No sector of industry can be more heavily reliant on health and safety rules and regulations than those businesses which use heavy machinery in potentially dangerous systems day in, day out, with a shining example of such a business being any company operating within the manufacturing and production sectors.

As with every other legal pathway, both the legal and moral obligations of employers, business owners, and managers who work in such an industry are both professionally and often also personally responsible for the safety of their workers. This is why having first aid and cpr certifications is important.

With this in mind, here is an update on the most important health and safety information for the manufacturing and production industries. 

A Heavier Focus on Employees’ Mental Health 

Thankfully and indeed, not before time, the media and the general public alike are becoming much more comfortable about and open to discussing matters of emotional health and wellbeing.

However, both in the US and further afield, you would still be hard pressed to find much information regarding the connection between mental health and factory and warehouse workers. This has resulted in a tightening of the rules and regulations surrounding making reasonable adjustments for individuals, allowing a more flexible working week in terms of hours and generally being more compassionate as a company. 

Tighter Rules for Machinery Maintenance 

You obviously are already fully aware of the importance of fully functioning cleaning equipment for your machinery and other equipment; but far from being a luxury, innovative clean-in-place systems are fast becoming the industry standard. 

As a rule, businesses both large and small that are based in the manufacturing and production sector are far more likely to utilize large, heavy, and potentially dangerous machinery and related equipment than anywhere else; so do be sure to check the latest rules and regulations for your state regarding machinery maintenance. 

Larger Penalties for Breaking the Core Employer Duties

The core duties as a responsible employer of people, especially in the manufacturing sector, are in place to protect everyone—from employers and employees, to visitors, customers, and clients. 

Now, more than ever before, random, on-the-spot inspections and detailed independent reviews of factories and offices alike are conducted across the country, to ensure such basic rules are being adhered to in full.

The core responsibilities of a manufacturing or production business and indeed, for any company, to its employees consist of the following:

• Maintaining all machinery and equipment
• Regular communication with various representatives of health and safety 
• Providing at least adequate forms of welfare provision
• Regular and updated health and safety training (paid)
• Providing all PPE required for each job role
• Maintaining and monitoring the safety of various work systems

No Leeway on Working Hours

Finally, but just as important as the other updated rules and regulations on the list, there are now considerably tougher penalties for any employer or group of companies who fail to adhere to the correct working hours for their team members.

Adequate breaks should not only be provided, but enforced, and there should be the right amount of time (as a minimum) between the end of one shift and the beginning of another. 

By Adam Torkildson

Keywords: Business Strategy