Daily life brings us into contact with countless machines. From the moment we wake in the morning, we are engaging with various forms of machinery. The coffee maker and toaster we encounter every day are familiar fixtures to us, but they are also dangerous machines, when placed in the wrong hands. Our alarm clocks are not likely to cause harm, but heat generating appliances could burn the house down.
Cars, trucks, and motorcycles are perhaps our most often utilized pieces of machinery. And we share the roads with high volumes of drivers, each with unique perceptions of their own responsibilities as drivers. As these divergent approaches come together on roadways, accidents result from operator error.
Safe handling principles apply to machinery of all kinds, and are most effective when collective standards are shared by all operators. When the paradigm breaks down, and individuals start to freelance their safety approaches, problems are likely to arise.
Learn the Ropes Before taking the Wheel
Regardless of the function, size or construction of a machine, there is a best-practices standard in-place for its safe operation. Accident prevention and long-term safety relies on each operator’s ability to control machines without incident.
For small-scale domestic appliances, the path to operational efficiency starts with the owner’s manual issued at the time of purchase. While these materials are sometimes ignored by eager consumers, they should be reviewed for recommended safety protocols and maintenance requirements.
Even familiar machines may be outfitted with features or potential hazards unknown to the user, so owner’s manuals and other supporting documentation is a valuable resource for safe operation.
The same basic standards apply to progressively larger and more dangerous machines, which call for certain skills and fundamental understanding from operators. Gas powered domestic machines, like mowers, trimmers, snow removal devices, and power washers are each inherently dangerous when handled improperly. Operator error accounts for injuries and claims, when users jump in without the proper knowledge.
Instructions are not always clear, so prudent operators take extra steps to gather all the correct information. Consulting with professionals, and manufacturer representatives, fills in the blanks on machine operation. For vehicle operators, proper training and certification leads to licensure on a number of vehicle types.
Driving automobiles is not the same as driving buses, so whatever machine summons you, must be first mastered proficiently. Too often, drivers attempt maneuvers for which they are not prepared, causing accidents and injuries. Motorcycle use, for example, is safely achieved after many hours of instruction and riding practice in safe, controlled environments. Riders who take to the roads on powerful two-wheelers, without the proper training, are asking for trouble.
Clear-Headed Operators Safely Run Machines
Whatever dangers are inherently attached to various pieces of equipment, they are effectively mitigated by safe operation. Following established safety standards is essential, but operators must also maintain the proper state of mind to run machines without incident.
Agents that impair operators include substances like drugs and alcohol, but personal efficacy can also be impacted by lack of sleep and emotional distress. Impaired operators are slower to react, and easily distracted from following protocols. Motor vehicles, for example, require drivers tuned-in to their surroundings and prepared to react at a fraction of a moment’s notice. Even slightly slowed reactions are cause for significant damage to property and personal injury.
Inadequate rest has an intoxicating effect on drivers, who cause accidents when drowsy. Over the road truck drivers are subjected to limits on the amount of time they are allowed to spend on the road. The policies ensure that truckers are well rested when they get behind the wheel.
