Building a Safe Workplace

In a previous blog post, we have discussed replacing old, worn grating and railing with fiberglass reinforced plastics (FRP) in order to increase safety.  Today, we are going to discuss why new facility designers should incorporate these materials from the beginning.  When designing a new facility, it is very important to take safety into consideration.  Many facility owners only take safety into high consideration after something happens that proves the working conditions are unsafe.

Employee turnover rates closely correlate with safe working conditions.  Safe working conditions increase retention rates.  By increasing your retention rate, you will save money due to the decrease in recruitment and training cost.  Increased retention rates also lead to an increase in productivity.

In addition to an increase in productivity and a decrease in spending on recruitment and training, safe working conditions also save due to decreased workers’ compensation claims.

Safety risks really depend on the industry; however, these three factors are key in all industries.  It is important to utilize the following safety keys when managing a manufacturing facility:

Three Keys to Increasing Safety

1. Be proactive when designing a safe work environment
2. Find all slippery surfaces and reduce the risk of slips
3. Add necessary railing to prevent falls

In order to save money, time, and your firm’s reputation, it is important to design your facility with safe materials that will last in the beginning.  When choosing which materials to use, it is necessary to consider life cycle cost from installation cost, maintenance cost, and replacement cost.  Many surface and railing options, such as wood and metal, will make your facility safer; however, over time, the alternative choices can corrode posing a threat to the safety of your employees.

Products such as fiberglass reinforced plastics (FRP) offer excellent safety standards.  Above the high standards, FRP has many advantages over wood and metal.  The risk of corrosion can pose a serious threat to facilities.  Metal and wood structures may temporarily make a facility safer, but due to the unpredictable the risk of the corrosion of these products, the structural integrity may be compromised.  FRP is also slip resistant, and due to the corrosion resistant properties, it is able to maintain its slip resistance.

It is in your company’s best interest to design your facility to ensure employee safety.  It is important to utilize products that will last a long time, so they can maintain their safe advantages in addition to saving money.  Specifying FRP in the designs of your facilities will ensure a safe, low maintenance facility.