A new short film addresses management responsibility in preventing the defeating of safeguards
The short film is aimed specifically at managers in companies where machines and systems are used and highlights the challenges of the topic in everyday production. The focus is on the responsibility and possibilities of managers to actively prevent defeating of safety-relevant devices.
Background: In companies where machines are used, employees are exposed to the dangers posed by the machines on a daily basis. Safeguards are intended to minimize these risks and protect employees from potential hazards. However, current figures show that protective devices are defeated on one in four machines. This leads repeatedly to serious accidents at work.
Challenges: If safeguards are not well adapted to work processes, they are perceived as a hindrance by employees and are often circumvented as a result. Many managers tolerate this approach if the work process can be accelerated as a result. Employees feel that this confirms their behavior, which massively increases their willingness to defeat protective equipment.
Company responsibility: Managers are responsible for ensuring that machines are operated safely by operators. Tampered machines pose a considerable risk of damage. Managers should therefore create a working environment in which problems with protective devices and solutions for safe operation can be discussed openly. The focus here is on the long-term safety of employees.
