Machines still kill

Citation

(2004), "Machines still kill", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 51 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/acmm.2004.12851cab.007

Machines still kill

Machines still kill

Keywords: Health and safety, Machines

Following the latest fatal accident at a large paper baler, the HSE has issued a warning to all industries of the dangers of clearing machinery blockages or carrying out running repairs without proper isolation procedures and/or interlocking.

“Machines still kill people”, said James Barrett, Head of HSE's Manufacturing Sector. “Our inspectors all too regularly investigate fatal accidents. One common feature is the failure to properly isolate and lock off power before carrying out work on machines. It is really so depressing when you know that simply locking off the power before you start work could save somebody's life.”

During the last 3 years over 40 people have died as a result of accidents in the manufacturing industry, and contact with moving machinery is the largest cause of death.

Barrett added “It's not as if the risks of moving machinery are new, people need to stop and think before they intervene on a machine. It is no good managers implementing a power isolation and lock off procedure and assuming employees will follow it. People need to be carefully trained in the procedure and supervised closely by a competent manager. Senior management must carry out regular checks to confirm the procedures are always followed. Anything less is just not good enough and people will continue to die”.