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Many companies use "lean manufacturing" procedures to streamline production by reducing wasted time and motion. Although these changes often show up in the bottom line as black, their long term repercussions on workplace safety – higher accident rates and workers comp premiums –could put a business back in the red. "Approximately 65% of workers compensation claims are for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)," says Chris Shulenberger, Technical Director for Ergonomics with Bureau Veritas North America Shulenberger. However, many employers might not make the connection between their lean manufacturing procedures and high rates of sprains and strains, overexertion injuries, and cumulative trauma MSDs among their employees. If you streamline your manufacturing, beware of these potential pitfalls that could turn "leaner" into just plain "meaner:" Excessive Overtime. Lean manufacturing depends on a smooth supply chain. When there are glitches, workers need to pick up the slack with increased production and longer hours, both of which contribute to MSDs. Hyper-efficiency. For some employers, the drive to improve employee productivity ignores human limitations. Removing the waste from jobs eliminates essential time for workers' bodies to restore themselves, which can reduce disabling MSDs. Working through pain. Some supervisors in lean manufacturing facilities are slow to respond to worker reports of fatigue, discomfort, and/or pain: the earliest symptoms of an MSD. In other cases, there’s "working through pain" culture which encourages employees, like high-performing athletes, to ignore early symptoms – which can easily lead to a MSD. Make sure that your workers report any MSD symptoms and supervisors know how to respond to these complaints. Micromanagement. Increasing the intensity of work reduces employees’ control about how they do their job – a proven risk factor for MSDs. Our risk management professionals would be happy to review the potential impact of your manufacturing procedures on workplace safety.

Cochrane & Company is pleased to provide a comprehensive general liability and property insurance policy. Backed by a company with an AM Best Rating A, XIV, the national program representing the firearms industry provides coverage for:

UPA is partnered with an A-rated carrier to bring you one of the most competitive markets for your manufacturing clients.

K&K Insurance offers a Product Liability Insurance Program developed for the sports, leisure and entertainment industry with emphasis on automobile, motorcycle, sports equipment, boat, trailer and amusement ride manufacturers. The program includes most support industries and other tough product liability classes.

K&K's Product Liability Program was developed for the sports, leisure and entertainment industry with emphasis on automobile, motorcycle, sports equipment, boat, and trailer manufacturers. The program includes most support industries and other tough product liability classes.

Did you know that 80% of the carbon monoxide in the atmosphere comes from motorized vehicles? Along with 55% of the nitrogen oxide pollution, riding a bike, however, contributes zero pollution.

American Lumber Underwriters (ALU) is a program administrator working nationally with independent agents to provide insurance solutions to meet the unique challenges of businesses involved in the manufacture of wood products and the retail/wholesale distribution of lumber, building materials and hardware supplies.