A common cause of injury in many industries stems from the use of heavy machinery. Machines fail unexpectedly, but steps can be taken to prevent this through maintenance, custom machine guarding, and routine inspections. Hazards include fingers caught while running heavy machinery, electrocution, hair caught in parts of the machine, and more. It is crucial to remember ways to prevent accidents when working with heavy machinery.
Wear Safety Gear
Always wear a complete set of safety gear and exercise caution every time you operate machinery. While it may seem like a hassle, remember that even the most basic equipment can help save your life. Examples include goggles, hard hats, back gear, earplugs, sharp-toed shoes, gloves, and much more. The type of safety gear you need may depend on your job and the machinery you’re using.
Knowledge and Proper Training
Because of the inherent risks of heavy machinery, operators will often be required to have some kind of license or certification that proves they are trained to operate their machine. Putting someone inexperienced in charge of operating heavy machinery typically leads to careless mistakes or uncertainty that can injure the user or their coworkers around them.
Maintaining Your Machinery
A well-maintained machine will be effective and safe during work hours. A well-oiled machine has a lesser possibility of failing and creating a hazard for anyone using it. Frequent inspection to ensure every part is working is one of the best ways to prevent accidents when working with heavy machinery.
Heavy Machinery Safety Practices
Heavy machines have moving parts that move in unison, and trying to interfere with any of the various components while the machine is in use is an extreme hazard. Not only do you place yourself at risk of debilitating injury, but you also run the risk of damaging the machinery.
Follow Risk Assessments
It is ideal to follow safety guidelines to avoid injury when using any machinery or equipment. Risk assessments help identify hazards in the area where you will use the equipment. This promotes greater self-awareness and helps you eliminate dangers to make it secure for machine installation.
Do Not Rush
When your facility starts getting busy, you may feel compelled to rush your work in order to meet deadlines. No matter how familiar you are with your machinery and its processes, rushing will always put you at risk of making mistakes and receiving injuries. Slow down, take your time, and ensure your safety first and foremost.
