Belt conveyors, like all types of equipment, pose some inherent risks to worker safety, as the systems contain a variety of areas and features that could potentially cause injuries. In an attempt to assess the challenges operators of belt conveyors face regularly, Powder & Bulk Solids compiled a report providing an overview on common belt conveyor injury hazards. 

Analyzing data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) from 2011 to 2015, PBS found that the majority of the 6080 nonfatal belt conveyor-related injuries occurred in manufacturing or trade, transportation, or utilities settings.

While hands were found to be the most common body part impacted in belt conveyor injuries, other areas of the body are at risk, the data indicates. An average of 660 hand injuries occurred each year during the sample period.

Is your operation prepared to tackle the risks associated with belt conveyors? Download Powder & Bulk Solids' full report to see the common risks the equipment poses to workers and some suggested steps to mitigate them.