Introducing Manufacturing Safety to the Modern Workforce

Life experiences are as diverse as the modern workforce. Everyone is introduced to Safety techniques at different times their lives. I remember as a little girl helping oil, clean, and change out small parts on my mothers’ Industrial sewing equipment. She had a small scrub business (uniforms nurses and doctors wear). She would take the time to show me how to perform the various tasks. She would show me how to power off the machine. The majority of the oiling was done underneath the sewing machine and pressing the foot pedal would engage the machine. She was very patient.

Today, not everyone has the same experiences that inherently provide skills involving Safety. Major life milestones have been pushed out or replaced due to the ease of modern technology and current economic situations. Why drive if you can Uber? According to the Federal Highway Administration, more and more youth are pushing out getting their driver’s license.

The increase in housing cost has many people living in condos or apartments where maintenance and repairs are provided. …There isn’t a lawn to mow.

As a leader we should provide some basic safety training to all employees so they may “Work smarter, not harder.” Have them use a cart if a part they are carrying is too heavy. Make sure they understand how the equipment works.

With the advent of social media and the introduction of COVID many newcomers to the workforce may not know how to verbally convey the need for advise or help with job tasks.

I know… …it is very easy to loose perspective as someone who grew up in a working class family and performed chores that were common during that time, such as mowing the lawn, cooking dinner, and occasional babysitting.

Being aware of current economics, work culture, and societal changes can help leaders communicate safety awareness to the new workforce and help prevent injuries and time loss.

At the end of the day we want our workers to leave with the same body they came in with… hands, fingers, etc..

And as a leader it is always best to be open to change and be cognizant of today’s changing societal norms.