminates many repetitive tasks while supplying greater uptime. Furthermore, it improves product quality.
One key benefit of automation is increased worker safety. Manufacturers find this to be crucial as a safe workplace keeps costs down while reducing stress in workers. Employee retention improves when individuals feel safe on the job. What are some steps a manufacturer can take to improve safety?
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Automate High-Risk Production Tasks
Manufacturers use many tools to improve productivity and efficiency in their facilities. Certain manufacturing processes lead to hazardous conditions. A person might be asked to work with tools and equipment that can result in severe injuries if mishandled. Machine breakdowns also put workers at risk. By automating tasks handled by these machines, a company can reduce the risk of injuries or death.
Automatic door actuators offered by Dynatect Manufacturing are one way to keep humans from high-risk situations. These doors detect objects in their path and reverse automatically, much like garage doors do when they detect something in their path when coming down. Crushing incidents decrease when these doors are used and injuries resulting from repetitive motions also decrease.
Distracted workers are also more at risk of injuries in manufacturing plants. Safety protocols must be in place to reduce this risk. Every employee should undergo extensive training before being allowed to use machinery, and employees need periodic refreshers so they don’t become complacent.
Minimize Exposure to Harmful Substances
Manufacturers must work to ensure employees do not inhale or come into contact with hazardous substances. Proper safety equipment needs to be used at all times to prevent these injuries. In addition, workers must be aware of and follow all guidelines when they may come into contact with these substances. Personal protective equipment should always be used, and hazardous areas need to be marked.
In addition, manufacturers should put measures into place to reduce this contact. Roll-up covers, for example, are excellent for containing fumes and preventing injuries when individuals are working with chemical tanks and other vessels containing hazardous substances. The covers are designed to withstand corrosive fumes, and wiper strips are of help in keeping the cover under tension. They also ensure any debris is removed before retraction. These measures help to keep workers safe.
Chem tank covers are another option to consider. These covers keep evaporative emissions away from workers while controlling heat. They are ideal for highly corrosive and high-temperature applications and can be used with many process tank applications. This includes etching and cleaning.
Preventing Slip and Fall Injuries
When people think of slip and fall injuries, they often bring to mind slippery or wet floors. Any spills must be addressed immediately. Place signs to alert workers to the danger until it can be cleared. Furthermore, keep walkways free of debris to prevent accidents and injuries. However, there are other hazards in a manufacturing plant that need consideration.
Many manufacturing plants have large machine tools. These tools sit partially below floor level. When a worker must service the equipment, they remove pit slates or grates to access it. This leads to a potentially hazardous situation, as a worker might not see the pit is open and fall into it.
Avoid this catastrophe by investing in walk-on covers. These metal covers are created using reinforced stainless steel. They allow the worker to access the machinery for maintenance or repair while protecting others in the facility from being injured. The partial pit access ensures work on the machine is carried out promptly without putting others at risk. A properly-working machine means less downtime.
Protecting Hands and Arms from Injury
Manufacturers understand the importance of keeping machines in good working order. They also need to ensure workers have the proper personal protective equipment when using the machines. Even machines in good working order can cause injuries if the worker lacks this protection. However, machines should also be equipped with devices to protect the hands and arms from injury.
Safety clutches are one way to protect workers. These clutches prevent a mechanical overload that can lead to injuries to workers operating the machine. Determine which machines would benefit from slip clutches and request that they be installed.
Pinch points are another area of concern in manufacturing plants. Pinch-point injuries might seem like a minor inconvenience when they happen at home. When heavy machinery is involved, these injuries can be debilitating or even fatal.
Bellows are one way to reduce the risk of pinch-point injuries and fatalities. These bellows don’t interfere with machine operation, but they stop workers from putting body parts where they should not go. Workers must be trained to leave these protective devices in place, even if their removal would make certain tasks easier.
In addition, measures need to be taken to prevent pinch-point injuries when a machine is being serviced, cleaned, or repaired. People tend to become more relaxed when the machine is not operating and this can lead to an injury or worse. When the machine is being worked on in any way, train workers to make use of lockout and tagout procedures. Reinforce this by inspecting the machines regularly and monitoring employees when they are servicing, cleaning, or repairing heavy equipment.
Every person in a manufacturing plant must remain vigilant to prevent injuries and deaths in the workplace. As these facilities make use of heavy equipment, mistakes cannot be tolerated. Injuries on the job reduce uptime.
By taking measures to keep workers safe, manufacturers find they can accomplish more in less time. Workers feel valued when their safety is a priority, which leads to improved morale and productivity. Every manufacturer needs to make worker safety a priority today, and these measures serve as a good starting point. Implement them today for great results.