30 May Conveyor System Safety
Improve Productivity by Prioritizing Safety
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With that said, a conveyor system is only as good as the people utilizing it. Without proper training on safety and usage, personnel working the conveyors are more subject to injuries which can cause major slow downs in the production line.
Know the Hazards
Pinch points and nip points that can cause direct injury to personnel
Improper ergonomics leading to back pains and strains
Poor product placement on or above/near the conveyor that can result in a product falling and injuring an employee
Overloading the conveyor which can cause machinery breakdown, overheating, or collapse
Unsafe maintenance
Preventing Injury
Conducting regular safety inspections
Safety inspections or audits should be done routinely to all equipment is in proper working condition. Contact us to schedule a safety audit today.
Guarding pinch points
Place guards on all pinch or nip points such as gears, chains, and more to protect personnel from painful lost-time injuries.
Training personnel on lock-out, tag-out
Train all employees on lock-out, tag-out practices to ensure safe maintenance of machinery.
Implementing proper ergonomics
Use proper lighting and implement an ergonomic work station by placing conveyors at a height that minimizes bending and reaching and allows personnel to maintain proper posture, invest in ergonomic floor mats for employees to stand on, etc.
Avoiding overload
Make all personnel aware of the conveyors maximum weight capacity to avoid overloading the machinery.
Removing loose items from personnel
Have personnel remove jewelry, tie back their hair, and wear tight clothing when working on a conveyor system to avoid loose items from getting caught in the moving conveyor or its parts.
Training workers on machinery shut down
All personnel should be trained on how to shut down equipment in case of emergency. Controls should be placed in an easily accessible location.
Using warning labels
Keep all warning and proper use labels in place and up to date at all times.
Prioritizing safety in the workplace ultimately increases the output of a warehouse or distribution center by minimizing lost time injuries and equipment downtime. If your facility uses conveyors or plans to use conveyors in the future, be sure to have all personnel properly trained on safe use so you can keep your products moving and your productivity on the rise.
