ACCIDENTS IN THE MECHANICAL WORKSHOP
INTRODUCTION
Accidents can happen any time—obviously they’re not intentional, and there are infinite possibilities for something to go wrong. You can avoid many accidents, however, by taking certain precautions to ensure that the most likely mishaps will not occur.
DEFINITION OF ACCIDENTS
Accident is an unfortunate incident that happens unexpectedly and unintentionally, typically resulting in damage or injury. It is an event that happens by chance or that is without apparent or deliberate cause.
TYPES OF MECHANICAL WORKSHOP ACCIDENTS
Slips, trips or falls
Just what it says on the tin – this type of accident occurs when there are tripping hazards on the workspace floor, which ordinarily occurs with an untidy or disorganised environment. Similarly, slips commonly happen when floors are wet, perhaps without a warning sign erected to warn those nearby of the increased risk.
Handling, lifting or carrying
Handling heavy objects without proper training can be a recipe for disaster, with workers suffering from an injury or in some cases long-term chronic neck, back and spine issues. Formal instruction on how to bend, lift and carry with minimum stress on the body can help here, or the introduction of equipment to reduce the need for doing the job manually.
Struck by moving object
This is a wide-ranging category that covers everything from objects coming loose from a higher surface, to vehicles striking workers or pedestrians.
Acts of violence
Some job roles require employees to regularly interact with the public and with this comes the danger that they will find themselves in a violent situation. Those in the retail industry or someone working as a security guard are just two examples where this type of risk is most prevalent.
Falls from Height
Another self-explanatory one. Falls from height are any instances where an employee is required to work from high places and is thus at risk of falling. ‘Height’ in this case is often categorised as anywhere above ground level and can lead to serious injury should the proper precautions not be put in place.
CAUSES OF MECHANICAL WORKSHOP ACCIDENTS
Lifting
It is so easy to injure yourself while lifting heavy objects. Eliminate back injuries and muscle strains by ensuring that everyone practices safe lifting procedures. It’s always best to recruit a helping hand or to use machinery to move large objects.
Lighting
Poor lighting can be a major cause of trips, falls, and other workplace injuries. If you can’t see the hazards, they’re much more likely to become serious problems. Every area in the workplace should be well lit, including offices, warehouses, parking areas, and outside entryways.
Violence
Hundreds of people die each year from workplace violence. Employees in conflict with one another tend to be especially unsafe when working together. OSHA has guidelines for violence prevention if you need help resolving these issues in your workplace.
Trips/Falls
Consistently one of the leading causes of workplace injuries, trips and falls continue to be a major problem. Slippery floors, improper footwear, rushing employees, and weather conditions all contribute to trip and fall hazards. Make sure all employees are well trained on the relevant safety information and verify that the physical conditions in the workplace are up to standards to lower the number of injuries in this category.
Another huge cause to trips and falls is a messy workspace. Good housekeeping is vital to making sure that each and every employee is safe from unexpected hazards on the floor and/or around the workspace. Mike Holmes lists this as one of the 9 signs that you have hired a bad contractor. You know if it made his lists it is a big issue — safety first.
Stress
Physical and mental stress are less commonly recognized workplace hazards, but they can cause serious or even fatal accidents. Employees must be in the right mindset and physically sound for the job. Communicate the importance of mental and physical health to all employees. It’s important to take breaks and seek help with managing stressful situations
Fatigue
As mentioned before, it is imperative that employees show up to work physically prepared. A lack of adequate sleep can cause exhaustion, inattention, and accidents. Even a well-rested employee can grow fatigued while on the job, so it’s necessary to take breaks at regular intervals or when needed.
Shortcuts
Employees should never take shortcuts on the jobs, especially when dealing with dangerous machinery or circumventing safety procedures. The regulations are in place to protect employees and to make sure everything is done correctly.
Overconfidence
Employees should be confident about what they’re doing, but overconfidence may diminish carefulness or attention. Overconfident employees are likely to ignore safety precautions and forego double checking their work. It’s important for them to understand that accidents can occur any time to anyone, no matter how skilled or experienced.
Poor Housekeeping
A messy workplace is a dangerous workplace. Objects and debris on the floors pose tripping hazards, wet or dirty floors can cause slips, cluttered surfaces can conceal sharp objects, poorly contained chemicals are an obvious hazard… you get the picture. Besides the dangers, good housekeeping sets a good example for other safety precautions as well.
Lack of Preparation
No one should ever be on the job without the proper knowledge, training, certifications, tools, or PPE. Preparedness on the job is one of the absolute best ways for employees to stay safe.
Mental Distractions
It’s easier said than done, but employees must try to leave personal matters at the door. Being distracted on the job is similar to being fatigued, stressed, or overconfident. Workers simply cannot perform their jobs to their full potential if their mind is elsewhere.
RECOMMENDATION
- One should not leave the machine ON even after the power is OFF and until it has stopped running completely.
- Operator should not talk to other industrial persons when he is operat ing a machine.
- One should not clean, adjust or repair any machine while it is running.
REFERENCES
Cox, S. & Cox, T. (1991) The structure of employee attitudes to safety – a European example Work and Stress, 5, 93 – 106.
“Benefits and costs: Leading health and safety at work”. www.hse.gov.uk.
estudiomma (2019-07-19). “Accidente de Trabajo in Itinere O No | Art”. abogados online.
“Pro Skier Dies During Film Shoot for Ubisoft’s New Game Steep”.
