Safe machines in Reichelsheim: No more injuries thanks to protective caps!

Safety standards in the industry have been being worked on for years. A current example of this is the Freudenberg Sealing Technologies company in Reichelsheim, which was recognized for its measures to improve occupational safety. The six computer-controlled lathes used there, each about five meters long, have implemented a number of new safety measures.

How on aug.dguv.de It was reported that security experts at the company have developed protective doors that can only be unlocked when the machines are completely at a standstill. Despite these precautions, there were approximately 20 injuries per year during cleaning and setup work. To counteract this risk, red covers for blades were introduced, which are now in successful use. Since introducing these protective caps, the company has seen a zero blade injury rate.

Safety culture and prevention measures

The team consisting of Felix Halter, Sergej Schmidt, Uwe Franzmathes and Goran Odobasic has used these measures to sustainably improve the safety culture in the company. For this, the company was awarded the “Occupational Safety WON!” Awarded by the BG RCI in 2024. In addition, accident statistics related to maintenance work have changed: although accidents are becoming less frequent, they are potentially more serious.

In accordance with the necessary mandatory safety precautions, employers must always operate their machines in accordance with occupational safety regulations. A central component of the security strategy is the risk assessment, which is essential for identifying and evaluating risks. However, there are challenges, such as inadequate protective measures that can lead to manipulation.

A comprehensive organization of work processes and qualified employees are urgently needed to make maintenance work safer, as shown on bghm.de is explained. The basis of occupational safety is the risk assessment, which can be made more difficult by a high degree of variability in the workplaces and possible hazards.

Maintenance personnel in particular are exposed to various risks that can come from both machines and other people. In order to reduce the number of accidents in maintenance, the consistent application of the 4-tier method is of great importance. This method goes hand in hand with the Five Rules of Electrical Safety and is a structured approach to reducing accidents.

To ensure a high level of safety, clear responsibilities and effective communication channels between operating and maintenance personnel are required. The central measures also include secure access controls in the work area and the use of suitable personal protective equipment (PPE).