Keeping You Safe Since 1970

1-888-326-9244

Favorites

Contact

Graphic Products
  • My Account
    No Account? Sign up
    Forgot password?
  • Cart ()
  • Printers & Supplies Printers
    Toro Max

    Toro Max

    NEW! portable all-in-one
    • Learn More
    • Toro Max Supplies
    Bronco Max

    Bronco Max

    NEW! reliable workhorse
    • Learn More
    • Bronco Max Supplies
    DuraLabel Kodiak

    DuraLabel Kodiak

    Multi-color, large format
    • Learn More
    • Kodiak Supplies
    DuraLabel Lobo

    DuraLabel Lobo

    Grab n' go labeler
    • Learn More
    • Lobo Supplies
    DuraLabel Toro

    DURALABEL TORO

    Mobile, stand-alone
    • Support
    • Toro Supplies
    DuraLabel Bronco

    DuraLabel Bronco

    Industrial, efficient
    • Support
    • Bronco Supplies
    DuraLabel Pro Series

    DuraLabel PRO 300

    Simple and reliable
    • Learn More
    • Pro Series Supplies
    Legacy Printers

    Legacy Printers

    Support and Supplies
    • Learn More
    • Shop All Supplies

    Quick Links

    All Printers

    Printer Kits

    Printer Supplies

    Printer Ribbons

    Accessories

    Printer Support

    Labeling Software

  • Safety Signs

    Compliance Signs

    • Chemical Signage
    • Confined Space Signs
    • Electrical Hazard Signs
    • Fire Signage
    • PPE Safety Signs
    • All Compliance Signs

    Facility Signs

    • Restricted Area Signs
    • Smoking Signs
    • Machinery Signs
    • Bathroom Signs
    • Clearance Signs
    • All Facility Signs

    Traffic Signs

    • Directional Signs
    • Exit Signs
    • Forklift Signs
    • Emergency Signs
    • All Traffic Signs

    Floor Signs

    • Blank Floor Signs
    • Exit Floor Signs
    • Fire Safety Floor Signs
    • First Aid Floor Signs
    • LOTO Floor Signs
    • All Floor Signs

    Related Resources

    PDF Icon EHS Manager's Guide
    PDF Icon OSHA Safety Signs Guide
    PDF Icon Labeling Your Facility for Safety
    PDF Icon Safety Labels vs. Signs
    SEE MORE
    Signs and Labels Banner
  • Floor Marking

    Floor Tape

    • 5S Floor Tape
    • Aisle Tape
    • Glow in the Dark Tape
    • Reflective Tape
    • Anti-Slip Tape
    • All Floor Tape

    Floor Signs

    • Blank Floor Signs
    • Exit Floor Signs
    • Fire Safety Floor Signs
    • First Aid Floor Signs
    • LOTO Floor Signs
    • All Floor Signs

    Floor Marking Shapes

    • Floor Marking Corners
    • Floor Marking T's
    • Floor Marking Footprints
    • Floor Marking Circles
    • Floor Marking Arrows
    • All Floor Marking Shapes

    Other

    • Discount Bundles
    • Floor Marking Accessories
    • Floor Laminate

    Lumen Projectors

    • Lumen Sign Projector
    • Lumen Line Projector
    • Lumen Accessories

    Related Resources

    PDF Icon Floor Marking Best Practices
    PDF Icon Floor Marking Color Chart
    PDF Icon What is Floor Marking?
    PDF Icon Floor Tape vs. Paint
    SEE MORE
    Floor Marking Banner
  • Pipe Markers

    Shop By Standard

    • ANSI A13.1 Pipe Markers
    • Ammonia (IIAR) Pipe Markers
    • Medical (NFPA 99) Pipe Markers
    • Marine (ISO 14726) Pipe Markers
    • European Pipe Markers
    • All Pipe Markers

    ANSI Pipe Markers

    • Fire Quenching
    • Flammable/Oxidizing
    • Toxic or Corrosive
    • Compressed Air
    • Various Water
    • All ANSI Pipe Markers

    Other

    • Pipe Marking Accessories
    • Valve Tags
    • Arrow Banding Tape

    Related Resources

    PDF Icon Pipe Marking Best Practices
    PDF Icon Facility Pipe Marking Guide
    PDF Icon Pipe Marking Basics
    PDF Icon Getting Started with Pipe Marking
    SEE MORE
    Pipe Marking Banner
  • COVID-19

