Transportation and shipping jobs rank second on the list of positions with the most significant number of workplace injuries. Why are supply chains still facing these incidents in 2023 and how can you help stop them?
1. Lack of Training
There’s a shortage of skilled and qualified workers ready to enter a supply chain position. This often means they need extra training to fill the role safely. Due to the pandemic and other global events, it’s also hard to find managers qualified to provide necessary training and less time to complete the instruction.
While virtual options are a popular solution, hands-on training is necessary. This is especially true for anyone operating heavy machinery who could endanger themselves and others without complete awareness of their actions. A conscious effort and patience are necessary to perform vital tasks safely while maintaining a positive environment and workflow.
2. Long Hours
It’s common for construction supply chain workers to work most of the day, which doesn’t leave room to do much else during the week. Constantly striving to be alert and productive can take a toll on employees and managers, especially when they work for so long.
Recently, there was a mass exodus of supply chain managers due to burnout from the stress of their jobs. While other factors played a role, having to work long hours in an unpredictable work environment could drive any to their breaking point.
Working long hours is a safety risk, as tired and stressed employees are less able to make critical decisions. Their minds can go into a state of autopilot, missing hazards until it’s too late.
3. Inadequate Protective Gear
While diversity is more common than ever before in the construction industry, there is a lack of well-fitting personal protective equipment (PPE) along supply chains. Research shows poor fitting gear could be as dangerous as not wearing any at all.
Hats and gloves are designed with a snug fit to provide cushioning in the case of impact. When they don’t properly fit, that protection goes away and can actually add weight to the person. This problem significantly affects women in the industry.
Safety glasses are also another thing to consider. They could fall off or impede vision without the right adjustments, making them another dangerous item meant to keep workers safe.
4. Hazardous Working Environment
When an environment isn’t safe for all workers, the likelihood of injury increases. Small changes can save lives in many circumstances, but a lack of oversight still contributes to supply chain fatalities.
There are around 12 work-related deaths each day, with the most common causes being falls, impacts, electrocutions and being caught between objects. Deemed the “fatal four,” a little more time and effort toward creating a safer workplace can significantly reduce the number of these incidents.
- Ensure the ground gets checked regularly for slick spots and each employee is wearing proper shoes.
- Don’t expect or advise workers to carry more than they can handle or anything that impedes their vision.
- Encourage assisting others with heavy objects or making machines that can handle heavy weights available. Ensure all employees handling those materials are trained to use them.
- Make sure the floor is clear of obstructions at all times.
- Provide every employee with properly fitting PPE and require them to wear it at all times at a work site.
- Ensure everyone is always on the same page, especially when equipment is operated and moved.
- Always have more than one employee in an area at each time to provide assistance and get help if an accident occurs.
5. Lack of Communication
Many of the previous issues could benefit from better communication management, employees and suppliers. It’s easy to get so caught up in productivity that people don’t communicate what is happening, when it is happening and how it will impact each site.
Ensure everyone knows the day’s events and any changes that might occur. Ask workers to check in with one another about upcoming tasks, encourage them to ask questions and repeat information. When everyone knows what’s happening, they can take the proper measures to protect themselves and others.
Improving Safety in the Construction Supply Chain
The equipment and tasks in the construction supply chain require safety to improve. A wrong move or unheard warning could have a devastating impact. With high stress throughout the supply chain, all involved must work towards better health and safety.
Author Bio:
Rose Morrison
Rose Morrison is the managing editor of Renovated.com, and has over 5 years of writing experience in the industry. Her work has been featured on The National Association of Realtors, the American Society of Home Inspectors, and other reputable publications. For more from Rose, you can follow her on Twitter.
