Working in a factory environment anywhere in the world comes with its own share of issues. Production line workers face a multitude of hazards, safety and health risks.
Though labor laws are stringent in most countries, and are strictly enforced, there is no doubt that as human beings, we are capable of taking responsibility for our own health and wellness. This is where the concept of self care comes in. Whether you are a production line worker, manager or business owner, it’s important to create the right ecosystem in the workplace.
Health and Safety Risks On the Production Line
Workers can get injured due to inadequate training or communication from their supervisors. If they are fresh on the job, they may not know exactly how to operate the machines, or what safety measures to take.
Safety: Working on the production line often involves engagement with some kind of automation or machinery. Accidents are not uncommon, and can have serious consequences such as broken bones, amputation or crush injury.
Environment: Some manufacturing processes involve the use of hazardous chemicals. Workers may get exposed to fumes or they may have skin contact with these harmful items.
Musculo-Skeletal : Production line work may involve repetitive movements, strain and high impact on different body parts. Workers can suffer trip and fall or slip and fall injuries on slippery or wet factory floors.
Why Health and Wellness are Important
Studies have shown that companies that focus on the health and well-being of their employees achieve better production, command more loyalty and are much more successful. However, the harsh reality is that a large majority of production line workers don’t fully comprehend the importance of self care. They may not have the time or information to address this issue while engaged in long shifts, overtime, family responsibilities and more.
Providing access to relevant information and resources on self care boosts worker morale, and reduces the risk of mishaps. For business owners, compliance with health and safety regulations and sensitizing the workforce about these ensures that there is full legal compliance with the existing labor laws. You can reduce absenteeism and healthcare costs to the company while boosting your company’s good reputation. Studies show that people spend nearly one-third of their adult lives in the workplace. Making it comfortable and focusing on health and fitness is crucial.
Useful Health and Wellness Resources
- Access to Information: This includes conducting regular workshops on health, fitness, and nutrition. You can incorporate information on mental health, stress management, occupational hazards, time management, and more. Workers can be trained to read labels on food and drink packaging so that they make more healthy choices.
- Exercise and Fitness: If you have enough space and resources, you can construct a gym on the premises, with access to a trained professional to guide the workers. Alternatively, gym memberships can be given as incentives or rewards.
- Mental Health: Provide mental health support that is relevant and inexpensive so that workers can address emotional issues as quickly as possible. Counseling sessions, team building, communication workshops and relaxation techniques workshops can help workers to rest and digest, and avoid burnout or breakdowns.
- Health Check-ups: Most companies today provide access to or resources for regular comprehensive health check-ups. These programs help to identify potential risks such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and other conditions that may be caused by poor lifestyle and stress.
- Management Involvement: Any health and wellness program conducted by the company should involve all levels of management. This enables a culture of health within the organization, and creates a feeling of camaraderie and equity.
- Incorporate Changes: Cut lengthy and unproductive meetings, ensure that your employees maintain a healthy work-life balance and encourage them to take mini-breaks to stretch or take a walk around the premises. Take a look at the food and drink served in your canteen and opt for healthier choices. As far as possible, encourage flexi-time work hours so that workers can attend to personal work.
- Self-Assessment: With the help of trained professionals include regular self assessment check-ins where people can evaluate their physical and mental health status. This helps them to become more self aware, and tackle potential issues before they become too difficult to handle.
