Are Moncton companies worried more about added costs then the health and safety of workers or employees? Recently a workplace accident at a local Moncton business makes me wonder how companies are dealing with health and safety procedures to prevent injuries. It was brought to my attention through an email I received that a woman was working on a machine and did not lockout the machine. The employee used the emergency stop button but a fellow co-worker came over and turned the machine on and the woman’s arm got caught in the machine. She only ended up having a sore, bruised arm but it could have been worse. Companies are responsible that safe work practices are being followed and applied to protect both the company and the worker. Under no circumstance should a business tell workers or imply that lockout tags don’t need to be used for worry of extra costs in production in downtime. I don’t know how long it takes you to put a lock on but to put it on and take it off lets say 10-15 seconds to lockout the machine. Every job should be done in the safest manner to prevent workplace injuries. Lockout tags should be used when any work is being done on machines period.
Lockout tags and procedures are set in place at many business’s to prevent injuries. The emergency stop button is not good enough when working on the machine. The term “emergency” says it all. This button or shut off should be used in case of emergencies where an employee would have to shut off the machine quickly. Lockout tags are to be used when any work is being done on a machine to eliminate any chance of injury due to the machine being started up. Lockout tags are designed so that the employee working on the machine locks it out and places the key in their pocket. Only the person who locks out the machine is allowed to remove it. This eliminates any chance of the machine suddenly starting up.
In many cases companies try and take shortcuts to eliminate downtime and increased costs in production but in all actuality they could be increasing costs when an employee becomes injured as a result of a workplace accident on the job. If it takes less then 5 seconds to lock it out, then lock it out! It’s not worth the chance especially working with machines where they could easily remove a hand, finger, arm or even take a life. The emergency button is not a full proof solution to prevent accidents at workplaces. This situation that was emailed to me would have been prevented if a lockout tag was used. If companies are worried about an extra few seconds is ridiculous. Safety first! Companies should think ahead of the time it will take to fill out accident reports, take pictures, investigate and additional costs for compensation of an injured employee. The extra few seconds it would have taken to lock out the machine would prevent this extra work and costs. Employees working at jobs where lockout tags are there, they should be used at all times when working on machines. I don’t know about you but my safety and well being is worth more then any job.
Lockout Tag - Do Not Operate - Proper Safety Protocol
I would advise any companies in Moncton or anywhere not currently following lock out procedures to start using them right away. It just makes sense and even if it’s going to create an additional minute or two to do this, it’s a cost of doing business. Two minutes is not going to break the bank and just might save your company a ton of money in the long run in case of a workplace injury. Work smart, work safe!
