An Employee Complained To His Manager About A Machine

An Employee Complained To His Manager In Reference To A Machine That H

An employee complained to his manager about a machine lacking proper guarding, with the blade fully exposed. The manager acknowledged that maintenance was aware but lacked the manpower to address the issue immediately, advising the employee to exercise caution and providing gloves. The employee later reported a near-miss where he almost injured his hand on the exposed blade. He emphasized that if not better addressed, someone could lose a finger or a hand.

In this situation, the manager must take immediate and effective corrective actions to prevent future injuries. Corrective actions are proactive measures implemented to eliminate hazards or reduce risks associated with unsafe conditions (Oakley, 2012). The first step involves stopping work on the affected machine until the hazard is controlled, ensuring no further risk to employees. The manager should prioritize repairing or installing proper guarding on the machine to fully cover the blade, thus eliminating the immediate hazard. A formal hazard correction plan should be developed, involving safety personnel, maintenance, and management to ensure timely and effective intervention.

Tracking the corrective actions is critical to verify that the hazard is addressed appropriately. This entails establishing a record-keeping system that logs the hazard identification, corrective actions taken, responsible personnel, and completion dates. Regular follow-up inspections should be scheduled to verify the status of the repair, ensuring completion and compliance with safety standards (Oakley, 2003). Using safety management software or checklists can streamline this process, providing transparency and accountability.

Hazard reduction strategies should focus on engineering controls, administrative controls, and safe work practices. Engineering controls, such as installing fixed guarding on the machine, are prioritized as they eliminate the hazard at its source (Oakley, 2012). Administrative controls include implementing work procedures that enforce lockout/tagout protocols and employee training on machine hazards. Personal protective equipment (PPE), like gloves, should supplement but not replace engineering controls, as they are only band-aid solutions.

The concept of hazard control precedence guides organizations to prioritize hazard elimination over other control methods. The hierarchy of controls recommends eliminating hazards when possible, followed by replacing hazards, engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE, in that order (Oakley, 2012). In this case, installing a permanent guard on the machine is the most effective means of eliminating the risk of contact with the blade.

The three-step process to implement corrective actions includes: 1) identifying the hazard, 2) implementing engineering controls to eliminate or reduce it, and 3) verifying the effectiveness of these controls through follow-up inspections. First, the hazard is identified via employee reports and safety audits. Second, engineering controls such as installing proper guarding are implemented promptly. Third, verification involves inspection and testing to ensure the controls remain effective and the hazard is eliminated.

To prevent recurrence, the organization should develop and enforce comprehensive hazard elimination procedures. This includes conducting regular safety audits, maintaining a proactive reporting system, and fostering a safety culture where employees feel empowered to report hazards without fear of reprisal. Training employees on hazard recognition and control measures also plays a vital role.

References

• Oakley, J. S. (2012). Accident investigation techniques: Basic theories, analytical methods, and applications (2nd ed.). Des Plaines, IL: American Society of Safety Engineers.
• Oakley, J. (2003). Accident investigation techniques: Basic theories, analytical methods, and applications. Des Plaines, IL: American Society of Safety Engineers.