Pedestal Grinders, OSHA, And You

I've got a similar, but slightly different take.........................it's called self responsibility. The shop foreman shares some responsibility, but depending on the size of the crew, there's no way that the company or the foreman can make sure that everyone is working within OSHA regulations. The workers themselves share the resonsibility........................we all know that there is a faster way to do something, and a safe way to do something. Many Most professionals take the faster way if no one is looking.

I've run 100 people on new construction, installing paint and glass over about 50 acres in different buildings. I had weekly safety meetings and they knew the rules. Did they follow them? They did if they knew I was in the area, otherwise, who knows? I doubt it.

As far as Uncle OSHA is concerned, if they're going to slap fines that large on companies.....................in cases like this, it should go directly to the man's family. If he was doing this against the rules, he was likely doing it to look out for the company's bottom line.

It was far more than just the grinder missing a few guards

Here's the one that shows the company didn't care about safety

Two other-than-serious record-keeping violations include failing to record work-related injuries that occurred in 2008 and 2009. Advantage Powder Coating faces total proposed penalties of $159,600.

the lack of care for the overhead lifting & rigging is further evidence

the workmans comp carrier, for APC undoubtedly paid the workers family [who probably sued besides]

having the occasional coffee break safety meeting is no substitute for inspecting & maintaining equipment.

when you allow that there is the right way & the fast way, you are not cultivating a culture of safety

construction sites are being drug kicking & screaming towards safe work practices as evidenced by the accident rates

safety is not optional

In a perfect world.

There's a good chance that fine will put the company under. I'm not excusing them, but everybody knows those guards get covered with crap and you can't see what you're doing. I'd be willing to bet that anyone here on CR4 that's used a bench grinder for any length of time, has been guilty of pushing those guards out of the way.

I mean, how often do the wheels explode? Not very.

In fact, I've always assumed those guards were for eye protection, not containing exploding grinding wheels.

most likely failure is having a part wedge between the tool rest & the stone, [the gap should be an 1/8 or less], fracturing the wheel

the incident may not have happened at that time

the grinder should be inspected before every use, it's nice to have clear signage highlighting the critical points

if you can't see through the shields you need to clean or replace them, but you're right they won't protect you if a 2"x10" wheel turning at 3000 rpm launches

I get it guards are a pain

wheels don't disintegrate very often...

I worked with a guy who had a 1" come apart, when he was dressing it

he had a lightening bolt shaped scar on his forehead

I always stand to the side when I'm able

I've had a cut off wheel explode while turning 10,000rpms on an angle grinder, (no guard).............................scary stuff.

Ever use one of those chainsaw motor with a cut off wheel saws?

if the wheel isn't disintegrating, you're lighting something or someone on fire

Nope..........................I don't have any desire to try one out either.

Ya sure, ya betcha. Just bankrupt the bastards; then the workers can look for jobs elsewhere, including perhaps overseas, where conditions may be even less safe. Improved safety measures will be even harder to implement with $159,000 less money.

That'll show 'em.