What should be done if equipment malfunctions during operation?

Stopping the equipment immediately and reporting the issue to a supervisor is critical for several reasons. First, malfunctioning equipment can pose serious safety hazards not only to the operator but also to other employees in the vicinity. Continuing to use a faulty machine can lead to accidents, injury, or even more significant machinery damage. By halting operation, you prevent further risks while ensuring that the issue can be properly assessed and addressed.

Reporting the malfunction to a supervisor ensures that the problem is documented and can be evaluated by a qualified individual who has the authority and expertise to decide on further action, including maintenance or repair. This approach fosters a culture of safety and accountability in the workplace, which is a key principle in the OSHA guidelines.

In contrast, attempting to fix the malfunction independently could be dangerous if you are not trained or qualified to do so, potentially leading to personal injury or exacerbation of the equipment's issues. Similarly, continuing to use the equipment or ignoring the problem undermines the safety protocols designed to protect workers.