It’s Required for a Reason – 2/12/24

Safety E-Quick Tips

OWYN Safety Management Platform

It’s Required for a Reason

Machine guarding – it’s a critical safety measure that protects you from hazards created by points of operation, nip points, rotating parts, flying chips, and sparks.

Let me share a story with you. Years ago, a friend of mine who worked at a rubber shop told me about a program their facility implemented. Employees could relax for the rest of their shift if they met their individual quota for the day. It seemed like a fantastic benefit, right? But here’s the catch.

One employee, let’s call him Joe, had the system all figured out. He consistently met his quota early and enjoyed some downtime, reading the paper or simply doing nothing. It looked like the dream job we all desire, until that one fateful day.

As the workday neared its end, everyone prepared to leave, but Joe was nowhere to be found. Concerned colleagues searched high and low, even calling his home. He wasn’t there, but his car was in the parking lot.

It wasn’t until they returned to his work area, a distance away from the others, that they discovered what happened to Joe.

The roller at the end of Joe’s machine was still running, filled with the product they produced – conveyor belts for the coal industry. These belts were massive, measuring around 5 to 6 feet wide. Shutting down the roller, they noticed a distorted area in the roll. They had found Joe.

How did Joe manage to finish early every day? He had disconnected the safety device that slowed down the process but protected him from being pulled into the roll.

Joe’s choice to bypass machine guarding cost him his life.

This story highlights the critical importance of machine guarding. It’s not just a requirement; it’s a life-saving measure.

Machine guarding is in place to protect us from potential dangers and prevent accidents like the one Joe experienced.

Remember, when it comes to safety, shortcuts and compromises can have unimaginable consequences.

Stay safe, and never underestimate the power of following safety protocols.

Employee and Employer/Management QuickTip

The overall tip is the same for both employees and employers/management.  Never sacrifice safety to get your work done more quickly.  I have more than one true story where that didn’t work out very well.

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Thanks for Reading and Please – “Be Safe this Week”.