In manufacturing, health and safety regulations protect workers and ensure compliance. Across Norfolk and beyond, Foley and Baugh provide training and advice.
Governed by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), these regulations place a legal duty on employers to safeguard employees, contractors and visitors. For factory operators, understanding and implementing these requirements is essential to fostering a safe workplace. At Foley and Baugh in Great Yarmouth. The cornerstone of workplace safety is a thorough risk assessment. Operators must identify hazards – such as machinery risks, chemical exposure or ergonomic issues – and evaluate their potential impact. Control measures, like machine guards or proper ventilation, should be implemented, and assessments must be regularly reviewed to address new risks.
Manufacturing relies heavily on machinery, so compliance with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) is vital. Operators must ensure equipment is suitable, maintained and fitted with safety features like emergency stops. Regular inspections and operator training reduce the risk of accidents, such as entanglement or crush injuries. Where risks can’t be eliminated, PPE is mandatory under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992. Operators must wear appropriate gear – hard hat, safety goggles, high-visibility clothing – provided free by employers. Training on the correct and appropriate PPE use is equally important.
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) governs the handling of chemicals. Operators must follow safe storage, labelling and disposal practices, using readily available safety data sheets to understand risks. Adequate ventilation and spill containment measures are critical to preventing exposure.
And then there’s training and communication. On-going training ensures operators understand safety protocols, from fire evacuation to manual handling. Clear signage, regular safety briefings and accessible reporting systems promote a culture of vigilance.
Factories must have fire safety measures, including extinguishers, alarms and clear evacuation routes, compliant with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. First-aid kits and trained first-aiders are also mandatory.
By adhering to these requirements, factory operators in England can minimise risks, ensure compliance and contribute to a safer, more efficient workplace. Putting safety first protects everyone on the factory floor.
In Norfolk and neighbouring counties, for health and safety advice and training in the manufacturing sector, touch base with Foley and Baugh!
Contact us today on 01493 659026 or email hello@foleyandbaugh.co.uk.
