- MESH was asked by M-real to undertake an independent risk assessment on a large semi-automated paper sheeting machine at its paper mill in Sittingbourne, Kent. The assessment involved reviewing the safety implications of staff working on this machine and the effectiveness of the extensive guarding systems in place. MESH reviewed the compliance of the guarding to the requirements of PUWER and provided feedback to management on where a number of improvements could be implemented.
- MESH worked with management of a large engineering workshop to review
the suitability of a range of engineering equipment being operated by
staff. This equipment included large drills, lathes, milling machines
etc, a range of lifting equipment and also a wide variety of hand tools.
The assessment identified that some guarding improvements were necessary and that some emergency stops needed to be updated in order to comply with legislation. Also noted was the need to increase the frequency of inspection and maintenance of equipment in order to ensure safety features were not compromised.
- MESH undertook a review of an engineering company’s workshop equipment and identified a number of non-compliance issues in relation to PUWER. We worked with the company to create an action plan to address the issues found. These included:
- Guarding improvements;
- Staff training;
- Inadequate stop controls;
- The need to implement a planned preventative maintenance system.
MESH staff have a wide experience of work equipment used across a wide
range of companies, from industrial to local authorities. Often in our
experience the issues not addressed are:
- A lack of competency and training - the PUWER regulations require that supervisors as well as staff using the equipment are trained to understand how to operate safely.
- A lack of inspection and maintenance - too often equipment is found with its safety features not working. Statutory inspections as required on lifting equipment under LOLER are often not carried out to the appropriate frequencies.
- Guarding missing or broken - the PUWER regulations require that contact with dangerous parts of machinery is prevented. Accidents have often occurred because a guard was removed previously and never replaced.
Contact us to discuss without obligation how Mesh can help you with PUWER risk assessments.
Alternatively, you may be interested in some examples of Health and Safety horror stories that demonstrate why it’s so important to fully consider the impacts of not receiving professional advice.
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