Improving Health & Safety

Introduction

Safety holds paramount importance in the manufacturing industry, although it may not always be considered one of the most perilous sectors. While jobs in construction, fishing, or hunting often top the list of occupations with a high number of serious incidents, the manufacturing industry witnesses a significant number of incidents in proportion to its workforce. This is primarily due to the regular exposure of manufacturing employees to potentially hazardous machinery, materials, and substances, which are integral to their job functions and can lead to severe injuries, illnesses, and fatalities.

Manufacturing workers who handle solvents, lubricants, or other chemicals face risks such as burns, skin rashes, and respiratory issues. Moreover, those working with heavy machinery are susceptible to injuries ranging from bruises to puncture wounds and even limb amputations.

On a positive note, such incidents can be prevented. By allocating increased resources, time, and effort towards health and safety measures in the workplace, organisations in the manufacturing industry can substantially decrease the occurrence of injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. It is important to note that health and safety practices are an integral part of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), ensuring a holistic approach to optimising productivity while prioritising the well-being and protection of workers.

The Costly Consequences of Neglecting Workplace Health & Safety

Neglecting health and safety in the workplace goes beyond the absence of a comprehensive program. It encompasses failing to secure safe machinery, providing adequate personal protective equipment (PPE), delivering proper employee training, and fostering a culture that prioritises health and safety. Such negligence significantly increases the likelihood of incidents occurring.

When poor health and safety practices lead to an incident, manufacturing companies can face a multitude of costs. While some costs may be immediate and directly evident, others may emerge gradually over time.

Consider the scenario where an employee operates an unguarded machine, gets their sleeve caught, and sustains an arm injury. The employer could be held accountable for expenses such as worker's compensation, regulatory fines, wages for a replacement worker, equipment repairs, remedial work to compensate for production loss, legal fees, fines, court costs, and an escalation in liability insurance premiums. These are only the direct costs. Indirect costs may encompass reputational damage, time lost during investigations or site clearance, as well as decreased productivity and employee morale.

Keeping these costs in mind, the solution becomes clear. Investing in the up-front costs of implementing and adhering to a comprehensive health and safety program, staying updated with regulations, and providing employees with proper training and PPE is far more likely to yield cost savings than waiting for an incident to occur.

Streamlining Health & Safety -  3 essential steps:

Improving health and safety in a manufacturing company may appear daunting, but it can be simplified into four key steps. By implementing these steps effectively, incidents can be reduced, productivity can increase, and significant cost savings can be achieved.

1. Foster a culture of health and safety.

Creating a workplace culture that prioritises health and safety is vital. This involves engaging employees regularly, simplifying procedures, recognising and rewarding positive behaviours, promoting open communication, and involving management actively.

2. Optimise the use of safety tools.

Safety tools encompass more than just personal protective equipment (PPE). While ensuring employees have appropriate PPE such as clothing, footwear, and helmets is crucial, it also extends to the utilisation of health and safety systems, policies, practices, and software within the company. Leveraging these tools effectively contributes to improved health and safety throughout the organisation.

3. Provide comprehensive health and safety training.

Given the high level of risk involved in manufacturing work, it is imperative for managers to ensure that employees receive adequate safety training to perform their jobs safely. Establishing a system that tracks completed training courses/modules and provides easy access to training resources is essential. Utilising a health and safety training app can be an effective solution.

The role of Stryza:

By harnessing the power of digital technology, Stryza empowers organisations to create safer work environments, reduce incidents, and promote a culture of proactive safety:

1. Real-time Safety Monitoring and Reporting:

Stryza enables real-time monitoring of safety metrics, allowing companies to proactively identify potential hazards and swiftly address them. With its advanced data analytics capabilities, the platform provides insights into near-miss incidents, hazard patterns, and high-risk areas, enabling proactive interventions to prevent accidents.

2. Training and Knowledge Management:

Stryza serves as a comprehensive repository of safety training materials, standard operating procedures, and instructional videos. It facilitates the seamless distribution and tracking of training modules, ensuring that employees receive up-to-date safety education.

3. Incident Reporting and Investigation:

Efficient incident reporting and investigation are crucial for continuous improvement. Stryza streamlines the process by providing a user-friendly interface for employees to report incidents, near misses, and safety concerns. The platform automates incident escalation and investigation workflows, ensuring prompt action and resolution.