Are new textile machines more safe?

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of machine replacement on accident pattern in textile industry. Accident's records were reviewed for a period of 2 years before the intervention and another 2 years, thereafter. In all mills, improved design of new machines could explain the significant reduction of machines as accident's agency of caught in or between objects type of accidents, and of accidents with hazardous condition due to lack of protection. Insignificant changes were observed in the frequency of injuries among production workers and foremen, as well as unsafe acts following replacement which could be attributed to insufficient or inefficient training. Increased frequency of boxes as agency of accidents could be due to their bad design and handling. Defective ground caused insignificant reduction of ground surface as agency of accidents. It was concluded that, in the studied factory, the new textile machines contributed to the reduction of work accidents as reflected by the injury index. Moreover, great potential for further reduction could be achieved through efficient training of workers, and improvement of methods of transportation between mills, as well as good housekeeping of the workplace