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3 WAYS GREEN MANUFACTURING HELPS BUSINESSES
The overall idea behind green manufacturing is to encourage businesses and manufacturing plants to implement environmentally-friendly practices.
Throughout the country, state agencies are taking active steps to promote pollution and waste reducing industrial practices.
Not only does the environment benefit from green manufacturing, but by implementing eco-friendly policies, businesses and area communities are positively impacted as well.
1. Green Manufacturing Reduces Costs and Increases Productivity in the Long Run
Green manufacturing processes are often more cost-effective than traditional manufacturing processes. For example, an energy efficient piece of equipment that has replaced the gearboxes with direct-drive motor technology can improve operating efficiency from 60 to 90% on average. Implementing similar “green” mechanics may be more expensive initially, but can significantly lower production costs and save businesses money in the long run. In addition to lowering production costs, more efficient practices mean increased productivity, which often results in quicker turnaround times and product fulfillment.
2. Green Manufacturing is Healthier for Employees
How can improving manufacturing processes improve the health of employees? Consider the effects of equipment running on alternative or “clean” energy rather than gasoline. This equipment will produce significantly less carbon monoxide (none if switching to electricity) reducing, and in some cases eliminating health hazards of working equipment that is running idly. Green workplace environments are not only good for employees physically, but can also increase company morale. A 2009 study conducted at the University of Central Florida revealed that today’s generation of employees is more critical of green practices in the workplace. If strategically developed and implemented, green practices can increase employee motivation and engagement. Employees who care about the environment and work at an eco-friendly organization are ultimately healthier, happier contributors to the company’s success.
3. Green Manufacturing in Arkansas Helps Take Care of the Environment
Of course, a major reason for businesses to incorporate green manufacturing practices is sustainability and environmental protection. Manufacturing by-products and facility waste have a tremendous impact on surrounding communities, but the eco-friendly steps that are implemented can reduce a company’s carbon footprint and help make a positive, lasting change on the world.
The state of Arkansas, my home state, actively promotes green energy initiatives. The Arkansas Economic Development Commission’s Energy Office manages the federal energy funds of the state and promotes efficiency by offering informational programs to the public. Through this office, business owners, residential consumers and contractors can keep up-to-date on the latest energy saving initiatives and incentives offered at the state and federal level
Start the Process Today
Are you ready to take the next step toward green manufacturing? SEA’s EHS Management Systems offers environmental consulting services and site management for sustainability and green manufacturing. Contact an SEA expert today to assist your company in reducing costs, increasing productivity, and taking care of our planet for future generations.
California Tightens Lead Exposure Limits: What Employers Need to Know
Each year, as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) releases its list of the top 10 workplace safety violations, a pattern emerges that begs a question: Are these frequent violations a sign that employers continue to struggle with the same safety issues, or does it reflect a disposition among OSHA inspectors to focus on areas where they are trained to focus? The Persistent Issue of Repeated Findings The repetition of certain violations year after year might seem surprising, but it underscores a significant challenge in workplace safety management. The top violations tend to be those that are most visible and easiest to spot during inspections, such as fall protection and hazard communication. This consistency suggests that while awareness is high, practical implementation and adherence to safety practices lag behind. Top 10 Most Cited Health and Safety Standards of 2024 1. . Fall Protection, General Requirements: 6,307 violations For the 14th consecutive year, fall protection tops the list of OSHA's enforcement priorities. This emphasis is not arbitrary; OSHA has designated fall protection as a national emphasis area, making it a primary focus during inspections. It's often one of the easiest violations to spot without extensive investigation skills. The OSHA standard 1926.501 mandates that employers must provide fall protection systems like guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems for workers at risk of falls of six feet or more in construction and four feet in general industry. Often, the major factor in these violations is human behavior. Many offenders might think, "No one is watching, and this will only take a moment, so it's no big deal." However, this mindset can lead to non-compliance with critical safety measures, putting worker safety at significant risk.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), in collaboration with the Partnership for Electrical Safety and KEMA Laboratories, has recently unveiled new guidance aimed at addressing arc flash hazards in the workplace. This guidance is a crucial update that highlights the need for comprehensive electrical safety programs that specifically include measures to protect against arc flash hazards. Here’s what employers need to understand about the new directives and how they can effectively respond. Understanding Arc Flash and OSHA's Recommendations An arc flash is a type of electrical explosion that results from a low-impedance connection to the ground or another voltage phase in an electrical system. The new guidance provided by OSHA not only offers a clear definition of what constitutes an arc flash but also elaborates on methods to mitigate such hazards during electrical work. The guidance includes detailed documents for employers and useful handouts for employees, emphasizing the common myths and the reality of arc flash dangers. The Role of NFPA 70E OSHA’s guidance strongly correlates with the standards outlined in NFPA 70E, the National Fire Protection Association’s standard for electrical safety in the workplace. Employers who are already compliant with NFPA 70E likely have a written Electrical Safety Program (ESP) that includes protocols for arc flash hazards. This new guidance serves to reinforce the importance of these existing standards while also urging those without comprehensive plans to take immediate action. What if You Don’t Have a Comprehensive ESP? For employers who have yet to develop an ESP that addresses arc flash hazards, OSHA’s guidance is a wake-up call. It is crucial to recognize that general workplace safety standards, although not specifying arc flash, require protection against electrical hazards under regulations like 1910.333. The absence of specific OSHA standards for arc flash does not excuse employers from the responsibility of protecting their employees from such risks. Implementing Effective Arc Flash Protection Measures Incident Energy Analysis: A foundational step in arc flash protection is conducting an incident energy analysis. This process involves studying the facility’s electrical systems to calculate the potential energy released in the event of an arc flash. Understanding this energy potential is essential for determining the arc flash boundary—the distance within which a person could receive second-degree burns or worse if exposed to an arc flash. Developing a Risk Assessment Procedure: Employ ers need to establish a procedure for assessing the risks associated with arc flash. This includes evaluating the tasks being performed, the condition of the electrical equipment, the maintenance history of the equipment, the energy involved, and the potentia l for human error. Deciding on Protective Measures: Once risks are assessed, decisions must be made regarding the best ways to protect employees. This often involves the use of Arc-Rated Pe rsonal Protective Equipment (PPE) and could also include engineering controls such as redesigning parts of the electrical system to minimize arc flash risks. Proactive Versus Reactive: The Choice is Yours The latest guidance from OSHA should be viewed as an unofficial yet critical call to action for employers to either update their existing safety measures or develop new protocols in line with NFPA 70E. Being proactive about electrical safety not only helps in compliance with OSHA’s standards but fundamentally enhances the safety and well-being of employees. Final Thoughts The introduction of OSHA’s arc flash guidance is a significant step toward heightened awareness and improved safety practices surrounding electrical hazards in the workplace. Employers are encouraged to review their current safety protocols, educate their workforce about the dangers of arc flash, and implement comprehensive measures to prevent such incidents. Always keep in mind that workplace safety begins with staying informed and well-prepared. Make it a habit to test before you touch it and prioritize safety like your life depended on it! For more insights into workplace safety and compliance, keep following our blog. Your safety is our priority, and together, we can foster a safer working environment for all. By Derek Jennings President SEA
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