Safety Guarding 101

Statistics from OSHA show that exposure to unguarded or inadequately guarded equipment results in approximately 800 fatalities and 18,000amputations, lacerations, abrasions, and rushing injuries every year.

There is no doubt that rotating machine parts can be a cause of severe workplace injuries, such as fractures, lacerations, burns, crushing, or even amputation, with hands being the most vulnerable and susceptible.

Machine guards are an essential part of your staff’s safety, and equipment's longevity. They protect employees from injuries by preventing them from contacting dangerous moving parts, such as gears and sprockets. Machine guards can also keep contaminants out of the machine and reduce damage caused by debris thrown off by the operation of the machine.

The mining industry can be a dangerous place to work. In fact, according to Workplace Safety North Statistics, the injury rate for miners each year is 5% in North America. Even non-fatal injuries in this field can leave workers with serious long-term health problems that can impact their quality of life and keep them from returning to work.