Due to the nature of certain jobs, there are some industries where workers are more likely to experience injuries. Construction, for instance, sees employees having to carry heavy loads and move around at great heights. In fact, falls from a height accounted for 49% of incidents resulting in employee injury in the construction industry in the last six years.
But whether or not some jobs are riskier than others, it is essential that all employers introduce first-class safety practices to keep their team as safe as possible. There must be health and safety checks carried out and the correct tools and procedures put in place to protect everyone.
So, how do you keep machinery safe? What type of measures do you need to introduce to make sure there is a reduced risk of injury or accidents?
Carry Out Risk Assessments
The first step is to do a risk assessment of all the machinery that is currently used within your business. Take a look at each machine in turn and look at the hazards that they could present. Some things to consider include:
· Is the machine appropriate for the task?
· How old is the machine?
· When was it last inspected by an engineer?
· Is there a risk of noise damage?
· What about debris?
Your risk assessment may reveal that you need to update your equipment or that you need to rethink where the machine is located. For instance, if a machine cuts wood, could debris pose a risk to workers? If so, you may want to move it to a spot where workers are less likely to come into contact with it.
Review Current Machinery
Once you have assessed the risks posed by the machinery you currently operate, you might find that you need to update your current setup. If you can afford to replace the machines, you’ll need to do your research to find an appropriate replacement.
Should you not have the funds to update the old equipment that you have, employees will need to be trained in how to operate it properly. In addition to that, each of these older machines will need to be properly stored.
Whatever the age of the machine, it’s important that you have the highest quality safety guards in place. These are designed to reduce accidents and injuries and are an investment for the business in the long run.
Budget for Protective Equipment
As well as safety guards, you’ll need to make sure your team is fitted out with protective equipment. Budget for safety goggles, ear defenders, and overalls to ensure that employees are covered up and kept safe.
Be sure to assess the type of protective wear your team needs. Is it worth investing in helmets? Will they need a robust pair of gloves? Like the machinery assessment you carried out earlier, you’ll need to look at the protective wear your team currently uses and stock up if necessary.
short url:
