Data based on U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics survey of occupational injuries and illnesses. This data is from the 2018 U.S. survey.
Confined Spaces
Navigating the areas of a food manufacturing facility can be tricky if precautions aren’t taken. Silos, storage bins, mixing vats, and tanks serve as potential threats if workers get stuck or pulled in by accident while performing routine inspections, maintenance, or cleaning. Educational training, along with the appropriate PPE, such as confined space monitors, help alert workers to potential dangers.
Dangerous Equipment
Sharp knives and moving machinery can often result in crushed fingers or hands, amputations, or even burns. With over 40% of industry injuries being equipment or machinery-related, manufacturing facilities should enforce a comprehensive lockout/tagout program that is highly visual and machine specific. PPE such as cut-resistant gloves and sleeves not only protect workers from injury, but also eliminate the risk of product contamination.
Harsh Chemicals
Chemical soaps and disinfectants are beneficial when it comes to sanitation, but can be extremely harmful if exposed to the skin, eyes, or face. OSHA’s updated Hazard Communication Standard requires all hazardous chemicals to be stored in designated areas away from food ingredients and contact surfaces. Each container must also display the appropriate Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals, or GHS label.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
Whether it’s wet floors, debris, or uneven walking surfaces, it’s no surprise slips, trips, and falls account for most food manufacturing injuries. Eliminating potential fall hazards, proper housekeeping, and providing slip-resistant footwear are critical in preventing injuries from occurring. Employers should also evaluate walking/working surfaces to ensure they provide sufficient friction.
Sprains and Strains
Overexertion due to lifting, pushing, or pulling heavy objects and repetitive tasks account for almost half of all injuries in the food manufacturing industry. Injuries to the back, hands, and neck are common in workers who perform the same job tasks over an extended period. Automating strenuous tasks in conjunction with installing ergonomic solutions and equipment can not only prevent employee fatigue, but significantly reduce the risk of developing Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD).
Regulations
For food manufacturing facilities to prevent worker injuries and remain compliant, workplace safety programs must be structured according to OSHA regulations and guidelines. A successful program should encompass the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as well as training on safe-handling procedures, and risks employees might encounter in the workplace.
OSHA 1910.28 - Duty to have fall protection and falling object protection.
Requires employers to provide protection for each employee exposed to fall and falling object hazards.
OSHA 1910.95 - Occupational noise exposure.
OSHA 1910.95 - Occupational noise exposure.
OSHA 1910.95 - Occupational noise exposure.
This section contains requirements for preventing or minimizing the consequences of catastrophic releases of toxic, reactive, flammable, or explosive chemicals.
OSHA 1910.147 - The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout).
This section contains requirements for preventing or minimizing the consequences of catastrophic releases of toxic, reactive, flammable, or explosive chemicals.
OSHA 1910.178 - Powered industrial trucks.
This section contains safety requirements relating to fire protection, design, maintenance, and use of fork trucks, tractors, platform lift trucks, motorized hand trucks, and other specialized industrial trucks powered by electric motors or internal combustion engines.
OSHA 1910.212 - General requirements for all machines.
Types of guarding. One or more methods of machine guarding shall be provided to protect the operator and other employees in the machine area from hazards such as those created by point of operation, ingoing nip points, rotating parts, flying chips and sparks.
OSHA 1910.219 - Mechanical power-transmission apparatus.
General requirements. This section covers all types and shapes of power-transmission belts, except the following when operating at two hundred and fifty (250) feet per minute or less.
OSHA 1910.1200 - Hazard Communication.
The purpose of this section is to ensure that the hazards of all chemicals produced or imported are classified, and that information concerning the classified hazards is transmitted to employers and employees.
