Common risks in the industry are the subject of continuous analysis. Being aware of them and preventing them is the best option. Especially in the automotive sector, where any danger to which the supply chain is exposed disrupts production. Stopping the production line in an average manufacturing facility can cost $500 per minute. Or even go out of service.

History and evolution of the automotive industry

It was in the 1980s that U.S. engineer Elmer Sperry came up with the name: automotive. As if it were a mechanical part, he joined the Greek term auto (by itself) and the Latin motriz (engine). Under this name, it managed to represent all types of motor vehicles. It was the beginning of an industry that years later gave rise to SAE International (Society of Automotive Engineers).

Today, the automotive industry brings together a diverse set of organizations and companies. They are related to manufacturing in space engineering, automotive, transportation and all types of companies specialized in building motor vehicles. Cars, trucks, airplanes, ships, planes, etc.

In 1929, before the Great Depression in the United States, the U.S. auto industry manufactured almost 90 % of the 32,028,500 in circulation worldwide. The ratio was one car for every 4.87 people. Today, by net income, the automotive industry is global and is one of the most important economic sectors in the world.

Main common risks in the industry

In the automotive industry, suppliers and manufacturers require flexibility, a high level of control and, above all, maximum safety. But is the safety of the workers being considered in the same way ?

In the automotive industry in Mexico, different surveys are periodically conducted with safety managers, production area managers and maintenance managers. It has been shown that, in their responses, both automakers and auto parts suppliers all agree in prioritizing the most common risks as follows:

• Disruptions in the supply chain process: 72%.
• Errors or failures in operating equipment: 72%.
• Causes derived from natural disasters: 42%.
• Fires: 24%.
• Call for strikes: 20%.

What factors can stop the supply chain?

They are different and of different rank, but employers especially mention absenteeism, lack of training or staff turnover as the main reasons. Among other factors that disrupt operations, these three have a common element: the workers.

While no company can totally eliminate risks, what they can do is implement contingency plans and be prepared to be able to react in the most appropriate way. These are measures that make it possible to maintain efficiency and competitiveness in the markets, in addition to reducing losses. Serve as a model and example:

• AnsellGUARDIAN®: Our exclusive service helps companies choose the most appropriate personal protective equipment. Improves safety, productivity and cost/performance ratio.
• International standards: Through the IATF 16949 standard (Automotive Quality Management Requirements) and the MMOG/LE (Supply Chain Management Operational Guidelines).

Characteristics of the automotive vertical

In this type of industry - more than in any other - supply chains are long and complex and require individual management at every step of the process. In addition, each category and vertical has differentiations: painting, production, assembly, etc. Also, different protection and safety features, including sub-processes.

For complete protection, e.g. with gloves for the automotive sector, production area managers are obliged to distinguish in detail each and every product requirement of their employees. Specifically, in all processes and sub-processes. The situation and role of each worker can influence supply chain downtime.

An aerospace safety manager, without doubting his or her excellent professional skills, is not obliged to know mining protocols. Similarly, any of the product managers in the different verticals cannot be expected to know all the areas of activity.

In the automotive industry, safety defines the perfect condition of the final product, but risk prevention is essential. Fundamentally, protection with high-performance multipurpose equipment for body and hand protection.

Automotive gloves

There are multipurpose gloves, oil gloves, chemical gloves... All with the purpose of preventing common risks in the automotive industry, vital for the development of a company. This should always be taken into account. With the authority that comes from being leaders in body protection products, we can affirm that many of the usual risks in this sector can be reduced. The quality of Ansell's equipment is the best ally in each and every production process.