Methods for preventing accidental exposure from hazardous energy and moving equipment

Abstract

This paper will present the issue of employee injuries and deaths from accidental exposure to hazardous energy and moving equipment. The paper will investigate the reasons why employees may perform unsafe acts, resulting in accidents and loss. Data and information will be obtained from the XYZ Company, and their experience with losses associated from employee contact with hazardous energy and moving machinery. A literature review will discuss several cases of workplace injuries and fatalities that occurred from contact with moving equipment and uncontrolled energy. The sources of hazardous energy will be identified, along with scenarios and case histories outlining circumstances when the serious accidents occurred. The paper will progress to present a series of preventive strategies for achieving worker compliance with safe practices and safe procedures, designed to minimize industrial accidents and the subsequent human and operational losses. The efficacy of OSHA and other regulatory involvement in efforts toward setting and meeting compliance standards will also be explored. Several of the instruments presented in the paper will be analyzed and evaluated for their effectiveness in preventing employee accidents and in reducing the XYZ Company’s overall risk. The preventive techniques measures will be tested and compared with the XYZ Company’s accident history, prior to the implementation of the corrective measures. The paper will conclude with recommendations provided for the XYZ Company to direct management and employee involvement in energy control and machine guarding. The objective will be to build and maintain a safe working environment along with fostering continuous improvements in safety and risk control. Data received from surveys and instruments utilized in the XYZ study can then be extrapolated and applied to other companies seeking to reduce accidents involving accidental exposure to moving and energized equipment. The goal will be to present sound, practical and proactive programs and tactics that can lead to safe work practices and working conditions. This will help improve the operational and financial effectiveness of organizations and their employees. The results will also work toward reaching regulatory compliance and teach employees to safely work with and around energized and moving equipment.