Quality Risk Management in Food Industry for Enhanced Hazard Identification and Improvement in Safety Management

Abstract

In the realm of the food production industry, 'food safety' is often synonymous with the protocols governing the processing of edibles. However, it extends beyond these procedures, encompassing the cultivation of a pervasive culture of workplace safety across all divisions in collaboration with the safety department, aimed at averting accidents. Regrettably, the occupational safety and health (OSH) concerns within the food industry have historically received less attention compared to sectors like manufacturing, transportation, mining, and construction. Startling statistics from diverse countries underscore the relative neglect of OSH issues within the food industry, even though they are fundamental to the well-being of its workforce. This study delves into the methodologies employed for imparting safety awareness to personnel within various divisions of the food production industry. With expert opinions underscoring those unsafe working conditions, rather than human negligence, are responsible for a substantial portion of industrial accidents, it is essential to address this critical aspect. Divisions such as human resources, research and development, production, and safety play pivotal roles in the food production landscape. The initial and pivotal step involves the identification of occupational hazards that might contribute to accidents and injuries. This identification process enables the industry to eliminate or mitigate these risks, ultimately paving the way for a secure and safe work environment for its workforce. In this light, this work offers a comprehensive overview of occupational risks, accompanied by practical recommendations for their reduction. It introduces an array of techniques, including the identification of the highest-risk tasks for the day and the implementation of integrated workplace activities, designed to enhance risk reduction by adhering to layers of protection and other control measures.