Causes of injury in the manufacturing industry
Working in the manufacturing industry is one of the most hazardous and complex jobs in the whole world. Having access to some dangerous tools, workers get injured now and then. These injuries include nonfatal and fatal types. Some injuries may never lead to treatment, such as losing a part of the body.
An ounce of prevention is endlessly worth a pound of cure, so using some prevention tools and being aware of hazards may reduce the risk of further injuries.
This blog walks you through the causes of injury in the manufacturing industry, the most common types, and some tips to prevent the occurrence.
How often does injury at work happen?
Manufacturing forms 15.0 percent of private industry nonfatal injuries and illnesses in 2019 that took place in the private industry sector.
The rate was diminished from 3.4 cases in 2018 to 3.3 per every 100 FTE (full-time equivalent) workers in 2019.
The record of nonfatal injuries was reported 421,400 cases, which did not suffer any changes from 2018.
Injuries and illnesses to manufacturing workers led to:
- Sprains, strains, or tears (28.0 percent)
- Soreness or pain (14.5 percent)
- Cuts, lacerations, or punctures (13.3 percent)
The most common causes of injury in the manufacturing industry
When injuries happen because of the manager’s negligence, victims have a right to seek compensation. A skilled personal injury attorney who can follow the legal process on behalf of workers can help a lot.
However, there are times that workers are responsible for the injury. The most common causes of injury in the manufacturing industry include:
Compliancy
No one expects to get hurt, as we have absolute faith in the technology and safety regulations naturally. However, this perspective leads to most accidents and injuries.
Doing a task over and over turns it into a habit, so we continue doing it unconsciously. That includes simple deeds such as brushing your teeth as well. This fact leads to a lack of concentration. Followed by that, the risk of injuries and mistakes is increased.
You can write down a list of people you count on to stay safe at work and get their responses in a prominent place where you see them every day. In addition, by signing a “target zero” pact, you promise to do your part to prevent injuries.
Frustration
There are too many factors that lead to frustration at work. You can never eliminate them thoroughly. However, there are a few beneficial steps you can take to enhance morale in the workplace.
First thing first, the lack of tools you need plays the most vital role in causing frustration. The device that consistently fails at most times always feels terrible.
Identifying defective equipment is the responsibility of the owner of the company. The employer should form a culture of health in the workplace to increase occupational health awareness. However, the audits don’t always have to be formal. As you make rounds, you can write down anything that is broken. The employer can also take advantage of an auction management software tool for tasks that require follow-up.
Fatigue
A sleep-deprived worker can be just as negligent as a worker under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Some items can make a sleepy worker more likely to be injured. For instance:
- Poor coordination
- Reduced concentration
- Memory loss
Almost all the employees are aware that they don’t perform well when they’re weary. However, they usually need reminders to take breaks or alter tasks. This should be fixed in your schedule. You should also beware of the symptoms of fatigue.
Laziness
We all tend to take the easy way out, but it can be dangerous for someone who works with hazardous equipment. Some examples are:
- Poor housekeeping
- Failure to wear personal protective equipment
- Bypassing established procedures
Other causes of injury in the manufacturing industry
Some other elements include:
Environmental Causes
- Poor lighting
- Ambient temperature
- Air pollution
- Sound pollution
Mechanical Causes
- Broken or damaged machine
- Power failure
- Fire or explosion
- Fair wear and tear
Human Factors
- Poor housekeeping
- Fatigue
- Overexertion
- Stress
- Dehydration
- Improper lifting
Common examples of injury in the manufacturing industry
In addition to all we have said, some other injuries occur at the workplace, which we can call:
- Slip and falls
- Overexertion
- Exposure to hazardous materials
- Machine-related injuries
- Vehicle accidents
- Falling objects
- Burns
Let’s recap!
Injury in the manufacturing industry is highly probable, but you can prevent it by taking precautions and working consciously. We reviewed the main reasons why injury at work occurs, and we offered you some tips to reduce the risks as much as possible.
If you are injured or need further consultation about occupational illness or injuries, you can get to occupational health centers. Southern Nevada Occupational Health Center is a good call. You can set an appointment online or call us on (702) 874-4769.
