In Côte d'Ivoire, 25% of work accidents are machine-related. And the hands are the main seat of lesions with 38% of accidents. This was revealed by the Caisse Nationale de Prévoyance Sociale, CNPS, during a symposium on machine risk this Wednesday in Abidjan.
According to a study conducted by the institution between 2010 and 2015, machines cause 2,660 work accidents out of 23,770 cases. They occupy third place behind falls with unevenness and accidental moving objects, which account for 3,360 and 2,826 work accidents respectively.
As for the sectors of activity causing the most accidents at work, the manufacturing industry is at the head of the pack with 1,349 cases, followed by trade, agriculture and the construction and public works sector.
Through this symposium, the CNPS wants to be avant-garde and is part of a preventive approach to make companies aware of the machine risk. And corporate health and safety management strategies.
" The machine is at the heart of almost all professional activities. However, in its operation or start-up, it can be a source of harm to the physical integrity of workers and thus cause more or less serious bodily injury. including in particular cuts, amputations, crushing, etc. "says Mahi Clarisse, Deputy Director General in charge of Operations at the CNPS.
From the exchanges, it appears that a good number of machines in Côte d'Ivoire are outdated and are not subject to regular upkeep and maintenance. And many workers do not have the professional training required to operate its machinery. All of these factors are sources of occupational hazards.
To reduce all these machine-related work accidents, it was recommended that the authorities define a realistic national policy. A policy taking into account international safety standards in the use of machines and ensuring their implementation and control.
Designers, manufacturers and suppliers were invited to integrate prevention into design and manufacture, provide appropriate technical protection measures and guarantee certification. They must meet country safety requirements and provide instruction manuals in local languages.
As for employers and employees, they are required to assign competent people to the machines and provide initial and continuous training. They have the duty to ensure the correct installation of the machines, their periodic maintenance and regularly carry out the risk assessment. They must avoid taking risks, report any situation likely to present a risk, without ignoring safe working methods.