New Report Reveals Key Safety Concerns Among Industrial Workers
One of the biggest issues is a lack of adequate employee training.
- By Robert Yaniz Jr.
- Jun 06, 2024
The U.S. manufacturing sector is facing an ongoing safety crisis, as highlighted by a recent report which underscores the need to address worker safety and training gaps.
Surveying over 600 industrial professionals, Vector Solutions' "The State of Industrial Worker Safety and Well-Being Report" found that 46 percent of workers believe more should be done, the industry as a whole is falling short in its safety measures. Lack of training and safety protocols, in fact, could affect the future of the industry.
Eighty-one percent of workers surveyed said that training encourages them to stay with their current employer, while 62 percent acknowledge a direct positive correlation between effective training and job satisfaction.
Meanwhile, 57 percent of respondents report that safety issues led longtime employees to leave their jobs. And 44 percent say safety concerns complicate hiring. In fact, the report projects a shortage of 3.8 million manufacturing workers in the next decade.
"Safety plays a critical role in the well-being and productivity of our workforce," Clare Epstein, general manager of commercial at Vector Solutions, said in a statement. "We conducted this study to better understand the current state of safety initiatives, training, and technology within the industrial sector. The findings revealed that employers have a lot of room for growth when it comes to prioritizing the safety of their workers, especially with regards to providing staff with accessible and comprehensive safety training."
Non-native English speakers face additional challenges, including being 127 percent more likely to admit they don’t feel comfortable reporting workplace hazards. In addition, 50 percent reported a lack of training in their native language, and 27 percent surveyed said they felt pressured to prioritize productivity over their own safety on the job.
Overall, 100 percent of respondents said that safety training is essential for fostering a safe workplace. The report calls for more dynamic and engaging training materials to prevent knowledge loss and improve employee retention.
For information on how to download the full report, visit the Vector Solutions website.
About the Author
Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor of Occupational Health & Safety.