HERALD L.

MASULA ME205-24409 ASSIGNMENT 1 02/03/2023

When workplace injuries occur, they present employers with a choice.

They can take a reactive approach, treat the worker’s injury and continue
business as usual, or they can use it as a learning experience to improve their
operation and prevent future injuries. The latter was chosen by Woods Hole
Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) in response to a workplace accident, and it
resulted in the creation of a thorough machine shop safety program to
proactively address the safety concerns that existed in its 25 machine shops.

The incident in question took place in 2015. A machinist suffered serious

hand lacerations while using a waterjet machine that cuts thick metal parts.
The worker underwent emergency surgery and stayed overnight in the hospital.
Investigation of the incident indicated that had the machinist’s hand been at a
somewhat different angle, it would have been amputated.

In response to the incident, OSHA cited WHOI with a serious violation

under 29 CFR 1910.212(s)(1) – General requirements for all machines. Its
investigation found that the water jet machine was “not properly guarded to
prevent workers from being injured by the water jet emanating from the
nozzle.”

Furthermore, the injured machinist violated the operating procedure for

the machine, which prohibits more than one user operating it at a time. When
the incident occurred, the machinist and another operator were using the
water jet machine, with one operator positioning the metal piece for cutting.

As a result of the OSHA citation, a pressure-sensing mat was installed in

front of the water jet machine and employees were trained on the proper
operating procedure. WHOI didn’t stop there, however, and used this incident
as an opportunity to improve its operation through a comprehensive machine
shop safety program.

Source: https://www.assp.org/news-and-articles/machine-shop-safety-
learning-from-incidents-to-improve-safety-performance