Tool Box Talk: Pinch Points

“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!