G2 Oversees Risk Assessments at Portland-Based Foundry
Many large organizations, especially those in the manufacturing and production industries, have internal safety and health metrics that often exceed regulatory requirements. When a company’s corporate division ordered an environmental health and safety (EHS) audit to be performed at a foundry in Portland, G2 Consultants created and executed a series of safety risk assessments on their manufacturing operations, ensuring each task and operation at the facility were thoroughly evaluated.
Project
Recently, a foundry, which produces metal components for the construction and mining industries contacted G2 for assistance. The foundry was instructed by their corporate division to conduct safety risk assessments on manufacturing operations. With limited time to complete, they turned to G2 Consultants to create risk assessment documents for every single task and operation at the facility.
Not only are these safety risk assessments considered to be “best practice” by OSHA, they serve as practical educational tools for the workforce, since they require employees to break down each task performed, identify hazards, and determine what control measures are present or needed to keep them safe.
Performing Risk Assessments
G2 worked alongside foundry employees to execute and complete more than two hundred risk assessments for their casting and finishing operations. This process required numerous steps for each task, including:
- Observing each operation alongside a designated representative.
- Breaking down each process into step-by-step tasks.
- Documenting hazards and subsequent control measures for each task of the operation.
- Quantifying overall risks based on likelihood of occurrence and severity of the outcome.
For example, in a melt and pour operation, G2 observed the task of melting metal in an induction furnace. Then, they identified several potential hazards to employees conducting this operation, and determined there was extreme risk associated with the task, given the exposure to extreme heat, the potential of getting burned when working with molten metal and sparks, and the high noise level. G2 then provided suggestions for comprehensive control measures, to mitigate risks and maintain operators’ safety. These included developing policies for requiring workers to rotate from hot to cool tasks, and to wear a specific set of personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.
Recommendations
Due to the large number of safety risk assessments that were conducted, G2 provided the foundry many customized recommendations. In situations where there were not adequate control measures in place to address the hazards present, they flagged these situations as “high priority” so that the client could address it quickly.
Result
Due to G2’s thorough review of the manufacturing processes, the foundry has implemented a number of new protocols at the facility, to ensure that employees can operate safely and efficiently. They are confident they will pass their upcoming audit.
About Us
G2 Consultants is a Northwest US based firm with nationwide capabilities. We provide full-service safety, industrial hygiene, occupational health, and environmental health consulting to public, private, and governmental sector clients. Our expertise covers regulatory compliance consulting, risk assessment, health hazard evaluations, waste management, and indoor air quality evaluations. The G2 team boasts over 80 years combined experience in workplace assessments, mold, asbestos, lead, respirator fit testing, training, and indoor environmental quality consulting. We pride ourselves on taking a fresh and innovative approach to our work and delivering on time and on budget.
Contact us today to help make sure your company is in compliance. Our team, made up of accredited professionals with extensive experience, can provide the tools and opportunity you need to keep your employees and workplace safe.