The UK manufacturing industry directly employs around 2.5 million workers, providing a diverse range of products – but at the same time, manufacturing is responsible for a disproportionately high level of reported accidents.
During recent years in manufacturing, an average of 22 workers died in workplace accidents, and there was also an average of more than 3,100 reports of major injuries and about 4,100 reports of injuries that kept workers away from work for seven days or more.
Many workers suffer ill health from exposure to noise and vibration, chemicals, dust, or other toxic articles or substances produced or involved in a manufacturing process, and it is estimated that each year an average of 33,000 workers suffer from illness caused, or made worse, by their current, or most recent job in manufacturing.
Efforts to improve control of health and safety risks across manufacturing must accommodate the diversity between the industries, yet continue to be efficient and effective by using consistent approaches which will need to be tailored by employers to meet the requirements of specific industries. Manufacturing typically has an ageing workforce, with an estimated 30% of employees being over 50, many of whom suffer from ill health caused by exposure over time, during many years of their employment.
Basic health and safety requirements include the safe use, handling, transportation and storage of articles and substances, all of which would be encountered to some degree in the manufacturing sector.
We believe that health and safety in manufacturing can, and should be, ‘Hassle Free’ so you can focus on what you and your organisation do best.
Acorn Health & Safety is a leading provider of health and safety training and consultancy in the South West. Our trainers and consultants come from a wide variety of professional backgrounds and have considerable, the hands-on practical experience which is reflected in our approach.
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations require employers to appoint one or more competent persons to assist with health and safety measures. Our Hassle-Free Retained Service provides you with a consultant who will gain an understanding of your needs and be on hand to provide help and advice or comment on your needs. Our consultants hold nationally recognised qualifications in health and safety, supported by years of practical, hands-on experience in the real world.
Contact us for further information
Roger Broadbent, Consultant
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