The importance of training machine operators

Employee training is a fundamental factor for efficiency in machine operations in sectors such as agriculture and transportation. It promotes risk reduction to a minimum by introducing technical or organizational measures and safe practices.

Due to the wide variety of equipment used, which often require specific knowledge for its operation. Regulatory standards define that every operator must be qualified, qualified, qualified, or authorized to operate this equipment.

Learn how to plan the training of operators

The training of operators should take place, preferably, before they assume their role in the company, to prepare new employees to have the necessary knowledge about occupational health and safety procedures when handling machines and implements.

In addition, training should be carried out to recycle workers whenever significant changes occur in the facilities and operation of machines and implements.

The practical part of the training can be performed on the machine that the worker will operate and must have a minimum workload of twelve hours, in addition to being supervised and documented.

The training must include theoretical and practical classes so that employees can learn to identify the risks associated with each machine and the specific protections against those risks, to keep the operational health and safety procedures up to date.

Meet the norms for professional training

The regulatory standard NR-31 ensures that rural workers working in the handling of machinery and equipment act in a manner compatible with their functions and activities.

The objectives of the standard are to identify the main health and safety problems in the sector, establishing priorities for action. Developing effective methods of controlling risks and improving working conditions; prescribe risk prevention measures in the industry; permanently assess the impacts of agricultural activities on the work environment, among others.

Farmers hold notebook, check modern tobacco fields.According to NR-31, it is up to the rural employer to ensure adequate working conditions, hygiene, and comfort for all workers, according to the specifics of each activity. Conduct risk assessments for the safety and health of workers and adopt preventive and protective measures. Promote improvements in environments and working conditions to preserve the level of safety and health of workers. Ensure that workers are provided with comprehensive health and safety instructions, as well as all necessary guidance and supervision for safe work, among other recommendations.

Watch out for safety care

Also according to NR-31, the rural employer must provide protective equipment and clothing appropriate to the risks to the worker, in perfect conditions of use and properly sanitized, as well as guiding the correct use of protective devices.

Combine harvester machine

The machines and implements must be used according to the manufacturer’s technical specifications and within the operational limits and restrictions indicated by him, and operated by workers qualified for such functions.

Meet the standards for safety materials

Since January 2017, Resolution 552 of the National Traffic Council (Contran) has been in force, which establishes mandatory rules for lashing cargo and has brought important changes to the sector.

The new legislation prohibits the use of ropes to tie cargoes, as they are less resistant than other materials used for lashing, such as polyester straps for lashing and lifting loads.

The bodies must have anchoring points capable of supporting the loads carried, and the lashing points can no longer be fixed directly to the wood of the body.

The lashing straps must have a safety factor of 4: 1 and be ensured by the ABNT NBR 15637-1 standard. In addition, this equipment complies with the standards established by ISO 9001: 2008.

As we have seen, the training of machine operators is very important. It must be carried out following the regulations of NR-31 to control risks, offer adequate working conditions, and increase efficiency and safety.