| You can never be too careful in the workplace. In any factory setting or location where heavy machinery operates there is the very real risk of injury and malfunction. Managed by humans, sometimes mistakes can be made and oversights will happen. Regardless if it is by accident or careless actions, the consequences for not paying attention while on the job can be deadly. One of the most dangerous occupations of the work place is employee conveyor engagement. The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics has noted that well over fifty deaths take place a year as a result of conveyor negligence or mishap. Although conveyors can be great efficiency boosters and cost saving mechanisms, when implemented improperly they at times can do more harm then good. As workers compensation claims become more burdensome and insurance costs unfold at steeper rates, it is now more important then ever to take workplace safety seriously. By looking at some of the common safety rules and reviewing the more dangerous parts of the conveyor we might be able to establish a better fundamental understanding of how to cut down on workplace mishaps. Rules are not meant to be broken in the land of conveyor systems. One cautionary note that should not be forgotten is to make certain the machinery is turned off and disconnected prior to the performance of any maintenance. When the need to service your system arises, use only thoroughly trained personnel who are expert in what they are working on. This is not the place for trainees or the merely curious. Another simple but necessary precaution is to remove all loose objects from around the machine. This also includes things like hair, baggy clothing, jewelry or whatever to avoid any tangling with the machinery. Conveyors are not toys and should not be ridden, sat on, or leaned against. Treat them with the respect they deserve. Do not overload the conveyor or use it for anything but the job it is intended for. Only authorized employees should be allowed to run the system at all times. Before the system is turned on, ensure that safety guards and protectors have not been tampered with and any obstructions removed. Conveyors are complicated powerful pieces of machinery, so alertness is always required. Now we will look at some of the more hazardous facets of the modern marvel of machinery. The machinery in a conveyor system is exposed which brings concern to lots of areas. Some of the riskiest areas are the power transmission, the guard joints and transfer mechanisms. Others include the "squeeze" or "nip" joints. These terms refer to any conjunction of moving parts which may lead to breaks or alterations in the system and give rise to opportunities for items to stick or snag. Troublesome spots may occur anywhere things can spill, jam, pinch or shear. Blind spots and dead spaces are also worrisome. Common sense with awareness and caution remain the foundation of any good safety policy when working around open machinery of any type. Any part of the conveyor system that poses a potential risk should be marked with signage and clearly blocked off. No matter how your system is utilized, it is critical to take all measures you can to protect your employees who come in direct contact with the belts, drives and processes. Any employee misconduct must be reported to supervisors. This must be gotten across to all employees who are often reluctant to tattle on their fellows. Nothing, not a job relationship, or fear of creating hostile feelings, is worth an accident that could very well cause loss of life or limb. If you have anything to do with conveyors in your place of business, you must read all the safety manuals and directives you can that are related to your particular setup. Visit Wilkie Brothers Coveyors for more information on conveyors or to order Tsubaki Replacement Parts, Smooth Link Replacement Parts or any other related replacement parts.  | |||
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