Objective:
Safety is of utmost importance in the workplace! For this assignment, you will identify, evaluate, and address workplace safety concerns within a manufacturing environment while assessing real-world safety risks and making practical recommendations for improvement using HR and OSHA principles.
Industry Context – Organization Overview:
Company Name: Precision Manufacturing Inc.
Industry: Automotive Parts Manufacturing
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Workforce Size: 220 employees across production, maintenance, and administration
Overview: Precision Manufacturing Inc. produces stamped metal and molded plastic components for the automotive industry. The facility operates 24/7 using high-speed presses, conveyor systems, forklifts, and chemical adhesives. While the company has a solid safety record, a recent internal audit identified multiple areas of concern.
Your Role:
You have been hired as an HR Safety Taskforce Lead tasked with reviewing safety protocols and drafting a safety improvement report for the HR and Safety Manager.
Assignment Instructions:
Part 1: Identify Key Safety Concerns (Research & Analysis)
Review the workplace environment and identify 3 major safety concerns. Choose from:
Machine guarding and lockout/tagout procedures
Forklift traffic and pedestrian safety
Chemical exposure (e.g., solvents, adhesives)
Ergonomic risks from repetitive tasks
PPE usage and enforcement
Noise exposure and hearing protection
Inadequate safety training
For each concern, explain:
Why it is a safety risk
The potential consequences if unaddressed
The OSHA regulation or standard it relates to (cite source)
Part 2: HR’s Role in Addressing Safety
Explain how HR professionals contribute to workplace safety beyond compliance (e.g., training, policy creation, safety committees, communication).
Part 3: Recommendations
Provide at least two actionable recommendations for each safety issue identified.
Consider cost-effective and practical solutions (e.g., signage, training modules, rotation schedules, equipment upgrades).
Discuss how these recommendations support a culture of safety and align with HR’s role in employee well-being.
Assignment Instructions:
Create a 7–10 Slide Narrated PowerPoint That Includes:
Title Slide
Include your name, course, and presentation title.
Introduction to Precision Manufacturing Inc.
Brief description of the company and its operations.
The importance of workplace safety in a manufacturing environment.
Safety Concern #1
Identify the issue (e.g., machine guarding, PPE compliance).
Explain why it is a risk and link to relevant OSHA regulation.
Safety Concern #2
Follow the same format as above.
Safety Concern #3
Follow the same format as above.
HR’s Role in Workplace Safety
Discuss how HR contributes to fostering a safe work environment (e.g., training, policies, reporting, employee communication).
Recommendations Slide
Present at least two practical recommendations for each safety concern (total of 6 suggestions).
Explain how these support a culture of safety and employee well-being.
Conclusion
Recap the importance of HR’s partnership with safety leadership.
Reinforce why these changes matter to both compliance and employee morale.
References Slide
Include any OSHA standards or supporting materials (use APA-style citations on this slide only).
Presentation Guidelines:
Narrate each slide using voiceover (Zoom recording or PowerPoint’s built-in recording feature).
Keep narration brief and conversational (approx. 5–7 minutes total).
Use visuals or bullet points; do not overload slides with text.
Due Date:
Submit your discussion by 11:59 pm EST/EDT on Sunday of Week 7.
Respond to your classmates’ submissions. What similarities and differences did you see? Any new insights?
REMEMBER TO KEEP TRACK OF YOUR HOURS SPENT ON THIS ASSIGNMENT. You will need to submit a weekly work log. Total hours at the end of this course needs to be 120 (keep that in mind as you progress through this course).
