Safety is a top priority in every manufacturing workplace. Recognizing the most common hazards is key to protecting employees, minimizing risk, and maintaining a safer, more efficient operation. Below are ten of the most common safety issues that frequently arise in manufacturing environments, and why they deserve the most immediate attention.

Risk and Why This is Important

• Fall Protection
  
  • Without proper guardrails or fall protection systems, employees face a serious risk of falls that can lead to severe injuries, high-costs, or even fatalities.
• Hazard Communication
  
  • Poorly labeled chemicals or missing safety documentation can result in dangerous exposures, burns, or long-term health complications.
• Ladders
  
  • Using damaged, unstable, or inappropriate ladder, or yet failing to inspect them, can quickly lead to falls and serious injury.
• Lockout/Tagout
  
  • If machines are not properly shut down and de-energized, workers may be exposed to electrocution, crushing injuries, or amputations.
• Respiratory Protection
  
  • Improper respirator use, or lack thereof, can increase the risk of lung damage and respiratory illness.
• Fall Protection Training
  
  • Without adequate training, employees may not recognize fall hazards or know how to correctly use protective equipment, raising the likelihood of injury.
• Powered Industrial Trucks
  
  • Unsafe operation, poor maintenance, or improperly secured loads can lead to collisions, crushing incidents, and costly property damage.
• Eye and Face Protection
  
  • Failing to wear the right protective gear/equipment can cause serious eye injuries, chemical splashes, or permanent vision loss.
• Machine Guarding
  
  • Machines without proper guards create major risks, including entanglement, crushing injuries, and amputations.
• Electrical Safety
  
  • Exposed wires, overloaded circuits, or improper grounding can result in shocks, burns, and even fires.

Best Safety Practices for Manufacturers

To help reduce these workplace risks, manufacturers should consider the following safety measures:

• Perform a thorough facility assessment to identify hazards and high-risk areas.
• Evaluate safety polices and procedures to ensure they align with your operations and comply with OSHA requirements.
• Provide ongoing training for employees and supervisors on workplace hazards, equipment use, and protective practices.
• Schedule routine inspections of ladders, machinery, personal protective equipment (PPE), and other safety tools.
• Hold problem-solving sessions or Kaizen events to address safety concerns and improve processes.
• Apply 5S and workplace organization methods to reduce clutter, support efficient workflow, and minimize hazards.
• Promote a strong safety culture where employees feel empowered to speak up, share ideas, and consistently follow safe practices.

How Manufacture Nevada Can Help

At Manufacture Nevada, we help small or medium-sized manufacturers create safer, more efficient workplaces by providing expert guidance, training, and hands-on support. Our team works with clients to identify safety risks, strengthen compliance practices, and implement proven improvement methods such as Lean training. To learn more about upcoming events in relation to workplace safety, click HERE, and to schedule a consultation to learn more, click HERE.

Content from this blog is sourced from IMEC.