Safety Devices for Manufacturing EquipmentEd HickmanBasic Occupational Safety and HealthEmbry Riddle Aeronautical UniversityMarch 8, 2014Working around heavy machinery and equipment is a part of daily life for many people around the world in many types of professions and industries. Machines such as forklifts, overhead cranes, conveyor belts, laser cutters and almost anything imaginable can cause damage or injury if not used properly. These machines are often extremely powerful and heavy, but above all they are absolutely unforgiving of human errors. The problem begins when we are familiar with a piece of equipment and unknowingly take safety for granted. When we become complacent, we expose ourselves to serious injury and even death. A person can use a machine for years until a disaster strikes. Equipment manufacturers have taken steps to guard against operator errors and complacency to help eliminate the dangers created when operating heavy machinery in the workplace. The design and implementation of safety features on heavy equipment have made workplaces in many industries much safer and significantly reduced the risks associated with using tools and machines that could cause serious harm . Safety guards prevent limbs and appendages from entering an area where they could be cut or mutilated, and also prevent flying debris and dust from being thrown at the operator. Safety switches, or deadman switches, require the operator to hold down a foot pedal or other type of switch to operate the machine, requiring the operator to maintain control of the machine 100% of the time during its operation. use, thereby eliminating the potential for distraction or loss of a... middle of paper ......fa laser from afar. The main thing in safety when using powerful equipment and machines is operator awareness. Most of the types of accidents discussed in this text are entirely preventable. Problems arise in the work environment when people are in a hurry and pressure is put on workers to complete work faster. Human error can result from drowsiness, distraction, fatigue, stress or repetitive motions. To reduce the factors contributing to human error, businesses and organizations must approach workplace safety from a holistic perspective. By reducing the number of overtime hours employees are allowed, providing training, safety breaks, and rotating work assignments, employers and managers can reduce the risks associated with operating heavy machinery and equipment. and increase the level of security to zero incidents..