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Hazard alert – improper machine safeguarding and lockout

Date posted: 2022-11-23

Workers in Manitoba have been seriously injured or killed while operating or working near machinery.

In their incident investigations, the Workplace Safety and Health Branch found that machine safeguards were removed to clear jammed material, clean, or maintain machines without putting other protection in place. Often the machines remained energized because they were not properly locked out and made inoperable. In some cases, safeguards were not replaced immediately after cleaning or maintenance.

Prevention measures

Safeguarding is the first line of defence for workers operating powered machinery and equipment. Lockout protects workers when machinery or equipment is shut down for maintenance, including repairs and clearing jams. In all cases, training and supervision are essential to ensure worker safety around machinery.

  • Machines must have safeguards on them to prevent workers from coming into contact with hazards, including:
    • moving parts
    • points of the machine where material is cut, shaped or bored
    • energized components
    • debris, material or objects thrown from a machine
    • material being fed into or removed from a machine.
  • No worker is allowed to work on a machine (including servicing, repairs, tests, cleaning, maintenance or adjustments) until it has come to a complete stop, and has been locked out so that it can’t be operated or reactivated. A lock can only be removed by the worker who installed the lock, unless someone else has been designated by their employer in an emergency, or when the worker who installed the lock is not available.
  • When safeguards need to be removed for servicing, repairs, tests, cleaning, maintenance or adjustments that can’t be done with the safeguard in place:
    • other protection must be put in place until the safeguard is replaced
    • the safeguard must be replaced immediately after the task is completed
    • the safeguard must be functioning properly once it is replaced.
  • All workers must be trained and receive appropriate supervision to make sure they follow the safe work procedures for machines and tools.

These and other legal requirements for machines, tools and robots are covered in Part 16 of Manitoba’s Workplace Safety and Health Regulations.

Important resources

Download the Guideline for Safeguarding Machinery and Equipment for detailed information, including hazard identification and risk assessment, designing and selecting appropriate safeguards, and common safeguarding applications.

Industry-based safety programs (IBSPs)

Your industry-based safety program (IBSP) is a great resource for training, information and support on machine safety and other safety issues:

If your industry is not currently associated with an IBSP, you’re unsure whether your industry has an IBSP or you have more general questions, please contact SAFE Work Manitoba.





About the WCB

The Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba serves workers and employers through a no-fault insurance system integral to the Manitoba economy. Funded collectively by employers, the WCB promotes safe and healthy workplaces, facilitates recovery and return to work, delivers compassionate and supportive compensation services to workers and employers, and ensures responsible stewardship of Manitoba's workers' compensation system.