Metal fabrication is the process of creating metal structures by cutting, assembling, grinding, and bending metal sheets. Various types of hand tools and machines are used during the metal fabrication process. These tools and machines are precision designed to offer desired results. Hence, it is important to take safety into consideration while working on metal fabrication projects.
Many injuries in the sheet metal fabrication industry is a result of carelessness. Severe injuries can occur due to improper handling of tool or machines or other reasons. These injuries can be easily controlled by adopting various safety measures. What are they? Read the post to find answers. It discusses four important safety tips that will help sheet metal fabrication shops to minimize injuries.
4 Important Safety Tips for Sheet Metal Fabrication Workshops
All sheet metal fabrication workshops must prefer safety over productivity when it comes to selection between the two. When these two goals are meticulously designed, and implemented, they perfectly complement each other. The following tips will help sheet metal fabrication workshops strike a balance between safety and productivity.
- Strict Adherence to OSHA Guidelines:
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the agency under the United States Department of Labor, which works towards assuring healthful and safe working conditions for men and women. For a business operating in the US, it is imperative to follow OSHA guidelines. These guidelines discuss various safety measures to be adopted by the employer to ensure the safety of its employees. Also, employees should be made aware of these guidelines to minimize injuries. Implementing safety measures will help a company to ensure an injury-free workplace, and build a reputation as an employee-centric company, and retain their professional certifications.
- Employee Training:
An employee should receive a proper training before they start working in a sheet metal fabrication workshop. It is important for an employer to ensure that the employees are well-trained and possess valid certifications required to perform their duties. For example, if an employee has an AWS D1.1 certification, he/she will have an in-depth understanding of using a welding machine, without getting injured as these employees are trained and tested in welding.
- Wear a Protective Equipment:
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is a term for equipment that is designed to protect the user against safety risks at the workplace. PPE can include items such as gloves, safety helmets, eye protection, safety harnesses, and safety footwear of various types. Metal sheet fabricators should always wear appropriate protective clothing to cut down the risk of injuries. Supervisors at the job site should ensure that adequate PPE is available for all workers. For example, there should be adequate gloves, goggles, shirts, and pants for employees. It is important that only quality equipment is used for the purpose. Also, employees must be taught about their right use.
- Proper Use of Tools:
Every employee should be taught the proper use of a sheet metal fabrication tool. This is because improper use of these tools may lead to severe injuries. It should be ensured that the tool, or the machine is in good working condition before an employee starts working with it. This can be easily done by launching a daily or regular inspection. Also, employees must be instructed to avoid wearing accessories or clothing that may get caught in the machine. All necessary guards and safety features of the equipment should be used, while working with them.
The above-mentioned tips will not only minimize workplace injuries but also improve the productivity of the fabrication shops. It is well said, a safe employee is an asset to any organization.