726 Introduction to Machine Guarding

Program Management

The Machine Guarding Safety Program is designed to protect employees from machinery-related hazards by ensuring compliance with OSHA standards and fostering a culture of safety. It establishes clear guidelines for the implementation, use, and maintenance of machine guards to prevent workplace injuries and promote operational safety.

Program Elements

Below is a sample of a Machine Guarding Safety Program that includes the basic elements in a program.

Purpose Statement

The program aims to safeguard all employees at [Organization Name] by implementing effective machine guarding practices. Its goal is to do the following:

• Protect Employees: Prevents accidents and injuries that can cause pain, disability, or even death.
• Ensure Compliance: Meets legal and regulatory requirements for workplace safety.
• Maintain Productivity: Reduces downtime caused by accidents and repairs.
• Promote Safety Culture: Encourages safe work habits and responsibility among employees.
• Reduce Costs: Lowers expenses related to medical treatment, workers’ compensation, and legal fees.

Example: This program aims to safeguard all employees at [Organization Name] by implementing effective machine guarding practices. Its goal is to prevent injuries and ensure operational safety, tailored specifically to our organization's location, equipment, and operational needs.

Policy Statement

Policy Statement

A policy statement is a formal declaration that sets the rules and expectations for workplace safety, specifically regarding the use of machine safeguards. It defines the commitment of an organization to protect workers from hazards associated with machinery.

The policy statement is important because it:

• Mandates the use of safeguards: It requires that all machines must have proper guards in place to protect workers from injury.
• Prohibits bypassing or removing guards: It clearly forbids any actions that remove or disable safety devices, which could put workers at risk.
• Outlines consequences for non-compliance: It explains the disciplinary actions or penalties for failing to follow the safety rules.
• Emphasizes a safe working environment: It reinforces the organization’s commitment to safety and encourages a culture where everyone takes responsibility for preventing accidents.

Having a clear and strong policy statement helps ensure that all employees understand the importance of machine safeguards and follow safety procedures consistently.

Example: All machinery must be equipped with appropriate safeguards, and these guards must never be bypassed, removed, or tampered with. Non-compliance with this policy will result in corrective actions, which may include disciplinary measures. This policy underscores our commitment to maintaining a safe working environment for all employees.

Application

This element discusses the Scope of Coverage of the program and should include:

• All company-owned machinery across all departments.
• All contractor-operated machinery used on company premises.
• Equipment in manufacturing floors, where production occurs.
• Machines in maintenance and repair areas.
• Temporary setups, such as equipment used for short-term projects or special jobs.

Example: This program applies to all company-owned and contractor-operated machinery, including equipment used on manufacturing floors, maintenance areas, and temporary or mobile setups. No machinery is exempt from these requirements.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.