Five health and safety risks in the manufacturing workplace

You face countless challenges as the owner of a manufacturing business, ranging from rising interest rates slowing output to finding skilled workers.

Ensuring high levels of health and safety is another challenge. Data published by the Health and Safety Executive shows that the manufacturing industry accounted for 11% of UK fatal workplace injuries in financial year 2022/23, illustrating the disproportionate extent to which this issue is present in the sector.

Understanding the risks your workers face is among the most important due diligence measures you take for your manufacturing business, together with taking out a robust manufacturing insurance policy. So, what are some of the key threats you should be aware of?

In this article, we’ll discuss five health and safety risks in the manufacturing workplace.

1. Slips, trips and falls

This common workplace injury is prevalent in factories and production lines, where workers are often exposed to liquids, oils and other slippery materials. When a proper culture of health and safety isn’t in place, workers can neglect to keep gangways and work areas tidy and clear, which leads to a higher risk of accidents.

For example, using a mobile container truck or other wheeled container for transporting goods can greatly reduce slips, trips and falls by keeping walkways clear and organised in the manufacturing workplace. Through optimization of workflow layouts and an emphasis on cleanliness protocols, lean manufacturing consulting can mitigate these risks and enhance overall workplace safety.

2. Machine-related injuries

The nature of manufacturing work means that using heavy machinery is inevitable. Yet this can pose a significant risk, especially if this machinery malfunctions or isn’t operated correctly, particularly concerning the need for lubrication equipment. Strict safety standards need to be put in place by management and adhered to by workers to limit the serious health risk machinery represents.

3. Repetitive strain injuries

Due to the highly repetitive nature of work on production lines, factory workers face a high risk of developing repetitive strain injuries (RSIs). These injuries occur when workers repeat the same motions repeatedly, overloading a particular set of soft tissue groups. While they might sound small, RSIs can turn into major health issues and even prevent employees from working.

4. Falling objects

When trying to reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls, many factories turn to raised storage solutions to clear up floor space. But shelving and pallets create the risk of falling objects, which can lead to workers suffering cuts, bruises, strains, sprains and even fractures.

5. Hazardous chemicals

Many manufacturing plants use hazardous substances during the production process. Wherever large quantities of chemicals are involved, there’s a health and safety risk to workers. Accordingly, steps need to be taken to limit harm to employees and the environment, including robust emergency procedures in the event of leaks, contamination or overexposure.

Which of these risks poses the greatest danger in your manufacturing workplace?