In 2011, the United States’ private manufacturing sector
reported half a million injuries and illnesses that were job related. Work
related injuries are not always as sudden as getting your hand caught in a
machine, but can be caused by small repetitive injuries that go unnoticed for
years. Loud noises or repetitive heavy lifting are commonly overlooked in the
workplace. An employee may not notice a slight hearing loss or a stiff back
after two years, but after 15 years this micro-trauma will take its toll on the
body. These long term injuries will end up costing companies millions of
dollars in lost productivity and lawsuits.
Nearly 99% of companies have a safety plan for their
employees. The problem is that this plan is being poorly implemented. Depending
on the business, these can range from word of mouth instructions to a 500 page
operational manual. Understandably, word of mouth instructions can be easily forgotten,
and most will not take the time to read a 500 page technical book. Today, on
Make-It-Safe Monday, we are going to focus on putting together a safety plan
that is easy and effective.
Regular Assessment:
Every time a new machine is brought into the workplace, there should be adequate
training for all employees that will come use it. A schedule should be created
to check old equipment and confirm that it is up to date.
Structure: A
safety team should be put together consisting of employees from each department
within the business. This brings fresh and new ideas from people who don’t work
with the equipment on a daily basis.
Simplicity: The
safety guidelines should be presented in a way that is very straight forward
and concise. Signs and labels on each machine stating its’ proper use is a great
regular reminder. Certain businesses may be able to take advantage of a check
list for lengthy or repetitive procedures. Keep safety manuals short if
possible, two to three pages at most.
Administration:
Implementation and persistence should be stressed from upper management on
down. It should be emphasized on a regular basis that managers are the leaders
and all safety procedures need to be enforced.
Due to recent economic downturns, many programs and jobs
dedicated to safety have been reduced or cut all together. It is in the best
interest of your company and most importantly your employees that you have the
right tools in place to create a safe working environment.
Thank you for your time and attention. Let's make it safe this Monday.
Thank you for your time and attention. Let's make it safe this Monday.
Brad Lindemann
Sales Coordinator, Lift'n Buddy, A Southworth Company.
