Work Instruction Vocabulary for Manufacturing Workers

Almost every station on a factory floor has a work instruction sheet that must be followed step by step. If you don't understand the key words, the order of the work can get mixed up, or a step can get missed entirely. This vocabulary covers the terms you'll see constantly in work instructions and procedures.

Basic Work Instruction Words

• step
• procedure
• instruction
• task
• station

Example: "Read the instruction before you start the task."

Verbs for Following a Procedure

• follow — "Follow each step in order."
• check
• complete
• verify
• confirm
• repeat
• skip — usually seen as a warning, as in "Don't skip any step."

Sequencing Words

These words help explain the order of steps:

• first
• then
• next
• after that
• finally

Example sequence: "First, put on your gloves. Then, check the part. Next, tighten the bolt. Finally, confirm the work is complete."

Try the Quiz

This work instruction vocabulary will help you follow procedures correctly and safely. Try the short quiz below to check what stuck.