Manufacturing is the industry most affected by workplace accidents. Each year, millions of people suffer illness or injury at work, often due to neglect of safety practices. Therefore, it’s of the utmost importance to improve business safety to limit these injuries.
Being safe in a workplace can help improve morale, increase productivity and reduce liability. In the manufacturing industry, productivity is what keeps the business running, and an increase in this can also increase profits. With the correct industrial safety measures in place, productivity can only improve.
In this guide, we will explore how to improve business safety in the manufacturing industry and what Metal Products Direct can do to help.
Why health and safety at work is important
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), 1.8 million workers suffered a work-related illness or injury in 2021/22. This is estimated to have cost the economy £18.8 billion. If health and safety measures are ignored, it can have a huge negative effect, not just on workers, but also on the economy.
Of course, workers are directly at risk when health and safety is ignored. Employees could face issues such as:
- Loss of wages
- Negative effects on wellbeing
- Unemployment risks
- Long term damage
Employers can also face a number of problems due to poor health and safety, such as:
- Compensation claims
- Damaged equipment
- Reputation loss
- Productivity decrease
- Increased staff turnover
- Issues from health and safety regulators
Ways to improve health and safety at work
It should be a priority for employers to reduce the risk of preventable accidents and injuries in the workplace. There are a number of ways to improve the health and safety of a workplace:
- An inspection – before work takes place, inspect the area for any potential hazards.
- Create a health and safety plan – this influences workers to eliminate risks.
- Train employees – make them aware of the potential hazards.
- Keep records – incidents occurred, training completed and concerns raised should all be documented.
- Purchase safety products – installing barriers and bollards can help prevent accidents caused by vehicles.
Products to improve health and safety
Barriers
Safety barriers can be purchased and installed to prevent vehicles from accessing unauthorised areas. This will protect workers from being struck. They can also be used to show staff an area that is restricted and that must not be entered without personal protective equipment (PPE).
At Metal Products Direct, we stock a number of safety barriers, including the Be-Safe Modular HandRail, which is a reliable and efficient safety measure built to suit a variety of premises. Purchase our barriers today to improve health and safety.
Bollards
Bollards can be used similarly to barriers in terms of preventing vehicles from accessing an unauthorised area. These are predominantly used in outside working areas but can also be used inside.
At Metal Products Direct, we stock a number of fixed bollards as well as removable bollards.
Floor level protection bars
The installation of floor level protection bars will offer a safety indicator in industrial settings. They are primarily designed to shield your work premises from vehicle damage, and are often painted black and yellow so that they stand out.
At Metal Products Direct, we stock floor level protection bars that are available in four lengths (400mm, 600mm, 800mm and 1200mm). Order directly online or get in touch with us today to enquire about a bespoke order.
Guardrails
Installing guardrails is the perfect solution to various damages and can also prevent possible accidents or injuries. These are especially useful on sloped or uneven flooring.
At Metal Products Direct, we have Heavy Duty Adjustable Height Guardrails in stock to assist your business in being compliant with health and safety regulations.
Handrails
Handrails are designed to provide ultimate protection for property and pedestrians. Both galvanised and stainless steel handrails are resistant to eroding or rusting, so they can stay strong for long periods of time.
At Metal Products Direct, we have both galvanised and stainless steel tubular handrails. Order directly online or talk to our team to discuss a bespoke order.
Find safety equipment and more with Metal Products Direct
We offer a wide range of high-quality safety equipment at Metal Products Direct, which are made in Manchester, UK. We also offer many other products, including conveyor belts and architectural products.
When it comes to producing metal products that will keep you protected, nobody does it like Metal Products Direct. Contact us today to find out more about the high-quality products we offer.