How Can We Improve Occupational Health & Safety in Manufacturing?

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) has had a marked impact on workplace safety since its formation in 1971. In cooperation with employers, advocates, health and safety experts and other partners, OSHA has helped reduce the rate of workplace fatalities and work-related injury and illness by 65 and 67 percent, respectively, over the past 40 years, all while keeping up with the growing U.S. workforce.

.Unfortunately, while the rate of workplace injuries and illnesses have been greatly reduced (from 10.9 percent to 3.4 percent since 1972) workplace hazards continue to injure and kill workers every day. According to the Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (SOII), conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, private industry employers reported almost 3 million non-fatal work-related injuries and illnesses in 2012. Additionally, OSHA reported that another 4,628 workers were killed on the job that year.

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Occupational Health & Safety in Manufacturing

Working in the manufacturing industry has been found to be especially risky for workers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

• The manufacturing sector is responsible for 29.5 percent of all private industry occupational illness cases.
• In 2012, the incident rate for the manufacturing sector was one of the highest, with 38.6 cases per 10,000 full-time employees.
• For the past 15 years manufacturing has been the only private industry sector with a higher rate of job transfer and restriction cases than cases in which worker injury or illness caused employees to miss workdays.

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Considering the increased safety risks associated with manufacturing, it is essential that employers establish comprehensive health and safety plans, require that workers adhere to the plan, and ensure that manufacturing facilities meet OSHA Standards. Manufacturers should pay particular attention to OSHA’s Top Ten Most Frequently Cited Standards, which include hazard communication, respiratory protection, powered industrial trucks and lock out/tag out, among others.

.How can AMI Environmental Help Protect Building Occupants?

At AMI Environmental, our main goal is to assist clients and create a safe building environment, while adhering to laws and regulations. With decades of experience, our Industrial Hygiene Professionals’ purpose is to help our clients not only protect building occupants, but also manage risk. Once we’ve done our job, you can enjoy the peace of mind that everyone will be protected from harm.  AMI will work to establish and maintain a safe work environment, including surveying your facility for risks; provide testing within your facility; maintain testing protocol; and assist in the recording process.  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Dan Taylor at dantaylor@amienvironmental.com.

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