Conveyor belts and track systems can make work easier and improve productivity, but they are also the source of many common injuries in the workplace. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), each year an estimated 9,000 workers are injured, and 40 workers die in conveyor belt accidents. If you consider that many belts move at speeds up to 600 feet per minute, it’s easy to see how accidents can occur! Common injuries include finger lacerations, arm and hand amputations, burns, scrapes, and broken bones. Conveyor systems and tracks that are not properly covered are one of the main reasons these accidents happen.
Another common occurrence around conveyor belts happens when employees get their clothing caught in the moving belts. It’s easy for loose clothing, scarves, jewelry, and even hair to get trapped in conveyor belts. This can lead to injuries ranging from broken bones to near strangulation. These accidents can be prevented by paying more attention to the proper attire required by the workforce.
And this is far from a new phenomenon. Conveyor belts have been around since the start of the industrial revolution and accidents related to them. In fact, a quick Google search of conveyor belt safety brings out tens of thousands of items including this interesting “Be Careful 1969 Film” about conveyor belt safety and accidents, as well as more recent safety awareness videos like this.
Training Can Prevent Accidents
Training for employees working near conveyor systems should include not only information about proper, protective attire but also the correct procedures for working around moving systems. Care should be taken to train employees to properly load and unload products from conveyor systems and the caution necessary for avoiding falls or entrapment in the belts and tracks.
Adequate emergency conveyor belt training should also be a core part of an employee’s learning process. In the event the track or conveyor system malfunctions, there should be a protocol in place to cease operations before additional injuries result. If the system is not stopped in time, heavy items traveling on the conveyor belt or track system can fall on workers. So, it’s important to train workers on how to properly shut off machines, as well as how to safely repair the mechanisms to continue operations.
While there are many safety measures that should be taken when working around conveyor belts and tracks, there are three basic requirements that must be in place to ensure worker safety:
- Emergency stops: Any conveyor that is accessible to operators must be equipped with emergency stops or “e-stops.” Conveyors that are mounted more than eight feet above the working surface are not required to have e-stops.
- Guards: Accessible conveyors must have “guards” that prevent contact by a worker. Conveyors must also have guards or sideboards to help stop items from falling off the belt. Depending on the size and type of the conveyor or track system, barriers or enclosures may be necessary to prevent physical contact.
- Lockout/tagout: Whenever a conveyor is under repair or maintenance, it must be stopped with power sources “locked out and tagged out” to ensure that it cannot be accidently started. Service or maintenance should only be done by a fully trained, qualified professional.
Any industrial equipment, including conveyor belts and track systems can pose hazards to workers, but proper training and safety measures can significantly reduce accidents.
If you have been injured due to a conveyor belt or track system malfunction in your workplace, contact our legal team for a free consultation. You can contact us toll free at 855-614-4351 or use our online contact form for more information