The manufacturing industry is vital to this country’s economy. Unfortunately, the workers who handle these vital jobs aren’t always in a safe environment. The hazards they face on a daily basis are serious and can lead to severe injuries or fatalities.
Each employer is responsible for ensuring they provide their workers with a safe workplace. They must also comply with all applicable regulations. While the dangers may vary at different manufacturing plants, there are some that are fairly universal.
Slips, trips and falls
Slick floors, trip hazards, and stairs are all hazardous for workers in the manufacturing industry. Non-slip shoes, railings on stairs and clear walkways can all minimize the risk of falls, slips and trips occurring. These injuries account for around 19% of manufacturing injuries.
Contact with objects
Contact with objects is the top cause of manufacturing injuries. It accounts for around 40% of them. Anyone working around machinery or driving equipment around the plant should be aware of their surroundings. Nobody should be allowed to use a machine they aren’t trained to use.
Overexertion
Long shifts and multiple shifts in a row can mean that these workers are doing their job duties while they’re fatigued. This can impact their mental state, as well as their physical abilities. Overexertion injuries account for around 24% of manufacturing injuries.
Anyone who’s suffered an injury while working at their manufacturing job may need extensive medical care. The workers’ compensation coverage provided by their employer should cover those costs. It should also take care of partial wage replacement if the worker is unable to return to work quickly. There are some instances in which a worker may have to appeal a decision regarding the workers’ compensation, so working with someone familiar with these situations is beneficial.
