It’s common for employees who work with machines to worry that they might suffer an injury. This isn’t out of the realm of possibility because of how often they might use the machinery for their job. It doesn’t matter the type of machine, its size or how it is used. Even the safest of machines and most safety-conscious employees can still suffer an accident that causes an injury.
One of the most important tips you can follow when trying to prevent an injury at work with machinery is to only use machines you have been trained to use. This will significantly reduce your chances of suffering an injury.
Always wear the recommended or required safety gear for the machinery you are using. This might include steel-tip boots, goggles, gloves, a hard hat and earplugs. Your employer will likely issue most of these items to you and you might have to put out for the rest.
Never interfere with machinery that is moving. This includes stationary machinery that has moving parts. You risk getting a limb stuck in the machine or getting run over by the machine, which can lead to tragedy.
Every piece of machinery you use on the job should have guards in place. Do not use a machine without a guard. The guards help protect workers from items or debris that might fly back at them.
It’s important for you and your co-workers, along with your employer, to utilize all safety procedures available when working with machinery. If you don’t, you risk suffering an injury that could significantly put you out of work for a prolonged period.
