The priority in the manufacturing sector is to maintain productivity levels as well as the quality of production output and regulation compliance. Staying healthy and avoiding illnesses is essential for workers. Employers need to provide their workers with the right facilities and appropriate personal protective equipment, ensuring their health and safety is taken care of.
The manufacturing workforce is often transient with varying lengths in tenure, which is influenced by work load and seasonal aspects. The common practice of shift work increases the risks of germs spreading. Although 71% of all absences in the manufacturing sector are minor absences (under 7 days) caused by illnesses such as the common cold, occupational skin disorders are also prevalent within manufacturing sites and account for 11.2% of all occupational diseases.