Importance Of Safety Devices For Manufacturing Equipment

Safety Devices for Manufacturing Equipment

Ed Hickman

Fundamental Occupational Safety and Health

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University

March 8 2014

Working around heavy machinery and equipment is part of everyday life for many people around the world in many different types of occupations and industries. Machines like forklifts, overhead cranes, conveyor belts, laser cutters, and almost anything else imaginable can cause harm or injury if not used properly. These machines are often extremely powerful and heavy, but most importantly they are totally unforgiving when it comes to human error. The problem starts when we get good at using a piece of equipment, and unknowingly take safety for granted. When we become complacent, we expose ourselves to serious injury or death. A person can use a piece of machinery for years until one day disaster strikes. Equipment manufacturers have taken steps to safeguard against operator error and complacency to help eliminate the dangers created when using heavy machinery in the workplace. The design and implementation of safety devices on heavy equipment has made many industries much safer places to work, and greatly reduced the risks associated with using tools and machines that have the ability to do great harm. Safety guards prevent limbs and appendages from entering an area where they could be cut off or mutilated, and also prevent flying debris and dust from being projected at the operator. Safety switches, or dead-man switches require an operator to hold down a pedal or other type of switch in order to use the machine, this forces the operator to maintain control of the machine 100% of the time while it is in use, eliminating the potential for distraction or loss of a...

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The bottom line in safety when using powerful equipment and machines is operator awareness. Most of the types of accidents discussed in this text are completely preventable. Problems arise in the work environment when people become rushed, and pressure is put on workers to complete the job faster. Human error can result from sleepiness, distraction, fatigue, stress, or repetitive motion. In order to reduce the contributing factors to human error, businesses and organizations need to approach workplace safety from a holistic perspective. By reducing the amount of overtime employees are allowed to work, conducting training and safety stand downs, and rotating work assignments, employers and managers can reduce the risks associated with operating heavy machinery and equipment and increase the safety level to zero incidents.