Risks to health and safety to operators of locally manufactured stone cutting machines

Abstract

A survey was carried out among 25 stone cutting machine operators, to evaluate the risks encountered in the work process. The survey was carried out by means of a questionnaire: which was in Maltese to communicate effectively and avoid misinterpretations. For this aim, various construction sites were visited, having been randomly selected. The study showed that most of the workers had a lack of training and lack of information on health hazards, and safety which is partly the manufacturer's fault since they do not provide any technical information to their clients. This was also contributed due to the negligence from the manufacturers that did not provide the necessary information. A considerable number of employers were not informed of their obligations towards their employees. Unsafe practices and systems of work were being used'-on the machines, whilst employees were not being provided or using personal protective equipment. The sites visited had no qualified first aider. Many of them had no first aid box available, while a place I facility for changing work clothes was not provided. Stone cutting machines need to be made safer for the user and should incorporate engineering controls and devices.