Richard Wilkins examines how safety can be an enabler for increased productivity and reduced total cost of ownership There are few issues in machine design that are more emotively loaded than safety, and it is a subject that becomes increasingly complex with every passing year. Not only is it perceived as impacting negatively on productivity, but requirements are becoming ever more stringent and the numbers of people affected are increasing. Previously the safety of the operator during normal production was the primary - if not the sole - focus of the machine safety system; however, it is now equally important to consider those tasked with maintaining, upgrading and repairing the machine throughout its entire life-cycle. In short, safety now has a major impact on the total cost of ownership of the machine.
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