Factory work exposes you to several different kinds of hazards. You have to be on guard at all times when working the different machinery to avoid injuries.
Your employer also should have multiple safeguards in place to ensure that the machines are safe and there is little chance of accidents. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, machinery-related injuries can range from abrasions to lost limbs and require various safety steps to fully protect you.
Anchoring
Machines or containers with which you work should be stable. This may require anchoring them to a structure of some type. The anchoring should prevent movement of any kind and lock the machine or container in place as you work with it.
Lockout procedures
Before you or anyone completes maintenance on equipment, there should be a lockout process. This process closes down the machine so that during maintenance, nobody can operate it by accident.
Machine guarding
Machine guarding provides you with direct protection against moving parts of the machine or other areas that could be hazardous. The guards should attach to the machine or to some stable spot so that they cannot move around.
Guards also should be at the point of operation, which is the area in which you work with the machine. These guards should prevent you from putting your body into the machine or getting too close to dangerous parts of the machine as you work.
Personal protective equipment
Your employer should provide you with the proper PPE for your work area. This might include eye, hearing and face protection. You may also require gloves and an apron for protection.