“CAUGHT” -“IN” -“ON”- “BETWEEN”

Crush injuries can occur when body parts get caught between two objects or entangled with machinery. These hazards are also referred to as “pinch points.”

The physical forces applied to a body part caught in a pinch point can vary and cause injuries ranging from bruises, cuts, amputated body parts, and even death. Here is some training to learn about the caught/crush hazards and pinch points specific to your tasks, tools, and equipment so you can take precautions.

  • Dress appropriately for work with pants and sleeves that are not too long or too loose.
  • Shirts should be fitted or tucked in.
  • Do not wear any kind of jewelry.
  • Tie back long hair and tuck braids and ponytails behind you or into your clothing.
  • Wear the appropriate, well-fitting gloves for your job.
  • Look for possible pinch points before you start a task.
  • Take the time to plan out your actions and decide on the necessary steps to work safely.
  • Give your work your full attention.
  • Don’t joke around, daydream, or try to multitask on the job-most accidents occur when workers are distracted.
  • Read and follow warning signs posted on equipment.
  • If you value all that your hands can do, THINK before you put them in a hazardous spot.
  • Machinery can pose a hazard with moving parts, conveyors, rollers and rotating shafts.
  • “ Never” reach into a moving machine.
  • Properly maintain and always use the machine and tool guards provided with your equipment; they act as a barrier between the moving parts and your body.
  • Don’t reach around, under or through a guard and always report missing of broken barriers to your supervisor.
  • Turn equipment off and use lockout/tag out procedures before adjusting, clearing a jam, repairing, or servicing a machine.
  • Vehicles, powered doors, and forklifts can pose a crush hazard unless they have been blocked or tagged out.
  • “Never” place your body under or between powered equipment unless it is de-energized .
  • Doors, file drawers, and heavy crates can pinch fingers and toes. Take care where you place your fingers.
  • Test the weight before lifting, carrying, and placing boxes; an awkward or heavy load can slip and pinch your hands or feet.
  • Get help or use tools to move large and/or heavy items.

If you have ever slammed your finger in a door, you can appreciate the pain associated with this common type of caught/crush injury. Take the time to learn about the caught/crush hazards in our workplace so you don’t learn about the consequences first hand.

And a bonus quote from Oliver Wendell Holmes:

“The great thing in the world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving.”

Thanks for the share, TO!