The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) says there are still 2.8 million injuries and illnesses a year in the workplace, and more than 5,000 workplace deaths annually. Investing a small amount in the prevention of manufacturing injuries will greatly enhance plant safety and keep your facility running smoothly.
US SafetyGear, Inc. specializes in gear that protects employees and enhances productivity and plant safety. While every manufacturing plant is different and your standards and certifications may vary, we have built the following overview based on the most common workplace hazards. To ensure you’re meeting OSHA and other requirements, be sure to consult those standards.
Head injuries: Traumatic brain and head injuries can be deadly or permanently debilitating. A simple, cost-effective hard hat, like the Gateway Safety Omega II™ and Lock Hard Hat, can make all the difference in head protection. This hard hat features six-point woven nylon suspension and meets ANSI Z89.1, Type 1, Class C, E and G standards.
Falls: OSHA says slips and falls are the No. 1 cause of workplace injuries. Fortunately, it’s easy to mitigate the risk with anti-slip protection devices and fall protection harnesses, such as the 3M™ DBI-SALA® ExoFit NEX™ Construction Style Positioning Harness. This construction style positioning harness features hybrid shoulder, back and leg comfort padding and meets OSHA 1910.66 and OSHA 1926.502 standards to help keep your employees secure and reduce accidents.
Eye damage: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says that more than 20,000 workers suffer eye injuries each year. Proper use of face shields and protective eyewear, like the Gateway Safety Clear Anti-Fog Wraparound Lens Safety Glasses, can nearly eliminate this persistent threat. These safety glasses protect against 99.9% of UVA and UVB rays.
Hearing loss: OSHA sets limits for noise exposure on job sites. Loud manufacturing processes don’t need to be damaging. Use all the hearing protection necessary, including Howard Leight Max® Uncorded Earplugs, to meet standards and protect employees. These earplugs have a noise reduction rating of 33dB.
Contaminant damage: Exposure to chemicals and other contaminants in manufacturing plants is governed by OSHA. Ensure workers have adequate hand protection and protective apparel, such as Liberty 15 Mil Unlined Green Nitrile Gloves. These chemical-resistance gloves featured an embossed grip on the palms and fingers.
Unseen dangers: A busy manufacturing plant typically has dozens of moving parts, including employees. Keep them safer by ensuring they’re seen with high-visibility apparel, like the Liberty Glove HIVIZGARD™ Lime Green Safety Vest. This vest features 100% fluorescent polyester all mesh fabric and is Class 2 compliant.
Lung damage: Manufacturing processes often generate particulates and other contaminants that result in poor indoor air quality. Professional respiratory protection, much like the Gateway Safety PeakFit® N95 Particulate Respirator, is inexpensive and effective. The large, contoured design of this respirator makes breathing easy, reducing worker fatigue.
Access violations: Ensuring that only qualified employees access certain controls keeps everyone safer and maintains OSHA compliance. Reliable and economical lock-out tags are an easy solution. Lockout/tagout procedures prevent equipment from being powered up while maintenance or repairs or being done.
Now that you know the most common workplace hazards, you can take the necessary precautions to ensure plant safety at your facility. To see all of the products we offer to help keep your manufacturing plant safe, shop our products.