Machine safety is one of the fundamental pillars of occupational health and safety in modern industrial facilities. Machines used in production processes pose serious workplace accident risks due to their speed, power, and complex motion capabilities. Failure to control these risks not only threatens employee health but also leads to production downtime, legal sanctions, financial losses, and damage to brand reputation. For this reason, machine safety is not merely a legal obligation for businesses; it is an indispensable component of sustainable and safe production.

Today’s industrial facilities are equipped with automation, robotics, and high-speed production lines. While these developments increase efficiency, they also introduce new risks. Traditional safety approaches may be insufficient in the face of such complex systems. At this point, machine safety must be addressed through a systematic engineering approach and integrated into every stage of production.

At Körfeztek Teknoloji, we do not view machine safety as limited to protective equipment alone; we approach it as a holistic safety concept that encompasses risk analysis, engineering solutions, automation, software, and regulatory compliance. Our goal is to ensure that businesses both protect their employees and maintain safe and uninterrupted production processes.

What Is Machine Safety?
Machine safety is the set of technical and organizational measures aimed at reducing the risks of harm to people, the environment, and equipment throughout the entire lifecycle of a machine—from design and commissioning to operation, maintenance, and fault conditions.

Within the scope of machine safety, the following are evaluated and controlled:

Mechanical hazards
Electrical hazards
Pneumatic and hydraulic hazards
Thermal and chemical hazards
Software and control-related hazards

The Importance of Machine Safety in Industry
Machine-related workplace accidents are among the most common and severe incidents in industrial facilities. Such accidents can result in loss of limbs, serious injuries, and fatalities.

The main benefits of machine safety for businesses include:

Reduction of workplace accidents and occupational diseases
Increased employee safety and motivation
Prevention of production downtime and unplanned losses
Compliance with legal requirements
Reduction of insurance and compensation costs
Protection of corporate reputation

For these reasons, machine safety is not only the responsibility of OHS departments but of the entire business management.

Legal Regulations and Standards
Machine safety is strictly regulated by national and international legislation. The main regulations applied in Türkiye and the European Union include:

Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC)
Occupational Health and Safety Law (No. 6331)
EN ISO 12100 – Risk Assessment
EN ISO 13849 – Safety-Related Control Systems
EN IEC 62061 – Functional Safety
EN ISO 14120 – Guards

These standards provide the fundamental framework for the safe design and operation of machinery.

Risk Assessment and Analysis
The first and most critical step in machine safety is risk assessment. Risk assessment involves identifying hazards, analyzing risks, and determining appropriate control measures.

During the risk assessment process, the following are examined in detail:

All movements of the machine
Operator interaction points
Maintenance and fault scenarios
Possible misuse situations

Körfeztek Teknoloji performs risk analyses in machine safety projects in a systematic manner and in compliance with relevant standards.

Main Hazard Sources in Machine Safety
The primary hazard sources considered within machine safety include:

Mechanical Hazards
Risks such as cutting, crushing, trapping, impact, and ejected parts.

Electrical Hazards
Risks including electric shock, short circuits, and arc formation.

Pneumatic and Hydraulic Hazards
Sudden release of pressurized systems or hose ruptures pose serious risks.

Thermal Hazards
High temperatures, welding processes, and hot surfaces can cause burn injuries.

Control and Software-Related Hazards
Malfunctions in control systems or software failures can lead to unexpected movements.

Machine Safety Solutions
Machine safety cannot be ensured solely through warning signs or simple guards. An effective safety system must be built on engineering-based solutions.

Physical Guards and Enclosures
Fixed and movable guards
Safety fences
Closed enclosure systems

These solutions prevent operator access to hazardous areas.

Safety Sensors and Detectors
Light curtains
Laser scanners
Safety switches
Magnetic interlocks

These components safely stop the machine when access to dangerous areas is detected.

Emergency Stop Systems
Provide fast and safe stopping of machines in emergency situations.

Safety PLCs and Relays
Ensure reliable operation of safety functions. Their fault-tolerant structures make them suitable for critical applications.

Machine Safety in Robotic and Automation Systems
Robotic cells and automated production lines require special safety measures due to their high speed and power.

Within the scope of machine safety in robotic systems, the following are applied:

Safety fences
Area scanners
Safe speed and position monitoring
Safe stop functions

Körfeztek Teknoloji designs machine safety in robotic systems in full integration with automation infrastructure.

Human–Machine Interaction and Ergonomics
Machine safety includes not only the machine itself but also its interaction with humans. Poor ergonomic designs reduce efficiency and increase safety risks.

With proper ergonomic design:

Operator errors are reduced
Fatigue and stress are minimized
Safe working habits are encouraged

Safety During Maintenance and Fault Conditions
Machine safety must be ensured not only during normal operation but also during maintenance and fault conditions. These stages are when accidents most frequently occur.

For this reason, the following are critically important:

Energy isolation (LOTO)
Safe maintenance procedures
Authorization and training

Digitalization and Industry 4.0 in Machine Safety
Modern machine safety systems are evolving together with digitalization and Industry 4.0 approaches.

In this context:

Digital monitoring of safety data
Incident recording and analysis
Predictive maintenance applications

make machine safety more proactive.

Project Management and Machine Safety
Machine safety projects require disciplined project management. Poorly planned or inadequately implemented safety solutions can lead to serious risks.

In machine safety projects, Körfeztek Teknoloji meticulously applies the following steps:

Risk assessment and concept design
Hardware and software selection
Installation and integration
Testing, validation, and commissioning
Training and documentation

After-Sales Support and Continuity
Machine safety is not a one-time implementation. System continuity is ensured through regular maintenance and updates.

Provided services include:

Periodic safety inspections
Regulatory and standards updates
System revisions
Technical support and consultancy

Future Trends in Machine Safety
AI-supported risk analysis, smart sensors, and digital twin technologies are shaping the future of machine safety. Safety systems are evolving from reactive solutions into structures that predict risks in advance.

Why Körfeztek Teknoloji?
The main reasons to choose Körfeztek Teknoloji for machine safety solutions include:

Experience in industrial automation and occupational safety
Solutions compliant with international standards
Custom safety designs tailored to businesses
Mechanical, electrical, and software integration
Strong project management
Long-term partnership approach

Körfeztek Teknoloji is not merely a provider of safety measures, but a strategic solution partner that builds a culture of safe production.

Conclusion
Machine safety is a fundamental requirement for protecting human life and ensuring sustainable production in modern industrial facilities. Properly designed and professionally implemented machine safety solutions reduce workplace accidents, secure production continuity, and deliver long-term value to businesses.

Körfeztek Teknoloji enables businesses to operate safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulations through its holistic machine safety solutions. To protect your employees and facilities, you can benefit from Körfeztek Teknoloji’s machine safety solutions.