Manufacturing can be a dangerous industry. Following safety regulations is the best way to protect both your employees and your company. Check out the top 10 OHSA violations and learn how to prevent them.
1. Machine Guarding
Guards protect people from machine’s moving parts as well as from flying chips and sparks. Employers need to make sure machine guarding is in place and used properly.
Preventative Measures: Equipment should be inspected regularly and before each use. Also, all employees should be trained in proper safety procedures.
2. Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
LOTO procedures keep workers safe during maintenance activities. Manufacturers must develop energy control programs to stay compliant with LOTO standards.
Preventative Measures: Employees should know, understand and follow appropriate processes. And, they only should use authorized lockout/tagout devices.
3. Hazard Communication (HAZCOM)
Employees who work in areas where chemicals are used, distributed, or produced must be trained to follow OSHA’s HAZCOM standard.
Preventative Measures: Employers are required to provide SDSs (safety data sheets) for any hazardous chemical in the workplace. Workers should know how to move, load and use these chemicals safely.
4. Respiratory Protection
Manufacturers need to make sure workers are wearing the correct respiratory equipment.
Preventative Measures: Respiratory equipment is the most complex category of personal protective equipment (PPE). Therefore, employers must consider a variety of factors, such as the form of hazard and exposure times, to choose the right PPE.
5. Electrical
Employees need to be aware of the hazards of working around electrical or energized equipment.
Preventative Measures: Workers should receive electrical safety training, so they know how to operate and work around energized devices.
6. Powered Industrial Trucks (PITs)
All companies are required to follow forklift regulations.
Preventative Measures: Employers should review their PIT programs to remain compliant. All drivers require certification, and vehicles must be inspected daily.
7. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Employees must understand exactly how and when to use personal protective equipment.
Preventative Measures: Workers should receive training in types of PPEs, limitations and equipment maintenance.
8. Occupational Noise Exposure
Employers have a responsibility to protect their workers from potentially damaging noise.
Preventative Measures: Manufacturers can choose low noise emitting tools and machinery. Also, barriers like sound walls, curtains, and earplugs can help protect employees’ hearing.
9. Walking and Working Surfaces
In a manufacturing setting, there are numerous opportunities for trips, slips and falls. Companies need to work to reduce these risks.
Preventative Measures: Employers should encourage proper housekeeping practices, provide adequate lighting and educate workers to detect and correct fall hazards.
10. Process Safety Management
Since mixing, separating, or storing process materials can lead to hazards including runaway reactions, fires and explosions, workers need to be able to identify and to react to potential problems.
Preventative Measures: Employees should be trained to recognize dangerous situations and then follow established safety and emergency procedures.
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