Safety awareness is a top priority in manufacturing. Understanding and following safety procedures and using safety equipment are imperative to maintaining a healthy work environment. Here are some things you can do in the shop to protect your employees and others:  

Providing comprehensive training programs, through hands-on experiences and even VR, helps employees maintain a deep understanding of standard operating procedures (SOPs).  Clear protocols should be readily available and heavily understood, as SOPs eliminate ambiguity, ensure consistency, and serve as a reference for technicians. They must be regularly reviewed and updated based on feedback and new technologies to continue optimizing manufacturing practices, ensuring employee safety. 

Beyond procedures and protocols, the work environment itself plays a major role in overall safety. When your employees feel comfortable, there’s less physical and mental fatigue, ultimately having a more positive impact on technician health, morale, and retention. If you notice that your employees are struggling and their performance has been impacted, even minor improvements to the workplace, such as proper lighting and anti-fatigue mats, can make a significant difference.  

Of course, even the safest setup relies on one thing above all: communication. Effective communication is critical in a manufacturing environment. This includes clearly and concisely communicating ideas, listening to others, and working as part of a team.  

Maintenance is another key factor that directly ties into safety. Delayed maintenance can lead to hazards, resulting in injury costs and liability claims. According to Liberty Mutual’s 2019 Workplace Safety Index, severe workplace injuries cost US manufacturers more than seven billion dollars each year. Preventive maintenance gives you peace of mind, knowing there are no safety hazards if something’s faulty.   

Documenting all inconsistencies within machinery can help you identify any high-maintenance machines in the future. When doing all of the above, it is also essential to take the proper safety precautions, such as powering down equipment and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Employees must never attempt repairs beyond their level of training, and making sure your team is informed of the location of the emergency stop buttons and procedures is a must.  

Safety isn’t just part of the job, but it’s the foundation of everything we do. Contact Industrial Repair Service today to keep your equipment reliable and your production moving forward.