Companies of all sizes should have a safety program incorporated into their policy, but it’s particularly important for manufacturing companies. Manufacturing is the second most dangerous industry for workplace injuries (second only to healthcare), and interaction with machinery as well as the need for heavy lifting can result in a host of injuries on the manufacturing floor from minor to catastrophic.
Aside from the need to follow local, state, and federal regulations, employers who demonstrate serious and diligent safety practices – and enforce them – will help maintain employee well-being and contentment. The major advantages of a robust safety program will be outlined in the following sections.
Legal compliance. Workforce safety protocols are required by law for all employers. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration is responsible for the enforcement of workplace safety rules across all industries. It does this by setting standards and enforcing compliance, including levying fines against violators. The goals of these regulations are to reduce or eliminate workplace injuries and offer protections for workers who report safety violations.
Cost reduction. Aside from protecting workers, workplace safety rules can help protect employers from lawsuits related to on-the-job injuries and worker’s compensation claims, which can be costly. Safety incidents often result in high costs in medical care for the injured worker as well as lost productivity. As a result, each safety incident results in a direct financial impact on a company.
Worker well-being. When workers understand that protections exist for their benefit, they are more likely to remain compliant and feel that their employer is supportive. Adverse safety events can result in dissatisfaction among workers, which may negatively affect employee morale. Workers who feel unsafe are likely to be productive workers.
Manufacturing companies should be seeking continuous improvement in safety prevention processes. While there are costs for equipment and activities designed to reduce and eliminate worker injury, these expenses are necessary to prevent even costlier safety incidents. Employers should conduct frequent safety audits to ensure they remain on the cutting edge of workplace safety, and they should regularly update employees on the company’s safety guidelines and protocols.
Hire a Workplace Safety Consultant
Workplace safety consultants are experts in implementing programs that will help protect employees. These consultants can help train your personnel on safety processes and compliance, and help you build an enforcement program and a tracking program for any injuries that do occur during working hours.
In Southern California, Unishield has been providing businesses with the highest quality workplace safety training and compliance solutions for employers. In addition, Unishield offers first aid kits and medical supplies, first aid restocking services, industrial safety equipment, and portable emergency medical equipment such as the lifesaving AED (automatic external defibrillator). Call 800-480-5855 or visit our website for more information.