Some plant managers and employees view safety requirements and safeguarding as overly burdensome and an impediment to efficient production. No doubt there are situations where guarding or barriers have been an obstacle. But it does not have to be that way.

In manufacturing applications that require guarding or barriers, the No. 1 goal is to properly protect people. However, the impact on required tasks and material flow into and out of work areas should also be considered. Barrier guards must be designed to accomplish both goals.