Worker's fingers crushed by machine
A worker suffered severe finger injuries when his co-worker was in the process of
commissioning (testing) a second-hand automatic packaging machine at a food
processing establishment. The accident happened when the worker was trying to pull out a packaging film stuck at the machine’s sealer head while the machine was in operation. His hand was crushed when the sealer head suddenly descended. Two of his fingers had to be amputated.
Recommendations
The use of machines, especially those with exposed moving parts, can cause severe hand
and finger injuries. To prevent similar accidents, consider the following measures:
• Machine guarding: Before carrying out machine commissioning work, conduct a
risk assessment to identify residual risks. Check that machines (used or new)
come with machine guards designed to effectively protect against exposed
moving parts. Confirm all safety devices (e.g. emergency stop button) are
working.
• Competent worker: Allow only trained, competent and authorised persons to
carry out machine commissioning.
• Safe Work Procedure (SWP): Obtain the SWP for machine commissioning.
Require workers to strictly follow the SWP and highlight the need to ensure risk
controls are in place before starting work.
• Hazard warning: Place warning signs to alert/remind machine users of the
hazard(s) present. Ensure the signs are clearly visible and easy to understand.
Communication: As part of the SWP, require the workers to inform each other
before turning on or restarting the machine. Workers who are not involved in
machine commissioning should not be allowed to go near the machine.
• Use of technology: Consider equipping the machine with presence detectors or
a safety interlock that can stop the machine once a person enters the hazard
zone or if any machine guard is removed while the machine is in operation.
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