Bakery Safety Hazards – How You Can Eliminate Them

 

 

Workplace safety tips for bakery owners – How to ensure a safe workplace

 

 

Health and safety hazards in a bakery.

The smell of warm baked bread can dull one’s senses, but this should not be the case when identifying hazards in the workplace.
The scourge of industrial blindness – you see something every day so eventually you don’t see it – can often cause these hazards to lose focus. They are worth a closer look and consistent control.

Awareness and vigilance can help you and your team beat the safety hazards you encounter in the bakery every day.

Spillages and slippery floors

Pan grease is a necessary additive, but any spillages can cause havoc with the ability of your staff to stay up right. Non-slip shoes are only going to help so much. The worst thing you can use in this environment would be shoe covers as this will make it even more slippery for staff and visitors. They are not recommended.

Look for areas where you may have leaks – on the dough dividers, pan spraying. Make sure there is controlled application and make sure maintenance staff are not over greasing moving parts.

Make sure the floor is a non-slip surface. Spills should be cleaned up right away and use the warning signs.

Safety around machinery

There are many moving parts especially in automated processes. Make sure there are machine guards in place to ensure staff cannot be struck or injured by moving parts. Display warning notices to remind operators and others of the dangers involved and provide training in safe systems of work during use and cleaning operations.

Moving heavy ingredients and supplies

Ingredient bags can be 25kgs or more. Lifting this all day long will cause severe muscle strain and possible injuries. You should ensure you provide trolleys, hoists and forklifts if possible.

Ovens and hot surfaces

The word bake is synonymous with heat. We can’t bake without our ovens. That is why we warn employees about hot surfaces. Handling hot trays, pans, or pots without proper protection can lead to burns. Provide oven gloves and warning signs to remind everyone including visitors and contractors who may be inside the bakery.

Flour dust

Flour dust exposure is a major problem in the bakery industry causing asthma and nose, throat and eye disorders. The handling of dough and other ingredients can cause dermatitis. Keep the dust levels down by minimal storage in production areas, providing adequate ventilation and enclosed mixing systems. Avoid dry brushing of floors and rather use vacuum cleaners. Don’t forget to provide the right kind of dust masks and gloves where necessary.

How to ensure a safe workplace

• Identify and Eliminate Potential Hazards …
• Make Sure All Workers Are Properly Trained. …
• Ensure Workers Have the Proper Equipment. …
• Provide Visual Safety Aids and Safety Training. …