Manufacturing Employee Handbook Template

Running a manufacturing facility means balancing productivity with strict safety requirements and quality standards. A manufacturing employee handbook helps you document machine safety procedures, OSHA compliance requirements, and the policies that protect your workers and products.

This guide covers everything you need to include in a manufacturing-specific handbook, plus a free template to get you started.

Why manufacturing facilities need a specialized handbook

Generic employee handbooks don't address the unique hazards and regulatory requirements of manufacturing environments. Your facility has specific needs that standard templates miss:

• Machine safety — Operating procedures, guarding, emergency stops
• Lockout/tagout — Energy isolation for maintenance and repairs
• OSHA compliance — Documentation requirements for multiple standards
• Quality control — Inspection procedures, defect reporting, traceability
• Hazardous materials — Chemical handling, SDS access, spill response
• Shift operations — 24/7 coverage, handoffs, overtime policies

A manufacturing-specific handbook addresses all of these while helping you avoid OSHA citations, workplace injuries, and quality failures.

Download the template

Get started with our free employee handbook template. It includes all the standard sections, which you can customize with manufacturing-specific policies.

This is our general template. Add the manufacturing-specific sections outlined below to make it complete for your facility. Need help? See our step-by-step handbook guide. Also check out our construction handbook template for additional OSHA safety content.

Key sections for manufacturing handbooks

Beyond standard handbook content, manufacturing facilities need these specialized sections:

Machine safety procedures

Machine-related injuries are among the most severe in manufacturing. Your handbook must document safe operating procedures:

General machine safety

• Only trained and authorized operators may use production equipment
• Never operate equipment with guards removed or bypassed
• Keep hands, clothing, and jewelry away from moving parts
• Know location and function of emergency stop buttons
• Report any equipment malfunction immediately — do not attempt repairs
• Never reach into operating equipment to clear jams

Machine-specific training

• Complete documented training before operating any equipment
• Follow machine-specific operating procedures (posted at each station)
• Understand all warning labels and safety signs
• Know the specific hazards for each machine you operate
• Refresher training required annually or after any incident

Pre-operation checks

• Inspect equipment before each shift
• Verify all guards are in place and functioning
• Check emergency stops work properly
• Ensure work area is clear of obstructions
• Report deficiencies before operating

Lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures

Lockout/tagout prevents injuries from unexpected equipment startup during maintenance. OSHA requires comprehensive LOTO programs:

When LOTO is required

• Servicing or maintenance where unexpected startup could cause injury
• Clearing jams or blockages
• Cleaning inside equipment
• Making adjustments with guards removed
• Any work in the danger zone of a machine

LOTO procedure steps

• Prepare: Identify all energy sources (electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical, thermal)
• Notify: Inform affected employees of the lockout
• Shutdown: Turn off equipment using normal operating controls
• Isolate: Disconnect all energy sources at isolation points
• Lock & Tag: Apply personal lock and tag to each isolation device
• Verify: Attempt to restart equipment to confirm energy isolation
• Release stored energy: Bleed lines, release springs, block suspended parts

LOTO removal

• Only the employee who applied a lock may remove it
• Verify all tools removed and guards replaced
• Ensure all personnel are clear of danger zone
• Remove locks in reverse order of application
• Notify affected employees before restarting

Quality control policies

Quality standards protect your products and customers. Document expectations clearly:

Inspection requirements

• First piece inspection at start of each production run
• In-process inspections at specified intervals
• Final inspection before release to shipping
• Use calibrated measuring equipment only
• Document all inspection results

Defect handling

• Stop production immediately if defect pattern detected
• Segregate suspect material in designated hold area
• Tag all nonconforming product clearly
• Notify supervisor and quality department
• Do not ship product on hold without quality release

Documentation

• Complete production records accurately and legibly
• Record lot numbers for traceability
• Document any deviations from standard process
• Maintain records per retention requirements

Template vs. digital handbook

Manufacturing employees work on the floor and may not have easy access to office computers. They need safety information accessible anywhere:

Frequently asked questions

What should be in a manufacturing employee handbook?

A manufacturing handbook should include machine safety procedures, lockout/tagout (LOTO) policies, PPE requirements, quality control standards, hazard communication, forklift operation rules, emergency procedures, shift scheduling policies, and production floor conduct expectations.

What OSHA requirements apply to manufacturing?

Manufacturing facilities must comply with OSHA standards including lockout/tagout (29 CFR 1910.147), machine guarding (29 CFR 1910.212), hazard communication (29 CFR 1910.1200), PPE (29 CFR 1910.132), forklift operation (29 CFR 1910.178), and emergency action plans. Documentation and training records are required.

What is lockout/tagout and why is it important?

Lockout/tagout (LOTO) is the process of isolating energy sources before servicing equipment to prevent accidental startup. OSHA requires written LOTO procedures for each machine, employee training, and annual inspections. Failure to follow LOTO is one of OSHA's most frequently cited violations.

Do manufacturing employees need forklift certification?

Yes, OSHA requires that all forklift operators be trained and evaluated before operating powered industrial trucks. Training must cover the specific type of forklift used and workplace conditions. Refresher training is required every three years or after an incident or observed unsafe operation.

How do I get production workers to acknowledge the handbook?

Have each employee sign an acknowledgement form confirming they've received and read the handbook. For safety-critical content like LOTO procedures, OSHA may specifically require documented training — keep these records for inspection.