General Guidelines For Industrial Machinery
When operating industrial machinery, there are many machine-specific rules and guidelines with which one must become familiar in order to be able to competently run any given apparatus. However, there are several general safety guidelines which should be kept in mind and used when operating almost any machine.
Maintenance
First, machine maintenance is not only important but imperative. Much like a car or truck, it is far simpler and cheaper to maintain small fixes and keep up with a machine's seemingly simple needs over the span of time than to overlook them for years until the machine finally breaks down in such a way that its repair becomes abominably expensive. Ignoring one too many small fixes can even lead to the machine's avoidable detriment and need for replacement. Although it may be considered a hassle, the small things count when it comes to machinery.
Planning
Next, plan each task ahead with care. Has there been sufficient space cleared (both horizontally and vertically) to use this machinery safely? Is there ample time for the job? Can your focus remain solely on this chore? Thinking ahead and working at an non-rushed pace saves time in the long run and is far safer than hurriedly blundering through a crowded warehouse.
Equipment
Retain in mind the need for safety equipment: hard hats, gloves, masks, and boots. The necessity of these items varies depending on the warehouse and the task at hand, but they should never be overlooked or ignored, even during seemingly menial jobs. Respect the need for these items, and do not gamble your safety or the safety of others by becoming careless about their usage. As time goes on, some warehouse workers come to trust themselves without the use of these items, but complacency in using them is dangerous and can cause safety hazards, increase accident counts, and threaten one's employment.
Awareness
Finally, always remember that warehouses may usually be predictable, but people are not. One can never control the actions of others, which is why a machine's operator must always be fully mentally present for the entire duration of any given job. For example, while using an overhead crane (bridge crane), the operator must have eyes not only on the load's path the entire time but also on the area surrounding the load, so as to watch for the sudden approach of other individuals or items which may cause a safety hazard or accident.
Always remain mindfully aware while operating machinery. Work safely!
