In the past 5 to 10 years, you may have noticed transformations in the automobile market. With the wider societal acceptance of the importance of preserving the environment, more and more people want electric and more sustainability-focused cars.
Change in demand necessarily makes for changes in manufacturing, and with that comes new risks that the industry must manage. The manufacturing industry has always had major traditional health and safety risks to contend with, and innovations in the market mean it’s essential for workplaces to keep up.
Existing Risks
The growing market for hybrid and electric cars continues to present risks that have traditionally challenged the car manufacturing industry. According to the Health and Safety Executive, over the past 5 years, an average of 22 workers per year has died from workplace accidents.
If that wasn’t bad enough, there was an average of more than 3,100 reports of major injuries, plus over 4,000 minor injuries and reports of ill health due to workplace exposures.
Some of the major risks manufacturing workers face are...
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Fires
- Hazardous chemicals
- Machinery accidents
- Electrical hazards
What’s new? The Emerging Risks
The increased use of electric and hybrid vehicles also presents manufacturing industry workers with new dangers to contend with. Preparation is crucial, as is having the tools and specialist equipment ready and accessible, should something go wrong.
Electrocution
One of the major new risks involved in car manufacturing is the batteries used in hybrid and electric vehicles. While traditional vehicles that run on an internal combustion engine contain batteries that have 12 or 24-volt electrical circuits, newer electric vehicles can contain batteries with up to 650 volts direct current (DC).
If you take into account that DC voltages above 150 volts are hazardous and that contact with 600 volts DC is likely to be fatal, the inflated risk of electrocution is very real with these innovations in the car manufacturing industry.
Fires, Explosion and Toxic Chemicals
These batteries store a lot more energy than traditional car batteries, so if a fire or explosion does occur, the resulting damage is likely to be much more extensive, with an ever-increasing risk to life.
Along with explosions, there’s also the risk that these powerful batteries could leak and emit toxic substances, posing a danger to those who handle them and the equipment that’s used. The car manufacturing industry needs to be more prepared than ever to manage these risks and have measures in place to protect workers.
The Pressure of Demand
According to the website driving electric, the UK is seeing an unprecedented rise in the number of electric car sales, with figures in March 2019 increasing 34.9% compared to 2018 figures. Demand is also rising, with new Kia and Hyundai models completely sold out for the whole of 2019.
The rocketing sales of electric cars will cause manufacturers to race to meet demand. But this cannot come at the expense of safety and is even more reason to invest in lifesaving equipment and proper training for manufacturing industry workers.
How We Can Help
All workplaces should have an automatic external defibrillator (AED) available to potentially save the life of someone undergoing cardiac arrest, especially in industries with substantial risks like manufacturing.
Take a look at which AED is right for you by checking our buyer’s guide. We can also offer members of staff training courses in CPR and using AEDs.
defibshop are committed to equipping everyone with the skills and knowledge to save a life. Speak to one of our Product Specialists on 0161 776 7422 or fill out our Contact Form.
