3 Ways to Increase Safety in the Workplace

Safety should be at the forefront of every workplace, and strict safety standards and measures should be followed. Taking steps to ensure that safety protocols are in place, OSHA guidelines are being followed, and employees are properly trained, are all key to curating a safety-first work environment.  

Read more to learn about three ways to increase workplace safety.  

ENSURE A SAFE WORK AREA & PROVIDE PROPER GEAR 

Making sure workers are able to perform their job in a safe environment should be an everyday consideration in an industrial workplace. According to OSHA, 14 people die from work-related accidents every day, and this can be prevented with simple steps towards overall safety.   

Ensure not only that there are perimeters around manufacturing equipment, but clear and readable signs work to enforce safety. Proper signage communicates risks and dangers, as well as instructions, and perimeters keep employees and visitors in proper and safe locations.  

Along with clear signage and proper perimeters, it’s important to also keep workspaces clear of extra clutter and the floor clear of debris. With over 700 injuries a year attributed to slips and falls, something that may seem insignificant can add up.  

Each job requires its own sets of skills and tools, and with that can come gear, or personal protective equipment (PPE). PPE is a common term for protective equipment and gear designed to minimize injury or harm should an accident occur.  

PPE can vary, from hard hats to gloves, to proper footwear and clothing. It should be regularly maintained, fit properly, and be inspected regularly as part of reoccurring maintenance.  

When looking to outfit your employees with proper PPE, ask the following questions: 

• When will the employees need protection? 

• What kind of PPE will be required to protect workers from accidents? 

• Are the employees trained to properly wear, remove, and adjust their PPE? 

• Are there any restrictions and if so, how might they affect the worker or job? 

• Is the equipment being properly cared for and stored? 

HAVE HEAT-RELATED SAFETY MEASURES 

Although industrial manufacturing workers are not often subjected to direct sunlight, heat and heat-based illnesses can still be a safety issue during warmer months. There are steps you can take to ensure that your workers are protected, whether inside or out.  

• Make sure the facility your workers are in has proper ventilation and cooling systems. Additionally, insulating hot pipes can keep temperatures low. 

• Monitor the heat index each day, especially in facilities that might have less insulation than an office space. OSHA recommends using the heat index as a screening tool to know when to put extra cooling measures in place.  

• Train and communicate with your team to identify the signs of overheating or heat-based illnesses. Knowing the signs for themselves and others will ensure a safer overall team environment when dealing with heat.  

• Ensure all workers have easy access to locations to cool off, as well as hydration areas. Giving overheating bodies a break keeps overall safety and productivity up.  

LISTEN TO FEEDBACK AND TRAIN ACCORDINGLY  

Overall, the most important thing that can help increase safety in the workplace is proper employee training and listening to feedback.  

A proactive approach to training is key. Along with the heat based training mentioned above, investing in hazard awareness and potential accident training can work to prevent not only accidents from themselves, but from the team as a whole. OSHA has several recommended practices for safety and health programs on their website that should be utilized.  

Additionally, ensuring a healthy two-way communication between employee and employer encourages direct correspondence about safety issues and concerns either party might have. Making sure that employers are engaging with employees about safety measures, precautions, and updates guarantees a safer workplace.  

A new factor coming into play in workplace safety and training is the proactive implementation of artificial intelligence. Using AI when monitoring a workspace can ensure employees haven’t lapsed in safety practices. Investing in AI that can analyze footage allows businesses to alert workers to safety hazards they might have encountered when looking back on the footage.  

Surveillance footage can also enforce safety procedures such as proper use of PPE, ensuring vehicle and large machinery safety, and proper fall protection protocol. 

NRTC Automation and Safety  

NRTC Automation offers a variety of engineering contract services and training for manufacturers. Contact us today to learn more about our automation and manufacturing services that are aimed at minimizing disruption and downtime in the work area, with an emphasis on safety, speed, and efficiency.   

Contact NRTC today for more information on how our engineering contract services and training can help your business.

Important OSHA Stats and Figures in Manufacturing

Learn these important OSHA statistics to help keep your employees safe.

