Employers have a duty to provide safe workplaces for their employees. This is especially true for the manufacturing industry, where workplace conditions typically include numerous hazards and injury sources. In manufacturing, workers are often exposed to high noise levels, machinery and heavy equipment, and potentially harmful materials. Utah worker injuries account for millions of dollars in claims and lost productivity each year. Understanding the risks associated with manufacturing workplaces, including common Utah manufacturing injuries, can help protect your business operations and your valuable employees.
Manufacturing Injuries: A Statistical Overview
Utah is home to numerous manufacturing operations. These workplaces are usually held to a high standard of worker safety, but injuries can and do occur. Injuries may be minor, and others can cause temporary or permanent disability. In the worst cases, Utah manufacturing injuries may result in the death of an employee.
On a national scale, both non-fatal and fatal workplace injuries in the private manufacturing sector have declined substantially over the past two decades. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) figures show that:
- Fatal work injuries declined 28% in the period from 2003-2017 (from 420 reported fatalities in 2003 to 303 in 2017).
- On average, about 300 workers are killed in the manufacturing industry each year.
- About 43,000 reportable non-fatal injuries and illnesses occur in manufacturing each year on average.
Main Areas of Manufacturing Injuries
Although workers in manufacturing operations may become injured in many ways, most workplace injuries occur in three broad categories:
- Environmental
- Noise/Vibration
- Workplace Tasks
Environmental injuries occur due to workplace conditions and surroundings, such as exposure to chemicals, machinery, heavy equipment, and heat or cold. Environmental injuries are the most common injury category; injuries in this category include:
- Punctures
- Cuts
- Fractures
- Limb amputations
- Crush injuries
- Slip and fall injuries
- Burns
- Skin disorders and disease
- Joint dislocations
Noise and vibration injuries are also common, particularly in manufacturing centers that rely on heavy equipment or automated machinery to produce goods. Cumulative damage associated with exposure to loud noises can result in loss of hearing; BLS figures show that about 25% of all claims for hearing loss come from the manufacturing sector. Vibration injuries such as loss of mobility or feeling in hands and limbs can also negatively impact workers, potentially leading to temporary or permanent disability.
Workplace task injuries are related to both environmental and noise/vibration, but are distinct. In general, task injuries are those that result from the motions and activities of performing work duties. Repetitive stress injuries are the most common. Task-related injuries also include:
- Sprains
- Strains
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Joint damage
- Nerve damage
Risk Management: Preventing Workplace Injuries
Manufacturers in Utah and states across the country know that workplace-related injuries cost millions of dollars in lost productivity and expenses associated with claims. Protecting workers is the foremost consideration for employers, ensuring safety for this vital aspect of any business operation. Utah manufacturing injuries can be reduced by implementing risk management components. These include:
- Training workers on safe practices and the use of equipment or machinery to complete tasks.
- Fostering a safe workplace culture.
- Mandating the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for all workers exposed to environmental or noise/vibration conditions in the workplace.
- Ensuring insurance protections are suited to meet the risk exposures of the manufacturing operation.
Manufacturers can slash injury rates by adopting this safety-oriented approach, leading to increased productivity and lower overhead costs. Best of all, the lifeblood of any manufacturing operation – employees – are protected from unnecessary injury risks.
About BTC Insurance Services
Founded in 2011, BTC Insurance Services has proudly served Utah businesses with comprehensive and custom-tailored insurance coverages for a decade. We pride ourselves on fostering long-term client relationships with a personalized and hands-on approach, and have established a reputation built on quality and transparency. For more information about our products and services, we invite you to contact one of our reputable agents today at (855) 944-3457, or send us a message here.
