Learn how to create a safe environment for your manufacturing team with these five tips on leadership, training, equipment, empowerment, and improvement.

𝗛𝗶𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 is a system for controlling risks in the workplace. It is a step-by-step approach to eliminating or reducing risks and it ranks risk controls from the highest level of protection and reliability through to the lowest and least reliable protection. 1. Elimination - makes sure the hazard no longer exists 2. Substitution - means changing out a material or process to reduce the hazard 3. Engineering Controls - reduce exposure by preventing hazards from coming into contact with workers 4. Administrative Controls - change the way work is done or give workers more information 5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - Reducing the risk through the use of protective personal equipment (PPE)

It is fair to say leading by example comes from the top and filters its way down onto the shop floor. From my experience any safety culture in any business needs the leadership team to endorse and to lead by example. You cannot achieve trust and any respect if there is no accountability for safety in the workplace. Personally as a safety professional not only do I lead by example but I give my teams valid examples of why we do things the way we do and encourage them to give there thoughts and pass on their thought’s and ideas so that together we grow and learn as a team to ensure our workplace is as safe as it can be.

How can you create a safe environment for your manufacturing team?

Creating a safe environment for your manufacturing team is not only a legal and ethical obligation, but also a way to boost productivity, quality, and morale. A safe workplace can reduce the risk of accidents, injuries, and illnesses, as well as the costs and consequences associated with them. In this article, you will learn some practical tips on how to improve the safety of your manufacturing plant, from leadership and communication to training and equipment.

1 Lead by example

One of the most important factors in creating a safe environment for your manufacturing team is to demonstrate your commitment to safety as a leader. You should set clear and realistic safety goals and expectations, and communicate them regularly to your team. You should also follow the same safety rules and procedures that you expect from your team, and encourage them to report any hazards or incidents. By leading by example, you can create a culture of safety that fosters trust, respect, and accountability.

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David Linley

Rank Group Multi Site NEBOSH Qualified, CertIOSH, Area Health and Safety Manager
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It is fair to say leading by example comes from the top and filters its way down onto the shop floor. From my experience any safety culture in any business needs the leadership team to endorse and to lead by example. You cannot achieve trust and any respect if there is no accountability for safety in the workplace. Personally as a safety professional not only do I lead by example but I give my teams valid examples of why we do things the way we do and encourage them to give there thoughts and pass on their thought’s and ideas so that together we grow and learn as a team to ensure our workplace is as safe as it can be.

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Kyle Williams

Health and Safety Manager at Arq, Inc. Significant operations/production experience in industrial manufacturing. Combustible Dust SME. Near Hit/Miss System program SME. MOC SME. Authorized to teach OSHA 10 and 30. EMR
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Leadership must support this initiative fully. -Though shalt not managed from behind thy desk. -Create or revamp the near hit, hazard recognition and incident reporting program. It needs to be employee led. Empower your employees to make the needed change. Use the data from the program to focus where needed and be transparent with employees. Train them in all aspects of the program and never retaliate for against reporting. 1 bad actor can destroy years of work. Read-#trulyhumanleadership #leaderseatlast #extremeownership #thedichotomyofleadership -Get buy in from employees by standing by your word and showing the results of their efforts.

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2 Train your team

Another key factor in creating a safe environment for your manufacturing team is to provide them with adequate and ongoing training. You should ensure that your team has the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their tasks safely and efficiently, and to use the equipment and tools properly. You should also update your team on any changes or improvements in the safety standards, regulations, or policies, and provide them with opportunities to learn from best practices and feedback. By training your team, you can enhance their competence, confidence, and compliance.

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3 Equip your plant

A third factor in creating a safe environment for your manufacturing team is to equip your plant with the appropriate safety measures and devices. You should conduct regular inspections and audits of your plant, and identify and eliminate any potential hazards or risks. You should also ensure that your plant has sufficient ventilation, lighting, and signage, and that your equipment and tools are well-maintained and calibrated. You should also provide your team with the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, goggles, masks, or helmets. By equipping your plant, you can prevent or minimize the impact of any accidents or emergencies.

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Manickavasagam Natarajan

80K+✨🚀| Lead - Quality, OPEX & Digital Transformation | Improving Business Processes by Process Mining | Global LinkedIn Influencer | Building a Collaborative Support Community
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𝗛𝗶𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 is a system for controlling risks in the workplace. It is a step-by-step approach to eliminating or reducing risks and it ranks risk controls from the highest level of protection and reliability through to the lowest and least reliable protection. 1. Elimination - makes sure the hazard no longer exists 2. Substitution - means changing out a material or process to reduce the hazard 3. Engineering Controls - reduce exposure by preventing hazards from coming into contact with workers 4. Administrative Controls - change the way work is done or give workers more information 5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - Reducing the risk through the use of protective personal equipment (PPE)

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4 Empower your team

A fourth factor in creating a safe environment for your manufacturing team is to empower them to participate and contribute to the safety process. You should involve your team in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the safety policies and procedures, and solicit their feedback and suggestions. You should also recognize and reward your team for their safety performance and achievements, and celebrate their successes. You should also foster a climate of openness and trust, where your team feels comfortable to speak up and share their concerns or ideas. By empowering your team, you can increase their engagement, motivation, and ownership.

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5 Monitor and improve

A fifth factor in creating a safe environment for your manufacturing team is to monitor and improve the safety outcomes and indicators. You should collect and analyze data on the safety incidents, injuries, and illnesses, and track the progress and performance of your safety goals and objectives. You should also conduct regular reviews and audits of the safety policies and procedures, and identify and implement any areas of improvement or innovation. You should also benchmark your safety results against the industry standards and best practices, and learn from the experiences and lessons of others. By monitoring and improving, you can ensure the continuous improvement and excellence of your safety culture and system.

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Professor Javaid Butt

Professor of Manufacturing and Product Design
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Monitoring is only the first step as the real value comes from using the data and insights gained to drive continuous improvement. Safety should be a dynamic process that evolves and adapts as conditions change. In this context, it is imperative to embrace emerging technologies that enhance safety. For instance, machine learning algorithms can be used to predict and prevent accidents by analysing patterns of behaviour and equipment data.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you create a safe environment for your manufacturing team?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Lead by example

2 Train your team

3 Equip your plant

4 Empower your team

5 Monitor and improve

6 Here’s what else to consider

Manufacturing Engineering

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How can you create a safe environment for your manufacturing team?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Lead by example

2 Train your team

3 Equip your plant

4 Empower your team

5 Monitor and improve

6 Here’s what else to consider

Manufacturing Engineering

Rate this article

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