The manufacturing environment is often unpredictable and dangerous; workers may come in contact with heavy machinery, toxic substances, and even electrical hazards. Safety in the manufacturing industry is essential and safety standards reduce countless preventable injuries and even deaths each year.  

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a regulatory body dedicated to creating and maintaining workplace safety standards within the United States. It was established in 1970 to assure safer conditions for Americans.  

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reported around 14,000 work-related deaths in 1970. In contrast, the number of work-related deaths in 2018 was 5,250, despite the doubling of the U.S. workforce over that time period.  

Although this progress is substantial, there’s still more work to be done to reduce workplace injury and fatalities. In 2019 alone, the manufacturing industry reported 846,700 injuries, which represents 6.6 cases per 100 full-time workers or 15 percent of all nonfatal injuries and illnesses in the private industry sector.  

Benefits of having a safe workplace for employees 

Safety in a manufacturing environment goes beyond checking boxes. Detailed and comprehensive manufacturing safety approaches are important for both workers and the company for a variety of reasons:  

1. Safety protocols keep people alive and uninjured.

2. Safety protocols improve workforce productivity.

3. Safety protocols are the best way to manage risk. Safety protocols consistently minimize risks and liability, leading to substantial long-term cost savings.  

4. Safety protocols are required by law. Compliance with OSHA regulations are mandatory, and non-compliance may result in massive fines and even jail time.  

5. Safety protocols reduce costs.  Safety incidents are very expensive and may include costs such as workers’ compensation, repairing broken equipment, regulatory penalties and legal fees, and decreased productivity. OSHA estimates that every one dollar invested in safety had a sixfold return on investment.  

Preventing accidents in manufacturing 

In order to realize its mission, each year OSHA releases a set of guidelines for manufacturing practices as well as facts and figures related to common violations.  

SLIPS AND FALLS 

Because of moving machinery, forklifts, and other obstacles in a manufacturing environment, manufacturing workers are especially prone to trips and falls. OSHA maintains industry regulations to prevent trips and falls.  

OSHA guidelines aim to protect against:  

Slips: a loss of balance as a result of limited friction between shoes and the walking surface (in other words, loss of traction).  

Common causes of slips include:  

• Wet product or spills on smooth walking surfaces including water, mud, grease, oil, and even blood.  

• Dry product or spills, such as dusts, powders, granules, wood, or plastic wraps.  

• Heavily polished flooring or waxed surfaces such as concrete, marble, or ceramic tile 

• Sloped walking surfaces or ramps without traction 

• Ladders  

Trips: a loss of balance caused by forward momentum after a foot hits an object.  

Common causes of trips include:  

• Uncovered hoses, wires, or extension cords across walkways 

• Clutter and obstacles in walkways 

• Open cabinets or desk drawers 

• Changes in elevation or levels (such as unmarked steps or ramps) 

• Mounting/dismounting vehicle equipment

Falls: a loss of balance as a result of movement outside the center of balance. OSHA further segments falls into falls at the same level/surface and falls to a lower level.

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), most falls are related to same-level walking surfaces. The manufacturing sector accounts for 16 percent of all injuries resulting from same-level falls.  

To protect against slips, trips, and falls, OSHA guidelines mandate:  

• All passageways and stairways must remain free from clutter and obstacles. Handrail surfaces must be able to sustain at least 200 pounds and be finished to prevent snagging.  

• Businesses must maintain clean, dry floors that are free from debris and clutter. If there are surfaces that are used for water or wet processing, they must have proper drainage and mats and dry areas need to be present.  

• Adequate lighting is required in all walkways including stairs, hallways, and ramps.  

MACHINERY GUARDING ACCIDENTS 

Machines and other moving parts have the potential to cause workplace injuries including crushed limbs, amputations, burns, and even blindness. OSHA named machine guarding accidents among its top ten list of frequently cited violations and accidents.  

According to OSHA, workers who operate machinery suffer 18,000 amputations, lacerations, crush injuries, and abrasion per year. Use of machines such as power saws, shears, presses, fans, conveyor belt, and palletizers are regulated. OSHA requires protection mechanisms to be in place, known as machine guarding.  