    COVID-19 Solutions

    • Safety Signs
    • Printer Kits
    • Awareness Posters
    • A-Frame Signs
    • Sneeze Guards
    • All COVID-19 Solutions

    Social Distancing

    • Social Distancing Signs
    • Social Distancing Floor Signs
    • Social Distancing Floor Tape
    • All Social Distancing

    COVID-19 By Industry

    • Grocery & Retail
    • Medical & Healthcare
    • Office Settings
    • Restaurants & Food Service
    • Food Manufacturing
    • Construction
    • Manufacturing
    • Finance
    • Transportation
    • Education

    Related Resources

    Video Icon COVID-19 Safety At Work Webinar
    PDF Icon Social Distancing Reference Chart
    SEE MORE
    COVID Banner
  • Resources
  • Help
  • Free Samples
  • Quick Order
    Enter item SKU# and quantity
Graphic Products
  • My Account
  • Printers & Supplies
  • Safety Signs
  • Floor Tape
  • Pipe Markers
  • COVID-19
  • Resources
  • Help
  • Free Samples
  • Quick Order
  • Favorites
  • Contact Us
  • Back
  • MY ACCOUNT
  • Account
  • Orders
  • Track My Order
  • Addresses
  • Login & Security
  • Payment Methods
  • Carrier Accounts
  • Favorites Lists
  • Sign Out
  • Back
  • SIGN IN
  • No Account? Sign up
    Forgot password?
  • Back
  • Quick Order
Enter item SKU# and quantity
  • Back
  • Printers & Supplies
  • DuraLabel Toro Max
  • DuraLabel Bronco Max
  • DuraLabel Toro
  • DuraLabel Bronco
  • DuraLabel Kodiak
  • DuraLabel Lobo
  • DuraLabel PRO 300
  • Shop All Printers
  • Shop All Supplies
  • Shop All Ribbons
  • Labeling Software
  • Back
  • DuraLabel Toro Max
  • Toro Max Printer
  • Toro Max Supplies
  • Toro Max Ribbon
  • Toro Max Accessories
  • Toro Max Bundles and Kits
  • Toro Max Support
  • Shop All Printers
  • Shop All Supplies
  • Shop All Ribbons
  • Labeling Software
  • Back
  • DuraLabel Bronco Max
  • Bronco Max Printer
  • Bronco Max Supplies
  • Bronco Max Ribbon
  • Bronco Max Accessories
  • Shop All Printers
  • Shop All Supplies
  • Shop All Ribbons
  • Labeling Software
  • Back
  • DuraLabel Toro
  • Toro Supplies
  • Toro Ribbon
  • Toro Accessories
  • Toro Support
  • Shop All Printers
  • Shop All Supplies
  • Shop All Ribbons
  • Labeling Software
  • Back
  • DuraLabel Bronco
  • Bronco Supplies
  • Bronco Ribbon
  • Bronco Accessories
  • Bronco Support
  • Shop All Printers
  • Shop All Supplies
  • Shop All Ribbons
  • Labeling Software
  • Back
  • DuraLabel Kodiak
  • Kodiak Printer
  • Kodiak Supplies
  • Kodiak Ribbon
  • Kodiak Accessories
  • Kodiak Bundles and Kits
  • Kodiak Support
  • Shop All Printers
  • Shop All Supplies
  • Shop All Ribbons
  • Labeling Software
  • Back
  • DuraLabel Lobo
  • Lobo Printer
  • Lobo Supplies
  • Lobo Ribbon
  • Lobo Accessories
  • Lobo Support
  • Shop All Printers
  • Shop All Supplies
  • Shop All Ribbons
  • Labeling Software
  • Back
  • DuraLabel PRO 300
  • DLP 300 Printer
  • DLP 300 Supplies
  • DLP 300 Ribbon
  • DLP 300 Accessories
  • DLP 300 Bundles and Kits
  • DLP 300 Support
  • Shop All Printers
  • Shop All Supplies
  • Shop All Ribbons
  • Labeling Software
  • Back
  • Safety Signs
  • Compliance Signs
  • Facility Signs
  • Traffic Signs
  • Floor Signs
  • Shop All Safety Signs
  • Back
  • Compliance Signs
  • Chemical Signage
  • Confined Space Signs
  • Electrical Hazard Signs
  • Fire Signage
  • PPE Safety Signs
  • All Compliance Signs
