Does Your Machine Guarding Training Program Make The Grade?
Employee exposure to unguarded or inadequately guarded machines is prevalent in many workplaces. Consequently, workers who operate and maintain machinery suffer approximately 18,000 amputations, lacerations, crushing injuries, abrasions and over 800 deaths per year. Answer the following questions to make certain you are taking the necessary steps to ensure that employees understand the importance of safety in all aspects of their work.
| YES ____ | NO____ | Is safety discussed with each person during the interview process? |
| YES ____ | NO____ | Is each interview candidate given a chance to express his/her attitudes on safety in the workplace? |
| YES ____ | NO____ | Are prior accidents/injuries or property damage in the workplace discussed with each candidate? |
| YES ____ | NO____ | As part of the reference review/interview, are potential employee’s attitudes and ability to work safely discussed with his/ her reference? |
| YES ____ | NO____ | Are machinery safety and work practices reviewed with each affected employee during new employee orientation? |
| YES ____ | NO____ | Is regular job site safety and health reviewed with new employees? Topics should include, but are not limited to: standard operating procedures for each machine to be used; machine guarding specifics for each machine or process being used; training regarding personal protective equipment; and how to report damage and/or malfunctions. |
| YES ____ | NO____ | Are employees briefed on appropriate housekeeping requirements for the work being done, including disposal, product storage and material handling methods? |
| YES ____ | NO____ | Are employees advised of the consequences of not following safety training and approved guidelines, and the steps involved toward termination? (Ensure your protection and the company’s by maintaining a signature sheet in each personnel folder.) |
| YES ____ | NO____ | Is annual training given as needed in those areas requiring it, or as new hazards are introduced into the workplace? |
| YES ____ | NO____ | Are workers trained in first aid procedures as well as location of first aid supplies? |
| YES ____ | NO____ | Are emergency notification numbers clearly posted and up to date for all areas? |
| YES ____ | NO____ | Is each employee briefed on reporting accidents/injuries and the required paperwork to be completed in a timely manner? |
[Checklist courtesy of Stephens Publishing Corporation, Dallas, TX.]
