Some plants temporarily shut down production during the winter or in other slow seasons. Work doesn't actually stop; it just changes. This is typically when the painting gets done, the equipment gets checked out, the rollers get greased, etc. The risk of injury during this period is particularly high, because workers are performing unfamiliar tasks and following unfamiliar procedures. In many cases, there are also unusually large numbers of contractors, maintenance specialists and other strangers at the site. Consequently, you should take special measures to minimize hazards during production shutdowns. Here are three to consider.

1. Hold a Safety Meeting

Before you send your workers into unfamiliar territory, have a safety meeting. Some points to cover:

Organization: Make sure everyone knows who they'll be working with and who they should go to with a problem. Maybe there's no change in the reporting structure or maybe your team will be working under the direction of someone new. Either way, outline each individual's responsibility in detail.

PPE: Explain which personal protective equipment is required, where to get it and what to do if it doesn't fit or work properly. If employees aren't familiar with the gear, provide a fitting and usage demonstration.

Hazards and Procedures: When people are working out of their usual area, they can injure themselves by not knowing about a hazard their co-workers take for granted. So at your safety meeting, explain your plant's lockout/tagout procedures, no-go areas and any other safety aspects unique to each section of the plant.

2. Provide Contractors a Safety Briefing

Treat contractors as new employees and provide them an extended safety briefing. Establish contact with contract workers and introduce them to your own team. And give the contractors the same respect you give your own people. Remember that the safety of your own workers depends in part on the safety of the contractors' workers, and vice versa.

3. Tighten Site Security

Establish site control for all contractor employees and visitors, and make sure everyone's accounted for at quitting time. Ensure that all employees understand that they have a duty to challenge strangers in their work areas - for their safety as well as the strangers'. If badges or access passes are required, make sure everyone has the one(s) they need.

Conclusion

During plant shutdown, try to be patient. Use the time you have as fully as possible and don't rush to make your restart date. Your crew members are working in unfamiliar conditions and you need to be diligent and patient to ensure that the work gets done safely.

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