This week on #FantasticForumFriday we’re featuring Jonathan Rowntree, freelance writer with his safety tips on keeping your workplace injury-free!

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In today’s world of industrial food processing, safety is always a big concern. There are many federal and state guidelines that all industrial food processing plants must follow. While supervisors and managers are in charge of keeping everyone safe in a hazardous environment, it is up to the employees to follow the rules and stay safe.

Today, we are going to go over some tips that will help keep both workers safe as well as the food they produce.

 

Ten Essential Food Processing Safety Tips

 

 

1. Metal Detectable Gloves

Always wear metal detectable gloves when handling food. Metal detectable gloves are designed to keep workers safe and comfortable while handling equipment. These gloves also help keep consumers safe in case part of the glove gets mixed into the food.

 

2. Leave Jewellery At Home

Rings, necklaces and other types of jewellery can cause body parts to be pulled into machinery causing serious injury.

 

Make sure to remove all jewelry before starting your work day. You can also safely store your jewellery inside of a locked locker while on the job.

 

3. Wear Slip Resistant Shoes

 

Many areas of the food processing plant are wet. Wearing ordinary shoes can cause you to slip and fall. Slip and fall injuries are some of the most common workplace accidents and cost companies millions of dollars every year. So make sure to wear the right footwear while on the job.

 

4. Keep Clean

 

Keep knives and tools clean. When tools like knives and machinery get dirty it can cause them to malfunction. This can seriously injure the operator and can even be life-threatening. Also, keep your work area as clean as possible to ensure everyone’s safety and to reduce accidents. By removing all trip hazards from your workspace, the chances of an accident are greatly reduced.

 

5. Inspect Equipment Before Operating

Before your shift begins, complete a visual inspection of all equipment. This will ensure that it is safe to operate and free of any debris.

If you find an issue with the equipment, contact your supervisors and inform them of the situation.

 

 

 

 

6. Follow All OSHA/HSA/HSE Protocols

The rules set by Occupational Safety and Health Administration were put in place to protect people in the workplace or job site. By following these rules and guidelines, you will reduce your personal risk of injury and help protect those around you. For local legislation check out resources such as HSA & HSE.

 

 

7. Report Any Hazard To Management

Something as small as a wet spot on the floor can cause serious injury. Any hazard that you witness should be reported to management right away.

 

It only takes a few seconds to do the right thing and you just might save someone’s life.

 

8. Store Hazardous Chemicals Properly

Hazardous chemicals should always be labeled and stored properly. Failure to do so could have serious implications. If unsure where to store chemicals that you are working with, ask the management.

Some chemicals such as gasoline is combustible so knowing how to properly store them is highly important.

(Check out our online Chemical Safety course here!)

 

9. Report Any Injury, Accident or Near-miss

If you do find yourself injured in the workplace, make sure to report it right away.

Even a small injury can turn into something larger if not properly treated. Seek first-aid and then report your injury to your supervisor.

 

10. Take Breaks

By law, you are required to take regular breaks during your workday. Accidents that are a result of fatigue is a common problem in the workplace, so take a break to avoid this risk.

(Psst..check out our Driving for Work Safety post here!)

 

Conclusion: Now You Know Take Action

 

Now that you know what you can do to stay safe while at work, you need to take action.

Safety is something we all have to take part in to keep everyone happy and healthy. Remember, if you see something that is unsafe, speak up and report it.

You have a part to play in helping keep your workplace accident free. While your employer has a responsibility to keeping employees and contractors safe onsite, everyone has to do their part.

 

About the Author

Jonathan is a freelance writer who has worked with numerous national and international publications. You can reach him at – jonathan.rowntree@gmail.com

 

Thanks for joining us today Jonathan with those great tips!

Until next week!