Working in a manufacturing plant or industrial setting can be dangerous for employees but, with the right safety measures and protective equipment, injuries can be prevented. 

The concern for safety is critical and employers have a responsibility to provide their employees with a safe workspace. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has outlined several employer responsibilities to ensure the safety of their workers. Here are the first 5 employer responsibilities listed:

• Provide a workplace free from serious recognized hazards and comply with standards, rules, and regulations issued under the OSH Act.
• Ensure employees have and use safe tools and equipment and properly maintain this equipment.
• Use color codes, posters, labels, or signs to warn employees of potential hazards.
• Examine workplace conditions to ensure they conform to applicable OSHA standards.
• Establish or update operating procedures and communicate with them so that employees follow safety and health requirements.

Workplace hazards can include slips, trips, and falls, exposure to harmful chemicals, and the use of heavy machinery. Additionally, loud noise levels and flying debris can pose a significant risk to workers' hearing and eyesight.

To mitigate these risks, employers must properly identify areas of potential hazard and provide the appropriate safety equipment, including hearing protection, eye protection, and respirators. 

Hazard marking is critical to ensuring a safe workplace. BT-795 or BT-6110 are high visibility safety stripe options that can be used to identify hazardous areas throughout the workplace.

Hearing protection equipment, such as earplugs or earmuffs, can prevent hearing loss from prolonged exposure to high noise levels. Exposure to high levels of noise is a common hazard in many manufacturing plants. Prolonged exposure to such noise can lead to permanent hearing loss, tinnitus, and other hearing-related issues.

Eye protection can provide a barrier against flying debris, dust, and chemicals produced during or because of the manufacturing process. There are several types of eye protection available, including safety glasses, goggles, and face shields. 

Respirators can help protect employees from fumes, dust, and other airborne particles that can be harmful to the respiratory system. They come in various types, including filtering facepiece respirators, disposable respirators, and powered air-purifying respirators. 

It's crucial for employers to prioritize safety in the workplace, especially in manufacturing environments where risks are abundant. By complying with OSHA standards and providing the appropriate safety equipment, employers can help protect their employees and prevent injuries. Remember, a safe workplace is a productive workplace! Learn more about how Bron Tapes is sticking with safety.