Working with machines

Working with machines

Estonia is known for its innovation and rapid technological development. At the same time, we do not pay enough attention to our work culture and safety. Almost one in four accidents at work is caused by machinery, tools and means of transport, and in practice such accidents could be prevented.

Statistics show that many accidents at work are actually caused by negligence, carelessness and absent-mindedness. It tends to be forgotten that the work equipment manufacturer has not provided protection devices in vain and the machines are being arbitrarily re-adjusted or modified. This creates suitable conditions for the occurrence of accidents at work. Loss of control of machinery, tools or means of transport can lead to very serious hazardous situations, resulting in an accident at work and, in the worst case, a fatal one.

Safety advice for workers who use machines, vehicles or tools in their work:

• Before starting work with a machine, make sure that the machine meets the safety requirements.
• Remember that any protective devices installed by the manufacturer must not be removed.
• Protective devices are installed for safety. Do not remove or modify them for faster and more convenient work. Time has shown that accidents at work occur sooner or later when protective devices are removed.
• As an employee, you have the right to receive substantive instruction and training.
• As a new or young employee, be especially attentive and careful – always ask for instructions when you have questions.
• If necessary, ask the employer for suitable personal protective equipment.
• Inform your employer of any defects in the machine, such as missing protective devices, operating failures and hazardous situations.

Safety advice for employers responsible for employees working with machinery:

• Make sure that the machines you use meet the safety requirements
• When purchasing a new machine, make sure it has a CE marking, a declaration of conformity and an instruction manual.
• Remember that protective devices installed by the manufacturer must not be removed – make sure that the employees also follow this rule.
• Many employees and employers think that protective devices interfere with fast and comfortable work. Time has shown that accidents at work occur sooner or later when protective devices are removed.
• Provide the employees with substantive instruction and training.
• Pay special attention to the work of new and young employees – the majority of accidents at work happen to them.
• Provide your employees with appropriate personal protective equipment if necessary.
• Encourage your employees to report any defects in the machine, such as missing protective devices, operating failures and hazardous situations.
• Systematically check your company's working environment, including the safety of the machines and the way employees work with the machines. The employer is responsible for creating a safe working environment.

Safety manual

Does a safety manual always have to be prepared for machines?

Answered by Rein Reisberg, Work Environment Consultant of the Labour Inspectorate:

The instruction and training of the employee must be provided by the employer. An employer must not allow an employee who does not have the necessary professional knowledge and skills and knowledge of occupational health and safety to take up employment. The way in which the employer ensures that the employee starting operation on a new machine has sufficient skills and knowledge depends on both the complexity of using the machine and the opportunities for training outside the company.

If the seller of the machine offers the user training in the use of the machine, it is reasonable to take advantage of this opportunity. Sellers do not have to provide such training, but many importers or manufacturers' representatives do so and this can be considered good practice. After all, the manufacturer's representatives know best how to use the machine without endangering the machine itself or its user.

However, in addition to the training received by the seller, the employer must also arrange instruction and training. The employer must draw up a safety manual, which will be accompanied by the manufacturer's user manual and, in this case, by the training provided by the seller. The safety instructions must state the requirements arising from the working environment in which the new machinery is to be installed. For example, forklifts or lifting equipment may be used in the same room. The safety instructions must contain instructions on how to reduce the risks to the worker on the machinery. In accordance with the safety instructions, the user of the machine must be instructed and the instruction registered in writing.

See also the topic page for instruction and training.