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Every year, thousands of workers are injured by machinery in factories.

This can be the result of poor training, lack of PPE or simply individual carelessness. However, it can also be due to a lack of safety features on your machinery. This is particularly likely to be the case if you are using old used machinery – safety standards have come a long way in the last few decades. Below are just a few safety features that your machinery should include in order to protect the wellbeing of you and your employees.

Fixed guards

It’s a good idea to not have any moving or extremely hot parts of a machine exposed, unless this is unavoidable. Fixed guards can act as barriers, preventing workers from accidentally touching or falling onto a dangerous part. Examples include circular saw blade guards, power press cage guards and laser machine covers (you can also buy tinted screens that can reduce eye damage caused by looking directly as lasers).

Emergency stop buttons

Being able to immediately stop a machine could save someone’s life if something goes wrong. Make sure that all machinery comes with an emergency stop button. This should ideally be a red mushroom head button that is not obstructed by any other equipment (avoid placing a table or boxes in front).

Safety door interlock switches

Safety door interlock switches are a popular type of safety hinge. When a door or lid is opened while a machine is in use, these hinges automatically cut the circuit, turning the machine off so that no injury is caused. Although employees should be trained not to open doors or lids of machinery that is still in use, this safety feature can serve as additional protection.

Safety light curtains

Safety light curtains consist of infrared light beams. When someone waves their hand through these beams, it triggers the machine behind it to immediately turn off. Such virtual barriers are useful for machines that cannot be constantly closed off with physical barriers, but still pose an injury risk.

Safety mats

Some factory floors can get very slippery as a result of oil or debris. Providing employees with the right footwear can help prevent slip and fall injuries, however safety mats can provide additional grip and may help reduce accidents. Anti-slip mats made from nitrile rubber are the most popular choice.

Warning signage

It can also be worth installing signage on machinery to warn operators of hazards. This could be something as simple as a yellow ‘Caution! Moving machinery’ sign. You could also consider installing instructional signage to remind workers how to use certain machinery. Of course, training should still be provided before workers operate such machinery – even if the machine seems fairly intuitive to use.

Conclusion

You may be able to buy or lease manufacturing machinery that already has these safety features fitted. In other cases, you may have to add them yourself (safety mats will usually not be provided with machinery). Inspect your current machinery and determine whether you think any new safety features could be added.

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