Manufacturing Day 2020: Staying Safer in 2020

National Manufacturing Day 2020 is a day devoted to educating the public about manufacturing and manufacturers.

About the Manufacturing Sector

Manufacturing is the fourth largest industrial sector in the United States, currently employing about 15.6 million Americans, [1] representing aabout 11% of the gross domestic product. [2] The White House has declared manufacturing to be a national priority. [3] Manufacturing workers experience a higher percentage of nonfatal injuries and illnesses per capita than the US workforce as a whole. In 2017, the number of nonfatal injuries and illnesses within manufacturing was 4.26 million (12.5%). [4]

Manufacturing workplaces are evolving as quickly as technology changes, and employers and workers must adjust to maintain safe workplaces. Advanced manufacturing technologies, such as additive manufacturing and robotics, are changing the nature of work and are at the forefront of innovation and technical development. Many of these technologies have dedicated advanced manufacturing institutes, such as America Makes and Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing. These institutes represent a combined investment of both public and private sectors to push the envelope of technical capability and improve the position of American manufacturing. [5]

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s (NIOSH’s) Advanced Manufacturing Initiative and the highlighting of related technologies within the Future of Work Initiative represents the Institute’s own commitment to keeping safety apace with the rate of innovation within these fields. [6-7] For additive manufacturing facilities, NIOSH developed workplace resources to provide information to handle metal powders and thermoplastic filaments safely. [8-9] The NIOSH Center for Occupational Robotics Research investigates the far-reaching implications for safety and health, from ergonomics of exoskeletons to behaviors of autonomous systems. [10] NIOSH has also partnered with America Makes and Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing to ensure responsible development of these technologies. [11-12]

Challenges in Manufacturing During the COVID-19 Pandemic

In addition to the challenges that the fast pace of technological development poses, safe, modern manufacturing must also adapt to changing circumstances. 2020 has been full of extraordinary challenges for manufacturers, in no small part due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has forced manufacturers to rethink what makes and maintains a healthier workplace, while simultaneously managing to continue production of essentials including food, medicine, and equipment; and meeting new demands to handle the hazards related to COVID-19, including increased production of sanitizers, disinfectants, as well as personal protective equipment (PPE) of all kinds (particularly respirators).

Advanced manufacturing institutes have demonstrated how new technology can help adapt to meet sudden demand:

• In partnership with federal agencies, America Makes launched an effort to develop and share designs for PPE, such as face shields and respirators, and fast-track authorization for their emergency use. [13]
• Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing solicited proposals for projects to assist with the COVID-19 response as well. [14]

In this way, the fast pace of adaptation in the manufacturing environment helped meet sudden needs during this public health crisis.

How the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) Is Helping to Guide Manufacturing During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Each firm and facility might face different challenges in mitigating the risks of COVID-19. NIOSH and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration have worked together to develop guidance and key tools for manufacturers to identify and address COVID-19 hazards in the workplace. [15] The diversity of products and processes means that best practices in the manufacturing sector do not always translate directly between industries, workplaces, and even worksites. Information sharing remains crucial to allow companies that develop robust solutions to share them. To this end, the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) Manufacturing Sector Council dedicated a session of its May 2020 meeting specifically for its members to share COVID-19 response strategies. NORA is a partnership program that stimulates innovative research and improves workplace practices through 17 sector and cross-sector councils. These councils are groups of interested stakeholders that set occupational safety and health research priorities for the nation and help gather and disseminate information among themselves, with NIOSH, and with other audiences. The Manufacturing Sector Council specifically focuses on bringing together individuals and organizations within the manufacturing sector to form partnerships, share information, and disseminate solutions that work.

After the May 2020 meeting, the Manufacturing Sector Council launched a workgroup to combine and disseminate information to help manufacturers adapt to the challenges they are facing during the pandemic. With members including labor groups, academic institutions, and a wide variety of industries, the workgroup has a large array of expertise to draw on in problem solving. This allows manufacturers to develop ideas and communicate at the speed of business, which helps them better respond to immediate needs. This year, the Council also welcomed members from the National Association of Manufacturers. Interested public stakeholders, particularly manufacturers interested in joining the Manufacturing Sector Council should contact either the NORA Coordinator or the Council Co-chair.

The NIOSH Manufacturing Program Is Working to Address Challenges

In the past year, American workplaces have experienced many changes. The NIOSH Manufacturing Program works to address the challenges resulting from changing circumstances and technology. The Program created a dedicated steering committee to allow for more input from other experts across NIOSH. The Program will also host a seminar series to create opportunities for the Program, Council, and broader public to learn directly from manufacturers and researchers on a variety of related topics. Those who want to learn more should contact the Manufacturing Program Manager or Coordinators for additional information. NIOSH remains committed to the safety and health of manufacturing workers by providing guidance to address potential hazards within the constantly evolving workplace.

Gary A. Roth, MS, PhD, is a Health Scientist in the NIOSH Division of Science Integration.

Adrienne Eastlake, MS, RS/REHS, MT(ASCP), is an Industrial Hygienist in the NIOSH Division of Science Integration.

References

1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics [2020]. 2018 Annual Averages – Household Data – Tables from Employment and Earnings. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, United States Department of Labor. URL: https://www.bls.gov/cps/cps_aa2018.htm <accessed 13 Sep 2020>.
2. U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis [2020]. News Release: Gross Domestic Product by Industry: First Quarter 2020. Bureau of Economic Analysis, United States Department of Commerce. URL: https://www.bea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-07/gdpind120.pdf <accessed 10 Sep 2020>.
3. Vought RT, Droegemeier KK [2019]. Memorandum for the heads of executive departments and agencies: Fiscal Year 2021 Administration Research and Development Budget Priorities. Executive Office of the President: Washington, D.C.. URL: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/FY-21-RD-Budget-Priorities.pdf <accessed 10 Sep 2020>.
4. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics [2018]. Injuries, Illnesses, and Fatalities: TABLE 2. Numbers of nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses by industry and case types, 2017 [thousands]. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, United States Department of Labor. URL: https://www.bls.gov/iif/oshwc/osh/os/summ2_00_2017.htm <accessed 13 Sep 2020>.
5. Manufacturing USA [2020]. How We Work. Manufacturing USA. URL: https://www.manufacturingusa.com/pages/how-we-work <accessed 10 Sep 2020>.
6. NIOSH [2019]. Advanced Manufacturing Initiative. By Geraci, C., Novicki, E., and Reeves, K. Atlanta, GA: Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication 2019-137, https://doi.org/10.26616/NIOSHPUB2019137 <accessed 10 Sep 2020>.
7. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health [2019]. Future of Work Initiative. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Health and Human Services. URL: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/future-of-work/default.html <accessed 10 Sep 2020>.
8. NIOSH [2020]. 3D printing with metal powders: Health and safety questions to ask. By Glassford E, Dunn KL, Dunn KH, Hammond D, Tyrawski J. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2020-114, https://doi.org/10.26616/NIOSHPUB2020114 <accessed 10 Sep 2020>.
9. NIOSH [2020]. 3D printing with filaments: Health and safety questions to ask. By Glassford E, Dunn KL, Dunn KH, Hammond D, Tyrawski J. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2020-115, https://doi.org/10.26616/NIOSHPUB2020115 <accessed 10 Sep 2020>.
10. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health [2020]. Robotics. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Health and Human Services. URL: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/robotics/default.html <accessed 10 Sep 2020>.
11. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health [2020]. NIOSH Announces Partnership with America Makes. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Health and Human Services. URL: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/updates/upd-1-02-20.html <accessed 10 Sep 2020>.
12. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health [2019]. NIOSH Joins Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM). National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Health and Human Services. URL: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/updates/upd-04-08-19.html <accessed 10 Sep 2020>.
13. America Makes. Fighting COVID-19 with 3D Printing. America Makes, National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining. URL: https://www.americamakes.us/statement-on-covid-19/ <accessed 10 Sep 2020>.
14. Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing. [2020] Learn more and get involved with ARM’s efforts to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic. Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing. URL: https://arminstitute.org/covid-19/ <accessed 10 Sep 2020>.
15. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Occupational Safety and Health Administration [2020]. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Manufacturing Workers and Employers. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Health and Human Services. URL: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-manufacturing-workers-employers.html <accessed 23 Sep 2020>.