Putting Safety First: Operating Augers and Conveyors Safely on Your Site
Workplace accidents are everyone’s worst nightmare. You can reduce the risks with a culture that prioritises safety and keep your team working efficiently around potential hazards. Follow these tips for a safe working environment that maximises productivity and safety at the same time.
The first step is to make sure everyone on your team has had the proper training, preferably delivered by a professional or an expert. You can minimise risks when everyone on the team knows how to operate the machinery and how to shut it down in an emergency. An increased knowledge of the auger or conveyors working can also help your staff make educated decisions when things aren’t working the way they should, resolving the issue without danger or shutting down operation for a longer fix.
Read the user manual cover to cover and keep referring back to it. It will tell you the recommended load and usage, so stick to that to prevent strain and unnecessary risks. Mark out some clear zones underneath and around the auger or conveyor to avoid accidental contact. If necessary, designate a ‘No-Hands’ zone to discourage your team from removing blockages without tools.
Regular maintenance will keep your site safe, so inspect for wear and tear, along with any changes to the environment your equipment is operating in. Address any problems in a short timeframe to stop them evolving into larger issues over time.
If you don’t already have one, start a log book of accidents or incidents involving your equipment. Don’t forget to enter any near-misses too, learn from every entry and it can help you improve your safety practices.
You may find you have questions about safety that aren’t covered the user manual. If that’s you, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team of Rotospiral experts, who are ready and waiting to advise you.