You often find heavy machinery operating in factories, as well as the expectation that routine tasks are carried out quickly, day in, day out. No matter how experienced your team is or how carefully you follow regulations, accidents can happen.
It is crucial to understand your rights and responsibilities to protect everyone and ensure safety in the workplace. By addressing health and safety risks head-on, you can significantly reduce the risk of factory accidents resulting in compensation claims, allowing you to foster a productive work environment.
What Are the Main Health and Safety Risks in Factories?
Machinery and Equipment Hazards
If improperly maintained or used, machines in a factory can be lethal. An accident could result in serious injury. For example, if an employee’s hand gets caught in a machine, they could require an amputation or fracture a limb or bone.
Prevention begins with ensuring that all machinery is well-maintained. Regularly inspect and service equipment, and don’t skip safety checks. Use lockout/tagout (LOTO) systems during repairs, so machinery cannot be activated accidentally. Ensure workers are always up to date with safety training.
Slips, Trips, Falls, and Workplace Conditions
There are many risks associated with factory work, from oil spills to loose cables, that can result in slips, trips, and falls. These can often go unnoticed until someone falls victim to them.
Routinely tidy and organise to create a safer environment. A few checks to remember daily are:
- Keep floors dry
- Clean spills immediately
- Use non-slip mats
- Make sure walkways are free from clutter and obstacles
- Improve lighting in dimly lit areas
- Clear shelves and floors of debris
- Put away equipment not in use
You are not limited to just these checks, and depending on your factory, there may be more to consider daily. Moreover, make sure all workers are aware of the importance of reporting hazards.
If an employee sees something that could lead to an accident, encourage them to report it right away. A proactive safety culture benefits everyone and helps create a safer, more efficient working environment.
Chemical Exposure, Noise, and Worker Wellbeing
Chemical exposure and noise pollution are often unavoidable in industrial settings, but there are steps you can take to minimise the risks. Many factories deal with chemicals that can be hazardous to health, such as cleaning agents, solvents, or paints. Prolonged exposure to these substances can cause an array of long- and short-term health problems.
Provide your workers with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as respirators, gloves, and protective clothing. Regularly monitor air quality and provide ventilation to reduce the concentration of harmful fumes. Additionally, make workers aware of the proper procedures for handling hazardous materials.
Factory health and safety procedures save lives. In the event of a workplace incident, workers are entitled to compensation and support, including financial assistance for medical expenses and lost wages, as well as access to legal advice to help navigate any claims, ensuring that they aren’t left to face the consequences alone.