  • Back
  • Facility Signs
  • Restricted Area Signs
  • Smoking Signs
  • Machinery Signs
  • Bathroom Signs
  • All Facility Signs
  • Back
  • Traffic Signs
  • Directional Signs
  • Exit Signs
  • Emergency Signs
  • Forklift Signs
  • All Traffic Signs
  • Back
  • Floor Signs
  • Blank Floor Signs
  • Exit Floor Signs
  • Fire Safety Floor Signs
  • First Aid Floor Signs
  • LOTO Floor Signs
  • All Floor Signs
  • Back
  • Floor Tape
  • General Floor Tape
  • Floor Signs
  • Floor Marking Shapes
  • Other
  • Shop All Floor Tape
  • Back
  • Floor Tape
  • 5S Floor Tape
  • Aisle Tape
  • Glow in the Dark Tape
  • Reflective Tape
  • Anti-Slip Tape
  • All Floor Tape
  • Back
  • Floor Signs
  • Blank Floor Signs
  • Exit Floor Signs
  • Fire Safety Floor Signs
  • First Aid Floor Signs
  • LOTO Floor Signs
  • All Floor Signs
  • All Floor Signs
  • Back
  • Floor Marking Shapes
  • Floor Marking Corners
  • Floor Marking T's
  • Floor Marking Footprints
  • Floor Marking Circles
  • Floor Marking Arrows
  • All Floor Marking Shapes
  • Back
  • Other
  • Discount Bundles
  • Floor Marking Accessories
  • Floor Laminate
  • Lumen Projectors
  • Back
  • Pipe Markers
  • Shop By Standard
  • ANSI Pipe Markers
  • Other
  • Shop All Pipe Markers
  • Back
  • Shop By Standard
  • Standard (ANSI A13.1) Pipe Markers
  • Ammonia (IIAR) Pipe Markers
  • Medical (NFPA 99) Pipe Markers
  • Marine (ISO 14726) Pipe Markers
  • European Pipe Markers
  • All Pipe Markers
  • Back
  • ANSI Pipe Markers
  • Fire Quenching
  • Flammable/Oxidizing
  • Toxic or Corrosive
  • Compressed Air
  • Various Water
  • All ANSI Pipe Markers
  • Back
  • Other
  • Pipe Marking Accessories
  • Valve Tags
  • Arrow Banding Tape
  • Back
  • COVID-19
  • COVID-19 Solutions
  • Social Distancing
  • COVID-19 By Industry
  • Shop All COVID-19 Solutions
  • Back
  • COVID-19 Solutions
  • Safety Signs
  • Printer Kits
  • Awareness Posters
  • A-Frame Signs
  • Sneeze Guards
  • All COVID-19 Solutions
  • Back
  • Social Distancing
  • Social Distancing Signs
  • Social Distancing Floor Signs
  • Social Distancing Floor Tape
  • All Social Distancing
  • Back
  • COVID-19 By Industry
  • Grocery & Retail
  • Medical & Healthcare
  • Office Settings
  • Restaurants & Food Service
  • Food Manufacturing
  • Construction
  • Manufacturing
  • Finance
  • Transportation
  • Education
  • Home
  • Safety Blog
  • Simple Tips for Safety as Manufacturing Powers On

Simple Tips for Safety as Manufacturing Powers On

BY CHRISTINE TORRES

Published June 22, 2018

minute read
Growth and demand in the manufacturing industry shows no sign of slowing down. This rapid demand also increases the need for more workers, which are not easy to find, experts say. The pressures in manufacturing can sometimes add strain on safety programs.

So, there’s great news in manufacturing, and then there’s the bad news. The great news is that in the past six months, economic activity in a majority of facets in this industry sector have been expanding. This expansion grew the overall economy for going on 110 consecutive months, according to market research by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). ISM is a non-profit worldwide professional supply management organization. Consumption is up, demand is robust. Where does worker safety fit into this busy industry scenario?

