Most injuries involving machinery fall into three categories:

1. Caught in moving machinery – gears, levers, rollers, conveyors.
2. Injured by power sources – springs, hydraulic pressure, and electricity.
3. Falls from or bumping against machinery – usually caused by slippery or makeshift work surfaces.

Machine safety tips:

• Before working on any machine, turn it off and lockout its source of power.
• Do not lubricate running machinery unless remote lube points are provided, and the work can be done safely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Always use lockout procedures – do not assume that you can do your work quickly without anyone noticing the equipment is off. Someone could turn on the power without realizing you are in a dangerous position.
• Do not overlook sources of potential energy. Springs under tension or decompression, pressurized hydraulic systems, electrical batteries can all activate mechanical components without warning unless the power sources are isolated or neutralized.
• Make sure you are standing on a slip free work surface.
• Dress correctly for the job – no loose clothing or rings which can snag on equipment, wear eye protection including side shields to protect from dirt, oil, hydraulic fluid, flying objects, etc.