Every 99 minutes, a worker dies from a work-related injury.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) conducted an inquiry into 3,677 deaths over the past few years and found that 12.6% were likely machinery-related. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reports that there were more than 100,000 nonfatal workplace illnesses and injuries during the reporting period as well.

Clearly, machine safety is essential for companies to protect their workers, comply with OSHA rules, and mitigate liability. Can you afford to take a DIY approach, or do you need to hire machine safety specialists? Let’s look at the arguments.

The Case for Machine Safety Specialists

Machine safety specialists bring invaluable expertise to the table.

These professionals are experienced in industry standards, regulations, and best practices to maximize compliance and safety. Machine safety services can include:

Risk Assessment and Customization

Specialists can conduct a comprehensive risk assessment of your machinery and workplace with an independent and unbiased viewpoint. They can tailor safety solutions to the specific risks associated with your machines, whether it’s through safety guards, automation controls, emergency shut-off systems, or better machine controls.

Compliance and Legal Assurance

Even minor compliance violations not resulting in injury can produce financial penalties. OSHA tiers fines based on severity, with serious violations exceeding $16,000 and repeated violations tenfold.

Machine safety specialists are experts at ensuring your business meets all legal requirements, reducing the risk of violations and the potential for fines or shutdowns. This is especially critical in light of evolving standards.

Long-Term Cost Savings

While hiring a safety specialist might seem like an additional expense, it can save you money in the long run. Specialists help prevent costly accidents, legal issues, and equipment failure by ensuring proper safety protocols are in place.

Unplanned downtime due to machine failure or incidents costs industrial manufacturers an estimated
$50 billion a year. By minimizing downtime and damage to machinery, machine safety services contribute to a healthier bottom line.

Can I DIY Machine Safety?

For some businesses, especially smaller ones with limited budgets, the DIY approach to machine safety might seem like an attractive option. DIY safety could offer significant cost savings upfront, especially for companies with fewer machines or less complex operations.

Cost-Effectiveness

With DIY, you can implement safety measures without paying for a specialist’s services. This might be a practical option for businesses that are just starting or those with simple, low-risk machinery.

Availability of Resources

The internet is full of resources—online safety guides, instructional videos, and training materials—which can help guide the work. However, if you go this route, make sure you only use videos from manufacturers to avoid making mistakes.

Small Businesses

Small businesses with tight budgets may find that DIY machine safety is the best option. With fewer machines to maintain, they may be able to manage safety in-house without specialized support.

DIY or Machine Safety Services: Which Is Right for My Business?

Before choosing between a machine safety specialist and a DIY approach, there are a few key things you should consider.

Size and Complexity:

Larger businesses or those with complex machinery may require a specialist’s expertise to address the unique risks associated with their equipment. Smaller businesses with simpler operations may find that a DIY approach is sufficient.

Regulatory Requirements

 If your business operates in an industry with strict safety regulations, such as manufacturing or construction, a safety specialist can ensure compliance with industry-specific guidelines.

Resources and Expertise In-house

Evaluate whether your business has the internal resources or knowledge to implement safety measures effectively. If not, a specialist might be necessary to ensure that safety protocols are properly executed.

Risk Tolerance

If your operation involves high-risk machinery or processes, it’s better to invest in a safety expert to avoid potential accidents. Documentation from a machine safety specialist, demonstrating you took all of the necessary steps, may help mitigate your liability.

Warranties

If you are considering the DIY route, you’ll want to make sure this doesn’t void your equipment warranty. Some guidelines require maintenance or machine safety services to be conducted by qualified technicians.

Can a Hybrid Approach Work?

For most businesses, a hybrid approach is a common strategy. Work with a machine safety specialist to set up the essential safety protocols and systems. Once these systems are in place and running smoothly, your business could take over certain aspects of safety maintenance in-house, with periodic check-ins or audits from a safety expert.

This hybrid model allows you to strike a balance between cost-effectiveness and safety assurance. Specialists can provide initial guidance and expert advice, while your team can handle routine safety management tasks.

Always Prioritize Safety

Whichever option you choose, always prioritize safety to protect both your employees and your bottom line.

If you’re uncertain about the best approach for your business, connect with a machine safety specialist at Pacific Blue Engineering for a consultation.