Here are just a few of the hidden dangers faced by workers in the food manufacturing industry.
Many people imagine a factory setting when they think about workplace injuries. What they don’t picture is that facility producing food. The reality is, though, that these types of manufacturers have one of the most hazardous work environments out there. Here are just a few of the hidden dangers faced by workers in the food manufacturing industry.
Noise
Many food manufacturing facilities contain machines that are every bit as noisy as those in typical factories. What this means for your health is the possibility of losing some or all of your hearing. The dangerous aspect of this effect is that it is a gradual process. Rather than losing it all at once, you likely won’t notice until it is too late. Your best bet at avoiding this result is wearing earplugs while on the job and trying to get away from especially noisy machines.
Repetitive Motion
Another pitfall of the food manufacturing setting is repetitive motion. The precise action that you take will depend on your job, but no matter what, it is likely to involve the same movements over and over again. Repetitive stress injuries are a common result. A few typical examples of them include strains, sprains, and reduced mobility. You can increase your odds of safety by taking breaks and changing up your movement patterns at chosen intervals.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
The food industry requires you to be on your feet for most of the day. Much of that time includes walking around. This behavior can lead to falling, especially if the floor of your facility is filled with tools and other objects. Avoiding these injuries comes down to simply paying attention. Don’t look at your phone or anything else when you walk and instead watch the space in front of you. Doing so should lead to safely getting where you need to go.
Chemical and Biological Hazards
It is a bit scary to think that food manufacturing facilities have chemical and biological hazards, considering that we all eat the food that they produce. Unfortunately, the reality is that there are harmful compounds that workers can be exposed to. Some examples of the chemical variety are detergents, sanitizers, disinfectants, and refrigerants. As far as biological, you could be at risk of exposure to dust or animal feces.
Equipment
Lastly, we have one of the most well-known hazards in this industry. It is equipment, and it claims injuries every day. Whether that be large manufacturing machines or smaller ones like forklifts, workers put themselves at risk when near them. Avoiding injury comes down to following all safety guidelines religiously and paying attention to your surroundings.
If you work in the food manufacturing industry, understanding the dangers of it is crucial. Doing so will give you an excellent shot at avoiding injuries during a long, happy career. Still, things can always go wrong, and you could end up with an injury. If so, get in touch with an experienced work injury lawyer as soon as possible.
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