Metal fabrication hazards
Tasks such as welding, metal cutting, working with lasers, heavy lifting, radiation or other harmful or raw material handling is high risk for any worker in the metal fabrication industry. According to the most recent available numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 56 fatal occupational injuries in fabricated metal product manufacturing in 2018.
Injuries that could be expected include:
- Cuts and abrasions
- Eye injuries
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Burns
- Material handling injuries
- Exposure to COVID-19 or other illnesses
With better oversight and agencies such as OSHA looking out for workers’ health and safety, workplace safety has never been better. Still, there are still many things that metal fabrication shops need to
Manufacturing Safety is #1 at Maloya
At Maloya, the safety of our workers, contractors, visitors and customers is at the forefront of everything we do. Here are some of the ways we ensure we avoid preventable accidents and injuries.
Training
Workers are trained in the proper use of tools, as well as how to handle toxic substances. Training is continual, as new technologies and methods are implemented and as refresher courses.
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Workers are supplied with the proper PPE, which protects them from harm. These can include:
- Respirators to protect from airborne chemicals, dust from harmful materials, gasses, fumes
- Eye and face protection to guard against liquid chemicals, gasses, infectious materials, flying material
- Protective gear for hands, feet and head
This is communicated through our “PPE Hazard Assessment Form”.
Machine safety
Access is limited to areas where dangerous equipment is in use. Workers are fully trained in the use of these tools before having access to it. In addition, machines themselves are equipped with safety guards. Modifications or bypasses to safety features are not allowed.
This is communicated through our “Safety Manual”, “Laser Safety Plan” and “Lockout/Tagout Policy”.
Toxic substances
Safety procedures for handling hazardous materials and substances are clearly defined, taught and enforced.
This is communicated through our “Hazard Communication Policy” and MSDS (Material Safety and Data Sheets)
Electrical safety
Access is limited to areas where dangerous equipment is in use. Workers are fully trained in
Our equipment and the locations we work are inspected many times a day, keeping an eye out for hazards that could cause electrocution or exposure to low currents of electricity. Power cords hang from the ceiling and are not lying on the floor.
This is communicated through our “Safety Manual”.
Burns and fire
Precautions are taken to ensure that workers are not burned handling the chemicals and metals used in fabrication, and to ensure that fires do not start in the shop.
This is communicated through our “Emergency Action Plan”.
Falls
Safety measures are taken and enforced to prevent falls on slippery floors, getting entangled in cords or equipment, falls off ladders or scaffolding, or any other conditions.
This is communicated through our “Safety Manual”.
Safe materials handling
Workers are taught how to properly handle the materials and chemicals they work with, using proper lifting techniques and avoiding repetitive injuries.
This is communicated through our “Safety Manual”
COVID 19 Safety
Safety isn’t limited to machines and chemicals. As an essential manufacturer, Maloya took immediate measures to provide safe fabrication and manufacturing facilities for our employees and visitors. As the world aims to rise above the pandemic, we continue to seek out ways to ensure safety while being available and transparent with our customers.
Maloya: Safety First
As custom metal fabricators since 1965, Maloya has seen old and new technologies and practices come and go over the years. With each change, we have taken proactive steps to ensure that we address any safety concerns before they can happen. With Maloya, you can be sure that your custom metal project will be performed safely and with the expertise and high quality work that our customers have come to expect from us. Contact us today to get started on your project.
.
