Maintaining safety in manufacturing jobs is essential. Understanding how to operate heavy machinery and equipment and following safety procedures helps reduce workplace illnesses, accidents, and injuries.
When finding a new manufacturing employer, you should ask questions to determine how they prioritize safety. These suggestions can help.
How does your company support a culture of safety?
Manufacturing employees at every level should model behavior that aligns with safety rules, regulations, and protocols. They also should regularly communicate the importance of following safety procedures in the workplace. Additionally, company leaders should incentivize safe workplace behaviors.
How frequently do you conduct safety training?
Regular safety training communicates knowledge and examples to maintain safety in the manufacturing workplace. Therefore, supervisors should provide weekly, biweekly, or monthly safety training and track which employees participate. These pieces of training might cover specific safety topics or hazards and involve roleplaying to learn proper behaviors.
Which types of personal protective equipment do you provide?
Personal protective equipment (PPE) helps protect manufacturing employees at work. Examples include hard hats, safety goggles, high-visibility vests, respirators, and steel-toed shoes. Find out which PPE is provided and which you would need to bring to maintain on-the-job safety.
Whom would I notify of a workplace hazard, accident, or injury?
Open communication supports safety in manufacturing jobs. Therefore, knowing whom to report a hazard, accident, or injury to helps maintain a safe work environment.
How often are employees trained to use the equipment?
Training is required to operate manufacturing tools, equipment, and machinery safely. Therefore, you should be adequately trained to use each piece correctly. Also, the supervisor should offer additional training as needed to increase safety at work.
How are emergency procedures communicated?
Supervisors should communicate emergency procedures for new manufacturing employees, as well as tools, equipment, machines, and workspaces. Because each can involve different hazards, understanding what to do in case of an emergency helps maintain everyone’s safety.
How is hazardous materials training conducted?
Manufacturing employees who work with hazardous materials should be given the proper PPE and trained to handle the materials. Also, protocols to handle hazardous materials and take action in case of emergencies should be visible and easily accessible.
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