Machine safety is a fundamental activity to safeguard the health and safety of workers, as well as to enhance the company’s productivity by reducing risks and costs.
One of the main advantages it offers is protecting workers from risks associated with machine use, thereby reducing the risk of serious or fatal injuries. By minimizing the incidence of malfunctions and accidents, it also reduces the costs associated with incidents, production interruptions, and potential sanctions.
Workplace incidents, besides causing physical harm to the injured, can disrupt production, resulting in losses of productivity and revenue. Machine safety has the dual benefit of helping to reduce risks for the operator and improving production continuity.
Machine safety can be achieved through a series of measures, including:
- Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): PPE is designed to protect workers from specific risks associated with a particular activity. For example, safety goggles protect the eyes from damage caused by splashes or shards.
- Use of Interlocking Devices: Interlocking devices prevent the startup or use of a machine until certain safety conditions are met. For instance, an interlocking device can prevent the startup of a machine if the access door is open.
- Use of Signaling Devices: Signaling devices alert workers to hazards associated with machine use. For example, a warning light can notify workers of an imminent danger.
- Training and Worker Education: Training workers on safety procedures can help reduce the risk of incidents.
It is evident, therefore, that machine safety is a crucial investment that brings numerous benefits, promoting both worker safety and company productivity.