Power Press Safeguarding: A Human Factors Perspective

Abstract

This paper presents the results of research in mechanical power press safeguarding conducted during the period, 1964–1983. Over 4500 actual cases, involving operator injuries, were analyzed to determine the accident causation. 3300 cases were reported by the U.S. Department of Labor (OSHA) for the period, 1975–1983. 1200 cases were reported by the Swedish Office for Worker's Protection & Health. Causal factors, including safeguarding, press and control defect, and other factors were determined. Alternate safeguarding methods, based on Human Factors considerations, are presented to reduce, or eliminate, operator injury. The critical area of Man-Machine interface is emphasized as it relates to improving current methods of safeguarding operators in mechanical power presses.

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