The need for higher safety in the food processing industry is paramount. Therefore it requires stringent requirements. Here is a lists of 10 common hazards in food processing.
Foodborne illnesses are food processing industry's most frequent and damaging hazards. Roughly 48 million people get sick from them annually. Preventing them is crucial, and that starts cross-contamination.
Microorganisms are another common food processing hazard. Bacteria alone is responsible for most foodborne outbreaks. Many of these exist near food sources in nature, so they can enter processing plants.
Some hazards pose significant risks. Such is the case with slips, trips, and falls. They caused 18% of all incidents resulting in days away from work in 2020, at a rate of 21.7 injuries per 1000 workers
Fire and combustion can be prevalent food processing hazards. Many plants work with flammable materials and combustible particles. Facilities with ovens or other cooking equipment contain flammable gases
Cuts and scrapes are other highly common food processing hazards. Many food processing workflows involve working with knives or other sharp objects, sharp edges on them present these risks.
73% of food companies actively use or are in the process of implementing automation in their facilities. But machinery introduces some risks of its own. They pose struck-by or caught-in-between risks
Workplace noise is an often overlooked but serious food processing hazard. Busy facilities with large machines generate considerable noise, making it difficult to spot and respond to other dangers.
Food processing workers may also encounter hazardous chemicals in their daily work. They may come into contact with chemical hazards from refrigerants, propellants, or similar compounds used in work equipment
Ergonomic risks seem less dramatic than dangerous chemicals, but they’re critical food processing hazards. Many operations involve repeated lifting and carrying motions, which can cause substantial damage
Many food processing plants use electrical equipment extensively and must manage electrical risks. These may not be as prevalent as other hazards, but they can cause severe injuries and deserve attention