Ensuring New Hire Safety Compliance in Manufacturing

Safety compliance is a top concern for employers and supervisors in the manufacturing industry. An average of 330 workers die each year from workplace accidents, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. In addition to these tragic fatalities, thousands of workers annually file complaints against workplace-related injuries and illnesses. To avoid a potentially disastrous scenario, manufacturing professionals need to take appropriate action to make sure that their employees minimize their risk of bodily harm as much as possible. This can be done in two ways – through thorough training and transparent communication.

Training & Orientation

In order for new hires to become well-versed in the proper safety precautions that they should be taking every day on the job, upper management needs to implement programs that encourage responsible conduct. Training sessions should be all-inclusive of how to operate machinery and handle toxic chemicals. New hires should also be instructed on how to wear personal protective equipment and what the proper protocol is for emergency evacuation drills. This article outlines 14 standard safety rules for manufacturing facilities that should be included in any new hire training.

In addition to comprehensive training, supervisors should hold a mandatory “safety orientation” for all new hires upon their initial first few days of work. An orientation will differ from training in the sense that it places a stronger emphasis on the community rather than on individuals. The purpose of a safety orientation is to acclimate new hires with the manufacturing facility’s culture of and commitment to workplace well-being. As part of an orientation, managers can facilitate discussions with employees about their concerns, past experiences, and suggestions for how to improve discourse surrounding safety issues.

Consider holding safety orientations off-site so that employees can mingle in a more informal setting and begin fostering bonds with one another. Employees who are connected to each other are likely to work together to accomplish enterprise-wide objectives.

Clear Communication

The success of workplace safety within manufacturing facilities depends on the emphasis placed on it from organizational leaders. Reinforcing safety as often as possible lets employees know that it is a priority that will not be taken lightly. While training and orientation sessions are crucial, a one-time introduction to safety is insufficient.

Keeping lines of communication between employees and management open is an effective way to remind new hires about the importance of safety. Supervisors should be easily accessible when newer employees are on-site should they have any questions or run into problems. However, communication is not a one-way street. Managers also need to be proactive about giving feedback to new hires their job performance and adherence to safety regulations.

If managers cannot be physically present, they should leave instruction manuals for machinery in a designated location for employees to review if necessary. Signage about safety compliance should be posted in plain sight as a reminder of what behavior is acceptable. OSHA offers free workplace posters that informs workers about their rights, which all covered employers are required to display. Click here to find out how to get your copy of the “OSHA Job Safety and Health: It’s the Law” poster.

The manufacturing industry is laden with safety hazards that pose potential threats to the health of machine operators. Emphasizing your organization’s focus on safety through training and orientation sessions lets new hires know that it is a matter of dire importance. Moreover, being in constant communication with employees further highlights a commitment to safety and helps curtail compliance issues before they escalate.

Victoria Vessella is a Content Marketing Journalist at Repsly. With experience in working in public relations, she is dedicated to creating high-quality content that is relevant and helpful to readers.