Safety is a priority at your company. You make sure all manufacturing plant safety standards are followed, because you want your team to end their shift happy and healthy.
Since it was established in 1971, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has made major strides to improve safety. For example, worker injuries and illnesses have dropped from 10.9 incidents per 100 workers in 1972 to 2.8 per 100 workers in 2007, according to OSHA.
This is fantastic, but it doesn’t mean there isn’t room for improvement. If you feel like your safety protocols are adequate, but they could be better, it’s time to make some changes that can help you sleep better at night.
Three Tips to Improve Your Safety Protocols
Provide Continuous Training
Making sure your team is properly trained can make the difference between life and death. Never assume employees will take it upon themselves to keep up with the latest practices for handling equipment and machinery. Gather everyone for a comprehensive training session when processes change and new technologies are introduced. Highlight all risks associated with the job and explain how to reduce them.
It’s also wise to provide periodic refresher training courses. This will help keep employees’ skills fresh and ensure everyone is on the same page.
Always Put Safety First
Some companies put profits ahead of safety, which sets a very dangerous precedent. Safety efforts must be led from the top down, so make sure your team knows nothing is more important than maintaining a safe and healthy workplace. Accomplish this by making safety part of your culture. Encourage people to speak up when they even suspect something isn’t right and to never cut corners to meet a deadline.
When employees know safety is the top priority for company leadership, it becomes important to them too. Keeping your priorities in order will improve your safety record, while simultaneously making the team feel valued.
Invest in New Technology
As a manufacturing leader, you’re aware that innovative manufacturing technologies are constantly introduced, which can help your team work safer and more efficiently. If your current equipment works well enough, you might not see a reason to make any changes. However, features like wearable sensors can decrease safety risks, so they’re worth investing in.
Outdated processes and machinery work just fine until someone gets hurt. Get ahead of injuries by making a commitment to innovation.
Searching for manufacturing and engineering professionals who take safety seriously?
Premium Staffing, Inc. knows exactly who you need. Contact us today to find the right fit for your Chicago area team!