Discover your next big idea in food packaging & processing this Sept.
Experience a breakthrough in food packaging & processing—explore solutions from 2,300 suppliers spanning all industries at PACK EXPO Las Vegas.
REGISTER TODAY & SAVE

Risk assessment workshop answers demand

Sixteen OEMs and CPGs rolled up their sleeves to learn how to use the Packsafe/designsafe software.

PMMI's risk assessment workshop addressed how to use the Packsafe/designsafe software.
PMMI's risk assessment workshop addressed how to use the Packsafe/designsafe software.

Risk assessment is a process that manufacturers of machinery use to evaluate their equipment for potential health and safety hazards before a hazard can cause an accident or incident. Many end users now require risk assessments as part of the procurement process, wanting to make sure they have taken all steps necessary to reduce potential harmful accidents. Blades, gears, grinders, conveyors, robots, etc., all can potentially pose risk to operators and maintenance personal. Noise levels and electrical hazards can be problematic as well. 

Beyond regular operation of the machinery, safety hazards also do occur when operators and maintenance personnel have to stop the machine for changeovers, to clear jams, or to clean or perform routine maintenance.   

Manuals for training, warning labels, guards, alarms and E-stops are all critical, but even with this risk reduction measures sometimes accidents still occur. In the event a litigation case results, the OEM and end user can be called on in court to prove they were aware of the risks, and instituted reasonable measures to protect against any harm. Having a documented risk assessment can be extremely valuable in such cases.

Risk assessment is required for compliance to the ANSI/PMMI B155.1-2016 standard and for compliance with the EU machinery directive 2006/42/EC. PMMI has expanded the scope of the PMMI risk assessment training program to include the important issues that generate the most questions from PMMI members.

Attendees came for many reasons. “I’m new to risk assessment and I want to become more involved in safety,” said one OEM. “Customers are requesting it and I want to make sure we’re going down the right path”

Liquid Foods Innovations Report
Welcome to the inaugural Packaging World/ProFood World Innovations Report on liquid food packaging, drawn from nearly 300 PACK EXPO International booth visits (Chicago, Nov. 3–6, 2024). Our editors highlight the most groundbreaking equipment and materials—supported by video demos—that promise to transform how liquid foods are processed, packaged, and delivered.
Learn More
Liquid Foods Innovations Report
Food safety excellence on a budget: The smart approach
When material costs rise and margins shrink, efficient cleaning becomes critical. Learn cost-effective sanitation strategies that enhance food safety while reducing resource consumption.
Read More
Food safety excellence on a budget: The smart approach