Safety Tip of the Week – Machine Guards

Machine Guards

Employee exposure to unguarded or inadequately guarded machines is prevalent in many workplaces. Consequently, workers who operate and maintain machinery suffer approximately 18,000 amputations, lacerations, crushing injuries to fingers and hands, burns, abrasions, blindness, and over 800 deaths per year. Amputation is one of the most severe and crippling types of injuries in the occupational workplace and often results in permanent disability or even death. This is why we should guard our machines to protect all employees from those dangers.

Follow these Precautions to Minimize the Risk When Using Unguarded Machinery:

• Before turning the machine on, check that guards are in place at all point where you could contact moving parts.

• Never start or operate a machine without guards in place.

• Never remove or disable a guard on an operating machine.

• Never adjust or remove a guard unless permission is given by your supervisor, or you are specifically trained, and the adjustment is considered a normal part of the job.

• If you see that the guard is defective, report it to your supervisor immediately.

• Dress safely – Do not wear loose clothing, neckties, watches, rings or other jewelry around mechanical equipment.

• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment such as safety glasses or face shield when necessary.

• Work in safety. Have a mature respect for machinery and for safeguards.

  Open the Door to Safety: Awareness is the Key!