Based on having worked in the manufacturing sector for many years and having conducted numerous training sessions, plant safety practice reviews and accident investigations, the most noted - and common - cause of such injury/illness was simply the unsafe act. In most cases that the injured person knew of the hazard(s) yet disregarded it (them) at their own peril. There are of course plenty of ways to communicate safety practices; however, and as we all know, short term memory is the enemy.
Machine guarding, lockout tag-out, hazard communications (Right to Know) and other OSHA-compliance standards are, as well all know, minimum requirements. Good management tools include a job hazard analysis and annual Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) hazard analysis in the workplace.
While there's no shortage in the availability of PPE (where engineering controls cannot be applied), there are 3 practices that really work:
1. Constant discussion. Continuously remind employees of safety standards. To keep it at the forefront of employees' minds, consider (with consent) photos of employees working safely; discussion of observations at meetings; posted notices on machinery depicting needed PPE. I once photographed employees doing things right - and doing things wrong - and shared at a team meeting. The employees got a kick out of seeing themselves and it drove the point home.
2. Maintain dutiful and rigorous safety observations. The worn-out cliché of "inspect what you expect" still applies. Use the code word "ABBI" for above, below, behind & in between. Common areas to observe are:
- Machine guarding
- Electrical hazards
- Slip/trip opportunities
- Chemical storage and labels
- Emergency equipment
- Exits and exit pathways
- Waste containers
3. Reward safe behavior with small incentives. Positive reward for working safely often gains buy-in, and can help with #1 by bringing attention to the issue. Was the employee safely protected? Was the container in use properly identified?
Work the problem - it can be solved.
Westfield's loss control team can assist you along the path to safety. If you have ideas that have helped improve safety in your workplace, please share by posting a comment.
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