The manual nature of many manufacturing roles means that employers face particular challenges when managing cleaning supply chains and processes. By promoting a meticulous approach to hand hygiene and providing products which cater to the demands of the particular working environment, manufacturing businesses can effectively safeguard staff wellbeing whilst avoiding serious damage to their employer brand.
While working environments will inevitably vary between manufacturing firms, a large number of employees in the sector are exposed to contaminants and conditions which can be harmful to their skin. With skin conditions accounting for 11.2 per cent of all occupational illnesses, a failure to adopt truly thorough hygiene processes and procedures could have significant implications for rates of employee sickness and absenteeism.
It goes without saying that factors such as exposure to hot and cold, and proximity to contaminants such as chemicals, detergents, oils and lubricants will vary from firm to firm. As such, in order to maximise levels of health and safety in this area, it is important for employers to purchase hygiene products which match their specific workplace requirements.
For example, heavy duty plants are likely to require products such as strong degreasers and soaps in order to maintain high levels of employee hand hygiene and may wish to consider ‘no touch’ solutions such as sensor-operated dispensers. In these cases, where soaps and sanitisers must deal with the toughest dirt and grime, it is essential that products are as kind to skin as possible.
In some environments, gloves may prove an effective means of protecting the workforce from exposure to harsh temperatures and contaminants, however, in roles requiring a high level of manual dexterity this may not be possible.
Skin boards, placed in key areas of the workplace such as the manufacturing floor, can provide a useful alternative. These rectangular boards have different dispensers attached, encouraging staff to follow three important steps to good skin care; protect, cleanse and restore. As well as a barrier cream to safeguard skin, these often include a strong soap containing beads to fully remove dirt and other harmful substances from hands and finally a moisturising cream to maintain the skin’s condition.
As for any business promoting hand hygiene, it is essential to educate employees effectively about the importance of correct handwashing techniques and ensure that the organisation follows a ‘top down’ approach to setting an example in this area at all times. Providing appropriate signage, positioned in important areas such as staff canteens, can play an important role in this but it is also vital to carefully manage stock levels so that suitable products are always available when required.
A similar approach should be adopted with regards to washroom provision. It is important that manufacturing businesses comply with legislations relating to the minimum number of washrooms employers are required to provide. The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 state that “suitable and sufficient sanitary conveniences shall be provided at readily accessible places”.
However, as well as ensuring that the number of washrooms is proportional to the size of the workforce, it is also vital to implement a regular and meticulous washroom cleaning routine. Maintaining thoroughly clean washrooms will help to encourage workers in their personal hygiene routines, preventing them from being put off by dirty or untidy facilities.
Manufacturing businesses are increasingly looking for ways to boost their eco-credentials, and this should not be neglected when promoting employee health and wellbeing. When it comes to choosing products, it is worth considering solutions such as foam soaps, which provide more shots per cartridge, however, it is always essential to check that these will provide workers with an adequate level of hand hygiene. Additionally, while many manufacturing employers may be unaware of the condition, introducing new soaps can result in a skin reaction called ‘new soap syndrome’, so making sure moisturisers are available to counter such effects is always advisable.
Alternatively, organisations can meet their environmental goals by purchasing all hand hygiene products via a single solutions provider. Requiring a lower number of deliveries, this can help manufacturers to reduce their carbon footprint – a key measure of a business’ environmental impact.
Not only does a happy and healthy workforce offer valuable productivity benefits, a number of high-profile employment law cases in recent months have emphasised the importance of businesses protecting their employer brand by prioritising worker wellbeing. By giving careful thought to the particular needs of workers and considering all areas of hand hygiene, manufacturing employers can maintain healthy margins whilst continuing to attract the best talent around.
