In this case, the purpose of guarding was defeated and scrap was not removed properly. Guards or fixed barriers may be attached to the frame, die, or base of a press to prevent the operator from the point of operation. Employers must provide one or more methods of machine guarding to protect operators 2. Designate a competent person to conduct frequent and regular site safety inspections. Regular inspections of the work site ensure that safety procedures are being followed.
Inspections demonstrate the employer's commitment to safety and prevention of injuries.
Scheduled and unscheduled inspections of the jobsite, materials, and equipment should be conducted to identify hazardous conditions. In this case, regular inspections would have shown the punch press guarding was not adequate. Develop, implement, and enforce a written safety program. The safety program should include task-specific safety procedures and employee training. In this case, the victim previously worked at the facility, therefore re-training was necessary.