Industrial Hazard Assessment Case Study

Industrial Hazard Assessment Case Study: The plant is experiencing some difficulties with a clamping device on a holding fixture that keeps a metal part in position while it is fed into an automatic stamping machine. The clamp does not always allow the metal part to be fed into the machine properly aligned. The worker who was operating the machine had 32 years′ experience with this type of equipment. While attempting to make the necessary adjustments for smooth operation without shutting off the power, she had to reach into the machine. She placed her left hand between the feed-in-mechanism levers while her right hand positioned the misaligned part between the open clamps of the fixture. Unfortunately, the one-button activating control was located immediately to the left of the worker′s body, at hip level. The worker inadvertently depressed the button with her leg while reaching into the machine. The machine cycled – the feed mechanism slid forward while the fixture clamps closed. The worker had a portion of her left middle finger amputated. List the following: a. Unsafe acts b. Unsafe conditions c. Steps to be taken to prevent this situation from recurring. Hazards associated with working near or on machinery vary depending on the exact machine used but can include exposure to: moving parts (e.g., risk of injuries from entanglement, friction, abrasion, cutting, severing, shearing, stabbing, puncturing, impact, crushing, drawing-in or trapping, etc.) energy (e.g., electrical, electromagnetic, magnetic, etc.) heat or cold noise (e.g., stress, job content, work organization, cognitive factors, etc.) Because there are many different types of machines and processes, a risk assessment should be conducted for each machine or situation, and in some cases, before each use. It may be necessary to involve individuals with specialized or technical expertise (i.e., engineer, safety professional, manufacturer, etc).

Safety: Industrial Hazard Assessment Case Study

a. Unsafe Acts

Many people have suffered injuries while others have died in their workplace due to
accidents. In the Industrial Hazard case study under consideration, there are unsafe acts that
occur. The first unsafe act, in this case, is the decision of the worker to fix the machine, yet she
has no technical expertise. The moment she noted that the device was not in good condition, she
should have contacted an engineer. Another unsafe act in the case is the decision of the worker to
attempt to adjust the machine without shutting off the power. Besides, she did unsafe act by
advertently depressing the button with her leg as she tried to reach into the machine. The last
unsafe act is for the worker to trust her 32-year experience, yet the machine was in a
compromising condition. She failed to observe safety measures when operating a damaged
machine.

b. Unsafe Conditions

It is essential to ensure that devices are working correctly before using them. Machines in
unsafe conditions should not be powered on by workers without the approval and supervision of
an engineer. In the case study, the machine is in unsafe conditions. First, the clamping device is
not in a safe condition because it does not adjust automatically. Also, the clamp is in an unsafe
condition because it does not feed the metal part properly. The location of the button activating
control of the machine is unsafe because it is wrongly positioned.

c. Steps to be taken to prevent this Situation from Recurring
What has happened to the worker is painful and may affect her job. Mainly, about 80% of
accidents that occur in the workplace out of hazards can be prevented. The main problem is that
workers and other parties fail to take safety measures. Thus, the following steps can be taken to

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avoid the hazard from recurring. First, in case a machine is in an unsafe condition, it is essential
to ensure the power is off. The device should remain off until technical expert repairs the
machine to prevent recurrence of such hazard. Next, always sensitize worker to report abnormal
issues in the workplace to ensure safety measures are taken (Chang, 2016). The risk can also be
prevented by adhering to the CSA Standard Z432-16 that ensure machines are in a safe
condition. Safety of devices should be addressed by providing workers with detailed guidance of
design, installation, use, and maintenance.
In the case study, the machine under consideration is a piece of powered equipment.
Thus, other relevant steps can be taken to prevent a recurrence. First, understand the usage and
design of the machine. Secondly, it is essential to identify tasks performed by the device and
hazards associated with any misuse. Also, it is crucial to determine machine operators and the
frequency of using the machine (Chang, 2016). Besides, identify the materials used with the
device such as metalworking fluid, wood, steel metal or oil. Another fundamental procedure is to
estimate the risk of each hazard by using probability techniques and severity of incidents. Most
importantly, the recurrence of the accident can be prevented using protective measures to control
risk and danger through administrative control and protective devices. Overall, re-assess to
determine the level of new risk by repeating the process in case the risk has not been controlled.

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Reference

Chang, J. (2016). Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) E-book: Promotes a safe and healthy
working environment by providing information and advice about occupational health and
safety. National Safety.