SJ Desk
anufacturing plants around the world have adapted to enhancements in the equipment and machinery; they are still faced with some negative challenges that obstruct their ability to optimize, be competent and provide higher safety on the premises. The impact is much worse; it can have an adverse effect on the outcome of the business if the problem is not analyzed and resolved. Some reputable businesses in this industry suggest that all firms should identify and analyze these problems, and then devise plans to bring upon change within the plant floors. Failure to do this will result in non-utilization of the full potential of the advanced gear.
The five major risks that can adversely affect plant floor operations are:
#1. Substances
Chemicals and substances can be found anywhere on the plant floor. They are added to every product, whether it is cleaning or leaky sulfuric acid. Excessive chemicals or spillage of such substances can cause potential harm to both the workers and the equipment. To prevent this from happening, the hazardous chemicals on the plant floor should be labeled as such. The workers should be provided with concise safety instructions that provide clear instructions for treating in case a worker is exposed to the harmful substance so that proper medical care can be provided immediately without the issue escalating.
#2. Drops
These are often reported on the plant floor, and cause the most significant damage to workers. Those working on the high floors have increased risk of falling over, which can potentially lead to broken and displaced bones with internal damage. The employees working on higher floors should be provided with helmets, and gears which provide protection for falls. This is required for ladders or any equipment which is elevated. Workers should be encouraged to work closely and introduce safety signals which can be used when a worker is in potential danger.
#3. Weighted Equipment
Negligence while dealing with heavy equipment can cause serious damage to the worker, and in some cases, be fatal. This not just applies to the machinist, but to the rest of the workers as well, especially those who are untrained. Some workers can be overconfident when it comes to handling heavy machinery, which can cause undesired results. This issue is common and is one of the leading causes of most deaths in manufacturing plant factories. To prevent this, the workers who are specialized in dealing with such machinery should look out for other workers and work with extreme caution. Moreover, the heavy equipment on the floors should be only accessible to specialized workers.
#4. Tight Spaces
Confined places can cause a reduction in oxygen levels. This includes places like tanks. The effects of suffocation are eventual at first, and the person often disregards it. The noticeable symptoms include blueness in the skin and nails, the difference in the speech or communication skills, and fatigue. Low levels of oxygen in the body can also affect some people’s eyes, causing them to have blurry vision. The most effective way to prevent this is by educating the workers about the signs and symptoms. As aforementioned, the employees should work closely to identify the signs in each other or alert someone if they feel any symptoms themselves so that first aid can be provided within the right time.
#5. Fire
This is a major hazard as there are harmful chemicals lying all around the floors of the plant. Fires are not uncommon in the floor plans, but if they go undetected, the matter can escalate within a matter of seconds. Some workers may even disregard the small signs, but even a wire spark can lead to a raging fire spreading out. Once it gains exposure to dangerous chemicals, the outbreak of fire will be much more difficult to end. To decrease the chances of a fire spreading out, educate the workers about detecting the signs and teach them steps to prevent such a dangerous fire from taking place. The team should also practice fire drills, in case of such an emergency. Companies should also install safety features in the plant floor such as fire alarms, smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers, that should be visible to the workers. Workers should be made aware of emergency exits and emergency contact numbers of ambulances and fire control department. A regular check of all the safety features is necessary to ensure maximum safety, as well as a weekly practice of the fire drill. Prevent unknown people from entering into the building to ensure that no one tweaks the equipment or the chemicals.