Machine guarding can include barriers, light curtains, and two-hand trips and most frequently applies to the point of operation (the location where work is performed). While it’s not possible to guard some machines at multiple points, OSHA recommends secondary controls like alarms and fences.  

Costs associated with workplace injuries in manufacturing 

Beyond the pain and suffering of human beings, a single manufacturing safety incident may have huge cost implications for your company including:  

• Regulatory fines: As of 2021, OSHA penalties for violations may cost up to $13,494, however penalties for willful or repeat violations cost upwards of $134,927. Moreover, failure to correct the violation by its deadline could result in additional penalties of $13,494 per day.  

• Increased industrial insurance premium: each workers’ compensation incident will raise insurance premiums.  

• Ancillary costs associated with training replacement workers, damaged reputation, and potential lawsuits.  

According to Liberty Mutual’s Workplace Safety Index, nearly a third of the same level falls represent 21 lost workdays. When factoring in all ancillary costs associated with a safety incident using OSHA’s $afety Pays website, the true cost of an accident may be several thousand times greater than the cost of preventative measures.  

Safety plans can have long-lasting benefits and returns, for businesses as well as employees. Safety plans can maximize workplace productivity while minimizing risk.  

OSHA training and guidelines are good keystone practices, however the most successful manufacturing workplaces create a culture of safety that goes beyond regulation.  

WORK SAFELY WITH NRTC AUTOMATION

NRTC Automation is dedicated to providing high-value industrial automation and manufacturing equipment solutions to all our customers.

From decommissioning and tear out to industrial robotic training services to custom flexible work cells, NRTC is the key to integrate your workplace. With personalized training and custom-built designs, NRTC Automation is the destination for all your industrial automation and manufacturing equipment services.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you meet your production goals.

How NRTC Prevents Accidents in Manufacturing Facilities

There are a lot of moving parts during work in a manufacturing facility, both literally and figuratively. This goes for both day-to-day production efforts and decommissioning. Whether you are only tearing out a part of your factory or the whole building is being decommissioned, the tear out process is a team effort. 

Because there is so much going on in a factory, it is essential to practice safety measures as outlined by OSHA, or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Following safety regulations will protect not only our team and your employees, but it will also help prevent equipment damage as well. 

NRTC Automation prioritizes safety in all our services. Learn more about the statistics of manufacturing accidents and how to prevent them during decommissioning below. 

Preventing Accidents in Manufacturing

Know the Statistics 

According to OSHA, over 5,000 workers died on the job in 2018. Around 20% of those fatalities were in construction. 

Construction and manufacturing are closely linked and experience the same dangers of falls, electrocutions, collapsing structures, and large, heavy machinery. 

Because of this, it is of the highest importance to make safety the priority in all situations. Working in a warehouse or factory has the potential to be deadly if the equipment isn’t handled correctly.  

OSHA Safety Regulations 

In manufacturing and construction, OSHA’s safety regulations protect people from serious injuries or death. Before doing any decommissioning work, NRTC Automation ensures that all workers are prepared for the job by following the safety guidelines. 

OSHA’s safety guidelines for these industries include the following: 

• Safety training for employees 

• Compliance assistance for employees 

• Fair enforcement by employers and authorities 

• Managing hazards in the workplace, such as clearly marking chemicals or fixing broken lifts 

• Provide all necessary safety equipment for all employees, such as hard hats or gloves 

By following the guidelines above, workers in manufacturing and construction can do their job efficiently and with confidence. 

Safety During Manufacturing 

Safety begins before work starts. NRTC’s decommissioning process follows strict OSHA guidelines. 

Tear outs can be a lot to handle, especially if a solid plan is not set before the decommissioning process begins.  That’s why NRTC inspects and maps out the facility with a 3D scan to ensure that the layout of the building and equipment are understood.  

Then, a plan will be made based on the scan to determine the safest and most efficient way to remove equipment from the facility. The plan will prevent any mishaps with equipment and provide room for lifts and other tools to pull the equipment out. 

