Four Risks Eating Away at Food Manufacturing

The food industry is one that the world cannot do without. But there are growing risks eating away at food manufactures. That’s why it’s vital to be aware of the common risks involved with food manufacturing in order to effectively protect workers from harm.

Here are four significant risks impacting the food processing industry and how to control them:

• Slips, trips and falls—Frequent wash downs required by the food manufacturing industry create slippery surfaces that put workers at risk for slips, trips and falls. Plus, excess dust, fluid and other ingredients that accumulate on the floor pose an additional threat. Prevent slips, trips and falls by using floor mats, anti-slip footwear and immediately cleaning any spills.
• Dangerous equipment—The machineryutilized for food manufacturing can place workers at risk for amputations or other injuries unless organizations focus on ensuring proper machine guarding and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Chemical—Food manufacturing workers routinely utilize chemical soaps, detergents, sanitizers and disinfectants to help keep food free of unwanted microorganisms and other contaminants. Food processing also uses refrigerants such as ammonia which can be highly dangerous even in small quantities. Invest in the right  engineering controls to guard workers against long-term side effects.
• Ergonomic—Like many jobs requiring repetitive motion, workers in food manufacturing may be susceptible to ergonomic injuries and musculoskeletal disorders. Use overhead cranes, forklifts and carts to reduce the need to lift heavy materials, when possible, and look for opportunities to incorporate automated processes.