MGA’s newest strategic partner addresses a need that all manufacturing businesses encounter. Heather Chapman, Owner of Paradigm Safety, shared her insights on workplace safety and what it means for manufacturers today.
Top safety violations manufacturers should know
It is crucial to stay informed about the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) top violations to ensure the well-being of your employees and the success of your businesses. By focusing on the safety programs below, manufacturing businesses can improve their safety protocols for compliance and citation prevention. Engaging employees in the process can also help to boost the safety culture in your organization!
What can employers do to prevent each of these common safety violations?
1. Fall Protection: Falls continue to be a leading cause of workplace injuries and fatalities. Ensure that proper fall protection systems are in place and that employees know how to use them.
2. Hazard Communication: Proper labeling of hazardous chemicals and providing training on handling these substances is crucial to prevent injuries.
3. Scaffolding: Regular inspections of scaffolding equipment and ensuring proper assembly and use are essential to prevent falls and accidents.
4. Respiratory Protection: Adequate respiratory protection programs, fit testing, and training are essential to protect employees from respiratory hazards in the workplace.
5. Ladders: Inspect ladders for defects, ensure proper usage, and provide training to employees on ladder safety to prevent falls and injuries.
6. Lockout/Tagout: Implementing and enforcing lockout/tagout procedures during equipment maintenance and servicing can prevent hazardous energy releases and protect employees from serious injuries.
7. Powered Industrial Trucks: Proper training, maintenance, and safe usage of forklifts and other powered industrial trucks are crucial to prevent accidents in the workplace.
8. Fall Protection - Training Requirements: Providing comprehensive training on fall hazards and protection measures is essential to empower employees to work safely at heights.
9. Machine Guarding: Ensure that machines are properly guarded to prevent contact with moving parts and minimize the risk of amputations and other serious injuries.
10. Eye and Face Protection: Providing appropriate eye and face protection and ensuring that employees wear them when necessary can prevent eye injuries from flying debris, chemicals, and other hazards.
Recommendations for small manufacturers
To help small manufacturing businesses enhance their safety compliance and avoid citations, here are a few recommendations:
Conduct regular safety inspections and audits to identify and address potential hazards.
Provide company-specific safety training for employees.
Develop and implement clear safety policies, procedures, and protocols.
Encourage employee engagement in safety initiatives and empower them to report safety concerns.
Sign up for MIOSHA updates.
By prioritizing workplace safety and taking proactive measures to address potential hazards, small manufacturing businesses can create a safe and healthy work environment for their employees while ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations. Safety is everyone's responsibility, and a collaborative approach can make safety a top priority in every workplace.
More safety solutions for your business
Paradigm Safety works with businesses to incorporate safety into their daily operations to ensure employee safety receives the same attention as other high-priority business objectives. Learn more at: paradigm-safety.com.