When running a manufacturing plant, health and safety is a top priority – so a workplace safety plan is vital.
A workplace safety plan should focus on the practices, practicalities, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) of your manufacturing site. This approach means your workplace is safety-proofed by HSE standards, and productivity and morale stay high.
This article will take you through the various steps and considerations when making a site safety plan. We will discuss how Armco barriers are a vital part of such a plan, separating walkways and workers from hazardous areas, machinery and moving vehicles.
Be sure to study our range of safety barriers. We have barriers, bollards and handrails suited for every purpose.
What is a manufacturing plant safety plan?
A manufacturing plant safety plan is a thorough assessment of current safety standards in a manufacturing workplace with the aim of implementing new safety materials when and where appropriate, like security barriers or new machinery.
There are three assessments to make for a workplace safety plan:
- Studying potential workplace hazards or dangers in the environment.
- Revisiting company policies to minimise hazards and dangers & SOPs.
- Revising responses and action plans (including Armco barriers, new practices, and action plans).
Safety plans work best when they’re a collaborative effort, so be sure to consult each department and stakeholder for their perspective.
Look for ways to improve and modify the plan, and remember that employee protection is the main priority.
How to develop a manufacturing plant safety plan
When planning the safety goals for a manufacturing environment, it’s important to be thorough, set actionable objectives, and train your team on the new safety goals. That way, everyone is working towards the same goal.
Carrying out assessment
1) Set safety objectives
Firstly, you need to define your safety goals based on both internal safety standards and industry regulations. Break these into specific, achievable and measurable smaller goals. For instance, an area where forklifts and workers pass together may require handrails for a one-way system.
2) Assess the workplace
Carry out an in-depth assessment of the workplace based on your safety objectives. Make rigorous notes of any potential hazards and dangers. Evaluate these risks by looking at how likely they are to cause an accident and what the severity of the accident would be. From this, you should have a list of areas you want to tackle and create safety plans for.
3) Get the team involved
Engage the team in the process and get their perspective on the areas identified and the objectives. Their feedback and suggestions could uncover areas that need improvement which you may not have thought of, or even provide quick fix solutions.
Finding ways to improve safety
4) Develop safety procedures & training
As a first step to reduce risk, create detailed protocols for safe operations, including emergency response procedures. These will then need to be integrated into the training for the whole team.
5) Install safety equipment
Where you’ve identified the need for new safety equipment, start to get quotes for the equipment needed – whether that’s barriers, signage or PPE. Ensure it is maintained properly long-term.
Long term safety reviews
6) Review as needed
Monitor the plant for compliance factors, conduct drills and simulations, and update the plan when needed. Remember, it’s not set in stone once it’s agreed upon. A safety plan should be reviewed and reworked when necessary. Detailed records of safety procedures, training, and incidents (they happen unavoidably sometimes, sadly) are also necessary.
7) Foster a safety culture in the workplace
An ongoing sense of safety awareness, communication, and adequate training promotes a safety culture in the workplace and can be more impactful when incentivised e.g. reward systems for safe practices.
When to install safety barriers
One outcome of your safety plan might be the need to add safety barriers. There are several reasons why you might need new safety barriers, such as during plant modification, when introducing new equipment, or after a safety audit. Whatever the case, it’s vital to be aware of the types of safety barriers you can install.
Here are three examples of safety barriers ideal for any manufacturing workplace environment.
1. Armco barriers
Armco safety barriers are versatile, durable, and customisable barriers that come in many forms, from straight beams to convex/concave curved beams. Ideal for any workplace with heavy equipment, vehicles and hazards.
2. Crash barriers
Crash barriers ensure the appropriate areas are cordoned off, and that worker zones are isolated and protected, creating a distinction between the two. Crash barriers absorb impact and are an excellent safeguard against moving vehicles.
3. Handrails
Handrails can define walkways, provide roof protection, and function as part of the adherence to the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). Our handrail options are durable yet easily modified with a hexagonal key connector, ensuring intuitive installation and malleability.
READ MORE: Where You Can Use Our Safety Products
Site safety: Laws and Regulations
Safety barriers are required by law in some places, depending on the circumstances. Under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and other statutes, employers must ensure employee safety. Safety barrier installation in the appropriate locations could be a part of this in your workplace.
It’s worth checking local legislation, as well as the unique circumstances of your plant. As no two workplaces are identical, this guide offers general advice rather than a blueprint.
Keep your team safe with CT Safety Barriers
By leading a thorough workplace analysis and investing in relevant safety equipment, you minimise hazards, comply with safety regulations, and foster an efficient and productive working environment.
We recommend exploring the range of Armco barriers available on our website, then reaching out to our expert team by calling 01977 666 818 or by filling in our contact form. We’ll be thrilled to help.