Important features that keep employees safe

Objective To make employees aware of the important role played by machine guards in protecting workers from severe workplace injuries SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Background Moving machine parts have the potential to cause severe workplace injuries Crushed fingers or hands Amputations Burns Blindness SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Background Safeguards, like machine guards, are essential for protecting workers from these preventable injuries SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

OSHA guidelines Any machine part, function, or process that may cause injury must be safeguarded When the operation of a machine or accidental contact injures the operator or others in the vicinity, the hazards must be eliminated or controlled SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Safeguards are there to: Prevent dangerous contact Provide security Protect from falling objects (Bobcats, forklifts, etc.) Prevent flying debris from causing injury SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Mowers All mowers (walk-behinds, riders and push mowers) have a discharge chute to prevent rocks, sticks, grass clippings and other objects from being potentially projected injuring the operator, passersby or stationary objects SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

String trimmers and edgers String trimmers and edgers have a pre-installed circular guard that prevents debris from being projected sideways or upward Eye protection must be worn when using handheld equipment, but sometimes this is not enough protection SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

String trimmers and edgers If a shield on a string trimmer or edger is ever damaged or cracked, it needs to be replaced before it can be operated The operation of a string trimmer or edger that is lacking the circular shield is prohibited SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Blade grinders Blade grinding stations are equipped with guards for protection from flying sparks and chards/debris These guards should never be altered in any way SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Blade grinders Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that should be worn when sharpening blades: Face shield with eye protection under it Ear protection Gloves SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Review Any machine part, function, or process that may cause injury must be safeguarded SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Review Machine guards prevent dangerous contact, provide security, and offer protection from falling objects and flying debris SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Review Additional PPE, depending on the machine, may be needed to provide additional protection SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.