Machine Worker

Job overview
A machine worker supervises the operation of a machine being used to produce finished articles according to specifications.

What do people do in this job?
The machine is playing an ever-increasing role in this era of mass production.

Articles in their thousands are produced in factories.

The person responsible for operating 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, enough raw materials are fed into the hopper to keep the manufacturing process in motion for the prescribed time.

After the machine is started up, the machine worker monitors it to ensure that it is functioning satisfactorily, and to make any necessary adjustments.

In some factories, machines toss out the finished article which may be desirable for safety reasons), while others need the worker to remove it.

The machine worker must then inspect the article for flaws or irregularities in thickness, shape and colour and perform any necessary trimming work, such as cutting off rough edges with a knife.

The machine worker is also responsible for packing the product in stacks ready for dispatch.

When machine workers in the plastics industry set their machines, they must be able to measure quantities accurately, insert the template into the machine correctly and 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, working conditions are not always perfect, and dust, oil and grease must be accepted as part of the job.

When something goes wrong, the supervisor is immediately summoned.

In some cases the machine worker switches the machine off before calling for help.

However, great emphasis is placed on safety to prevent accidents, particularly on high-speed machines.

What kinds of people are suitable for this career?
One of the most important qualities of machine workers is reliability.

They should be able to tolerate repetition and produce the same standard of finished article each time.

The machines and materials used are very expensive and negligence could lead to great losses.

Manual dexterity, good vision for detecting any faults in thickness or colour and good eye-hand co-ordination are important.

Good health is needed, too, for standing all day if necessary.

Workers should be observant to notice immediately any malfunction in the machine.

Operating certain machines requires reading, writing and mathematical ability.

What qualifications are needed?
There are no specific qualifications.