In order to prevent workplace incidents, ensure compliance with regulations, and promote productivity, it is essential to ensure that there are manufacturing safety standards. Workers in manufacturing often face hazards such as dangerous machinery and toxic chemicals, which may lead to potential injuries, illness, or death.

To reduce such risks, ensure compliance, and minimize costs related to work incidents, implementing safety programs is a necessity that prevents them from being exposed to hazardous machinery, unsafe conditions, and environmental risks.

These standards often include the use of PPE, proper equipment guarding, and effective safety training. Applying these also ensures proper functioning and tool maintenance, preventing incidents and improving operational efficiency. In this article, we are going to explore the introduction to manufacturing safety standards.

Key Manufacturing Safety Standards

The manufacturing industry is bundled with safety standards that are the guiding principle of safety of the environment and people. Some of the major safety standards include:

• ISO 45001: Occupational Health and Safety 
• OSHA Standards (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
• EN 60204-1: Safety of Machinery
• NFPA 70E: Electrical Safety in the Workplace.

1. ISO 45001: Occupational Health and Safety

ISO 45001 is the global standard applied for managing occupational health and safety (OH&S) risks in industrial manufacturing, including mold manufacturing. It provides a systematic framework used in assessing hazards, risk control, and reducing workplace injuries.

Implementing ISO 45001 demonstrates an organization’s commitment to worker safety and ensuring compliance with OH&S.  

2. OSHA Standards

OSHA ensures employers communicate risks through signs, signals, and training in a language that is comprehensible to the workers. Protecting whistleblowers also ensures that workers aren’t punished for reporting safety violations.

3. EN 60204-1: Safety of Machinery

IEC 60204-1 was updated in 2021, and it provided guidelines for electrical safety and machinery. It also promotes people and property’s safety, consistency in control responses, and easy maintenance.

This standard is crucial in ensuring electrical safety in automated manufacturing and mold design environments. The standard is expected to be revised further by 2026 to improve alignment with EN standards.

4. NFPA 70E: Electrical Safety in the Workplace

NFPA 70E provides guidelines for electrical safety in the workplace, thus focusing on safe work practices and protective equipment. It is therefore important to prevent electrical hazards in manufacturing environments where workers are exposed to high-voltage systems and equipment.                                                                                                                                             

The standard outlines the procedures for assessing electrical risks, implementing safety measures, and providing PPE. Establishing occupational safety standards ensures that there is minimal exposure to hazards, e.g. Industrial molding presents risks like burns, cuts, and machinery injuries.

Designing for Safety

When incorporated in mold design, safety standards significantly reduce accidents and ensure a safer working environment. Companies must at all times prioritize ergonomic designs that minimize physical strain and prevent injuries like burns, cuts, or machine-related accidents.

When designed properly, mold designs reduce employee exposure to hazards, thus contributing to a safer manufacturing process. Hazard-free designs, which include using safer materials, limiting sharp edges, and enhancing machine safety protocols, can be applied here.

• Ergonomic designs: Reduce physical strain and repetitive stress injuries.
• Hazard-free designs: Prevent machinery-related accidents through safer engineering.

Safety standards help protect workers and improve overall efficiency in industrial molding. 

Compliance and Risk Assessment

Compliance ensures that workers get protection from machinery accidents and other dangers they may be exposed to. When these safety standards are met, workplace hazards in mold designs are greatly reduced.

Risk assessments are helpful in identifying and analyzing hazards in mold designs, thereby allowing for predetermined mitigation strategies. Performing regular assessments allows companies to pinpoint places of concern, adjust mold designs, and implement necessary safety measures.

• Regular reviews: Ensure ongoing compliance with safety standards.
• Proactive mitigation: Reduces the likelihood of accidents through hazard identification.

Safety in Mold Manufacturing

It is essential to actively implement safety protocols to help prevent accidents and maintain the integrity of the process. When used in mold manufacturing, safety standards ensure the well-being of workers and the final product’s quality. Below are some safety tips in a workplace:

1. Use Equipment, Machines, and Tools Properly: when equipment is misused, they might cause workplace injuries. It is advisable to use tools and machines for the purposes they are intended to and operate them correctly. Ensure they are maintained regularly so as to prevent malfunctions.
2. Wear Safety Equipment (PPE): Workers are advised to wear Proper personal equipment (PPE) when handling equipment or cleaning up. It is also essential to regularly check the PPE for wear and tear.
3. Prevent Slips and Trips: Slips and trips are often a result of nonfatal injuries. Installing guardrails and drip pans can mitigate such incidents.
4. Keep Work Areas and Emergency Exits Clear: Keeping clear paths in the workplace helps prevent leading injuries as clutter can block emergency.
5. Eliminate Fire Hazards: Always store combustible materials away from reach.  Chemicals should be stored safely and dispose of flammable waste daily.
6. Avoid Tracking Hazardous Materials: Keeping mats clean and using separate cleaning tools for different spills are advisable. Do not take contaminated clothing home.
7. Prevent Objects from Falling: Safety equipment like nets and toe boards prevent objects from falling. Similarly, keep stacks out of aisles.
8. Use Correct Posture when Lifting: In order to prevent back injuries, use your legs to lift with your back straight and avoid twisting. When possible, use mechanical aids. For heavy lifting, consider using equipment like wheelbarrows or forklifts.
9. Take Work Breaks From Time to Time: Regular breaks allows you to be more alert and focused on your surroundings as fatigue increases the chances of being involved in an accident. Schedule breaks to prevent exhaustion.

Training and Awareness

In 2022, workplace accidents cost U.S. businesses over $167 billion and resulted in 108 million days of lost productivity. Safety training is very crucial for maintaining productivity and minimizing costs in manufacturing operations.

• Regular training: Educating workers on safety standards and practices.
• Safety drills: Reinforcing proper responses to emergency situations.

Conclusion

Manufacturing safety standards are essential guidelines that help in preventing accidents, boosting productivity, and ensuring compliance with regulations. When followed to the latter, regular safety training, proper use of equipment, and adherence to key standards reduce operational costs and risks.