From slips and falls to overexertion, there are many safety risks in the food manufacturing industry that workers and managers should be aware of. In fact, nearly five of every 100 employees in the food manufacturing industry experience injury or illness due to a work-related accident, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Some of the most common injuries include:
- slips and falls
- soreness in arms, hands and wrists from overuse injuries such as carpal tunnel
- coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath from exposure to fumes or any kind of particles in the air
These incidents can be very costly to a company as they may result in hospital fees, workers’ compensation payments and a decrease in productivity if the employee’s injury or illness keeps him or her away from work. An injury in the workplace can also negatively affect the morale of the other employees, especially after a traumatic event.
Businesses can protect their employees and mitigate the risk of workplace injuries and illnesses by making safety a priority. Simple steps like establishing a safety training program and keeping an updated safety manual and plan in place go a long way in keeping your employees safe.
Check out this infographic to learn more about how you can create a safer workplace: