If your business is industrial, you’ll already know plenty of risks and pitfalls that need addressing. Unfortunately, there are many issues that are often ignored which can make a major difference to the safety, efficiency and productivity of such a business. The good news is you can read about these issues, and how to avoid them in the post below.
Chemical hazards
Some of the most often ignored issues when running an industrial business are chemical ones. Indeed, many industrial processes require the use of a wide range of chemicals in a wide variety of forms.
When we consider chemicals we most often think of liquids, and working practices around this type of hazard can be improved by providing proper PPE, training your workers on proper handling, and providing eye cleaning and decontamination stations close to the location in which liquid hazards are being handled.
However, another serious health risk is chemicals in the form of aerosols and dust. This is when dangerous chemicals can be breathed in, causing both short-term and long-term reactions and damage to the body. Indeed, serious diseases like Silicosis can be caused by breathing in silicon dust, so you must have safety measures in place to prevent this, including the assigning and proper use of heavy-duty breathing equipment and even rebreathers, as well as dust suppression systems, proper extraction and ventilation and screens.
Regulatory compliance
Due to the fact that industrial business involves a higher level of risk, the need for more stringent regulations is required. This places the responsibility for compliance onto those that own and run the industrial plant.
You must understand and comply with these government regulations for three critical reasons. The first is that proper compliance means a much safer work environment for your employees, with reduced workplace accidents and deaths. Secondly, not complying can put your business at risk of fines and closures from the government regulatory body. Something that can stop productivity and cost your business a great deal. Lastly, poor compliance is damaging to your public image as a company. Consumers and businesses are more aware of environmental and social issues than ever before, and if your business is found to be ignoring these, they are likely to vote with their wallets and choose a provider that maintains proper compliance.
Poorly maintained equipment and machinery
Machinery and equipment are the lifeblood of the industrial process. However, items that are not properly maintained and cleaned can present a real problem for your company. This is because poorly maintained items will not work at full capacity or efficiency, slowing down your processes and reducing your profits. Additionally poorly maintained equipment and machinery will also pose more of a safety and compliance risk, and is likely to break down much more regularly.
The good news is that there are some things you can do to prevent such problems. The first is to make sure you schedule regular maintenance of your equipment and that you stick to it. Of course, the type of maintenance that needs to be done will depend on the piece of equipment in question. For example, tanks used in your industrial process will require regular cleaning to prevent sludge and hazardous residues from building up within them. Happily, some professionals offer industrial tank cleaning services that you can contact to complete this often messy and complicated job for you. Indeed, by choosing a professional tank cleaner, you can be sure that the task will be done most efficiently, and that the results will be excellent, maximising good function right up until your next cleaning.
However, when it comes to factory line maintenance will include cleaning but also the replacement of worn parts, and a full inspection to ensure they continue to move properly.
Cyber security
You may not immediately think of cybersecurity when considering issues with your industrial business. However, most industrial businesses rely heavily on computer systems both to run their processes and to manage their administration.
What this means is that if there is a problem with these systems caused by a security breach, it could easily cause a halt in production, or even a safety risk. With that in mind, it’s crucial that you give the same attention you give your physical machinery to your computer systems as well.
This means making sure you have the proper firewalls, and secure networks in place. That you educate your staff on secure practices, such as avoiding phishing emails and MFA.