Once the plan is made, the air, water, and electricity will be turned off in the facility. This will protect NRTC Automation’s workers, as well as the facility’s employees, from electrocution while handling machinery and equipment. 

During the tear out, our team members will wear full safety gear with branding to be both highly visible and identifiable as well as to protect themselves from injury. Safety gear during a tear out includes: 

• Hard hat 

• Neon safety vest with a branded name 

• Steel toe boots 

• Gloves 

• Safety glasses 

NRTC Automation’s team will also set up safety perimeters and signage around the facility to ensure that no workers are in the way during the tear out. 

All debris and clutter will be removed from the facility to make the space moveable and eliminate any tripping hazards. 

And of course, communication is a major component of a substantial safety practice. As workers move equipment, drive forklifts, or any other activity that could harm other people, communicating is essential to prevent accidents. 

Having a plan, wearing safety gear, establishing safety perimeters, clearing debris, and communication within and between teams are the keystone safety practices that will protect all workers from harm during a tear out. 

NRTC Automation’s Safety Practices 

NRTC Automation follows all safety procedures outlined above and adapts each individual tear out project with a personalized plan to preserve equipment and protect workers from harm. 

Our team is proud of our commitment to safety. By honoring the lives of workers in the construction and manufacturing industries, workers can confidently help companies and communities to work on new projects and create new products for the global market. 

TRUST NRTC AUTOMATION WITH YOUR NEXT TEAR OUT. 

NRTC Automation is dedicated to providing high-value industrial automation and manufacturing equipment solutions to all its customers.  

From decommissioning and tear out to industrial robotic training services to custom flexible work cells, NRTC is the key to integrate your workplace. With personalized training and custom-built designs, NRTC Automation is the destination for all your industrial automation and manufacturing equipment services. 

Contact NRTC Automation today to move on to your next industrial project. 

The History of OSHA

OSHA, or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, is a governmental body dedicated to workplace safety standards in the United States. 

Because of OSHA, tens of thousands of lives have been saved from tragedy in the workplace since the 1970s. The regulations set by OSHA ensure that workers are protected and that employers are held responsible to provide safety education and equipment. 

Prioritizing safety is important for all industries, but it is especially necessary in construction and manufacturing due to the dangers present in the workplace. NRTC Automation upholds safety as the number one priority in all our services. 

Learn more about OSHA’s history and its regulations for construction and manufacturing below! 

History of OSHA

Before OSHA 

Before the 1970s, there was very little legislation on safety in the workplace.  

In fact, prior to the workers’ compensation movement in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, workplace safety was basically nonexistent. Once workers’ rights became a conversation in Congress, laws to protect workers started to go into effect. 

However, the laws for workplace safety were still negligible. In 1970, there were over 14,000 fatalities due to work-related accidents and injuries. After years of what could have been preventable deaths and injuries, President Lyndon Johnson proposed legislation for workplace safety. 

OSHA’s Beginnings 

President Richard Nixon signed the Occupational Safety and Health Act in December of 1970, establishing a new era of workplace safety. The law officially went into effect in April of 1971.  

OSHA struggled at first to create clear and comprehensive laws for workplace safety until the Assistant Secretary of Labor, Dr. Eula Bingham, arrived. She improved OSHA by discarding trivial laws and clarifying necessary standards to manage serious health and safety situations. 

Dr. Bingham met adversaries in big business and Congress since regulations could hurt economic activity, but she was backed by President Jimmy Carter to pursue workplace safety for American citizens. 

Since Dr. Bingham’s leadership, OSHA has been improving its laws and regulations to protect the rights and safety of people in the workplace. 

Safety in Construction and Manufacturing 

From childcare to food prep, OSHA’s laws cover safety for all industries. 

The construction and manufacturing industries are especially prone to accidents and fatalities due to heavy machinery and the dangerous heights that workers scale in order to perform their jobs. 

These are the basic safety regulations that should be maintained in the workplace in order to be compliant with OSHA’s standards: 

• Employee Education and Compliance Assistance: Workers should know their rights, as well as the safety procedures they must follow to protect themselves and others from harm. The employer should provide this information before the worker begins employment and offer assistance for compliance, if necessary. 

