What do machining industry specialists place at the top of their professional priority lists? Workplace safety will always be at the number one spot. Creating a safer machine shop work environment both protects valued employees and saves companies money; as of 2017, penalties for serious violations of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety regulations range from $12,675 to $126,749 per violation. Below are just a few ways in which the workplace can be made safer.

Tips for a Safer Machining Workplace

Inspect Electrical Equipment

Regular inspections of machine shop electrical equipment can prevent malfunctions, blown circuits, and fires while machining. Look for frayed, loose, and exposed wiring, overheating parts, and insecure installation of permanent machinery. A certified electrician will do a complete and thorough inspection and keep your facility safe.    

Require Protective Equipment

When assigning workers to perform machine shop tasks such as drilling or precision grinding, provide them with safety equipment. Employees who wear protective clothing, head gear, safety glasses, and gloves reduce their risk of bodily injury and lost days at work.

Precision grinding and machining can create dust, vapor and other air contaminants. Face masks and respiratory devices protect workers from particles in the air that may cause skin irritation and breathing problems. Employees with facial hair should trim it so their respirators fit and function correctly.

Install Machine Guards

Executing machining tasks without installing safety guards on the equipment exposes workers to the possibility of numerous injuries, including cuts from moving parts and burns from flying sparks. Install machine guards as needed, check that existing guards are installed properly, and ensure that fixed machines are anchored securely to their working surfaces.

The machining experts at R. A. Heller Co. in Cincinnati, OH, take pride in producing top-quality work in a clean, safe machine shop environment. Visit them online now to learn more about precision grinding and the other services they offer. Call (513) 771-6100 to find out how you can benefit from their 70 years of experience.