Needless to say, in case of medical devices, patient safety is of utmost importance. Hence, medical device manufacturing process regulatory compliance is vital to ensure the device is safe and will perform as intended. However, worker safety is an equally important aspect to focus on during the medical device manufacturing process. Similar to any other manufacturing industry, the medical device manufacturing industry is also associated with various hazards for workers. Most manufacturing industries are associated with safety hazards and risk of employee injury.  Moreover, workplace injuries caused by medical device manufacturing industry hazards will negatively impact the company. It will lead to the need to provide workers’ compensation and care costs as well as cause diminished productivity. Hence, all of this will add to the company’s cost burdens. In this blog, we have discussed the common hazards in medical device manufacturing industry.

Medical device companies should focus on reducing and preventing medical device manufacturing industry hazards. Furthermore, they should try to implement strategies to prioritize worker safety and improve worker health in the medical devices manufacturing environment. Additionally, these safety measures will lead to improved employee retention and recruitment. Hence, we have provided some tips on how to control and prevent hazards in medical device manufacturing industry.

6 frequents hazards in medical device manufacturing industry

Medical device manufacturing industry poses some further threats in addition to the omnipresent hazards of any manufacturing industry. Materials used in the medical device manufacturing process can be toxic. Additionally, the common hazards of any manufacturing environment, such as electrical accidents, risks of trips and falls, and hazards of working near industrial machinery, are also possible. Furthermore, there are hazards associated with working in extremely hot and cold manufacturing environment.

We have listed some common hazards in medical device manufacturing industry

1. Biohazard and exposure to pathogens: Medical device manufacturers are constantly at risk of exposure to biohazards. Also, they have high chances of exposure to pathogens, such as bacteria, yeasts, moulds, and viruses. Hence, they are constantly susceptible to diseases caused by pathogens. Furthermore, they work in enclosed areas and in close proximity to hazardous materials.
2. Chemical exposure: Various potentially dangerous chemicals are involved in medical device manufacturing. They can be hazardous when inhaled and cause injuries if in contact with the skin. Medical device manufacturing industry workers are constantly exposed to these chemicals.
3. Risk of electrocution:  Like any other industry, the medical manufacturing industry requires the use of various electrical equipment. This adds to already existing hazards in medical device manufacturing industry. Electrocution can cause serious issues, such as burns, internal organ damage, respiratory arrest, cardiac arrhythmias, and other long-term health issues.
4. Ergonomic hazards associated with working conditions: Workers are usually required to stand or bend over a table or assembly line for extended periods. Also, they are required to perform repetitive motions for long hours in a stretch. These ergonomic hazards can lead to long term chronic health issues. Medical device manufacturing industry workers can develop chronic back, neck, and joint pain. Also, they have increased chances of developing arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic pain-related conditions, and plantar fasciitis.
5. Constant exposure to loud noise: Most machines used in the medical device manufacturing industry produce very loud noise. Prolonged and constant exposure to loud noise will cause long-term hearing damage, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and increased anxiety issues.
6. Mechanical hazards associated with industrial machinery: Machines, such as CNC machines, injection moulding machines, sheet metal fabricators, and printed circuit board assemblies are constantly used in medical device manufacturing industries. These machines constantly pose mechanical hazard threats to all workers. Personnel operating these machines are at the risk of accidentally coming in contact with moving parts and suffering crushing injuries.

Tips to control and prevent hazards in medical device manufacturing industry

A proactive approach is required to ensure worker safety. Identification of risks and implementing mitigative measures will minimize work place hazards, thereby improve worker safety. Furthermore, a vital step for avoiding medical device manufacturing industry hazards is awareness. Moreover, prioritizing worker safety will foster a sense of trust and loyalty among medical device manufacturing industry workers. By creating a culture of workplace safety, companies can create an engaging environment and enhance regulatory compliance.

We have listed some strategies to minimize hazards, protect employees, and maintain a safe and productive work environment

• Establish clear injury/accident reporting procedures: All manufacturing personnel and staff should be aware whom to contact in case of injuries or chances of accidents. A clear reporting procedure and transparent chain of command are vital for handling medical device manufacturing industry hazards. Moreover, OSHA and other industry guidelines require reporting of all workplace injuries. This will ensure all issues are addressed promptly before they escalate and cause severe damage or serious accidents.
• Provide sufficient training to all employees involved: All employees should receive in-depth training on correct equipment handling and usage. Ongoing hazard and safety refresher courses should be provided to ensure employees stay informed. It is vital they are aware of health and safety-related best practices.
• Encourage regular breaks: Employers should encourage medical device manufacturing industry workers to take regular breaks to reduce the risk of ergonomic injuries. Personnel should be provided sufficient opportunities to step away from their work, stretch, and relax.
• Provide personal protective equipment (PPE): Personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves and aprons, should be provided to all workers. Additionally, respirators that reduce risk of coming in contact with or inhaling harmful chemicals should also be provided. Moreover, the employees should receive training on how to wear the PPE correctly. Furthermore, they should be guided on appropriate footwear and clothing to reduce the risk of injury while operating the machinery.
• Provide easy access to a first aid kit: The first aid kit should be easily accessible and all employees should be aware where it is stored. Ideally, a defibrillator and eye wash stations should be placed at strategic points for emergency use. Employers need to ensure first aid is provided quickly in case of injury.

How to improve the health and safety of workers in medical device manufacturing environment?

1. Only authorized personnel should be allowed to perform the dangerous task with proper permits to minimize risks.
2. All hazardous chemicals should be appropriately labelled and stored as specified.
3. Periodic and predictive maintenance of machinery has a vital role in worker safety.
4. Encourage the use of appropriate PPE.
5. Periodic audits and inspection of the facility will help take timely action, thereby proactively address safety issues.
6. Workplace floors should be properly cleaned and be free of loose strings and wires that can cause someone to trip and fall.
7. A robust risk management strategy is required.
8. Preventive measures must be put in place to prevent a recurrence of any accident.
9. Robust equipment handling and hazard prevention training should be provided.
10. Proper documentation of all processes should be maintained.
11. Constant monitoring of workplace is required to identify any potential hazards. Thus, hazards can be caught early on before they lead to an accident.  

In this blog, we have summarised some common hazards in medical device manufacturing industry. Additionally, we have provided some tips on how to control and prevent these hazards. Designing and planning a medical device manufacturing facility per regulatory and industry guidelines is a tough task. Our comprehensive medical device manufacturing facility design service prioritises workplace safety and regulatory compliance. Call/Whatsapp on 9996859227 or drop an email at [email protected] to let us help you design your medical device manufacturing factory.