Workplace Hazards in Manufacturing
This fact sheet is for secondary school students undertaking work experience programs, and for their host employers. It can be
used as a tool to assist with task planning, and to develop appropriate induction, training and supervision to minimise any risk to
students while they are ‘at work’.
Students must be given instruction, and must be supervised at all times. Consideration must always be given to hazards
when allocating tasks. If any risk exists, students must NOT undertake the activity.
Hazard Possible Harmful Possible Employer
Effects Action to Prevent
Injury / Illness
Fixed plant Amputation and laceration
Manual handling injuries
Powered mobile plant Being struck, rolled on or pinned
including forklift underneath – potential for
fatality or serious injury
Powered and other Laceration and amputation
hand-tools
Manual handling injuries
Noise and vibration Hearing loss
Musculoskeletal disorder
Industrial chemicals Skin contact may cause irritation
(hazardous or dematitis
substances)
Vapours/fumes may cause
Cleaning products headaches or other respiratory
problems.
Long-term exposure may cause
chronic effect
Manual handling Musculoskeletal disorders
(bending, reaching, including sprains and strains
stretching, pulling,
lifting, repetitive
motions, awkward
posture)
Working in heat and Heat rashes, heat stress,
cold dehydration
Hypothermia (in cold rooms)
Working at heights Falls from heights – potential for
fatality or serious injury
Musculoskeletal injuries such as
sprains and strains
Sexual harassment, Emotional stress, fear and
work place bullying anxiety, physical illness
Preventative
Action Students
Can Take
 Undertake risk assessment of all plant  Work strictly according to
and machines training and instructions
 Put in place appropriate risk controls –  Do not operate any plant in
e.g. machine guarding which you have not been fully
 Provide relevant training on safe use trained
 Develop and implement maintenance  If you have any safety
regime. Ensure records are kept concerns, notify your
 Provide appropriate personal protective supervisor immediately!
equipment (PPE)
Students must NOT operate mobile Students must NOT operate
plant mobile plant
Students must NOT operate powered Students must NOT operate
tools powered tools
 Provide instruction in the safe use of  Use hand tools carefully,
tools according to instructions
 Maintain powered tools and mobile  Follow safe work procedures
plant to reduce noise and to avoid  Wear PPE (hearing
excessive vibration protection) provided
 Provide PPE (hearing protection)
 Use least hazardous products Provide  Read MSDS and follow safe
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) working instructions
 Observe appropriate storage and  Use PPE provided to protect
handling practices of dangerous goods you against hazardous
 Provide adequate ventilation substances
 Document and rehearse emergency
procedures
 Provide appropriate PPE
 Document safe work procedures  Use mechanical aids
 Provide mechanical aids provided
 Provide training in safe manual  Seek help when you think a
handling techniques team lift is required
 Encourage team lifts where appropriate  Exercise: warm up/stretch
before starting work, and cool
down/stretch at end of the
shift or working day
 Schedule rest breaks, rotate jobs  Observe rest breaks
 Provide appropriate clothing/PPE  Wear appropriate clothing
Students must NOT work at heights Students must NOT work at
or where there is any risk of a fall heights or where there is
any risk of a fall
 Establish work place policy  Report any concerns
 Provide staff briefings or training immediately
Workplace Hazards in Manufacturing