On the job, machining and manufacturing industry workers face safety hazards every day. From amputations to electrocution, crush injuries, and deep cuts, your risks of getting hurt are higher than the average blue-collar worker.
However, there are some injuries that tend to be forgotten in the machining industry. Ergonomic injuries are just as severe as those listed above, but since they don’t usually involve immediate treatment or a call to emergency services, they’re not taken as seriously by industry workers.
It is crucial for the machining and manufacturing industries to correct this oversight. Ergonomic injuries are highly likely to turn into chronic problems and even long-term disabilities.
This article will explore several effective manufacturing safety tips that you and your teams should take into consideration to avoid common ergonomic injuries at work.
Common Ergonomic Hazards in Machining Industry
The most common ergonomic hazards in machining and manufacturing have often been overlooked. Many industry workers who perform manual labor every day consider these hazards to be normal, and the injuries they sustain are written off as predictable wear and tear on the body.
These injuries do not have to be a given, though. The hazards listed below describe potential risks that machine workers face, but these risks can be mitigated with proper preparation.
1. Manual Handling Risks
Manual labor comes with a unique set of safety hazards that white-collar workers will likely never understand. The nature of manual labor is that it involves pushing the body to its physical limits, which means there are a plethora of things that can go wrong in any given workday.
Manual handling creates risks from activities like heavy lifting, prolonged standing in straining positions, and even slips and falls that can occur when workers are unable to assess their environment properly. These activities can turn into serious injuries such as slipped discs, hernias, and musculoskeletal disorders.
2. Repetitive Motion Injuries
Machining and manufacturing workers deal with repetitive motions frequently on the job, from operating heavy machines to lifting and moving equipment around. Repetitive motion can cause strains and sprains as well as issues with mobility.
3. Strains and Sprains
Strains and sprains can happen as a result of repetitive motion but can also be isolated injuries from lifting or operating heavy machinery and other equipment. While these injuries are typically treatable if handled quickly, there is a risk of permanent damage if left untreated.
4. Development of Musculoskeletal Disorders
Machine workers are at high risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders. Also known as MSDs, musculoskeletal disorders are essentially injuries relating to muscles, joints, tendons, and other elements of the musculoskeletal system.
5. Back and Spine Problems from Poor Posture
Prolonged standing, especially in strange and uncomfortable positions (as commonly seen with machine workers), can cause serious issues with the back and spine. These injuries can also happen as a result of heavy lifting. Back and spine problems are very serious and can lead to a lifetime of chronic pain.
Impact of Ergonomic Hazards on Machinists’ Health and Productivity
There is a clear correlation between ergonomic injuries and reduced productivity. Workers who are in pain are simply not as productive as their counterparts. More important than productivity concerns, the health of the worker is severely impacted by ergonomic hazards at work.
Not only is this a problem for the employee, but it also represents issues for the employer. High worker turnover rates and increased insurance costs are among the potential impacts to the company when ergonomic hazards are not mitigated.
Strategies for Mitigating Ergonomic Risks in Machining Operations
Luckily for everyone, there are plenty of ways to reduce risk and avoid ergonomic injuries in machining and manufacturing workplaces. Prioritizing exercise before work is also crucial in mitigating ergonomic risks, promoting flexibility and strength to better withstand the demands of the job. These strategies should be considered a supplement to health and safety procedures already in place.
1. Tool and Equipment Selection
Ensuring that the best equipment available is in use will help prevent ergonomic injuries. Machines that do not require awkward posture to operate can help prevent musculoskeletal issues among workers. Safety supplies for heavy lifting, such as braces and belts, are key to warding off lifting injuries.
2. Training and Education
If your employees are not properly trained on how to avoid ergonomic injuries, they are at higher risk of suffering from them. Make sure to follow best practices for safety training. Experts are available through OSHA to ensure that the best education is given to those who need it to stay safe.
3. Medical Aid and Support
As hard as you may work to prevent them, injuries on the job will still happen. Unfortunately, it’s a hazard of working in the machining industry. Being prepared to deal with those injuries is key.
Maintaining a properly stocked first aid kit, assigning roles to employees for dealing with emergencies, and ensuring that everyone knows how to access medical support when needed will help minimize the impact of workplace injuries.
Implementing Effective Ergonomic Solutions: Best Practices
For the seamless integration of ergonomic solutions designed to prevent injury, education and training are key. Aside from training, you’ll need to start the process by ensuring that your equipment and tools are up-to-date and designed to minimize strain on the body.
Also, don’t forget to take worker feedback into account. Machine workers know what causes them pain, and they are a great resource for helping you design a safer work environment. Encourage employee participation in implementation efforts to get your team on board and ensure everyone is informed of new procedures.
Author Bio:
Steven John Cumper, B.App.Sc. (Osteo.), M.Ost., is a businessman with a strong background in biomedical science and osteopathic medicine. He founded Medshop while studying at RMIT University in Australia, expanding its reach to markets in Papua New Guinea, Singapore, and Malaysia. In September 2021, the Bunzl Group acquired a majority stake in Medshop, but Cumper remains involved as the Managing Director (Medshop Group). His journey from Zimbabwe to the UK and Australia reflects his dedication to academia and entrepreneurship, combining diverse knowledge and experience.
