News & Trends

dillmeier-hero-1.jpg

Glass Cutting: Safety Guidelines Fabricators Should Follow

A recent article by Glass Magazine discusses safety guidelines for fabricators, which are especially important to remember during the glass-cutting process.
Published January 02, 2018

Glass Cutting- Safety Guidelines Fabricators Should FollowAll organizations have a responsibility to keep their employees safe from injury. This is particularly true for glass fabrication companies, as workers are tasked with handling materials and equipment, such as glass-cutting machines, that could potentially harm them if not used correctly and carefully. Consequently, establishing and reiterating safety guidelines is imperative. Otherwise, the company runs the risk of injuries on the job.

In a November 2017 article, glass industry news source Glass Magazine offers suggestions on how to prevent such incidents:

These recommendations include developing “a workplace safety committee," holding “safety meetings and trainings” on a regular basis, creating “reporting procedures for unsafe behaviors,” and establishing some type of “injury response program,” just in case someone does get hurt while working. The article also advises glass fabricators to pay close attention to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety standards and regulations, and ensure they’re following those rules.

The article continues by highlighting the importance of providing the necessary “personal protective equipment (PPE)” to each employee and visitor, as well. This includes hard hats, face shields, and jackets made of “cut-resistant” material that also safeguards the neck.

Remember, without the proper protection, there’s a greater chance a worker could get hurt. For example, if an employer is in the middle of the glass-cutting process and wasn’t given the right PPE, he or she may end up with a laceration. This could not only cause medical issues for the workers, but also halt glass production.

The Glass Magazine article also offers additional safety suggestions, in terms of handling actual glass products and equipment.

It points out that common injuries glass fabrication employees endure, even more so than cuts, are crush injuries. In some cases, these have been deadly.

“Fatal crush injuries can occur when an employee attempts to catch a tipping glass rack,” the article explains.

One key piece of advice glass fabricators should keep in mind is establishing designating loading and unloading areas. This way, there isn’t any confusion among workers. Further, employees should again be properly trained to handle glass products during every stage of the manufacturing process.

Understanding how to properly use all the machinery is another important safety protocol. The article talks about how “cross training employees on various pieces of equipment” would be extremely beneficial. This can also keep workers from getting distracted.

Following these guidelines, especially during the glass-cutting stage of a project, is essential to ensuring everyone is safe on the job. To read the Glass Magazine article, click here.


The Dillmeier Glass Company specializes in custom cut glass for commercial interiors. If you’re interested in learning more about our services, contact us today.

Create Stunning Glass Retail Displays - PDF Cover

FREE DOWNLOAD

Browse Dillmeier Glass’ Office Capabilities  PDF Guide

Learn more about what we can do to help you transform a corporate interior

 

Was this article helpful to you?Subscribe to our newsletter for free industry news and trends.

Leave a Comment

Recent Posts