Welcome to the Blog
Celebrating National Safety Month
Every June, organizations across the United States observe National Safety Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about workplace safety and preventing injuries both on and off the job. While safety is a year-round priority, this month provides a valuable opportunity to refocus and reinforce best practices, especially within high-risk industries and jobs like manufacturing.
Why Safety Matters in Manufacturing
The manufacturing industry is the backbone of the economy, but workers could face a variety of potential dangers. From operating heavy machinery and handling high-voltage systems to managing chemical exposure and repetitive tasks, worker safety is important to keep top of mind. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, thousands of manufacturing workers are injured each year—most of these incidents are preventable with proper training and a focus on job safety.
Building Safety Practices from the Ground Up
A safe workplace doesn’t happen by chance; it’s built intentionally. For manufacturers, this starts with:
Employee Training: Comprehensive and ongoing training programs help to guide and enforce workers within their facility to understand how to operate equipment safely and recognize potential hazards.
Clear Protocols & Signage: The use of Personal Protective Equipment, also known as PPE guidelines, creates clear communication and expectations, which are key to maintaining consistent safety standards.
Leadership Commitment: Safety should also be a top priority within the workplace. When leadership prioritizes safety, it sets the tone for the entire organization.
Preparing the Next Generation of Safe Workers
Here at Project MFG, during any and all competitions and events we host, we aim to prepare students not just with technical skills, but with a strong understanding of the importance of workplace safety. From the facilities our events are hosted at, to the instructions provided, we replicate real-world conditions where safety is just as critical as skill. We believe teaching students how to approach a task safely is just as important as teaching them and testing their skills.
What can you do?
This National Safety Month, we encourage manufacturing professionals, educators, and students to take a moment to evaluate and improve their safety practices. Whether it’s refreshing a safety training program, updating signage, or simply starting conversations about risk awareness, every step counts.
Let’s work together to create safer, more efficient workplaces, and not just in June, but every month of the year.
