Hidden Hazards: How Jammed Linen Contributes to Laundry Safety Incidents
By Robert Percy
Laundry-folder jam-ups are deceptively simple disruptions that can lead to significant safety concerns. By acknowledging the risks and prioritising safe retrieval protocols, facilities can protect their greatest assets, their people, while maintaining efficient and reliable operations.
In industrial laundry environments, efficiency and safety must go hand in hand. Yet a recurring and often underestimated threat to worker safety stems from a routine part of the production process, folder jamups. When linen becomes stuck or misaligned in automated folding equipment, it initiates a ripple effect of risks that can lead to serious workplace incidents.
The Mechanics of a JamUp
Folders are sophisticated pieces of equipment designed to streamline the task of folding large volumes of linen. Whether it is sheets, towels, or uniforms, these machines rely on high-speed moving parts, sensors, and precisely timed sequences. Jam-ups typically occur when belts carrying linen move off their intended path, disrupting the folding rhythm, causing linen to bunch or catch within the machine. Using worn, damaged and poorly tracked belts accounts for over 76% of jam-ups in folding equipment and is a source of countless injuries. These injuries should have been avoided simply by replacing these components when required.
Mechanics vs. Humans
When a jam-up occurs, the machinery does not just stop. In some cases, machinery may continue trying to push linen through, creating high tension scenarios where linen is stretched or twisted. Employees eager to clear the jam and resume workflow, often reach into partially enclosed spaces with limited visibility. Without proper lockout/tagout procedures or safety interlocks in place, employees may be working against live equipment, creating a risk of accidental startup or mechanical movement. There are many reported cases where workers suffered broken fingers, arms or soft tissue injuries. This is a result of not following the correct safety procedures and a moment's haste has turned into an avoidable accident.
The Ripple Effect of Jam-Related Injuries
Beyond the physical harm, these incidents carry cascading effects. Operational Delays with halted equipment Emotional toll on injured employees and their teammates Work Cover claims and lost production Increase equipment costs Some facilities have noticed trends where certain types of linen, wet items or wrinkled sheets are more prone to jams. Identifying these risk factors has allowed some organisations to mitigate issues through upstream changes, such as improved washing and feeding processes for difficult linen.
Engineering Solutions & Safety Culture
Preventing folder related injuries is not about fixing machines, it is about rethinking the system:
- Regular Maintenance to keер folders + belts in top shape.
- Clear SOPs for jam retrieval, including lockout/tagout practices.
- Training refreshers that emphasie safety over speed.
- Installing safety guards and sensors that stop operation during unsafe retrieval.
- Encourage a "stop and report" culture, where employees feel empowered to raise concerns without repercussions.
Safety and upkeep of all equipment is the responsibility of management and their maintenance team, but it is essential that it is driven by all employees. The goal is to always find safer practices in any environment. Maintaining your equipment to the correct standard is essential to having a safer tomorrow.
