Safety in Bakeries - A Starting Point
Analysis of accidents in the bakery and flour confectionery industry has highlighted the following main types of risk and the preventative measures that may be taken to reduce them. They are by no means exhaustive and will vary depending on your own particular business. This is really just a starting point or guide.
Main Types of Risk : Slips, trips and falls
40% of major accidents are due to slips on wet floors or spillage of dough or other wet ingredients.
Uneven and obstructed floor surfaces also lead to tripping accidents. Many accidents occur when staff fall from a height, e.g. when loading/unloading vehicles, or when accessing stores.
Managing the Risk
· Provide slip resistant floor coverings.
· Introduce measures to avoid spillages and leakage, e.g. using secure storage bins or purchasing liquids in smaller containers.
· Ensure spillages are cleared up promptly and display warning signs when floors are wet or slippery.
· Keep production areas, stairs and passageways obstacle-free.
· Provide safety ladders or secure staircases to access goods at height.
· Train staff in their safe use. etc.
Main Types of Risk : Manual Handling
Handling heavy loads such as bags of flour or trolleys and trays result in injuries of the back and muscles.
Managing the Risk
· Supply mechanical aids e.g. trolleys, lifts etc. where practical.
Train staff in proper lifting techniques.
Type of Risk : Machinery
Bakeries contain many items of dangerous machinery where staff can come into contact with moving blades, conveyor belts and other traps leading to serious cutting and crushing injuries of the limbs. For example, dough brakes, pie and and tart machines, mixers, roll plant and dividers.
Managing the Risk
· Site equipment on a secure base with adequate space around it.
· Ensure operators cannot be accidentally bumped/distracted.
· Maintain equipment in good condition.
· Ensure dangerous parts are adequately guarded, that interlocks are working and that machines can be readily isolated.
· Display warning notices to remind operators and others of the dangers involved.
· Provide training in safe systems of work during use and cleaning operations.
Type of Risk : Hazardous Substances
Some chemicals used for cleaning can be harmful.
Managing the Risk
· Keep chemicals in original containers and train staff in their correct use.
· Provide protective equipment, e.g. gloves as necessary.
Main Types of Risk : Burns and Scalds
Hot ingredients such as syrups can cause burns and scalds, as can other heated surfaces and objects, e.g. trays, ovens etc.
Managing the Risk
· Provide suitable oven gloves for handling trays etc.
· Devise safe systems for heating and handling hot liquids, e.g. avoid carrying about work area.
Type of Risk : Health Problems
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.
Managing the Risk
· Identify all sources of dust and control exposure where possible at all stages of production, e.g. minimal storage in production areas, adequate ventilation, enclosed mixing systems etc.
· Avoid dry brushing of floors etc. Use vacuum cleaners or wet cleaning methods.
· Provide suitable protective equipment, e.g. face masks/gloves where necessary.
The National Association of Master Bakers, (21 BladockStreet, Ware, Hertfordshire, SE12 9OH) and The Federation of Bakers, 20 Bedford Square, LONDON, WC13 3HF) also produce specific guidance for the bakery industry.
