To prioritize health and safety along the supply chain, what managers should know includes understanding dangerous points on the journey from raw materials to consumer shelves.
Lone Workers
Employees who work alone may face heightened risks of accidents or health emergencies, as they may not have immediate access to assistance or support if something goes wrong. This can be particularly dangerous in warehouses and distribution centers with heavy equipment and machinery.
Mishandling Hazardous Materials
From chemicals to batteries, hazardous materials can pose significant risks to worker safety if not handled and stored correctly. Even materials that may not seem dangerous at first glance, like certain solvents or gases, can pose a hazard if mishandled, exposed to heat or flame, or accidentally combined with other materials that react to cause explosions, generate toxic fumes, or form other harmful materials, like destructive acids.
Slip and Falls
Slips and falls can occur at any stage of the supply chain process. Slippery floors that aren’t appropriately cleaned, objects blocking exits, ice, and spills can all cause workers to trip, slip, or fall, potentially resulting in severe injury.
Ergonomics and Repetitive Motion
Poorly designed tools and processes that don’t account for ergonomics (efficiencies in the interaction of human begins with their working environments) can lead to long-term health issues and injuries, even if there is no immediate danger.
Part of an ergonomically friendly work environment is the prevention of repetitive stress injuries. Performing the same motions in the same way over and over again can result in muscle strains, damaged tendons (as in carpal tunnel syndrome), and impaired joints. These kinds of worker injuries impact productivity and can cost an operation a lot of money in health care and compensation.
Heat and Severe Weather
As temperatures rise, employers and workers must be aware of the dangers of excessive heat and severe weather. Heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and exhaustion can be fatal. Train workers to identify the signs and symptoms of heat-related conditions. Employers should provide workers access to shade or air conditioning, plenty of water, and rest breaks when needed.
In addition to excessive heat, severe storms are becoming more frequent. Warehouse workers are particularly susceptible to the impacts of severe weather. Warehouse dock doors should be able to withstand the impact of flying debris, and workers should have a designated storm shelter to take cover during tornadoes and severe thunderstorms.
To improve safety along the supply chain, managers should know how to provide comprehensive safety training, encourage employees to report any potential hazards or safety concerns, and conduct regular safety inspections.
By implementing robust safety measures at each critical point along the supply chain, managers can reduce the likelihood of accidents and hazards. Prioritizing worker safety promotes a better working environment and can lead to increased productivity and efficiency in the long run.