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Importance of Risk Rating in Machine Safety

To qualify as an engineer who performs health and safety reviews, an individual must have expertise in a specific field of engineering along with Canadian codes and standards. However, for companies that utilize machinery as part of their operations, an engineer requires even more expertise. Specifically, they need to know the right way to conduct machine guarding assessments.

What Are Machine Guards?

When installed correctly on machines with moving parts, machine guards protect workers from serious injury or worse. Industrial machine guarding isn’t merely an option; rather, it’s mandated by Canadian Standards. First, companies need to install and maintain guards as mandated. Second, they need to educate their workers to reduce risks significantly.

Professional Machine Safety Risk Assessment

To stay compliant, businesses must have professional assessments performed by qualified engineers. These engineers have expertise that allows them to perform health and safety reviews and assessments.

In their line of work, engineers give different machines a risk rating. From there, they can perform a machine safety risk assessment. That entails looking at all possible dangers, not only from the machines but also in the way they’re operated. Although engineers are thorough with every assessment, they must be particularly careful as risk levels increase.

By having machine guarding assessment performed, company managers accomplish multiple tasks, including the following:

  • Create and enhance hazard and risk awareness for companies and their employees.
  • Determine whether a company needs to have a control program in place for a particular hazard.
  • Identify anyone at risk within a company, including employed operators, contractors, and even workers who maintain and clean machines.
  • Review the number and types of previous injuries to prevent further risks.
  • Decide if existing control measures work or if a company needs something different.
  • Determine the most critical hazards and the control measures required.

When performing a machine safety risk assessment, an engineer will first visit the physical site of the business. That way, they can observe the location and study the different machines used.

Typically, engineers meet with stakeholders before doing their assessments. That allows them to discuss the plan and answer questions. They’ll determine if the company has industrial machine guarding where it’s required. If it’s missing, damaged, or improperly installed, engineers take a series of photographs.

Professional engineers also provide detailed information so that clients can purchase the right type of guards. That enhances safety and keeps the company compliant. In some instances, engineers suggest upgrading guards to meet the safety standards of CSA, OSHA, MSHA, and other agencies.

The Value of Machine Guarding Assessments

Not just any engineer can perform an industrial machine guarding assessment. Instead, this requires someone with training, education, and experience. Companies that hire engineers need to make their selections carefully. After all, an Engineer is liable for the statements in his/her report.

After completing a machine safety risk assessment, an engineer generates a detailed report. It includes both the findings as well as recommendations made. Companies should use these itemized reports as a guide for improving workplace safety practices.

A Trusted Source for Machine Guarding Assessments

To avoid compliance issues, contact S.A.F.E. Engineering, Inc. for a professional industrial machine guarding assessment. Our team of experts is always ready to provide professional assistance for your organization’s needs.

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