Data based on U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics survey of occupational injuries and illnesses. This data is from the 2018 U.S. survey.
Combustible Dust
Fiber dust, which is produced during the papermaking process, piles up on the ground and machinery. When airborne, this creates an explosion hazard and can also cause respiratory problems if inhaled by workers.
Harsh Chemicals
The papermaking process incorporates a wide range of hazardous chemicals. To avoid injury, it’s important that all substances are labeled properly and the appropriate PPE is worn to avoid injuries upon exposure. Showers and eyewash stations should be clearly marked and located in each employee work area.
Heat Stress
Hot surfaces and high temperatures are common hazards inside paper mills due to the amount of friction and steam produced during the papermaking process. Without the proper ventilation, employees can quickly succumb to the effects of heat stroke if the proper precautions aren’t taken. By encouraging work/rest cycles, along with providing a cool down station, employees can react quickly once they recognize the symptoms of heat exhaustion coming on
Pinch Points
Areas where a person or their body parts can become caught or crushed by a machine, are referred to as pinch points. Injuries can happen when a person becomes caught between two moving machinery parts or between a stationary object and a moving part.
Sharp Surfaces
When working on or around machinery, employees must be aware of sharp edges and surfaces. Blades and moving fabric on machines can cause scratches, cuts, and even amputations. With most cutting occurring on the hands, it’s critical for employees to have proper hand protection.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
Water mixed with paper scraps left on the ground can lead to slippery walking surfaces. Other factors such as broken railings and the misuse of equipment can contribute to the rate of employee falls in a facility. By utilizing the proper fall protection equipment, slip-resistant footwear, and PPE the impact of the fall is greatly reduced, if not prevented altogether.
