Many of the United States working industries were built on production factories. In fact, many of these manufacturing industries are still an important part of our world today. Fortunately, technology has increased the efficiency and the safety of these factory jobs. These are some of the most influential changes to the industry that have increased safety and productivity.
Increased OSHA safety standards
The number of factory related injuries has significantly declined over the last couple of decades. OSHA is now a government funded board that monitors and regulates safety standards of factory workers. They regulate require training, safety equipment, and safety protocols. They are also regularly updating safety and health programs. With the constant regulation of these safety standards, industries are able to offer a safer work environment.
Technologically backed jobs
Some factory workers worry about technology replacing their jobs. This has not yet been the case. Instead, industries have found ways to improve working conditions for employees, using technology. Technology can improve the safety of jobs by leaving the dangerous tasks to an artificial intelligence program. It can also improve the overall efficiency of some tasks. U.S. factories created $5.3 trillion worth of goods in 2016. That is nearly a third of the nation?s gross domestic product, and more than any other sector. There is currently more than enough work for both individual employees and AI programs.
Increase in safety equipment
Technology has also improved research abilities in many different areas, including the safety of factory workers. Some factories deal with potentially harmful oils and gasses. It can be dangerous to breathe these chemicals in. It can also be dangerous for the skin to come into contact with it. With greater knowledge of needed barrier materials, workers are given better safety equipment. These chemical protective garments protect the employee in the event of a chemical accident.
One of the riskiest problems is permeation. Permeation is a process in which a chemical passes through a protective film (like a glove). Permeation data are represented as two values, breakthrough time and rate. The advancement of technology has made it so these permeation tests do not need to be completed on actual humans or living beings. Results allow companies like OSHA to improve the available chemical protective garments.
Improved eye and face protection
You can use chemical protective garments and acid gear to protect the body from harmful chemicals. However, it is more difficult to protect the eyes and the face. Areas of the face are often still exposed during factory work and a single accident can result in disastrous health problems. Fortunately, technology is also improving the reusable acid gear for eye and face protection too. No chemical protective garments guarantee 100% safety. Even flame resistant fabrics ignite and burn at the point of ignition, though they do prevent flames from spreading away from the ignition point. The goal is about reducing damage and injury, rather than entirely preventing it.
Much of the U.S. was built and still relies on factories today. Working in a factory can be rewarding, giving you immediate work results and good benefits. However, it can also be dangerous. You are often exposed to loud sounds, chemical filled smells, and potentially damaging acid products. Fortunately, technology has also been on the rise and has contributed to safer and more effective work conditions in factories.