Machine shops have various equipment that can lead to severe injuries for the machinists using them. It’s up to the employers to ensure that these hard-working men and women have a safe workplace.
Proper safety training is crucial for this industry. Regardless of what types of parts they’re making, machinists should remember a few tips to help them avoid injuries while they’re working. For example, all machinists should wear steel-toe shoes and properly fitted clothing.
1. Know your machines
Always know how to use the machines you’re working on. Even if you’re accustomed to a specific type of machine, there may be differences between the manufacturers. All employees should be trained entirely on the equipment they’re going to use, which is one area employers can’t skimp on. Even if they hire an experienced machinist they want to “hit the ground running,” they still need to ensure the machinist is wholly trained on their equipment before turning them loose in the machine shop.
2. Wear proper safety gear
The safety gear you need depends on your machine and the job you’re running. Simple jobs may require only safety goggles to protect the eyes from flying fragments. Other jobs might require wearing gloves, eye protection and a respirator. If you’re unsure what safety gear you should wear, it’s best to ask someone or wear everything you might need.
Any machinist who’s injured needs urgent medical attention. Trying to finish a shift before getting that care usually isn’t a good idea. Workers’ compensation coverage should take care of the medical expenses, and it may provide other benefits. Having someone familiar with workplace injuries on your side is beneficial.