Machine Worker Career Description
The machine worker is an operator who is responsible for supervising the operation of a machine, which is used to produce satisfactory finished articles according to specifications.
What am I going to do in this occupation?
In the present era of mass production, the machine is playing an increasingly important role. Factories produce articles in their thousands - on the one hand to provide for the growing needs of the community, and on the other hand to ensure the economical manufacturing of such products. The person responsible for the functioning of these manufacturing machines is the machine worker or machine operator. The machine is initially set up, so that it can produce the required article in terms of size, shape, finish and quantity. It is then set in motion by either the setter or the machine worker.
In the plastics industry, for example, an adequate supply of raw material is fed into the hopper to keep the manufacturing process in motion for the prescribed time. After the machine is set in motion, the machine worker monitors the machine to ensure that it is functioning satisfactorily, and to make any necessary adjustments to the machine. When something goes wrong, the supervisor is immediately summoned and in some cases the machine worker switches the machine off before calling for help.
In some factories, machines toss out the finished article (which is desirable for safety reasons), while others need a machine worker to remove the article. The machine worker must then inspect the article for flaws or irregularities in thickness, shape and colour and perform any trimming work that is needed, such as cutting off rough edges with a knife. The machine worker is also responsible for packing the product in stacks ready for dispatch
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When machine workers in the plastics industry sets their machines, it means that they must be able to measure accurately, insert the template into the machine correctly and also set the die and the speed of the machine.
Machine workers are also responsible for the cleaning of their machines. Although the work is performed in factories and workshops, which are usually well lit and ventilated, the working conditions are rather unfavorable in that dust, oil and grease must be taken into account as part of the job. Considerable emphasis is placed on safety to prevent accidents on high-speed machines.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need?
One of the most important qualities of the machine worker is reliability. The machines and materials, which are used, are very expensive and negligence could lead to great losses.
Machine workers should be able to tolerate repetition and produce the same standard of finished article each time. They also need good vision to detect any faults in thickness or colour and be observant to immediately notice if anything malfunctions in the machine.
To be able to do their work properly, manual dexterity and good eye-hand co-ordination are important, as is good health to be able to stand all day, if necessary. The use of certain machines requires reading, writing and mathematical ability.
Where can I work?
Machine workers may be employed by any manufacturing organisation, such as the iron and steel- and motor industry or the plastics industry.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
No self-employment opportunities exist for machine workers.
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