Pressures in Manufacturing

“We are currently overselling our forecast and don’t see an end to the upswing in business,” a transportation industry expert told ISM. Though at a smaller percentage point increase from the month before, May 2018 saw growth in the United States in new orders, production, employment, and supplier deliveries. The prices index had only a slight increase over April. However, inventories saw a 2.7 percentage point decrease. This would be the bad news, as suppliers for a third month were not able to maintain desired inventory expansion levels consistent with production demands. One of the pressures manufacturing faces is from a national labor shortage.

“It’s very difficult right now to hire skilled, and even unskilled, labor in our industry,” said Jacob Roach, an industrial metal worker in Portland, Oregon. “I am seeing foundries closing, companies merging … and workers moving across the country – and not for much pay. I have to increase my productivity, work more hours. We generally work safe, but sometimes safety is an afterthought for some busy, smaller facilities.”  

“The Backlog of Orders Index (in May) continued expanding with its highest reading since April 2004,” said Timothy Fiore, Chair of the ISM Manufacturing Business Survey Committee. He said that despite labor and skill shortages, production and employment continue to expand. “Demand remains robust, but the nation’s employment resources and supply chains continue to struggle. (Survey) respondents say price pressure at their companies is causing price-increase discussions,” he said.

Managing Safety

From chemical manufacturing to metal fabrication, each manufacturing company and field has its own unique hazards. However, there still are some common safety hazards that each company will generally face:

  • Falls: Warn of falling or climbing dangers, and remind workers to use personal protective equipment through signs and labels. Ensure facility safety and compliance though OSHA's guidelines.
  • Machine guarding: Make sure guards are installed properly to prevent injuries, such as amputations by machinery. Use visual cues to warn of pinch points and other potentials for injury using signs and labels.
  • Electrical: Keep cables neat and organized through wire marking best practices. Master electrical safety with articles, videos, guides, and more.
  • Lockout/tagout: Prevent life-altering accidents by following safety practices for LO/TO.
  • Powered machines and vehicles: Mark forklift traffic areas and create pedestrian friendly paths with floor marking.

When there are weak links in the supply chain that can continue on through to the value chain, those hindrances could also weaken any safety program. New workers on the scene do not have the same level as more seasoned workers. This could create significant safety concerns at a facility. Increase safety talks, hazard education, and job training for both new and older workers. Practice what is required under federal and state occupational and health safety laws. Establish a strong safety risk-management program and create a safety culture to manage the risks that come with labor shortages and operational demands.

Facility Safety Audit Guide
Develop your own inspection and audit program.

Related Resources

EHS Managers

EHS Managers Guide

Follow guidelines to implement a safety program, perform a job hazard analysis, and control hazards in your workplace.

Download
Top 10 OSHA Violations of 2020

Top 10 OSHA Violations of 2020

Learn OSHA's top 10 most cited workplace safety violations.

View
Machine Guards and Amputation Hazards

Machine Guards and Amputation Hazards

Get a breakdown of the different types of machine guards, how to pick the right one, and ways to prevent amputation hazards.

Read
  • Develop your own inspection and audit program.
Get the latest deals straight to your inbox
Trusted by These Companies
Starbucks
GM
Du Pont
Amazon
Disney
3M
Pepsi
NASA
Chevron
AT&T
Toyota
Coca-Cola
UPS
Target
  • Graphic Products, Inc.
    9825 SW Sunshine Ct
    Beaverton, OR
    97005 USA

  • Business Hours:
    Monday - Friday
    5:30am - 5pm Pacific

  • 1-888-326-9244 (U.S./Canada)
  • +1-503-644-5572 (International)
  • Products
  • Printers
  • Printer Supplies
  • Safety Signs
  • Safety Labels
  • Floor Marking
  • Pipe Markers & Tags
  • Support
  • Shipping & Returns
  • Manage Account
  • Printer Support
  • Warranties
  • Content Usage Guidelines
  • Resources
  • Resource Center
  • Guides
  • Articles
  • Video Library
  • Safety Blog
  • Infographics
  • Webinars
  • Company
  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Become a Dealer
  • Find a Dealer
  • Press Room

Need Help?

Give us a call at 1-888-326-9244 and speak with an expert.

Customer Reviews
  • Copyright © 2023
  • All Rights Reserved
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Shipping and Returns
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Personal Data