Citation

Makinen H. J. Occup. Accid. 1982; 4(2-4): 177-177.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1982, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

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Abstract

The new regulations for mechanical presses took effect in 1974, and respectively for hydraulic and pneumatic presses in 1978. Advisory board for technical safety regulations and instructions ordered this techno-economical research to get information of the influence of these regulations.In this research the type and size distribution of presses, and their utilization factor was studied in Finland. The press-using plants were questioned for the choice and economical influence of guarding. Accident statistics and accident reports of press-using plants were analyzed to clarify the frequency of accidents and variation of severity. The final results can be expressed as economical influence for both the press-using plants and society.The reduction in severity was very clear. The mean time for inability to work was in 1973 70 days per accident. In 1978 this mean value was down to 12 days per accident. The main reason for the reduction in severity was the renewed regulations. Economical evaluation was done by comparing the realized costs with the costs of probable development without renewing. The press-using plants were questioned re. the costs of machine guarding caused by the regulations, and the realized costs of accidents, in this research the costs of firms were counted as: wages for accident day and sick leave, compensation for accident, overtime, care of sick, material damage, travelling expenses, wages for wasted time, salaries for foremen and other persons, loss of income, costs of accident insurance, cost of rebuilding, and other possible costs. The costs for society are loss of taxes and payment for social welfare, and costs of care of sick. The results were summed up in the currency of 1979.The costs can be said to be greater than savings from 1973 to 1979, inclusive, for both industry and society. If evaluating only the mechanical presses, the savings grew greater than costs in 1979. The final economical influence depends on the development of accidents in the 1980's, the utilization of the presses, and the suitability of their guarding investments.