Examining manufacturing incidents
The manufacturing industry is no less dangerous in Colorado than it is anywhere else.
Creating products from raw components sounds like a great money-making venture, and it truly is. We would not be where we are today without it. Manufacturing creates thousands of jobs for Coloradoans and is one of the biggest industries in the state.
However, with such a bustling industry comes the increased possibility of accidents and injuries. Here are just a few that are common in the manufacturing industry:
- Machinery is not properly maintained: It’s expensive to maintain machinery of the size and scale used in the manufacturing industry. Many companies stretch it out as long as possible, just like people do with their cars when the “maintenance required” lights come on the dashboard. This can spell trouble when the machine finally decides to break down.
- Employees are not adequately trained on machinery: This can happen when companies are short-staffed and they need someone working, If an employee has used a similar machine, this will often be deemed sufficient to use another machine. However, these are highly complicated pieces of equipment that can kill people if they aren’t careful. Safety counts.
- Safety standards for machinery are ignored: People like to skip steps to save time -- we all do. Instead of properly locking out machines and making sure that guards are in place, workers will do what they can to save a few minutes, even if it means flirting with danger in the form of amputation or even death.
Colorado’s manufacturing industry is very successful, but not without its perils. Workers should make sure to follow machinery guidelines and make sure everything is properly maintained.
Have you or anyone you know ever been in an industrial accident? If you feel that you can, please share your story with us in the comments below!