Working with machinery and other heavy
equipment is one of the top causes of workplace injuries. Thousands of workers
each year suffer from amputations, lacerations, crushing injuries and
abrasions, and some of those injuries result in death.
Despite the potential for injury and
death, many workers still do not take machine hazards and machine guarding
seriously. Often, machine guards thought to interfere with production are
tampered with or removed by employees or unintentionally left off machines
after repair work is done. In situations like these, employees are
unnecessarily exposed to hazards that can severely injure or kill them.
What You
Can Do?
·
Be able to identify various machine guards and how they
protect you and your co-workers.
·
Understand your role. For example, if you are a machine
operator, it is your responsibility to know how guards work and how to keep
them in good working condition. If you repair or maintain machinery, it is your
responsibility to ensure the guard is securely back in place when your work is
complete.
·
Know who is permitted to remove a safeguard and under what
circumstances it is okay to remove it.
·
Contact your supervisor if a safeguard is damaged, missing,
provides inadequate protection or is itself a hazard.
·
Be aware of the disciplinary actions that you may face as a
result of tampering with or removing a safeguard, including not inspecting the
machine before using it or not following machine safety procedures.
·
Have a safety-first attitude toward machinery and respect the
work it does – as well as the injuries it can cause.
Make
Safety a Priority
Machine
guards are made for your protection, but your cooperation is needed to ensure
that they work properly. Always complete maintenance or repairs as scheduled,
ensure guards are in place before using any machine and let your supervisor
know if you see an unsafe working condition. Maintaining a safe work
environment is a team effort, so do your part to ensure the safety of you and
your co-workers.
