Industrial Equipment Accident Prevention
Industrial equipment is powerful and fast, which also means it is dangerous. Accidents unfortunately can and do happen at work sites. These can range from minor injuries to debilitating injuries to fatalities. It's crucial that workers study up on industrial equipment accident prevention. The right strategies can keep accidents from happening and make safety situations less severe.
Common Causes Of Industrial Equipment Accidents
Before you can work to prevent an industrial equipment accident, it helps to understand the common causes of safety situations.
First, a common issue is training deficiencies. Operators need to be properly trained in safe usage of the industrial equipment. The training should be thorough and comprehensive - and also refreshed every so often. If it's been a while since an operator had the safety training, it's likely time for a quick refresher.
Second, a lack of oversight and safety enforcement is a key issue. Make sure your workplace has clear safety policies and the oversight to enforce them.
Third, operator error is an issue. This can be anything from a reckless lack of focus to simply being too drowsy to properly focus. Operators should always be fully equipped for a safe experience, which means being fully rested, hydrated, fed, and so on.
Fourth, environmental issues can be problematic. Loud worksites can make it difficult to hear mechanical issues happening inside the industrial equipment. Blind corners or other issues of compromised visibility can pose a threat.
Finally, a lack of maintenance can trigger an accident. Industrial equipment needs regular maintenance to stay operational - and to operate safely. Overlooked maintenance issues can cause breakdowns or a safety threat.
Solution One: Check Worker Behavior
The first step is adjusting worker behavior to maximize a safe working situation. Every industrial equipment operator needs to be fully trained and ready for a safe experience. Repeat training as necessary and review key concepts regularly. Make sure workers take care of themselves by getting enough sleep and eating enough food, which helps them maintain the focus needed for a safe work day.
Solution Two: Check The Environment
It's not enough to have responsible operators. It's also important that the worksite is set up with safety in mind.
Here, visibility is key. Try to ensure that the work area is properly lit and that there are easy paths for industrial equipment movement. If the line of sight is blocked due to a high load, try slowly going in reverse and backing up to the destination. Or enlist the help of a spotter to guide you. For low visibility areas, such as corners, consider installing mirrors. You can even make separate aisles for foot traffic and industrial equipment traffic.
Another key strategy is trying to minimize damage should an accident occur. For example, add barriers around support columns and shelving units. If an accident happens, the damage won't be as bad.
If your workspace is an enclosed environment, be aware of the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning. Be mindful of your industrial equipment’s emissions and be sure the area is properly ventilated.
Solution Three: Check The Industrial Equipment
You need to be regularly inspecting your industrial equipment, which will help you catch problems early on. Look over everything from the hydraulic systems to the brakes to the transmission. If you notice any red flags, get them addressed as soon as possible. Waiting can result in other issues popping up and increase the odds of a safety situation.
Check the equipment’s owner's manual for its maintenance schedule. Keep up with the tasks to ensure the industrial equipment will be able to operate safely.
For more information or to shop for industrial equipment for sale, visit CCon Metals. Our expert staff is happy to answer questions and provide personalized suggestions. Reach out or stop by our dealership in Granite Falls, North Carolina. We also proudly serve those in Hickory and Lenoir, North Carolina.