Healt and safety at work in universal milling machines; Risk assessment and site inspections

Machines have become an essential part of industrial businesses, especially after the industrial revolution, with the influence of advancing science and technology leading to the production of machines of different types and models, making their use widespread and present in almost every business. This increase in mechanization has led to an increase in work accidents and occupational diseases. Risk assessment activities have gained importance in order to prevent and reduce this increase to acceptable levels. In this study, the milling machine, which is one of the most commonly used machines in the industrial sector in our country, has been selected. The universal milling machine, which is preferred in industry due to its two-way processing feature, has been chosen among the types of milling machines. The Fine-Kinney method has been chosen as the risk assessment method. The Konya province has been chosen as the study area, and three different machine manufacturing factories have been visited, and the opinions of employees regarding the machines have been obtained. In addition, the opinions of 15 occupational safety experts have been obtained through a risk and hazard identification form, and the risks that may arise have been identified by examining news sources related to previous work accidents. All data obtained have been combined, and risk assessment has been conducted, and risk scores have been calculated using the Fine-Kinney method. Risk levels have been determined based on risk scores. Measures to be taken have been specified, and risk scores have been recalculated and reviewed. As a result, a total of 37 risks have been identified, and 24 of these risks have been determined as very high and high risks. It has been found that there are deficiencies in the professional competence and training of personnel working on universal milling machines. Recommendations have been made within the scope of laws and regulations to eliminate these deficiencies. It is believed that this study will serve as an example for risk assessment studies in other machines, devices, and equipment.