If you provide machine shop services, you might spend a lot of time looking for new business and trying to find the most cost-effective ways to run your shop. However, nothing is more important than shop safety and staying away from accidents and injuries reduces workman compensation claims and gives you a more efficient shop. Here are some tips to help you avoid common shop injuries.
Don’t Lift Heavy Loads by Yourself
Many machine shop services use containers like 55-gallon drums or need to cut down large sections of materials. It’s important to use the lifting tools you have available. For example, if a crane or hoist is not working, you shouldn’t try to grab a large and heavy drum and roll it to its destination. This is just inviting an injury. Instead, ask for assistance or use other equipment like lift trucks.
Keep Clutter Out of the Workplace
It’s important for machine shop services to have a “clean and organize as you go” work philosophy. For example, before starting another project or workpiece, one should make sure there are no metal shavings in the machine or on the floor. This not only helps to eliminate accidents, but it also limits problems with chip buildup that can seriously affect the quality of your work.
After a worker uses an extension cord, it should be wound up and put back in its place. This prevents many slip and fall accidents and electrical hazards caused by accidentally cutting a live extension cord.
Double-Check Electric Power When Setting Up Machines
When you change tools or make machine adjustments, always shut down the machine and make sure it has no power. Many accidents happen when workers are inside machinery, and it suddenly starts up. Don’t just turn off machinery. Make sure it has no power going to the control circuits as well as the equipment.
