The impact of lean manufacturing on occupational health and safety

Preparation and cleaning of large surfaces requires all kinds of resources and supplies. By re-evaluating your chemical/solvent application process, even the smallest incremental saving can grow to a significant amount over time and really benefit the bottom line. Fit-for-purpose wipers and cloths for example, deliver enhanced efficiency through better chemical application, dispensing, disposal and storage.

While there may be few alternatives to solvents and chemicals, even a small reduction in their use can make a considerable saving and reduce potential occupational exposure to such hazardous materials.

Some Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are potentially hazardous. Direct skin contact with solvents may result in skin damage, which can mean workers being removed from the task. Reducing occupational exposure by reducing the amount of solvents used will support improved working conditions and worker safety.

Workers dealing with large surface tasks will be exposed to potential hazards for longer periods of time. Dispensing chemicals from local sources and using closed containers, matched with application-specific PPE, can reduce motion waste and exposure to hazards both chemical and physical.

If you’re trying to increase worker health, safety and productivity you’ll always be on the lookout for new opportunities. As part of its Efficient Workplace Programme, Kimberly-Clark Professional offers a Waste and Hazard Walk. Observing and analysing actual manufacturing practices will show where areas of cost improvements can be identified.

For a hands-on experience, visit the Virtual Waste and Hazard Walk. Better still arrange a real Waste and Hazard Walk. There’s no quicker way to identify, reduce and eliminate areas of waste and avoidable risk. Please contact Francis Bakker on 01273 853 274 to book a free Waste and Hazard walk or visit:

https://www.kcprofessional.co.uk/solutions/the-efficient-workplace/tp-the-waste-hazard-walk/A