Implementing effective machinery safety measures is crucial to protecting employees and the general public, helping to prevent incidents, injuries and costly disruptions. In this article, we explore eight essential tips for improving machinery safety with actionable steps you can adopt within your organisation.
Before starting any machine, operators should perform a detailed pre start check to ensure all components are safe and functioning correctly. This inspection will allow for any potential issues to be identified before the machine is operated, reducing the potential for incidents to occur and the need for costly repairs.
Tips to improve your machinery pre start inspections:
Regular risk assessments are critical for maintaining machinery safety, as they help to identify hazards, determine the level of risk they pose and evaluate the effectiveness of existing control measures. Failing to complete risk assessments regularly could degrade the safety of your machine, increasing the risk of incidents occurring and people being seriously injured or killed.
Tips for improving machinery risk assessments:
When a machinery hazard is identified, it is vital to control it effectively and promptly, as delaying corrective actions can lead to an increased risk of an incident occurring. Having a proactive approach to hazard control helps to ensure potential risks are mitigated before they can cause harm.
Tips for promptly and effectively controlling machinery hazards:
Legislation, regulations, standards and codes of practice related to machinery safety are continually evolving. Staying informed about the latest requirements is essential for both compliance and safety. Regularly review legislation and update your safety protocols to align with current regulations when required.
Tips for keeping up with requirements:
Ensuring machinery operators are adequately trained and competent can be a challenge, especially in large organisations. Implementing a systematic approach to training and competency assessment can help to ensure operators are receiving the education they need and processes are consistent.
Tips for systemising operator competency:
Continuous monitoring of hazards is essential for maintaining a safe work environment around machinery. Implement an ongoing monitoring program that allows for quick detection of potential risks to machinery safety, enabling prompt corrective actions.
Tips for continually monitoring machinery hazards:
Maintaining a document audit trail is crucial for tracking machinery safety measures and ensuring accountability. Detailed records of pre start checks, risk assessments, corrective actions and operator training provide valuable insights into the safety and compliance of your machinery fleet, ensuring you are ready for audit at a moment’s notice.
Tips for creating a document audit trail:
Leveraging digital tools and technologies can significantly enhance machinery safety. Digital solutions help to streamline safety processes, improve data accuracy and facilitate real-time communication and monitoring, boosting machinery safety in the workplace.
Tips for going digital with machinery safety:
You’ve come to the right place! Ideagen Plant Assessor has a suite of solutions to boost your machinery safety and compliance including free digital pre starts, machine-specific risk assessments with built-in legislative knowledge, maintenance and service scheduling and real-time reporting dashboards. For more information, simply contact us on 1300 728 852 or email us at info@assessor.com.au.
Disclaimer: This information is intended to provide general information on the subject matter. This is not intended as legal or expert advice for your specific situation. You should seek professional advice before acting or relying on the content of this information.
About the Author
Matthew Turner is Managing Director of Ideagen Plant Assessor. Matt has been a part of Ideagen Plant Assessor since 2008, having gained a deep understanding of workplace health and safety management and behavioural safety management through his extensive experience in the industrial, manufacturing and distribution industries. Read More.