Ensuring worker safety requires robust machine safety programs. These plans must adhere to OSHA regulations, incorporate clearly articulated procedures, and encompass comprehensive employee training on equipment operation. However, in our experience, these plans are often drafted once and then consigned to a dusty file cabinet. To remain effective, machine safety programs should be reviewed annually and updated whenever new equipment is introduced to ensure relevance and adequate employee protection for all machinery in use.
Machine Guarding
While machines are designed to reduce injuries, OSHA reports that "workers who operate and maintain machinery suffer approximately 18,000 amputations, lacerations, crushing injuries, abrasions, and over 800 deaths per year."
According to OSHA Area Director Ken Montgomery in Cincinnati, "Lack of adequate machine guarding remains one of OSHA’s most frequently cited hazards. Employers have a responsibility to continually review and update their procedures to ensure workers are protected on the job." Any machine part capable of causing injury must be properly guarded.
Types of Machine Guards
Fixed guards: permanently attached to the machine or tool, with no moving parts and cannot be adjusted while the machine is operational.
Interlocking guards: automatically shut off or disengage the power source when the guard is open or removed.
Adjustable guards: permanent but can be modified to accommodate different material sizes.
Self-adjusting guards: automatically adapt to the size of the material.
Other measures to protect employees include assessing machine placement, purchasing equipment with automated feeding and ejection mechanisms, and installing various safety aids.
OSHA has established machine guarding standards based on industry and type, available for reference here. As part of your machine safety program, review all equipment to ensure proper safeguards are in place and that employees are adequately trained to operate them.
Lockout/Tag Out Program
Machine guarding must be complemented by an effective energy control (lockout/tagout) program, a requirement by OSHA. The OSHA standard for The Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout), Title 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1910.147, outlines practices and procedures to disable machinery or equipment, preventing hazardous energy release during servicing and maintenance.
Common lockout/tagout devices include lockout devices that prevent machine startup and tagout devices that serve as warning signs.
The key to lockout/tagout success is developing and documenting a program as part of your overall machine safety plan. Remember, OSHA mandates annual review of your Lockout/Tagout program (OSHA Standard 1910.147(c)(6)(i)) to ensure compliance
Training
A machine safety program is only effective if properly executed. Your program should outline comprehensive training covering machine hazards, safeguard operation, lockout/tagout requirements, and protocol for damaged or missing safeguards.
At H&H Glass Machinery, we stay abreast of OSHA regulations to help you prioritize safety and productivity. From automated machinery like TigerStop to optimizing shop floor layouts, we aim to make your business safer and more efficient. Contact us to keep your business compliant and your workforce protected.
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