If you’re an employee working in paper manufacturing, you must be aware of the importance of practicing safety on the shop floor. The paper industry can create a potentially dangerous work environment because staff will be handling extremely heavy products and equipment. Not to mention, paper is highly flammable. Protect yourself and your coworkers from injury by implementing the following tips and tricks into your daily work life.
Common Paper Industry Hazards
First, you must understand the hazards you could encounter while working on the job. If you’re aware of the dangers, you can better protect yourself throughout the day. While this isn’t a complete list, here are the most common hazards in paper manufacturing.
- Heat stress
- Sharp surfaces
- Pinch points in machines
- Combustible dust
- Dangerous chemicals
- Slip, trip, or fall hazards
Always Follow Approved Procedures
Procedures and rules are in place for a reason; you should never undermine the authority in charge by performing tasks outside of regulation. Choosing to ignore policies will not only put you at risk for injury but your coworkers as well. As an employee, if you’re unsure why you need to do a specific task a certain way, you should talk with management so that you can better understand how to protect yourself on the shop floor.
Maintain a Clean Work Environment
Maintaining a clean work environment is essential for safety because it limits potential hazards. Slips, trips, and falls are less likely to happen when your surrounding workstation is free from distractions and messes. Not only will this improve workplace safety, but it will also allow all employees to work more efficiently.
Get Proper Training
A significant factor in reducing fire risks in paper mills is the presence of proper employee training. Without training, workers could be in dangerous situations with no solutions or problem-solving skills. Handling heavy products and equipment is never easy and could quickly become hazardous without the right training. Ensure you know how to do tasks thoroughly to avoid problems.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Another safety tip for employees working in paper manufacturing is to be aware of the surroundings at all times. If there’s a spill or broken-down machine, you should notify others immediately so that they know what areas of the shop are off-limits. Knowing the type of equipment and materials in your surrounding area will better protect you and the workers around you from personal injury.
Safety isn’t an element you should mess with when working with heavy materials. As an employee, you must protect yourself by following protocol, maintaining a clean workspace, receiving training, and being aware of your surroundings. What will you do to ensure your safety working in the paper industry?