• Fair and Effective Enforcement: Employers should enforce OSHA’s regulations to ensure that workers continue to prevent accidents in the workplace. Enforcement may include regular refreshers on OSHA’s safety standards or giving warnings to workers who were not complying with OSHA’s regulations. 

• Effective Hazard Management: Hazards such as falls, repetitive motion injuries, collapses, and more should be approached from every angle to protect workers from injuries or fatalities. This could include using safety net systems, immediately correcting any slippery areas on stairs, or marking toxic chemicals with signage to alert workers about danger. 

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Employers should provide any and all PPE to workers, and workers are expected to wear PPE in the workplace. PPE includes hard hats, high-visibility gear like bright yellow vests, steel-toe boots, gloves, and other safety equipment. 

NRTC Automation follows these guidelines closely with safety signs and perimeters, branded safety gear, and a project manager to enforce OSHA guidelines with each tear out. Our workers can focus on your equipment and facility with peace of mind knowing their safety is prioritized. 

OSHA Today 

Compared to the tens of thousands of fatalities before OSHA (and considering the fact that workplace accidents were not accurately recorded), the number of fatalities and injuries have dropped markedly due to OSHA’s standards. 

In 2009, there were less than 5,000 fatalities recorded in the workplace. The mandates set by OSHA for safety may have prevented over 10,000 deaths from avoidable accidents and even more injuries. 

Workers can be more productive and efficient because they feel safe and secure. By complying with OSHA regulations, employers and employees can enjoy a safer workplace.  

SAFETY IS NRTC AUTOMATION’S PRIORITY. 

At NRTC Automation, we take OSHA’s standards seriously. We follow OSHA safety guidelines in every tear out and with each service. Our team members wear bright and branded safety gear, set up safety perimeters and signage, set up a plan for safe and efficient tear outs, and more. 

Whether we are building your parts in our warehouses or tearing out your facility, NRTC Automation follows all safety precautions to provide professional and reliable services. 

For more information on NRTC Automation’s commitment to safety, or to learn more about how we can serve your industrial and automation needs, contact us today. 

How to Prepare Your Facility for a Tear Out

Tear outs don’t have to be complicated. With NRTC Automation’s tried-and-true process, we will complete your decommissioning project within your time requirements with a professional and attentive team. 

To make the tear out process faster and easier, check out our steps below on how to prepare for a tear out for the best results. 

Steps to Prepare for a Tear Out 

On your end: 

OBTAIN ALL APPROVALS REQUIRED 

Before a facility is decommissioned, it’s necessary to obtain all approvals from the board and management teams required to move on with the decommissioning process. 

DETERMINE FUTURE USE OF FACILITY 

Will your company reuse the facility for a new project, or will a new manufacturer move in to take over the space? Alternatively, the facility may be demolished. Understanding the next phase for the facility will help you plan for the remainder of the tear out. 

DETERMINE TIME REQUIREMENTS 

Next, find out what the length of the tear out should be. This will be based on the future use of the facility. If another manufacturer or another build is moving into the space, then you will want to leave some room between the end of the decommissioning project and their move-in date. 

ASSET MANAGEMENT 

Decide which equipment will be transferred to another facility for reuse. Once you have completed that step, the remainder of the equipment will be managed by NRTC Automation during the decommissioning process. 

DISCONNECT POWER, AIR, AND WATER 

Finally, you will want to disconnect your power, air, and water to ensure a safe decommissioning process. 

On our end: 

CONTRACT 

The first step for preparing a tear out is to create a contract for your decommissioning project. 

NRTC Automation is dedicated to quality with over a decade of experience. We'll design the best plan for your tear out based on your facility, your equipment, and your timeline. 

3D SCAN OF FACILITY 

Once the contract is crafted and signed, NRTC Automation will prepare a 3D scan of your facility. This will be useful for decommissioning by visualizing the tear out and determining the most efficient way to remove your assets. 

Our 3D technology will provide a layout of your facility as well as photos of all your equipment, allowing NRTC Automation to complete the tear out without delay. 

