3020 – 04 – Understanding Machine Actions

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A machine action is a term that encompasses both the task a machine completes and the motion required to perform that task. Knowing the in-and-outs of machine actions can help keep workers safe while on the clock. Different types of machine actions include:
• A cutting action includes the variety of actions exhibited by tools like saws. Touching blades like these – even by accident – could cause serious harm to workers.
• A punching action is a reciprocal motion, like the movement of a ram in a press as it cuts through material. Injuries associated with punching action involve workers pulled in by moving parts as the punching action is executed.
• A shearing action slides or slices like a press movement. A sharp, angled blade cuts into the workpiece, separating part of it from the rest. The danger presented by these blades often involves workers adding or taking out stock.
• A bending action is a downward or sideways movement that punches into a material in order to deform it, but not punch through. Injuries that bending actions inflict occur when adding or taking out stock.

Any motion that machines put into action can pose a danger to those around it. But manufacturing machinery uses serious strength, and therefore, can inflict a lot of damage.