Health and safety guards are essential components in ensuring the safety of workers in a factory environment. In New Zealand, injuries in the workplace are a significant concern. According to ACC, in the last year, there were 24,904 new work-related injury claims in the manufacturing sector alone.
These injuries can range from cuts and bruises to severe cases like amputations and crushing injuries, and can often be caused by interactions with machinery.
Factories are inherently filled with potential hazards. From moving machinery parts to high temperatures and electrical systems, the risks to workers are numerous. Some of the most common risks include:
Mechanical Hazards: These involve moving parts of machinery which can cause crushing, shearing, or entanglement.
Electrical Hazards: Faulty wiring or exposed electrical components can lead to shocks, burns, or even fatal electrocution.
Thermal Hazards: High temperatures from machinery or processes can cause burns or heat stress.
Chemical Hazards: Exposure to hazardous substances can lead to respiratory issues, skin irritation, or long-term health problems.
Without proper safeguards, these hazards can result in serious injuries or fatalities. Health and safety guards act as a physical barrier between workers and these risks, significantly reducing the likelihood of accidents.
Wildebees Engineering Safety Guards
We have decades of experience around mechanical equipment and can help you identify and isolate hazards with bespoke safety guards.
For more information on how Wildebees Engineering can assist with the installation and maintenance of health and safety guards at your facility, contact us today. Let's work together to create a safer, more efficient workplace.
Benefits of Installing Health & Safety Guards
The installation of health and safety guards offers numerous benefits, including:
Reduced Risk of Injury: By preventing access to dangerous parts of machinery, safety guards significantly reduce the risk of injury to workers.
Compliance with Regulations: Properly installed and maintained safety guards help ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, avoiding legal penalties.
Increased Productivity: A safe working environment boosts worker morale and productivity, as employees feel secure and valued.
Cost Savings: Reducing the incidence of workplace accidents lowers the costs associated with medical treatment, compensation claims, and lost productivity.
Types of Equipment Safety Guards
Fixed Guards: Permanent barriers that provide maximum protection and are ideal for preventing access to moving parts.
Interlocked Guards: These guards are connected to the machine's control system and automatically shut off the machine if the guard is opened or removed.
Adjustable Guards: Can be adjusted to accommodate different sizes of materials, ensuring safety while allowing flexibility in operations.
Self-Adjusting Guards: Automatically adjust to the size of the material being processed, providing continuous protection.
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