Machinery Accidents Clock Up 7 Million Lost Days

Within UK workplaces during 2004 - 2005, seven million working days were lost due to injury, many of which were machine related.

Within UK workplaces during 2004 - 2005, seven million working days were lost due to injury, many of which were machine related.

The risks and hazards of machines at work are many, from trapping between rollers or cogs to entanglement or contact with moving and rotating parts that can cause injuries, such as cuts and abrasions.

In the majority of cases, organisations are given the second chance to rectify the cause of machinery related accidents.

In line with the Machinery Directive (98/37/EC), it is essential that those designing, manufacturing and operating machinery are aware of all the relevant health and safety issues surrounding machinery safety, said BSI.

Putting in place practical processes and procedures to reduce and eliminate the risks and hazards involved can help prevent the likelihood of accidents occurring in the future, added the organisation.

There is also an important need for the education of the workforce and management to generate a safety-first corporate culture.

With an understanding of responsibilities associated with machinery safety, compliance with company policy and statutory obligations can be fulfilled, added BSI.

The newly revised PD 5304:2005 'Guidance on safe use of machinery' is written by industry experts and with contributions and support from the Health and Safety Executive, BSI has just published the information.

PD 5304:2005 aims to promote a high standard of machinery safety by providing guidance which deals with issues ranging from selection of protective measures and safeguards, through to practical examples of guard design and their application.

In addition, the guidance can also be applied to machinery during its use to assist those persons with duties under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.

The information describes and illustrates a variety of protective measures.

It explains methods by which it is possible to assess which measures it is reasonable to adopt in particular circumstances.

It also helps to identify hazards and looks at aspects of machine design to eliminate or reduce risks.

In addition, it outlines maintenance and safe working practices and considers what needs to be done for installation of guards and protective devices.

It is intended for those who have responsibility directly, or indirectly, for use and refurbishment, upgrade or change of use of machinery, machinery guarding or protective devices.

It is also intended to be used by those concerned with the development and implementation of safe working practices.

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