In the field of industrial safety, risk assessment is a fundamental process for identifying potential hazards in the workplace. A proper analysis makes it possible to determine what type of PPE is necessary to protect workers against the specific hazards they face. Therefore, understanding and taking on board the assessment steps ensures the safety and well-being of employees.

Risks in the automotive industry

Hazardous elements abound in this vertical; from inhaling toxic chemicals to handling sharp or abrasive materials. In addition, another characteristic is that workers mainly use their hands for repetitive tasks or for lifting weights and tools.

In these situations, if the correct assembly line PPE is not used, injuries are likely to occur, resulting in an increase in lost time.

Importance of the evaluation

Common risks in the automotive sector are the subject of continuous analysis. In this sense, being aware of them is very important, but preventing them is the best option. Above all, when faced with any danger to which the supply chain is exposed.

If that happens, production is disrupted and may even be out of service. Here, more than in any other case, protection against cuts and abrasions on assembly machines is essential.

In Mexico, different surveys of security chiefs, maintenance managers and area directors demonstrate the importance of evaluation. In fact, both assembly plants and auto parts suppliers agree on what they consider to be the most common risks:

• Disruptions in the supply chain process: 72%. For example, due to the lack of personal protection for welders on assembly lines.
• Errors or failures in operating equipment: 72%.
• Causes derived from natural disasters: 42%.
• Fires: 24%.
• Strikes: 20%.

How are risks assessed?

While no company has the ability to completely eliminate vulnerabilities, what they can do is implement effective response strategies and protocols to always be well prepared and react in the best way.

In addition to trying to reduce losses, the action plan for assessing threats must include measures to maintain efficiency and competitiveness. These two serve as models:

• AnsellGUARDIAN®: Our exclusive service helps companies choose the most appropriate personal protective equipment. This 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).

AnsellGUARDIAN

It is a comprehensive system for risk assessment and protection solutions. Designed specifically to help organizations identify, analyze and mitigate workplace safety hazards, it includes a wide range of services:

• Workplace risk assessments.
• Data analysis.
• Professional security training.
• Selection of personal protective equipment.
• Customized security management programs.

The protection process

It begins with a detailed examination of the risks that exist in the environment and then looks at each process, sub-process and task. This study covers and contains accident analysis, safety inspections and ergonomic evaluations. This last aspect is a prerequisite for optimizing an incalculable performance: the customization of needs and products we offer.

Based on this comprehensive analysis, we recommend specific PPE solutions to address the identified risks. For every problem, there is an appropriate solution.

Ansell is a leader in the industry and manufactures a wide range of personal protection products. The automotive vertical includes, among many others, the following:

• Protective gloves
• Sleeves
• Coveralls and suits

In addition to providing the highest quality products, AnsellGUARDIAN® offers safety training services. These are not only useful for companies, but also to directly help employees understand the importance of safety and how to use PPE correctly in their personal occupation.

Backed by 125 years of experience, a proprietary software system and a database of more than 30,000 chemicals. Thus, we have applied the recommendations on personal protective equipment in more than 15,000 facilities around the world.

At Ansell, we are committed to providing the best protection for all workers who are part of the automotive industry. We go beyond regulatory compliance to ensure that our portfolio fully protects against the specific risks you face. Identify hazards and reduce injuries with an AnsellGUARDIAN® assessment.