Safety amidst crisis: A look at the manufacturing industry

Manufacturing facilities are some of the most dangerous workplaces in the U.S. With thousands (if not millions) of moving parts and hundreds of employees working in these plants, everyone has to be focused on all the safety protocols.

According to occupational health and safety expert Captain Martin Sanders, a crisis in manufacturing plants can endanger the lives of workers, damage integral structures, and put a halt to productivity.

In order to promote health and safety further, Martin Sanders discusses some ways key figures in charge of manufacturing facilities can prepare for emergencies.

Plan for various scenarios Manufacturing facilities are as vulnerable to catastrophic events as any man-made structure. It’s best to have plans for various scenarios such as chemical leaks, earthquakes, equipment malfunction, fires, and more.

Delegate responsibilities

Since most manufacturing plants are mammoth structures with hundreds of workers in them, delegating responsibilities to managers and their units is key to ensuring smooth and efficient action during a disaster, Martin Sanders adds.

Train facility personnel

Martin Sanders asserts that any company should not only spend time, money, and effort training personnel on their jobs but also on essential actions such as what to do during emergencies.

Designated safe zones and safety equipment

Manufacturing plants also need to have more than one safe zone in the vicinity if workers need to evacuate. In these safe zones, safety gear and equipment are preparedly available to be used at a moment’s notice, adds Martin Sanders.

Captain Martin Sanders is an officer of the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service. He recently served as Chief of Safety for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), responsible for the HHS regulatory oversight related to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). To learn more about safety procedures, visit this link.

Disclaimer: This site was prepared by Martin L. Sanders in his personal capacity. The opinions expressed are the author's own and do not reflect the views of the USPHS, the Department of Health and Human Services, or the United States government.