If you work in the manufacturing industry, you know how important your work is. In fact, manufacturing is the largest industry in Pennsylvania, according to Newsmax. Whether your work involves creating plastics, batteries or anything in between, your job may often be difficult and dangerous.
There are a lot of hazards you may encounter at your manufacturing job. Here are some of the most prevalent hazards in manufacturing environments that may result in workplace accidents.
1. Falls
Falling is one of the most common reasons that manufacturing employees get hurt. Working at high levels may result in you falling and sustaining a serious injury. Your employer should implement rigorous fall protection equipment whenever you perform tasks at high places to protect you.
2. Heavy machinery
You may use or work near various types of heavy machinery at your job, such as a forklift. Potentially hazardous vehicles and pieces of equipment should have proper guarding to keep you safe while operating or working around them.
3. Electrical hazards
Do not assume that electrical risks are only a problem for engineers or electricians. As a manufacturing worker, you may encounter live wires, electrical panels and equipment that is not properly installed. As a result, you may experience electrical shock or burns.
4. Chemicals
There may be numerous types of chemicals at your workplace at any given time. Anything from leaking battery acid to corrosive cleaning products may cause injuries or illness. Your employer should warn you about any dangerous chemicals and train you when you need to handle any.
5. Fires
Manufacturing environments are full of things that may catch fire, including welding equipment, engines and electrical wires. If there are insufficient smoke detectors or fire extinguishers at your workplace, this may make the problem even worse.
If you suffer an injury at your manufacturing job, you may be able to file a workers’ compensation claim.
