The importance of machine safety

Machinery safety is important for a number of reasons, including:

1. Protecting Workers: Machinery safety measures help protect workers from harm and injury caused by accidents and incidents related to machinery. This is especially important in industries where heavy equipment, tools, and machinery are used. Proper safety measures can help reduce the risk of injuries, such as amputations, crush injuries, burns, and electrocution.
2. Compliance with Regulations: In many countries, there are regulations and laws in place that require employers to ensure that their machinery is safe to use. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in legal consequences, including fines, penalties, and even criminal charges. For more information about Legislation & Standards in Canada, Europe, and the USA please visit our short information page.
3. Reducing Downtime: Accidents and incidents related to machinery can result in downtime for the equipment, which can be very costly as well. By implementing proper safety measures, businesses can reduce the risk of machinery downtime, as well as the cost of repairing and replacing damaged equipment.
4. Improving Productivity: In addition to reducing downtime, proper machinery safety measures can help improve productivity. When workers feel safe and confident using machinery, they are likely to work more efficiently, which can lead to increased productivity and profitability for the business.

Overall, machinery safety is important for protecting workers, complying with regulations, reducing downtime, improving productivity, and protecting the environment. By implementing proper safety measures, businesses can create a safer and more productive workplace for their employees, as well as reduce the risk of legal and financial consequences.

Machine Safety Statistics

Here are a few examples of statistics that highlight the importance of having a well-rounded safety concept for your machines.

1. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), approximately 2.78 million deaths occur each year as a result of occupational accidents or work-related diseases, with many of these deaths related to machinery accidents.
2. The United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reported that 5,333 workers were killed on the job in 2019, with many of these deaths related to machinery accidents.
3. The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) reported that machinery accidents are the second most common cause of fatal accidents in the European Union, accounting for 19% of fatal accidents.
4. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in the United States reported that, on average, there are 34,900 non-fatal amputation injuries each year in the United States, with many of these injuries related to machinery accidents.

These statistics demonstrate the significant impact that machinery accidents can have on workers and workplaces. Proper machinery safety measures can help reduce the risk of these accidents and improve workplace safety.

Our Process

At Wieland, we like to include the safety concept as early as possible in the machinery design stage, however, our comprehensive safety evaluations can be done at any point in the machine lifecycle or at any time it is required.

The services we offer include:

• Risk Assessments
• Safety Design
• LOTO Programs
• Validation
• Training and more!

For more information please see our Services page.