Keeping employees safe is really important for the manufacturing industry in New York. Since they are regularly exposed to hazardous materials and potentially dangerous work conditions, accidents happen all the time. When employers don’t do their part to protect workers, it can mean a lot of lost productivity.
Employers don’t like to lose experienced workers or see their workers’ compensation premiums go up. That’s why protecting manufacturing workers from injury is important for both the employer and their workers. Here are a few of the top reasons accidents happen in manufacturing:
#1: Lack of personal protective equipment
Depending on the job, manufacturing workers need all different types of protective gear. A lot of workers require safety goggles if there is a risk of flying materials or liquid splashes. Other workers require thick gloves to protect their hands while using machinery.
#2: Cluttered environment
Keeping a manufacturing workplace free of clutter can prevent a lot of slip-and-fall accidents. Manufacturing work is often busy and fast-paced, so employers should make sure someone is regularly clearing walkways. If manufacturing workers are doing their work too close to one another, this may also contribute to falls.
#3: Too much noise
Noise pollution is one of the leading causes of injury in manufacturing. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that workers in the manufacturing industry file about one-quarter of all workers’ compensation claims for hearing loss. Loud equipment and machinery that is being used by many people at once will obviously create a lot of noise. However, employers can mitigate noise pollution by using noise-suppressing materials on their buildings.
Recovering from manufacturing injuries
Some manufacturing injuries can take time to heal while others lead to a permanent loss of employment. Manufacturing workers that have suffered from severe injuries like amputations or debilitating hearing loss may be entitled to compensation for their loss of income.