ASSIGN A PROJECT MANAGER AND DEDICATED TEAM 

We will assign a project manager to see your tear out from start to finish. Your project manager will be dedicated solely to your project, as will a team of certified professionals in the manufacturing and industrial automation industries. 

Our team members will be available throughout the entire project for your tear out needs. You can easily identify them with our NRTC Automation branded safety gear. 

DEFINE KEY MILESTONES AND SCHEDULE BASED ON TIME REQUIREMENTS 

Your project manager will define key milestones for your project to keep you updated on the progress of the tear out, as well as a definitive schedule based on your time requirements. The timeline you define will be the one we follow as we decommission your facility. 

NRTC Automation’s project managers are industry professionals with years of experience to aid you in your tear out. With constant updates on your progress, you’ll never have to worry about the project being sidetracked. 

SET UP SAFETY PERIMETERS AND SIGNAGE 

Just before the tear out begins, NRTC Automation will post safety signage and set up perimeters to protect our team and yours in dangerous work zones. As mentioned, our team will also wear branded safety gear for easy identification and security. 

Safety is our priority. Taking precautions as listed by OSHA will allow our team—and yours—to work efficiently without accident or injury. 

Get the most return by preparing. 

Once the steps above are completed by both parties, then NRTC Automation can commence the decommissioning process. 

Being prepared means you’ll get the most return on your tear out, allowing for a faster process and greater savings. 

NEED DECOMMISSIONING SERVICES? 

 With over a decade of experience and partnerships with top automotive manufacturers around the world, NRTC Automation is a trusted source for all decommissioning and tear out projects. Contact NRTC Automation today for your tear out needs. 

How to Practice Safety in the Workplace

According to OSHA, 14 people die from work-related accidents every day. These accidents can be prevented by following safety measures in the workplace as set by OSHA. 

At NRTC Automation, we emphasize safety for our staff and for your company over everything else. We follow strict safety standards published by OSHA. 

What are the best practices to ensure safety in the workplace, especially in manufacturing? Read more to find out. 

Safety in the Workplace 

WEAR THE PROPER GEAR. 

Before you even step into the workplace, you should be wearing the proper safety gear according to OSHA’s hazard/risk categories. For some, this may mean a hard hat and steel-toed boots while others may wear a full hazmat suit. Survey your workplace and determine what category of risk it falls into to ensure that you are protected from accidents and/or chemicals. 

SET UP PERIMETERS AND SIGNS WHEN NECESSARY. 

It’s important to set up perimeters and signs around manufacturing equipment, especially while it is running. Signs will alert people that they are entering a dangerous area and must be alert. Perimeters will keep people out of areas that can cause them serious harm. 

KEEP THE WORKSPACE CLEAR OF CLUTTER AND DEBRIS. 

Tripping hazards may seem insignificant compared to large robots or deadly chemicals, but they pose a safety risk: slips, trips, and falls account for over 700 injuries a year. 

Keep the workplace clear of clutter by removing old, unused equipment and objects to storage. Clean up any spills and grime to prevent slippage.  

ADEQUATELY TRAIN EMPLOYEES. 

Employees should be fully trained to complete the job. A lack of education can cause devastating injuries or even fatalities. Protect employees and yourself by receiving thorough training so you know the risks of the job and what precautions to take. 

Training for injury prevention is also an excellent measure to take against accidents. By training employees on hazard awareness and potential accidents, you can empower them to protect themselves and each other from dangerous situations. 

Safety at NRTC Automation 

OUR SERVICES & PRODUCTS 

Whether you want to repair and recondition your robot or decommission your facility, NRTC Automation takes the initiative to put safety first. Our staff practices all safety measures required by OSHA. Because of our dedication to protect our employees, our services are reliable and accurate. Our products are tested to ensure total workability to preserve your equipment and protect your employees from product-related accidents. 

YOU CAN REST ASSURED THAT NRTC AUTOMATION HAS YOUR BEST INTERESTS IN MIND. 

Contact NRTC Automation today to learn more about our automation and manufacturing services to minimize disruption and downtime in the work area while emphasizing safety, speed, and efficiency.