Industrial Workers Express Concerns About Workplace Safety Gaps
Employees have significant concerns when it comes to safety measures, training, and employee wellbeing in industrial workplaces, according to a recent survey conducted by Vector Solutions.
Among industrial workers surveyed, safety was the second-most important factor in a job, after pay, the survey found.
Exposure to hazardous conditions is a major concern for industrial workers, with 35% reporting they have been exposed to harmful chemicals at work and 42% having been exposed to extreme temperatures, per the survey.
The prevalence of outdated and poorly maintained equipment is another source of concern. Thirty-percent of workers report using outdated equipment, while 26% say that the equipment they use is not properly maintained. These factors contribute to an increased risk of accidents and injuries on the job.
A high rate of safety incidents in industrial workplaces points to the need for improved safety measures. In the past 12 months, 43% of workers report that a safety incident occurred in their workplace, with an average of five incidents reported per workplace during this period, according to the survey.
Perhaps most significant is the fact that a vast majority (88%) of workers believe that these incidents could have been prevented through improved safety measures.
Shortcomings in Safety Prioritization and Support
The survey found that 83% of workers feel that their company’s safety protocols are treated as mere checkboxes for compliance rather than a genuine commitment to employee wellbeing, the report noted. This sentiment is reinforced by the fact that two in 10 workers say their company doesn’t see safety as a top priority.
Nearly half (46%) of workers believe that their employer could be doing more to reduce safety incidents.
In addition, one-third (33%) of workers expressed discomfort in reporting workplace hazards.
Critical Role and Gaps in Safety Training
The survey found that respondents were unanimous, 100%, in the belief that safety training is essential to producing a safer workplace.
The benefits of effective training are far-reaching, with 85% of workers believing that incident preparedness is an outcome of good training, 83% asserting that it improves performance, and 81% saying that it makes them more inclined to stay with the company.
However, the study also exposes significant shortcomings in current training programs. Half of the workers surveyed find their company’s training lacking in engagement, indicating an area that warrants attention and improvement. Twenty percent of workers reported that their company did not properly train them for their job, and 29% of those unsatisfied with their training are considering leaving their job as a result.
Addressing these gaps is critical, as 58% of workers believe that additional training would enhance workplace safety.
To access the full report, visit the Vector Solutions website. &