Factors Influencing the Location of Industries

The factors that influence industrial location can be divided into two groups:
1. Geographical Factors
2. Non-geographical Factors

Geographical Factors
I. Availability of Raw Materials
Whether or not raw materials are available is an integral part of an
industrys location. This can involve a high cost of transportation of the
materials, and can even affect the productive value of the raw material
if it is perishable and cannot withstand long periods of travelling. On
the other hand, in industries where raw materials can come from a
wide range of areas, for example watchmaking, the location may
not be a very important factor.

II. Availability of Power

Industries generally depend on coal, oil, hydro-electricity as sources of
power. As a result, they would tend to be located close to that source
of power. For example, steel and iron industries are generally located
near coal mines and electro-chemical industries would be found near
sources of hydro-electric power. However, in recent times, piping oil
over great distances has become much easier and hydro-electricity has
become moe widely available, allowing for the decentralization of
some of these industries.

III. Availability of Labour

Large numbers of skilled workers are often needed to run industrial
plants, so companies would be attracted to urban areas where an
adequate supply of cheap labour can be obtained. Although there is
increased mechanization of plants, human labour is still needed for the
most part.

IV. Proximity to Markets

Industries can be found in close proximity to markets. This not only
reduces the cost of transport of the manufactured goods, it also allows
the consumer to get these products at a cheaper rate. It is important to
note that being near to a market can reduce the probability of goods
being damaged during transportation, especially if they are fragile.

V. Transport Facilities
 There are three main modes of transport: water, rail and road. Thus,
industries would tend to be located near a port or have easy access to
railway lines or roads.
VI. Availability of Water
Many industries, such as the iron and steel industry, as well as the
textile and chemical industries need large amount of water for them to
function properly and as such, are located near rivers, lakes or canals.

VII. Site
A large amount of flat land, with easy access to transport is required to
build an industrial plant. In recent times, industries have been formed
in rural areas because of lack of space in the city and high realty prices

VIII. Climate
Harsh climates, for example, those that are extremely cold, hot or dry,
are unsuitable for the development of industries. For instance, the
cotton industrial plants were built mainly in warm humid areas where
the chance of thread breakage was low. Nowadays there are artificial
humidifiers, but these increase the cost of production.

Non-Geographical Factors
I. Availablilty of Capital
Setting up and running an industrial plant requires large amounts of
capital. As a result, many industries can be found in large cities as
these are where capital can be obtained at low interest rates.

II. Government Policies

Government policies that are set up to combat regional imbalances,
to increase decentralization and reduce land, air and water pollution
can play a part in the location of the industry. Also, the government
offering subsidiaries for industries if they set up in certain places
can play a role in their location.
General Safety Requirements for Industries
1. Fall Protection
These are there to either prevent a worker from falling or safely stop a
worker who falls.
Eg. Guardrails, safety chains, hole covers.

2. Hazard Communication
This requires employers to classify information in the form of labels, data
sheets, training programs, etc. of any chemicals the company produces or
imports.

3. Scaffolding
Scaffolding should be able to support its own weight as well as 4 times the
maximum weight specified on it, without failing.

4. Respiratory Protection
In order to prevent occupational illness from inhaling chemical fumes, smoke,
etc. engineering control measures, such as enclosing the operation room(s),
ventilation, must be used.

5. Powered Industrial Trucks

All trucks should meet the designs required by the countrys national
standard for construction.

6. Lockout/ Tagout
There must be adequate control of any hazardous energy that is harmful to
employees that can be unexpectedly released during servicing and
maintenance of machinery.
 7. Ladders
Self-supporting ladders should be able to support 4 times the maximum load
intended, with exceptions.

8. Electrical, Wiring Methods

Any metal non-current carrying parts should be connected securely, to
provide electrical continuity and should be able to sustain any faults safely.

9. Machine Guarding
Machine guards are required to protect the operator of the machine from any
unexpected hazard.

10. Electrical, General Requirements

Electrical equipment should not have anything that could cause death or
serious injury to employees.