Workers Compensation Board of Prince Edward Island

Manufacturing


Manufacturers play an important role in the production of goods and materials needed in other industries. The WCB is committed to making sure that workers and employers in this industry are safe at work.

Workers in the manufacturing industry face many hazards in their workplace, ranging from poor lifting ergonomics to working with harmful chemicals. Other than these industry-specific hazards, workers can face more common ones such as slips, trips and falls, working in extreme temperatures, noise, machinery use and more.

Manual Lifting

Lifting is a common task in every workplace, and there are hazards that must be assessed and controlled. The frequency or repetition of the activity, weight of the load, and body position are all elements to consider to prevent injuries such as low back pain, sprains and strains.

Before every lift or carry, workers should check to see if mechanical lifting aids are available for use where appropriate. If the load must be handled manually, check to make sure that the path is clear of debris that may be a hazard. Team lifts may also be required for heavy or awkward loads. If you are lifting an object manually Think, Squat and Lift in this order:
  1. Plan your lift.
  2. Ask for help if necessary.
  3. Get a firm footing.
  4. Bend your knees to squat.
  5. Tighten your stomach.
  6. Lift with your legs.
  7. Keep the load to your chest.
  8. Keep your back upright.
Learn more about proper manual lifting:

Hexavalent Chromium

Hexavalent chromium is a toxic form of chromium, which is found in products such as fungicides, wood preservatives, metal finishing, pigment in dyes, paints, and plastics. It is also present in fumes generated from welding stainless steel, chromium alloys and welding rods.

Hexavalent chromium is harmful to the eyes, skin and respiratory system. Inhaling airborne hexavalent chromium can negatively affect a worker’s health over time and may cause lung cancer or asthma. The acceptable exposure limit to hexavalent chromium is .0002 mg/m3.

To prevent harmful exposure, workers must wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as respirators, and employers must develop safe work procedures that include appropriate worker hygiene and ventilation.

Learn more about limiting workers exposure to hexavalent chromium: Below are additional resources to assist workers and employers in the manufacturing industry:

Guides: Hazards: Printable Posters: