The Manufacturing sector is fraught with workplace risk because it comprises such a wide variety of establishments, most of which are engaged in the mechanical, physical, or chemical transformation of materials into new products.

Examples include:

• Food manufacturing
• Textile mills
• Computer and electronic product manufacturing
• Paper manufacturing
• Chemical manufacturing

These jobs often involve machinery and toxins that can increase the risk of injuries or fatalities. In fact, according to the most recent (2007) workplace injury and illness statistics available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, injuries in the manufacturing sector occur five times more often than they do in the professional services sector. Of course, manufacturing injuries are also much more severe. In addition, although many people recognize that mining is one of the most dangerous jobs, a manufacturing worker is 40% more likely to be injured than a mining worker.

On-the-job injuries in this field are often caused by:

• Overexertion and repetitive motion
• Slips, trips, and falls
• Contact with objects and machinery
• Exposure to harmful substances
• Fires and explosions

Over the years, we at Spiris have learned that risk-management and mitigation plans have a tremendous effect on reducing manufacturing injuries. This, in turn, reduces premiums for workers’ compensation.