MACHINE OPERATOR 23 MACHINE OPERATOR 24 an entry-level position, allowing them to work their way up in a company. Becoming a machine operator is just the first step to becoming a plant manager one day. 4. Machine Operators Clean Their Machines Depending on the size of the food manufacturer a machine operator works at they may also be required to take apart and clean their manufacturing equipment. This is usually the case for places without dedicated sanitation teams. Food manufacturing plants must be cleaned frequently. For example, suppose a manufacturing plant deals with various allergens processed on the same equipment. In that case, it must be cleaned between each new allergen. A machine operator disassembles and tends to the machine to prepare for the allergen switchover. Cleaning involves washing all food contact surfaces and sanitizing the parts. Finally, before the change-over quality staff will inspect the items and ensure they were appropriately cleaned. 5. Machine Operators Work in Shifts Many manufacturing plants have continuous operations to keep up with customer demands, including days, nights, afternoons and weekends. Because working nights can be hard on employees, many manufacturing plants conduct shift work. Typically, shift work involves switching between different shifts every two weeks. Only after working at a company for a while does an individual stick to a specific set schedule. However, more and more food processing facilities are adopting alternative work schedules. Unfortunately, being a machine operator doesn’t allow for remote work but employers are creating more work-life balance options such as compressed workweeks (working 40 hours in 4 days). 6. Machine Operators Complete Documentation In addition to running machines, production operators also track various types of information. This might be done via the old-school method of pen and paper but it is becoming increasingly common they input information on tablets or other digital offerings. Production operators may be required to track times when machines were cleaned or what products were run on a particular day. This information must be tracked because it proves that a task was performed. For example, a plant manager may schedule 1000 units of product to be run in a day however, due to packaging problems, only 600 units were created. If not correctly reported, this would cause discrepancies, leading to problems. 7. Machine Operators Perform Quality Checks Quality Control Technicians aren’t the only role that checks for quality defects. Production operators evaluate the quality of a product as it proceeds through the production line by verifying product quality factors such as weight, colour, temperature and appearance as compared to product standards. Other examples of quality checks they perform are: • Checking that the product is in the correct packaging size • Confirming the correct best-before date is printed on the label • Ovens are cooking cookies at the correct temperature If they notice any issues, they raise their concerns with their lead hand, supervisor and quality assurance personnel. They are the first line of defence, so they must watch for potential defects. 8. Machine Operators Work Fast, Pay Attention to Details and Communicate Effectively Being a machine operator requires a range of skills. However, there are a few which are more essential than others. These skills include: • Ability to work at a fast pace – Manufacturing plants are fast-paced environments and at times this can feel overwhelming. Machine operators keep up in these environments because they are intimately familiar with their machines which allows them to keep up with the pace. • Attention to detail – It is necessary for machine operators to have an eye for detail because it ensures that operations run smoothly. If they ignore the details, products could be made incorrectly, packaged in the wrong packaging or made in an unsafe manner. However, there are also safe guards in place (like check-lists) that help reduce the chance at errors. • Good communication skills – An effective machine operator must communicate information clearly. Ineffective communication could lead to issues in the department, a shortage of supplies, a broken down machine, or even a workplace-related injury. Food Science Corner: What are Fats and Oils? Plant protein – What, Why, and How? Sai Kranthi Vanga, Ph.D, Project Specialist at Protein Industries Canada (Cereals Canada, 2023)
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